August  30,  1900. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
209 
Non-competitive  Exhibits, 
Messrs.  B.  E.  Davies  &  Sons,  Yeovil,  sent  a  fine  bank  of  double 
Begonias  tastefully  arranged  with  foliage  varieties  and  Maidenhair 
Fern,  which  gave  it  a  pleasing  effect,  and  made  a  good  exhibit.  Messrs. 
Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Chelsea,  exhibited  a  large  collection  of 
specimen  Crotons,  beautifully  coloured,  with  Dracaenas,  Caladiums, 
Nepenthes,  Palms  in  variety,  and  a  few  Orchids  and  Java  Ehododen- 
drons,  all  embedded  in  Maidenhair  and  other  Ferns,  with  some  choice 
foliage  plants,  making  a  grand  exhibit;  while  the  arrangement  could 
only  be  classed  as  excellent.  Mr.  H.  Eckford,  Wem,  made  a  large  display 
of  Sweet  Peas,  which  were  of  fine  quality  and  nicely  arranged  with 
Gypsophila,  also  some  good  Verbenas,  Streptocarpus,  Cactus  Dahlias 
in  variety,  and  a  bright  bronze  Pansy  called  Lady  Constance  Bouverie. 
Tbe  Sweet  Peas  were  of  grand  quality,  and  contained  many  of  their 
new  varieties,  including  Coccinea  and  the  Hon.  Mrs,  Kenyon,  to  which 
first-class  certificates  were  awarded. 
From  Mr.  H.  Pattison,  Shrewsbury,  came  a  large  and  representative 
collection  of  Violas,  staged  in  the  orthodox  way ;  also  a  quantity  in 
pots  arranged  with  Maidenhair  Fern,  with  a  collection  of  Pansies  as  a 
front.  Messrs.  Harrison  &  Sons,  Leicester,  exhibited  a  good  collection 
of  hardy  flowers,  but  the  Asters  and  Sweet  Peas  were  most  notable, 
being  very  fine,  while  a  collection  of  Egg  Plants  and  Capsicums  were 
novel.  Vegetables  were  also  staged  in  abundance.  Messrs.  Green, 
Ltd.,  Derebam,  occupied  a  table  50  feet  long  with  a  grand  collection  of 
Dahlias  arranged  in  mounds.  The  varieties  used  were  Green’s  White, 
Red  Rover,  Mayor  Tuppenny,  Uncle  Tom,  and  the  Clown,  while  the 
general  varieties  left  little  to  be  desired,  for  the  blooms  were  bright 
and  fresh,  with  plenty  of  substance.  Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Farnham,  also 
staged  a  choice  collection  of  Dahlias,  the  sprays  of  Cactus  being 
especially  conspicuous,  while  the  Show  and  Fancy  varieties  were 
capital,  the  whole  making  an  attractive  exhibit. 
Mr.  J.  B.  Blackmore,  Twerton-on-Avon,  Bath,  made  a  bright  display 
of  single  and  double  Begonias  tastefully  arranged  in  Maidenhair  and 
other  Ferns.  Mr.  J.  Forbes,  Hawick,  staged  a  fine  table  of  hardy 
flowers.  The  Carnations  were  excellenr,  as  were  also  the  collections  of 
Phloxes,  Monarda  didyma,  and  Lobelia  Orion,  in  fact  a  good  repre¬ 
sentative  exhibit  was  made.  A  choice  collection  of  choice  Ferns  came 
from  Messrs.  W.  &  J.  Birkenhead,  Sale ;  although  the  specimens  were 
small  they  were  well  grown,  and  made  a  refreshing  exhibit.  Messrs. 
Pritchard  &  Sons,  Shrewsbury,  occupied  a  large  bay  with  a  miscel¬ 
laneous  collection,  which  was  composed  of  Begonias,  a  quantity  of 
Nertera  depressa.  Hydrangea  panicnlata.  Crotons,  Liliums,  and  a 
variety  of  other  plants,  while  a  number  of  vases  filled  with  hardy 
flowers  had  a  pleasing  effect.  Mr.  H.  Deverill,  Banbury,  staged  a  fine 
bank  of  hardy  flowers,  in  which  the  Phloxes,  Gladioli,  Montbretias, 
Coreopsises,  and  Gaillardias  were  striking ;  the  whole  exhibit  was  fresh 
and  bright.  Mr.  J.  H.  White,  Worcester,  also  contributed  a  display  of 
plants  and  cut  flowers.  The  Montbretias,  Dahlias,  Phloxes,  and 
Gladioli,  with  Maidenhair  Ferns,  Asparagus  Spreugeri,  and  Crotons 
made  a  worthy  exhibit. 
Mr.  A.  Myers,  Sutton  Lane  Nursery,  Shrewsbury,  had  a  fine 
collection  of  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  both  as  specimen  plants  and  small 
plants  in  3-inch  pots,  which  made  a  perfect  blaze  of  colour.  The  Perns 
and  other  foliage  plants  so  freely  used  assisted  in  making  a  good 
exhibit,  while  a  few  boxes  of  cut  blooms  in  front  were  excellent. 
Messrs.  Dickson,  Ltd.,  Chester,  occupied  a  huge  bank,  50  feet  long,  with 
a  grand  collection  of  Liliums,  Gladioli,  Criuums,  Helianthuses, 
Gaillardias,  and  Rudbeckias,  also  a  collection  of  Nymphaeas,  with  a 
large  number  of  Phloxes.  The  small  Ferns,  Palms,  and  other  foliage 
plants  were  used  judiciously  to  enhance  the  beauty  of  the  exhibit. 
Mr.  E.  Murrell,  Portland  Nurseries,  Shrewsbury,  occupied  a  large  bay 
with  a  pretty  collection  of  Tea  Roses  in  pots,  Phloxes,  and  Ferns  ;  also 
a  capital  display  of  cut  Roses,  both  Hybrid  Perpetuals  and  Teas. 
Messrs.  Webb  &  Sons,  Stourbridge,  had  a  grand  display  of  vegetables 
and  flowers  arranged  most  tastefully,  the  Gloxinias,  Begonias,  Asters, 
Gaillardias,  and  Sweet  Peas  being  staged  in  great  variety  ;  the  foliage 
employed  for  the  display  was  effective,  making  a  good  finish,  while  the 
vegetables  were  worthy  of  the  position  accorded  them. 
Messrs.  Jarman  &  Co.,  Chard,  staged  a  collection  of  Gladioli,  some 
boxes  of  Roses,  and  a  good  variety  of  Show  and  Cactus  Dahlias,  also 
a  collection  of  fruit  and  vegetables.  Carnations  in  boxes  were  staged 
by  Messrs.  Laing  &  Mather,  Kelso-on-Tweed.  The  flowers  were  fresh 
and  bright,  and  exhibited  a  great  variety  ;  the  huge  sprays  at  the 
back  of  the  stand  were  particularly  noteworthy,  the  whole  comprising 
a  fine  exhibit.  A  capital  display  of  Dahlias,  chiefly  of  the  Cactus  and 
Pompon  types,  was  made  by  Messrs.  Jones  &  Sons,  Shrewsbury. 
The  arrangement  was  good,  and  the  Feins  employed  imparted  a  light 
and  pleasing  effect ;  the  same  firm  also  staged  a  large  collection  of 
Sweet  Peas,  which  were  well  displayed.  Messrs.  R.  Smith  &  Co., 
Worcester,  filled  a  large  bay  with  a  collection  of  plants  and  cut 
flowers.  The  plants  included  Bambusas,  Crotons,  Palms,  Liliums  in 
pots,  and  Begonias.  The  cut  flowers  were  composed  chiefly  of  a 
collection  of  Phloxes,  Gladioli,  Nymphajas,  Rudbeckias,  and  numerous 
other  plants. 
From  Messrs.  W.  Clibran  &  Son,  Altrincham,  came  a  table  of 
Celosias,  Crotons  (in  capital  variety),  Diacsenas,  Aralias,  Anthurinms, 
and  Ferns  in  variety,  making  a  capital  combination.  Messrs.  R.  Hart- 
land  &  Son,  Cork,  staged  a  large  and  choice  collection  of  double  Begonia 
blooms,  with  a  few  Gladioli.  The  Begonias  were  excellent,  not  only  io' 
size,  but  colouring  also;  they  were  bright,  fresh,  and  of  good  substance. 
Messrs.  D.  &  W.  Buchanan,  Forth  Vineyards,  Kippen,  N.B.,  con¬ 
tributed  three  new  Grapes,  of  which  Diamond  Jubilee  was  recommended 
for  a  certificate ;  while  a  new  variety  after  the  style  of  Madresfield 
Court,  but  having  white  berries  with  a  flush  of  red  at  the  tip,  was 
stated  to  have  received  a  first-class  certificate  and  a  silver  medal;  it 
was,  however,  quite  unripe. 
Cl|lppenham,  August  22ii(l. 
This  society’s  show,  judging  from  the  numerous  entries  and  the 
large  attendance,  despite  a  stormy  afternoon,  increases  annually  in 
popularity.  The  competition  was  such  that  some  of  the  open  classes^ 
had  to  find  accommodation  in  the  adjoining  amateurs’  division.  Very 
good  prizes  were  offered  for  a  group  of  plants,  and  this  attracted  a  good 
entry  as  well  as  a  good  display.  Mr.  Perry,  gardener  to  Capt.  Spicer, 
Chippenham,  was  an  easy  first  ;  Mr.  Pymm,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Gold¬ 
smith,  Trowbridge,  second ;  third  honours  falling  to  Mr.  F.  Bible,, 
gardener  to  H.H.  Prince  Hatzfeldt,  Draycot.  There  were  two  other 
competitors. 
Mr.  George  Tucker’s  first  prize  Fuchsias  were  the  admiration  of  the 
large  influx  of  visitors,  as  also  were  his  six  stove  and  greenhouse 
flowering  plants ;  Messrs.  Pocock  and  Lawes  sharing  the  Fuchsia 
prizes,  and  J.  B.  Woods  &  Son,  Chipping  Sodbury,  and  Hallet  of  Bath, 
those  for  specimen  plants.  Ferns  were  finely  represented,  A.  P.  Stan- 
oombe.  Esq.,  Trowbridge,  defeating  Messrs.  Tucker  and  Perry,  both 
good  Fern  growers.  Palms  were  contributed  in  three  varieties  by 
Messrs.  Perry,  J.  B.  Woods,  and  Cole  &  Sons.  The  best  table  plants 
were  staged  by  Mr.  Strugnell,  the  finest  tuberous  Begonias  and  Zonal 
Pelargoniums  by  Mr.  Tucker.  Table  decorations  made  an  extensive 
display,  no  less  than  eight  competitors  fighting  for  priority,  Messrs- 
Garaway,  Cole,  and  Davis,  being  the  victors. 
Roses  and  Dahlias  were  very  good,  the  best  thirty-six  Roses  coming 
from  Mr.  Hobbs  of  Bristol,  Messrs.  Garaway  and  J.  Mattock  of  Oxford 
following.  The  same  positions  were  held  for  twenty-four  varieties. 
Mr.  J.  Walker,  Thame,  won  with  twenty-four  Show  Dahlias,  Messrs- 
Cray  &  Sons,  Frome,  took  first  for  both  Cactus  and  Pompon  varieties. 
Asters  made  a  large  show,  as  did  also  Gladiolus,  herbaceous  and  other 
cut  flowers. 
Fruit  brought  out  a  large  entry,  and  the  quality  throughout  was  of 
high  merit.  In  the  collection  of  eight  varieties  Mr.  Strugnell  was  first,. 
Mr.  Perry,  Spye  Park,  second;  and  Mr.  Hall,  Bath,  third.  Mr. 
Strugnell  took  first  for  both  white  and  black  Grapes,  Mr.  Bible,  Colo 
and  Son,  and  Mr.  Perry  being  other  winners.  Peaches  had  several 
exhibitors  with  three  dishes  and  also  a  single  dish,  and  Nectarines  and 
Melons,  Pears,  dessert  and  culinary  Apples  were  numerously  staged  by 
several  of  those  whose  names  appear  above. 
Vegetables,  both  in  the  amateur  and  open  divisions,  showed 
little  signs  of  distress  from  drought,  aud  the  competition  was  keen  and 
quality  good  throughout.  District  growers  have  a  repetition  of  the  open 
classes,  with  a  good  number  added  for  their  benefit,  plants,  cut  flowers, 
fruit,  and  vegetables  all  being  well  represented.  Cottagers,  too,  as  is 
usual,  contributed  well  from  their  gardens  flowers,  fruit,  aud  vegetables. 
Honey  and  bees  and  comb,  too,  was  an  interesting  section  to  many. 
Mr.  W.  Small  is  the  hon.  secretary,  and  he  is  indefatigable  in  his  efforts 
to  make  the  show  a  success  in  every  respect,  and  is  well  supported  by 
a  large  and  influential  patronage  and  committee. 
Smethwick,  August  22nd. 
^  I  Under  most  unfavourable  weather  auspices  the  fifteenth  annual  show 
of  this  progressive  society  was  held  in  a  field  adjoining  the  grounds  of 
Smethwick  Hall,  with  its  ancient  Jacobean  domicile.  The  marquee 
containing  the  “  groups  of  plants  ax’ranged  for  effect,”  specimen  plants, 
ladies’  table,  and  numerous  other  decorations,  was  blown  down  just  as 
all  was  in  readiness  for  adjudication.  Yet,  fortunately  for  the 
exhibitors  of  the  plants,  sufficient  evidences  remained  to  enable  awards 
to  be  made  according  to  their  respective  merits.  The  cut  flower 
arrangements,  however,  could  not  be  recognised.  Fortunately  the 
other  two  spacious  marquees  and  their  contents  remained  intact. 
It  is  worthy  of  remark  that  fifteen  years  ago,  in  this  busy 
manufacturing  locality  not  a  semblance  of  a  horticultural  society  or  of 
an  allotment  garden  was  in  existence,  when  chiefly  through  the 
instrumentality  of  the  present  honorary  secretary  and  treasurer  (the 
Rev.  George  Astbury),  the  vicar  of  Smethwick,  the  society  was  started, 
aud  has  attained  to  a  position  equal  to  several  of  its  more  favourably 
placed  local  compeers,  and  it  is  with  especial  pride  that  the  energetic 
vicar  adverts  to  the  beneficent  influences  of  the  allotment  gardens. 
In  addition  to  the  amateurs’  and  cottagers’  classes  prizes  have  also  been 
offered  for  exhibits  by  gentlemen’s  gardeners,  so  as  to  enhance  the 
attraction  of  the  show ;  but  on  the  recent  occasion,  as  already  stated, 
the  show  was  shorn  of  a  portion  of  its  attraction  by  the  inauspicious 
weather. 
