July  18,  1901, 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
67 
Birmingham  Amatenr  Gardeners. 
A  paper  was  given  at  the  June  meeting  of  the  Birmingham  and 
District  Amateur  Gardeners’  Association  by  Mr.  H.  T.  Martin  of 
Stoneleigh  Abbey  Gardens,  before  a  splendid  attendance  of  members 
and  friends.  Mr.  Martin  chose  for  his  subject  “Hardy  and  Greenhouse 
Climbing  Plants,”  and  the  information  he  gave  about  the  habits  and 
peculiarities  of  each  variety  was  most  interesting,  and  could  not  help 
but  be  of  incalculable  benefit  to  those  amateurs  who  are  endeavouring 
to  grow  some  of  these  truly  beautiful  plants,  many  of  them  under 
rather  adverse  circumstances  it  is  feared.  The  lecturer  gave  a  list  of 
those  plants  in  both  sections  most  likely  to  thrive  in  or  on  the  outskirts 
of  a  large  town,  and  strongly  recommended  everyone,  before  planting, 
to  properly  prepare  the  border  or  bed.  Want  of  attention  to  this  point 
was  the  cause  of  many  failures.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  paper  a 
hearty  vote  of  thanks  was  rendered  to  Mr.  Martin  for  his  very  able 
paper. 
National  Amateur  Gardeners’  (Liverpool  Branch). 
Fifty-five  entries  must  have  come  as  a  surprise  to  most  of  the 
members  present  at  the  monthly  meeting  held  in  the  Common  Hall  on 
Thursday,  July  4th,  the  quality  and  number  of  exhibits  being  quite  in 
advance  of  anything  hitherto  seen,  and  augurs  well  for  the  future.  It 
was  also  noticed  that  new  members  exhibited  with  much  success.  Mr. 
Tinsley  had  a  lovely  half-dozen  Roses,  Mr.  Hitcbmough  being  second. 
A  charming  spray  of  W.  A.  Richardson  Roses  came  from  Miss  Hunter, 
Mrs.  Harris  and  Mrs.  Stevenson  dividing  the  second  and  third  prizes. 
For  three  Roses  and  four  bunches  of  flowers  Mrs.  Morriss  was  well 
ahead  with  capital  examples.  The  bunches  of  Sweet  Peas  from  Mr. 
Cangley  were  superb.  Mrs.  McGregor  had  the  best  Hydrangea, 
besides  showing  well  in  several  classes.  The  baskets  arranged  for 
effect  numbered  seven,  but  there  was  room  for  improvement  in  several 
cf  them.  First  honours  were  equally  divided  between  Mrs.  Stevenson 
and  Miss  Davies,  the  former  ladv  winning  with  Fancy  Pelargoniums  and 
handsome  Fuchsias.  Grand  Petunias  and  a  rich  ooloured  Gloxinia 
secured  two  firsts  for  Mr.  Hoskyn.  The  Gloxinias  from  Mr.  A.  Dodd 
were  of  such  a  special  character  as  to  secure  him  the  first  prize  and 
certificate.  He  also  won  with  a  tuberous  Begonia.  In  the  lecture 
hall  Mr.  Muir  presided  over  a  good  audience,  who  followed  with  great 
interest  the  excellent  paper  on  The  Japanese  Chrysanthemum  ”  by 
Mr.  J.  Heaton,  gardener  to  R.  P.  Houston,  Esq.,  M.P.,  The  Lawn, 
Aigbnrth.  The  usual  votes  terminated  this  excellent  meeting. 
— R.  P.  R. 
Leeds  Paxton,  July  10th. 
This  year  the  members  of  the  above  had  their  annual  excursion 
conjointly  with  the  Horsforth  Gardeners’  Society  on  the  10th  inst.,  the 
nurseries  of  Messrs.  Clibrans  being  selected  for  the  purpose  of  the  visit. 
The  party,  numbering  about  100,  left  Leeds  in  specially  reserved 
carriages  attached  to  the  8  a.m.  for  Manchester,  which  was  reached  at 
9.80  ;  here  they  were  met  by  representatives  of  Messrs.  Clibrans’,  who 
had  provided  conveyances,  in  which  the  party  were  driven  to  the 
nurseries  at  Altrincham,  a  distance  of  about  eight  miles.  The  day  was 
very  warm,  and  the  drive  was  much  enjoyed.  The  branch  nurseries  at 
Hale  were  first  visited,  where  the  large  and  varied  stocks  of  fruit  and 
forest  trees,  hedge  and  covert  plants,  Conifers,  shrubs,  &c.,  were  much 
admired,  speoial  comment  being  made  upon  the  remarkably  healthy 
appearance  presented  by  everything,  and  the  cleanliness  observable  in 
all  parts  of  the  grounds.  From  Hale  the  party  were  driven  via  the 
Cemetery  Nurseries,  where  additional  stocks  of  Conifers  in  the  finest 
possible  condition  were  noticed,  to  the  Stamford  Nurseries  at  Bowdon. 
Here  were  seen  houses  filled  with  huge  stocks  of  Ferns,  Ficus, 
Aspidistras,  some  fine  Lapagerias,  and  some  grand  plants  of  that  rarely 
seen  but  l  ovely  plant,  Lnculia  gratissima. .  Outside  were  noted  some 
rare  and  beautiful  shrubs,  Conifers,  and  other  ohoice  subjects,  all  in 
the  best  of  health.  Luncheon  was  provided  at  the  Unicorn  Hotel, 
Altrincham,  and  after  the  exertions  of  the  morning  was  much 
appreciated.  The  chair  was  taken  by  one  of  the  representatives  of 
Messrs.  ClibraDs,  who  occupied  it  in  the  unavoidable  absence  of  Mr. 
Clibran.  The  toast  list  included  “  The  King,  Queen,  and  Royal 
Family  ;  ”  “  Success  to  the  Leeds  Paxton  and  Horsforth  Gardeners’ 
Associations  ;  ”  and  “  Prosperity  to  Messrs.  Clibrans,”  who  were  acting 
as  hosts  to  the  two  societies  for  the  day.  Luncheon  over,  the  Oldfield 
Nurseries  were  next  visited,  where,  amongst  other  things,  some  fine 
stocks  of  speoimen  Hollies  were  noted.  Despite  the  intensely  hot  day, 
the  contents  of  the  numerous  glass  houses  came  in  for  a  full  share  of 
inspection,  special  admiration  being  expressed  at  the  fine  stocks  of 
Crotons,  Roses,  Carnations,  Vines  and  Figs,  all  of  which  are  specialised 
at  Oldfield,  the  collections  of  stove,  greenhouse,  and  indoor  plants 
generally  being  freely  commented  upon  for  their  great  extent,  and  the 
skill  displayed  in  their  cultivation.  Out  of  doors  were  noticed  the 
collections  of  alpine  and  herbaceous  plants,  the  latter  being  in  full 
beauty.  By  this  time  the  afternoon  was  far  spent,  and  the  visitors 
regretted  that  time  would  not  permit  of  their  visiting  the  grounds  at 
the  Carrington  branch,  where  such  subjects  as  Rhododendrons,  Privet, 
and  Poplars  are  grown  by  the  million.  Tea  was  provided  at  the 
Unicorn  Hotel  at  five  o’clock,  after  which  the  party  were  photographed. 
Shortly  after  six  o’clock  the  party  rejoined  the  conveyances,  and  with 
ringing  cheers  for  Messrs.  Clibrans  started  on  the  return  journey  to 
Manchester,  leaving  there  by  the  8.27  p.m.  for  Leeds,  after  a  most 
profitable  and  enjoyable  dav’s  outing. 
Southampton  Horticultural  Society. 
By  the  kind  permission  of  Sir  Samuel  and  Lady  Montagu,  a  garden 
party  and  fete  took  place  in  the  beautiful  grounds  of  South  Stone  harm 
House  on  Wednesday  afternoon  and  evening,  under  the  auspices  of  the 
Southampton  Horticultural  Society.  The  picturesque  grounds,  with  its 
shady  trees,  rustic  walks,  and  beautiful  lakes,  formed  an  ideal  place  for 
such  a  gathering.  A  very  large  number  of  ladies  and  gentlemen  availed 
themselves  of  the  treat.  The  band  of  the  Borough  Polioe  played  some 
capital  selections,  which  were  greatly  enjoyed.  A  special  item  of 
interest  took  place  in  the  afternoon — namely,  the  dragging  of  the 
noted  salmon  pool.  The  fishers  were  very  successful,  catching  some 
very  large  salmon  and  salmon  trout,  which  were  put  up  for  auction  and 
sold.  Mr.  J.  Key  Allen,  F.R.H.S.,  chairman  of  the  Council,  proposed  a 
vote  of  thanks  to  Sir  Samuel  and  Lady  Montagu  for  the  use  of  the 
delightful  grounds.  He  then  presented  Sir  Samuel’s  head  gardener, 
Mr.  Thos.  Hall,  to  whom  the  success  was  largely  due,  for  the  excellent 
manner  in  which  he  had  made  the  necessary  arrangements,  with  a 
silver  medal  in  honour  of  his  having  been  the  largest  prizewinner  of 
the  society’s  show  held  on  the  pier  the  week  before.  In  the  evening 
the  grounds  were  illuminated  with  many  coloured  fires.  The  eooiety 
benefits  by  the  party  to  something  like  £50.  The  secretary  and  oounoil 
have  every  reason  to  congratulate  themselves  upon  the  result  of  their 
labours. — J.  M. 
East  Anglian  Horticultural  Club. 
The  monthly  meeting  of  this  club  was  held  on  Wednesday,  the  10th,. 
at  the  Shirehall  Hotel,  Mr.  J.  Powley,  F.R.H.S.,  in  the  chair,  supported 
by  Mr.  Robert  Holmes,  F.R.H.S.  The  debate  for  the  evening  was 
opened  by  Mr.  G.  James  (gardener  to  Mr.  E.  T.  Boardman)  upon 
“  Hardy  Florists’  Flowers.”  In  his  paper  Mr.  James  gave  some 
interesting  illustrations  of  the  interest  the  preceding  generation  of 
horticulturists  took  in  such  flowerB  as  the  Pansy,  Tulip,  Hollyhocks, 
and  Auricula.  Norwich  was  particularly  noted  for  the  interest  its 
worsted  weavers  took  in  their  Tulip  shows.  Laced  Pinks,  Carnations, 
and  Picotees,  too,  were  thought  much  of,  and  greater  pains  than  now 
bestowed  upon  their  culture.  The  discussion  brought  out  many 
anecdotes,  the  old  time  florists  present  entering  into  it  earnestly. 
The  second  series  of  exhibitions  for  the  challenge  cup  (vegetables) 
brought  out  three  splendid  collections,  Mr.  G.  James  and  Mr.  C.  Hines 
coming  out  a  “  dead  heat.”  Mr.  G.  James  was  first  for  Roses  with 
fine  blooms  of  the  Tea- scented  varieties.  Mr.  C.  Matthews  also  staged 
some  very  fine  varieties  of  the  H.P.  section.  As  a  vegetable  grower 
Mr.  C.  Hines  again  showed  his  superiority,  his  Peas  and  Cauliflowers 
being  exceptionally  good.  Mr.  D.  Howlett  had  the  best  of  the  pot 
plants,  and  some  good  Carnations  and  cut  Zonal  Pelargoniums.  There 
were  also  staged  a  dozen  varieties  of  Malmaison  Carnations  grown  at 
Tranby  Croft,  Hull,  by  Mr.  G.  Leadbetter.  Muoh  having  been  heard 
ofTranby  Croft  lately  as  a  Carnation  growing  centre,  muoh  interest 
was  evoked  in  the  grand  blooms  sent.  Mr.  Church  of  Braconash  also 
exhibited  three  blooms  of  a  new  seedling  border  Carnation,  a  lovely 
rose  colour,  and  deliciously  scented,  raised  by  him.  Mr.  Joyoe,  Eaton 
Park,  showed  bunches  of  fruit  as  taken  from  the  plant  of  Holmes’ 
Supreme  Tomato  to  demonstrate  its  superiority  as  a  market  variety. 
A  splendid  volume  of  the  “  English  Flower  Garden  ”  was  presented  to 
the  club  by  Mr.  Roll.  The  duties  of  judging  were  admirably  carried 
out  by  Messrs.  W.  Rush,  J.  Fitch,  and  E.  Tice. 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  of  Ireland. 
The  usual  monthly  meeting  of  the  council  was  held  at  the  offices, 
5,  Molesworth  Street,  on  Thursday  last,  at  which  were  present  Major 
Cusack,  J.P.,  vice-chairman,  presiding.  Also  present :  H.  Drummond, 
J.P. ;  E.  D’Olier,  F.  W.  Moore,  M.R.I.A. ;  Geo.  M.  Ross,  M.A,  ;  H.  P. 
Goodbody,  and  H.  Smallman. 
The  secretary  submitted  a  report  of  the  result  of  the  last  show, 
which  was  considered  most  satisfactory,  representing  a  large  financial 
increase  on  previous  years,  and  from  a  horticultural  aspect  eclipsed  all 
previous  Rose  shows.  On  the  recommendation  of  the  judges  the 
council  were  pleased  to  award  Messrs.  Richard  Hartland  &  Sons,  The 
Lough  Nurseries,  Cork,  a  gold  medal,  the  highest  award  within  their 
gift,  for  a  meritorious  and  unique  exhibit  of  double  and  single  Begonias, 
double  and  single  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  show  and  regal  Pelargoniums. 
The  following  were  duly  elected  members  of  the  society  : — A.  Pim, 
Esq.,  Bellevue,  Blaokrock ;  George  Kernan,  Esq.,  Hamilton,  Ailesbury 
Road;  Mrs.  Hone,  St.  Doulough’s  Park,  St.  Doulough’s,  Mrs.  W.  W. 
Goodbody,  Clonfadda,  Blaokrock  ;  Mr.  Bogie,  The  Gardens,  Castlemartin. 
Preliminary  arrangements  were  made  for  holding  the  great  autumn 
show  in  Merrion  Square,  on  Tuesday,  August  27th  (first  day  of  horse 
show),  at  which  the  Blue  Hungarian  Band  has  been  engaged  to  play. 
A  discussion  arose  cn  the  practice  of  some  exhibitors  staging  their 
boxes  higher  than  the  stipulated  height  laid  down  by  the  rules  of  the 
society,  and  by  their  so  doing  seriously  taking  away  from  the  symme¬ 
trical  appearance  of  the  exhibits,  and  the  council  decided  on  rigidly 
enforcing  for  the  future  the  rule  that  all  boxes  shall  be  of  the  uniform 
height  of  4  inches  in  front  and  7  inches  at  back,  and  that  any  infringe¬ 
ment  of  this  rule  will  subjeot  the  exhibitor  liable  to  disqualification. 
A  letter  was  read  from  his  Majesty’s  Keeper  of  the  Privy  Purse 
intimating  his  Majesty’s  pleasure  in  acceding  to  the  request  of  the 
oounoil  to  become  patron  of  the  society  in  succession  to  her  late 
Majesty  Queen  Victoria. 
