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JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
April  4,  1901. 
I[oyal  Caledonian  Horticultural  Society. 
Annual  Spring  Show,  April  3rd  and  4th. 
( Report  by  Telegram .) 
The  Royal  Caledonian  Horticultural  Society  is  one  of  the  oldest  in 
the  United  Kingdom,  for  it  was  founded  in  the  year  1809,  at  a  time 
when  horticulture  was  far  from  being  recognised  as  a  power  in  the 
land.  From  that  time  till  the  present  day  its  work  has  been  interrupted, 
and  its  Council  has  included  some  of  the  best  gardeners  and  commercial 
horticulturists  that  Scotland  can  boast  of.  Periods  have  come,  as  they 
do  to  all  societies,  when  the  Council  could  truly  refrain  Dickens’ 
expression — “  Hard  Times.”  But  these  have  been  safely  passed,  and 
the  society  two  years  ago  had  a  new  charter  granted  to  it,  at  which 
time  “  the  house  was  put  in  order,”  as  the  late  Mr.  Malcolm 
Dunn,  Y.M.H.,  then  said.  On  all  hands  there  are  signs  of  new  efforts 
being  made,  and  all  Scotsmen  at  least  will  wish  to  see  success  attend 
these  efforts.  The  annual  spring  show  is  being  held  as  we  go  to  press, 
yet  by  the  modern  invention  of  telegraphy  we  are  enabled  to  send  a 
report  of  this  large  Scottish  exhibition  to  all  parts  of  the  land  a  few 
hours  after  the  judges  have  finished  their  work  of  adjudication. 
After  the  severe  weather  we  have  experienced  within  the  last  few 
weeks  it  is  refreshing  to  see  the  Waverley  Market  so  bright  and 
attractive  as  we  find  it  this  morning.  It  brings  home  to  one’s  mind 
very  forcibly  that  the  gardener  nowadays  is,  so  far  as  the  forcing  of 
early  spring  flowers  is  concerned,  independent  of  the  weather.  From 
information  kindly  supplied  by  the  secretary,  Mr.  P.  Murray  Thomson, 
S.S.C.,  we  find  the  entries  total  503,  as  against  531  of  last  year ;  570 
in  1899,  and  535  in  1898.  It  will  thus  be  seen  that  the  last  four  or  five 
years  have  shown  a  very  near  approximation  to  one  another,  so  far  as 
entries  are  concerned  ;  on  the  other  hand  we  find  there  is  a  slight 
falling  off  in  the  entry  for  pot  plants,  while  in  the  vegetable  classes  there 
is  a  slight  increase.  In  the  amateurs’  section  the  entries  compare 
favourably,  the  figures  being  47  for  this  show,  as  against  44  of  last 
year. 
From  a  scientific  point  of  view,  we  regret  that  Dr.  MacDougall  is 
not  forward  with  the  very  interesting  entomological  exhibit  which  he 
had  at  last  year’s  show.  One  of  the  most  prominent  and  conspicuous 
features  of  the  show  are  the  collections  of  forced  hardy  Rhododendrons,  as 
also  are  the  nurserymen’s  collections  of  Coniferous  trees  and  shrubs.  Our 
English  friends,  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  and  also  Mr.  H.  J.  Jones,  are, 
unfortunately,  not  forward  this  year,  but  their  plaoe  is  most  creditably 
filled  by  one  of  our  own  local  nursery  firms,  to  wit,  Messrs.  J.  &  A.  Glass, 
of  Newington,  who  come  forward  in  a  new  role,  and  set  up  an 
exceedingly  attractive  table,  40  feet  in  length,  containing  nearly  200 
varieties  of  Narcissi  in  pots. 
The  judges  officiating  to-day  are : — Mr.  WilsoD,  Public  Parks, 
Glasgow  ;  Mr.  Taylor,  Broxmouth  Park  ;  Mr.  Street,  Floors  Castle, 
Kelso;  Mr.  Thompson,  Philiphaugh,  Selkirk;  Mr.  Buchanan,  Penicuick 
House ;  Mr.  Cook,  Gosford  ;  Mr.  Campbell,  Gonrook  ;  Mr.  Leath, 
Morningside ;  Mr.  Morrison,  Archerfield  ;  Mr.  Wann,  Kennet  ;  Mr. 
Greive,  Redbraes  Nursery;  Mr.  Tait,  Balcarres;  Mr.  T.  Lunt,  Keir ; 
and  Mr.  Smith  of  Oxenford.  The  Edinburgh  Postal  Band  supplies  the 
music  to-day  (Wednesday),  and  to-morrow  their  place  is  taken  by  the 
Royal  Engineers  (Fourth  Division  Yol.). 
Competitive  Exhibits. 
For  a  circular  table  of  plants  12  feet  in  diameter  Mr.  McIntyre,  The 
Glen,  Innerleithen,  is  awarded  first  place.  He  shows  some  very  fine 
Hippeastrums  (Amaryllis),  Odontoglossums,  grand  Cyclamen,  &c. 
Mr.  Geo.  Wood,  Oswald  House,  Edinburgh,  is  seoond  with  a  most 
gracefully  set-up  table.  In  his  case  he  shows  amongst  Orohids  some 
very  fine  Odontoglossums.  Caladiums,  and  Hippeastrums  are  also 
shown. 
For  a  table  of  Orchids  there  is  but  one  entry,  which  is  set  up  by  Mr. 
Mitchell,  Bantaskin,  Falkirk,  who  has  a  very  flue  display. 
The  class  for  ten  forced  plants  in  bloom  finds  the  first  place  awarded 
to  Mr.  McIntyre,  The  Glen,  and  the  second  to  Mr.  James  Bald,  Canaan 
House,  Ratho,  who  respectively  show  fine  collections  of  Rhodo¬ 
dendrons,  Roses,  Clivias  (Imantophyllums),  and  other  things.  For  six 
forced  plants,  distinct  kinds,  Mr.  McIntyre  is  again  first  with  a  fine 
Rhododendron,  a  pretty  Azalea,  Lilium,  &c. ;  the  second  is  given  to 
Mr.  D.  Mathieson,  Kinellan,  who  shows  Viburnum,  Azaleas,  and 
Rhododendrons.  For  six  stove  or  greenhouse  plants  in  flower,  Mr.  Geo. 
Wood  again  takes  first  place  with  a  very  'fine  lot  of  highly  creditable 
specimens,  Mr.  M.  McIntyre  coming  second,  also  with  handsome 
specimens. 
For  two  greenhouse  Rhododendrons  Mr.  McIntyre  is  given  first 
place,  his  large  specimen  white  variety  being  very  fine.  The  second 
place  is  awarded  to  Mr.  D.  Kidd,  Carberry  Tower,  Musselburgh,  who  also 
shows  two  handsome  plants. 
For  three  Azalea  indica,  Mr.  McIntyre  again  has  an  easy  win  with 
wonderfully  developed  plants,  and  Mr.  Bald,  Canaan  House,  is  second 
with  good  specimens,  but  hardly  so  well  flowered.  For  ods  specimen 
Azalea  Mr.  McIntyre  is  once  again  the  leading  winner,  having  a  beautiful 
plant  one  mass  of  white  blooms ;  Mr.  J.  Bald  follows  as  seoond. 
Mr.  McIntyre  is  awarded  first  for  four  distinct  Orchids  with  very  fine 
samples,  and  the  second  place  goes  to  Mr.  John  Mitchell,  Bantaskin, 
Falkirk,  who  also  shows  ohoice  varieties. 
For  three  exotic  Ferns,  distinot,  Mr.  G.  Wood  worthily  receives  the 
first  award ;  while  for  three  Adiantums  there  is  but  one  entry,  and  the 
prize  devolves  to  Mr.  J.  Pearson,  Rockville,  Murrayfield.  The  entry  for 
six  table  plants  brings  Mr.  A.  Knight,  Millersneuk,  the  first  place,  he 
having  very  neat  plants,  and  beats  the  redoubtable  McIntyre.  The 
class  for  six  dwarf  British  Ferns  is  always  interesting,  and  Mr. 
Steward  of  Belwood  is  on  this  occasion  first  with  a  very  pretty  lot ; 
Mr.  J.  Cruickshank  is  second.  For  six  single  hardy  Primulas  Mr.  Reid 
of  Ashiesteil,  Selkirkshire,  is  first,  as  usual,  with  a  fine  show  lot,  and 
second  place  is  given  to  Mr.  J.  Holmes  of  Winton  Casfle,  Pencaithland. 
The  Cyclamen  class  (nine  pots)  furnishes  an  attractive  feature  of 
the  show,  and  fine  cultural  samples  are  in  evidence.  Mr.  McIntyre  is 
given  first  place  with  a  very  fine  lot,  and  Mr.  R.  Stewart  comes  in  for 
third  place,  there  being  no  second.  For  three  pots  Hippeastrums 
(Amaryllis)  Mr.  McDonald,  Cardrona,  Peebles,  beats  Mr.  McIntyre,  from 
near  the  same  part  of  the  country. 
For  six  pots  of  Polyanthus  Narcissi,  Mr.  A.  Mclnnes  leads  off, 
followed  by  Mr.  J.  Pearson  ;  while  in  the  Tulip  section,  for  six  pots,  the 
first  place  is  secured  by  Mr.  A.  Farquhar  of  Stenton  House,  Dunkeld  ; 
and  Mr.  A.  Brydon  succeeds  for  the  second  place.  For  the  twelve 
Hyacinths,  first  Mr.  A.  Brydon,  and  second  Mr.  R.  Lawrie.  For  three 
Cinerarias  the  first  is  Mr.  G.  Wright,  Pmkieburn  ;  an!  second  Mr.  T. 
Cook,  Gosford. 
Cur  Flowers. — We  find  Mr.  M.  McIntyre  appearing  again  for  twelve 
trusses  of  greenhouse  flowers,  who  has  a  really  beautiful  assortment ; 
Mr.  J.  Mitchell  follows  as  second  prizeman.  Then  for  twenty-four 
Roses  first  is  given  to  the  well-known  grower,  Mr.  G.  Manson,  Wall 
House,  Bathgate;  and  second  to  Mr.  D.  Kidd,  Carberry  Tower,  both  of 
whom  show  beautiful  blooms.  For  twenty-five  distinct  varieties  of 
Daffodils  the  first  place  is  won  by  Mr.  J.  H.  Cumming,  Grandtully 
Castle,  Perthshire,  who  sets  up  a  very  meritorious  and  nicely  staged 
collection;  the  second  place  is  given  to  Mr.  A.  Cook,  The  Lodge,  Ratho, 
who  also  shows  a  fine  lot.  For  twelve  varieties  Narcissus  Mr.  James 
Bald  is  first,  and  Mr.  J.  Cumming  second. 
Nurserymen. — For  twenty-four  hardy  evergreen  shrubs  Messrs. 
Cunningham  &  Fraser  of  Comely  Bank  are  first,  and  second  Mr. 
John  Downie,  Beeohhill  Nurseries,  Murrayfield.  For  twelve  Japanese 
Maples,  first  Mr.  J.  Downie,  second  Messrs.  James  Dickson  &  Sons. 
For  twelve  Azalea  mollis,  first  Mr.  J.  Downie,  who  is  also  the  premier 
winner  for  twelve  Ghent  Azaleas,  and  again  for  twelve  table  plants ; 
Messrs.  J.  Geddes  &  Co.,  Murrayfield,  being  here  second.  For  twenty- 
four  Hyacinths  the  leading  plaice  is  given  to  Mr.  Campbell  from 
Gourock,  and  second  to  Messrs  A.  Kerr  &  Sons,  Dumfries.  Mr. 
A.  Campbell  wins  for  twenty-four  Tulips,  Mr.  John  Downie  being 
second. 
Non-Compelitive  Exhibits. 
What  is  recognised  to  be  the  largest  trade  exhibit  of  forced  and 
foliage  plants  over  seen  in  Edinburgh,  is  arranged  at  the  Aquarium  end 
of  the  market  by  Messrs.  R.  B.  Laird  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  from  Pinkhill 
Nurseries,  Murrayfield.  The  group  has  been  woven  together  for 
artistic  effect,  and  the  effort  is  certainly  successful.  Standard  Acacias, 
Lilacs,  Staphylea  colchica,  Cytisus  of  sorts,  Japanese  Acers,  Azaleas, 
and  many  dwarfer-flowering  plants  furnish  a  varied  and  select  group. 
Clivias  and  very  fine  ornamental  Ivies  are  likewise  included. 
Mr.  John  Downie,  from  Beech-hill  Nurseries,  Murrayfield,  has,  as 
usual,  a  very  excellent  group  of  forced  and  foliage  plants  arranged  for 
artistic  effect.  The  handsome  and  imposing  tree  Pseonies,  standard 
and  bush  Cytisus  in  many  varieties,  together  with  forced  Lilacs,  Azalea 
mollis,  Laburnums,  bulbous  and  greenhouse  plants,  are  the  chief  subjects, 
composing  a  really  tasty  exhibit. 
Mr.  John  Forbes,  nurseryman,  nawiok,  N.B.,  has  the  prettiest  and 
most  effective  exhibit  yet  seen  of  his  renowned  novelty  Begonia  Caledonia. 
This  is  interspersed  with  the  type  Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine,  bringing 
into  prominent  relief  the  practical  utility  of  this  novelty,  which  is 
doubtless  a  grand  acquisition.  The  splendour  of  the  effect  produced  by 
the  judicious  blending  of  the  pure  ivory  white  flowers  of  Caledonia, 
and  the  lovely  rose  carmine-ooloured  flowers  of  Gloire  de  Lorraine,  as 
seen  in  the  exhibit,  is  such  as  to  fix  a  very  good  impression.  Each  is 
alike  in  height,  habit,  floriferousness ;  and,  in  fact,  every  respect 
except  colour.  For  a  background  to  this  fine  exhibit  Mr.  Forbes  has  a 
most  interesting  and  choice  collection  of  tree  Peeonies  in  distinct 
varieties,  well  grown  and  in  full  flower,  testifying  to  their  value  as 
attractive  subjects  for  conservatory  decoration  when  brought  on  by 
gentle  forcing.  The  exhibit  is  displayed  in  Mr.  Forbes’  best  style,  and 
his  plants  are  exceedingly  well  grown. 
Messrs.  Cunningham  &  Fraser  set  up  a  very  neat  table  of  early 
spring  alpine  flowers,  amongst  which  are  some  pretty  Primulas, 
Scillas,  and  other  early  flowering  plants. 
Messrs.  Shanks  &  Son,  Ltd.,  Dens  Iron  Works,  Arbroath,  and  London, 
are  showing  a  selection  of  their  horse  and  hand  lawn  mowers  in  various 
patterns  and  varying  sizes. 
