546 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
Becember  3,  1896. 
staged,  the  first  prize  going  to  Hutton  Hall,  Sir  J.  W.  Pease,  Bart,  (gar¬ 
dener,  J.  Mclndoe).  King  of  the  Pippins,  Wadhurst  Pippin,  Emperor 
Alexander,  and  Annie  Elizabeth'Apples ;  Marie  Louise,  Beurrd  Diel, 
and  General  Todleben  Pears  were  specially  good.  Mrs.  Maynaru  Proud 
(gardener,  Mr.  Finlay),  East  Layton,  Darlington,  was  a  close  second. 
Following  up  his  success,  Mr.  Mclndoe  also  took  the  medal  for  the  best 
dish  of  dessert  Apples  jpith  a  beautiful  dish  of  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin.  The 
first  prize  for  a  dish  of  culinary  Apples  went  to  Lady  Cowell,  Clifton 
Castle,  Bedale  (gardener,  Mr.  Lee),  with  a  magnificent  dish  of  Blenheim 
Orange.  In  the  class  for  Pears  the  premier  place  was  awarded  to 
Lord  Deramore,  Heslington  Hall,  York  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  Hornby),  with 
a  dish  of  Benrrd  Diel,  which  for  size  and  quality  we  have  seldom  seen 
equalled.  Lord  Barnard,  Baby  Castle,  Darlington  (gardener,  Mr.  J. 
Tullett),  exhibited  some  beautiful  bunches  of  Barbarossa  and  Royal 
Vineyard  Grapes,  for  which  a  special  medal  was  deservedly  awarded. 
One  of  the  attractions  of  the  show  was  the  collection  of  Apples,  some 
forty  varieties,  from  Messrs.  J.  Backhouse  &  Son,  York.  Where  all  were  so 
even  and  good  it  is  diflScult  to  particularise,  but  specially  worthy  of 
note  were  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch,  The  Queen,  Lane’s  Prince  Albert, 
Waltham  Abbey,  Gloria  Mundi,  Annie  Elizabeth,  D.  T.  Fish,  Alfriston, 
Cox’s  Pomona,  Galloway  Pippin,  Bismarck,  Blenheim  Orange,  Warner’s 
King,  and  Tower  of  Glamis.  R.  H,  Appleton,  Esq.  (gardener,  Mr. 
Lonsdale),  EaglesclifEe,  sent  collection  of  fruit,  which  included  good 
specimens  of  Gros  Colman  Grapes,  Duke  of  York  Melons,  Lane’s  Prince 
Albert  and  Rose  Hill  Pippin  Apples,  and  Souvenir  de  Congres  Pear. 
Other  collections,  which  added  materially  to  the  success  of  the  show, 
were  sent  by  Sir  Theodore  Fry,  Woodburn  ;  Col.  Scurfield,  Hurworth ; 
J.  E. Backhouse, Esq., Hurworth  Grange  ;  J.  Glaister, Esq., Orchard  Croft, 
Darlington  ;  Mrs.  Gurney  Pease,  Woodside  ;  Mrs.  E.  L.  Pease,  Mowden  ; 
H.  Christie,  Esq.,  Jervaulx  Abbey  ;  and  Aid.  Harding,  Hollyhurst, 
Darlington. 
Cut  Blooms. — Chrysanthemums  were  not  a  large  show,  but  were 
exceptionally  good  in  quality.  In  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese,  nine  varie¬ 
ties,  Mr.  Craig,  gardener  to  Miss  Barclay,  St  Nicholas,  Richmond,  was 
first;  his  collection  contained  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Viviand  Morel,  President 
Borel,  Chas.  Davis,  and  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  all  very  fine.  Mr.  Coltas, 
gardener  to  Alderman  Harding,  was  a  close  second.  In  the  class  for 
twelve  incurved,  nine  varieties,  Mr.  Coltas  was  an  easy  first. 
In  the  amateur  classes  G.  P.  Andrews,  Esq.,  carried  everything  before 
him.  A  beautiful  stand  of  double  Primulas  was  shown  by  Mr.  Johnston, 
gardener  to  J.  B.  Hodgkins,  Esq.,  Elmridge.  The  arrangements  were 
successfully  carried  out  by  Mr.  Wilkinson,  who,  along  with  his  assistants, 
are  to  be  congratulated  upon  getting  together  such  a  collection  of 
fruit. 
ROYAL  AQUARIUM. — December  1st,  2nd.  and  3ed. 
The  National  Chrysanthemum  Society  is  to  be  congratulated  upon 
the  excellence  and  magnitude  of  its  last  1896  show.  The  cut  bloom 
section  more  particularly  was  of  exceptional  merit,  the  number  of 
blooms  staged  being  enormous  for  September,  and  the  quality  decidedly 
above  the  average.  The  competition  was  wonderfully  keen  in  the  majority 
of  the  classes.  The  arrangements,  in  the  able  hands  of  Mr.  R.  Dean, 
were,  as  usual,  of  the  best. 
The  chief  class  for  Japanese  in  the  open  section  was  for  twenty-four 
blooms,  in  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties,  the  premier  award  going  to 
Mr.  W.  Messenger,  gardener  to  C.  H.  Berners,  Esq.,  Ipswich.  The  stand 
was  an  even  one  of  flowers  elegant  in  shape  and  rich  in  colour.  Amongst 
the  best  blooms  were  Madame  Carnot,  Golden  Gate,  Violetta,  Etoile  de 
Lyon,  Duchess  of  York,  Mdlle.  M.  A.  de  Galbert,  Beauty  of  Castlewood, 
Waban,  Miss  M.  Blenkiron,  and  Mons.  Chenon  de  Lechti.  Mr.  W. 
Slogrove,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Crawford,  Gatton,  Reigate,  was  a  good 
second,  and  Mr.  G.  Hunt,  gardener  to  Pantia  Ralli,  Esq.,  Ashstead  Park, 
third.  This  was  a  superb  class,  seventeen  stands  being  in  competition. 
The  first  prize  in  the  class  for  twenty-four  bunches  of  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  went  to  Mr.  Norman  Davis,  Framfield,  Sussex,  whose 
exhibit  of  Japanese  varieties  was  splendid  in  all  respects.  Mr.  R.  C. 
Notcutt,  Ipswich,  was  a  fair  second  ;  and  Mr.  H.  Perkins,  gardener  to 
the  Hon.  W.  F.  D.  Smith,  Henley-on-Thames,  third.  There  were 
eighteen  competitors  in  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese,  distinct,  Mr. 
H.  Perkins  being  placed  first.  The  stand  was  an  excellent  one,  com- 
prisinsr  Madame  Carnot,  J.  P.  Kendall,  Mrs.  H.  Weeks,  Madame  Rozain, 
Mrs.  W.  H.  Lees,  E.  L.  Jamieson,  Graphic,  General  Roberts,  Niveus, 
William  Wright,  Mrs.  Richard  Jones,  and  Golden  Wedding.  Mr.  W. 
Messenger  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Sandford,  gardener  to  G.  W.  Wright- 
Ingle,  Esq.,  North  Finchley,  third. 
Mr.  H.  Perkins  was  again  first  in  the  class  for  six  Japanese,  followed 
by  Messrs.  C.  Payne,  gardener  to  C.  J.  Withington,  Esq.,  Bickley  Park, 
and  J.  Sandford  in  the  order  named.  As  in  the  previous  class  the 
competitors  numbered  eighteen,  and  the  specimens  were  wonderfully 
good.  Twelve  stands  were  staged  in  the  class  for  a  dozen  incurved,  the 
prizewinners  being  Messrs.  W.  Neville,  gardener  to  F.  W.  Flight,  Esq.. 
Twyford;  H.  Butcher,  gardener  to  C.  J.  Buss,  Esq.,  Smeeth,  Kent,  and 
J.  Agate,  Havant,  in  the  order  named.  The  winner  staged  R.  C. 
Kingston,  Major  BonafEon,  J.  Agate,  C.  H.  Curtis,  W.  Tunnington, 
Bonnie  Dundee,  and  King  of  Orange,  all  in  good  form.  Mr.  Neville 
was  also  first  for  six  incurved,  distinct,  followed  by  Mr.  H.  Perkins  and 
Mr.  G.  W.  Forbes,  gardener  to  D.  Nicols,  Esq.,  Surbiton. 
Mr.  R.  C.  Notcutt  was  a  decided  first  for  twelve  bunches  of  Japanese 
blooms,  Mr.  N.  Davis  being  second,  and  Mr.  W.  Howe,  gardener  to 
H.  Tate,  Esq.,  Streatham,  third.  Mr.  A.  Felgate,  jun,.  Horsham,  was 
to  the  fore  with  six  bunches  of  large-flowered  singles,  followed  by  Mr. 
J.  Agate  and  Mr.  A.  Meridew,  gardener  to  Dr.  Paul,  Camberwell.  For 
twelve  bunches  of  large-flowered  singles  Mr.  G.  W.  Forbes  was  a  splendid 
first,  Mr.  W.  C,  Pagram  second,  and  Mr.  A.  Felgate  third.  Mr.  W. 
Slogrove  was  first  for  six  bunches  of  Japanese,  Mr.  N.  Davis  being 
second,  and  Mr.  H.  Alderman  third. 
Mr.  A.  Newell,  gardener  to  Sir  E.  Saunders,  Wimbledon,  was  a 
splendid  first  for  a  table  of  miscellaneous  plants,  Mr.  W.  Howe  being 
second.  Mr.  W.  Orpwood,  Uxbridge,  was  first  for  a  table  of  Cyclamens, 
with  well-grown  plants,  Mr.  W.  Bowles,  Hanwell,  being  second.  Mr.  W. 
Frost,  gardener  to  G.  Ashley  Dodd,  Esq.,  Ashford,  secured  the  premier 
award  for  twelve  Cyclamens,  and  Mr,  J.  Sandford  for  twelve  Primulas. 
Mr.  J.  Gibson,  gardener  to  E.  H.  Watts,  Esq.,  Chiswick,  was  first  for  a 
table  of  Primulas,  and  Mr.  J,  P.  MacGregor,  gardener  to  the  Dowager 
Lady  Hay.  Putney  Hill,  second.  The  prizes  for  a  vase  of  Chrysanthemums 
went  to  Mr.  D.  B.  Crane,  Miss  Green,  jun.,  and  Mr.  E.  Jones,  in  the 
order  named, 
Misoellaneous  Exhibits.  —  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley, 
staged  a  superb  stand  of  Zonal  Pelargoniums  and  Chrysanthemums. 
Amongst  the  former  Dr.  Nansen,  Rev.  Brett,  Snowdrop,  Mrs.  P.  Routh, 
Duchess  of  Marlborough,  Niagara,  Duchess  of  Portland,  Valkyrie,  and 
Lilacina  were  conspicuous  ;  while  of  the  Chrysanthemums  the  best  were 
Madame  Carnot,  Madame  Rozain,  Mrs.  C.  E.  Shea,  Mrs.  J,  Lewis,  Baron 
Tait,  and  Miss  Phyllis  Fowler  (silver-gilt  medal). 
A  gold  medal  was  adjudged  to  Mr.  H,  J.  Jones,  Lewisham,  for  his 
superb  group  of  Chrysanthemums.  The  flowers  were  of  the  finest 
quality,  and  showed  well  above  the  groundwork  of  Maidenhair.  Messrs. 
J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  received  a  silver-gilt  medal  for  a 
table  of  Apples.  The  many  varieties  were  admirably  staged,  the  colour 
being  particularly  bright.  Mr.  W.  Wells,  Earlswood  Nurseries,  Redhill, 
arranged  an  exhibit  that  was  conspicuous  more  for  quality  than  quantity. 
The  varieties  were  all  in  splendid  form  and  of  rich  colour  (silver-gilt 
medal).  A  charming  basket  of  flowers  from  Miss  Easterbrook,  The 
Briars,  Fawkham,  received  a  bronze  medal.  It  was  composed  of  Carna¬ 
tions,  small  Pompon  Chrysanthemums,  Coleus,  Asparagus,  and  Smilax, 
an  elegant  effect  being  produced. 
Mr.  Robert  Owen,  Maidenhead,  staged  cut  blooms  of  incurved  and 
Japanese  in  good  condition,  taking  a  silver  medal.  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co., 
Rothesay,  for  cut  Chrysanthemums,  received  a  silver-gilt  medal.  The 
flowers  were  of  good  quality,  and  the  varieties  numerous.  Mr.  W.  J. 
Godfrey,  Exmouth,  for  a  stand  of  cut  blooms  was  adjudged  a  silver 
medal.  The  exhibit  was  composed  of  flowers  of  great  merit,  and  con¬ 
taining  several  new  varieties.  Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Sons,  Norwood, 
arranged  a  table  of  Apples  of  much  merit  (silver  medal),  and  Mr.  C.  J. 
Waite,  Esher,  a  grand  collection  of  vegetables  (silver-gilt  medal). 
THE  YOUNG  GARDENERS’  DOMAIN. 
R.H.S.  Examination. 
As  one  who  has  passed  beneath  the  caudine  forks  of  “  a  single- 
handed  place,”  as  well  as  of  “  examination,”  I  should  like  to  make 
a  few  remarks  in  reply  to  “  Young  Gardener’s  ”  question  on  page  524,  last 
week.  We  find  in  the  past  that  men  as  busy  as  those  he  refers  to  have 
passed  the  examinations,  and  have  come  out  higher  on  the  lists  than  the 
majority  of  college  students.  What  these  have  done  others  can  do. 
Let  young  gardeners  take  a  lesson  from  the  vegetable  world,  wherein 
we  find  Nature  does  not  work  by  leaps  and  bounds,  but  by  imperceptible 
units  of  increase.  Each  microscopic  cell  does  its  part ;  no  one  can  see  it, 
but  its  work  is  done  silently  and  methodically,  and  in  course  of  time  a 
perfect  plant  is  the  result.  So  with  ourselves.  Knowledge  comes  in 
leisured  fashion  ;  one  principle  is  grasped  at  a  time,  one  fact  becomes 
mastered  and  understood  before  another  is  tackled.  Nature’s  phenomena 
gradually  make  themselves  clear  to  our  inquiring  mental  or  natural 
vision,  and  as  time  passes  on  each  year  finds  the  steady  and  persistent 
observer,  reader,  and  worker  better  prepared  for  tasks  either  practical 
or  intellectual.  The  motto,  “  Keep  on  doing  a  little  each  day,”  is  the 
candidates’  rule. 
Now  let  us  examine  that  old  bugbear,  “  the  time  allowed  for 
answers.”  My  experience  when  being  examined  was  always  the  same 
— namely,  that  the  time  given  was  just  enough  when  one  had  read  and 
studied  the  subjects  fairly.  There  are  always  some  questions  requiring 
only  short  answers.  Take,  for  instance,  the  two  given  on  page  624. 
The  one  on  Strawberry  culture  might  be  allowed  forty  minutes, 
whereas  that  on  elements  ought  not  to  take  more  than  five.  The 
candidate  is  asked  in  the  latter  for  a  few  names  and  fewer  sources  of 
supply.  Any  candidate  floundering  about  in  the  quagmire  of  “how” 
the  plants  obtain  the  elements  would  be  simply  wasting  his  time,  as 
that  information  is  not  asked  for.  This  is  a  good  typical  example  of 
the  class  of  simple  questions  upon  which  we,  all  of  us,  in  the  past 
have  wasted  our  time  and  paper  in  consequence  of  our  not  sticking  to 
the  point,  and,  worse  than  that,  of  not  paying  attention  to  the  question. 
Again,  two  and  a  half  hours  give  nearly  nineteen  minutes  to  each  of 
the  eight  questions,  so  the  candidate  might  give  two  of  them  forty 
minutes  each ;  two,  twenty  minutes ;  two,  ten  minutes  ;  and  two,  five 
minutes  each.  I  always  found  it  a  good  plan  to  divide  up  my  time  thus. 
Let  us  hope  that  not  only  the  examination  questions,  but  also  “  The 
Young  Gardeners’  Domain,”  will  make  many  of  us  “stop  and  think,” 
and  also  “observe.” 
Examinations  in  really  useful  practical  gardening  are  being  held 
hourly  by  employers  of  gardeners  all  over  the  kingdom,  and  the  certifi¬ 
cates  are  granted  or  cease  at  pay  day,  therefore  there  is  no  need  for  any 
