July  16,  1897. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
57 
LEEDS. — July  7th,  8th,  and  9th. 
Foe  ten  years  previous  to  this  Jubilee  year  Leeds  has  not  had  the 
privilege  of  a  summer  flower  show.  This  statement  will  naturally 
create  inquiry  why  a  city  of  the  wealth  of  this  great  commercial  centre 
should  hold  this  anomalous  position  amongst  other  places  of  similar  and 
even  less  importance  hortieulturally.  In  former  times  this  much  to  be 
deplored  state  of  matters  was  in  no  way  due  to  the  need  of  public  spirit 
of  the  “  good  old  town.”  At  any  time  a  hint  in  this  direction  would  be 
considered  a  reproach  amounting  to  an  insult  by  its  people,  who,  by  the 
sheer  force  of  their  public  spirit  have  lifted  their  town  into  the  dignity 
of  a  city  of  such  importance  as  to  confer  the  title  of  Lord  Mayor  on  its 
chief  magistrate. 
The  times  were  in  Leeds  when  first-class  exhibitions  were  annually 
provided,  but  unfortunately  the  most  persistent  ill  luck  year  after  year 
in  shape  of  rain  and  storm  dogged  the  efforts  of  as  plucky  management 
as  ever  attempted  to  win  success  by  deserving  it.  Year  by  year  the 
weather  proved  so  consistently  bad  that  "  Leeds  show  weather  ”  became 
the  tritest  of  proverbs,  and  as  regularly  the  Committee  had  to  fall  back 
upon  its  supporters  for  money  to  carry  on  the  war  against  the  elements, 
and,  as  it  eventually  proved,  a  war  with  fate  itself.  The  exhibitions, 
under  the  management  of  the  old  Committee  having  ceased  as  the  years 
went  by,  those  interested  in  the  advance  of  horticulture  have  felt  at  a 
decided  disadvantage,  and  the  question  of  resuscitating  the  Show  has 
often  been  discussed  ;but  the  old  management  have  naturally  fought  shy 
of  the  matter,  and  as  the  difficulties  of  a  reorganisation  rested  in  getting 
together  a  body  of  business  men  not  only  possessed  of  the  necessary 
qualifications  to  organise  a  show  worthy  of  the  city,  but  also  having  such 
confidence  in  each  other  to  promote  unity  of  effort  as  to  deserve  success 
if  the  weather  were  favourable,  or  on  the  other  hand  to  stand  back  to 
back  and  accept  the  onus  of  failure. 
The  new  Commiltee  has  had  a  somewhat  mixed  experience  in  the 
way  of  encouragement,  accompanied  by  great  difficulties  and  prejudices 
to  combat.  For  the  manner  in  which  they  have  met  and  overcome  them 
they  fully  deserve  the  thanks  of  their  fellow  citizens.  By  reason  of  the 
blank  of  ten  years  it  would  be  difficult  to  estimate  the  loss  to  the 
neighbourhood  fmm  a  horticulturist’s  point  of  view  ;  but  in  the  late  treat 
provided  by  the  Flower  Show  Committee,  Leeds  people  should  at  least 
realise  that  by  the  Committee’s  exertions  the  reproach  o<^  neglecting 
their  duty  to  the  important  art  of  horticulture  has  been  removed,  and 
their  confidence  and  support  be  awarded  to  them  as  matter  of  duty,  in 
the  interest  of  all  concerned. 
The  recent  wholesale  destruction  of  exhibits  by  the  storm  which 
entirely  wrecked  the  York  Show  no  doubt  had  a  marked  effect  both 
on  the  quality  and  quantity  of  exhibits  at  Leeds.  In  many  cases,  but 
for  their  destruction,  many,  would  have  found  their  way  to  Leeds,  whilst 
the  continuous  boisterous  weather  had  a  deterrent  effect  on  others  for 
fear  of  the  same  fate  of  York  overtaking  their  exhibits.  The  leading 
feature  at  Leeds  undoubtedly  was  the  open  class  groups  of  miscellaneous 
plants  arranged  for  effect,  occupying  space  not  exceeding  250  square 
feet.  Mr.  J.  S.  Sharp,  Valley  Nurseries,  Almondbury,  secured  the  first 
prize  of  £15.  The  excellent  colouring  and  free  growth  of  the  Crotons, 
added  to  the  fact  that  the  flowering  plants  generally  were  fresh  and 
well  timed,  were  strikingly  evident,  whilst  the  important  features  of 
the  group  were  kept  sufficiently  low  to  bring  them  with  the  line  of 
sight  from  any  point,  abundant  scope  for  variety  of  detail  and  pleasing 
variation  of  the  under  surface  were  maintained.  In  fact,  the  whole 
arrangement  was  in  excellent  taste,  including  a  more  natural  back¬ 
ground  than  was  shown  in  the  other  collections.  Mr,  R.  Simpson 
secured  the  second  prize  of  £10  with  a  very  high  group,  the  back¬ 
ground  being  somewhat  stiff  and  formal,  otherwise  the  arrangement 
was  exceedingly  good,  the  Crotons  being  highly  effective  ;  and  Mr.  W. 
Townsend,  gardener  to  E,  Beckitt  Faber,  Esq.,  J.P.,  Belvedere,  Harrogate, 
the  third  ;  Mr.  A.  Taylor,  Allerton  House,  was  fourth. 
In  the  class  for  six  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  the  only  prize 
awarded  fell  to  Mr.  J.  Sunley,  Monkfnston  Nurseries.  The  prizes  for 
six  ornamental  and  fine-foliage  plants  fell  to  Messrs.  Simpson,  Towns- 
hend,  and  Sharp  in  the  order  named.  In  this  class  the  Judges  awarded 
to  Mr.  Sunley  a  special  prize  for  a  magnificent  plant  of  Cycas  revoluta. 
For  three  Crotons,  distinct,  Messrs.  Sharp,  Townshend,  and  Simpson  and 
Sons  won  in  the  order  named. 
The  classes  for  exotic  Ferns  were  very  good.  The  first  prize  for  six 
distinct  varieties  was  won  by  J.  Rhodes,  Esq.,  Potternewton  House 
(gardener,  Mr.  R,  Mason)  ;  Mrs.  Tetley,  Weetwood  (gardener,  Mr. 
J.  Eastwood),  second  ;  and  Mr.  Taylor  third.  In  the  class  for  three 
Messrs.  Rhodes,  Kitchin,  and  Mrs.  Tetley  were  the  prizewinners.  The 
Orchids  were  not  numerous,  but  comprised  some  fine  specimens  from 
the  collection  of  T.  R.  Jessop,  Esq  ,  J.P.,  Boundhay  Mount  (gardener, 
Mr,  T.  Tyson),  who  won  the  first  prize  for  six  plants,  including  Cattleya 
Mossise,  C.  Mendeli,  Oncidium  macranthum,  and  a  fine  plant  of  Sacco- 
labium  guttatum,  carrying  thirteen  beautiful  spikes  of  well-marked 
blooms.  Messrs.  J.  W.  Moore,  Rawdon,  and  J.  Sunley  secured  the 
remaining  prizes. 
Roses  in  pots  were  moderate  in  quality ;  the  only  prize  awarded  fell 
to  Mr.  H.  Pybus,  Moore  Monkton,  Leeds.  Table  plants  were  good,  but 
did  not  include  anything  new  or  specially  striking,  the  prizes  falling  to 
Messrs.  Townshend  and  Sharp  for  specimens  in  6-inch  pots,  whilst 
Mr.  J.  W.  H.  White,  Mr.  M.  Kitchin,  and  Mr.  Eastwood  won  the  prizes 
limited  to  within  seven  miles  of  Leeds. 
In  the  cut  flower  classes,  whilst  the  quality  was  generally  good,  there 
was  abundant  room  for  more  competition.  The  most  noticeable  were 
the  stand  of  twelve  Tea-scented  Roses  shown  by  D.  &  W.  Croll  of 
Dundee,  and  stands  for  twelve  bunches  of  stove  and  greenhouse  cut 
flowers  (open).  The  winners  were  Mr.  Tyson  and  Sir  J.  Pease,  M.P., 
Hutton  Hall  (gardener,  Mr.  Mclndoe).  Messrs.  Shaw  Bros,  of  the 
Covered  Market,  Leeds,  showei  baskets  of  flowers  and  bridal  bouquets, 
winning  first  prizes  in  the  several  classes  ;  Mr.  A.  Taylor  being  second. 
The  fruit  classes  were  highly  meritorious.  The  first  prize  for  ten 
kinds  was  won  by  Mr.  J.  Edmonds,  Bestwood  Lodge,  Arnold,  Notts  ; 
the  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  Mclndoe,  and  the  third  to  the  Earl  of 
Harrington,  Elvaston  Castle  (gardener,  Mr.  Goodacre).  In  the  class  for 
three  bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes  Lady  Beaumont,  Carlton 
Towers  (gardener,  Mr.  W.  Nichols),  was  first  with  well-finished  bunches  ; 
W.  Sheepshank,  Esq.,  Ripley  (gardener,  Mr.  A,  Large) ;  Mrs.  Braithwaite, 
Throstle  Nest,  Horsforth  (gardener,  Mr  J.  W.  Pybus).  For  three  bunches 
of  white  Grapes  Mr.  Nichols  was  again  deservedly  placed  first  with  three 
bunches  of  finely  finished  Buckland  Sweetwater  ;  second,  Mr.  Mclndoe. 
The  first  prize  for  a  tray  of  vegetables  of  eight  varieties  was  won  by  Mr. 
Nicholls  ;  second,  Mr.  Mclndoe  ;  third,  Mr.  A,  Radcliffe,  Elland. 
NEW  BRIGHTON. — July  10th. 
Known  as  a  health-giving  resort  rather  than  for  its  prominence  as  a 
floral  centre,  this  seaside  rendezvous  on  the  banks  of  the  Mersey  is 
noted  annually  for  its  excellent  Rose  show,  the  proceeds  being  given  to 
the  Wallasey  Cottage  Hospital,  and  so  instead  of  partaking  of  the  usual 
orthodox  system  of  shows  it  resolves  itself  into  more  of  a  large  garden 
party.  And  what  a  delightful  garden  is  Dr.  Bell’s,  the  ever  popular  and 
esteemed  President  1  Woodland  walks  where  one  can  listen  to  the  music 
without  fear  of  interruption,  and  watch  the  players  at  lawn  tennis 
striving  for  the  victory  on  the  sward  in  front.  The  day  was  perfect, 
and  the  ladies  in  their  bright  colours  left  nothing  wanting  in  their 
efforts  to  try  to  make  the  day  a  success,  T.  R.  Bulley,  Esq.,  J. P., 
the  courteous  Secretary,  had  made  excellent  arrangements  for  exhibitors. 
Many  of  the  old  growers  were  no  doubt  at  Manchester,  but  their 
absence  was  more  than  compensated  for  by  the  splendid  array  brought 
together  by  the  Irish  firm  of  Alex.  Dickson  &  Sons,  Newtownards,  Co. 
Down.  They  were  something  to  remember  by  reason  of  the  many  new 
seedlings,  and  the  perfect  condition  of  the  older  of  this  firm’s  raising, 
A  few  of  the  newer  ones  must  be  reserved  for  a  later  article,  but  one 
named  “Ulster,”  an  ideal  light  Rose  of  fine  form  and  great  substance, 
will  almost  surpass  anything  yet  seen  by  the  best  of  our  growers,  and 
the  New  Brighton  people  are  greatly  indebted  to  Messrs.  Alex.  Dickson 
and  Sons  for  such  a  fine  display.  Dicksons  of  Chester,  too,  were  in 
capital  form,  their  flowers  being  extremely  good. 
For  forty-eight,  distinct, 'single  blooms.  Messrs.  Alex.  Dickson  and 
Sons,  Royal  Nurseries,  Co,  Down,  were  well  flrst  with  probably  one  of 
the  finest  stands  this  firm  ever  staged.  The  varieties  were  Caroline 
Testout,  Mrs.  Jowett,  Countess  of  Caledon,  Gustave  Piganeau,  Lady 
Mary  Currie  (seedling),  Louis  Van  Houtte,  La  France,  Abel  Carri^re, 
Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Victor  Hugo  (grand  in  colour),  Madame  Eugene  Verdier, 
Alfred  Colomb,  Marquis  Litta,  Miss  Bessie  Brown  (handsome),  Charles 
Lefebvre,  Kaiserin  Augusta  Victoria,  Star  of  Waltham,  Marchioness  of 
Londonderry  (splendid),  Horace  Vernet,  Lady  Mary  Fitzwilliam,  Etienne 
Levet,  Pink  Seedling,  Earl  of  Dufferin  (charming).  Souvenir  d’Elise, 
Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince.  Madame  Cusin,  The  Bride,  Exposition  de 
Brie,  Rosamaine,  Alix  Huguier.  Beauty  of  Waltham,  Avoca  (new 
seedling  Tea),  Maman  Cochet,  Muriel  Grahame,  S.  M.  Rodocanachi, 
Marie  Van  Houtte,  Countess  of  Rosebery,  Robert  Duncan  (new).  Dr. 
Andry,  Ulster  (new  seedling  H.P. ,  and  quite  the  gem  of  the  Show), 
Devienne  Lamy,  Her  Majesty,  Marie  Rady,  Mrs.  W.  J.  Grant  (splendid), 
Niphetos,  Marie  Verdier,  Lady  Moyra  Beauclerk,  and  Fracqois  Michelon. 
The  second  prize  fell  to  Dicksons,  Ltd.,  Chester,  with  a  fine  stand  of 
more  than  passing  interest.  Most  noticeable  were  Her  Majesty,  Mdlle. 
Eugene  Verdier,  Captain  Hayward,  Fisher  Holmes,  Pierre  Netting  (very 
fine).  Susanne  Marie  Rodocanachi,  Comtesse  de  Serenye,  White  Lady, 
and  Paul  Neron. 
For  twenty-four  varieties,  three  trusses  of  each,  the  Irish  firm  was 
the  only  exhibitor,  but  with  a  faultless  stand  that  would  have  won  a 
position  at  any  show.  Mrs.  W,  J.  Grant,  Marchioness  of  Londonderry, 
Alfred  Colomb,  Caroline  Testout,  Horace  Vernet.  Ulster,  Marie  Baumann, 
Alice  Lindsell,  Earl  of  Dufferin,  Lady  Moyra  Beauclerk,  Jeannie  Dick¬ 
son,  Dr.  Andry,  Bessie  Brown.  Gustave  Piganeau,  Maman  Cochet,  Dupuy 
Jamain,  Alice  Grahame,  Louis  Van  Houtte,  Countess  of  Caledon, 
Kaiserin  Augusta  Victoria,  La  France,  A.  K.  Williams,  Souvenir  de 
S.  A.  Prince,  and  Heinrich  Schultheis. 
For  twelve  blooms  one  colour  Alex.  Dicksons  and  Dicksons,  Ltd., 
were  awarded  equal  first,  the  former  with  Marchioness  of  Londonderry 
and  the  latter  with  Mrs.  R.  G.  Sbarman  Crawford.  The  former  were 
the  only  exhibitors  of  twelve  Teas  and  Noisettes,  but  again  the  same 
excellence  was  maintained.  Miss  Bessie  Brown,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac, 
Souvenir  d’Elise  Vardon,  Ethel  Brownlow,  Maman  Coctet,  Madame 
Hoste,  Madame  de  Watteville,  Muriel  Grahame,  Niphetos,  Madame 
Cusin,  Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince,  and  Catherine  Mermet  being  the 
varieties. 
Amongst  amateurs  the  best  prize  was  for  twenty-four  distinct,  the 
N.R.S.’s  gold  medal  accompanying  it.  Here,  as  in  all  the  other  classes, 
the  enthusiastic  amateur  H.  V.  Machin,  Esq.,  Worksop,  was  a  capital 
first,  the  varieties  being  Ulrich  Brunner,  Marchioness  of  Londonderry, 
Xavier  Olibo,  Frangols  Michelon,  Earl  Dufferin,  Caroline  Testout 
(superb),  Gustave  Piganeau,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Mrs.  R.  G.  8.  Crawford, 
Duke  of  Teck,  S.  M,  Rodocanachi,  Horace  Vernet,  Her  Majesty  (grand), 
A.  K.  Williams,  Eugene  Verdier,  Dupuy  Jamain,  Louis  Van  Houtte, 
Merveille  de  Lyon,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Margaret  Dickson,  Alfred  Colomb, 
