April  25,  1901. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
35T 
Victoria,  and  other  novel  and  fine  forms.  Mr.  G.  W.  Piper  had  one  of 
his  collections  of  cut  Roses,  arranged  in  his  own  excellent  way ;  and  it 
included  such  novelties  as  Admiral  Dewey,  a  peach  tinted  sport  from 
Caroline  Testout ;  Liberty,  Sunrise,  &c.,  all  the  blooms  in  fine  character, 
and  a  great  source  of  attraction.  Other  collections  were  also  staged, 
including  two  tables  of  charming  floral  decorations  shown  by  Mr. 
W.  Baldock,  artistic  floral  deoorator,  Brighton. 
Manchester  Spring  Show. 
The  Manchester  Royal  Botanical  Society  held  their  spring  show  this 
year  in  St.  James’  HU1,  Oxford  Street,  instead,  as  formerly,  in  the 
Town  Hall.  The  alteration  seems  to  have  resulted  in  an  increase  in  the 
size  of  the  exhibition,  and,  generally  speaking,  an  unprecedented 
success.  The  most  conspicuous  feature  was  the  centrepiece  sent  from 
the  society’s  gardens,  covering  an  area  of  1000  square  feet. 
It  consisted  of  a  magnificent  group  of  plants,  having  as  centrepiece 
a  lordly  Palm  rising  from  a  bed  of  Rhododendrons.  Viewed  from  the 
balcony,  this  collection  had  a  very  charming  parterre-like  effect,  and 
the  representative  character  of  the  group  is  indicated  by  the  statement 
that  it  contained  specimens  of  nearly  every  flower  that  blooms  at  this 
season  of  the  year.  A  prominent  feature  of  the  display  was  the  provision  of 
several  circular  beds  of  Azaleas,  masses  of  beautiful  yellow  and  orange 
coloured  blooms,  which  produced  a  delightful  effect.  Daffodils,  Tulips, 
and  Dracaenas  added  to  the  charm  of  the  collection,  the  monotony  of 
the  outline  being  broken  by  choice  specimens  of  the  Lily  of  the  Nile, 
feathery  Spiraeas,  and  rose  coloured  Liliums,  which  were  all  shown  in 
the  highest  state  of  perfection:  In  addition  to  the  oentral  group,  the 
society  exhibited  a  large  collection  of  Lilacs,  Palms,  and  other  decorative 
plants,  which  formed  an  effective  background  to  the  Orchid  display. 
One  great  feature  of  the  show  was  its  abundance  of  Daffodils,  still 
the  most  popular  of  spring  flowers.  The  cultivation  of  the  old  familiar 
Daffy-down-dilly  is  beooming  something  of  a  hobby,  and  there  were 
some  specimens  in  the  hall  which  were  valued  at  15  guineas  per  bulb. 
There  were  also  excellent  displays  of  this  flower  from  Messrs.  Hogg  and 
Robertson  of  Dublin,  Messrs.  Dickson  &  Robinson  of  Manchester,  and 
Messrs.  Dickson  of  Chester,  the  collection  of  the  last-named  firm 
including  some  of  the  newest  as  well  as  the  older  varieties.  Mrs.  R.  O. 
Backhouse  of  Sutton  St.  Nicholas,  Hereford,  who  was  awarded  the  first 
prize  for  the  best  amateur  collection  of  Daffodils,  included  in  her 
specimens  a  fine  example  of  the  flower  known  as  Weardale  Perfection, 
notable  for  the  great  size  of  its  petals.  The  Orchids  completely  filled 
one  side  of  the  hall,  among  them  being  the  fortnightly  display  of  the 
North  of  England  Orchid  Society.  The  winners  of  gold  medals  for 
Orchids  were  Messrs.  Cowen  of  Liverpool,  Messrs.  Charles  worth  of 
Bradford,  Mr.  Cypher  of  Cheltenham,  and  Mr.  Robson  of  Altrincham. 
Silver  medals  were  also  awarded  to  Mr.  W.  Holmes  of  Timperley,  and 
Mr.  A.  J.  Keeling  of  Binerley. 
Messrs.  Cutbush,  of  Highgate,  sent  some  beautiful  flowering  hardy 
plants  and  shrubs.  Their  strain  of  Cyclamen  was  the  finest  yet  seen. 
Messrs.  Dickson,  Brown,  &  Tait,  of  Manchester,  also  showed  a  fine  group 
of  dwarf  Lilacs  and  Azaleas,  mixed  with  Lily  of  the  Valley.  Another 
excellent  group  was  that  of  Messrs.  Clibran,  of  Altrinoham,  in  which 
there  were  prominent  some  magnificent  clumps  of  Bermuda  Lilies, 
contrasting  vividly  with  Chorozemas  and  Ericas.  An  especially 
interesting  exhibit  was  a  stand  of  about  a  hundred  fine  specimens  of 
the  Hippeastrum,  a  showy  flower  of  the  genus  Amaryllidese,  which  came 
from  Gloucestershire,  having  bqpn  grown  at  Tetbury  by  Captain 
Holford,  equerry  to  the  King. 
Messrs.  Clibran  &  Sons,  of  Altrincham,  had  a  capital  display,  in 
whioh  Liliums  and  Palms  figured  prominently.  The  group  had  a  very 
fragrant  border  entirely  composed  of  Lilies  of  the  Valley,  and  it 
contained  a  lot  of  remarkably  well-grown  plants.  Under  the  balcony 
’  was  a  representative  collection  from  the  nurseries  of  Messrs.  Diokson, 
Brown,  &  Tait,  which  included  a  row  of  very  fine  named  Hyacinths, 
embracing  many  rare  varieties.  Soillas  and  Primroses  in  great  variety 
were  comprised  in  an  excellent  little  collection  of  outdoor  flowers 
sent  by  the  Misses  Hopkins,  of  Knutsford.  The  display  of  Daffodils 
by  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons  was  most  interesting,  and  the  latest  varieties 
exhibited  at  this  stand  attracted  great  attention.  Among  these  may 
be  mentioned  tho  Duke  of  Bedford,  the  Nanus  (the  smallest  known 
variety),  and  the  Lobster,  all  of  which  are  accounted  rarities. 
Messrs.  R.  \V.  Ker,  R.  Barr,  and  W.  B.  Upjohn,  who  acted  as 
judges,  made  the  following  awards.  Gold  medals  :  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons, 
London,  for  the  finest  nurseryman’s  collection  of  Daffodils,  including 
some  ninety  varieties ;  Messrs.  Cutbush,  London,  for  hardy  flowering 
shrubs  and  greenhouse  plants  ;  Messrs.  Clibran,  Altrincham,  for  collec¬ 
tion  of  plants  ;  Messrs.  Dickson  &  Robinson,  Manchester,  for  spring 
flowers  and  Roses ;  Messrs.  Dickson,  Brown  &  Tait,  Manchester,  for 
Hyacinths,  Narcissi,  and  Lilacs  ;  Mr.  James  Mason,  Manchester,  for 
bouquets;  Captain  Holfotd  for  Amaryllis.  The  prize  of  £10  for  the 
beBt  amateur  collection  of  Daffodils  was  won  by  Mrs.  R.  O.  Backhouse 
of  Sutton  St.  Nicholas,  Hereford  ;  and  the  first  prize  of  £6  for  a  group  of 
spring  flowering  plants  and  bulbs  by  Mr.  James  Brown,  Heaton  Mersey. 
Awards  of  merit  were  made  to  the  Misses  Hopkins,  Knutsford,  for 
collection  of  wild  flowers  ;  to  Mr.  J.  Broome,  Llandudno,  for  oat  flowers 
and  herbaceous  plants ;  to  Mr.  J.  Brown,  for  a  collection  of  Mareohal 
Niel  Roses ;  to  Mrs.  Hodkinson,  Didsbury,  for  skeletonised  flowers ; 
and  to  Mr.  Edwards,  Nottingham,  for  nursery  accessories.  A  silver 
medal  was  also  awarded  to  Messrs.  Diokson,  Chester,  for  cut  Daffodils. 
WOKK/QKtceWEEK. 
Frnit  Forcing. 
Cherry  House. — As  soon  as  the  stoning  is  completed  the  fruit 
commences  colouring  and  taking  its  last  swelling  for  ripening.  The 
temperature  may  now  be  raised,  not  exceeding  60°  by  artificial  means 
in  the  daytime,  and  55°  to  60’  at  night,  with  a  little  ventilation, 
increasing  it  at  70°,  but  not  so  as  to  lower  the  heat.  Subject  to  the 
leaving  of  a  little  air  on  constantly,  at  the  top  of  the  house,  close  at  70°, 
but  the  temperature  must  not  be  allowed  to  exceed  that  degree  in  the 
early  part  of  the  day  without  full  ventilation.  Prom  the  commencement 
of  colouring  until  the  trees  are  cleared  of  their  fruits  syringing  over  the 
trees  must  cease,  but  a  genial  moisture  should  be  maintained  in  the 
house  by  sprinkling  the  paths  and  border  occasionally  as  the  surfaces 
become  dry.  Aphides  must  be  kept  under  by  an  insecticide,  but 
fumigation  or  vaporisation  only  cau  be  had  recourse  to  after  the  fruits 
commence  ripening.  The  border  and  soil  of  trees  in  pots  must  not 
lack  moisture,  otherwise  the  fruit  will  be  prejudiced  in  swelling  off  and 
keeping  plump,  whilst  red  spider  will  seriously  impair  the  foliage  and 
prospect  of  the  following  year’s  crop. 
Vines. — Early  Forced. — The  Vines  with  Grapes  colouring  must  be 
afforded  a  due  but  not  excessive  supply  of  water,  lightly  mulching  the 
inside  border  afterwards.  This  refers  to  the  earliest  Vines,  which,  as  a 
rule,  do  not  require  nearly  as  much  water  as  later  ones,  and  an  excess 
renders  the  snl  sodden  and  sour,  and  shanking  of  the  Grapes  with 
indifferent  finish  is  often  the  consequence.  Where  Gripes  are  fully 
ripe  a  reduction  in  temperature  is  advisable,  yet  moderate  moisture 
and  heat  must  be  maintain  jd  for  the  benefit  of  the  foliage.  The 
moisture  will  not  do  the  Grapes  any  harm  provided  the  air  is  changed 
by  judicious  and  free  ventilation.  A  night  temperature  of  60°  is 
suitable,  and  also  suffices  in  the  daytime  by  artificial  means. 
Succession  Houses. —  Attend  to  stopping  and  tying  the  shoots.  Where 
the  space  is  restricted  stop  them  two  joints  beyond  the  fruit,  and  as 
increase  is  necessary,  or  at  least  advisable,  leave  the  laterals  both  above 
and  below  the  bunch,  at  least  those  from  the  two  lowest  eyes,  and  also 
those  level  with  or  above  the  bunch.  Pinch  these  at  the  first  leaf, 
especially  the  basal  ones,  also  above,  unless  there  is  spacs  for  extending 
the  laterals,  when  they  may  be  allowed  to  make  two  or  three  leaves. 
After  the  area  is  furnished  keep  the  growths  closely  pinched  to  one 
joint  as  made.  The  great  evil  is  overcrowding,  which  deprives  the 
foliage  of  the  essential  light  and  air,  and  restricting  the  growths  is 
intended  to  prevent  that  as  well  as  to  concentrate  the  elaborated  matter 
in  the  ourrent  crop,  and  wood  and  bads  for  ihe  succeeding  one. 
Tying. — The  shoots  should  be  tied  in  the  places  where  they  are  to 
remain  during  the  summer,  this  being  an  operation  which  demands 
careful  attention.  It  is  a  common  practice  to  com  nence  tying  down 
the  shoots  as  soon  as  they  are  long  enough  to  bend.  This  is  not 
advisable  except  as  a  precaution  against  injury  from  frost  or  scorching 
by  their  points  touching  the  glass,  as  the  shoots  at  this  stage  are  so 
tender  that  the  slightest  twist  the  wrong  way  may  break  them.  It  is  a 
better  plan  to  defer  tying  down  the  shoots  until  they  are  less  sappy, 
which  may  be  when  the  fruit  is  forming;  but  a  better  plan  still  is  to  so 
dispose  the  rods  that  the  shoots,  instead  of  having  to  be  brought  down 
to  a  nearly  horizontal  position,  will  have  au  incline  upward,  yet 
sufficiently  inclining  to  allow  light  to  reach  the  basal  leaves. 
Vines  in  Flower. — Afford  Muscats  a  free  circulation  of  rather  dry 
air,  and  a  temperature  of  80°  to  85°  or  95°  in  the  day,  falling  to  70°  or 
65°  at  night,  raising  the  points  of  the  bunohes  to  the  light,  and  liberating 
the  pollen  at  midday  by  gently  rapping  the  footstalks  of  the  bunohes. 
If  there  is  a  deficiency  of  pollen  take  it  from  those  that  afford  it  plenti¬ 
fully,  suoh  as  Black  Hamburghs  and  Alicante,  and  apply  it  to  the  shy 
setting  varieties  with  a  oamel’s-hair  brush,  previously  brushing  oyer 
the  bunches  so  as  to  remove  the  caps  of  the  flowers,  and  operating 
about  midday  or  after  the  house  has  been  some  time  ventilated. 
Thinning. — Free-setting  varieties  may  be  thinned  as  soon  as  they 
are  out  of  bloom,  suoh  as  Black  Hamburghs,  while  some,  like  Gros 
Colman,  Gros  Guillaume,  and  Trebbiano,  may  be  thinned  whilst  they 
are  in  flower,  but  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Lidy  Downe’s,  and  Mrs.  Pinoe, 
with  Muscats  generally,  must  not  be  thinned  until  the  properly 
fertilised  berries  can  be  determined  by  their  taking  the  lead  in  swelling. 
Follow  up  the  thinning  early  and  late,  and  on  dull  days.  Remove 
superfluous  bunohes,  reserving  the  best  set  and  most  compact,  over-, 
cropping  being  alike  prejudicial  to  well-s welled  berries  as  to  colour,  and 
to  next  year’s  crops. 
Feeding. — Feed  swelling  orops  liberally,  either  by  surface  dressings 
or  liquid  manure,  and  maintain  a  moist,  genial  condition  of  the 
atmosphere.  It  is  well  to  use  sweetened  horse  droppings,  and  spread 
them  over  the  whole  surface,  in  order  to  afford  the  Vines  the  benefit  of 
the  ammonia-charged  atmosphere,  adding  a  few  freshly  sweetened  from 
time  to  time,  but  care  must  be  taken  not  to  overdo  it.  Wnerp  the  Vines 
need  extra  support  a  liberal  dressing  of  artificially  compounded  manure 
