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GARDEN INSECTS.

(Continued from p. 565.)

IN the illustration, fig. 158, is seen another interesting and bright coloured beetle, named Anchomenus dorsalis. The head and thorax, or chest, are of a brilliant green colour, and of metallic lustre; the body, or rather elytra, are dull green, with a patch of bright red near the base of each elytra, and lorg red legs. This pretty insect is exceedingly common under stones and in the crevices in walls, &c., and they frequently are to be found in colonies of fifty or sixty under stones. When such a colony is discovered and the light admitted to their private quarters, the scene is a lively one-they-rush about in all directions with such rapidity that in a few moments not one is to be seen. If there are some of them that cannot get entirely out of sight, they jostle their heads in any crevice, or behind any small object at hand, somewhat after the manner of the poor ostrich, which buries its head in the sand when too exhausted to run further.

The minute insect represented in fig. 159 is Bembidium bipunctatus, also a pretty and brilliant beetle, the back, or elytra, of which have two conspicuous large depressions, hence the specific name. They are found plentifully in most damp situations. This beetle lives, probably, upon the countless forms of minute life, such as ground mites, which exist in almost all rich and damp soil.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

Narcissus triandrus.-Having just come down from the Gerez, perhaps a few notes respecting Narcissus triandrus may be acceptable. I find it widely distributed and in full bloom from 2000 feet up to 3500 feet, when N. nivalis takes its place, which I found abundant at the top of Borragerio, about 4600 feet. My friend M. Henriquez, of Coimbra, assures me it differs from Bulbocodium, the white colour of the bulb being one great mark. The triandrus and nivalis are never found growing together, but amongst the latter I found three bulbs of a triandrus with blooms bright yellow (whole coloured), apparently a hybrid. I could only find these three after consider. able search, and my friend, Mr. Alfred Tait, of Oporto, says they are unique as far as his observation goes. I found four or five variations in triandrus albus, differing in size of flower, length and breadth of perianth, and especially in the cup. In colour they were all the delicate primrose-white, with an occa. sional yellowish-green tint. Within a space of 3 feet I gathered four variations, some of the calathinus type, others with the very short cup. To my mind they are so similar in all general characteristics that, as M. Henriquez says, "he could not give them any other designation than triandrus." I am writing this with a number of the flowers before me, and enclose a few to show the variations. One note of warning: A friend here tells me that many bulbs have been collected to be sent over to England, Bulbocodium and triandrus mixed, so that very great disappointment may be experienced unless the source can be traced from whence the bulbs are received. From what I have noticed, the increase of triandrus is very slow, as I found very few bulbs with offsets. The smallest bulbs seem all to bloom with one, two, three, or four flowers on each. Scilla unifolia and S. odorata are also very abundant. Octavius Corder, Norwich.

Agave Ousselghemiana alba picta.-It may interest horticulturists to know that the above rare and beautiful plant is now showing signs of flowering. I do not think it has before flowered in this country. The one now alluded to has a flower-stem nearly a yard high. Last year it showed signs of flowering by making smaller and narrower leaves, but it appeared suddenly to stop, and one day, to my surprise, it began to show growths by the side of the then visible stem, which in course of time sent up two hearts by the side of the very young stem and grew away in the usual manner, but the flower-stem still being at a standstill; but this year it began to grow away and made the growth as stated. It is the colour of the A. Ousselghemiana, with the white stripe in the leaf very clean and nice looking, in fact it always catches the eye of the casual observer. The latter flowered with me three years ago; that I believe was

the first that flowered in England, and after flowering it produced two hearts, and is now a nice healthy plant. Also Agave Celsiana (said to be) flowered last year, and that also produced two hearts, but it very frequently happens that the plants die after flowering. The above three plants are about twenty years old. Agave maculosa flowered with me on two occasions and died in both instances, but the three others spoken of as flowering were treated in a different way, hence the production of growths instead of dying off. That is my opinion on the matter. Should any one have succeeded in flowering the above-named plant, perhaps they would kindly inform us in the Gardeners' Chronicle. There is also a very fine specimen of the Agave xylinacantha mediopicta which seems inclined for flowering; it has thirteen or fourteen leaves between 2 and 3 feet long, some of them, and growing fast also; this is, I think, very rare also in collections-at least, I have

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I have hitherto known it as the "Snake's-head," and Iris Susiana as the "Mourning" Iris. The sombre colouring and almost weird look of I. Susiana is certainly suggestive of mourning, but there is nothing funereal about the cheerful green and velvety-black of I. tuberosa. Whilst writing of Irises may I ask how I. pavonia may be persuaded to flower freely? I have treated it like Ixias in pots in a cold frame, but only once had it in flower. The bulbs break up into a number of small ones. 7. S. W. [Other correspondents write to the same effect. ED.]

Agave americana (American Aloe).-It may be of interest to the horticultural world and the community at large to know that this wonderful plant is now throwing up a magnificent spike of bloom in our large conservatory. The plant itself is a very fine specimen, and it has been here a great number of years, but its exact age we cannot say. The flower-stalk is growing very rapidly. It is now about 12 feet high, and was only observed about three weeks ago;

but the flowers will not, I should imagine, be open until the latter end of July or beginning of August, as August, I believe, is the flowering season. At the present rapid rate of growth it will undoubtedly attain a great height, and when the flowers are fully expanded it will be of very great interest. James Coombes, The Gardens, Englefield, Reading.

Carnations. It may perhaps be interesting to know that the blooms of Carnations and Picotees forwarded to you are the production of seedling plants; being side blooms they are smaller and less brilliant than the first flowers. The seed was sown in March of last year, the young plants were planted out during the summer, and lifted into 5-inch pots early in October, and they have been growing in greenhouse temperature since that time. I have also some plants of last year's layers (from selected seedlings of previous years) coming into bloom freely. My beds of seedlings from the same strain are also looking remarkably well. No. 1, bright pink, No. 2, flesh colour, and No. 3, Picotee, all commenced to bloom end of February last; No. 4, Picotee, commenced to bloom early in December; No. 5, bright pink, commenced to bloom early in April. R. H. Ver tegans, Chad Valley Nurseries, Edgbaston. [Very bright and pretty. ED.]

Melon Canker.-In replying to "C. H.'s remarks on this subject at p. 671, I would ask him in future to be more careful in quoting the opinions of others, as I did not say at p. 578 that deep planting was the only cause of canker appearing in the stems of Melon plants, though I have no hesitation whatever in saying that in nine cases out of ten-all other cultural details being properly attended to-canker in the plants is the direct result of deep planting and its evil consequences. With a view to clearing the mist which would appear to surround this question in some quarters, I will reply to the concluding part of your correspondent's note first, wherein he says, "I beg most emphatically to differ from 'H. W. W.'s' opinion as to the only cause of canker, and believe it is more frequently occasioned by some sudden check, such as watering with cold water, or a sudden fall in the temperature either of the house or bottom-heat." And further down he says, "Too much water will undoubtedly cause the sudden collapse of Melon plants, and this is more likely to take place when growing in large beds of soil." As an emphatic statement, however strong, goes for naught unless it be supported by good sound reasoning, I should therefore like to ask "C. H.," who, in the beginning of his paragraph, "doubts very much whether the deep planting of Melon plants has any tendency to produce canker," to explain how it is, if the temperature of the house has anything to do with the appearance of canker, that the latter always shows itself in that portion of the stem which is buried in the soil in preference to that above it, which is more exposed to atmospheric influences? And, furthermore, if canker is the result of change of temperature at the roots, or of cold water having been applied thereat, will he explain how it is that decay in the buried stem always precedes that of the roots? And again, will he say why it is that the latter remain sound and plump until the final collapse of the plants, when, in consequence of the communication between root and branch being severed, they become soft and decomposition ensues? As your correspondent readily admits that too much water at the roots would cause canker-which means the underground decay of the stem, in consequence of its having been set too deeply in the soil-I need not say any more on this point. "C. H." does not bury the stems of his Melon plants so deeply in the fruiting pot as he at first sight may appear to some to do, for he tells us, at p. 347, that he "sows the seed in 5-inch pots, not quite half full of soil, and that as soon as the seedling plants have attained to 12 or 15 inches high they are shifted into No. 2-sized pots (14 inches deep) two-thirds full of soil." Thus it will be seen that the base of the plants would not be many inches below the rim of the fruiting pot, consequently the stem of the individual plants would not be buried very deeply in the soil. I have myself at one time grown Melons most successfully in a small way on a shelf resting on a flue in the back wall of a Pine stove, in a similar manner to that indicated by your correspondent. Only in my case the plants were raised singly in 3-inch pots three-parts filled with mould, and subsequently-as soon as they had made a few rough leaves-set on hillocks, consisting of rather more than three-parts good turfy loam and a

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little lime rubble, raised to within 4 or 5 inches of the rim level of well drained pots, afterwards adding sufficient soil at short intervals to cover the roots as they protruded through the surface of the miniature mounds until the space between the base of the plants as the pots were filled, making the soil firm in doing So. However, I would remind your correspondentwhose experience in Melon culture would appear to be confined chiefly to that of plants in pots-that there is a wide difference in the conditions under which plants are grown in well-drained pots, and those planted out in pits, frames, or dung beds, and even in properly made narrow borders, having hotwater pipes for supplying the bottom-heat. In the case of plants grown in pots there is necessarily a quicker passage of the water applied to the roots when necessary through a small body of soil permeated with hungry roots than would be the case in the best and most carefully made border; and to this fact "C. H." may attribute his immunity from canker, inasmuch as the soil about the collar of plants thus grown never remains moist long enough to affect the stem, as it gets dry once or twice in every twenty-four hours, notwithstanding the fact of the pots being filled brimful every time water is given to the roots. In order to remove the difficulty which would appear to have arisen in the mind of "C. H." regarding the keeping plants elevated on mounds sufficiently and uniformly moist at the roots, I may be allowed to say that the base of the mounds, which are 3 inches higher than the otherwise level surface (when the landing-up process has been completed) of the body of soil in which the roots are growing, is about 6 inches in diameter, and 3 inches less at the top, hence there is no difficulty whatever experienced in keeping the soil about the roots sufficiently moist. Moreover, I beg in conclu. sion to inform "C. 1." that "it is a fact "is all matter which I contribute to the horticultural press, as I have no wish to mislead any one, but the reverse, if I can-that during the fourteen years I have been in my present position I have grown Melons largely in pits and frames and in properly constructed Melon-houses, and during the whole of that time, planted as indicated above, I do not remember one instance of losing a plant through canker (which I may state in passing is no disease, but an indication that the conditions under which the plants are grown are not congenial to their requirements), neither do any of my gardening friends who have been in the habit of paying me a visit more or less frequently during the time I have been in charge of these gardens, nor do any of the young men who have lived under me during that time, though I have had several cases of canker brought under my notice elsewhere. Knowing that statements of this kind are not worth much unless the name and address of the writers be given, as they afford no opportunity for verification to those who otherwise would be in a position to see and believe, I therefore give my name and address, as is my wont whenever I make a statement, the correctness of which might otherwise be doubted. H. W. Ward, Longford Castle Gardens, Salisbury.

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Gaillardia picta.-The flower which I send with this is the produce of seed gathered in August, 1883, on the trail from Calgarry to a ranche on the foot hills of the Rocky Mountains. I conclude it is one of the dwarf Canadian Sunflowers, but it lacks the deep claret centre which I observed in several of the plants I found there, and from which I endeavoured to choose the seed. I suppose it to be a biennial, for the seed was sown in the spring of 1884, and the plants did not flower last year. They have shown this strange peculiarity-those planted out flourished through the summer and autumn but were killed by the winter two or three, by accident left in a frame, survived and are now in flower, and yet in their native country they have to bear a winter temperature of 30° or 40° below, zero. 7. W. W. [The flower is that of Gaillardia picta. ED]

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Reports of Societies.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL: May 26.

Scientific Committee.

A. Grote, Esq., in the chair.

LILAC.

Colonel Clarke exhibited a spray from a tree which he had cut deeply back, according to a practice adopted in Paris, so that the autumn shoot produced flowering wood for the next season. Dr. Lindley had thought that it could not be done in this climate. The bunch of flowers was not so large, but apparently of finer colour than ordinarily.

LILY OF THe Valley Diseased. Specimens were received from Mr. G. Lee, of Clevedon, apparently attacked by some fungus. They were referred to Mr. G. Murray for examination and report.

ECIDIUM GROSSULARIÆ.

Leaves of Currant and Gooseberry with large patches of this disease were sent by J. Cleland, of Downpatrick.

CUCUMBERS DISEASED.

Mr. J. Heptinstall sent some fruit showing gummy exudations. The cause was not apparent, and they were referred to Mr. Murray for examination. No fungus or insect was visible, and it was thought by some to be due to too much manure.

LYCOPERDON SP.

A fine young specimen of a Puff ball, about 9 inches in height, was received from Mr. Grant, of Christ Church, Hants. It was entrusted to Mr. Murray to

name.

SAPONARIA OCYMOIDES.

Mr. Loder exhibited specimens of varieties of this plant, which appeared to surpass in richness of colour the form known as "splendens; "he proposed to call it atro-coccinea or atro-rubens-another variety he named grandiflora.

FASCIATE Peduncles.

A Narcissus, with several flowers fused; a Polyanthus with a quadrate stem, due to the fusion of four peduncles; and Primula obtusifolia were exhibited by Mr. Smee, Col. Beddome, and Mr. Loder respectively.

LILIUM LONGIFOLIUM, BULBiferous.

Mr. Wilson exhibited a stem which had borne aërial bulbs instead of flowers, and of which bulbs had grown into shoots a foot or more in length while still upon the parent plant.

MORELLO CHERRY, DOUBLE.

Mr. Wilson showed a spray of this variety. Some of the flowers had the two foliaceous carpels similar to the common double Cherry; others had additional flower-buds within the two carpels.

DENDROBIUM WARDIANUM, MONSTROUS. Dr. Masters exhibited blossoms with supernumerary labella, &c., from Mr. Douglas, upon which he will report at a future occasion.

HELLEBORES, HYBRIDS.

Rev. G. Henslow exhibited branches from the same plant of H. albido-virescens, described at the last meeting, and received from Mr. Ellacombe. One bore bright green foliage and pure white flowers, the serratures of the leaves being rather coarse. The other had purple flowers, and foliage of a purplishgreen, the serratures being finer than in the other. The specimens indicated a separation of the parental elements on distinct branches of the same plant, somewhat similar to the well-known case of Cytisus Adami.

INSECTIVOROUS PLANTS IN THE OPEN.

Fine specimens of Darlingtonia, Dionæa, Sarracenia purpurea, and other species, as well as species of Drosera, were received from Miss Owen, Knockmullen, Gorey, Ireland, all of which were grown outof-doors in small ". bog beds; " the first three for one year, but the other for several years.

STRAWBERRY, QUINQUEFOLIAte Leaves of.

The Rev. G. Henslow exhibited specimens received from Mr. Lovell, of Driffield. He also brought specimens of Fragaria monophylla (from the garden of the late Mr. Borrer) to show how the five-leaved form was derived from the monophyllous (which is characteristic of seedlings). Two basal lobes become detached from the single blade, and then two more from the basal lobes of the former. A similar process is characteristic of the Blackberry, but in the

Raspberry both pairs of leaflets are successively taken from the terminal one. Mr. Dyer, in a notice Fraisiers of Duchesne's Histoire Naturelle des (Nature, xxix., 215) alludes to the origin of F. monophylla and its retaining in the adult state the character of a seedling. He also showed specimens of transition from simple to compound states in the leaves of Rhus heterophylla, Ampelopsis Veitchii, Clematis cirrosa, and Elm.

MONSTROSITIES.

The Rev. G. Hemslow exhibited three blossoms of garden Anemone, in one of which the bracts of the involucre were sub-petaloid, in the other a supernumerary coloured leaf grew from within the involucre; also a Passion-flower received from Mr. Pim with a sub-petaloid stigma, the rest of the flower being normal.

CLOVER SICKNESS.

Mr. Plowright sent the following, with illustrations: -"The cause of this affection of Clover is but little understood. Possibly it may be induced by more than one cause, or rather that several diseases which cause injury to the Clover crop have been loosely called Clover sickness. Not the least important of these is due to the presence of a parasitic Peziza, which at one period of its growth developes a sclerotium upon the roots of the Clover. Having been anxious for some time past to meet with this fungus, I have examined several plants from a field of Clover which is sick, near King's Lynn, which were from time to time brought to me by my friend Mr. Thomas Brown. The only abnormality I can discover, however, consists in the presence of those little nodular enlargements upon the roots of the Clover which have been so carefully investigated by Eriksson in his paper, 'Studies öfver Leguminosernar rotknölar.' The specimen sent herewith shows the condition which Eriksson describes. Each knot is about the size of a pin's head, of an oval form, rather soft internally, and attached by one end to one of the smaller roots. Similar bodies may not unfrequently be seen upon roots of the cultivated Pea and Bean. If a section be cut from one of these root-knots from the Clover, and examined under a power of 400 or 500 diameters, it will be seen that the central part of the knot consists of a mass of cells full of granular contents. These granules escape when the cell wall is ruptured, and float about as a cloud of minute specks. The central part of the root-knot is paler in colour and more transparent than the external enveloping tissue. The structure of the internal mass enclosed in the cells reminds one of plasmodiophora. I have been unable to observe the peculiar cruciate bodies which Eriksson figures, t. iii., f. 40 and 41, as Corpora vibriorum similia aut

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The Editor of the Gardeners' Chronicle, describing these tubercules on the Leguminosa, alludes to Professor Frank's observations as follows:-"He was always able to distinguish two foreign elementsnamely, undoubted slender threads or 'hyphæ' traversing the cell walls and cell cavities, and very small cell-like corpuscles, free from each other, and the protoplasm of the cells of the inner tissue, in which they are at present in extraordinary numbers." (Gardeners' Chronicle 1879, vol. ii., pp. 112, 114, and vol. xii., p. 209.

NICOTIANA HYBRID.

Rev. G. Henslow showed drawings of the hybrid raised by Colonel Clarke, and exhibited at the previous meeting. The pollen grains were spindle. shaped, with one to three grooves, colourless, and exhibited little or no change in water; in glycerine a small drop of granular fluid matter exuded. The grains did not give the appearance of health, and had hitherto proved ineffectual in producing good seeds.

Floral Committee.

G. F. Wilson, Esq, in the chair. Present: Messrs. Henslow, Kellock, Fraser, Wilks, Child, Bealby, James, Walker, Hudson, George, Noble, Masters, Dominy, Pollett, H. Williams, T. Baines, Hill, Turner, Bennett.

At this committee numerous objects were presented. At first, till the committee warmed to their work, they were chary of giving certificates, but by-and-bye Mr. Turner's Carnations-a group of three-waked the latent fire, and all three were duly honoured. Colonel Cox is a rich orange-crimson self, very lustrous; Goliath is worthy of the name, the ground colour is pale pink, striped with red; T. W. Girdlestone has yellowish flowers, striped with red. Having catered for the florists, the "hardy" men were conciliated by an award to Dodecatheon splendidum, a rich magenta-coloured flower, with a golden eye. The compact-growing, large-flowered Polemonium Richardsoni was next honoured. It is a Californian and improved edition of our wild Jacob's Ladder. Messrs. Veitch sent a very interestng lot of things-a grand Hydrangea, with enormous trusses of large blue flowers, called H. manchurica, a Japanese species; Philadelphus microphyllus, a small bushy plant, with wiry branches, minute ovate leaves, and small flowers. This deserved a Certificate, but did not get it. The very curious

climbing Hydrangea, called Schizophragma hydrangeoides, was more lucky. It clings to walls by means of roots like Ivy, has glossy Lime-like leaves and trusses of white Hydrangea-like flowers. Olearia Gunnii

also received a Certificate. It is a fine hardy shrub, with small greyish, coarsely toothed leaves, and heads of white Aster-like flowers along the ends of the branches. A Lilac called Marie Lagrange created something like a sensation, on account of its fine trusses and large well formed substantial white flowers. Pride of Primroses, a Carnation of a clear yellow colour, received an award in proportion to its merits. A Heliotrope called Roi des Noirs, of dwarf habit, very dark purple flowers, also received recognition. A Russian Allium, called Karataviense, one of the most remarkable of its class, received a Certificate; it had very broad greyish strap-shaped recurved leaves, and large globose heads of whitish star-like flowers. Piper ornatum is a stove climber with peltate cordate ovate-acute leaves of a shiny green, speckled with white; it did not take the fancy of the committee, and indeed there are many better plants of this class. Phyllanthus Chantrieri, a stove shrub with spreading pinnate bright green leaves, from the under-surface of which depend minute reddish flowers, was deemed worthy of a Certificate. Two grand Odontoglossums from Mr. Pollett followed; one, O. crispum lilacinum, had large flowers of a deep lilac, the lip being yellow-and O. roseum punctatum, one of the most remarkable varieties we have seen, having numerous minute brown spots on a rosy-lilac ground. Cattleya

bushes considering the size of the pots in which they were grown Celine Forestier, a superb pot Rose; Madame Willermoz, very fine; Madame Lacharme, Innocenta Pirola, &c., were the best. Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, were a good 2d, their plants being well grown though smaller. Madame Lacharme was again fine, and Violette Bowyer, a fine white Rose. Mr. W. Rumsey, Waltham Cross, was 3d.

ORCHIDS

were well represented from the gardens of De B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr., Mr. S. Cooke), and from H. Little, Esq., Hillingdon Place, Uxbridge (gr., Mr. F. Hill). The centre plant in Mr. Crawshay's collection was the splendid Vanda suavis which gained the 1st prize at the Crystal Palace. The other plants with few exceptions, are described in the report of that show.

Mr. James, of Lower Norwood, was the only competitor in the nurserymen's class, and gained the 1st prize with a good group of nine. Cattleya lobata had four spikes, with four flowers on each; Odontoglossum citrosmum, three spikes; Cattleya Mendelii, fourteen open flowers; Odontoglossum Alexandræ and O. Pescatorei were in good form.

Mr. Turner was the only exhibitor of AZALEAS, but he obtained the 1st prize, with splendid examples. Bernhard Andreas alba is a beautiful double white, very free in flowering; other varieties were the same as shown at the Crystal Palace.

FIG. 160.-DOUBLE ALLAMANDA. (SEE P. 704.)

Schofieldiana, a remarkable species with large flowers, the sepals and petals green with numerous red spots, the lip three-lobed, the anterior lobe stalked and semi-orbicu. lar, clothed on the upper surface with small conical purplish processes. Lobelia superba, shown by Mr. Weeden, a variety of dwarf habit, and with very dark blue flowers striped with white, received a First-class Certificate. Clematis, Sir Joseph Hooker, shown by Mr. Noble, is a double flowered variety, very full, and of a dark lilac colour. C. Lord Beaconsfield, a very large flowered single lilac, obtained no award, probably because it was not considered sufficiently distinct. Aerides Wilsoniana, a species in the way of suavissimum, with white flowers and a yellow spur, received a Certificate. Saxifraga Macnabiana, a species like pyramidalis, but of dwarfer habit and with white flowers spotted pink, also obtained an award. A Cultural Commendation was decreed to a well grown plant of Yucca filamentosa variegata in flower. Azalea Miss Buist, a dwarf variety, with pure white flowers of moderate size and good substance, received a Vote of Thanks. In sheltered situations in the South this would make an admirable plant for the rockwork.

Show of Pot Roses, Azaleas, &c.

The schedule on this occasion was made up of nineteen classes only, but what was lacking in quantity was amply made good in quality, most of the productions exhibited being exceptionally good. Large Roses were not invited, the one class being for eighteen in pots, not exceeding 9 inches in diameter. Mr. Charles Turner, The Royal Nurseries, Slough, was well 1st with really handsome specimens in wonderful health and large

AMARYLLIS.

It is almost too late for these, but Mr. Little exhibited a nice collection of twelve, and gained the 1st prize.

Twelve PELARGONIUMS, comprising show and fancy varieties, brought out the largest and best specimens from the Slough collection. Kingston Beauty, a fine show variety, could scarcely be surpassed for size of plant and quality of the flowers; Amethyst, beautiful colour; Ritualist, large flowers, of fine quality; Claribel, the finest white; and Illuminator. The best fancies were Princess Teck, Lady Carrington, and Thomas Ring. Mr. Turner was also ist for the eighteen plants in small pots, and Mr. Little 2d. Madame Marie Knecht, fine white; Joe, Sister of Mercy, and Madame C. Keteleer, were conspicuous in Mr. Turner's collection.

The exhibition of herbaceous CALCEOLARIAS was remarkable for a splendid collection of fifty plants exhibited in competition by Mr. James, of Farnham Royal, Slough. It may be safely said that no such specimens have ever been exhibited before, taking into account the condition of the plants, the profusion and quality of the blooms. The colours were so brilliant and so varied as almost to defy description. One was noted as of a rich orange-scarlet colour, others crimson, crimsonscarlet, crimson with magenta tints, most of them being also richly spotted. Messrs. Carter, of 237, High Holborn, obtained the 2d prize with an excellent group and a capital strain the plants being well grown.

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The 1st prize in the amateur's class was awarded to J. C. Lanyon, Esq, Birdhurst (gr., Mr. Ford), with a very fine group; his yellow self being very prominent;

Mrs. F. Bennett, Tulse Hill House (gr., Mr. J. Howes), was a good 2d, the plants not being quite out.

CLEMATIS.

Messrs. Jackman again exhibited their splendid collection of Clematis, and were awarded the 1st prize in that class the varieties being Fairy Queen, Lady Caroline Neville, Blue Gem, Mrs. Kennett. Madame Van Houtte, white; Mrs. Hope, pale blue; Duchess of Edinburgh, double white; and Belle of Woking, double blue.

Tree Carnations from Mr. Charles Turner formed a most attractive exhibition of themselves; the plants were clean, and the flowers well developed. Colonel Cox, fine scarlet; Mrs. McLaren, crimson bizarre; Sir Evelyn Wood, purple; Lady Rose Molyneux, fine white; Juliette, deep rose; The Queen, white; Mrs. Llewelyn, rose; Andalusia, fringed yellow: Goliath, large, pale red ground, scarlet flakes; and many other fine varieties composed the group.

HARDY PLANTS.

Collections of hardy herbaceous plants in the form of cut flowers were exhibited by Messrs. Paul, of Cheshunt, and Mr. Ware, of Tottenham. Messrs. Paul were Ist. Their collection contained no less than sixtyfour species and varieties the most conspicuous being Arnebia echioides, Anemone alpina sulphurea, Pæonia peregrina, fine rosy-purple; Anemone sylvestris, Trollius asiaticus, Ranunculus acris plenus, Cheiranthus alpinus, Primula japonica and P. Munroi, and Ranunculus Gowiana. In Mr. Ware's collection were fine bnnches of Polemonium Richardsoni, numerous Irises, and other seasonable flowers.

PANSIES.

Collections of sixty Pansy blooms in thirty varieties were exhibited by Mr. H. Hooper, of Bath, Mr. J. Forbes, of Hawick, N.B., and Mr. F. Hooper, of Bath, who took the prizes in the order of their names. The varieties were all of the fancy section, those from Bath being the largest, but Mr. Forbes exhibited his blooms in capital condition, though smaller.

MISCELLANEOUS Groups

of plants formed as usual a very important feature in the exhibition, and were interesting in their multifarious variety. Messrs. Paul & Son, The Nurseries, Waltham Cross, were awarded the Silver-gilt Medal for a collection of Roses in pots and cut Roses, both being worthy of the name of Paul. The pot-plants were conspicuous for their clean, beautiful foliage and splendid blooms; the best were Lady Sheffield, Queen of Queens, a full, well-formed beautiful Rose; Star of Waltham, crimson; La France, superb; Alfred Colomb, St. George, and Merveille de Lyon.

Mr. B. S. Williams obtained a Silver Medal for an extensive and very interesting group of stove and greenhouse plants, comprising some well-grown OrchidsCattleya Warneri, very fine; C. gigas, C. Skinneri, C. Mossiæ, &c.

Mr. Rumsey was awarded a Bronze Medal for cut Roses and pot plants of the same; amongst them some well-grown standard Tea Roses, Souvenir d'un Ami, very fine; Catherine Mermet, and Marie van Houtte were the best.

Mr. Noble, of Bagshot, also exhibited well-grown Clematis, amongst them Mr. Gladstone, pale blue; Lord Beaconsfield, very fine pale lilac-blue; Pirate King, purple; Countess Gleichen, pale lilac blush; Lady Constance Kennedy, very fine double white; Sir Joseph Hooker, perfectly double flowered purplish-blue variety.

Mr. Ware made a capital exhibition of herbaceous plants in pots, comprising choice hardy Orchis, such as O. papilionacea, O. spectabilis ; fine examples of Polemonium Richardsoni, Dodecatheon splendidum, very bright; the pretty Houstonia coerulea alba, Tulipa persica, Onosma taurica, Trollius Loddigesianus, the best of the globe flowers; Pinguicula grandiflora, and last, but certainly not least, Lachenalia rubida, a very fine species, with rose-coloured flowers, marked with rosy-red spots.

Messrs. Kelway, of Langport, made a very pretty exhibition of cut flowers, including a good strain of Amaryllis single Pyrethrums, and a few cut herbaceous flowers.

Mr. W. Stacey, nurseryman, Dunmow, sent very fine cut Verbenas-Lord Brook, scarlet, white eye; Lilacina, bright pale blue; Striata, prettily striped variety; Purity, large white; Ophelia, rose; Hamlet, scarlet, distinct, and very good.

A well grown group of Caladiums from the Chiswick Gardens of the Society, well arranged, added a distinct and handsome feature to the exhibition.

SPECIAL PRIZES

were offered by Messrs. Webber & Co., Covent Garden Market, for a box of Strawberries, to be sent by rail, for the purpose of illustrating the best method of packing. The 1st prize was awarded to Mr. J. Vert, Audley End Gardens, Saffron Walden; the fruit was packed so that it did not move in transmission, the stems of the fruit being uppermost, and feach specimen enclosed in a separate leaf: the variety was President. The 2d prize was awarded to the Earl of Radnor (gr., Mr. S. Haines), the fruit being well packed as for exhibition: the variety was Sir J. Paxton. 3d, Hon. Col. W. R. Talbot (gr., Mr. C. Waite).

VEGETABLES AND FRUIT.

Messrs. Sutton & Sons, of Reading, offered prizes for the best brace of Cucumbers, to include Sutton's Cluster or Sutton's Purley Park Hero. All the prizes fell to the variety Purley Park Hero. The specimens exhibited were well grown, and the variety is evidently a good exhibition kind. The Earl of Radnor was ist; 2d, Sir R.

F. Sutton, Bart., Benham Park, Newbury (gr., Mr. C. Howe); 3d, The Hon. W. P. Talbot, Glenhurst, Esher. The same firm offered prizes for Melons to include Sutton's Scarlet Invincible, Sutton's Masterpiece, or Sutton's Hero of Lockinge. The specimens were very handsome in appearance, and considering the season fairly good in quality. Mr. C. Herrin, Chalfont Park Gardens, Gerard's Cross, was Ist; Sir R. F. Sutton, 2d; and the Earl of Radnor, 3d. Mr. Herrin sent Hero of Lockinge, Sir R. F. Sutton sent Invincible and Masterpiece, the Earl of Radnor Best of All and Hero of Lockinge. From the gardens of N. W. Dick, Esq., Thames Ditton, were sent very good Black Hamburgh and Foster's White Seedling Grapes; from Messrs. W. & E. Wells, Croxby House, Hounslow (gr., Mr. G. Thompson) was sent magnificent examples of Sir C. Napier Strawberry plants bearing fruit, in pots, and a basket of gathered specimens. Well kept Lady Downe's Grapes from H. J. Atkinson, Esq., Gunnersbury House, Acton (gr., Mr. Hudson), were also exhibited. There was also a very fine dish of Brown Turkey Figs from Mr. S. Lyon, Sunridge Park, Bromley. Cucumber, Benham Park Hero, from Mr. C. Howe, a cross between Challenger and Telegraph, is a very fine white-spined variety. Four well grown Melons were sent by Mr. Howe, to one of which, a scarlet-flesh Benham Beauty, a Firstclass Certificate was awarded. Mr. P. Penford, Leigh Park Gardens, Havant, sent a green-flesh Melon, and Mr. Justus Corderoy, Blewbury, Didcot, four dishes of Apples well kept.

FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATES

were awarded as follows:

To Mr. C. Turner, for Carnation (Tree) T. W. Girdlestone.

To Mr. C. Turner, for Carnation (Tree) Colonel Cox. To Mr. C. Turner, for Carnation (Tree) Goliath. To Mr. T. S. Ware, for Polemonium Richardsoni. To Mr. T. S. Ware, for Dodecatheon splendens. To Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, for Phyllanthus Chantrieri.

To Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, for Carnation Pride of Penshurst.

To Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, for Gloxinia Flambeau. To Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, for Heliotrope Roi des Noirs.

To Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, for Allium Karataviense. To Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, for Hydrangea mandschurica.

To Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, for Schizophragma hydrangeoides.

To Messrs. J Veitch & Sons, for Olearia Gunni. To Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, for Syringa vulgaris Marie Legrange.

To H. M. Pollett, Esq., for Odontoglossum crispum var. lilacina.

To H. M. Pollett, Esq., for Odontoglossum roseum var. punctatissima.

To Mr. T. W. Bond, for Cattleya Schofieldiana.
To Mr. G. Weedon, for Lobelia superba.

To Mr. C. Noble, for Clematis Sir Joseph Hooker.
To Messrs. F. Sander & Co., for Aerides Wilsonianum,
To Mr. J. V. Rees, for Saxifraga Macnabiana.

CULTURAL COMMENDATION.

To Mr. H. James, for Yucca filamentosa variegata.
VOTES OF THANKS.

To Messrs. James Carter & Co., for Calceolaria Victor Hugo.

To Mr. B. S. Williams, for group of plants.
Mo Mr. T. J. Seidel, for Rhododendrons.

To Mr. W. Stacey, for cut Verbenas.

To Mr. G. W. Cummins, for Cattleya Mossiæ Smeeana.

FRUIT COMMITTEE.
FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATE.

To Mr. C. Howe, for Melon Benham Beauty.

CULTURAL COMMENDATION.

To Mr. S. Lyon, for Fig Brown Turkey.

VOTES OF THANKS.

To Mr. C. Howe, for Cucumber Benham Park Hero. To Mr. W. Fyfe, for Grapes.

To Mr. J. Hudson, for Grapes.

MANCHESTER HORTICULTURAL AND BOTANICAL: May 22-29. MANCHESTER has once more come to the fore in a manner peculiarly its own. During the Whitsun week it held at the Botanical Gardens, Old Trafford, an exhibition at once extensive and high-class, and certainly one of the best that has been held there since they were first established. It is now eighteen years since this series of exhibitions was commenced, and Mr. Bruce Findlay, the then able Curator of the Gardens, and now Secretary to the Society, and those who have so generously supported him, have abundant reason to congratulate themselves upon the success of their bold scheme.

The large show-house was, as usual, full to repletion, and here were Orchids, stove and greenhouse foliaged and flowering plants, stately Palms, graceful Ferns, brilliant Anthuriums, and magnificent Ericas; here, too, were some Gleichenias, such as perhaps could not be found outside the Manchester district, the singular Pitcher-plants and Sarracenias, always a leading feature at this great show, and the numerous groups of new and rare plants sent by the London and provincial nurserymen. Here there was something more than a large and varied exhibition in itself.

ORCHIDS.

These were very numerous, and they were seen in the finest condition. With those included in the miscellaneous collections, sent by Messrs. F. Sander & Co., and Fisher, Son & Sibray, there were enough to form a fringe and a particularly effective fringe, too, they made-running almost the length of the plants placed round the house. Mr. Findlay had grouped them so well that they were seen to the best advantage. This show served to bring to the fore one new exhibitor of Orchids-A. Heine, Esq., Fallowfield, Manchester (Mr. J. Cragg, gr.), who proved very successful on this occasion. Mr. Heine was 1st in the leading class for fifteen specimens, having a magnificent Dendrobium Wardianum, D. Dalhousianum, D. thyrsiflorum, D. nobile, a splendid Cattleya Mossia with about seventy flowers, C. Mendelii, Lælia purpurata, Oncidium vexillarium, with twenty-four spikes of blossoms; Odontoglossum Alexandra, with eighteen or twenty spikes of bloom expanded and unexpanded; Cypripedium Lawrenceanum, Vanda suavis, and V. suavis Pescatorei. 2d, Joseph Broome, Esq., Didsbury (Mr. A. Cole, gr.), who had a fine piece of Vanda teres, V. suavis, Phalaenopsis amabilis, Cattleya Mossiæ, very fine; C. Mendelii, Dendrobium Freemani, D. nobile, D. devonianum, Odontoglossum vexillarium, Lælia purpurata, Epidendrum vitellinum, E. prismatocarpum, Cypripedium barbatum, and Aerides Fieldingii. Mr. Heine also had the best nine specimens, staging excellent examples of Cattleya Mossiæ, C. Mendelii, Dendrobium devonianum, D. thyrsiflorum, Lælia purpurata, Odontoglossum cirrosum, O. Alexandræ, and Vanda suavis. 2d, S. S. Whalley, Esq., Fallowfield (Mr. G. Jackson, gr.), who had good examples of Dendrobium Paxtoni, D. thyrsiflorum, Lælia purpurata, Cattleya Mossiæ, D. crassinode, D. Bensoniæ, Aerides Fieldingii, and Saccolabium præmor.

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In the class for six specimens the veteran Dr. Ainsworth was Ist, Mr. Mitchell staging admirably managed specimens of Vanda suavis, with eight spikes of flowers; Phalaenopsis amabilis, with fifty spikes at least; P. grandiflora, with twelve spikes; Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, Aërides Fieldingii, and Cypripedium barbatum giganteum. 2d, John Heywood, Esq., The Grange, Stretford (Mr. R. E. Elphinstone, gr,), with Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, Lælia purpurata, Cypripedium barbatum, Cattleya Mossiæ, Cypripedium caudatum, and Odontoglossum Roezlii.

In the class for ten Orchids, bonâ fide specimens, Mr. A. Heine was again 1st, with a very fine lot, including such a grand piece of Dendrobium Paxtoni as is seldom seen a specimen fully 3 feet through; D. thyrsiflorum, D. nobile, Lælia purpurata, Cattleya Mossiæ superba, and C. Mossiæ aurantiaca, Vanda suavis, V. tricolor formosum, Odontoglossum Halli, and Calanthe veratrifolia. 2d, Mr. J. Broome, with good samples of Cattleya Mossiæ, Dendrobium Wardianum, D. nobile, D. thyrsiflorum, D. clavatum, D. pulchellum, D. Falconeri, Cypripedium Stonei, Aerides Fieldingii, and Lælia purpurata. Mr. Heine had the best six Cattleyas, staging fair sized well flowered examples of Mossia (3), C. Mossiæ superba, and C. Mendelii (2). Mr. Broome came 2d with four well coloured plants of C. Skinneri, and two of C. Mossiæ. Mr. Heine also had the best three Vandas, very good indeed, the varieties being V. tricolor insignis, V. t. formosa, and V. suavis Gottschalkii. S. S. Whalley, Esq., was 3d with two plants of V. suavis and one of V. teres, all good examples; and Mr. Broome came 3d with three excellent plants of V. suavis.

In the nurserymen's class for sixteen Orchids the competition was confined to Mr. James Cypher, of Cheltenham, and Mr. J. James, of Lower Norwood, the former taking the 1st prize with a thoroughly good representative collection consisting of Cypripedium villosum, C. barbatum biflorum, C. Lawrenceanum, Lælia purpurata, Cattleya Mossiæ, C. Mendelii, C. Mossiæ aurantiaca, Odontoglossum citrosmum, Oncidium sphacelatum, O. Marshallianum, Dendrobium Jamesianum, D. suavissimum, D. chrysotoxum, D. thyrsiflorum, and D. nobile. Mr. H. James, who was placed 2d, had Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, Phalaenopsis amabilis, Oncidium Marshallianum, Vanda suavis, V. suaveolens, Cattleya Mossiæ, Odontoglossum Alexandræ, O. vexillarium, Anguloa Clowesii, Cypripedium Lawrenceanum, and Masdevallia Harryan. The same exhibitors were again 1st and 2d in the class for ten specimens: Mr. Cypher had Cattleya Gaskelliana, C. Mendelii, C. Skinneri, Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, D. nobile, D. chrysotoxum, Cypripedium barbatum grandiflorum, C. Lawrenceanum, and Masdevallia Harryana. Mr. James had Vanda suavis, also Rollisson's variety, Cattleya Mendelii, C. Mossiæ, Odontoglossum vexillarium, Ó. Alexandræ, O. Pescatorei, Cypripedium Lawrenceanum, and Masdevallia Harryana.

STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS.

It was generally admitted that these were very good, especially the ten plants staged by Mr. Cypher. In the amateurs' class for eight specimens, S. Schloss, Esq., Bowdon (Mr. A. Paul, gr.), was 1st, with a very good lot, consisting of Anthurium Scherzerianum with fifty spathes, large and well coloured; Dendrobium fimbriatum occulatum, Clerodendron Balfourianum, a fine piece of Boronia elatior, a fine white Azalea Fielderi, A. Duc de Nassau and one other, and Erica Victorice. 2d, John Rylands, Esq., Stretford, with good plants of Darwinia Fuchsioides, Ixora Williamsii, I. Pilgrimi, Anthurium Scherzerianum, A. Andreanum, Clerodendron Balfourianum, Azalea Roi Leopold, and Erica coccinea minor.

Mr. Cypher's 1st prize collection in the class for ten specimens consisted of a wonderfully fine Erica Cavendishiana, E. depressa, Anthurium Scherzerianum, Hedaroma tulipifera, Aphelexis macrantha purpurea, Pimelea spectabilis, P. Hendersoni, Clerodendron Balfourianum,

Azalea Stella, and a very fine A. magnifica. Mr. James had Erica Lindleyana, E. ventricosa magnific, E. coccinea minor, E. depressa, Anthurium Scher. zerianum, A. Andreanum, Statice profusa, Darwini Hookeriana, and two Azaleas, 3d, Mr. Tudgey, Waltham Cross, whose best plants were Anthurium Scherzerianum, Aphelexis macrantha purpurea, Erica Victori, and Azalea Criterion.

AZALEAS.

The best six came from J. Broome, Esq., well grown, good sized, admirably flowered plants of Criterion, Madame Marie Lefebvre Trotteriana, Stella, Madame Iris Lefebvre, a charming delicate pink variety; and Imperatrice Josephine; 2d, J. Brown, Esq., Heaton Mersey (Mr. Jas. Grier, gr.), with Charmer, very fine; Souvenir de Prince Albert, Chelsoni, Magnet, Lou's Morgottin, and Roi d'Hollande; 3d, Mr. J. Rylands. Singular to state, nothing was furnished to the nurserymen's class of eight varieties.

ERICAS.

The best six in the amateur class came from Joseph Broome, Esq., who had nice examples of affine, Victoria, ventriosa coccinea magnifica, ventricosa coccinea minor, ventricosa tricolor, and suaveolens; 2d, S. Baerlin, Didsbury (Mr. G. Williams, gr.), who had Victoria, ventricosa coccinea minor, tricolor dumosa, and two others.

In the nurserymen's class Mr. Cypher had the best six, good specimens of E. Cavendishiana, ventricosa magnifica, coccinea minor, tricolor Wilsoni, impressa, and Lindleyana. 2d, Mr. E. Tudgey, with a fine affine, Cavendishiana, Lindleyana, ventricosa tricolor, and Victoria.

MISCELLANEOUS FLOWERING PLANTS.

The only exhibitor of six Sonerilas was Mr. Broome, but none of them were in flower, still they were well grown specimens, and in good character. The forms were argentea, Nelly, Hendersoni, marmorata, Rowly, and amoena.

Gloxinias were represented by good sized, well grown and flowered examples. The best ten came from Mrs. C. Sergeant, Temple Villa, Sale, the plants having from twenty to thirty flowers each. Mr. Z. A. Ward, Didsbury, was 2d, and Mr. G. B. Blair, Whalley Range, 3d.

Mr. W. Hayes, jun., Chorlton House, Sale, had three very fine specimens of Lilium auratum, well grown, dwarf, and bearing thirty to forty flowers each. They well deserved the 1st prize in this class.

Calceolarias were somewhat largely and well shown, foliage and flowers alike good. Mr. S. Baerlin had the best eight; Dr. Adamson, Didsbury, being 2d.

ROSES.

On this occasion the large plants occasionally seen from Cheshunt and Slough, were wanting, and the amateurs' plants were better than those shown by the trade. Mr. Broome had the best six specimens, staging nice fresh, well grown and flowered plants of La France, Annie Wood, Comtesse de Serenye, Madame Lacharme, Niphetos, and Marquis de Castellane. 2d, Mr. John Heywood, his best examples being Duke of Edinburgh, Charles Lawson, and Anna Alexieff.

In the nurserymen's class for twenty plants in pots, not more than 9 inches across, the 1st prize was withheld, the 2d going to Mr. John Hooley, Stockport-nicely grown specimens, a little overblown, the best varieties being Général Jacqueminot, Marie Guillot, Anna Alexieff, Souvenir d'un Ami, John Hopper, and Paul Néron.

In the class for thirty plants, in any sized pots, the 1st prize was again withheld, the 2d going to Messrs. G. & W. Yates, nurserymen, Stockport, the varieties much as already stated.

CLEMATIS.

We were pleased to note an improvement in the culture of these useful decorative plants at Manchester. In the nurserymen's class for fifteen specimens, Messrs. Richard Smith & Co., of Worcester, had good-sized, admirably grown and flowered examples of Marie Lefebvre, Grand Duchess, Sensation, Countess of Lovelace, Marie van Houtte, purpurea elegans, Lucie Lemoine, Lady Caroline Nevill, J. A. Henry, Duke of Norfolk, Fairy Queen, Gloire de St. Julien, and Princess of Wales. There was no other competitor. In the class for specimens shown by amateurs, T. Dickson, Esq., Broughton (Mr. H. Bennett, gr.), was 1st with Fairy Queen, purpurea elegans, Henryi, lanuginosa candida, Lucie Lemoine, and Mauve Queen; 2d, Mr. J. Heywood, whose best varieties were Lady Caroline Nevill, Marie Lefebvre, purpurea elegans, and Sensation.

PANSIES AND VIOLAS.

These were largely shown in pots, and they made a very effective display, but there was to be noticed a general uniformity of appearance in the height of the plants, and number of flowers on each, that led the judges to examine them somewhat closely, when it was found that in some cases mere cuttings with flowers on them were stuck into wet soil, which was firmly pressed about them; the plants were, therefore, made up for the occasion. If we are rightly informed, this method has been so generally adopted that the judges thought it best to award the prizes according to the merit of the specimens. The best six show Pansies in 8-inch pots came from the Children's Hospital, Pendlebury (Mr. J. Blower, gr.). Mr. J. Broome being 2d, and Mr. G. Wilkes 3d. Mr. Blower was also ist with six fancy Pansies, Mr. C. Sergeant being 2d. The best six Violas also came from Mr. Blower, Mr. D. Maclure, Heaton Nursery, being 2d. In the nurserymen's class for twenty Pansies, Mrs. E. Mellor, Chorlton, was Ist, and Mr. J. Hayward, Cheadle, 2d. Mrs. Mellor

was also ist for twenty fancy Pansies, and Mr. T. Wakenden 2d. The best twenty Violas came from Mr. J. Hayward, Cheadle, Mr. A. J. A. Bruce being 2d. We refrain from giving the names of varieties, because the method of making up specimens gives no reliable information as to their adaptability for culture in pots. Possibly bona fide culture will be made an indispensable condition in the next schedule of prizes.

PELARGONIUMS.

The only exhibitor of show and fancy Pelargoniums was Mr. C. Rylance, nurseryman, Ormshirk, and he staged eight very nice specimens of each. Of the former he had Queen Bess, Digby Grand, Duchesse de Morny, Claribel, Royal Bride, Venus, Roi Leopold, Gaiety, and Pericles. His fancy varieties were Fanny Gair, Advancer, Barbet, Lucy, Roi des Fantaisies, Evening Star, Mrs. Mendel, and Sarah Turner. Several collection of zonal Pelargoniums, and some excellent Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums were shown in the miscellaneous.

GROUPS OF PLANTS ARRANGED FOR EFFECT.

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These are always a leading feature at Manchester, and on this occasion they were specially attractive and interesting. They made an effective display in the annexe, and the two 1st prize groups especially were greatly admired. In the amateurs' division Mr. John Rylands was 1st, and his clever gardener must be awarded high praise as a floral decorator, for it was universally acknowledged to be beautiful work." It was arranged in the form of a square, with the sides scolloped out, and there were elevations that were in thorough harmony with the main design. In the foreground was a marvellous plant of Adiantum speciosum, then a fine bed of Maidenhair and other small Ferns, rose Crotons and other foliaged plants, Alocasia Lowii and Anthurium crystallinum being especially noticeable, with sufficient dwarf flowering plants dotted about to make the arrangement piquant and delightful. Mr. S. Schloss came in 2d, with a charming group; Mr. E. C. Glover being 3d, and Mrs. Hodgkinson, Bowdon, 4th. In the nurserymen's class Messrs. R. P. Ker & Son, nurserymen, Liverpool, were placed 1st, with something so well carried out as to appear to distance all that this firm had hitherto so well done at Manchester. It was arranged on a slightly sloping bank; there was a dense carpet formed of Adiantum cuneatum and A. Lathomi; at the back was a large plant of Kentia Balmoreana, flanked by Dracæna lineata, the base of these being clothed by dwarf foliaged and flowering plants, such as Pelargoniums, Azaleas. &c. There were two little groups of Lilium candidum, and from the bed of Fern rose richly coloured plants of such Crotons as Excelsior, Sinitzinianus, aneitumensis multiformis, a variety that appears to be made up of pieces of several others; Warreni, and Flambeau. The margin was made up of Dactylis glomerata variegata and Selaginella lævis alternately, with here and there tiny flowering plants of double Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums; and behind these small specimens of Crotons Hawkeri and Morti. Messrs. W. & J. Birkenhead were placed 2d, with a fine group, composed wholly of hardy Ferns of a valuable charac ter arranged with considerable skill.

FINE-FOLIAGED PLANTS.

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Mr. J. Rylands had the best collection of ten, very fine and massive examples of the following being staged: Pritchardia pacifica, Cibotium regale, Latania borbonica, Anthurium crystallinum, Gleichenia rupestris, Croton Weismanni, C. Williamsii, Alocasia Lowi, and Cycas revoluta; 2d, Sir Wilfrid Lawson, Bart., M.P., Brayton, Carlisle (Mr. Hammond, gr.), who had Cycas revoluta, Phoenix rupicola, Chamaerops humilis, Macrozamia Fraseri, Croton D'Israeli, Bonapartea juncæfolia, Dasylirion glaucum, and Encephalartos villosus; 3d, Mr. E. C. Glover; 4th, Mr. S. Schloss. In the nurserymen's class for eight plants Mr. J. Cypher was Ist, with large and well developed specimens of Areca Baueri, Latania borbonica, Kentia Fosteriana, K. australis, Cycas revoluta, Dasylirion glaucum, Encephalartos villosus, and Croton Weismanni; 2d, Mr. H. James, with a good group, conspicuous among which was a huge plant of Stevensonia grandifolia. Mr. J. Broome had the best six Dracænas, staging good plants of Youngi, Lindeni, anerleyensis, Baptisti, Robinsoniana, and Weismanni; 2d, Mr. S. Baerlin, with Veitchi, Youngi, amabilis, Shepherdi, Bausei, and indivisa; 3d, Mr. J. Rylands. Messrs. R. P. Ker & Son were Ist with an admirable group, finely grown and coloured, consisting of Baptisti, Gladstonei, Hendersoni, amabilis, Bausei, Lindeni, nigrescens, recurva, Mooreana, speciosa, Weismanni, and Robinsoniana; 2d, Mr. H. James, with Baptisti, Goldieana, Shepherdi, amabilis, elegantissima, Nycterinæ, Mooreana, Youngi, regina, Gladstonei, Bausei, and Weismanni. Messrs. R. P. Ker & Son had twelve magnificent Crotons, large, splendidly grown and coloured examples of Carrierei, Courti, Evansianus, Queen Victoria, Mortfontainensis, Hawkeri, Morti, D'Israeli Pergmanni, and Baronne Rothschild, and had the Ist prize. In the class for six specimens, Sir W. Lawson

was

Ist with Williamsi, interruptus-aureus, Earl of Derby, Rex, and two seedlings; 2d. Mr. J. Broome with Andreanus, D'Israeli, Majesticus, Evansianus, Burtoni, and Williamsi; 3d, Mr. E. C. Glover. Mr. J. Rylands had the best four Yuccas, staging three plants of aloifolia variegata, and one of quadricolor. Mr. Broome was 2d with rather smaller but very neat and bright plants of aloifolia and Stokesi, two of each. Mr. S. Baerlin had the best four Palms, staging Kentia australis, Geonoma Schottiana, Areca lutescens, and Cocos Weddeliana; Sir W. Lawson was 2d with Chamærops humilis, Areca Baueri, Phoenix rupicola, and Acanthorrhiza aculeata.

FERNS.

The group of eight stove and greenhouse Ferns staged

by Mr. Paul for S. Schloss, Esq., was one of the features of the exhibtion, the Gleichenias being stupendous in size and grandly developed. A plant of G. speluncæ was fully 9 feet through, and not greatly below these in dimensions were Mendelii, rupestris, rupestris glaucescens, and flabellata, Alsophila Williamsii, Dicksonia antarctica, and Goniophlebium subauriculatum; 2d, R. P. Gill, Esq., Woodley Hall, Ashton (Mr. Plant, gr.), with Dicksonia antarctica, Davallia Mooreana, Adiantum Williamsi, Alsophila excelsa, &c. ; 3d, Mr. E. C. Glover. Mr. Arthur Birley, Woodbank, Pendlebury, was the only exhibitor of twelve hardy Ferns, staging an excellent lot, among them Athyriums F.-f. plumosus, Craigi, Fieldiæ, and stipitatum, Osmunda cinnamomea, O. gra. cilis, and Lastrea philypteres. Messrs. W. & J. Birkenhead had the best twelve in the nurserymen's class, all of a handsome character, the leading varieties being Osmunda gracilis, Struthiopteris germanica, Adiantum pedatum, &c.; ad, Mr. C. Rylance.

PITCHER PLANTS.

The best collection of these came from Mr. Joseph Broome, and very interesting they were-the plants well grown, the pitchers abundant, large, and finely coloured. In this group were some of Mr. Wrigley's new hybrid Sarracenias, viz., Swaniana, illustrata, Maddisoniana, Mitchelliana, and an unnamed hybrid from purpurata and variolaris, flava maculata, variolaris, and purpurata; and the following Nepenthes-Lawrenceana, Morganæ, Mastersiana, Rafflesiana, sanguinea, Hookeriana, anerleyensis, a variety of Mastersiana with brighter red pitchers, and Cephalotus follicularis. 2d, J. Fildes, Esq., Chorlton (Mr. J. Morton, gr.), whose leading plants were Sarracenias Chelsoni, atrosanguinea, flava maxima, Fildesi, Stevensi, Mitchelliana, and Williamsi ; Nepenthes Dominiana, Mastersiana, Henryana, with Drosera capensis, and D. dichotoma. In the nurserymen's class for ten specimens Mr. A. J. Bruce, nurseryman, Chorlton, was ist, with small but well done plants of Nepenthes Chelsoni and the following SarraceniasStevensi, Williamsi, Fildesi, Chelsoni, variolaris, Maddisoniana, formosa, Tolliana, and purpurea. 2d, Mr. H. James, with Nepenthes robusta, Mastersiana, hybrida, Dominiana, intermedia, Rafflesiana, Courtii, rubra, &c.

HARDY PLANTS.

These were, as is customary in Manchester, in strong force, well-grown and flowered, varied, and full of interest. Here, again, Mr. Joseph Broome was to the fore, as he had the best thirty hardy herbaceous and bulbous plants, staging Lilium croceum, L. umbellatum, L. dalmaticum, Thalictrum purpurascens, Funkias, Geum aurantiacum, Caltha palustris, fl -pl., Cardamine pratense, fl.-pl,, Narcissus Bulbocodium, Polemonium reptans, Trillium grandiflorum, Spiræa ulmaria, fl.-pl., Trollius asiaticus, &c. This was the only collection.

In the class for thirty alpine plants, Mr. Broome was again 1st, with Linum alpinum, Campanula Portenschlagiana, Saxifraga cristata, S. muscoides purpurea, S. pyramidalis, Campanula abietina, Bellis rotundifolia var. cœrulescens. Mr. J. Mellor, Didsbury, who had pleasing examples of Gentiana acaulis, G. verna, Saxifraga Wallacei, S. atropurpurea, S. Aizoon, S. spathulata, Silene maritima, fl.-pl., Erinus alpinus, &c. 3d, Mr. C. Sargeant.

The only exhibitors of the best collection of hardy herbaceous, bulbous, and alpine plants were Messrs. James Dickson & Sons, Newton Nurseries, Chester; it was large but somewhat rough; the leading subjects were Narcissus Bulbocodium, N. Sir Watkin, Liliums, Delphiniums, species of Anemones, and Tulips, Trollius, Scilla campanulata, Iberis gibraltarica hybrida, Auriculas, Funkias, Lily of the Valley, &c., many being repeated in duplicate. In the class for sixty hardy herbaceous and bulbous plants, in or out of flower, some of the best subjects were shown, and Mr. Thomas Walkenden, nurseryman, Marsland Road, Sale, was 1st, with Campanula calycanthema alba, Iberis gibraltarica, Primula farinosa, Aquilegias, Doronicum plantagineum excelsum, Gladiolns Colvillei alba, Gentiana acaulis, G. verna, Narcissus bulbocodium, double Primrose Cloth of Gold, and a pan of the old double Crimson Velvet, Polyanthus Cheshire Favourite, Centaurea montana alba, Cypripedium spectabile, Trollius europæus, Leucojum æstivum, Dodecatheon elegans, &c. Messrs. James Dickson & Sons, were 2d, their best specimens were Trillium grandiflorum, Spiræa aruncus Gentiana acaulis, Lilium auratum, Dodecatheon Jeffreyanum, Lilium californicum, Anthericum liliastrum, Ornithogalum umbellatum, Liilium Harrisii, Narcissus Sir Watkin, Campanula glomerata, Cypripedium calceolus, Gladiolus Colvillei albus, &c.

The best twelve alpines, in or out of flower, came from Mr. Joseph Broome; Mr. E. Wright, Northenden, being 2d, and Mr. J. Mellor 3d. The best forty alpine plants, in or out of flower, came from Messrs. F. W. & A. Stansfield, Sale; who had Primula luteola, Cypripedium pubescens, Gentiana verna, Veronica repens, Eryssimum pulchellum, Antennaria dioica rosea, and various Saxifrages, all in large pans, and very neatly shown; 2d, Messrs. James Dixon & Sons, who had Trilium gradiflorum, Polemonium Richardsoni, Campanula muralis, Gentiana acaulis, Erinus alpinus, Armeria maritima, Phlox pilosa, Linaria pallida, Primula Sieboldi, Antirrhinum asarina, Alpine Auricula George Lightbody, and Mercury, &c. Mr. Walkenden had the best twenty-four Pyrethrums in pots, a very good lot, well grown and flowered; the leading varieties were Niveum plenum, Marquis of Bute, Rosy Morn, J. N. Twerdy, Progress, Amethyst, Mont Blanc, and Solfaterre: and was the only exhibitor. The classes for twenty and twelve Anemones in pots brought no competition.

CUT FLOWEers.

These were invited only in a few classes. The best stand of twelve blooms of Tea-scented Roses came from A. Tate, Esq., Roseleigh, Woolton (Mr. R. G. Waterman, gr.), who had charming blooms of Madame Willermoz, Belle Lyonnaise, Niphetos, Jean Ducher, Madame Trifle, Homère, and Comtesse Riza du Parc-two or so being shown in duplicate. Mr. J. Broome was 2d, with twelve admirable blooms of Catherine Mermet. The class for eighteen cut blooms shown by nurserymen brought no competition. Prizes were offered for a stand of twenty-four cut blooms of Pyrethrums, and but one appeared, badly set up, and the flowers of a poor character-and to this the judges awarded a prize of £3. The flowers would have been dear at 3s. Messrs. J. &. R. Pearson had a stand of cut blooms of zonal Pelargo. niums in great variety and beauty.

FRUIT.

Mr. G. T. Miles, gr. to Lord Carrington, Wycombe Abbey, was the only exhibitor of eight dishes of fruit, having an excellent lot, consisting of Black Hamburgh and Foster's Seedling Grapes, Elton and Black Circassian Cherries, Brown Turkey Figs, Golden Gem and Scarlet Premier Melons, and a fine Queen Pine. Mr. Miles had the best two Pine-apples, staging Queens, averaging 4 lb. each in weight. Mr. Speed, gr. to Lord Penrhyn, Bangor, was 2d. Mr. Miles had the best single fruit, staging a good Queen in this instance. There was a good competition in the classes both for black and white Grapes. The best two bunches of the former came from J. F. Campbell, Esq., Woodleat, Uttoxeter (Mr. J. Hollingsworth gr.), Thomas Slatter, Esq., Stand Hall, Whitfield, being 2d, in each case with Black Hamburghs. Mr. Miles had the best two bunches of white Grapes, staging good examples of Foster's Seedling, Mr. Ackers being 2d with Duke of Buccleuch, and Mr. Campbell 3d with Foster's Seedling. A First-class Certificate of Merit was awarded to Mr. Speed, Bangor Castle, for Penrhyn Seedling Melon, a golden-skinned variety, with a white flesh, and stated to be of the highest quality. The best twelve pots of Strawberries came from the Hon. W. Meynell-Ingram, Temple Newsam, near Leeds; Mr. Upjohn, gr. to the Earl of Ellesmere, being 2d.

MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS OF PLANTS

were shown by Mr. B. S. Williams, Victoria Nursery, Holloway; Messrs. R. P. Ker & Son, F. & A. Dickson & Sons, Upton Nurseries, Chester; The Liverpool Horticultural Company, Messrs. Fisher, Son & Sibray, Handsworth Nurseries, Sheffield, included a fine lot of Orchids; by Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, a charming lot of Orchids; Messrs. Cutbush & Sons, nurserymen, Highgate; and Messrs. W. & J. Birkenhead. Messrs. G. Gegge & Co., Waterloo Nursery, Bury, had a very interesting collection of varieties of Primula Sieboldi of their own raising; and Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Stanstead Park Nurseries, Forest Hill, S. E., had an excellent lot of Begonias. To both these special certificates were awarded.

Extra prizes were awarded to Mr. J. Cypher for a group of specimen plants; to Mr. Miles, for some fine Stamfordian Tomatos; to Mr. C. E. Thornycroft, for a dish of excellent Nectarines; to Mr. G. B. Blair, for three brace of Telegraph, and the same of All the Year Round, Cucumbers; to Mr. Birley, for a good collection of Cinerarias; to Mr. W. Hayes, jun., for zonal Pelargoniums; and to Mr. C. Sergeant for the same.

FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATES OF MERIT

were awarded to Mr. B. S. Williams, for CATTLEYA GIGAS VAR., HEMEROCALLIS MACROSTEPHANA, CYPRIPEDIUM CILIOLARE, C. DRURYI, AMARYLLIS MRS. B. S. WILLIAMS, and ODONTOGLOSSUM PRIONOPETALUM; to Messrs. Fisher, Son & Sibray, for VANDA TRICOLOR and PHALAENOPSIS, both very fine Handsworth varieties; to Messrs. R. P. Ker & Son, for ANTHURIUM CARNEUM, ALOCASIA SANDERIANA, SPIRÆA ASTILBOIDES, AZALEA SOUVENIR DE FRANCOIS VERVAne, Vriesia HIEROGLYPHICA and HARDY AZALEA AVALANCHE; and to E. Loder, Esq., Floore, Weedon (Mr. T. Short, gr.), for MYOSOTIDIUM NOBile.

CRYSTAL PALACE : May 22 and 23.

THE great flower show of the season was held on the above dates, and as a floral exhibition was a gratifying success. Most of the classes were well filled, and with few exceptions the quality of the productions was fully up to the high standard obtained at these exhibitions. The arrangement of the plants in the exhibition was also very good. In one or two instances the exhibitors of stove and greenhouse plants were placed at a disadvantage, the plants having been trained to face one way, but being placed in the centre of the annexe of the building the sides of the plants not furnished with flowers suffered in comparison with those trained in a more natural manner. In these same classes exception might be taken to the way some of the plants were over-trained; even if a plant has been grown into its natural bush form it is not improved in appearance by having the flowers closely tied down to a regular surface by a perfect network of string. It is a great waste of time and force misapplied. Judges would not be slow to recognise a more natural system of training if some good grower would break loose from a bad system.

STOVE AND GREENHOUSE FLOWERING PLANTS were exhibited here as were reported upon at the Royal Botanic last week. Mr. Chapman, gr. to J. Spode. Esq., Hawkesyard Park, Rugeley, was Ist for nine specimens in the open class, and also for six in the

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