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BOTANICAL CONFERENCE IN PARIS.-The Revue Horticole announces that the International Association of Botanists has organised an international conference to forward the progress of horticulture and agriculture by the selection, introduction, and distribution of every kind of useful plant. The object of the scheme is to increase the knowledge of such useful plants as the members of the asociation in all parts of the world can collect (fruit, seed, cuttings, or young plants) for cultivation, when distributed to members interested in them and in other countries. Further, a certain number of centres will be selected where chosen species can be cultivated experimentally for some years, with a view to selection and propagation. It is also intended to obtain, from botanical excursions and from travellers and explorers, communications concerning economic plants unknown or not widely spread in the districts visited, so that these plants may be kept under observation with a view to making practical use of them. To assist in carrying out this programme an international conference of members was summoned on August 25, at the rooms of the Sociéte Nationale d'Horticulture, to promote the establishment of a section especially organised to define the objects to be obtained and the best methods of proceeding. M. PHILIPPE DE VILMORIN was the organiser of the conference, and many experts and directors of botanic gardens have promised to collaborate.

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PELARGONIUMS IN PARLIAMENT SQUARE.The deplorable condition of the Pelargoniums which were wont to be such a feature in associ ation with the noble architectural detail surrounding them has been the subject of comment in the daily Press. Some attribute the disaster to the noxious fumes from the wood paving laid as long ago as last November; others lay the blame on the poisonous vapours exhaled by motorcars and motor omnibuses. Meantime, so far as we know, no one has taken the trouble to verify either conjecture, and yet the Scientific Committee of the R.H.S. meets within a few hundred yards of the spot, and there are plenty of experts available whose opinion would be of value.

SOLANUM COMMERSONI.-We have received the following communication from M. LABERGERIE:"I have had my attention called to a report (étude) in the Gardeners' Chronicle upon Solanum Commersoni, and more especially upon Solanum Commersoni Violet.' It results from the investigations made that there is apparently complete identity of this variety with that known as Blue Giant. I am therefore sending you a pamphlet including different communications upon the subject made to French scientific societies, and which indicate a considerable number of differences, proving the absolute authenticity' of the variations of Solanum Commersoni." The report alluded to contains an account of a visit of inspection made by various members of the Scientific Committee to the trial grounds of Messrs. Sutton, near Reading. Since then comparative investigations have been made of specimens derived from the same source, including microscopical analyses of the pollen and other features, and if the conclusions arrived at are different from those of some of our French confreres they are in conformity with those of other botanists and cultivators of that country.

Publications Received. -Reports on the Botanic Station and Experiment Plots, Montserrat, 1905-6. Several improvements have been effected in the arrangement of the station, and a number of interesting plants were added to the collection. The progress of the cotton industry was rapid and successful. Mr. W. R. Buttenshaw submits the report in the absence of Sir Daniel Morris.-Journal of the Agriculturai and Horticultural Society of India, 1905. Contains a notice of articles sent out from, and received by the society, and brief notes on subjects of interest to local growers.

CYPRIPEDIUM × HARRI-LEEA

NUM, PARK LODGE VARIETY. THIS hybrid (fig. 67), for which E. Roberts, Esq., Park Lodge, Eltham (gr. Mr. W. Carr), received an Award of Merit at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on August 14, represents one of the finest of the dark-coloured Cypripediums.

It was obtained by crossing C. x Harrisianum superbum and a fine form of C. x Leeanum, and the combination gives yet another instance of the value of second crossing.

CUPRESSUS NOOTKATENSIS.

I SEND a photograph (see fig. 68) of a drooping form of Cupressus nootkatensis which I found in a clearing of the forest, about a month ago. The plant is 5 feet 9 inches high, and, I think, if it grows its branches will turn out to be falcate. I have never seen anything handsomer or better adapted in its way for decorative purposes. G. W. F., British Columbia, June 11. [The pendulous variety is not unknown in our nurseries and is included in the Kew Hand-List of Conifere as in cultivation in that establishment.-ED.]

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The habit of the plant resembles that of C. Harrisianum superbum, the leaves being pale green with dark green reticulation. The scape, which is very stout, is dark purple, and in this instance is twinflowered. The, fine dorsal sepal is suffused with purplish rose, and has ascending from the base some blackish purple feathered lines, the margin being pure white. The broad petals and lip are heavily tinged with reddish-purple.

It is a very fine flower, and although Cypripediums are now very numerous such productions are still rare. C. Harrisiannm superbum, one of the early hybrids of Messrs. Veitch, seems to give excellent results where a strong constitution and dark colour are desired.

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HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

(The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) VEGETABLES AT SHREWSBURY.-Wonderful as are the collections of vegetables staged yearly at Shrewsbury, and the best seem to excel their predecessors each year, yet it is rather a mis fortune than a boon that through the liberality of members of the seed trade there are so many classes for collections. Those who saw the keen fight at Edinburgh last autumn between Messrs. Beckett and Gibson will not readily forget their wonderful collections. Nothing seen at that great Show excited so much interes! as did that vegetable fight. Whilst Shrewsbury is our greatest English exhibition, and offers

the finest opportunity for vegetable competitions in the kingdom, yet it lacks that one central class which would gather to itself the finest of vegetable productions the nation can obtain. There we see the giants in plant culture and in plant grouping, in cut flower production and arrangement, and in fruit production and arrangement, all brought into the keenest competition with each other, and for prizes that have no equals in value. In all these sections there are premier or challenge classes, the winners in which can certainly claim to be for the year the champions in their specialities. Would there were, amidst the great abundance of ordinary or trade classes for vegetables, one competiuon at least that stood out as the champion class! We saw Mr. Beckett easily walking off with the 1st prize in Messrs. Carter's class and Messrs. Mills' class. Mr. Gibson, with equal ease, took Messrs. Sutton's 1st prize in their class, and that of the Society's collection. Dymock took Messrs. Webb's 1st prize easily; and Mr. Pope won Mr. Sydenham's. Now all these collections do, of course, help to make a fine show, but this method of assorting or sharing the best prizes is not war, and it is war, and war to the knife, between these great competitors and others we want to see. Let each one exhibit in whichever of the trade classes he may desire, but if the Society could create out of their class for twelve kinds a splendid champion class, with prizes beginning at £12, followed by five others of proportionate value, and make it a condition that all 1st prize-winners of the present year should be bound to compete in the champion class also, what a grand and exciting competition we should see! I am not whether even the champion Grape class would have such interest. A. D.

Mr.

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BATSFORD. At Batsford the subtle skill of the landscape artist has been combined successfully with Nature, that formed the framework upon which was developed, with, no doubt, much pains and toil, perhaps the happiest result of the kind anywhere to be seen in this country. "Milton alone," says Horace Walpole, seems, with the prophetic eye of taste, to have foreseen modern gardening. The gour of a boundless imagination told him how a place might be disposed that would embellish Nature and restore art to its proper office, viz., the just improvement or imitation of Nature. Describing Eden, he speaks of the river which, with many a rill,' watered the garden, and fed

'Flowers worthy of Paradise, which not nice Art In beds and curious knots, but Nature boon, Pour'd forth profuse on hill, and dale, and plain."

Such poetic expression may also be justly ap. plied to the combination of Art and Nature so masterly and successfully carried out at Batsford. Were Milton alive now, and had the opportunity of walking up those hillsides of Batsford, by the little purling streamlet, with its numerous waterfalls and lakelets, adorned with many healthy gems of Marliac's hybrid Lilies, all in full and luxuriant flower of rich and various colour, the banks adorned with many varieties of Bamboo and a rich collection of rare trees and flowering plants, he might feel satisfied to find that his prophetic forecast of the "combination of Art and Nature" had been so happily and amply realised. Needless to say, our party, which consisted of members of the Birmingham and Midland Gardeners' Association, thoroughly appreciated the privilege so kindly granted to us by Lord Redesdale of seeing this lovely place, and are grateful to the head gardener, Mr. Garrett, for the pains he took in showing us round. W. Miller, Berkswell.

PEACH CULTURE OUT-OF-DOORS." North Devon" (p. 154), expresses surprise that I did not mention the blister" disease that has, he asserts, caused great damage to Peach trees during the past few years, and which, in his opinion, is the reason why many growers have largely abandoned planting Peach trees out-of-doors. I may remind him that I did not deal with the subject of diseases in my article. The fact of the leaves becoming "blistered" occasionally during the months of April and May does not afford grounds for abandoning the planting of Peach trees out-of-doors. By picking off the affected leaves (if numerous only the worst should be pinched off, the remainder being removed when a favourable change in the weather takes place) the trouble is removed and the trees soon recover from the slight check which

the sudden cold following a short period of warm genial weather caused in the flow of sap, and ample healthy foliage is again developed. As stated, "blister in the leaves" is caused by a [fungus which makes its appearance after a] cold following a short period of warm, moist weather. The growth of the midrib becomes restricted, the sap is thereby checked in its circulation, and consequently the tissue becomes swollen into inert masses. I have never experienced difficulty in dealing with the " blister," and indeed, none need be looked for where young healthy trees have been selected, planted, and subsequently treated as recommended in my article. The fact of "North Devon" putting forward "blister" in the leaves as the reason for many growers (presumably in Devonshire) having largely abandoned planting Peach trees out-of-doors, goes to prove that the culture and treatment generally bestowed on these

FIG. 68.-WEEPING VARIETY OF CUPRESSUS NOOTKATENSIS. (For text see page 166.)

trees have not been in accordance with their requirements in the favoured climate of Devonshire. H. W. Ward.

There is another reason, a local one it is to be hoped, besides those enumerated by Mr. Ward that operates against the cultivation of the Peach out-of-doors, and that is the poor flavour of the fruit when it arrives at maturity, compared to that grown under glass. Personally, I know of three widely separated gardens in Scotland where the Peach is grown outside on south walls, and, although the trees grow well and sometimes produce heavy crops, the flavour of the fruits is not to be compared with those grown under glass in the same gardens. Doubtless, care in planting and after-treatment such as Mr. Ward advises, has much to do with producing well-ripened wood, but it is, nevertheless, questionable if growers situated outside the more favoured southern counties can afford to overlook climatic conditions

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in the light-hearted manner Mr. Ward disposes of them. On the west-coast of Scotland which usually experiences a large proportion of dull, damp weather, the wood ripens very imperfectly, the shoots remaining green and retaining their leaves until they are forced off by the first frosts. Under these circumstances, the result is that the crop is produced, not upon the previous year's shoots as is the case in sunnier localities, but on spurs. M. M. N.

THAMES BANK PEACH.-In reference to Mr. T. Coomber's enquiry (p. 154) regarding this variety, I find that Mr. John Fraser, The Nurseries, South Woodford, Essex, includes it in his list of fruit trees. H. W. Ward.

KOCHIA SCOPARIA.-IS F. J. (p. 154) aware that there are two kinds of Kochia sold under the specific name of scoparia? The best habited one sent out, I believe, by Messrs. Cannell a year or two ago is a very close-growing variety similar in habit to Cupressus erecta viridis, and it grows in a compact pyramidal bush form without trimming. Used as "dot" plants this type is apt to grow too large and requires pinching I obtained seed this year under the same name from another firm, but the plants proved disappointing, the growths being long and spindly and not nearly so effective. I find the same disappointment has been experienced in several other gardens where seed of the inferior strain was procured from the same place. Many other growers have probably the same cause for grumbling as myself. E. Trollope, Coombe Park Gardens, Reading.

I was surprised to read (p. 154) that in order to have plants of this balloon-shaped Kochia in correct form some training is necessary. I have seen large numbers of plants raised under glass of perfect form when grown in the open and to which not the least training has been given. A greater surprise, however, was to see recently at Messrs. Sutton & Sons Seed Farm, Reading. superb and perfectly-shaped plants from seedsown in the open ground. A.D.

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KOCHIA SCOPARIA VAR. TRICHOPHYLLA. Having grown this plant for several years, I am interested in the note on p. 154. This is the first time I have heard of cutting the plants to obtain wellshaped specimens. Whilst not wishing to criticise this method, I may say that good plants can be grown without adopting this system. Mr. James says "in some cases it has been stated that the plants grown as Kochia scoparia are not true to name. This is a conclusion I have also arrived at. In spring, when potting the plants, several which did not give promise of becoming bushy were thrown away. In a bed of about 50 plants only two have failed to develop into good shapely specimens this without any cutting whatever. When visiting Messrs. Sutton & Sons' trial grounds at Reading, recently, they had growing there the true K. scoparia, the variety trichophylla (splendid bushy specimens) and several intermediate forms; plainly showing that this plant comes very variable from seeds. What is at present sold as K. scoparia is for the most part the variety trichophylla. Eventually it will, no doubt, be possible to obtain the plant true from seeds when careful selection and fixing has been practised. The true K. scoparia is not worth growing, except for its botanical interest. A. O., Kew Gardens.

BEECH TREES AND LIGHTNING.-On p. 112 a coroner is reported to have said "he had for years read that there was no record of Beech trees having been struck by lightning, and he believed it was an accepted fact that Beech trees were never struck during a thunderstorm." This seemed to me rather curious, for I know of three Beech trees in the Royal Gardens here which have been struck. One standing in the neighbourhood of tall Oak trees, amid an avenue of Liriodendron, was so damaged that the bark was split round the whole length of the tree, and it died in consequence the following year. The two other trees also stood not far from giant Oak trees, and they were entirely cut to pieces. W. H. Wind, The Royal Gardens, Het Loo, The Netherlands.

Should any person interested in this subject happen to be in this neighbourhood I shall be pleased to show him two Beech trees which have been struck by lightning, the one last year and the other four years since. The former had the bark stripped all round the trunk to the height of several feet, and the injury gradually tapered off almost to the top of the tree. I well remember the two terrific flashes that caused the damage, the trees struck being in close proximity to my house.

This is sufficient proof to me that the Beech is no more immune from injury by lightning than any other tree. No doubt other readers could supply similar instances. I may also mention that trees of Oak, Spanish Chestnut and Sycamore were growing close by the Beeches. A. Young, Witley Court Gardens, Stourport.

The correspondence on this subject is very interesting to me. During a long life, and notwithstanding close observation of trees, I have never known a Beech tree to be struck. After the inquest on those killed recently whilst under the shelter of a Beech tree, and the statement of the Coroner that he had visited the tree and found "not a leaf injured, " I went to Burnham Beeches in the company of a gentlemen of much experience and authority and examined these unrivalled monarchs of the past. We soon found a healthy Oak that bore evidence of injury by lightning, but the surrounding Beeches only showed the results of natural decay. Although many of them are hollow and the trunks distorted through pollarding in former times, they are in splendid health and vigorous growth. It was truly a worthy act to secure these characteristic Beeches as national possessions. I am sorry to say that one of them,

The Queen of the Beeches," is dead, having been killed, in my opinion, by the large fungus that is sometimes fatal to trees of considerable age. I noticed the remains of the fungus where it had fruited outside the trunk. The dead tree stands at the side of the road leading to the refreshment houses, but there are in the vicinity other trees of the same kind and age in good health although hollow. W. Roupell, Streatham Hill, S. W.

THE YUCCA. Surely the fine group of Yuccas represented in the Gard. Chron. for August 18 consists of Y. pendula not Y. gloriosa. Whether these be separate species or merely varieties of the same may be an undecided question, but Y. pendula is far the more desirable form, both on account of its more graceful habit and its far greater frequency in flowering. Herbert Maxwell. [The species shown was Y. recurvifolia, a form of Y. gloriosa. -ED.]

The

ROSES AND HOW TO GROW THEM, AND FERNS AND HOW TO GROW THEM. By G. A. WoOLSON. [London: WM. HEINEMANN].-As these two books belong to the same series they may be considered together. Both are full of information on apparently inexhaustible topics and probably an ever-ready public will appreciate them. volume on Roses is partly drawn up from articles in The Garden Magazine and Country Life in America, and Mr. LEONARD BARRON furnishes a chapter to it. There are plenty of illustrations, and the letterpress includes cultural directions and lists of varieties suited for special uses. Ferns and How to Grow Them is designed simply as a practical work for the benefit of the amateur Fern culturist." ere is an abundance of pictures reproduced from photographs, and the whole makes an attractive volume. It should be noted that both "Roses and Ferns" are written with special reference to the cultivation of these plants in America.

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SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

AUGUST 28.-The show on Tuesday last at the ordinary fortnightly meeting was smaller than usual, and there were few visitors, London now being in the condition it is customary to describe as "empty," though there are few indications of this to be seen in the streets.

Orchids were shown well, and the display of these flowers was probably as good or better than any previously made in the month of August. The ORCHID COMMITTEE recommended one First-Class Certificate and four Awards of Merit to novelties. The FLORAL COMMITTEE recommended five Awards of Merit, but the FRUIT AND VEGETABLE COMMITTEE did not have occasion for making any award to novelties. Messrs. SUTTON & SONS, however, made an interesting exhibit of Runner Beans, and a group of fine Melon fruits came from the Reading University College Gardens. In the afternoon a few new Fellows were elected, and a paper by Mr. R. H. CURTIS on "Phenology in its Relation to Horticulture" was illustrated with lantern slides.

Mr. S. MORTIMER, Rowledge, Farnham, Surrey, displayed three new show Dahlias. The petals were not of the best form, although the colours were good. He also showed a new Cac tus Dahba named John E. Knight.

HERR HENKEL, Darmstadt, showed some interesting plants of Abies lasiocarpa var. Arizonica under the name of A. Arizonica, var. Argentia. Some of the specimens were raised from seeds and others were grafted plants. The seedlings, which we presume were of the same age as the others, were about six times as large. This Californian Pine, which was figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle, March 2, 1901, is remark. able for its white, cork-like bark. H. HENKEL also showed some new species of Nymphæas.

Messrs. JAMES VEITCH & SONS, King's Road, Chelsea, showed five new species of Vitis, bet ter known as Ampelopsis, most of which have been described in our columns. The most hand. was V. magolophylla. V. Henryana was figured in these columns October 28, 1905, and is very decorative. Senecio clivorum was shown in flower. Messrs. VEITCH & SONS also filled a goodly portion of one of the centre

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Floral Committee.

VAR. ARIZONICA.

Present: H. B. May, Esq., in the chair, and Messrs. C. T. Druery, John Green, T. W. Turner, G. Reuthe, J. W. Barr, R. Hooper Pearson, John Jennings, W. Bain, C. J. Salter, Chas. Jeffries, E. T. Cook, Chas. E. Pearson, J. T. Bennett Poè, E. H. Jenkins, W. J. James, R. C. Notcutt, Amos Perry, and Jas. Walker.

Messrs. CARTER, PAGE & Co., 52 and 53, London Wall, E.C., staged an extensive collection of Cactus Dahlias. The exhibit was very representative, and the flowers embraced a wide range of colour. Adjoining the Cactus varie

tres was a collection of the miniature flowered Pompon Dahlias. (Silver Flora Medal.)

Messrs. JAMES STREDWICK & SON, Silver Hill Park, showed a number of new Cactus Dahlias. They were all good flowers, but not distinct enough from existing varieties, with the exception of one which will be found described under "Awards."

Messrs. HOBBIES, LTD., Dereham, Norfolk, showed vases of the large, coarse-petalled Dahlias known as the "Pæony-flowered" strain. These flowers are suitable for decorative purposes, where a bold effect is needed from a distance. The petals, however, are very coarse, and a row of the beautiful Cactus type, which formed an edging to the group, made them appear the more so by comparison. The "Pæonyflowered" type appears to flag very quickly, even if the stems are placed in water.

tables with decorative flowering plants-Begonias of the winter flowering type, Ixoras, greenhouse Rhododendrons, Eschynanthus grandiflorus. Swainsonia galegifolia, Leonotus Leonurus, Solanum Wendlandi, producing its magnificent flowers, whilst growing in pots of very small size; Crowea latifolia major with larger flowers than those of the type, &c. All of these showed the excellent cultivation for which this firm is renowned. (Silver Flora Medal.)

Messrs. HUGH Low & Co., Bush Hill Park Nurseries, Enfield, N., showed a batch of the pretty Chironia ixifera that received an Award of Merit last year. Messrs. Low also showed some good Carnations.

HARRY JAMES VEITCH, Esq., East Burnham Park, Slough, showed spreading panicles of the yellow-flowered Koelreuteria paniculata, a hardy shrub which was figured in these columns November 5, 1887.

Messrs. H. CANNELL & SONS, Swanley, Kent, staged a semi-circular group of Cannas; the flowers showed the same high culture, beauty of colour, and breadth of petal one is accustomed to see in these flowers from the Swanley nursery, and the varieties were numerous. (Silver Flora Medal.)

Sir EDMUND LODER, Bart., Leonardslee, Horsham, Sussex (gr. Mr. W. A. Cook), showed a number of interesting hardy plants from his famed gardens. A single leaf of Gunnera

manicata was large enough to shelter half a dozen persons. The brilliant Berberidopsis corollina was in fruit. Calycanthus floridus was in both fruit and flower, and there were sprays of many other shrubs, Lilies, &c. (Silver Banksian Medal.)

Messrs. KELWAY & SON, Langport, Somerset, again showed extensive an collection of Gladioli. (Silver Flora Medal.)

Messrs. GUNN & SONS, Brookfield Nurseries, Olton, staged garden Phloxes in all the best varieties. A white kind of exceptionally dwarf habit attracted much attention, and will be found described under "Awards." (Silver Banksian Medal.)

Mr. AMOS PERRY, Enfield Chase, and Winchmore Hill, N., showed a selection of border flowers, and many varieties of hardy Nym. phæras. (Silver Banksian Medal.)

Messrs. G. & A. CLARK, LTD., Dover, showed a seasonable array of hardy garden flowers. (Bronze Flora Medal.)

Hardy flowers were also shown by Messrs. BARK & SONS, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C.; by Mr. G. REUTHE, Keston, Kent; and Messrs. GEO. BUNYARD & Co., Maidstone. (Silver Banksian Medal.)

Mr. L. R. RUSSELL, Richmond Nurseries, Richmond, showed small pot plants of Codiæums (Crotons) in great variety.

Messrs. J. CHEAL & Co., Crawley, Sussex, showed a very large number of ornamental hardy trees and shrubs and others in flower. Oaks, Limes, Elders, Honeysuckles, Maples, Ashes, and other hardy trees were shown with variegated and curiously shaped leaves. Among the shrubs in flower we may instance Spiræas, Genistas, Hypericums, Veronicas, and Tamarix. Messrs. CHEAL also showed a very good collec tion of Pompon and single-flowered Dahlias. (Silver Banksian Medal.)

Messrs. THOMAS WARE, LTD., Feltham, Middlesex, showed Cactus and show Dahlias of good quality. (Silver Banksian Medal.)

Impatiens Olivieri was shown as flowering sprays by Sir TREVOR LAWRENCE, Bart., Burford, Dorking (gr. Mr. W. Bain). Sir TREVOR cultivates this new flesh-coloured species and I. Holsti out-ofdoors during the summer season, where the latter species especially makes a very fine display.

Dahlia viridiflora, the green-flowered Dahlia, a monstrosity, which has been frequently figured in these pages, was shown by H. T. PITT, Esq., Stamford Hill, but on this occasion it was somewhat redundantly honoured by the further name "Doris Howard."

AWARDS.

Singie Dahlia Fugi San.-A good single flower, of rich-buff colour with brilliant red coloured ring round the disc. Shown by Messrs. CHEAL & SONS. (Award of Merit.)

Cactus Dahlia Dr. G. G. Gray.-A variety of brilliant crimson colour, large size, good form, and having incurved claw-like florets. Shown by Messrs. JAMES STREDWICK & SON. (Award of Merit.)

Cactus Dahlia Princess Mary.-A very large, wellformed flower with rolled florets, scarcely so incurved as those of the preceding variety. In colour there are shades of orange and mauve, the general effect being one of coral-exceedingly pretty. Shown by Messrs. HOBBIES, Ltd. (Award of Merit.)

Gilia coronopifolia.-This is an annual or biennial species worthy of recommendation. The fine specimens shown by Messrs. G. & A. CLARK, Ltd. Dover, had grown 4 feet high, and the flowering portion was nearly 2 feet in length. The flowers, as shown, are produced in axillary clusters, they are brilliant red in colour with ten fine white lines on the interior of the corolla, two on each segment. The corolla segments do not reflex, but are spread out flat. The leaves are very narrowly divided and taper to a fine point. The flowers are illustrated in the Botanical Register, t. 1691, but the spotting on the corolla segments is shown too conspicuously there, and the colour of the flowers has faded. In warm localities seeds may be sown out of doors in autumn, but in other places seeds should be sown and the plants grown in pots for planting out in May.

It is an

old plant, but is not often seen in gardens. (Award of Merit).

Phlox Tapis Blanc.-This is the dwarfest white perennial Phlox, described as never growing more than one foot in height. Some of the plants shown were not more than half a foot. The flowers are

pure white, an inch and a half across, and apart from its dwarfness the quality is of the best. Numerous plants were shown by Messrs. GUNN & SONS, Olton, Birmingham. (Award of Merit.)

Orchid Committee.

Present: J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., in the Chair, and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec.), Harry J. Veitch, De B. Crawshay, Arthur Dye, W. Bolton, J. W. Odell, H. Little, W. Boxall, F. Menteith Ogilvie, A. A. Mc Bean, G. F. Moore, H. G. Alexander, and J. Charlesworth.

Messrs. CHARLESWORTH & Co., Heaton, Bradford, were awarded a Silver-Gilt Flora Medal for a very fine group composed largely of their handsome hybrid Orchids, of which in the present group the beautiful and variable Cattleya Iris varieties took the lead, each end of the group having a selection of very fine varieties of it, scarcely two alike in colour, though the greater part had bronzy sepals and petals and some shade of ruby-purple in the lip. In the centre were a selection of the lilactinted Brasso-Cattleya Madame Chas. Maron, with one plant of the fine white B-C. Queen Alexandra, the bloom being a model in shape and with a finely-fringed labellum, the very handsome Odontoglossum Othello and other Odontoglossums; Miltonia Hyeana, with a much larger and more rose-tinted flower than the original shown at the last meeting, three clear white-flowered plants of Cattleya Gaskelliana alba, and C. Fabia, the neat Lælio-Cattleya Alcyone. Other LælioCattleyas were in the group, which among other fine varieties of species included Epidendrum confusum, Brassia Lawrenceana longissima, Oncidium trulliferum, O. ornithorhynchum album, Angræcum japonicum, Cycnoches Egertonianum viride, &c.

Messrs. SANDER & SONS, St. Albans, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a very varied and interesting group comprising many rare Orchids. In the centre was an arrangement of the singular and beautiful Arachnanthe Lowii, fourteen drooping spikes of its extraordinary flowers being displayed, the yellow-ground basal ones being very dissimilar from the others. The four special novelties in the group were Lælio-Cattleya x elegans His Majesty, Cypripedium Baron Schröder var. ardens (for both of which see Awards), Lælio-Cattleya Bletchleyensis magnifica, a very large and richly-coloured flower, and L.-C. Mrs. Robert Measures (L.-C. elegans x L. xanthina), a very pretty and distinct hybrid with upright spikes of flowers, the sepals and petals of which were Indian yellow and the front of the lip violet-purple. Lælio-Cattleya "Henry Greenwood, var. The King, had a noble flower and very broad, finely-coloured lip.

JEREMIAH COLMAN, Esq., Gatton Park, Reigate (gr. Mr. W. P. Bound), secured a Silver Flora Medal for an effective group made up principally of many specimens of the good form of LælioCattleya Nysa (L. crispa x C. Warscewiczii) raised at Gatton Park. Arranged with them were a very fine Cattleya, Mrs. W. J. Whiteley, a good Lælio macrostachya, Sobralia xantholeuca, the pretty and now rare Oncidium zebrinum, good Lælio-Cattleya Phryne and L. C. Bletchleyensis, Dendrobium rhodostoma, D. aureum, the pretty Spathoglottis Colmanii, Cattleya Parthenia, and a singular little hybrid raised at Gatton Park between Brassavola nodosa grandiflora and Lælia flava. In habit it comes nearest to Brassavola nodosa, having slender pseudo-bulbs and fleshy leaves. The flowers are in short spikes and about two inches across; the narrow sepals and petals are yellowish, with purple spots, the lip being white. The plant was named Brasso-Lolia fladosa.

R. I. MEASURES, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell (gr. Mr. Smith), staged a small group for which a Silver Banksian Medal was awarded. It contained a plant of the rare Angræcum caudatum, with a spike of six flowers; the sepals and petals and the foot-long slender spurs were greenish, tinged with red-brown, and the labellum white. Also a box of fine strong plants of the handsome leafed Dossinia marmorata, a pale coloured Cypripedium between C. Charlesworthii and C. Dayanum, C. x Unixia superbum, LælioCattleya elegans, &c.

Messrs. HUGH Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a varied group in which were noted a selection of Dendrobium Phalaenopsis, D. sanguinolentum, Catasetum macrocarpum, Stanhopea oculata, S. Wardii, Oncidium microchilum, O. carthaginense, O.

oblongatum, a very clear white Cattleya Gaskelliana alba, and other Cattleyas; Phalaenopsis violacea, Low's variety, very fine in colour; Lycaste leucantha, Cypripediums, &c.

Messrs. STANLEY & Co., Southgate, received a Silver Banksian Medal for an effective group, in the centre of which was a finely flowered plant of Oncidium Stanleyi (see Awards). With it were a very dark form of O. curtum, Oncidium incurvum album, Cypripedium A. de Lairesse, several LælioCattleya elegans, some good examples of Odontoglossum Harryanum, O. Hunnewellianum, Cattleya Harrisoniana, C. bicolor, &c.

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Major G. L. HOLFORD, C.I.E., C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), sent three very fine Orchids, of which Cattleya Iris Countess of Morley," a noble flower quite unique in colour, secured the only First Class Certificate awarded. The others were Lælio-Cattleya Berthe Fournier var. Mrs. Benson, a very pretty and fragrant variety with rose-purple coloured flowers having rosy crimson labellum, with fine gold lines at the base; and a very strong plant of Sophro-Cattleya Chamberlainiana triumphans, with fine flowers.

FRANCIS WELLESLEY, Esq., Westfield,. Woking (gr. Mr, Hopkins), sent Cattleya vestalis, Westfield variety (maxima x Dowieana aurea), a good light-coloured flower, with the veining of C. maxima distinctly shown in the lip; and Cattleya bicolor, Westfield variety, a finely formed flower with broad yellowish-green sepals and petals and rose-crimson lip with white margin in front,

The Honourable WALTER ROTHSCHILD, M. P., Tring Park, Tring (gr. Mr. Arthur Dye), again sent the handsome Cattleya Hardyana," Tring Park variety," which had previously secured a First-Class Certificate, and a good example of Brasso-Cattleya Madame Chas. Maron (B. Digbyana x C. Warscewiczii).

E. ROBERTS, Esq., Park Lodge, Eltham (gr. Mr. W. Carr), showed Cypripedium Olga Bagshaw (callosum x oenanthum superbum), a pretty hybrid. R. G. THWAITES, Esq., Streatham (gr. Mr. Black), showed the beautiful Odontoglossum crispum xanthotes Charlesworthii in fine condition. Col. H. CARY BATTEN, Abbot's Leigh, Bristol, sent Lycaste leucantha.

AWARDS.

FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATE. Cattleya Iris Countess of Morley (bicolor x Dowiana aurea), from Major G. L. HOLFORD, C.I.E., C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander). One of the most beautiful of a very handsome class. Sepals and petals of a pretty dark apricot-yellow tint, lip finely developed with a yellowish ground colour tinged with clear rose-pink.

AWARDS OF MERIT.

Sobralia Lowii, from HENRY LITTLE, Esq., Baronshalt, Twickenham (gr. Mr. Howard). A rare, dwarf growing species with small bright rosepurple coloured flowers.

Lalio-Cattleya elegans His Majesty, from Messrs. SANDER & SONS. A very remarkable variety of good size, fine colour, and producing a remarkable number of flowers, the two spikes bearing 12 and nine flowers respectively. The sepals and petals are purple, and the front of the lip rich claretpurple.

Cypripedium Baron Schröder, var. ardens, from Messrs. SANDER & SONS. A fine variety, differing from the original form in the heavier and broader dotted purple lines on the dorsal sepal and in the generally darker tint.

Oncidium Stanleyi, from Messrs. STANLEY & Co., Southgate. A beautiful natural hybrid, supposed to be a cross between O. Marshallianum and O. curtum, and bearing evidence of the former in the sepals and petals, and the latter in the lip, which is large and of clear yellow colour. The sepals and petals are yellowish with light-brown markings. The fine plant bore two spikes of 121 flowers.

CULTURAL COMMENDATION

To P. L. HUDSON, Esq., Pampisford, Cambridgeshire, for a very fine specimen of Cypripedium Charlesworthii with 15 flowers.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: Geo. Bunyard, Esq., Chairman, and Messrs. Jos. Cheal, W. Bates, S. Mortimer, A. Dean, A. R. Allan, Geo. Kelf, H. Parr, H. J. Wright, J. Davis, J. Vert, John Lyne, F. Q. Lane, Geo. Reynolds, J. Jaques, J. Willard, C. Foster, Owen Thomas, and H. Markham.

Messrs. GEORGE BUNYARD & Co., Maidstone, Kent, showed a collection of fruits including

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Apples, Pears, Plums, Peaches, Cherries, Nectarines, and Melons. The hardy fruits were principally of dessert varieties, especially good dishes of Apples being Lady Sudeley, Duchess's Favourite, Beauty of Bath, and Calville Rouge Precôce. Of Pears Williams' Bon Chretien, and Souvenir du Congrès were among the best. Of Plums there were some very fine fruits of the old Greengage. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, Reading (Horticultural Department: superintendent, Mr. Foster), staged a collection of about 40 Melons in many varieties. The group was prettily decorated with trailing sprays of Ampelopsis and other coloured foliage. Good examples of Earl's Favourite, Hero of Lockinge, Superlative, &c., were shown.

Messrs. SUTTON & SONS, Reading, showed an interesting collection of dwarf, runner, waxpodded and other coloured Beans. A good, long, straight variety of dwarf Bean is Princess of Wales. Among the runner type, the now wellknown Abundance was shown in fine condition. Sutton's Al is also a good Runner Bean, the pods being very dark in colour and of a large size. We also noticed Prize-winner, Best of All, and a long, pale-coloured seedling, labelled Seedling No. 2. There were also coloured varieties of Beans-blue, red, yellow, &c.; the wax pods and the Butter Beans that are largely grown on the Continent being of a beautiful yellow colour. More curious than all are the striped varieties— bright red on a yellow ground-such as Striped Red New Zealand and the pretty Fire Fly. Mont d'Or is a wax-podded variety of a lovely shade of yellow.'

Messrs. WILLIAM PAUL & SON, Waltham Cross, Herts., showed fruit trees in pots: Apples, Pears, Plums, Figs, Nectarines, and Peaches. We may mention a fine plant of Apple Wealthy and a good specimen of Grosse Mignonne Peach.

Messrs. CARTER, PAGE & Co., 52 and 53, London Wall, London, showed 34 distinct varieties of Tomatos. All the types were included-the round, crinkled, yellow-fleshed and dessert, the Cherry, the Currant, the Plum, &c. Some very good fruits of the Perfection type were seen. Adjoining the Tomatos were many ornamental Gourds.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ABERDEEN.

AUGUST 23, 24, and 25.-The annual exhibition of this Society was held on the above dates in the Duthie Public Park, Aberdeen, the use of which was kindly granted by the City Council. The entries this year were somewhat fewer than those of last year, but what was lacking in numbers was amply made up in quality. So far as the general arrangements of the marquees were concerned, much the same plan as in former years was carried out by the secretary, Mr. J. B. Rennett, Advocate, Aberdeen.

PLANTS IN POTS.

A first glance around showed that there was no entry in the class for tables of stove or greenhouse plants, arranged for effect, 8 feet by 6 feet. The absence of these beautiful exhibits recalled to mind the splendid records made in this class by Mr. John Proctor, when head gardener to the late Sir William Henderson, of Devanha, Aberdeen. The Silver Medal for the best specimen plant in flower went to Mr. ALEXANDER BREBNER, Dalhèbity, for Disa grandiflora. It was a fine specimen, well grown, and having about four dozen flower trusses. Mr. ALEXANDER DUNCAN, Albyn Place, Aberdeen, took 2nd honours with a fine Ixora Williamsii. The Silver Medal for the best specimen foliage plant was worthily gained by Mr. J. W. BREBNER, Ardo, Belhelvie, with a specimen of Aspidistra lurida variegata-a large plant, and shown in fine health. Second honours went to Mr. DUNCAN, Kepplestone, for a remarkably well-grown Pandanus Veitchii. Ferns were a very fine show. Mr. W. S. MACKIE, Morken, Cults, led for the best stove ΟΙ greenhouse Ferns; while the Silver Medal for the best SIX Ferns (at least three distinct varieties) went to Mr. ALEX. DUNCAN, Kepplestone. The collections of Orchids and Crotons, for which in each case Mr. DUNCAN, Albyn Place, Aberdeen, deservedly carried off the chief honours, were exceedingly good. This successful gardener was also placed first for Dracænas. For Zonal Pelargoniums the Silver Medal went to Mr. WILLIAM MACKIE, Morken. For the best six plants for table decoration the Silver Medal and likewise 2nd place were worthily earned by

Mr. J. PETRIE, The Gardens, Crathes Castle, Kincardineshire. Other leading prizemen in this division not already mentioned included Mr. GEORGE MAITLAND, Woodside, Aberdeen; Mr. A. GILLESPIE, Northfield Place, Aberdeen; and Mr. JAMES ANDERSON, Mealmarket Street, Aberdeen. Amateurs also made a good display, and, although their tables were just a little crowded, the show they made evoked no little admiration. For Petunias they beat the professionals. The leading places were taken by Mr. JAMES MORGAN, Roslin Street, Aberdeen, and Mr. GEORGE MaitLAND, Great Northern Road, Aberdeen.

CUT FLOWERS.

The drought experienced in the late spring and early summer, with slight frost later on, were not conducive to bringing flowers, fruit and vegetables to their fullest maturity, and those that did survive that trying period suffered from the effects of the violent thunderstorms which recently prevailed. With all these drawbacks, however, the cut flowers upheld the traditions of the Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen. There was a capital display of Roses, the Silver Cup for the best 24 blooms, H.P. and H.T., or either, named, dissimilar, going to Mr. GEORGE MCLENNAN, Fetteresso Castle, Kincardineshire, for a very fine entry. Mr. ALEX. DOUGLAS, Kepplestone House, was 2nd. Mr. A. HARPER, Rubislaw Park, Aberdeen, gained the Silver Medal for the best 12 blooms, his entry being a very meritorious one. For Pompon Dahlias and Cactus Dahlias Mr. J. D. CROZIER, Durris, Kincardineshire, took both the Silver Medals with very fine entries. Mr. ALEXANDER BREBNER, Dalhebity, was also very suc cessful for Cactus Dahlias. For 12 bunches of hardy flowers Mr. JOHN PETRIE, Crathes Castle, deservedly won the Society's Silver Medal. Among the other names worthy of mention we must include Mr. JAMES ANDERSON, Aberdeen (Asters); Mr. JOHN GRIEVE, Woodside (French Marigolds); Mr. WILLIAM COUTTS, Ellon; Mr. ALEXANDER DOUGLAS, Kepplestone House; Mr. ALEX. GRIGOR, Fairfield House, Aberdeen; Mr. W. S. MACKIE, Morken; Mr. JOHN PETRIE; Mr. W. COUTTS, Ellon; Mr. WILLIAM SCORGIE, Springhill House; and Mr. JAMES ANDERSON, Aberdeen. The display of Sweet Peas was very good, the best being from Mr. ALEXANDER GRIGOR, Fairfield. The display of bouquets and bouquets for table decoration were as good as have ever been shown in Aberdeen-and that is saying much. Mr. ALEXANDER GRIGOR showed some beautiful specimens of hand bouquets and brides' bouquets, and also buttonhole bouquets. Special mention should be made of the exhibits in this tent from Mr. JAMES STRACHAN, Cruickshank Botanic Gardens, Aberdeen, for which he was deservedly awarded the Society's First-class Diploma of Merit

Mr. GEORGE JOHNSTON, florist, 473, Union Street, Aberdeen, made his first appearance at this show as a florist, and his handiwork evoked the admiration of all who looked upon it. Mr. JOHNSTON carried off the leading honours for wreaths, hand bouquets (colours), and spray or shower bouquet of white flowers. Messrs. KNOWLES & SONS, florists, Aberdeen and Kent, had the leading prize for sprays suitable for ladies' wear. For Roses, Messrs. ADAM & CRAIGMYLE, Aberdeen, and Messrs. JAMES SIMPSON & SONS, Dundee, came out grandly, the local firm's exhibits being greatly admired and well worthy chief honours.

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES. Considering the poor season hardy fruits were well represented, and the quality was good. Gooseberries and Strawberries were not exhibited in such large numbers as is usual, but the quality was well maintained. Blackberries were the outstanding feature, both in quality and numbers. Grapes were poorly represented, and were distinctly under the average. The honours for Grapes were divided between Mr. A. DOUGLAS, Kepplestone House, and Mr. PETRIE, Crathes Castle. Tomatos were of good quality but lacking in numbers. Apples and Pears were neither numerous nor of average quality. Mr.

J. FERGUSON, Linton Gardens, Dunecht; Mr. PETRIE, Crathes Castle; and Mr. WILLIAM SCORGIE, Springhill House, won prizes for Apples and Pears. Melons were rather poor,

which must be attributed to the dull weather. Honourable mention in the fruit classes must also be made of Mr. WILLIAM HARPER, Perth;

Mr. J. SMITH, Countesswells; Mr. WILLIAM COUTTS, Ellon; Mr. GEORGE TAYLOR, Inchgarth; and Mr. J. FERGUSON, Linton Gardens.

VEGETABLES were fairly well shown. Potatos were well represented. Mr. FRANK KINNAIRI), Broomhill, Aberdeen, and Mr. WILLIAM LAWSON, Oakland School, Aberdeen, were the chief winners in the professional section for best collections.

MISCELLANEOUS EXHIBITS.

Messrs. STORIE & STORIE, Glencarse, near Dundee, had a table of Apples, Pears and Plums in pots. Messrs. KNOWLES & SONS, Aberdeen, had a fine display of wreaths, crosses and bouquets. Messrs. BEN REID & Co., Aberdeen, showed a collection of plants and flowers, their stand measuring over 100 feet long. It proved both interesting and instructive, and was much admired. Messrs. W. SMITH & SON, Aberdeen, had pot plants, cut flowers, and floral decora tions. It was one of the finest exhibits ever seen in Aberdeen. Messrs. COCKER & SONS, Aberdeen, the well-known Rosarians, were worthily represented. Their devices and special exhibits of bouquets, &c., excited much admiration. Mr. M. H. SINCLAIR, florist, Aberdeen, had a choice display of cut flowers, including a splendid collection of American Tree Carnations and a fine assortment of giant-flowered Sweet Peas.

DEVON AND EXETER HORTICUL-
TURAL.

AUGUST 24. The annual exhibition of the above society, held on this date in Northernhay Park. was, taken on the whoie, equal to the standard of past years, although the absence of a few of the leading growers of vegetables was noticed. The entries totalled fewer than last year. The exhibits of Grapes were a feature.

FLOWERS: OPEN CLASSES.

In a class for 18 Dahlias of the show and the fancy types, in not fewer than 12 distinct varieties, the 1st prize was won by Mr. W. B. SMALE, Torquay. Among his best flowers were Arthur Acock, Purple Prince, J. T. Saltmarsh and Miss Cannell.

The similar class for 18 Double Cactus Dahlias. in 12 distinct varieties, was won by Messrs. JARMAN and Co., Chard, the collection including Cockatoo, Pearl, Conrad, and others. (A protest was entered because 15 varieties were shown in this collection, but the judges interpreted the reading of the schedule as not fewer than 12 distinct kinds.)

Competition was keen in the class for a decorated table measuring 4 feet by 8 feet. The schedule allowed both fruit and flowers to be used, but no Orchids. The 1st prize was won by W. BROCK, Esq., Parkerswell (gr. W. Rowland), for an exceptionally pretty table, the subjects used being Gloriosa superba, Francoa ramosa, Montbretias, Smilax, and Gypsophila.

PLANTS.

W. BROCK, Esq., was the only competitor in the class for six stove and greenhouse plants, and he was awarded the 1st prize for good specimens of Ixora fulgens, I. Williamsi, Chironia ixifera, Dipladenia amabile, and Stephanotis floribunda. Mr. BROCK was also 1st in the class for six stove and greenhouse Ferns, with fine specimens. The best six Adiantums, in distinct varieties, were shown by Mrs. C. HEARN, Alphington (gr. G. J. Anning). The plants included A. decorum, A. grandiceps, A. Veitchii, and A. cuneatum.

Mr. BROCK was again to the front for a collection or group of plants arranged in an oval and occupying an area of 11 feet x 15 feet. The principal subjects in the exhibit were Codiæums, Abutilons, Coleus, Humeas, Campanula pyramidalis, and Lilium auratum. The second prize was awarded Mr. O. BURTON, Digby's, for a nice group in which standard Fuchsias were effectively introduced. Mr. BURTON was also 1st for six specimen Fuchsias, for six single flowered tuberous-rooting Begonias, for six Zonal Pelargoniums, and for six Coleus. In the classes for six double-flowered tuberous-rooting Begonias, six Caladiums, six Gloxinias, and three pots of Liliums, H. TownSEND, Esq., Exeter (gr. E. Phillips), won 1st prize in each case, his Caladiums being especially good. Competition in the specimen plant classes was far from strong; in several cases there was but a single entry.

Mrs. C. HEARN won the 1st prize for foliage Begonias.

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