128  JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER.  August  s,  I897. 
HORTICU  LTURAL  SHOWS. 
Chester. — July  28th  AND20Tn. 
The  second  annual  exhibition  of  the  Chester  Horticultural  Society 
opened  on  the  above  dates  under  a  threatening  sky  ;  but,  fortunately, 
rain  held  off  until  night.  In  the  evening  the  famous  Roodee  was  visited 
by  thousands  of  sightseers.  Thursday  opened  with  real  flower  show 
weather,  and  it  is  hoped  the  Committee  of  this  enterprising  society  will 
secure  a  good  gate.  There  was  a  marked  falling  off  in  the  number  of 
exhibitors  from  the  show  of  last  year,  the  tabling  in  many  instances 
being  bare.  This  is  regretable,  as  the  Society  offers  good  prizes,  and  the 
tent  accommodation  at  this  exhibition  was  a  great  improvement  on  that 
of  last  year,  being  lofty  and  wide. 
The  chief  features  of  this  show  were  the  splendid  group  set  up  by 
Mr.  Cypher,  the  Carnations  from  the  Duke  of  Westminster,  and  the 
specially  fine  exhibit  of  Messrs.  Dicksons,  Limited.  Chester.  Sweet  Peas 
were  also  well  to  the  front,  being  staged  in  large  quantities.  Vegetables 
were  largely  represented  in  the  amateurs’  and  cottagers’  classes,  the 
quality  of  the  same  being  of  a  high  standard  of  excellence. 
Groups  and  Plants. 
There  were  five  competitors  in  the  class  for  a  group  of  plants  arranged 
for  effect,  to  occupy  a  space  of  not  more  than  300  square  feet,  Mr.  J. 
Cypher,  Cheltenham,  was  awarded  the  first  prize,  with  a  lovely  arrange¬ 
ment  of  Orchids,  graceful  Crotons,  Carnations.  Aralias,  Humea  elegans, 
Liliums,  Asparagus,  and  Bamboos.  Mr.  J.  McIntyre,  Woodside,  Dar¬ 
lington,  was  a  good  second,  whose  group  contained  many  beautifully 
grown  plants  of  Crotons  and  Palms,  but  lacked  the  grace  and  elegance 
of  the  first  group.  Charles  Wigg,  Esq.,  Hoole  Bank,  Chester,  was  third  ; 
and  Mr.  John  Robson,  Altrincham,  a  fair  fourth. 
For  group  of  plants  arranged  for  effect  in  a  space  not  exceeding 
100  feet,  open  to  county  of  Chester  and  North  Wales,  there  were  only 
two  entries.  Mr.  R.  J,  Hudson,  Bache  Hall,  Chester,  was  a  good  first 
with  a  pleasing  arrangement,  and  Mrs.  Townsend  Ince,  Christleton  Hall, 
Chester,  a  fair  second. 
For  the  beet  twelve  specimen  plants  Mr.  J.  Cypher,  Cheltenham,  was 
to  the  front  with  splendidly  grown  Erica  Austiniana,  Bougainvillea 
glabra,  Ixora  Williamsi,  Statice  profusa,  Ixora  salicifolia,  Phoenocoma 
prolifera  Barnesi,  Kentia  australis,  Kentia  Fosteriaua,  Latania  borbonica, 
Kentia  Belmoreana,  Croton  mortefontainensis,  aad  Croton  angusti- 
folius.  T.  S.  Timmis,  E*q.,  Cleveley,  Allerton,  Liverpool,  was  a  fair 
second.  His  best  plants  were  Clerodendron  Balfourianum,  Ixora  coccinea 
superba,  Ixora  Pilgrimi.  and  Kentia  Belmoreana.  Mr.  Wm.  Vausa, 
Leamington,  was  third. 
Mr.  J.  Cypher  was  to  the  front  for  a  single  specimen  Palm  with 
Kentia  Fosterians,  Mr.  J.  McIntyre  was  second.  The  best  greenhouse 
plant  in  bloom  came  from  Mr.  J.  Cypher,  Phoenocoma  proUfera  Barnesi 
being  represented.  J.  Charlton  Parr,  Esq.,  second  with  a  fine  Disa 
grandiflora.  Mr.  W.  Vause  took  first  place  with  single  specimen  stove 
plant,  showing  Ixora  Fraseri.  Mr.  J.  Cypher  second. 
Dracaenas  were  represented  by  fresh  specimens,  not  large  but  well 
clothed  to  the  pots.  T.  S.  Timmis,  Eeq  ,  was  a  good  first ;  W.  H. 
Watts,  Esq.,  Elm  Hall,  Liverpool,  second,  and  Mr.  J.  McIntyre  third. 
Twelve  Caladiums  in  variety  were  represented  by  splendid  plants, 
T.  S.  Timmis,  Esq  ,  was  a  good  first ;  Charles  Wigg,  Esq.,  second,  and  B.  C. 
Roberts,  Esq.,  third.  T.  S.  Timmis,  Esq.,  took  the  lead  for  four  Crotons 
in  variety  ;  Mr.  J.  McIntyre  second.  Ferns  were  very  fine.  T.  S. 
Timmis,  Eeq.,  was  first  for  six  exotic  Ferns,  staging  Nephrolepis 
davallioides  furcans  in  splendid  form,  Davallia  fijiensis  also  very  fine, 
Nephrolepis  rufescens  tripinnatifida  (grand)  with  Microlepia  hirta 
cristata,  and  two  good  pieces  of  Adiantum  caneatum.  W.  H  Watts. 
Esq.,  was  second,  his  best  plants  being  a  lovely  Gleichenia  Mendelli  and 
a  good  plant  of  Microlepia  hirta  cristata.  Mr.  J.  McIntyre  was  third. 
The  class  for  twenty-four  plants  suitable  for  table  decoration  was 
well  filled,  the  numerous  exhibitors  staging  on  the  whole  highly  creditable 
plants.  Mr.  J.  Gray,  gardener  to  Sir  G.  A.  Meyrick,  Bart,,  Bodorgan, 
Anglesea,  was  first  with  a  beautiful  collection.  Mr.  B.  Cromwell  was  a 
good  second,  staging  the  whole  number  in  Crotons  ;  Mr.  J.  McIntyre 
third,  and  Mr.  J.  Bracegirdle  fourth. 
Cut  Flowers. 
Only  one  competitor  staged  for  the  best  display  of  cut  flowers  in  any 
design  or  combination  of  designs,  at  the  discretion  of  the  exhibitor. 
Rising  from  a  formal  design  of  V lolas,  Coronilla  varia,  yellow  Calceolaria, 
and  moss  were  centrepieces  containing  Sweet  Peas  and  Carnations,  the 
greenery  being  Asparagus  deflexus,  Gypsophila  elegans,  and  Ferns, 
arranged  by  the  Misses  Hopkins,  Mere  Cottage,  Knutsford,  Cheshire. 
Forty-eight  Roses,  distinct,  were  represented  by  four  good  exhibits. 
Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons,  Bedale,  were  to  the  fore  with  fine  blooms. 
Messrs,  A.  Dickson  &  Sons,  Newtownwards,  Co.  Down,  were  a  good 
second;  andMe89rs.D.  &W.  Croll  third,  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Son,  Coventry, 
were  successful  in  the  class  for  twenty-four  distinct,  showing  a  creditable 
stand.  Mr,  Peter  Snelson,  Hope  Street,  Mold,  was  placed  third.  Only 
two  competitors  staged  in  this  class.  Twelve  Roses,  distinct,  were  well 
staged  by  Mr.  Hugh  Dickson,  Royal  Nurseries,  Belfast.  Twenty-four 
Tea  Roses  were  staged  by  two  exhibitors  only.  Messrs.  Alexander 
Dickson  &  Sons  were  first,  and  Messrs.  D.  &  W.  Croll,  Dundee,  a  fair 
second. 
For  the  best  arrangement  of  cut  flowers  in  vases  or  stands  for  table 
decoration,  Messrs.  Jones  &  Sons,  Shrewsbury,  won  with  a  pleasing 
arrangement  of  Carnations,  Francoa  ramosa,  Gypsophila  elegans,  and 
Asparagus.  Mr.  Wm.  Vause  was  a  good  second,  and  Messrs.  M. 
Hodgkins  &  Co.  third. 
For  an  arrangement  of  Carnations  and  Picolees  in  variety  in  a  space 
10  feet  by  6,  seven  stands  were  staged,  the  whole  making  a  very  effec¬ 
tive  display.  Thei  firit  prize  went  to  M.  R.  Smith,  Esq.,  Hayes,  Kent, 
for  a  very  fine  exhibit,  tbe  flowers  being  wonderfully  fresh,  also  of  good 
substance  and  siz-.  Mr,  Wm.  Watson,  Clontarf  Nurseries,  Co.  Dublin, 
was  second,  an!  .Messrs.  Thompson  &  Co.,  third.  Messrs  Perkios  and 
Sons,  Covtm'ry,  were  first  with  bridal  and  ball  bouquets,  and  Messrs. 
Junes  &  Sols  for  buttonhoh  s. 
Nurserymen’s  Classes. 
For  the  best  display  of  cut  Dahlias  in  a  space  10  feet  by  4  feet,  the 
first  prize  was  carried  off  by  Messrs.  Jones  &  Sons,  Shrewsbury,  for  a 
nice  arrangement  of  Cactus,  Pompon,  and  Show  varieties.  Very  fine  in  the 
Cactus  varieties  were  Miss  Webster,  Cinderella,  Countess  of  Radnor, 
Mrs.  F.  Fell,  Matchless,  Mrs.  A.  Peart,  Mrs.  Gordon  Shaw,  Harmony, 
Lady  Penzance,  and  Cannell’s  Gem.  Of  Show  varieties  Mrs.  Gladstone, 
Mrs.  Slack,  Emperor  Muriel,  Pioneer,  John  Walker,  John  Rawlings, 
Duke  of  Fife  (grand),  Canary  Bird  (very  fine),  and  Mrs.  Stancombe 
were  fine.  The  Pompons  also  were  very  bright  and  fresh.  Mr.  M, 
Campbell,  High  Blantyre,  second,  and  Mr.  J,  Walker,  Thame,  Oxon, 
third. 
Of  collections  of  hardy  flowers  in  variety,  occupying  a  space  of 
15  feet  by  4  feet,  two  highly  meritorious  exhibits  being  staged.  Mr. 
W.  F.  Gunn,  Olton,  Birmingham,  showed  fine  Phloxes  Amazone,  Sheriff’ 
Ivory,  Harrison  Weir,  and  The  Queen,  Gaillardia  grandiflora.  Lychnis 
chalceionica,  Achillea  Ptarmica  The  Pearl,  Scabiosa  caucasica.  Cam¬ 
panula  carpatica  alba,  Agrostemma  coronaria  alba,  Catananche  alba, 
Centaurea  Tourneforti,  Montbretia  crocosmae flora,  and  many  others, 
and  received  the  premier  award,  Messrs,  Harkness  &  Sons  were  a  good 
second  with  a  more  crowded  arrangement,  but  the  quality  of  the  flowers 
was  fine,  specially  so  being  Coreopsis  grandiflora,  Potentilla  La  Vesuve, 
P.  Wm.  Rollinson,  Gaillardia  grandiflora  Jealousy,  and  Catananche 
coarulea. 
For  the  best  display  of  cut  Roses  arranged  with  natural  foliage,  and 
occupying  a  space  of  8  feet  by  4  feet,  three  staged.  Messrs.  Perkins  and 
Sons,  Coventry,  were  well  to  the  front  with  artistic  arrangements  in 
epergnes  and  baskets,  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons  and  W.  F,  Gunn  were 
second  and  third  in  the  order  named. 
Fruit. 
For  a  decorative  display  of  ripe  fruit  on  tables  10  feet  by  4  feet 
6  inches,  the  fruit  not  to  exceed  eighteen  dishes,  and  of  not  less  than 
seven  kinds,  the  first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  J.  H.  Goodacre,  gardener 
to  the  Earl  of  Harrington,  Elvaston  Castle,  Derby.  The  best  dishes 
were  Bellegarde  Peach,  Pineapple  Nectarine,  Black  Tartarian  Cherries, 
Read’s  Scarlet  Melon,  Brown  Turkey  Figs,  and  Beauty  of  Bath  Apple. 
Muscat  Hamburgh  Grape  was  represented  by  a  good  bunch,  as  also 
was  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  but  the  latter  was  a  little  under-ripe.  The 
other  dishes  were  a  small  Queen  Pine,  Elton  Pine  Strawberry,  Lord 
Napier  Nec’arine,  Large  Early  Apricot,  Lady  Sudeley  Apple,  Belle 
d’Ofleans  Cherry,  Countess  Melon,  Noblesse  Peach,  and  Black  Hamburgh 
Grapes.  The  centre  of  the  table  was  covered  with  a  mirror,  on  which 
were  arranged  elegant  vases  of  Masdevallias,  Cattleyas,  Odontoglossums, 
the  greenery  being  Asparagus,  Selaginella  coesia,  and  Myrsiphyllum 
asparagoldes.  The  number  of  points  gained  was  seventy  out  of 
possible  100.  Mr.  J.  Mclndoe,  gardener  to  Sir  J.  W,  Pease,  Bart.,  M.P., 
was  a  splendid  second,  the  points  scored  being  sixty-seven.  There  were 
fine  dishes  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Golden  Champion,  and  Black 
Hamburgh  Grapes,  Stirling  Castle  Peach,  Souvenir  du  Congres  Pears, 
Spencer  Nectarine,  Prince  Englebert  Plum,  Gunton  Park  Strawberry, 
Duchess  of  Gloucester  Apple,  Negro  Largo  Figs,  and  Early  Transparent 
Plnm.  Mr.  Read,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Carnarvon,  Bretby  Park, 
Burton-on-Trent,  was  third,  obtaining  fifty-three  points. 
For  a  collection  of  ripe  fruit,  to  include  two  bunches  of  white  and 
two  bunches  of  black  Grapes,  there  were  three  exhibitors.  Mr.  Harris, 
gardener  to  Lady  Henry  Somerset,  Eastnor,  Ledbury,  secured  first 
honours  with  small  Black  Hamburgh  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes, 
fine  Bellegarde  and  Stirling  Castle  Peaches,  Fitmaston  Orange  and 
Stanwick  Elruge  Nectarines,  excellent  Brown  Turkey  Figs,  Countess 
and  an  elongated  seedling  Melon,  and  splendid  Bigarreau  Napoleon 
Cherries.  Lord  Bagot,  Rugeley,  was  second  with  well-coloured  Black 
Hamburgh  and  fair  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes,  a  huge  Hero  of 
Lockinge  Melon,  Violet  Hative  Peach,  and  Violet  Hative  Nectarine  as 
the  best  dishes.  Mr.  J.  Edmonds,  Bestwood  Gardens,  took  the  third 
place. 
For  a  collection  of  eight  dishes  of  hardy  fruit  four  exhibitors  staged. 
Mr.  Harris  was  placed  first.  Bigarreau  Napoleon  and  fine  Morello 
Cherries.  Moor  Park  Apricot,  Oxonian  Strawberry,  Superlative  Rasp¬ 
berry,  and  large  Red  Currants  were  the  best  dishes.  Viscount  Comber- 
mere,  Combermere  Abbey,  Whitchurch,  was  a  good  second.  This 
cpllection  contained  fine  Strawberries,  Black  and  Red  Currants,  nice 
Cherries  and  Gooseberries.  Capt.  Fielden,  Mollington  Hall,  Chester, 
was  third.  Mr.  Harris  again  secured  premier  honours  with  a  fine  Smooth 
Cayenne  Pine,  Mr.  Read  taking  second  place. 
For  the  best  six  bunches  of  Grapes,  two  bunches  of  each,  in  three 
distinct  varieties,  there  were  seven  stands  staged.  Mr.  W.  Pritchard, 
Little  Neston,  was  first,  showing  good  Black  Alicante,  Muscat  of 
Alexandria,  and  well-ripened  Bowood  Muscat.  Mr.  J.  A.  Goodacre  was 
second  with  fine  Muscat  Hamburgh,  Muscat  of  Alexandria  (not  nearly 
ripe),  and  fair  Black  Hamburgh.  Sir  G.  A.  Meyrick,  Bart.,  Bodorgan, 
Anglesea,  was  third.  For  three  bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh  R.  T. 
Richardson,  Esq.,  Capenhursb  Hall,  Chester,  was  first;  Lord  Bagot 
second,  and  Mr.  Harris  third.  Only  two  staged  in  the  class  for  three 
