October  22,  1896. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
395 
Major  Bonapfon. 
Could  you  inform  me  in  your  next  issue  whether  Major  Bonaffon 
is  an  incurved  or  Japanese  variety,  as  I  see  in  your  issue  of  Thursday 
last  it  is  classed  as  both  ?  Mr.  Molyneux  quotes  it  as  an  incurved,  and 
“Plymouth”  mentions  it  amongst  Messrs.  W.  &  G.  Drover’s  Japs, 
By  doing  so  yon  would  greatly  oblige.— J.  Wilkinson, 
[We  believe  it  will  be  classed  as  an  incurved  in  the  forthcoming 
N.Cf.S.  catalogue  on  the  authority  of  a  number  of  Chrysanthemumists  to 
whom  the  question  was  specially  submitted  ;  all  the  same  we  know  of 
experts  who  regard  its  pointed  florets  as  denoting  Japanese  blood. 
Perhaps  it  may  be  well  to  regard  it  as  an  incurved  pro  tern.  ] 
Collected  Notes  on  the  Chrysanthemum  in  the  North. 
In  no  part  of  the  country  has  the  Chrysanthemum  won  more 
popularity  than  that  including  the  wealthy  manufacturing  towns  of  the 
West  Riding — Sheffield,  Rotherham,  Doncaster,  Barnsley,  Leeds,  Brad¬ 
ford,  Huddersfield,  and  Batley,  while  Harrogate,  though  not  a 
manufacturing  town,  has  fallen  into  line  with  its  neighbours.  By  a 
spirited  exhibition  policy,  one  and  all  offering  liberal  prizes  and  valuable 
challenge  cuds,  they  have  tempted  the  noted  growers  of  the  Liverpool 
district,  the  Midlands,  and  the  East  Riding  to  compete,  thereby  providing 
practical  object  lessons  of  the  highest  value  to  both  employer  and  gardener, 
November  of  all  months  in  the  year  previous  to  the  new  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  era  was  the  dullest  and  most  unprofitable  in  results,  but  now 
the  whole  aspect  of  the  matter  is  reversed  ;  everywhere  we  find  the 
numerous  suburban  conservatories  transformed  into  their  gayest  and 
most  interesting  aspect.  Beside  the  wide  range  of  colour  we  have  size 
and  form  to  suit  every  taste,  whilst  the  necessity  of  high  cultivation, 
carrying  with  it  problematical  results,  gives  the  charm  which  perforce  is 
at  all  times  wanting  in  that  which  may  be  too  easily  acquired  without 
the  added  zest  of  uncertainty  to  enhance  the  pleasure  of  possession. 
Such  being  the  case,  the  possession  of  a  collection  has  also  proved  to 
be  an  especial  boon  to  the  ladies  of  the  household.  The  ”  at  homes  ”  in 
honour  of  the  Chrysanthemum  have  become  an  institution  which  confers 
fihe  highest  pleasure  on  all  concerned,  whilst  in  no  lesser  degree  do  the 
general  public  participate  in  the  pleasure  offered  by  the  various  shows 
now  held  all  over  the  country  in  addition  to  the  magnificent  displays 
given  in  most  of  our  public  parks.  We  may  also  claim  that  the  gardener 
has  derived  at  least  equal  benefits  and  pleasure  with  others  from  the 
impetus  given  to  the  cultivation  of  Chrysanthemums,  not  the  least  of 
them  being  the  establishment  of  a  bond  of  sociability  throughout  the 
length  and  breadth  of  the  land,  wherein  each  may  talk  as  much  “shop” 
as  he  pleases  so  long  as  it  is  ”  mum  shop.” 
Since  writing  the  introductory  notes  of  last  week  I  have  had  the 
pleasure  of  inspecting  about  a  dozen  collections  grown  under  what  may 
be  fairly  described  as  unfavourable  conditions  as  to  climate,  yet  on  the 
whole  the  verdict  must  be  a  favourable  one.  The  traveller  by  train  or 
road  to  Dewsbury  and  Batley  cannot  help  being  impressed  by  the  dreary 
aspect  of  the  wind-swept  hills,  some  even  entirely  bare  of  vegetation, 
whilst  those  more  favourably  situated  show  here  and  there  one-sided, 
stunted  trees,  which  accurately  indicate  the  direction  and  force  of  the 
prevailing  winds.  The  huge  factories  with  their  long  chimneys  and  the 
streets  of  each  town  have  extended  until  they  now  meet,  forming  one 
large  Parliamentary  Borough,  but  retaining  their  individual  municipali¬ 
ties.  Keen  rivals  in  business  and  in  maintaining  their  own  honours  and 
privileges,  the  most  favourable  aspects  of  the  surrounding  hills  have 
been  seized  to  build  thereon  substantial,  and  in  many  cases  palatial 
residences,  furnished  with  every  modern  improvement,  and  surrounded 
by  proportionately  neat  and  trim  pleasure  grounds  and  glass  structures. 
In  the  West  Riding  Batley  is  noted  for  its  public  spirited  man¬ 
agement  of  the  annual  Chrysanthemum  show,  offering  no  less  than  seven 
valuable  silver  cups,  supplemented  by  liberal  money  prizes.  The  large 
groups  of  Chrysanthemums  are  a  special  feature,  and  the  honours  are 
keenly  contested  for  by  local  exhibitors.  The  most  successful  exhibitor 
so  far  is  Mr.  J,  Davis,  gardener  to  G.  Sheard,  Eiq  ,  The  Woodland®, 
Upper  Batley,  who  grows  400  plants,  mostly  cut-backs.  The  dwarf  habit 
of  recent  introductions  has  extended  the  list  of  varieties  suitable  for 
grouping  purposes  ;  but  as  the  interest  at  present  centres  more  upon  the 
newer  varieties  we  found  thefollowing  promising  well ; — Mutual  Friend, 
Boule  d’Or,  W.  G.  Newitt,  Duchess  of  York,  Dulcie  Schroeter,  Mons. 
Georges  Biron,  Tribune,  Kentish  Yellow,  Mrs.  C.  E.  Shea,  Madame 
Uarnot,  Elsie  Teichman,  Miss  Rita  Schroeter,  Pallanza,  Duchess  of 
Wellington,  Mons.  Panckoucke.  Souvenir  de  la  Petite  Amie,  H.  L. 
Sunderbrnck,  and  Miss  Maggie  Blenkiron,  The  older  varieties  are  well 
represented,  and  are  well  grown,  promising  to  maintain  the  high  position 
won  by  Mr.  Davis  in  previous  years. 
In  former  years  Mr.  S.  Hurford,  gardener  to  R.  J.  Critchley,  Esq., 
Hyrst  House,  Dewsbury,  has  been  excellently  represented.  This 
grower  appears  to  rely  on  the  older  standard  varieties,  and  has  a  fine 
even  collection  of  plants,  with  well  timed  buds  regular  in  size  and 
development.  Mutual  Friend,  as  usual,  stands  out  prominently  ;  Prim¬ 
rose  League,  President  Borel,  Louise,  Mrs.  G.  Hubbuck,  Tribune, 
Duchess  of  Devonshire,  and  E,  D  Adams  also  promise  well. 
Mr.  W.  H.  Atkinson  of  the  Batley  Cemetery  is  an  enthusiast  in 
'‘mum  lore  and  mum  culture,”  Mr.  H.  J.  Jones  having  paid  him  the 
compliment  of  naming  a  variety  after  him.  Growing  the  cream  of  the 
new  sorts,  and  always  well  abreast  of  their  histories  and  reputation,  a 
chat  with  him  is  at  all  times  interesting.  Mr.  Atkinson’s  locale  is  not 
of  the  best  for  the  culture  of  any  class  of  plants,  but  after  such  a  season’s 
experience  as  the  present  one  the  behaviour  of  the  newer  varieties  under 
treatment  will  go  far  to  establish  the  reputation  of  such  as  have  come 
through  the  ordeal.  The  following  will  at  least  bear  favourable  com¬ 
parison  with  the  older  varieties — Duchess  of  Wellington,  Good  Gracious, 
Duchess  of  York,  Mons.  Chenon  de  Lech6,  Maggie  Shea,  Duchess  of 
York,  Golden  Gate,  Mons.  Charles  Molin,  Mutual  Friend,  Mrs.  W.  H. 
Lees,  Mons,  Panckoucke.  Amongst  incurved  promising  well  are  Owen’s 
Crimson,  Charles  H.  Curtis,  J.  Agate,  and  a  seedling  cross  between 
Princess  Teck  and  Mons.  R,  Bahuant. 
A  few  years  ago  the  Dewsbury  Corporation  acquired  the  “  Crow  Nest 
Park”  estate,  a  splendid  upland  property,  well  adapted  for  a  public 
park,  over  which  Mr.  W.  Daniels  was  appointed  Superintendent. 
About  two  and  a  half  years  ago  a  fine  range  of  glass  was  erected  by 
Messrs.  Richardson  of  Darlington  at  “  Crow  Nest,”  which  included  a 
splendid  show  house,  about  72  feet  by  24  feet.  To  furnish  this  structure 
Mr.  Daniels  has  grown  over  1000  plants,  500  being  in  exhibition  style, 
to  furnish  the  central  area,  whilst  upwards  of  another  600  have  been  set 
apart  to  furnish  the  side  stages.  The  latter  include  the  ftee-blooming 
varieties  of  all  sections,  and  are  literally  bristling  with  promising  flower 
buds.  The  exhibition  varieties  promise  exceedingly  well,  and  Mr.  Daniels 
states  that,  the  curious  season  notwithstanding,  he  never  had  so  fine  a 
collection.  The  buds  of  all  section  are  well  timed,  the^kaynote  to  Mr. 
Daniels’  success  being  small  pots,  which  enables  him  to  keep  the  plants 
well  in  hand.  _ 
A  judicious  selection  of  newer  varieties  is  grown,  of  which  the  following 
promise  exceedingly  well — Mutual  Friend,  Beauty  jof  Teignmouth,  La 
Moucherette,  Duchess  of  Wellington,  Miss  Maggie  Blenkiron,  Reine 
de  I’Angleterre,  Commandant  Blusset,  W.  Slogrove,  Mons.  Chenon  de 
Lech6,  Mods.  G.  Biron,  Boule  d’Or  (Calvat’s),  John  Lightfoot,  Interna¬ 
tional,  Mrs.  C.  E.  Shea,  Madame  Carnot,  Golden  Gate,  Duke  of  York, 
Lily  Love,  Souvenir  de  la  Petite  Amie,  Pallanza,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Lees,  Pride 
of  Madford,  and  Madame  Carnot.  Amongst  the  newer  incurved 
promising  well  are  C.  H.  Curtis,  R.  C.  Kingston,  W.  Tunningtor, 
Owen’s  Crimson,  J.  Agate,  and  Harold  Wells.— A  Yorkshire  Grower. 
Chrysanthemums  at  Trent  Park, 
The  name  of  Trent  Park  and  Chrysanthemums  has  become  so  promi¬ 
nent  during  the  last  two  years  that  cultivators  of  this  flower,  and 
especially  intending  exhibitors,  are  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the 
plants,  BO  much  so  that  a  few  notes  on  their  appearance  may  not  be 
inopportune  at  this  season. 
Calling  one  day  recently  I  found  the  plants  all  safely  housed  and 
getting  accustomed  to  their  new  and  final  quarters.  The  flower  stems 
told  me  this  by  the  manner  in  which  they  are  thickening  and  inclining 
towards  the  light  wherever  this  was  found  to  be  the  most  advantageous. 
Taken  as  a  whole  I  thought  the  plants  were  very  dwarf,  considering  that 
I  have  been  so  accustomed  to  taller.  Mr.  Lees  evidently  does  not  favour 
those  that  require  much  head  room  and  steps  to  examine  the  blooms. 
At  a  glance  I  could  see  that  these  southern  grown  specimens  had  had 
the  advantage  of  much  sunshine,  and  that  in  spite  of  the  trying  time 
passed  through  the  plants  had  had  all  their  wants  administered  to  at  the 
proper  moment,  wonderfully  healthy  leaves  right  down  to  the  rim  of  the 
pot  were  borne  in  the  majority  of  cases. 
As  wag  to  be  expected,  Japanese  varieties  predominated  both  in  point 
of  numbers  and  in  the  strength  of  their  growth,  large  leathery  leaves, 
tough  to  the  feel,  some  of  the  newer  varieties  especially  dwarf  with 
abundant  sign  of  surface  roots,  that  cannot  fail  to  be  of  service  later  on 
when  the  expanding  blooms  take  a  deep  pull  at  the  plants  and  the 
composition  in  the  root-feeding  space,  Mr.  Lees  evidently  believes  in 
pots  large  enough  to  contain  lots  of  roots,  and  he  fills  the  pots  with  them 
too,  and  is  too  careful  afterwards  to  kill  the  lot  by  attempting  too  many 
forcing  tactics. 
It  is  pleasing  to  note  the  advance  made  in  the  new  varieties,  not 
only  in  their  habit  of  growth,  but  in  the  prospect  of  added  beauty  in  the 
flowers  also.  Calvat’s  Australian  Gold  is  perhaps  the  greatest  novelty 
as  far  as  expectation  goes,  and  whether  it  will  justify  itself  is  a  moot 
point.  Abundant  opportunity  is  here  given  for  such.  Mons.  C.  H. 
Payne  looks  most  promising.  Mr.  A.  G.  Hubbuck,  an  English  raised 
variety,  has  magnificent  leaves  and  fine  appearance  ;  Mrs.  Herman 
Kloss,  Mrs.  John  Shrimpton,  Mrs.  J.  Smeers,  and  Mrs.  J.  Lewis,  the 
latter  a  pleasing  white  flowered  variety,  all  look  well  ;  Modesta,  Suncloud 
and  Sunstone  form  a  trio  of  promising  American  raised  varieties  that 
are  likely  to  be  heard  of  ere  long,  Mons.  A.  de  Lacvivier  is  a  bright 
effective-looking,  flat-petalled  variety  of  approved  habit  of  growth; 
Mons.  Chenon  de  Lech6  with  its  drumstick-like  flower  stems  and  unique 
foliage.  Stands  prominently.  Crimson  King  Mr.  Lees  looks  hopefully  to. 
Of  varieties  better  known  Madame  Carnot,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Lees,  Madame 
Ad.  Chatin,  Reine  d’Angleterre,  Phoebus,  W .  H,  Lipcoln,  E.  Molyneux, 
and  Mrs.  Falconer  Jameson  will  do  good  service  in  the  coming  fray, 
or  I  shall  pay  little  heed  in  the  future  to  September  appearances  of 
plants. 
Amongst  incurved  I  failed  to  note  a  single  good  variety  that  was  not 
present.  C.  H.  Curtis,  Globe  d’Or,  D.  B.  Crane,  Lord  Rosebery, 
R.  Petfield,  and  Major  Bonnaffon  gave  promise  of  ultimate  greatness. 
It  goes  without  saying  that  the  older  sorts  had  not  been  neglected. 
