April  20,  1899. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 
325 
FIGS  IN  POTS.  ' 
It  is  surprising  what  an  amount  of  feeding  Figs  in  pots  will  take  when 
healthy  and  full  of  fruit.  Though  when  started  early  in  the  3'ear  they 
seem  to  have  ample  room  in  the  pots,  it  soon  becomes  evident  that 
something  more  is  needed  when  the  crop  on  the  young  shoots  begins  to 
swelh  Some  pot  trees  of  St.  John’s  Fig  pinched  a  week  since  are  now 
pushing  up  the  fruit.  They  had  a  thorough  top-dressing  of  rich  loam, 
an  artificial  rim  of  this  material  being  packed  round  just  inside  the  rim  ot 
the  pots,  and  in  less  than  a  fortnight  the  roots  pushed  through  this  in  all 
■directions,  searching  out  the  bonemeal  that  was  sprinkled  among  the  loam. 
I  am  sure  there  is  no  more  fruitful  cause  of  the  Figs  dropping  when 
half  grown  than  starvation  treatment  combined  on  occasions  with  over- 
■<iroppirig.  The  work  a  healthj-  well-cropped  Fig  tree  has  to  do  at  this 
■season^  is  considerable,  and  the  roots  eagerly  search  for  whatever  is 
given  in  the  way  of  food.  Observation  of  this  should  show  cultivators 
when  the  feeding  is  needed,  for  the  tree  reads  one  as  plain  a  lesson  as 
possible.  Another  very  frequent  cause  of  failure  with  forced  Figs  is 
keeping  them  thickly  placed  in  warm,  moist  houses,  and  before  properly 
■hardening,  turning  them  out  in  the  full  sun.  The  leaves  are  then  often 
drowned  and  scorched,  so  cannot  perform  their  due  functions,  and  this  is 
a  serious  check  to  the  trees.— B.  B.  E. 
ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 
DRILL  HALL. — April  18th. 
It  is  more  than  probable  that  a  better  display  than  that  presented  at 
the  Drill  Hall  on  Tuesday  has  never  been  excelled  for  beauty  and 
interest  at  this  season  of  the  year.  The  number  of  entries  was  remark¬ 
ably  high,  and,  so  far  as  flowers  and  foliage  plants  were  concerned,  there 
were  variety  and  excellence  of  quality  in  an  exceptional  degree.  Marcissi 
■made  a  show  in  themselves,  as  did  Roses  and  gorgeous  Tulips.  Orchids 
again  easily  maintained  the  high  standard  that  is  now  expected  at  these 
meetings.  Save  for  Mr.  Bunyard’s  splendid  collection  of  Apples  the 
Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee  had  little  before  them. 
Fruit  Committee. — Present;  P.  Crowlejq  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
with  the  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  and  Messrs.  R.  Parker,  J.  H.  Veitch,  J.  Cheal, 
Poupart,  E.  Shaw-BIaker,  A,  H.  Pearson,  W.  Pope,  A.  Dean, 
S.  Mortimer,  W.  Farr,  G.  Woodward,  C.  Herrin,  W.  Bates,  F.  Q.  Lane, 
A.  F.  Barron,  W.  J.  Empson,  G.  Wvthes,  H.  Balderson,  W.  H.  Divers, 
J.  Willard,  and  R.  Fife. 
Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maidstone,  staged  a  magnificent  collection 
of  Apples  in  about  one  hundred  dishes.  All  of  the  varieties  were  in 
splendid  condition,  illustrating  once  again  the  capabilities  of  the  Maid¬ 
stone  fruit  room.  Early  and  late  sorts  were  represented,  and  received  at 
the  hands  of  the  Fruit  Committee  a  silver-gilt  Knightian  medal. 
Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Farnham,  contributed  a  dozen  boxes  of  Tomatoes 
all  of  a  new  variety  named  Winter  Beauty.  One  box  contained  the 
bunches  of  fruits  and  the  other  single  specimens,  but  all  alike  were  of 
great  excellence.  Mr.  6.  Wythes,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Northumber¬ 
land,  Syon  House,  sent  grand  Figs  Pingo  de  Mel  and  St.  John,  and 
some  splendid  Asparagus  from  open  air  beds.  Mr.  W.  J.  Empson, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Wingfield,  Ampthill,  sent  Pea  Carter’s  Early  Morn, 
which  ought  to  be  of  value  for  early  use. 
Floral  Committee. — Present :  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
with  Messrs.  J.  Fraser,  C.  T.  Druery,  O.  Thomas,  H.  B.  May,  R.  Dean, 
H-  Fitt,  G.  Nicholson,  W.  Howe,  J.  Jennings,  R.  B.  Lowe,  T.  Peed, 
R.  W.  Ker,  J.  Fraser  (Kew),  G.  Paul,  W,  Bain,  J.  D.  Pawle.  C.  A.  Fielder, 
H.  J.  Cutbush,  J.  W.  Barr,  E.  T.  Cook,  E.  Beckett,  T.  W.  Sanders, 
D.  B.  Crane,  E.  H.  Jenkins,  C.  Blick,  H.  S.  Leonard,  H.  J.  Jones,  H. 
Turner,  and  E.  Mawley. 
An  attractive  semicircular  group  was  arranged  by  Mr.  H.B.  May’,  Upper 
Edmonton.  It  comprised  Crimson  Rambler  Roses,  Spir^as,  and  Hydran¬ 
geas.  with  Acers  and  Ferns.  The  plants  were  carrying  excellent  flowers. 
A  bright  exhibit  was  that  contributed  by  Messrs.  J.  Carter  &  Co.,  High 
Holborn.  It  consisted  wholly  of  Cinerarias,  single  varieties,  dwarf  and 
bushy  in  habit,  and  carrying  flowers  of  high  quality,  and  doubles  not  so 
diversified  in  colour,  but  equally  attractive  and  interesting.  Mr.  Brown, 
gardener  to  Sir  Francis  Berry,  St.  Leonard’s  Hill,  Windsor,  staged  a 
collection  of  Camellia  flowers  cut  from  plants  growing  in  the  open 
ground.  The  varieties  numbered  forty,  and  the  colours  were  rich  and 
clear.  The  large  stout  foliage  was  deep  green  in  hue,  and  spoke  of  the 
rudest  health.  They  will  go  far  with  visitors  to  demonstrate  the  hardi- 
■ness  of  the  Camellia. 
The  130  pots  of  Dutch  Tulips,  representing  ICO  varieties,  sent  by 
Messrs.  W.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  lent  colour  and  attractiveness  to 
the  exhibition.  The  flowers  were  not  particularly  large,  but  they  were  of 
rich  colour,  and  rose  above  healthy  leafage.  All  the  best  known  double 
and  single  varieties  were  represented,  and  this  fact  makes  the  mention  of 
names  unnecessary.  Mr.  R.  Fyfe,  gardener  to  Lord  Wantage,  V.C., 
Lockinge  Park,  Wantage,  exhibited  a  number  of  blooms  of  Fortune’s 
Yellow  , Roses.  They  were  of  superb  quality,  large  in  size,  and  rich  in 
•colour.  It  is  seldom  that  this  Rose  is  seen  in  such  splendid  condition. 
Mr.  G.  W.  Piper,  Uckfield,  sent  Tea  Rose  Sunrise — a  variety  excep¬ 
tionally  rich  in  colour,  and  of  good  form.  Messrs.  R.  Wallace  &  Co., 
Colchester,  were  represented  by  a  small  collection  of  flowers,  including 
Fritillarias,  Erythroniums,  Irises,  Anemones,  and  others. 
^Ir.  J.  Arkwright,  Hampton  Court,  Leominster,  staged  a  number  of 
plants  of  Primrose  Evelyn  Arkwright,  a  large  flowered  variety  that  is  now 
comparatively  well  known.  The  same  exhibitor  also  showed  a  small 
collection  of  Primulas.  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  sent  a  group  of 
Cineraria  stellulaia,  representing  a  wider  range  of  colour  than  is 
commonly  seen.  It  may  reasonably  be  expected  that  when  these  become 
better  known  they  will  be  accorded  a  very  large  share  ol  popularity  lor 
their  graceful  habit  and  the  splendid  lasting  properties  of  the  flowers. 
Mr.  J.  Russell,  Richmond,  contributed  a  small  group  mainly  composed 
of  Azaleas,  Stapbylea  colchica.  Lilacs,  and  Wistaria  sinensis.  Mr.  Bain, 
gardener  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  Dorking,  showed  some  magnifi¬ 
cent  Anthuriums,  with  a  few  Begonias. 
Indian  Azaleas  from  Messrs.  R,  &  G.  Cuthbert,  New  Southgate,  made 
a  brilliant  stand,  and  attracted  much  admiration.  The  varieties  were 
fairly  numerous,  and  the  colours  ranged  from  pure  white  to  the  deepest 
crimson.  Messrs.  G.  Jackman  &  Sons,  Woking,  sent  an  interesting 
exhibit,  largely  composed  of  Primulas,  but  including  also  Daffodils  and 
hardy  herbaceous  flowers.  Mr.  D.  Kemp,  gardener  to  W.  Bryant,  Esq., 
Stoke  Edith  Park,  Slough,  was  represented  by  a  collection  of  Amaryllis 
(Hippeastrums).  The  plants  were  very  large,  and  producing  immense 
leaves  and  spikes  ot  grand  flowers.  The  miscellaneous  plants  from 
Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate,  were  very  charming,  and  merited 
the  admiration  they  received.  There  were  Eneas,  Oranges,  Boronias, 
Acacias,  and  others. 
Mr.  W.  Rumsey’,  Joynings  Nurseries,  Waltham  Cross,  made  a  most 
attractive  display  with  Roses,  both  on  plants  and  in  boxes.  The  plants 
in  pots  were  clean  and  healthy,  and  carrying  richly  coloured,  while 
the  blooms  in  boxes  were  well  above  average  merit.  Messrs,  B.  S. 
Williams  &  Son,  Upper  Holloway,  exhibited  in  a  large  group  of  miscel¬ 
laneous  flowering  and  foliage  plants  some  magnificent  -Vandas,  Ericas, 
Clivias,  Acacias,  Ferns,  Palms,  and  others.  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Old 
Nurseries,  Cheshunt,  sent  Roses  in  pots — small  plants  carrying  fine 
flowers — and  also  Rosa  Wichurianavariegata,  a  variety  that  will  evidently 
travel  a  considerable  distance  in  one  season. 
Messrs.  .1.  Peed  &  Son,  Roupell  Park  Nurseries,  Norwood,  showed  a 
group  in  which  such  foliage  plants  as  Caladiums,  Dracaenas,  herns,  and 
Asparagus  were  most  prominent.  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill, 
made  a  very  bright  display'  with  various  plant?.  Amongst  the  most 
conspicuous  were  Azaleas,  Ericas,  Clivias,  Liliums,  Boronias,  Cyclamens, 
a  few  Orchids,  with  numerous  foliage  plants.  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons, 
Ltd.,  Chelsea,  sent  some  splendidly  flowered  plants  of  Spiraa  astilboides 
compacta.  Messrs.  Collins  Bros.  &  Gabriel,  Waterloo  Road,  staged  a 
large  collection  of  Poly  anthuses. 
Orchid  Committee. — Present  :  H.  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  fin  the  chair)  ; 
with  Messr.s.  J.  O’Brien,  S.Courtauld,  J.  Colman,  E.  Ashworth,  W.  H. 
White,  E.  Hill,  H.  T.  Pitt,  J.  Jaques,  F.  J.  Thorne,  F.  Sander,  T.  W.  Bond, 
W.  H.  Young,  A.  Outram,  H.  Little,  J,  T.  Gabriel,  H.  J.  Chapman, 
H.  Bullantine,  de  Barri  Crawshay,  J.  G.  Fowler,  and  T.  B.  Haywood. 
Mr.  W.  A.  Bilney’,  Fir  Frange,  The  Heath,  VV^ey  bridge,  showed  a 
small  collectitn  of  Orchids,  in  which  Deiidrobiums  were  attractively' 
conspicuous.  The  exh.bit  also  included  Cattleyas, Cypripediums,  Phains, 
and  Cymbidiums.  For  the  fourth  year  in  succession  Mr.  h.  J.  Ihorne, 
gardener  to  Major  J.  Joicey,  Sunningdale  Park,  staged  splendidly 
flowered  plants  of  Epidendrum  (Diacrium)  bicornutum,  together  with  a 
few  other  admirably  grown  Orchids.  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co ’s  group 
of  Orchids  from  Upper  Clapton  was  very  bright,  and  contained  many' 
splendid  flowers.  There  were  Odontoglossums,  Dendrobmms,  Cattleyas, 
and  others,  all  in  first-rate  condition.  The  Cymbidium  Lowianum  in  the 
group  from  Mr.  WhifFen,  gardener  to  J.  Bradshaw,  Esq.,  Southgate, 
were  finely  grown.  This  exhibitor  sent  also  some  Odontoglossums  in 
good  variety,  as  well  as  other  Orchids. 
Mr.  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  was 
represented  by  a  very'  ellcctive  group.  'Ihere  were  Odoutoglossum 
Andersonianum,  O.  coronarium  miniatum,  0.  Edwardi,  O.  Ruckerianum, 
(ialanthe  veratnfolia,  Miltonia  cuneata  granditlora,  Cymbidium  Devoni- 
anum,  and  several  others.  The  most  attractive  exhibit  in  the  Or^id 
section  was  that  from  M«  ssrs.  J.  Veitch  &.  Sons,  Ltd.,  Chelsea,  The^ 
several  plants  of  which  the  group  was  composed  were  in  the  best  ot 
health,  and  represented  some  of  the  best  Orchids  now  in  bloom.  We 
cannot  name  all,  but  may  mention  Cattleyas,  Dendrobiums,  Miltonias, 
Calanthes,  Oncidiums,  Cymbidiums,  Epidendruins,  Laelias,  Cy  pripediums, 
and  Odontoglossums  as  amongst  the  most  prominent.  ,,  -o  i, 
Mr.  H.  Ballantine,  gardener  to  Baron  Schroder,  The  Dell,  Egham, 
sent  some  superb  spikes  of  Odontoglossums,  and  several  other  growers 
contributed  to  the  display  by  sending  small  exhibits,  ^  .u 
Narcissus  Committee. — Present  :  The  Rev.  G.  Engleheart  (in  the 
chair)  ;  with  Miss  Willmott,  and  Messrs.  J.  Walker,  A.  Kingsmile,  G. 
Titheradge,  S.  A.  do  Graaff,  R.  Sydenham,  P.  R,  Barr,  J.  Pope,  and 
Scr^is©  Dicli6ns« 
J  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  Covent  Garden,  showed  a  comprehensive  display 
of  Daffodils,  beautifully  staged  with  their  own  toliage.  The  collection 
comprised  Mrs.  Norma  Crosfield,  Madame  Plemp,  incomparabilis  plenus, 
Glory  of  Leiden,  cernuus,  Catherine  Spurrell,  Victoria,  bulphur  Phoenix, 
Mrs.  Langtry',  Orange  Phoenix,  Weardale  Perfection  (a  tine  form).  Red 
Coat,  Duke  of  Bedford,  Dr.  Fell,  and  intermedius  Sunset. 
Messrs.  T.  S.  Ware,  Ltd.,  Tottenham,  staged  a  good  collection  of  hardy 
sprino"  flowers,  consisting  of  Daffodils,  such  as  Emperor,  \  ictoria,  Madame 
Plemp,  Horsefieldi,  Madame  de  Graaff,  albican?,  and  Sir  Watkm  ; 
Primulas  Siebjldi,  lilacina.  denticulata,  and  S.  rosea  striata,  with  a  good 
strain  of  Polyanthuses,  Erythroniums.  Violet  sulphurea  odorata,  and 
Adonis  vernahs.  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  exhibited  a  pretty 
table  of  Daffodils,  arranged  with  pots  of  Maidenhair  Fern.  The  chief  ^rms 
were  Princeps,  Empress  Victoria,  Emperor,  Horsefieldi,  Biirbidgei,  Flora 
Wilson,  C.  J.  Backhouse,  Princess  Ida,  Fred  Moore,  Sir  Watkm,  a.nd 
Golden  Plover.  The  flowers  presented  a  very  bright  and  spring-like 
appeal  ance. 
