September  li,  1902.  JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
253 
Reading  Horticultural. 
The  Reading  Horticultural  Society  held  a  successful  exhibi¬ 
tion  on  Wednesday,  August  26,  being  favoured  with  fine  weather. 
The  numbers  who  paid  the  highest  price  for  admission  were  larger 
than  they  have  been  for  a  long  time,  whilst  at  the  close  of  the 
day  there  were  about  5,000  present.  But  whilst  the  show  was 
well  supported  by  visitors,  it  cannot  be  said  that  the  society 
was  as  well  supported  as  it  might  have  been  by  the  exhibitors,  or 
rather  by  those  that  should  have  been  exhibitors.  Many  familiar 
names  were  missed  from  the  show  cards. 
For  quality  the  vegetables  in  competition  for  Messrs.  Sutton’s 
prizes  made  the  finest  show  seen  anywhere  this  year  in  England. 
The  entries  fell  considerably  short  of  last  year,  only  400  exhibits 
being  staged,  against  540  the  previous  year  ;  but  the  unfavourable¬ 
ness  of  the  season,  which  has  manifested  itself  at  every  show, 
easily  accounts  for  this,  whilst  it  must  be  remembered  that  the 
entries  for  the  year  before  last  only  numbered  about  400.  For 
the  Society’s  Challenge  Cup,  valued  at  20  guineas,  three  groups 
were  sent  in  for  competition  against  five  last  year.  Mr.  F.  1). 
Lambert,  of  Moor  Hall,  Cookham  (gardener,  Mr.  Fulford),  had 
previously  carried  off  the  trophy  twice,  and  again  won  it.  He 
thus  is  possessor. 
In  the  open  cut  flower  classes  the  Dahlias  and  the  “  bunches 
of  twelve  ”  were  most  noticeable.  The  former  were  very  much 
admired,  especially  those  sent  in  by  Mr.  J.  Walker,  of  Thame, 
who  was  an  easy  first  for  the  Show,  single,  and  Cactus  varieties 
with  some  magnificent  blooms  both  in  colour  and  perfection  of 
natural  arrangement.:  Messrs.  Cheat  and  Son,  of  Crawley,  took 
second.  Mr.  R.  Moss,  Hawley,  Blackwater,  was  third  for  single 
and  Cactus  varieties,  but  he  excelled  in  his  bunches  of  cut 
flowers,  which  were  magnificent. 
Fruit  made  a  good  show  considering  the  season,  some  fine 
Grapes  coming  in  for  a  good  deal  of  attention.  Especially 
noticeable  were  three  fine  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  which 
were  much  admired  for  their  colouring,  although  this  is 
a  bad  year  for  colouring.  They  were  shown  by  Mr. 
Galt,  gardener  to  Mr.  Iveyser.  Sir  Charles  Russell’s  noted  Black 
Hamburgh  vai'iety  were  also  conspicuous,  and  they  gained  first 
prize.  Some  extraordinary  good  Peaches  (Sea  Eagle)  from  his 
gardens  were  also  first  prizetakers.  Culinary  Apples  were  fairly 
good.  Quite  the  tit-bit  of  the  show  was  the  vegetables  staged  for 
competition  in  Messrs.  Sutton’s  prizes, and  experts  say  that  nothing 
has  been  seen  in  England  to  beat  them  this  year.  Mr.  R.  W. 
Hudson,  Danesfield,  Marlow  (gardener,  Mr.  Gibson),  had  a  collec¬ 
tion,  every  specimen  being  typical  of  its  kind.  The  Right  Hon. 
Lord  Aldenliam,  of  Aldenham  House,  Elstree  (gardener,  Mr. 
Beckett),  made  a  good  second,  but  was  a  little  weak  in  Beet, 
Carrots,  and  Parsnips.  Sutton’s  New  Red  Intermediate  Carrots  in 
Sir  Wyndham  Portal’s  exhibit,  which  got  fifth  prize,  were 
the  best  Carrots  in  the  show;  they  were  perfect  models.  There 
were  some  excellent  Tomatoes  on  view  in  the  open  class,  Mr. 
Hudson’s  Perfection  (Sutton’s)  being  splendid  specimens.  The 
Forbury  Gardens  were  looking  their  best,  and  were  much  enjoyed 
by  the  visitors. 
There  were  several  entries  not  for  competition,  which  were 
not  the  least  attractive  features  of  the  show.  First  mention 
should  be  made  of  a  large,  magnificent  group  shown  by  Messrs. 
Cutbush  and  Sons,  nurserymen,  of  Barnet  and  London.  For 
variety  and  quality  of  blooms  the  group  would  be  hard  to  beat. 
Messrs.  Cheal  and  Son,  Crawley,  had  Cactus  Dahlias,  and  George 
Prince,  Roses. 
Liverpool  Amateur  Gardeners. 
Hospital  Night  is  always  a  great  event  in  the  history  of  this 
progressive  society,  and  the  inmates  of  the  Children’s  Infirmary, 
Myrtle  Street,  had  a  welcome  surprise  when  on  the  following  day 
they  found  the  wards  completely  transformed  by  the  exhibits, 
which  were  all  sent  up  by  the  members  on  Thursday  last.  Cactus 
Dahlias,  considering  the  season,  were  remarkable,  no  fewer  than 
nine  staging.  The  first  prize  went  to  a  new  member,  Mr. 
Wallace,  with  an  almost  perfect  collection  ;  Mr.  Robins 
the  second.  For  Gladioli,  Mrs.  McGregor  was  first.  This  lady 
was  first  for  an  epergne  composed  of  pink  Carnations  and  Gypsc- 
jhila  ;  also  for  superior  cut  flowers  and  Asters.  Mr.  Hitchmough 
iad  a  capital  show  of  Dahlias,  Asters,  and  Tomatoes,  and  Mrs. 
Stevenson  a  choice  Fern.  The  second  prize  for  Tomatoes  is  worthy 
of  special  mention,  being  grown  by  Superintendent  Muir,  of 
the  Hatton  Garden  Fire  Station,  in  a  smajl  roof  greenhouse. 
Mr.  Elli  son  had  the  best  cut  blooms,  the  leading  plant  in 
bloom,  a  tuberous  Begonia,  coming  from  Mr.  Wallace.  A  special 
prize  for  the  most  suitable  gift  of  flowers,  fruit,  &c.,  was  offered 
by  Mrs.  Muir.  As  this  might  be  an  inspiration  for  other  shows 
to  help  a  good  cause,  I  quote  chief  contents:  A  chicken,  bunch  of 
Grapes,  bunch  of  Bananas,  Apples,  Pears,  handsome  selection  of 
scrap  books,  flowers,  &c.  This  from  Mrs.  Morris.  Miss  Davies 
and  others  exhibited  well.  A  good  number  of  fresh  eggs  were 
sent  by  Mr.  R.  Muir,  of  Fonnby.  The  annual  excursion  for 
members  was  held  last  week,  by  the  kind  permission  of  the  Hon.  J 
W.  Walsh  in  Knowsley  Park,  the  beautiful  seat  of  the  Earl  of  j 
Derby,  K.G.  The  party  drove  through  many  of  the  drives,  the  | 
scenery  of  the  distant  country  being  much  admired.  One  of  the 
garden  staff  had  been  deputed  to  escort  the  party  through  the 
grounds,  which  at  the  present  time  are  quite  delightful,  the  Rose 
garden  evidently  causing  pleasure.  Substantial  refreshments 
were  then  served,  after  which  the  party  returned  to  Liverpool, 
much  elated  with  all  they  had  seen.— R.  P.  R. 
Sandy  and  District,  August  28th. 
This  show  was  held  in  the  Park  of  Sandy  Place  on  the  above 
date,  and  proved  to  be  one  of  the  most  successful  shows  that 
had  ever  been  held.  The  competition  was  very  keen.  The  class 
for  ten  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  went  to  Mr.  Cypher,  he 
showing  in  his  usual  form.  The  groups  were  a  strong  exhibit,  the 
first  prize  going  to  Mr.  Finch  with  a  very  neat  and  tasteful 
arrangement.  Roses  were  fine  for  the  season,  and  both  classes 
fell  to  Harkness  and  Co.,  followed  in  each  class  by  G.  W.  and  H. 
Burch,  Peterborough.  Dahlias  were  very  fine,  Keynes,  Williams, 
and  Co.,  and  other  well  known  growers,  taking  the  lead. 
Sweet  Peas  were  largely  shown,  and  R.  M.  Bradley,  Peter¬ 
borough,  proved  to  be  the  best  exhibitor,  closely  followed  by 
W.  and  J.  Brown,  Peterborough.  In  the  smaller  plant  classes, 
where  nurserymen  ar-e  excluded,  for  six  foliage  plants,  Sir  A. 
Marshall  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  Humfries)  led,  and  stove  and  green¬ 
house  Ferns  also  went  to  the  same  exhibitor.  Among  other  suc¬ 
cessful  competitors  in  this  class  were  Lord  Peel,  of  Sandy  Lodge; 
Mr.  Leeds  Smith,  Mrs.  Astell,  and  Miss  Goodgames,  St.  Neots. 
Fruit  classes  ivere  very  strong  and  well  filled.  The  collection 
of  eight  distinct  brought  six  entries.  The  first  award  went  to  the 
Earl  of  Sandwich,  Hinchingbrooke,  Huntingdon  (gardener,  Mr. 
J.  Barson),  the  Black  Maroc  Grapes  being  very  fine,  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  good  in  berry,  but  scarcely  finished,  Sea  Eagle  Peach 
good,  Nectarines  fair,  and  all  other  dishes  good.  The  second 
prize  went  to  Mr.  Harsley,  Hemel  Hempstead  (gardener,  Mr. 
Folkes),  whose  Grapes  were  very  good,  excellent  Golden  Queen 
and  Alnwick  Seedling,  but  his  single  dishes  were  poor;  third, 
Captain  Duncombe.  In  the  class  for  six  distinct  dishes,  the 
first  prize  went  to  C’ol.  Shuttleworth,  Old  Warden  Park 
(gardener,  Mr.  W.  C.  Modral).  This  was  a  neat,  clean,  well-set-up 
exhibit,  and  far  before  the  others  in  the  class.  The  second  prize 
went  to  A.  J.  Hornill,  Esq.  (gardener,  Mr.  T.  Lockie);  third, 
G.  D.  Newton,  Esq.  For  a  collection  of  Apples  (very  small  this 
season)  the  awards  went  to'  Captain  Duncombe,  Warsley  Park 
(gardener,  Mr.  Carter) ;  and  second,  Mr.  Carlile.  For  two 
bunches  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes;  first  Mr.  Carlile,  and  second 
Mr.  C.  Moore,  St.  Neots.  Any  other  black,  first  Mr.  Folkes,  with 
excellent  Alnwick  Seedling;  second,  Mr.  C.  Moore,  St.  Neots. 
Muscat  of  Alexandria,  first  Mr.  Barson,  with  well  finished 
bunches;  second,  Mr.  G.  E.  Foster.  Any  other  white,  first  Mr. 
Folkes,  with  Golden  Queen  (good);  second,  Mr.  Barson,  with 
Mrs.  Pearson ;  good  bunches  but  not  quite  finished.  For  both 
inside  and  outside  Peaches  Mr.  Barson  led,  and  with  Nectarines 
inside  and  out  Mr.  Lockie  led.  The  best  dish  of  outside  Figs  I 
have  seen  for  a  long  time  was  exhibited  by  Lord  de  Ramsey,  of 
Ramsey  Abbey  (gardener,  Mr.  F.  Seabrooke). 
Vegetables  were  extra  strong.  Sutton  and  Sons’  special  prizes 
went  to  Mr.  Lockie  ;  second,  Mr.  Folkes.  Carter  and  Sons’,  first 
Mr.  Folkes;  second,  Mr.  Barson.  Webb  and  Sons’,  first  Mr. 
Folkes;  second,  Mr.  Barson.  Society’s  prize,  first  Mr.  Barson; 
second,  Mr.  Carter.  Collection  of  Potatoes  (very  strong  class), 
first  Mr.  Barson;  second,  Miss  Fitzpatrick.  Cucumbers  were 
well  shown  by  Mr.  Lockie,  and  Tomatoes  made  an  excellent 
entry.  The  first  prize  went  to  Mr.  Barson,  and  the  second  to 
Mr.  Humfries.  Many  other  exhibits  were  worthy  of  mention 
but  space  will  not  allow  of  it. 
Preston  Guild,  Sept.  3rd. 
The  great  Preston  Guild,  an  event  which  only  takes  place 
every  twenty  years,  is  past  and  gone,  and  it  may  be  truly  said 
that  a  more  wonderful  pageant  than  that  made  by  the  pro¬ 
cessions  could  scarcely  be  realised.  Then,  too,  the  visit  of  the 
Royal  Agricultural  Society,  with  its  record  entries,  in  the  Moor 
Park,  was  a  great  attraction;  the  Potatoes  and  root  crops 
from  all  the  leading  seedsmen  in  the  kingdom  being  amongst 
the  best  ever  seen. 
In  the  midst  of  so  much  variety  it  is  only  natural  that 
horticulture  should  play  its  part,  and  with  such  patrons  and 
lovers  of  the  study  as  the  Mayor  and  Mayoress  (Lord  and  Lady 
Derby)  the  committee  were  justified  in  getting  together  a 
valuable  and  interesting  exhibition.  Tuesday  night’s  storm 
had  displaced  some  of  the  canvas,  but  by  the  time  of  staging  no 
fault  could  be  found,  the  three  large  marquees  being  filled  with 
a  really  fine  display  of  flowers,  fruits,  and  vegetables. 
One  missed  the  familiar  face  of  the  late  Mr.  W.  Troughton. 
but  his  son  filled  the  breach,  and  with  Mr.  E.  Payne,  as 
secretary,  the  work  was  well  carried  out.  There  were  three 
classes  for  groups  arranged  for  effect,  that  for  300  square  feet 
goino-  to  Mr.  Troughton.  Palms  and  Ferns  formed  a  special 
feature  in  that  for  200  square  feet,  also  won  by  Mr.  Troughton. 
The  leading  prize  for  the  amateurs’  group  was  accorded  to  Mr. 
