July  30,  19C3. 
JOURNAL  CF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
111. 
for  a  light  edged  red,  and  for  rose  or  scarlet  edged  Mr.  Wellesley 
won  with  Fortrose.  Gertrude  won  for  Mr.  J.  J.  Keene  first  place 
for  one  heavy  edged  yellow. 
The  premier  Self  Carnation  was  a  grand  .specimen  of  Sir 
Bevys  from  Mr.  Barton.  Mr.  Wellesley  had  the  premier  Fancy 
in  Charles  Martell.  The  remainder  of  the  cards  were  not  on  when 
our  reporter  left  the  show. 
In  the  dinner  table  decoration  there  was  centred  much  in¬ 
terest.  With  a  tastefully  arranged  table  of  really  good  blooms 
Miss  Minnie  Snellgrove,  Southampton,  secured  the  coveted 
award;  Mr.  R.  H.  Jefferey  second.  For  a  bouquet  of  Carna¬ 
tions  Mr.  E.  Wills,  163,  Above  Bar,  Southampton,  won  first  prize 
with  an  exhibit  of  admirable  taste ;  Mr.  E.  C.  Goble,  Ryde, 
second.  For  a  vase  of  Carnations  or  Picotees,  Mr.  E.  H.  Buck- 
land  won;  Messrs.  Blackmore  and  Langdon,  Bath,  second. 
Sweet  Peas. — For  nine  distinct  varieties,  Mr.  H.  H.  Lees, 
Grosvenor  Villa,  Portswood,  won  Messrs.  Toogood’s  first  prize 
with  an  exceedingly  fine  exhibit,  such  varieties  as  Duke  of  West¬ 
minster,  George  Gordon,  Lady  Grisel  Hamilton,  Lord  Rosebery, 
Miss  WTllmott,  and  Black  Knight  being  noteworthy.  Mr.  A. 
Maple,  Aldermoor,  Shirley,  second ;  Mr.  T.  Hall,  gardener  to  Sir 
S.  Montague,  Bart.,  South  Stoneham  House,  third.  The  Rev. 
F.  M.  Midleton,  Old  Alresford,  won  Mr.  Breadmore’s  special  prize 
for  nine  distinct  varieties,  with  typical  examples  of  Salopian, 
Mi.ss  Willmott,  Countess  of  Lathom,  and  Sadie  Burpee ;  Mr. 
Maple  second,  Mr.  Jeffery  third,  both  .staging  well.  Mr.  Maple 
won  Mr.  R.  Sydenham’s  prize  with  good  produce  of  popular  kinds  ; 
Mr.  Jeffery  second.  A  Sweet  Pea  decorated  table  created  much 
interest.  Miss  Snellgrove  also  won  Mr.  Ladham’s  prize  in  this 
class  quite  easily  with  another  of  her  harmonious  blendings  of 
colour. 
Mr.  J.  Douglas,  Edenside  Nurseries,  Great  Bookham,  staged 
an  admirable  assortment  of  leading  Carnations,  not  for  com¬ 
petition,  which  were  much  admired.  Messrs.  J.  Cutbush  and 
Son,  Highgate  Nurseries,  also  added  much  to  the  general  interest 
of  the  show  with  a  similar  exhibit,  consisting  as  it  did  of  leading 
varieties.  Me,ssrs.  B.  Ladhams,  Ltd.,  Shirley  Nurseries,  South¬ 
ampton,  had  a  large  group  of  cut  hardy  border  flowers  :  Gaillardias, 
Coreopsis  Eldorado,  Ac.,  were  noteworthy.  Mr.  W.  New’ton,  gar¬ 
dener  to  W.  Garton,  Esq.  Roselands,  WooLston,  had  a  fine  group 
of  miscellaneous  plants.  Mr.  C.  W.  Breadmore,  had  four  dozen 
bunches  Sweet  Peas. 
Handswortli,  July  24tii  and  25tli. 
The  energetic  committee,  Avith  their  courteous  and  efficient 
treasurer.  Councillor  W.  Roberts,  and  secretary,  Councillor  J. 
Edwards,  have  much  reason  to  be  gratified  with  the  success  of  the 
nineteenth  annual  exhibition  of  this  society,  being  on  the  whole 
the  best  yet  held  here.  More  e.specially  does  this  apply  to  the 
groups  of  plants  arranged  for  effect,  and  it  may  not  be  invidious 
to  remark  that  the  self-same  four  conte.stants  fairly  eclipsed  their 
recent  Wolverhampton  demonstrations  of  a  similar  character, 
Avhich  is  saying  a  good  deal.  But  upon  the  present  occasion, 
mirahile  lUctu,  the  hitherto  almost  invincible  “  groupists  ”  from 
Cheltenham,  Messrs.  James  Cypher  and  Sons,  had  to  be  content 
Avith  second  honours,  the  first  falling  to  their  strong  and  Avorthy 
opponent  of  I'ecent  years,  that  irrepressible  Scot,  Mr.  J.  V.  Mac¬ 
donald,  gardener  to  G.  H.  Kenrick,  E.sq.,  Edgbaston,  Birming¬ 
ham.  As  a  centrepiece  he  again  adopted  the  u.sual  cork-bark 
coAmred  bridge,  and  surmounted  Avith  a  fine  specimen  of  Phoenix 
rupicola,  Avhile  the  tAVO  basements  of  the  bridge  AA'ere  furnished 
Avith  a  rich  complement  of  the  elegant  and  coral  red  Fuchsia  tri- 
phylla,  with  its  dark  green  foliage,  and  for  which  purpose,  group¬ 
ing,  not  even  the  brilliant  Ixoras  can  excel.  Each  of  the  four 
corner  mounds  of  the  parterre  Avere  surmounted  with  a  richly 
coloured  Codiseum  (Croton)  Warreni.  Several  other  varieties  of 
the  genus,  Ixoras,  Caladiums,  Bamboos,  a  feAV  Orchids,  such  as 
Cattleyas  and  Oncidium  flexuosum,  Avere  among  the  chief  plants 
Avliich  lent  themseh^es  to  make  up  the  Avell-earned  artistic  com¬ 
position. 
In  equal  richness  of  resources  and  artistic  effect,  Messrs. 
Cypher  Avere  a  close  second,  but  their  centrepiece  of  tall  and  finely 
coloured  Codiseums,  such  as  Reidi  and  Thompsoni,AA-ith  other  orna¬ 
mental  foliage  subjects,  Avas — perhaps  unfortunately — topped  with 
a  magnificent  specimen  of  Phoenix  Belmoreana,  its  dark  green 
massive  fronds  affording  too  great  a  contrast  to  the  bright  and 
rich  coloration  beneath,  and  in  Avhich  a  profinsion  of  Cattleyas 
gigas,  Gaskelliana,  and  other  kinds  contributed  Avith  great  effect. 
The  first  prize  carries  £15  and  a  silver  challenge  cup  value  ten 
guineas,  presented  by  Councillor  T.  E.  Forsyth,  to  be  Avon  tAvo 
years  in  succession,  or  three  times  in  all,  before  becoming  the 
absolute  property  of  the  Avinner.  Messrs.  Cypher  having  won  it 
tAvice  preAuously. 
In  the  class  for  tAvelve  stove  or  greenhouse  plants  Messrs. 
Cypher  Avere  Avell  to  the  fore.  A  notable  specimen  of  Stephanotis 
floribunda  being  especially  attractive.  Mr.  W.  Vause  was  placed 
second,  and  Mr.  Oliver  Brasier,  of  Edgbaston,  third,  Avith  only 
moderate  examples,  the  latter  not  being  up  to  his  usual  form.  An 
unique  and  .striking  feature  Avas  the  choice  and  representative 
collection  of  Cacti,  and  Avhich  deserved  a  higher  recognition  than 
the  certificate  of  merit.  This  meritorious  exhibit  belongeu  to 
Mrs.  J.  G.  Thompson,  of  HandsAvorth. 
Roses,  Avhich  Avere  very  Avell  shoAvn,  formed  an  attractive 
feature.  For  tAventy-four  blooms,  distinct,  Messrs.  Townsend  and 
Son, \\  qrcester,  Avere  to  the  fore,  with  the  proprietors  of  the  King’s 
Acre  Nurseries,  Hereford,  and  Messrs.  Perkins  and  Sons, 
CoA’entgy,  respectively  second  and  third  positions,  the  finest 
bloom  in  the  contest  being  one  of  Horace  Vernet,  by  the  last- 
named  exliibitor.  Mr.  G.  Prince,  Oxford,  was  the  remaining 
exhibitor.  For  twelve  Teas  Mr.  G.  Prince  proved  victorioAis ; 
second  Messrs.  ToAvnsend,  and  third  the  King’s  Acre  Nurseries. 
In  the  class  for  tAvelve  bunches  of  Garden  or  DecoratiA^e  Roses, 
distinct,  there  were  four  contestants,  the  premier  prize  falling  to 
Mr.  G.  Prince  Avith  an  elegant  arrangement  ;  second  Messrs. 
ToAvnsend,  AAuth  a  similar  effect ;  and  the  King’s  Acre  Nurseries 
came  in  third. 
Collections  of  Fuchsias,  Pelargoniums,  Caladiums,  and 
Coleuses  Avere  fairly  Avell  exhibited  by  local  groAvers. 
Floral  dinner  table  decorations  presented  a  highly  attractive 
feature,  no  less  than  a  “  baker’s  dozen  ”  exhibits  filling  the  centre 
of  a  long  tent.  Mr.  Robert  Greenfield,  jun.,  Ranelagh  Man¬ 
sions,  Leamington,  secured  the  first  prize  for  a  richlji  coloured 
and  elegant  arrangement  of  C’attleyas,  Odontoglossums,  and 
Francoa,  supplemented  with  sprays  of  Asparagus  plumosus.  The 
second  prize  fell  to  Mrs.  W.  Overton,  Avith  a  charming  and  most 
elegant  arrangement  of  light  pink  SAveet  Peas  and  sprays  of 
Selaginella  ;  it  was  greatly  admired  by  the  visitors.  The  third 
prize  fell  to  Mr.  N.  Haiqrer,  nurseryman,  Leamington,  for  an 
arrangement  of  SAveet  Peas;  fourth  Mr.  S.  Rose,  gardener  to 
W.  S.  Vernon,  Esq.,  HandsAvorth.  SAveet  Peas  Avere  very  Avell 
staged  by  several  exhibitors,  the  .successful  contestants  being 
respectiA^ely  Mrs.  Goode  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  Innes),  H.  Floyd,  E,sq. 
(gardener,  Mr.  C.  BroAvn),  and  Colonel  Wilkinson  (gardener,  Mr. 
J.  J.  Canning). 
Carnations  and,  Picotees,  though  not  numerously  shoAvn.  Avere 
eminent  for  quality.  R.  C.  CartAvright,  Esq.,  King’s  Norton 
(gardener,  Mr.  G.  Rudd),  annexing  the  first  prize  with  a  superior 
lot  of  blooms;  second,  Mr.  A.  R.  BroAvn,  Handsworth  ;  and  third 
Mr.  W.  Pemberton,  Walsall.  In  the  class  for  tAveh’e  yelloAv 
ground  or  .self  Carnations  or  Picotees,  distinct;  the  respective 
order  being  maintained  in  the  case  of  twelve  Avhite  ground  or 
Self  Carnations,  distinct,  shoAAii  as  groAvn. 
Fruit  foi'ined  a  rich  and  attractive  feature.  For  a  collection 
of  not  less  than  ten  kinds  and  varieties.  First  prize,  £7,  and 
silver  challenge  cup,  value  twenty  guineas,  presented  by  the  late 
J.  H.  Penson,  Esq.,  J.P.,  to  be  Avon  tAvo  years  in  .succession,  or 
three  times  in  all,  Mr.  J.  H.  Goodacre,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of 
Harrington,  Eh^aston  Castle,  Avas  to  the  front  Avith  a  large  collec¬ 
tion,  containing  nearly  forty  dishes.  It  comprised  fine  and  highly 
fini.shed  Black  Hamburghs,  Madre.sfield  Court,  Muscat  Ham- 
burghs,  three  large  Melons,  Clapp.s’  Favourite  Pears,  Worcester 
Pearmain,  Lady  Sudeley,  Beauty  of  Bath,  and  Washington  Apples, 
fine  Circassian  and  Black  Tartarian  Cherries,  Keith’s  Favourite, 
Czar,  and  Oullins  Early  Gage  Plums,  Latest  of  All  and  Royal 
Sovereign  StraAA'berries,  Raymaker,  Bellegarde,  and  Royal  George 
Peaches,  Lord  Napier  and  Early  Rivers  Nectarines,  Negro  Largo 
and  BroAA’ii  Turkey  Figs,  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes,  and  tAvo 
dishes  of  Oranges.  The  second  prize  fell  to  Mr.  J.  Jones, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  F.  Need,  who  had  an  excellent,  though  not 
nearly  so  large  a  collection  as  the  veteran  fruit  groAver  of  Eh-aston 
Castle.  Mr.  Jones’  complements  were  fine  Madre.sfield  Court, 
Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Foster’s  Seedling,  and  Gros  Maroc  Grapes, 
Crimson  Galande  and  Sea  Eagle  Peaches,  Pineapple  Nectarines, 
Hero  of  Lockinge  and  Shamrock  III.  Melons,  the  latter  a  large 
and  finely  netted  yelloAV  skinned  fruit,  and  a  good  dish  of  Oxonian 
StraAvberries. 
Grapes  AA’ere  finely  represented,  more  especially  the  black 
kinds.  For  six  bunches  (three  Avhite  and  three  black),  first  prize 
£7,  Avith  a  silver  challenge  cup  value  ten  guineas,  presented  by 
G.  H.  Johnstone,  Esq.,  to  be  Avon  three  times  in  all,  or  tAVO  years 
in  succe.ssion.  The  first  prize  Avas  annexed  by  Mr.  Goodacre  Avith  • 
tAvo  bunches  of  Muscat  Hamburgh,  Cannon  Hall,  and  Black  Ham¬ 
burgh  ;  second.  Mr.  W.  A.  Coates,  gardener  to  Colonel  Platt; 
third,  Mr.  J.  Jones,  gardener  to  Mr.  F.  Need;  and  fourth,  Mr. 
R.  Grindrod,  Hereford. 
The  local  gentlemen’s  gardeners  and  amateurs  Avere  also  most 
creditably  repre.sented  in  numerous  array.  LikeAvi.se  the 
cottagers.  Non-competitive  exhibits  were  in  strong  force.  A 
silver  cup  Avas  aAA’arded  to  Messrs.  HeAvitt  and  Co.,  Solihull,  for 
a  fine  collection  of  hardy  herbaceous  and  other  floAvers.  A  gold 
medal  Avas  accorded  Mr.  Greenfield,  Leamington,  for  a  fine  lot 
of  his  Asparagus  myriocladus,  and  Verbena  Miss  Wilmott.  A 
silver-gilt  medal  to  Messrs.  Dickson,  Chester,  and  silver  medals 
to  others,  including  such  as  The  King’s  Acre  Nurseries,  and  Mr. 
W.  B.  Child,  Acocks  Green.  TAvelve  certificates  of  merit  were 
given  to  Mr.  J.  B.  Grove,  Erdington,  Messrs.  Simpson  and  Sons, 
Me.s.srs.  Yates.  Councillor  Mr.  Waters,  and  Mr.  J.  Boston.  Mes.srs. 
Austin  and  C’o.  and  Messrs.  Webb  and  Sons,  Stourbridge,  for 
excellent  exhibits,  chiefly  hardy  garden  floAvers. 
The  .vhoAV  Avas  held  in  the  Victoria  Park,  and  opened  by  Lady 
Meysey  Thomson,  attended  by  a  numerous  retinue  of  ladies  and 
gentlemen. 
