^^ay  1,  1902. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
Competitive  Classes. 
In  the  class  for  fifty  varieties  of  Daffodils,  a  nevcoincr,  Mrs. 
Berkeley,  of  Great  'Warley,  celebrated  her  inauguration  by  carry¬ 
ing  off  premier  honours  with  a  grand  collection,  the  prize  being 
Messrs.  Barr’s  elegant  Silver  Daffodil  Cup,  value  seven  guineas. 
The  second  prize  of  £4  was  awarded  to  Mr.  A.  S.  L.  Melville, 
Lincoln,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  F.  A.  Walton,  Handsworth,  both 
with  excellent  examples,  Mr.  Melville  also  being  a  new  competitor 
in  the  above  class. 
In  the  class  for  twelve  distinct  varieties  of  true  trumpet 
Daffodils,  Mr.  J.  Douglas,  Great  Bookham,  Surrey,  was,  as  on 
the  last  occasion,  jdaced  first  with  magnificent  blooms,  including 
King  Alfred,  M'eardale  Perfection,  Madame  Plcmp,  Madame  de 
Graaff,  Gloiy  of  Leiden,  Mrs.  T.  "W.  Ware.  Shakespeare,  Captain 
Nelson,  and  Mr.  J.  B.  M.  Camm.  Second  came  Mr.  H.  B.  Young, 
Metheringham,  Lincoln:  and  thii-d,  Mr.  J.  H.  Hartill,  Olton, 
Birmingham.  It  should  have  been  stated  that  Mr.  Young’s 
A’arieties  were  Mr.  J.  B.  M.  Camm,  Captain  Nelson,  Mrs.  J.  B.  M. 
Camm,  Mrs.  T.  4Y.  Ware,  P.  R.  Barr,  Madame  de  Graaff, 
Grandee,  John  Nelson,  Emperor,  Madame  Plemp,  Horsefieldi,  and 
Michael  Foster. 
For  six  varieties,  Messrs.  J.  T.  White  and  Sons,  Spalding, 
won  with  Madame  Plemp,  Victoria,  Madame  de  Graaff,  Weardalo 
Perfection,  Ac.  ;  second,  Messrs.  John  Pope  and  Sons,  with  Mrs. 
J.  B.  M.  Camm,  Madame  de  Graaff,  Weardale  Perfection,  Rem¬ 
brandt,  Glory  of  Noordwyk,  and  Glory  of  Leiden ;  third,  Mr. 
W.  B.  Latham. 
The  class  for  twelve  medio-coronati,  distinct,  was  well  con¬ 
tested,  and  Messi’s.  Pope  were  awarded  the  premier  prize  with 
fine  examples  of  Southern  Star,  Lucifer,  C.  G.  Backhouse,  Rosa¬ 
lind  Pope,  Ida  Pope,  Marina,  Mrs.  Langtry,  Flora  Wilson, 
Duchess  of  Westminster,  C.ynosure,  Lady  Margaret  Boscawen, 
and  White  Lady;  second.  Mr.  James  Douglas;  and  third,  Mr. 
H.  B.  YMung. 
For  six  distinct  varieties  of  medio-coronati.  Messrs.  J.  T. 
White  and  Son  were  placed  first  with  very  fine  blooms ;  second, 
Mr.  C.  L.  Branson,  Colesliill  :  third,  Mr.  W.  M.  G.  Willows, 
St.  Ives.  Hunts;  fourth,  Mr.  F.  M.  Mole,  Edgbaston ;  and  fifth, 
Mr.  N .  B.  Latham.  In  the  class  for  six  distinct  varieties  parvi- 
coronati  there  was  only  one  enti\y,  and  Mr.  H.  B.  Young  was 
the  recipient  with  a  very  good  set.  For  six  varieties  of  true 
Poeticus,  Messrs.  John ‘Pope  were  the  only  entrants,  and  secured 
the  first  prize  award. 
For  twelve  distinct  varieties  of  Daffodils,  none  of  which  to 
cost  more  than  two  shillings  per  dozen,  not  less  than  three  nor 
more  than  five  blooms  of  each,  the  first  prize  was  assigned  to  Mr. 
R.  C.  Cartwright,  King’s  Norton,  with  a  bright  assortment ; 
second,  Mr.  Alfred  Ci’yer,  gardener  to  J.  A.  Kenrick,  Esq., 
Borrow  Court,  Edgbaston;  third,  Mr.  A.  G.  Stiles,  of  Spalding. 
The  first  prize  was  offered  by  Messrs.  Hogg  and  Robertson, 
Dublin — a  Silver  Medal.  For  six  varieties,  ditto,  the  first  prize 
was  accorded  to  Mr.  J.  Sceaney,  Harborne ;  second,  Mr.  H. 
Snead,  gardener  to  G.  M.  Sharp,  Esq.,  Edgbaston.  For  eighteen 
distinct  varieties,  not  to  cost  more  than  five  shillings  per  dozen, 
the  first  prize  went  to  Mr.  Isaac  Cooke,  Shrewsbury  ;  the  second 
prize  was  not  awarded,  the  exhibitor  being  disqualified  in  not 
conforming  to  the  conditions.  For  six  vases  of  Spanish  Iris,  Mr. 
R.  C.  Cartwright  was  the  i>remier  winner,  and  Mr.  Robert 
Sydenham  second.  The  blooms  in  both  lots  were  exceptionally 
fine,  and  proved  v'eiy  attractive.  For  twelve  pots  of  Daffodils 
Mr.  Cartwright  was  to  the  fore;  second,  Mr.  Isaac  Cooke  ;  third, 
Mr.  A.  Cryer ;  all  being  very' good.  For  six  pots,  first,  Mr,  W.  B. 
Latham;  second,  Mr.  J.  Sceaney;  and  third,  Mr.  H.  Snead.  For 
six  pots  Polyanthus  Narcissus,  Air.  R.  C.  Cartwright  again 
signalised  himself;  second,  Mr.  W.  B.  Latham,  also  with  very 
good  examples;  third,  Mr.  I.  Cooke;  fourth,  Mr.  R.  Sydenham; 
and  fifth,  Mr.  A.  Cryer. 
Tulips. 
These  made  a  brave  show,  and  were  unusually  fine.  Mr. 
Cartwright  was  victorious  with  Fabiola,  Queen  of  the  Nether¬ 
lands,  Grace  Darling,  Unique  (syn.  Brunhilde),  Joost  van  Vondel, 
and  Keizers  Kroon.  Mr.  R.  Sydenham  was  second ;  third,  Mr. 
A.  Cryer;  fourth.  Air.  I.  Cooke;  and  fifth.  Air.  Latham. 
For  six  pots  of  Lily  of  the  A’^alley,  Mr.  A.  Cryer  was  first  with 
a  beautiful  lot;  second,  Mr.  I.  Cooke;  and  third,  Mr.  R.  Syden¬ 
ham.  For  six  pots  of  Lilium  Harrisi,  Messrs.  Cryer,  Cooke,  and 
Pope  were  the  respective  winners  with  fine  examples.  Bouquets 
of  Daffodils  were  a  feature,  and  Air.  J.  H.  Hartell  was  placed 
first  with  a  neat  and  striking  example;  second,  Messrs.  Pope  and 
Sons;  third,  Air.  R.  Sydenham. 
Bowls  of  cut  Daffodils  were  very  well  shown,  and  for  three 
bowls  Mr.  J.  Castle  was  first.  Air.  A.  Cryer  second,  and  Mr. 
Cartwright  third.  For  a  single  bowl  Messrs.  Pope  and  Sons  first, 
Air.  A.  Cryer  second.  Air.  Cartwright  third,  and  Mr.  J.  Sceaney 
fourth. 
In  the  class  for  table  decorations  of  cut  Daffodils,  arranged 
in  vases  on  a  round  table,  Mr.  A.  Cryer  was  first  with  an  elegant 
aiTangement;  second.  Air.  J.  Sceaney;  third,  the  Rev.  J.  Jacobs ; 
fourth.  Mrs.  Rowland  Mason,  Edgbaston;  and  fifth,  Mr.  J.  H. 
Hartill. 
Premier  prizes  for  the  best  blooms  of  Daffodils  in  their  respec¬ 
39.? 
tive  varieties  were  King  Alfred  by  Air.  J.  Douglas.  White  Queenv 
John  Pope,  and  Blood  Orange  bv  iMr.  A.  S.  L. 
Melv'ille. 
Certificated  Daffodils. 
Aliss  M  illmott.  Great  "Warley,  was  awarded  F.C.C.’s  for 
Charles  \Vo]ley  Dod  and  Cresset;  Awards  of  Merit  for  Betty 
Berkeley,  M  arley  Alagna,  Incognita,  and  Orifiamine. 
An  exceedingly  pleasant  gathering  took  place  in  the  evening, 
when  Messrs.  J.  Pope  and  Robert  S.ydenham  invited  a  number 
OT  the  principal  growers  and  exhibitors  to  dinner  at  tlie  Old  Royal 
Hotel,  Birmingham.  Air.  Pope  presided.  After  dinner  a  few 
toasts  were  honoured.  That  of  the  judges  and  exhibitors  was 
by  Mr.  J.  D.  Pearson,  and  responded  to  by  the  Revs. 
G.  H.  Engleheart  and  S.  E.  Bourne  in  happy  vein.  The  toast 
of  the  evening,  “The  Success  of  the  Alidland  Daffodil  Society,” 
w^as  given  by  Air.  F.  W.  Burbidge  in  most  apropos  terms,  and 
to  which  Mr.  R.  Sydenhaiii  responded.  Tlie  toast  to  the  visitors 
was  given  by  Air.  Sydenham,  and  responded  to  by  Alessrs  R 
Cock,  Stafford,  and  T.  W.  Soby,  of  Sheffield.  Professor  Hillhouse 
unfortunately  was  unable  to  be  present,  owing  to  illness,  and  a, 
letter  of  empathy  was  proposed  to  bo  sent  to  him.  A  short 
conference  subsequently  was  held,  and  interesting  addresses  were 
dehveied  by  Air.  John  Pope  on  “  The  Daffodil  and  its  Future  ” 
Alessrs  Pearson,  Barr.  Ac.,  also  took  part.  Air.  Sydenhain’s 
subject  was  “  The  Daffodil  for  House  and  Table  Decoration,” 
illustrated  by  Daffodils  grown  in  cocoa-nut  fibre  in  ornamental 
vases. — W.  G. 
Biistol  and  District  Gardeners. 
The  fourth  annual  meeting  was  held  at  St.  John’s  Parish 
Rooms,  Redlaiid,  on  .April  24,  Mr.  R.  BiiifioJd  occupying  the 
chair.  The  report  and  balance-sheet  for  the  past  twelve  months 
was  adopted,  and  it  was  hoped  that  every  gardener  of  the  district 
would  become  interested  in  the  good  work  the  association  wns 
doing.  Lieutenant-Colonel  H.  Cary  Batten  was  again  elected  as 
president,  he  being  a  gentleman  wdio  is  deeply  interested  in  the 
horticultural  pursuits  of  Bristol,  and  who  is  always  willing  to  ■ 
render  aid  for  the  advancement  of  the  gardening  world.  Air.  E. 
Binfield  was  elected  as  chairman,  and  Alessrs.  E.  Poole, 
P.R-.H.S.,  and  Garnish  as  vice-chairmen  for  the  ensuing  year! 
Mr.  V/.  Ellis  Groves  was  re-elected  as  lion,  secretaiy  and 
treasurer,  as  also  Mr.  H.  Killey  as  assistant  lion,  secretary.  Two 
medals  have  been  offered  for  the  best  attendance  during  the  next 
riyelve  months.  Mr.  H.  E.  Groves  ivas  elected  to  act  as  registrar. 
Fifteen  members  were  elected  to  serve  on  the  committee,  and 
fiv'e  members  were  asked  to  act  as  a  sub-committee  to  consider 
the  advisability  of  forming  a  library  for  the  benefit  of  the  asso¬ 
ciation.  The  hearty  thanks  of  the  society  was  accorded  to  the 
president,  chairman,  and  officers  and  committee  of  the  past  year, 
as  also  to  Air.  W.  A.  Garaway  for  his  great  assistance,  financially 
and  otherwise.  During  the  evening  prizes  for  two  table  plants 
were  awarded  to  first,  Mr.  J.  B.  Brain  (gardener,  Air.  xVtwell) ; 
second,  Alderman  W.  Howell  Davis  (gardener,  Mr.  Curtis) ; 
third.  Colonel  Goss  (gardener.  Air.  Shaddick).  certificate  of 
Meiit  V a.s  awarded  to  Lady  Cave  (gardener,  Mr.  Poole)  for  some 
ivell -grown  Leeks. — H.  K. 
BirmiDgliam  Gardeners  and  Leaf  Soil  for  Orchids. 
The  concluding  meeting  of  the  spring  session  was  held  on  the 
21st  ult.,  under  the  presidency  of  Mr.  W.  Spinks  (the  treasurer), 
when  Mr.  J.  Alackay,  Orchid  grower  to  the  Right  Hon.  Joseph 
Chamberlain,  was  responsible  for  a  thoroughly  practical  essay, 
entitled  “  Cool  Orchids,”  and  wliich  was  much  appreciated  by  a 
numerous  attendance.  Details  were  given  regarding  the  best 
structure®  and  their  appurtenances  suitable  for  the  plants. 
Stagings  constructed  of  slate  were  recommended  where  expense 
was  not  a  serious  consideration  ;  otherwdse  galvanised  iron  slieet- 
ing  proved  to  be  a  suitable  substitute,  and  both  to  be  covered 
with  a  layer  of  comminuted  sea  shells  or  other  suitable  material 
for  sustaining  moisture  beneath  the  plants,  and  instead  of  tiled  - 
or  stone  paths,  breeze  or  cinders  afford  a  more  suitable  medium 
for  the  retention  of  moisture.  In  the  potting  of  Orchids,  pre¬ 
ference  was  given  to  decayed  roots  of  Ferns  to  ijotsherds,  and  a- 
compost  of  turfy  peat,  sphagnum  and  unfermented  Oak  or  Beech 
leaf  mould  was  found  by  the  essayist  to  be  infinitely  preferable 
to  the  more  ordinary  biUby-bit  system  of  “  packing  ”  the  material 
among  and  over  the  roots  of  the  plants.  Mr.  Mackay  also  prefers 
the  compost  in  question  to  the  Belgian  leaf  mould  as  being  of  a 
considerably  more  sustaining  nature,  though  admitting  the 
invigorating  quality  of  the  latter  for  _  a  comparatively  short 
period.  The  chief  virtue  of  the  Belgian  leaf  soil  has  been 
ascribed  to  the  presence  of  sea  salt  and  sand  with  which  it  is 
impregnated,  and  the  rnaterial  is  highly  esteemed  by  some 
growers.  The  high  condition  of  health  and  vigour,  how’ever,  of 
the  large  collection  of  Orchids  at  Highbury  attest  the  system  of 
culture  and  skill  devoted  to  them  by  Air.  Alackay.  A  ^Iwt  list 
of  “  cool  ”  Orchids  w’as  given,  with  a  few  concise  descriptions  of 
their  respective  merits.  As  the  lecture  was  characterised  more 
by  its  pregnant  remarks  and  briefness  than  length,  ample  time  • 
