110 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
July  31,  1902. 
Mr.  W.  Metford,  of  Cardiff,  with  G.  Wall  and  E.  A.  Parsons 
did  well.  Gloxinias  were  rather  poor,  Mr.  R.  Mathews,  of 
Cardiff,  having  the  best.  In  the  Rose  classes,  Messrs.  M. 
Febry,  A.  Townsend,  and  A.  W.  Morris  were  the  principal 
prizewinners.  Sweet  Peas  were  shown  in  great  variety,  Mr.  H. 
Harris  being  the  most  successful  competitor,  having  firsts  in 
each  of  the  four  classes.  The  floral  decorations  naturally  con¬ 
stituted  one  of  the  most  interesting  features,  and  we  found  Mr. 
W.  Treseder  well  in  advance  in  many  classes.  Miss  Jenkins 
and  Mrs.  Waldron,  amongst  others,  were  deservedly  awarded 
leading  prizes. 
In  the  open  classes  for  fruit,  the  competition  was  not  so 
keen  as  in  former  years.  Mr.  O.  H.  Cox,  St.  Hilary  ;  Mr.  C. 
Curtis,  Fairwater ;  and  Air.  H.  Gilman,  Cardiff  ,  were  the  most 
successful  competitors  with  Grapes.  For  a  white  flesh  Alelon, 
G.  Muscott,  of  Mountain  Ash,  was  first;  for  a  green  flesh  one, 
Jos.  Greening,  of  Usk,  took  first  place;  and  scarlet  flesh,  W.  L. 
Bastin.  In  the  collection  of  dessert  fruit,  six  distinct  dishes, 
first  W.  L.  Bastin;  second,  Air.  C.  Curtis.  Air.  W.  Carpenter 
was  the  only  competitor  for  Pine-apples,  showing  the  beautiful 
Ripley  Queen.  Apples  were  well  represented,  but  small, 
while  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Cherries,  Apricots,  Strawberries, 
and  Raspberries  were  also  well  shown. 
Seldom  have  vegetables  of  such  a  high  standard  ever  been 
exhibited  at  Cardiff  before.  For  nine  kinds,  W.  L.  Bastin  was 
a  good  first,  and  was  awarded  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society’s 
Bronze  Medal.  Air.  Geo.  Shewring  was  second  and  Air.  G. 
Wilkins  third.  Special  prizes  were  offered  by  Messrs.  Sutton 
and  Sons,  Reading  ;  Alessrs.  Webb  and  Sons,  Wordsley;  Messrs. 
J.  C.  Wheeler  and  Son,  Gloucester ;  Messrs.  James  Garaway 
and  Co.,  Bristol ;  and  Messrs.  Ward  and  C’o. 
In  the  non-competitive  section,  A.  E.  Price,  of  Cardiff, 
contributed  Sweet"  Peas  in  vases;  while  Gold  Medals  were 
awarded  to  Mr.  J.  Russell,  Richmond,  Surrey;  and  Mrs.'S. 
Eida,  Conduit  Street,  London.  Silver  Medal  awards  went  to 
Blackmore  and  Langdon,  Bath;  R.  Wallace  and  Co.,  Colchester; 
Henry  Eckford,  of  Wem,  for  a  good  collection  of  Swee.t  Peas; 
Dicksons  and  Co.,  Chester,  for  a  collection  of  hardy  cut  flowers ; 
and  to  The  King’s  Acre  Nurseries.  Messrs.  Garaway  and  Co., 
Bristol,  staged  stove  and  greenhouse  plants ;  and  Jarman  and 
Co.,  Chard,  herbaceous  cut  flowers  and  Roses. 
Leamington  Spa  (Warwick),  July  23rd  and  24th. 
This  show,  which  is  due  to  the  initiative  of  Mr.  C.  ,S.  Birch, 
was  held  in  the  well-known  Jephson  Gardens,  on  the  above 
dates.  In  marked  contrast  to  last  year  the  weather  was  fortu¬ 
nately  fine,  and  the  attendance  good  on  each  day.  A!rs  Birch 
is  to  be  congratulated  on  his  pluck  in  continuing  the  exhibi¬ 
tion  after  the  disastrous  start  (owing  to  the  weather)  made 
last  year,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  a  summer  show  will 
now  be  held  in  Leamington  each  year.  If  more  liberal  prizes 
wrere  offered  for  collections  of  fruits  and  vegetables,  the  number 
of  exhibits  in  those  classes  would  undoubtedly  be  materially 
increased.  Air.  A.  J.  Nichols,  as  usual,  proved  a  courteous  and 
energetic  secretary,  and  he  carried  out  the  duties  in  an 
admirable  manner.  The  gardens,  under  the  management  of 
Mr.  Dell,  were  in  excellent  condition,  and  when  illuminated 
in  the  evening  presented  a  fairy  scene. 
Plants.- — Prizes  of  £10,  £5,  £3,  and  £2  were  offered  for 
groups  of  plants  arranged  in  a  space  not  to  exceed  150  sq.  ft. 
Three  fine  exhibitions  were  staged,  and  the  contest  for  the 
premier  award  was  a  remarkably  keen  one.  Eventually  the 
judges  decided  in  favour  of  Mr.  Finch,  Coventry,  the  Leaming¬ 
ton  Nursery  Company  being  placed  second.  The  contest  was 
so  close,  that  it  was  one  of  those  cases  in  which  the  order  of 
merit  might  have  been  reversed,  and  yet  have  met  with  general 
acceptance  among  those-  qualified  to  judge.  Personal  taste  or 
fancy,  however,  must  generally  decide  the  point  at  such  times. 
In  Mr.  Finch’s  group  a  rather  tall  arch  formed  the  centre. 
This  was  surmounted  by  a  fine  plant  of  Phoenix  rupicola  as  a 
central  object,  the  arch  being  draped  with  light  materials, 
with  a  few  telling  plants  rising  above  them.  The  corners  of 
the  group  were  light  and  graceful,  and  from  the  groundwork 
elevated  plants  were  raised  here  and  there.  Beneath  the  arch 
a  good  plant  of  Croton  Re-idi  showed  up  to  advantage,  and  a 
graceful  Sugar  Cane  rose  prominently  from  the  groundwork, 
near  which  a  few  Orchids,  such  as  Oncidium  flexuosum  and 
Cattleyas  were  placed.  The  whole  produced  a  light  and  pleasing 
appearance,  but  when  closely  examined  the  foreground  and 
groundwork  were  scarcely  so  well  finished  as  in  the  second 
prize  group.  This  exhibit  had  also  for  the  oentral  object  a 
well  formed  arch,  topped  by  a  beautiful  Cocos  Weddelliana. 
the  whole  of  the  materials  being  beautifully  fresh  and  well 
grown.  The  comers  were  light  and  well  finished,  and  yet  at 
no  point,  were  they  too  scanty.  A  few  Orchids  and  other 
telling  plants  rose  from  the  groundwork,  and  Liliums,  Tube¬ 
roses,  &c.,  were  also  effectively  displayed.  Beneath  the 
centre  of  the  arch  a  grand  plant  of  Dracaena  Yictorke  was 
arranged,  and  no  doubt  if  the  arch  had  been  slightly  taller 
the  effect  of  the  group  would  have  been  improved.  Through¬ 
out  it  was  noted  for  thorough  finish  of  workmanship  and  high 
quality  of  materials.  Mr.  V ause, '  Leamington,  was  third  with 
a  good,  though  somewhat  heavy  display. 
For  six  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  Air.  Blakeway,  gardener 
to  Sir  A.  Muntz,  Bart.,  Rugby,  was  first  with  plants  in  fine 
condition;  Air.  Finch  was  second;  and  Mr.  Vause  third.  The 
last-named  exhibitor  was  placed  first  for  the  best  specimen  in 
bloom,  showing  Statice  Butcheri.  He  also  won  for  the  best 
specimen  foliage  plant,  showing  a  good  example  of  Croton 
angustifolius. 
Cut  Flowers. — £4  was  offered  as  the  first  prize  for  a 
decorated  dinner  table.  This  was  easily  won  by  the  Learning- 
ton  Nursery  Company  with  a  light  and  beautiful  arrangement 
consisting  of  Cattleyas,  Odontoglossums,  Epidendrums,  and  that 
old  yet  most  suitable  Oncidium  for  such  purposes  flexuosum. 
The  table-  also  contained  some  bunches  of  Grapes.  Air.  Vause 
was  second,  the  third  prize  going  to  Air.  R.  Greenfield.  Messrs. 
Perkins,  Coventry,  were  first  for  the  best  hand  bouquet,  being 
closely  followed  by  the  Leamington  Nursery  Company.  These 
two  exhibitors  occupied  a  similar  position  for  the  best  arranged 
basket  of  flowers.  Messrs.  Perkins  also  won  for  twelve  Tea  Roses, 
and  for  a  like  number  of  H.P.’s;  the  Leamington  Nursery 
Company  being  second  in  each  case.  Only  one  exhibit  was 
staged  in  the  class  for  the  best  arrangement  of  Swget-  Peas, 
and  the  first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  R.  Greenfield. 
Fruit  and  A7egetables.— -Mr.  E.  Crump,  Leamington,  Avon 
wel  1  for  six  dishes  of  fruit  (Pines  excluded),  staging  grand  Ali¬ 
cante  Grapes,  also  Strawberries,  Peaches,  Apricots,  Currants, 
and  Nectarines.  Mr.  W.  Draper,  gardener  to  R.  O.  Alilner, 
Esq.,  Avas  second.  For  two  bunches  of  black  Grapes,  Air. 
T.  Lloyd,  gardener  to  Lord  Willoughby  de  Broke,  Compton 
Verney,  Avas  aAvarded  the  second  prize ;  Air.  Draper  being  first 
for  tAvo  bunches  of  Avhite.  Mr.  Wright,  gardener  to  Al.  P. 
Lucas,  Esq.,  Avon  for  a  Melon.  Air.  Crump  Avas  first  for  a 
single  dish  of  Peaches,  and  Mr.  Barratt  for  Nectarines.  Air. 
Crump  also  Avon  in  the  classes  for  eighteen  Tomatoes,  and  for 
six,  with  even,  brightly  coloured  samples.  Air.  Lloyd  had  the 
best  collection  of  twelve  varieties  of  vegetables,  and  was  also 
first  for  six.  Although  not  large  they  Avere  clean  and  well 
staged.  Air.  Finch  AA'as  placed  first  for  a  brace  of  Cucumbers, 
shoAving  Telegraph. 
Non-Competitive  Exhibits. — Mr.  H.  Alartin,  gardener  to 
the  Right  Hon.  Lord  Leigh,  Stoneleigh  Abbey,  KenilAvorth, 
exhibited  fine  collections  of  both  fruits  and  vegetables,  and  in 
each  case  they  Avere  smartly  staged.  Some  of  the  best  dishes 
among  the  fruit  Avere  fine  Muscat  and  Hamburgh  Grapes, 
Bellegarde  Peaches,  and  Humboldt  Nectarines;  and  among  the 
vegetables,  Tender  and  True  Cucumber,  Edivin  Beckett  Pea 
(grand),  Onions  and  Cauliflowers. 
Several  Avell-knoAvn  trade  firms  made  a  conspicuous  display, 
and  added  materially  to  the  attractiveness  of  the  shorv.  Hinton 
Bros.,  of  WarAvick,  staged  in  excellent  style  a  fine  collection 
of  Sweet  Peas;  Messrs.  Harrison  and  Sons,  Leicester,  staged  a 
strong  collection  of  SAveet  Peas  and  herbaceous  plants.  Mr. 
J.  H.  White,  of  Worcester,  also  made  a  fine  display  of  herba¬ 
ceous  plants,  and  a  boivl  of  choice  Water  Lilies.  Another 
collection  of  cut  floAvers  Avas  staged  by  the  Leamington 
Nursery  Company ;  while  Mr.  Crump  staged  in  good  style  a 
large  and  shoAvy  collection  of  fruit.  Each  of  the  above  collec¬ 
tions  Avere  aAvarded  Certificates  of  Alerit.  Air.  Greenfield  added 
another  first-class  certificate  to  those  already  gained  in  London 
and  Wolverhampton  for  his  new  Asparagus  myriocladus.  It  is 
perfectly  distinct  from  all  other  species  or  variety  of  Asparagus, 
and  should  rapidly  find  its  way  into  every  garden  of  repute. 
A  glare  of  colour  attracted  my  attention  to  one  end  of  the 
flower  tent.  Away  I  went  to  examine  what  I  thought  from  a 
distance  to  be  something  particularly  good ;  but  oh !  the 
disappointment  of  it.  The  exhibit  proved  to  be  artificial 
floAvers,  scarcely  the  thing  for  a  summer  flower  show,  thought  I. 
I  hope  others  thought  so  too. — D. 
St.  Ives  (Hunts),  July  24th. 
This  is  a  growing  society.  In  the  open  classes  the  competition 
Avas  very  keen  at  this,  the  latest  shoAV,  held  on  Thursday, 
July  24,  arid  some  excellent  produce  was  placed  before  the  judges. 
In  Class  1,  for  twelve  Roses,  distinct,  Air.  Seabrooke,  gardener 
to  Lord  De  Ramsey,  was  first;  and  Air.  J.  Barson,  gardener  to 
the  Eai'l  of  Sandwich,  Hincliingbrooke,  second.  For  a  group  of 
plants  arranged  for  effect,  first,  Air.  Barson ;  second,  Air. 
EbsAvorth.  For  six  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  first,  Air. 
EbsAvorth.  Carnation  and  Sweet  Pea  prizes  Avent  chiefly  to  Air. 
Seabrooke,  and  Air.  Hibbeard,  gardener  to  H.  Gillart,  Esq., 
Abbots  Ripton  Hall.  For  a  collection  of  fruit,  not  less  than  six 
distinct  kinds,  Air.  Barson  led,  and  was  closely  folloAved  by  Air. 
T.  Lockie,  gardener  to  A.  J.  Thornhill,  Esq.,  Diddington  Hall. 
Collection  of  vegetables  :  both  Sutton’s  and  Webb’s  prizes  went  to 
Air.  Barson,  closely  followed  in  each  case  by  Air.  Lockie  ;  third, 
Air.  Humfris,  gardener  to  Sir  Arthur  Alarshall,  Buckden  Towers, 
Air.  Lockie  was  first  with  Gloxinias  and  Tomatoes. 
i 
