45G 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
June  1,  1893- 
position  in  the  following  classes :  Spray,  six  blooms,  rayless  white  Viola, 
with  William  Tell,  very  fine  ;  spray,  rayless  blue  Viola.  Blue  Gown  ; 
spray,  rayless  yellow  Viola,  Pembroke  ;  spray,  rayed  white  Viola,  Blanche; 
spray,  rayed  blue  Viola,  Britfania  ;  spray,  rayed  yellow  Viola,  Stephen  ; 
and  for  twenty-fonr  sprays  of  Violas  (dissimilar'!.  For  twelve  sprays  of 
rayless  Violas,  distinct,  Mr.  J.  M.  Johnstone,  The  Gardens,  Hints  Hall, 
was  awarded  the  first  prize.  The  flowers  were  tastefully  arranged  with 
Maidenhair  Fern  and  Asparagus  foliage.  The  second  prize  was  allotted  to 
Councillor  Waters. 
In  the  class  for  six  blooms  of  Fancy  Pansies,  one  variet}’,  the  first  prize 
was  awarded  to  iMr.  T.  Naden  with  .lohn  iMncKie  in  ercellent  form  and 
colour  ;  also  the  first  prize  for  six  seedling  Fancy  Pansies.  In  the  class 
open  to  amateurs  residing  within  ten  miles  of  Tamworth  Town  Hall, 
Mr.  W.  B.  Fowler  was  the  only  representative,  and  was  awarded  the  first 
prize  for  twelve  Fancy  Pansies.  For  twelve  sprays  of  Violas,  distinct. 
Councillor  Waters  wa.s  the  only  exhibitor,  and  received  the  first  prixe. 
In  the  cottagers’  classes  Messrs.  J.  Pavie,  W.  B.  Fowler,  Chapman,  and 
Shears  were  the  exhibitors  of  creditable  productions. 
There  was  a  very  attractive  display  of  non  competitive  exhibits,  Mr. 
W.  Sydenham  was  awarded  a  silver  medal  for  a  splendid  collection  of 
Violas  in  about  fifty  varieties  arranged  In  sprays,  and  it  is  questionable  if 
a  better  ‘tand  has  ever  been  seen  elsewhere.  Two  new  varieties  raised  by 
the  exhibitor  were  selected  for  special  awards  (F.C.C.).  Lark  (1899)  a 
beautifully  formed  flow  er,  creamy  w  hite  with  a  heliotrope  coloured  border, 
a  perfect  rayless  flower,  and  one  of  the  best  for  exhibition  :  Mr.  Scul- 
thorpe.  also  new,  a  splendid  rayless  flower  of  a  rich  yellow  colour  in  the 
way  of  Pembroke.  Other  noticeable  varieties  were  Golden  Bee, 
Kingcup,  Melampns,  Symphony,  Sidnej-,  Ethel  Hare,  Auricula,  Bouncer, 
Kathleen,  Marblthead,  Thunderer,  Mrs.  A.  D.  Parker,  and  Minnie 
Warren.  A  certificate  of  merit  was  adjudged  to  Mr.  Sydenham  for  floral 
decorations,  amongst  which  was  a  harp  shaped  arrangement  of  exquisite 
beauty,  the  framework  being  composed  of  Violas  Blanche  and  Sweet 
Lavender,  while  the  strings  were  formed  of  Tom  Thumb,  a  curious 
Violetta. 
Mr.  .1.  JI.  Johnstone  was  the  first  prizewinner  for  a  table  decoratior> 
most  tastetully  arranged  with  blue  and  yellow  Violas,  and  Fern  and 
Asparagus  foliage.  The  same  exhibitor  also  secured  the  first  prize  for  a 
floral  design,  composed  of  white  and  j'ellow  Violas,  forming  an  arched 
gateway  ;  aBo  a  certificate  of  merit  for  a  collection  of  plants,  in  which 
some  fine  Calceolarias  were  conspicuous.  Mr.  AV.  B.  Child,  Acocks 
Green,  had  a  large  and  interesting  collection  of  Alpine  plants  in  flower, 
including  several  rare  varieties.  Mr,  Hubert  Sydenham  had  examples  of 
rustic  table  decorations.  This  exhibit  was  much  admired,  being 
composed  of  white  and  pink  and  Uriah  Pike  Carnations  and  Roses,  to 
which  a  certificate  of  merit  and  silver  medal  were  deservedly  awarded. 
ST.  PETERSBURG  INTERNATIONAL 
EXHIBITION, 
To  bring  an  exhibition  under  such  a  climate  and  conditions  as  those 
of  the  town  of  St.  Peterstmrg  to  a  successful  issue,  requires  a  consider¬ 
able  amount  of  tact  and  an  immense  amount  of  energy  on  the  part  of  the 
organisers,  who,  in  this  particular  instance,  cannot  be  too  highly  praised, 
although  their  efforts  were  not  crowned  with  the  greatest  success.  In  an 
horticultural  exhibition  of  this  character — that  is  to  say,  held  in  a  part  of 
the  globe  where  the  severity  of  the  climate  is  extreme,  and  where,  up  to 
the  eve  of  the  opening,  snow  on  the  roadsides  and  ice  on  the  rivers  are 
still  the  order  of  the  day,  it  is  easily  understoo  1  that  the  great  bulk  of  the 
exhibits  should  be  foreign  produce,  the  native  article  being,  however,  of 
very  good  quality,  especially  when  all  the  cultural  difficulties  are  taken 
into  consideration. 
The  greatest  drawbacks,  the  stumblingblock  in  fact  of  the  organisers 
of  such  an  undertaking,  is  the  slowness  and  apathy  of  the  officials  in  the 
matter  of  despatching  goods  entrusted  to  their  care.  This  has  been  the 
cause,  in  this  instance,  of  many  disappointments,  as  exhibits  which  had 
been  forwarded  in  good  condition,  and  which  had  reached  the  Russian 
frontier  several  days  be'bre  the  date  of  the  show,  were  exposed  so  long  to 
the  influence  of  very  cold  and  frosty  weather  that  they  arrived  at  their 
destination  either  completely  spoilt  or  so  late  that  they  could  not  take 
place  in  the  competitions  for  which  they  were  intended. 
Besides  the  Russian  exhibitors  some  250  or  more  continental  firms 
sent  their  produce.  England  was  very  creditably  represented  by  Messrs. 
J.  A  eitch  &  Sons,  Ltd,,  who  staged  a  splendid  collection  of  Nepenthes, 
Sarracenia,  and  other  carnivorous  plants,  which  were  the  admiration  of 
all  the  visitors ;  although  exhibited  out  of  competition  this  most 
interesting  group  received  a  large  gold  medal  ;  and  also  by  Messrs.  R. 
Ker  &  Sons  of  I.iverpool,  who  contributed  about  five  dozen  of  their 
beautiful  Amaryllis,  showing  some  splendid  tints  from  pale  cream, 
streaked  with  red,  to  the  brilliant  scarlet  and  dark  crimson  colours 
peculiar  to  that  class  ot  plants  ;  this  was  awarded  a  large  and  a  small 
gold  medal  ;  while  for  their  group  of  new  plants  Messrs.  F.  Sander  and 
Co.  of  St.  Albans  received  two  large  gold  medals. 
Among  the  Continental  exhibitors  the  principal  prizewinners  were  : — 
Messrs.  Moser,  Mantin,  Lachaume,  Compoint,  Chantrier,  Boucher, 
Defresne,  Delavier,  Sallier,  Duval,  Paillet,  Martichon,  Peeters.  Vincke 
Dujardin.  Massange  Le  Louvrex,  Do  la  Devansaye,  Louis  De  Smet, 
Croux,  Seidel,  Hermann  Krautz,  Max  Ziegenbalg,  Olberg,  Hanisch,  and 
others.  AVe  hope  next  week  to  give  a  fuller  account  of  the  prizes  won  by 
the  exhibitors  of  the  various  nations  that  have  taken  part  in  that  great 
tournament  which  was  held  in  the  Palais  de  la  Tauride,  in  which  it  is 
said  that  the  fSles  given  by  Prince  Potemkine  for  the  reception  of  Empress 
Catherine  II.  greatly  surpassed  in  magnificence  those  given  previously 
by  Louis  XIV.,  or  by  his  intendent,  the  great  Foi  quet,  at  the  Pa’ ace  of 
Versailles. 
The  disposition  of  an  horticultural  exhibition  at  St.  Petersburg  is 
totally  different  and  distinct  from  all  we  are  in  the  habit  of  seeing  in 
Fingland,  for  with  the  exception  of  fine  specimens  of  trained  fruit  trees 
anti  of  Conifers  which  were  planted  outside,  and  of  the  Orchids  and  of 
the  English  exhibits,  for  which  well-heated  greenhouses  had  been  specially 
built,  all  the  other  exhibits,  foliage  and  flowering  plants  alike,  were 
located  in  the  vast  rooms  of  th«  Palace  itself,  and  the  general  effect  of 
the  Show,  although  ot  a  very  imposing  nature,  was  greatly  marred  by  the 
numerous  columns  of  very  large  dimensions  which  form  an  important 
feature  in  this  remarkable  bn  Iding. 
The  groups,  taken  separately,  could,  however,  bo  well  examined,  and 
there  were,  besides  a  quantity  of  Palms,  of  decorative  quality  which 
appeared  to  have  been  sent  for  disposal  more  than  for  show,  some  remark¬ 
ably  fine  groups,  such  as  Rhododendrons  in  lull  bloom.  Azalea  indica 
and  A.  mollis,  and  Roses  in  pots  shown  to  perfection  by  Russian 
exhibitors.  It  was  feared  at  onetime  that  the  Orcnids  which  the  Belgian 
growers  had  intended  for  the  show  would  not  arrive  in  time,  as  they  had 
been  delayed  at  the  frontier,  but  they  were  fortunately  received,  and 
added  greatly  to  the  importance  of  an  exhibition  such  as  had  never  been 
seen  in  Russia. 
AVe  must  here  add  that  Mr.  Siesmayer.  the  able  director  of  tho 
gardens  attached  to  the  Palace,  was  most  energetic  in  heljiing  those  of 
the  exhibitors  who  were  in  difficulties  (and  there  were  many)  through  the 
want  of  kno  vledge  of  the  native  language,  and  for  his  kind  help  he- 
well  deserves  the  thanks  of  all  who  have  had  to  apply  to  him. 
It  is  gratifying  to  record  that  the  Emperor  took  special  notice  of  the- 
English  exhibits.  His  Majesty,  on  the  opening  day,  paid  great  atten¬ 
tion  to  the  group  of  carnivorous  plants,  and  with  the  Princess 
Feodorowna  and  their  suites,  was  mnch  interested  in  the  peculiaritii  s  of 
the  plants,  to  which  Air.  ,T.  H.  A'ti’.ch,  who  accompanied  them  around 
the  group,  called  attention. 
Although  this  exhibition  is  a  remarkable  illustration  of  what  can 
be  done  with  produce  brought  from  far  distant  countries,  it  must  bo- 
admitted  that  so  far  as  management  is  concerned  it  is  anyihing  but 
satisfactory,  lor  ten  days  a' ter  the  jury  had  started  its  work  the  prizes 
awarded  to  many  exhib  tnrs  w  ere  not  published.  For  several  days  jury 
after  jury  have  had  to  judge  exhibits  which  either  had  not  arrived  in  time 
or  which  from  other  causes  had  been  left  unjudgcd.  AVo  can,  therefore, 
simply  note  that  Mr.  Aloicr,  of  A'’ersailics,  exhibited  a  magnificent  group 
of  hardy  Rhododendrons,  large  specimens  in  baskets;  that  Air.  Croux 
had  a  very  handsome  collection  ot  Conifers;  that  Mons.  L<  uis  Leroy,  of 
Angers,  sent  fine  specimens  of  Alagnoliai  and  of  Camellias  in  pyramidal 
shape  ;  w  hile  Alons.  Honore  Defresne  and  Mons.  Bruneau  showed  well- 
trained  fruit  trees.  Alessrs.  G.  A^incke  Dujiirdin  and  De  Clerq  Varv 
Gyspghem  showed  also  some  magnificent  Bay  trees  (standards  and  pyra¬ 
midal  shaped),  such  as  Belgium  only  can  produce. 
Inside  the  houses  the  Orchids  from  France  and  Belgium  attracted 
most  attention.  They  were  those  of  Alessrs.  G.  Mantin,  Peelers, 
Alassange  de  Louvrox,  and  G.  Vincke  Dujardin.  A  special  mention 
should  also  be  made  of  the  wonderfully  fine  collection  of  New  Holland 
plants  shown  by  Alons.  E.  Bedinghaus  of  Ghent,  comprising  Acacias,. 
Ericas,  Eriostemons,  Diosmas,  Boronias,  Chorozemas,  Correas,  such  as  aro- 
very  seldom  seen  nowadays.  The  Palms  of  the  Socidte'  Anonyme  Gantoise 
were  also  a  remarkable  feature.  C  nspit  uous  among  them  were  Latania 
Cominersoni,  Areca  Ilsemani,  Calamus  intermedia,  Livistonia  Jenkensi^ 
a  unique  specimen  of  Phoenix  Koebelini,  Oncosperma  Van  Houtteana,  and 
many  others  equally  rare. 
Some  beautifully  flowered  Bougainvillea  Sanderiana  were  shown  by 
Alons.  J.  Sallier  of  Paris,  and  the  Paris  floral  decorators,  Messrs. 
Lachaume  &  Delavier,  hal  also  hirgely  contributed  by  their  work  to 
the  success  of  the  French  section,  as  did  the  Syndicate  of  Primeuristes,. 
who  showed  some  very  good  e.Karaples  of  Peaches,  Cherries,  and 
•  Alelons.  Alons.  Chantrier  had  a-i  in  cresting  group  of  Crotons  and 
Anthnriums.  Alons.  Alart  chon  of  Cannes,  Alons.  AA’agner  of  Leipzig,, 
and  Mons.  Alax  Ziegenbalsr  of  Dresden  showed  large  commercial  Palms,, 
while  Alons.  Siedel  of  Dresden  exhibited  a  splendid  collection  of 
Azalea  indica  grafted  upon  Rhododendrons,  and  also  one  of  dwarf 
Rhododendrons,  which  were  very  attractive,  and  it  is  only  a  matter  of 
regret  that  even  now  it  is  not  possible  to  give  the  names  ot  the  prize¬ 
winners  at  St,  Petersburg. 
“Familiar  AA’^ild  Flowers.” — Rather  more  than  one-third  of  the 
total  number  of  parts  of  this  work  have  now  been  published,  and  we  find 
in  Nos.  8  and  9  the  following  twenty  plates,  executed  with  the  same 
excellence  that  characterised  the  first  issue.  Bee  Orchis,  Hemp  Nettle, 
AVater  Cress,  Cherry.  Salad  Burnet,  Alarsh  Thistle,  Teasel,  Red-berried 
Bryony,  AA’^ood  Loosestrife,  AVater  Avens,  Butterfly  Orchis,  Dewberry,, 
yellow  Rocket,  Goosegrass,  Saw-wort,  narrow-leaved  Everlasting  Pea, 
yellow  Deadnettle  and  the  Slitchwort,  tuberous  Aloschatel,  Lambstongue,. 
i  and  Upright  Aleadow  Crowfoot. 
