JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER 
April  25,  1901. 
348 
Notes  from  Highbury. 
Highbpry,  the  charming  seat  of  the  Colonial  Secretary,  is  sure  to 
prove  interesting,  but  at  no  time  more  so,  it  may  be  averred,  than  in  the 
spring.  Highbury  and  Orchids  are  almost  synonymous  to  gardeners, 
bnt  of  late  years,  especially,  the  increasing  accession  of  what  may  be 
termed  indoor  spring  flowering  plants  vie  with  those  aristocrats  of  the 
tropics.  They  are  much  favoured  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Chamberlain  and 
family,  and  perfected  under  the  superintendence  of  the  expert  head 
gardener  Mr.  John  Deacon,  who  in  response  to  my  inquiry,  “  When  will  be 
the  time  of  Hippeastrums  ?  ”  obligingly  “  post-carded  ”  the  reply,  ‘‘  Come 
any  time  during  Easter  Week.”  The  initial  inspection  was  of  the 
inmates  of  the  spaoious  conservatory  adjoining  the  mansion,  and  the 
first  object  of  importance  which  greeted  me  was  a  splendid  display  of 
distinctly  marked  forms,  in  named  varieties,  of  Imantophyllum  miniatum 
in  pots,  interspersed  with  a  few  plants  of  Lilium  longiflorum,  in  the  large 
circular  central,  bed,  whilst  in  front  on  either  side  of  the  doorway 
opening  into  one  of  the  principal  rooms  was  a  charming  arrangement 
of  Crocuses  in  pots  on  the  one  side,  and  on  the  other  were  masses  of 
dwarf  and  elegant  plants  of  Freesia  refracta  alba.  The  remainder  of 
the  conservatory  consisted  of  such  plants  as  Cinerarias,  Azaleas, 
Carnations,  Ghent  Azaleas,  Lachenalias,  bulbs  ,  in  variety,  and  other 
flowers  too  numerous  to  mention.  Most  notable  was  a  tall  and 
magnificent  specimen  of  Areca  Baueri,  occupying  the  centre  of  a  bed 
in  the  middle  of  the  conservatory,  and  surrounded  by  fine  and  gracefully 
depending  fronds  of  luxuriant  specimens  of  Phoenix  daotylifera  (the 
Date  Palm),  The  roof  and  sides  of  the'  corridor,  represented  in  the 
illustration,  had  recently  been  repainted,  and  the  climbers,  &c.,  had 
also  been  subjected  to  a  severe  pruning  back,  but  were  more  or  less  again 
bursting  into  their  garb  of  vernal  foliation.  The  view  during  summer  is, 
however,  very  fine  indeed,  and  the  photograph  bears  out  this  statement. 
Entering  the  Hippeastrum  annexe,  where  the  enthusiastic  and 
special  cultivation  given  by  Mr.  Deacon,  who  himself  elected  to  have 
sole  charge  of  these  plants,  from  the  cross-fertilising  up  to  the  flowering 
state,  including,  also,  their  state  of  rest,  was  admirably  displayed  in 
the  splendid  plants  to  be  seen  here.  A  span-roofed  house  was  devoted 
to  their  cultivation,  and  the  writer  was  privileged  to  inspect  its  inmates, 
ranging  from  hundreds  of  embryo  seedlings  up  to  the  present  efflorescent 
stage  of  the  older  bulbs.  Many  of  these  bid  fair  to  eventuate  into 
something  of  extra  excellence,  and  one  bold  truss  was  expanding  four 
or  five  bright  and  well-formed  flowers,  but  sometimes  it  takes  several 
years  to  rectify  and  fix  them,  as  with  the  florist's  Tulip,  for  instance. 
But  revenons  d  nos  moutons — the  established  varieties.  One  of  the 
moBt  attractive  varieties  that  met  the  eye  was  the  splendid  James  H. 
Yeitch — a  worthy  form  bearing  a  worthy  name — with  its  handsome 
shape,  vivid  crimson  colour,  and  broad,  overlapping  segments — surely 
the  acme  of  perfection,  at  least  for  the  present  time,  though  rivals  are 
not  wanting.  It  is  a  two  flower  to  one  spike  variety;  but  what  is 
lacking  in  floriferousness  is  compensated  by  quality.  Amongst  other 
new  or  rare  varieties  we  noted  such  as  Sir  William,  a  rich  crimson 
coloured  flower,  very  fine;  Charles  II.,  a  Highbury  seedling;  Idol, 
bearing  four  flowers  each  to  the  two  spikes  ;  Warrior,  with  a  beaqtiful 
white  striped  flower;  Melpomene,  another  splendid  striped  variety; 
Ignacite,  also  with  a  grand  striped  perianth,  ■  with  creamy  centre, 
feathered  with  soft  scarlet ;  Petronel,  an  exquisite  crimson  rose;  Lord 
de  Winton,  a  superb  crimson  coloured  flower;  Ajax,  a  perfect  shaped 
flower,  of  a  brilliant  scarlet  striped  with  white;  .zEgeria,  a  pretty  and 
large  variety,  with  a  pale  red  coloured  flower  striped  with  white  ;  and 
others.  Warrior  also  claimed  attention  by  its  grand  perianth  suffused 
with  intense  scarlet,  and  Duke  of  Buckingham  (one  of  the  Highbury 
seedlings),  with  its  bold  flowers  of  brilliant  scarlet,  completed  a  few  of 
the  most  conspicuous  varieties  then  in  flower.  The  Gesneras  were  seen 
here  in  A1  form,  and  these,  by  the  waj ,  do  not  receive  the  amount  of 
recognition  their  merits  claim  for  them,  from  the  deoorative  plants 
grown ;  and  what  is  more  beautiful  in  the  autumn  than  well  grown 
plants  of  the  splendid  old  Gesnera  zebrina,  with  its  bright  scarlet  and 
yellow  fljwered  panicles  and  richly  marbled  foliage?  This  is  now 
known  under  the  generic  name  of  Nsegelia. 
Proceeding  onwards  we  noticed  in  the  next  house,  suspended  over¬ 
head,  one  or  two  w$e  baskets  containing  plants  of  the  too  little 
cultivated  Oxalis  rosea,  with  its  beautiful  bright  rosy,  drooping  flowers, 
as  if  vieing  with  the  neighbour,  a  batch  of  Begonia  Gloire  de 
Lorraine.  If  Mr.  Chamberlain’s  desire  is  to  strive  to  eliminate  the 
“green  ”  from  the  Hippeastrum,  on  the  other  hand  he  is  metaphorically 
recognising  it  in  thus  cultivating  the  Shamrock.  Cinerarias  are 
exceedingly  well  grown  at  Highbury,  and  a  houseful  of  Sutton’s  noted 
strain,  with  a  batch  of  the  stellata  varieties,  afforded  a  pleasing 
contrast.  The  stellated  varieties  are  certainly  worthy  of  extended 
cultivation,  and  they  possess  the  advantage  over  their  compeers  in  the 
cut  flower  state,  moreover  last  several  days  when  thus  utilised. 
Begonia  Gloire  de  Sceaux,  with  its  bold,  erect  panioles  of  bright  rose 
pink  flowers,  and  bronzy-metallic  leaves,  was  a  most  striking  feature  by 
itself ;  but  the  presentment  of  these  was,  if  possible,  enhanced  by  the 
canopy  of  B.  Gloire  de  Lorraine  in  delightful  _  contrast,  though 
considerably  past  its  best  condition.  Lack  of  memory  had  almost 
omitted  from  the  foregoing  category  of  “  sights  for  sair  e’en  ”  one 
other  house  filled  to  repletion  with  a  brilliant  show  of  bulbs,  such  as 
Hyacinths,  Tulips,  Daffodils,  fine  Mignonette  and  Lachenalia  tricolor, 
with  such  as  Indian  Azaleas  at  the  far  end  of  the  house,  completed  the 
floral  picture.  The  bulbous  flowers  were  arranged  in  individual  mass«8, 
hence  proving  more  effective  than  the  usual  indiscriminate  arrangements 
frequently  seen  elsewhere. 
A  fine  and  healthy-  batch  of  Show  Pelargoniums  also,  a  peep  at  the 
large  stock  of  Carnations  of  the  Malmaison  and  other  sections, 
cultivated  under  the  speoial  attention  of  Mr.  Weaver,  the  experienced 
plant  foreman,  gave  a  forecast  of  treasures  to  come.  A  glimpse  inside 
the  Rose  house  revealed  a  lovely  scene  of  healthy  plants  and  fin# 
blooms,  and  whioh  are  daily  laid  under  contribution  in  the  out  state, 
not  the  least  conspicuous  being  two  or  three  roof-trained  plants  of  the 
good  old  Gloire  de  Dijon  in  exquisite  colour  and  profusion.  A  run 
round  the  pleasure  grounds  disclosed  the  fact  that  sundry  alterations 
and  improvements  during  the  past  winter  bad  taken  place,  including 
also  extensive  preparations,  such  as  repuddling  and  the  cutting  away 
of  excessive,  overgrown,  waterside  vegetation  for  the  reception  of  a 
collection  of  Marliac’s  Water  Lilies,  oomnleted  one  of  the  most  delectable 
visits  to  Highbury  by — W.  G. 
- - 
Societies. 
Richmond  Horticultural. 
This  well-known  society  is  again  adopting  an  active  and  progressive 
policy  in  regard  to  its  annual  flower  show.  Last  year  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society’s  Council  and  Committees  were  invited  to  Rich¬ 
mond,  and  were  treated  right  royally.  This  year  the  National  Rose 
Society  will  hold  its  show  in  the  Old  D°er  Park,  Richmond,  Surrey,  on 
Wednesday,  June  26th,  when  a  large  number  of  visitors  and  exhibitors 
is  anticipated.  Between  the  two  societies  about  £300  will  be  offered  in 
prize  money,  so  that  there  is  sure  to  be  keen  competition.  Schedules 
have  already  been  sent  to  former  exhibitors,  but  the  hon.  secretary 
(Mr.  C.  R.  King,  61,  George  Street,  Riohm  >nd,  Surrey)  will  be  glad  to 
post  copies  to  other  intending  exhibitors  for  the  J une  show. 
Croydon  and  District  Horticultural  Mutual  Improvement. 
A  meeting  was  held  in  the  society’s  room  at  the  Sunflower 
Temperance  Hotel  on  Tuesday  evening,  April  16  h.  Mr.  W.  J. 
Simpson  presided.  Orchids  formed  the  feature  of  the  evening.  The 
chairman  introduced  Mr.  H.  J.  Chapman,  gardener  to  R.  I.  Measures,  Esq., 
Cambridge  Lodge,  Camberwell,  who  gave  a  most  valuable  and  practical 
paper  on  “  Cypripediums.”  At  the  close,  and  on  the  proposition  of 
the  chairman,  supported  by  Mr.  Turney,  a  unanimous  vote  of  thanks 
was  aooorded  Mr.  Chapman.  The  lecture  was  illustrated  with  about 
fifty  paintings  by  Miss  N.  Roberts,  artist  to  the  R.H.S.,  and  kindly  lent 
by  the  artist  and  R.  I.  Measures,  Esq.,  to  whom  the  society’s  vote  of 
thanks  was  accorded.  Mr.  W.  E.  H  imphreys,  gardener  to  A.  H.  Smee, 
Esq  ,  The  Grange  Gardens,  Hackbridge,  exhibited  a  beautiful  group  of 
Orchids  in  flower,  including  Cattleya  Triai  ae  Queen  Empress,  Cattleya 
Schioderse  Perfection,  Scuticaria  Hadweni,  Masdevallia  Shnttleworthi, 
Pleurothallis  tridentata,  Odontoglossum  nevadeuse,  O.  Halli,  Lycaste 
Skinneri  bella,  Cypripedium  x  Thomsoni  X  Hookeiae,  &o. ;  Mr.  W.  J. 
Simpson,  twelve  fine  flowers  of  Cypripediums ;  Mr.  F.  C.  L.  Wratten, 
four  beautiful  seedling  Auriculas.  The  secretary,  Mr.  Gregory, 
announced  that  the  next  meeting  would  be  held  at  the  Art  Gallery, 
Park  Lane,  May  7th,  subject,  “Gardeners’  Feathered  Friends  and  Foes,” 
by  Mr.  P.  F.  Bunyard,  Croydon,  illustrated  by  lantern  slides  by  Mr. 
R.  B.  Lodge,  Enfield. — J.  G. 
Royal  Meteorological. 
The  monthly  meeting  of  this  sooiety  was  held  on  Wednesday 
evening  t  he  17th  inst.  at  the  Institution  of  Civil  Engineers,  George 
Street,  Westminster;  Mr.  W.  H.  Dines,  B.A.,  the  president,  being  in 
the  chair.  Mr.  W.  Marriott  read  a  paper  on  “The  Special  Character¬ 
istics  of  the  Weather  of  March,  1901.”  Nearly  everyone  will  remember 
how  bitteily  cold  and  uncomfortable  was  the  weather  of  last  month, 
and  in  this  paper  the  author  brought  out  in  a  very  graphic  manner 
its  chief  features.  From  March  1st  to  the  12th  or  13th  the  temperature 
was  slightly  above  the  average,  the  prevailing  winds  being  from  the 
south-west,  and  often  strong  in  force.  About  the  13th  a  change  set  in 
when  north-easterly  winds  became  predominant  and  low  temperatures 
prevailed.  This  continued  with  increasing  intensity  until  the  29ch, 
the  last  two  days  of  the  month  being  nearly  of  average  temperature. 
The  most  remarkable  period  of  the  month  was  the  five  days  from  the 
25th  to  29th,  when  the  temperature  was  more  than  10°  below  the 
average  all  over  the  oountry.  The  north-easterly  winds  were  strong  in 
force,  and  particularly  keen  and  dry.  At  the  Greenwich  Observatory 
the  relative  humidity  was  only  52  per  cent,  on  the  26th,  and  54  per  oent. 
on  the  27th.  The  only  other  instance  during  the  past  fifty-four  years 
of  as  low  a  relative  humidity  in  the  month  of  March  was  on  March  1st, 
1886.  In  consequence  of  this  keen  and  cold  weather  vegetation  was  at 
a  standstill.  Snow  showers  were  frequent,  but  not  very  heavy,  except 
on  the  20th  in  the  south-west  of  England,  when  on  Dartmoor  nearly 
as  much  snow  fell  as  in  the  great  bl  zz*rd  of  March  1891,  and  on  the 
29th,  when  a  very  heavy  fall  of  snow  and  rain  occurred  in  the  north¬ 
west  of  England  and  Wales.  Although  the  death  rate  was  below  the 
average,  there  was  a  considerable  increase  in  the  deaths  due  to  diseases 
of  the  respiratory  organs.  A  paper  by  Mr.  R.  Strachan  on  “  Vapour 
Tension  in  Relation  to  Wind  ”  was  also  read. 
