penham, is third with plants too leggy and full of sticks. In the class for six Fancies (nurserymen), but one collection is exhibited by Mr. Turner, containing Neatness, Crystal Beauty, Victor Hugo, and East Lynn.

In the class for new Pelargoniums sent out in 1872 or 1873 but one collection is exhibited by Mr. Charles Turner, containing Prime Minister; Conquest, very brilliant; Achievement, soft lilac rose; Kingcraft, very dark. He has also Pompey, and Syren, very pretty.

In the class for six Pelargoniums (amateurs), Mr. Morse, gardener to W. P. Baker, Esq., Bromwell House, Brislington, Bristol, is first with small and very compact plants. Mr. Brickell is second with Zephyr, Star, Napoleon, André, Rowena, and Gulielma; and Mr. J. Melhuish sends some older kinds, among which is Magnet, which must be at least twenty-five years old. It was a venturesome thing to set up so old a plant, though bright. In the class for six Fancy Pelargoniums (amateurs), the first prize is awarded to Amy Sedgwick, Countess of Waldegrave, Ann Page, Bridesmaid, and Jane Grey, admirably-flowered small plants. Mr. J. Evans, gardener to Dr. Abercrombie, Cheltenham, is second with very good plants, but not so dwarf in growth; and Mr. James Lye is third with smaller plants. ZONAL PELARGONIUMS.-These are by no means good, some of the plants, notably those staged by Messrs. Bell & Thorpe, being greatly over-tied, and trained to a flat table surface. In the class for six Zonal Pelargoniums (mateurs), Mr. Thomas Carter, Brooklyn Lodge, Bristol (first prize), has Blue Bell, Madame Dufour, Rebecca, Lord Derby, Vesuvius, and White Tom Thumb. Amongst the other collections the most remarkable are Louis Veuillot, very bright, Soleil, Rose Rendatler, Gloire de Corbeny. Bell & Thorpe took the first prize in the class for eight Pelargoniums with Mrs. W. Paul, Lord Derby, John Thorpe, Queen of Beauties, Charles Dickens, and Beauté de Suresnes. In the class for six doubles (open), Messrs. Bell & Thorpe are first with some nicely-bloomed plants, of which, perhaps, Madame Boutard is best; the others are Triomphe de Thumesnil, Madame Lemoine, Signet, and Miss Evelyn. Mr. Marsh has six well-flowered plants, but too much tied across, and the other collections contain nothing very remarkable. VARIEGATED PELARGONIUMS.-In the class for six Variegated Pelargoniums, well-coloured plants of Tricolors are exhibited by Mr. Perry, gardener to C. J. Gould, Esq., Bamfylde Lodge, Exeter, consisting of Sophia Dumaresque, Mrs. Turner, Lady Cullum, Florence, and Countess of Craven. Mr. Lye has six much smaller plants; but these two collections do not come within the term Variegated. Messis. Bell & Thorpe have six variegated white-edged, without name, and took the second prize. The indefinite term "variegated" has misled some exhibitors. In the class for Tricolors a few nice collections are staged, the principal varieties being Mr. Rutter, Mrs. Headly, Miss Burdett Coutts, Sir R. Napier, Peacock, Reynolds Hole, Mrs. Rousby, and Peter Grieve. Mr. Pestridge is first with Mr. Rutter, Italia Unita, Achievement, Lass o' Gowrie, Mrs. Headly, and Miss Burdett Coutts. Mr. Turner is second, and Messrs. Bell and Thorpe third. In the class for six new Zonal Pelargoniums sent out in 1872, the first prize goes to Messrs. Bell & Thorpe for Virginal, Wood Nymph, Merlin, Jubilate, &c. For one new Zonal Pelargonium the first prize goes to Messrs. Bell & Thorpe for Miranda, salmon; the second to Mr. C. Turner, Slough, for Prince Arthur, scarlet. For three Bronze Pelargoniums the first prize goes to Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing for W. E. Gumbleton, Chieftain, and Mrs. Harrison Weir; and for single Bronze not sent out, for Shah of Persia. In three Silver Tricolors, the first prize goes to Mr. C. Turner for Miss Pond, Dolly Varden, and Lady B. Brydges; the second to Messrs. Bell & Thorpe; and for single Silver Tricolors, first prize to Mr. C. Turner for Dolly Varden. In Golden Tricolors, the first for three goes to Mr. Turner for Miss Morris, Mrs. H. Little, and Baroness Burdett Coutts; the second to Mr. Pestridge for Mrs. H. Little, Brilliant, and Marie Stuart. For one new Golden Tricolor, the first prize goes to Mr. C. Turner for Golden Queen, the second and third also to Mr. Turner.

CUT FLOWERS.

PINKS. Several very nice stands are exhibited, the best of which is that shown by Mr. Charles Turner, consisting of beautifully laced plants of Princess of Wales, Device, Genevieve, Rev. George Jeans, Attraction, Prince Frederick William, Mildred, Bertram, Ernest, Lord Kirkcaldy, Nina, and Godfrey. Mr. H. Hooper is second, and Mr. James Hooper third. Of the local prizes for twelve, the first is given to Mr. D. Pizzie, gardener to Sir E. Perry, Bart., Slough, for excellent blooms of Mildred, Device, Godfrey, Rosy Gem, Genevieve, Edith, Annie Chater, Nina, Constance, Lord Kirkcaldy, Bertram, and Prince Frederick William. Mr. Catly, of Claverton Buildings, Bath, is second. PELARGONIUMS.-Two collections of cut blooms of double Pelargoniums are exhibited, Messrs. Carter & Co. taking first, and Mr. H. F. Hall, of Bath, second. The blooms in the first are C. Glijm, M. Boutard, William Pfitzer, Marie Lemoine, Madame Bondet, &c. There are four collections of cut blooms of twelve varieties of Zonals; the first prize going to Mr. A.

Gabriel, Vale Lodge, Bath, for Lorenzo, Beauté de Suresnes, Grand Duke, Blue Bell, Mrs. William Paul, Pioneer, Warrior, Gladiateur, Monster, Emeline Grisau, Rising Sun, and Maréchal Vaillant. Second prize to Mr. Evans, gardener to Dr. Abercrombie, Cheltenham; third to Mr. Thomas Carter, Brooklyn Lodge, Bristol.

ROSES are exhibited in great perfection. We have heard a great deal of unfavourable weather, lateness of season, and suchlike complaints; but no one, seeing the magnificent blooms exhibited here, would believe that any of these complaints were well founded, for grander blooms than those exhibited it would be impossible to conceive. In the class for forty-eight Mr. Cranston is first with some grand blooms, comprising amongst those least known, La Esmeralda, crimson; Marquise de Gibot, fine pink; and Julie Touvais, very large. There are also fine blooms of Marguerite Dombrain, Madame Sertot, Dupuy-Jamain, Maréchal Niel, Victor Verdier, Madame Eugénie Verdier, Jean Cherpin, Princess Beatrice, fine; Mons. Noman, Centifolia rosea, Baroness Rothschild, Marquise de Mortemart, &c. Mr. George Paul is second. The best of his Roses are Victor Verdier, Madame Fillion, Madame Clert, Madame Thérèse Levet, John Hopper, Fisher Holmes, and Elizabeth Vigneron. Mr. C. Turner is third, and Mr. Durbin, of Bath, fourth. In the class for twenty-four Roses (amateurs), the Rev. J. B. M. Camm is first, and right well he deserves it; for is it not he whose complaints of bad soil have reached all our ears, and of which our friend Mr. Peach says it is the very worst that Roses could grow in? and yet he carries off well the honours of the day amongst amateurs. He has fine blooms of Sénateur Vaisse, Clotilde Rolland, Catherine Mermet, Edward Morren, Baron Rothschild, Dupuy-Jamain, Marguerite de St. Amand, Charles Lefebvre, and Madame Eugénie Verdier. Mr. Chard is third, and the Rev. G. Handley fourth, with some good blooms. I have never seen Edward Morren so well shown as Mr. Camm exhibited it. In the class for forty-eight blooms, trebles (nurserymen), Mr. Cranston is again first with some grand blooms, comprising those mentioned in the class for forty-eight. Messrs. Paul & Son are second. In the class for twelve (amateurs), the first prize is taken by Mr. John Scott, Warminster, with fine blooms; but to my mind Mr. Camm, who is second, is really the best. Madame Rothschild is grand, so are Souvenir d'un Ami and Edward Morren. Mr. J. Smith, Warminster, is third. Amongst other Roses there is a fine box of Cheshunt Hybrid (Tea), exhibited by Messrs. Paul & Son, of Cheshunt, very fine, fully justifying all that has been said of it. In the class for six, Mr. Camm is first with a splendid lot, notably Charles Lefebvre, Edward Morren, La France, Baroness Rothschild, Clotilde Rolland, Exposition de Brie. Mr. Smith is second, and Mr. Chard third. As, however, there is to be a special Rose Show to-day, I shall have more to say about her majesty then.

DINNER-TABLE DECORATIONS.

The competition in this section is not by any means so extensive as at Birmingham, and I am glad to see that the cutting-away of tables is abandoned by most exhibitors. Miss E. Harris, Clarendon Park, Salisbury, is first with a table on which three very tall and slender vases, with three small cornucopies half-way up, filled with very light and graceful Grasses, Bougainvilleas, &c., the base of the stems being set out with Adiantum farleyense and other Ferns, with spacious glasses containing Irises and Ferns; this table is remarkable for its simplicity. The second goes to Miss Edith Blair; in this two Palms have been let into the table, and the centre is a tall slender vase, similar to that shown by Miss Harris. The glass is very good, and the whole appointments of the table are in excellent taste. The third prize goes to Mr. Armitage; there is a vast deal of colour in fact, it is overdone, although the greater number of visitors would admire this most. The fourth prize goes to Mr. Cypher, Cheltenham, who has a little overdone his table; his centre stands are very handsome, but the surroundings are too many.

For single stands there was a very close competition. Some very good stands are exhibited, although it is easy to find fault with them. Thus, for instance, in the first stand it was a great mistake to put the blooms of Anthuriums at the top, and to make the base so heavy; this was awarded to Mr. Spencer; the second is similar, with a bract of Bougainvillea in the upper; the third is of the same character.

The bouquets are, as usual, some of them very good, but the greater number overcrowded. Want of space prevents my adding more, but the subject will be resumed next week.— D., Deal.

FRUIT.

The show of Fruit is a remarkably good one, and, considering the season, the quality is good. One hears on all sides the remark that fruit is not so good as usual, or that there is much difficulty experienced in getting it in in time. At all events, this is the best show of fruit that we have seen this year.

COLLECTIONS.-Only one is put up for competition, and that is a poor one; it comes from Mr. D. Wilson, The Gardens,

Castle Hill, South Moulton, Devon, and contains two fair Queen
Pines, two dishes of Black Hamburgh Grapes, nice Royal
George and Stirling Castle Peaches, Nectarines, Cherries, and
Strawberries.
PINE APPLES.-There are twenty-two staged, mostly Queens,
some of which weigh 5 lbs. For three Pine Apples, any variety,
Mr. G. Ward, gardener to T. N. Miller, Esq., Bishop Stortford,
is first with three Queens, which weighed in the aggregate 15 lbs.
6 ozs.; the fruit are even in size and well ripened; second Mr.
G. T. Miles; third Mr. T. Selwood, Eaton Hall, Chester. In
single fruit of any variety, Mr. G. Ward is first with a handsome
Queen, Mr. G. T. Miles second; and Mr. T. Selwood, Eaton Hall,
Chester, is third with the same variety. A very handsome
Providence, which must weigh a dozen pounds, comes from
Mr. H. Bertram, gardener to R. T. Crawshay, Esq., Cyfarthfa
Castle, Merthyr Tydvil.

GRAPES. Of Black Grapes, single dishes, all the exhibits are Black Hamburgh, and of these there are some good dishes. The first prize goes to Mr. W. Coleman, gardener to Earl Somers, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, for large well-ripened bunches, the berries of fair size, and well coloured; second, Mr. A. Johnson, gardener to the Marquis of Ailesbury, Savernake Forest, Marlborough; the third prize going to Mr. W. B. Upjohn, gardener to the Earl of Ellesmere, Worsley Hall, Manchester. Class 60, White Grapes. Here Mr. J. Smith, gardener to W. Blinkhorn, Esq., Waterdale, Sutton, is first with exceedingly well-ripened Muscats, the bunches large, and berries of fair size. Second comes Mr. A. Johnson with excellent Buckland Sweetwater, Mr. G. Sage, gardener to Earl Brownlow, Ashridge Park, Great Berkhampstead, is third with Muscat of Alexandria. Some very good Bowood Muscat is exhibited in this class, but quite unripe. Some excellent baskets of Black Hamburgh are exhibited, but nothing can beat the basket of Muscat of Alexandria sent by Mr. J. Smith. The second prize was awarded to Mr. W. H. Bannister, gardener to G. H. Ames, Esq., Cole House, Westburyon-Trym, Bristol, with good Black Hamburgh. Mr. A. Johnson is third, also with Black Hamburgh.

Local Special Prizes for Fruit (Vines in pots, amateurs), Mr. D. Wicks, gardener to the Rev. C. Kemble, Vellore, Bath, has a second prize for three pots of Royal Ascot, and a third prize is awarded to Mr. H. Dutton, gardener to - Broadley, Esq., Barrow Castle, for small plants of Black Hamburgh.

For Grapes, three dishes distinct (open class), Mr. J. Douglas is first with Black Hamburgh, the berries intensely black and well finished, Muscat of Alexandria, and good Buckland Sweetwater. A third prize is awarded to Mr. T. King, gardener to Valentine Leach, Esq., Devizes Castle, Wilts. The Veitch Memorial prize for the most meritorious dish of Black Grapes, was awarded to Mr. Coleman, gardener to Earl Somers, Eastnor Castle. That for the most meritorious dish of White Muscat Grapes was awarded to Mr. J. Smith, gardener to Wm. Blinkhorn, Esq., Waterdale, St. Helens; and that for the most meritorious dish of Grapes, not Muscats, was awarded to Mr. Arthur Johnson, gardener to the Marquis of Ailesbury, Savernake Forest, Marlborough.

PEACHES AND NECTARINES.-The first are very good, the fruit well ripened, and of large size; except in the prize dishes the latter are not so good in quality, and wanting in colour. The firstprize Peaches are a very fine dish of Royal George from Mr. Burnett, gardener to Mrs. Hope, The Deepdene, Dorking, Surrey. Mr. G. T. Miles, gardener to Lord Carington, Wycombe Abbey, High Wycombe, is second with excellent Violette Hâtive. Mr. W. Scammell, gardener to the Marquis of Lansdowne, Bowood, Wilts, is third with Bellegarde. The best Nectarines are from Mr. Jack, gardener to the Duke of Cleveland, Battle Abbey, Sussex, a nice dish of Elruge. Second, Mr. W. Coleman with the same variety. Mr. A. Grant, gardener to J. B. Glegg, Esq., Whithington Hall, Chelford, is third. In all twenty-seven dishes are staged. FIGS.-The best is a dish of Brown Turkey from Mr. W. Coleman; Mr. G. Sage is second, and Mr. J. Beck, Wimborne, Dorset, CHERRIES.-Here Mr. G. T. Miles is, as usual, first with an intensely black dish of Black Tartarian. Mr. J. Beck, Wimborne, Dorset, is second with well-ripened Elton. The third prize goes to Mr. D. Wilson, The Gardens, Castle Hill, South Moulton,

is third.

Devon.

STRAWBERRIES.-Class 65, six dishes, distinct kinds. These are of fair average quality. The first-prize dishes come from Mr. J. Holden, gardener, Restbury, near Cheltenham; he has good dishes of British Queen, President, Alice Maud, &c. Mr. W. Fisher, gardener to Mrs. Col. Bailey, 6, Stambridge Place, Batheaston, is second; Mr. G. Lee, Cleveden, Somerset, third. Single dishes.-The first prize is for an excellent dish of Sir C. Napier from Mr. J. Brickell, gardener to J. Orred, Esq., Ashwick Hall, Marshfield, Chippenham. The second is awarded to Mr. W. Coleman for a nice dish of British Queen. Mr. Douglas, gardener to F. Whitbourn, Esq., Loxford Hall, Ilford, is third with La Constante.

MELONS.-In the two classes thirty fruits are staged. The

first prize in Green-fleshed is awarded to Mr. W. Coleman, for Victory of Bath. Mr. R. Gilbert, gardener to the Marquis of Exeter, Burghley House, Stamford, is second, also with Victory of Bath. The third prize goes to Mr. A. Morse, gardener to W. G. Baker, Esq., Bromwell House, Brislington, Bristol, for Gem of the West. In Scarlet-fleshed, Mr. O. Goldsmith, gardener to Sir W. Farquhar, Polesden, Dorking, Surrey, is first; Mr. J. Read, Arley Hall Gardens, Northwich, Cheshire, is second, both exhibitors showing Scarlet Gem. Mr. W. Coleman is third with Mounsden's Moreton Hall. MISCELLANEOUus.-For fruits not mentioned in the schedule, equal first prizes are awarded to Mr. J. Brickell, Ashwick Hall, Marshfield, Chippenham; and Mr. A. Morse, gardener to W. P. Baker, Esq., Bromwell House, Brislington, Bristol. The former has two nice dishes of Apples, and the latter a dish of Cap. sicums, an exact miniature counterpart of the old Scotch blue bonnet.

VEGETABLES.

Of these there is an immense display; the whole extent of tabling extending to 100 yards, being well filled with most meritorious productions. Cucumbers, Peas, Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Cauliflowers are very fine.

It contains a dozen fine

men's gardeners in Somersetshire, Gloucestershire, and WiltCOLLECTIONS.-For these, limited to noblemen's and gentleshire, and limited also to certain sorts-an amount of limitation which caused only three collections to be put up; and one of them, a very good one, was disqualified because it did not contain a couple of Vegetable Marrows-the first prize was awarded to Mr. Carkell, gardener to A. J. Skinner, Esq.; it contains a handsome brace of Dreadnought Cucumber, excellent Cauliflower, William I. and Laxton's Supreme Peas, Alma and Ashleaf Kidney Potatoes, and other good things. The second goes to Mr. J. W. Chard, Clarendon dishes, to include not more than four dishes of Potatoes, difIn Class 178, collection of fiftee Park, Salisbury, Wilts. ferent varieties, twelve of each-here the competition was very prizes. The first was deservedly awarded to Mr. James Holder, close, and no less than eleven competitors contested for the specimens of Dreadnought Cucumber, the same number of fine gardener, Restbury, Cheltenham. Cauliflowers, Harrison's Glory Pea, Short Horn Carrots, Giant Celery, very fine Onions, and Alma Kidney Potatoes, a very Asparagus, Nonpareil Cabbage, Dutch Turnips, Tomatoes, Red fine dish of Mushrooms, Globe Artichokes, and Dwarf Kidney Beans. The second is also a good collection and contains a very similar assortment. The Peas are Multum-in-parvo. It comes from Mr. J. Turk, Railway Cottage, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham. Mr. G. T. Miles is third; he has Laxton's Superlative Pea, large in pod but not well filled, an excellent bundle of Asparagus, &c. Some of the other collections are well worthy of notice, but want of space prevents. In Class 179, half peck of Peas, there are fifteen good dishes staged. Mr. J. Turk has the first prize for William I. Mr. W. Cross, gardener to J. B. Lousada, Esq., Sidmouth, Devon, is second with Alpha, and Mr. G. Brown, Fawley Court, Henley-on-Thames, is third with Supreme.

ASPARAGUS, hundred heads.—Mr. G. T. Hasell, Barlow Hill, Bristol, is first with an excellent sample. Mr. G. T. Miles is second; and Mr. T. Bray, gardener to W. A. Sanford, Esq., Nynehead Court, Wellington, Somerset, is third. The next class is for the new Conover's Colossal Asparagus. Mr. G. T. Hasell is again first with an excellent bundle; it may be different from the old sort, but neither in this nor in the other exhibits is the difference apparent. Mr. E. Smith, Bentham Gardens, Alston, Cheltenham, is second, and Mr. Bray third.

POTATOES, dish of twelve Kidney.-Mr. G. Burridge, gardener to T. Butler, Esq., Combe Hay Park, Bath, is first with very fine specimens of Mona's Pride. Mr. W. Willis, 5, Windsor Terrace, Bathwick Hall, is second with Myatt's Ashleaf; Mr. E. Rooker, gardener to Major J. Gretton, Cotton Hall, Sudbury, Derby, third. Mr. J. Mattock, Headington, Oxford, is first for three dishes; Mr. Rooker second; and Mr. J. Garland, Killerton, third. Mr. Rooker also exhibits the best round Potatoes. ONIONS, twelve.-Mr. G. T. Miles has very fine White Naples, and has the first prize awarded for them; Mr. Carkell is second, and Mr. E. Smith third.

TOMATOES, dish of twelve.-Mr. W. Cox, gardener to Earl Beauchamp, Madresfield Court, Great Malvern, is first with excellent fruit of the Large Red; Mr. W. Coleman is second; and Mr. Douglas third; both of them show the Orangefield Dwarf Prolific.

LETTUCE, Collection of twelve sorts.-The prizetakers are Mr. P. Turk and Mr. E. Smith.

CUCUMBERS.-There are twenty-two brace of these. Mr. J. Holder is first with Dreadnought and Little Gem, varieties similar to each other, both white-spined. Mr. J. Douglas is second with a nice brace of Blue Gown and a brace of a very fine smooth variety. Mr. E. Smith is third with Harrison's White Spine, and another brace of the same sort, misnamed Blue Gown. The fourth prize went to Mr. T. Hobbs, Lower Easton, Bristol.

In this class the judging was bad. The schedule says "distinct sorts," and in the first and third prizes the difference was not apparent, and the fourth prize was wrongly awarded. Mr. D. Pizzey, gardener to Sir E. Perry, Fulmer, Slough, certainly ought to have had a prize. COLLECTIONS OF SWEET AND POT HERBS.-This is a very nice exhibition. Mr. W. Cross has a collection in a box very neatly set up-it contains over fifty sorts. Mr. G. Cooling, nurseryman, Bath, is second.

MISCELLANEOUs.-Messrs. Carter again offered prizes for a collection of twenty-four dishes of vegetables, amongst them certain sorts sent out by them. The first prize, a challenge cup value fifty guineas, and a first prize of £6, goes to Mr. W. Cox. He has a fine brace of Little Heath Melon; Marquis of Lorne and Telegraph Cucumbers; Laxton's Alpha, G. F. Wilson, Carter's White Gem, Hundredfold, and Supreme Peas, &c. Mr. D. Lumsden, Bloxholm Hall, Sleaford, is second; there are three more collections, to one of which, unnamed, a third prize is awarded. For fifty pods each of any three varieties of Mr. Laxton's new Peas sent out by Messrs. Hurst, the prizes awarded by them: Mr. R. Gilbert, gardener to the Marquis of Exeter, is first with Superlative, William I., and Popular; second, Mr. Pragnell, gardener, Sherborne Castle, Dorset; Messrs. Cross, Garland, and Brown are the remaining prizetakers.

COTTAGERS' PRIZES.

The flowers, fruits, and vegetables in this section are highly meritorious. The best window plant is a beautiful pink-flowered Ivy-leaf Geranium, from Mr. F. Ford, Primrose Hill, Weston. Cut flowers are very fine. Mr. J. Knight, Pulteney Road, Bath, has the first prize; but the arrangement of Mr. Ford's box is the best. Roses, baskets of vegetables, Cauliflowers, Potatoes, and Peas; and amongst fruits, Strawberries are very fine. We are sorry we cannot give a list of all the awards, as they all deserve

notice.

PROPAGATION OF LAPAGERIA ROSEA, &c., AT CHATSWORTH.

WHEN on a visit for a few days to Mr. Speed, at Chatsworth, in February last, I was much struck with many things well out of the "old rut." In a Camellia house, where a path leads along the back wall, a narrow bed of Lapageria was growing in strong loam. The shoots were growing as freely almost as a Passiflora; many of these were pegged down or covered with some of the loam, and sending out shoots white and strong as quills. Mr. Speed pulled up a handful of these rooted layers with no more concern than as if they were so many weeds. Loam is not generally used for growing Lapageria, but here nothing could be more satisfactory. Loam, pure and simple," seems to be the favourite soil with Mr. Speed for many things which are generally grown in lighter

46

stuff.

In this same house Camellias are grown entirely in loam, and right well they thrive in it; probably no finer plants are to be found in Britain. We some time ago read of Camellias being so fine that they would hide a bullock" in their centres! I would hardly venture to say that these Chatsworth bushes would hide such large quadrupeds, but I maintain they "would give shelter to a small flock of sheep. The leaves were as large as Laurel leaves, and the plants were loaded with flowers, open and in bud. In a corridor I took note of Reticulata alba plena with over a thousand blooms coming out; this was a trained plant. The Oranges which we saw a few years ago in a sad plight are now fine healthy specimens.M. TEMPLE (in The Gardener.)

ROYAL JERSEY AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. (From a Correspondent.)

the honours in the class for one specimen hothouse plant, the first-named with a specimen of Clerodendron Balfouri, the second with Anthurium Scherzerianum. Mr. Le Sueur was also first for six fine-foliage plants with small specimens of Dracæna regina, ferrea, and Guilfoylei, Crotons maximum and variegatum, and Cissus discolor. The second prize was awarded to Mr. J. Deslandes. In the class for three Mr. J. Brayn, jun., outdistanced the other competitors with magnificent plants of Pandanus utilis, Ficus elastica, and Maranta zebrina. The same exhibitor was first in the class for one specimen with a large plant of Cissus discolor, trained on a pyramidal wire trellis. Prizes were offered for six flowering Begonias, also for three fine-foliage Begonias. Major-General Knatchbull was the only exhibitor in the first-named class, but was awarded a second prize only, the plants being evidently past their best. The prizetakers in the last-named class were Messrs. J. Brayn, jun., J. Deslandes, and Le Sueur in the order in which the names are placed. Ferns were well shown by Mr. Cutlan, of the Channel Islands' Fernery, who was first for twelve, Mr. Mackellar being first for six. Lieut.-Col. Le Gros was first for eight Fuchsias, and Major-General Knatchbull second. The same exhibitors competed in the class for one specimen. These were all beautifully grown and flowered; if they had a fault it was that of excessive tallness. Stands of stove and greenhouse plants, also of greenhouse plants only, were arranged down the centre of the tent, and contributed largely to the beauty of the Show. The prizetakers were Major-General Knatchbull, Mr. J. Deslandes, Mr. F. Bertram, and Mr. Helleur. Gloxinias were admirably shown by Mr. J. Deslandes and the Misses Ainge. Major-General Knatchbull also exhibited a small specimen of Tricolor-leaved Fuchsia Sunray. The leaves are blended with crimson, white, and green; the plant is of good habit, and no doubt will be useful as a decorative plant. Cut Roses were a special feature, but, undoubtedly, the Show was held a fortnight too early, in consequence of which there were very few first-class Roses in the different stands. Mr. De Faye was the only exhibitor of forty-eight, and was awarded the first prize. There was a good competition in the class for twentyfour; Messrs. Souzel, Le Sueur, and Major-General Knatchbull were the prizetakers. All the other classes for Roses were well bouquets were good, but the hand bouquets were scarcely up to filled, and in many cases the competition was most keen. Table the mark, being in most cases too large.

Fruit was not plentiful. The first prize for Black Hamburgh Grapes was awarded to Mr. E. Neel, jun., for three very fine bunches. Strawberries were first-rate. First, Mr. Taylor; second, Mr. C. W. Robin; third, Mr. Drieu. An extra prize was awarded to Mr. J. Brayn, jun., for a dish of splendid Peaches and two dishes of Nectarines; the same gentleman was also highly commended for one Melon.

Vegetables were shown in quantity, and were of excellent

quality. The prizes offered for baskets of eight sorts were well

contested; the first prize was awarded to Mr. F. Bertram, and the second to Mr. G. Bashford. For baskets of four sorts Mr. G. De Faye was first, and Mr. F. Bertram second. Potatoes were good. The first prize for four different varieties was awarded to Lieut.-Col. Le Gros, who had some large, clean, and handsome tubers; the Misses Ainge and Mr. J. Deslandes were second and third. For single dishes of Kidney varieties Mr. D. De Faye first, and Sir John Le Couteur second; and for Round varieties Mr. J. Deslandes, and Lieut-Col. Le Gros were the prizetakers. Mr. De Faye staged some enormous stalks of Rhubarb, for which he was awarded a first prize. The various arrangements were tastefully carried out by the Committee, and unremitting was the courtesy of Major Howell, the Secretary.

THE POTATO DISEASE.

erected on the lawn in front of the Hotel.

Show Pelargoniums were not first-rate. The Fancy class was better represented; the first prize was awarded to Mr. C. P. Le Cornu; second prize, Capt. Jackson, R.N. The last-named gentleman was also first in the class for six double Pelargoniums with immense-sized plants. Mr. P. F. Le Sueur was first for six Tricolor Pelargoniums with good plants in first-rate colour of Miss Pond, Mrs. Headly, Mrs. Turner, Achievement, Peter Grieve, and Lass o' Gowrie. The same exhibitor also was first in the class for three. Greenhouse plants were very indifferently shown, with the exception of the class for one specimen, the first prize being taken by Mr. C. P. Charleton with an admirably-flowered Azalea. Messrs. Markland and Le Sueur divided

mospherical changes, from currents laden with poisonous germs, and from excessive moisture; some of which, especially if in combination, are held by observers as predisposing causes to disease.

At first it seemed probable that the disease might be latent in the seed itself, which, however, came from a good house, and had been one season planted here with very little, if any, disease; but I finally remembered that a new garden walk of some extent having been made, some of the soil was added to

the two orchard-house borders, and this soil had previously borne crops of Potatoes: therefore, I am led to think that the thorough extirpation of every vestige of a diseased tuber is of importance at the time of digging-up, and that this is not

been gone through, yet no Grapes, or but few, have been the | result. The Vine is here growing in an outside border in a clayey soil that would make good bricks. The bed when first made was just put down level with the surface, but I brought it up above it; this improved matters considerably. The Royal Vineyard is growing in a house with Lady Downe's, Buckland Sweetwater, Black Hamburgh, and Muscadine, the house being kept full of plants which require to be abundantly supplied withwater, nevertheless the Royal Vineyard has set well for the last two or three years under the most simple agent; and here it is-the tail of a rabbit. Nothing can equal that for aiding the setting of Grapes.

tristing time, considering that I plant early in the open ground, and the rather serious frosts that we have had here in the north, on the whole I am satisfied. Some look extremely well, whilst a minor portion-perhaps fifteen per cent.-look sickly; and in taking some of the latter up I find that the roots are decayed at the ends, with a yellow tinge in various parts between the end and the bulb; and in a bed where I had put a few small bulbs and had neglected them, I found two wireworms, which had eaten through the heart of the spike. I at once gave each, good and bad, a good dose of nitrate, and will closely watch the result. Contrary to former experience, this year the bulbs of my own saving have spikes quite equal to a fine lot of French ones. This latter fact is very satisfactory, as the most disheartening thing to contend with in the Gladiolus is its liability to degeneration, though it would be more correct to describe it quantity rather than in quality. I should like to make this Journal a medium of the bringing the test of this all-important criterion.

GLADIOLUS CULTURE-RESTRICTIONS

IMPOSED BY SHOW COMMITTEES.

WE are generally agreed as to the reasonableness of the custom of praising the bridge that carries us safe towards the end of our journey. Now, in the growing Gladioli, all perhaps more or less have had difficulties, or what I may be allowed to term "streams," to contend with. Some may have had soil both poor and naturally of a cankerous nature to contend with; whilst others, like myself, have had it of the more virgin type, and just waiting the hand of the industrious cultivator to mould and improve it into the containing any quantity of good properties that the most fastidious could wish. As regards the presence of wireworm, no question but the old pasture newly cultivated, without artificial means being used for their destruction, is one of their most favourite resorts. Your correspondent's lot-and with which he is quite satisfied-has been to spend his leisure hours in a plot of ground that five years ago formed a portion of an old pasture field, in nature friable, with sand bottom, rather inclined to the sun; its more unfavourable characteristics being lack of protection, and more than usually subject to white frosts when we have a north-east wind, or off the river Wear. With my present garden five years ago I commenced to grow the Gladiolus, and, with a gradual improvement, may be said to have been moderately successful. My first bed of some sixty bulbs was my especial care; yet, notwithstanding, they were unmistakeably turning to a disheartening yellow, when one day a nursery traveller gave a look-in, and advised me to give my pets a dose of nitrate of soda. A week or ten days later a marked improvement was discernible by the most casual observer, and I at once drew attention to the remedy in this Journal. Since then I have tried other improvements, but my faith is still strong in this original prescription, to which I attribute my freedom from attack by that garden pest, the almost-indestructible wireworm.

I am an especial admirer of this grand autumn flower-in fact, I believe it to be one of the finest grown, and my object has always been to give encouragement to others, in order that they may experience the same pleasures as I have done.

Taking it for granted that I am the person alluded to by "D." of Deal, I have only to say that I recommended your readers to use new soil, but at the same time I beg to remind them that I apprise them of a "bridge" in the shape of nitrate of soda, by which they would be able to tide over a portion of their difficulties. I still believe, if you place a Gladiolus and this pest together in a pot, that the latter will make its ext first, and that in an open bed its instinct will teach it to keep at a respectable distance. As to prospects of the approaching

In my own village we cannot boast of a floral reunion, but at a short distance, and well adapted for railway communication, we have the show of a portion of the East Durham workmen, held under the shadow of that fine old ancient barotime for south-country growers; and on the 29th of the same month we have the exhibition at the Crystal Palace, and also on the 3rd of September is the International at Manchester. Now the proposition I wish to make is this: If there be an amateur in England who will give satisfaction as to his exhibiting his own produce, who will meet with twelve or eighteen spikes at the former place, I will return him the compliment and meet him at either of the latter places, and then we with more authority shall be able to talk over the pros and cons of the cultivation anent old versus new soil; and, moreover, I shall bind myself at such competition to have one-half or more of my stand composed of Mr. Banks's seedlings.

Now as regards rules to be complied with. My own conviction is that rules once made ought to be abided by. Making rules "for a check" is all nonsense. They simply check the conscientious. At Alnwick we have a piece of absurdity in the shape of dimensions of stands, even to the thickness of the deal they are made of, and the distance of every hole. Of course no one notices such things. At Bishop Auckland last year, in the open Gladiolus competition, after being placed next to the Rev. Lord Hawke, and Mr. Thompson, nurseryman, of Newcastle, third, the latter detected some sprigs of Asparagus stuck into the tube, and straightway he appealed-I understand to Mr. Downie, of Edinburgh, and who, without taking the trouble to read the same rule right through, whereby he would have found that none of the first three were set up according to conditions, he at once disqualified my stand and awarded 7s. 6d., consolation, well knowing that every stand there had cost as many pounds. Of course, I objected to the others, and the farce ended with all getting the place first awarded. This year I see our pets are condemned to stand "in a box;" and, moreover, to stand amid moss, "whether you can get it or no," and, as I understand, what is to be taken advantage of, "amateurs are disqualified from showing in this class." Now, I do think that the man who buys and grows Gladioli ought to have some latitude for taste in the setting of them up; and I do further think it a pity that a committee which has shown such commendable spirit as has the latter, should have made such a mistake as to have dirtied the rules with such contemptible conditions. I see at Manchester there is no restriction, and each rule is reasonable and easy to be understood; and when that body will frame a rule for universal application, they will confer a boon to many, and frustrate the whims of habitual grumblers, and likewise give peace of mind to those who at present at best are but perplexed exhibitors. JOSEPH WITHERSPOON, Chester-le-Street, Durham.

MARECHAL NIEL ROSE.

A FINE standard plant of this magnificent Rose is at present in bloom in Aldersey Hall Gardens, Cheshire. It was planted in the kitchen garden three years ago, being trained as a climber. I took the trouble to measure it, and found its circumference 15 feet, and diameter 5 feet. At the time of writing this it has more than one hundred blooms on it. It is one of the finest specimen plants I ever saw, and to a lover of Roses a sight worth going a long way to see. Mr. Herd, the gardener, states that some scores of blooms had been cut from it in May, which shows that with good culture Maréchal Niel can at times