EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.c.

Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. Special Notice to Correspondents.-The Editor does not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editor does not hold himself responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. illustrations.-The Editor will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c., but ne cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

The Temple Show.

The Royal Horticultural Society's twentieth exhibition in the famous gardens of the Inner Temple is still open as these pages go to press. We are compelled, therefore, by exigencies of time and space to write of it almost upon first sight, and at such close quarters, if we may so express it, that it is difficult, perhaps impossible, to form a correct judgment as to its exact place in comparison with previous shows held on the same site. The Temple Show has become such an important institution, so comprehensive as an exhibition of British horticulture, it is hardly to be expected that each event should be greater or better than its predecessor. Rather is it a correct illustration of the changes that occur in the estimation entertained by the public for different types of plants. Except for such fluctuations, and

for the introduction of new species and home-raised hybrids, what should prevent every Temple Show being an exact reproduction of previous displays? The season of the year is the same (the show is only one day later than last year), similar plants are therefore in flower, and species that were out of season then are also out of season now. The conditions being so much the same, we are thus enabled to see from year to year what effect is produced by the vagaries of fashion, the enterprise of plant collectors, the skill of plant-breeders, and the care of the cultiva

of the show, and if visitors nearer home are not so quick to realise the high type of culture exhibited, it is because the progress is gradual, and therefore less perceptible to those who visit exhibitions at frequent intervals.

As showing how the introduction of new plants affects such shows, it is only necessary to refer to the many valuable species of trees, shrubs, and other plants which Messrs. James Veitch & Sons have introduced from China. Not only may such plants be seen in this firm's exhibits, but they are included in many others. The remarkable Primula Cockburniana, already illustrated in these columns, having vivid, orange-coloured flowers, but possessing a weak habit of

growth, which is not such as to make it a good garden plant, has been crossed with the strong-habited P. pulverulenta, and in the Temple Show of 1907 the first seedlings from this cross are shown by Messrs. Veitch under the name of P. x Unique. The seedlings appear to be almost perfectly interme diate between the parents, and it is not too much to say that at future Temple Shows visitors may expect to see groups of orange. coloured Primulas of a good habit and that are easy of cultivation. The vivid colouring of P. Cockburniana has suffered a little from the cross, but, having obtained the habit which was desired, the plant-breeder may be trusted to get back the original clear and vivid colour.

The effects of cross-breeding are more conspicuously evident in the Orchids than any other class of plants at the present day, and it is a fact that there has never been a better collection of Orchids exhibited at a Temple Show than that at present on view. In this connection we are sure everyone will congratulate Major Holford on the magnificent collection for which he has been awarded the Veitchian Cup, which this year was offered for the best exhibit of any kind contributed by an amateur. The collections of Orchids from Mr. Colman, Messrs. Sanders & Sons, Charlesworth & Co., Low & Co., Bull & Sons, are full of extraordinary hybrids obtained by purposeful cross-breeding. In Carnations, Roses, and Begonias great advancement may also be noticed, for in all these respects the exhibits are of higher quality and greater variety than formerly.

The excellent groups of Hippeastrums shown by Major Holford and Messrs. Ker & Sons afford further instances of advancement, and the same might be said of the Cinerarias from Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Gloxinias from this firm and Messrs. Peed, Cannas and other florists' flowers from Messrs. Cannel & Sons, Rhododendrons from Messrs. Waterer & Sons, R. & G. Cuthbert, and Mr. Chas. Turner, and others.

Quite of another description is the little Viola, reproduced at fig. 146 from a sketch made by Mr. Worthington Smith during the press of the opening day. It has bright, rich purple flowers, and Messrs. Wallace inform us that, on a rockery, the plant is exceed ingly effective. It is remarkable for its extremely narrow leaves, which are very dif ferent in shape to the more oval foliage of the cultivated Violas. The species is not a perfectly new one, but it is rare and hardy, and may be recommended to cultivators who de sire that their plants should possess distinct characteristics. The popular appreciation for hardy plants is well reflected in the Temple Show, and they are staged in numerous and comprehensive collections. What an amount of labour and expense is involved in the exh bition of such a rockwork as Messrs. Cutbust & Son have arranged and planted out doors!

Fruit trees, laden with luscious fruits and vegetables from such famous gar dens as Aldenham and Welbeck, testify the fact that horticultural skill is not who devoted to the production of ornamen plants and flowers, but also to the cultiv tion of crops of the greatest economic value.

A full report of the exhibition is printed on other pages, and it therefore only remains for us to thank the Society for the service it renders to horticulture by the holding of such exhibitions, and to congratulate the officials on another unqualified success. It is reported that the receipts on the first day again established a record!

The Orphan Fund.

It is a matter for congratulation that, as the result of the Festival dinner which took place last week, the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund has benefited to the extent of £1,000. We have in these columns so often urged the claims of the Fund upon the generosity of the horticultural public, it is a pleasure to know that in the present year its income is likely to be equal, or more than equal, to any previous record. All who take a proper interest in the welfare of gardeners' orphan children, left without any provision for their needs, will feel grateful to the Lord Mayor (Alderman Sir William Treloar), Sir Albert Rollit, and other gentlemen for the help they afforded on this occasion.

Mr. Edward Sherwood, as Treasurer, again referred to the disproportion existing between the amount raised by means of the annual festival and that obtained from regular subscriptions. Whilst the festival is responsible for £1,000, the whole of the annual subscriptions amount only to about £300. This state of things is not what it should be. The list of annual subscriptions could easily be doubled if gardeners could be brought to thoroughly realise their responsibilities. A subscription of five shillings each year is certainly within the means of every gardener holding a position of responsibility, yet it appears that only about one in ten contribute this amount.

It is in every way desirable that the efforts of the Executive Committee to raise an increased amount by subscriptions from gardeners themselves, should be successful.

In the meantime we are glad to know that the invested funds amount to upwards of £11,000. This may be regarded as sufficient at the present time, but it is important that the amount should be increased if the number of orphans dependent upon the Fund become more numerous.

The Proceedings at Upsala.

In our last issue we referred to the bi-centenary of the birth of Linnæus, and to the general desire of botanists in every country to fittingly celebrate the occasion. We are now in a position to publish some particulars of the proceedings at Upsala and Lund in honour of the great Swedish botanist.

The celebrations commenced at Lund, on Tuesday, May 21. Only a few strangers were present, but they received a cordial welcome from the Rector of the University, Dr. Ribbing. After examining the portraits and relics of Linné exhibited by Prof. Nerdstedt, a grandson of Linné's niece, the Rector entertained at lunch about 50 guests. A special train took the guests and some 300 students to Rashult, where Linné was born. An extraordinary scene was presented there. Three thousand people crowded the woody hill-side on which the house of Linné's father stands; flags were flying, the footpath was lined with bright little children in gay dresses, and the students, singing as they passed along the

path, were followed by the visitors. It was an unprecedented sight for quiet Rashult. Dr. Simmons, of Lund, botanist, delivered an oration on the life and work of Linné. Thereafter, a visit was paid to the church, of which the father of Linné was pastor.

Most of the foreign visitors arrived at Upsala on the morning of the 23rd ult., and were received at the station by the students carrying their banners. It was a remarkable scene. After singing a welcome, the students marched in a compact procession to the University. There was a small sprinkling of lady students, who doffed their college caps and shouted their hurrahs with as much enthusiasm as the rest. At midday the students filed into the Aula of the University, and were followed by the delegates. The galleries were already packed with ladies when the Prince Regent and members of his family entered. Every corner was filled and the splendid semi-circular Aula was a grand sight. The Rector, Dr. Schück, delivered an able address on Linné's life and an elaborate exposition of his labours. Thereafter, the delegates were received in the alphabetical order of their countries, one man for each country delivering a short congratulation. Sir Archibald Geikie's was, perhaps, the shortest address, but it was very appropriate, and was received with applause. The various addresses and medals were handed in as the delegates passed the Rector. It was a memorable assembly to all present. The foreign delegates passed into a smaller room, and were personally received by the Prince Regent, and at the close the Prince decorated several of them, among whom were Prof. Poulton and Mr. B. Daydon Jackson from England. In the evening the Rector entertained the visitors at dinner, at which only three toasts were proposed, one being the Linnean Society of London, to which Mr. W. Carruthers, F.R.S., as the representative of the society, replied.

Friday morning was ushered in with a salute of 21 guns from the castle. The event of the day was the promotion of many Swedes and foreigners to degrees in the faculties of theology, law, medicine, and philosophy. This took place in the ancient and beautiful Cathedral of Upsala, where Linné is buried, and where, in a side chapel, his monument, with the Sergel portrait, is erected. The members of the public who had access to the interior filled every place allotted to them. The students met in the University and marched in procession to the cathedral, followed by the foreign delegates. As soon as the Prince Regent and his party had entered, the ceremony began with religious exercises, led by the Archbishop. Then followed some charming music, which was renewed at intervals throughout the meeting. As each recipient had the hat, or, in cases of the faculty of his philosophy, the laurel wreath, placed on his head, a gun was fired from the castle. The following delegates from England were created doctors of philosophy-Sir Arch. Geikie, Prof. F. Darwin, Wm. Carruthers, and B. Daydon Jackson. After the ceremony was over, the students and doctors returned in procession to the University. The students, with their banners and their white caps, presented a fine spectacle as they marched up the winding path leading to the University. They arranged

themselves in front of the grand entrance, the graduates being grouped on the steps. They again sang several pieces with beauty and energy. Such a scene could not be equalled in any University elsewhere. The University gave a dinner in the Aula, at which 400 guests were present, the Prince Regent and his party being in the place of

honour.

The celebration of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, of which Linné was a founder and its first president, was held on Saturday, the 25th ult. The proceedings took place in a large concert hall, which was crowded. The speaking and the music were better heard than in the large Aula of Upsala University. A large orchestra with a fine choir supported by some well-known singers, rendered admirably the music composed for the occasion. Count K. A. H. Mörner delivered an eloquent oration on Linné, narrating the events of his life and dwelling on the value of his works. The newly-struck Linnean medal of the Academy founded at this bi-centenary celebration was to be presented to Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, whose labours in botany Count Mörner shortly and clearly stated. Amid the cheers of the audience he handed the medal to the British Ambassador at Stockholm. Great was the delight of the British delegates, who were more in number than those of any other country, and many were the congratulations received by them for the honour so well deserved by England's disThe honour, Sir A. tinguished botanist.

Geikie said, would be a valued birthday gift to Sir Joseph, who will celebrate his 90th birthday in in the course of a few weeks. Bronze copies of the medal were given to some of the delegates. The representatives of the different countries were received in the same order as at Upsala, and a short statement was made by one member from each country. A dinner followed, and an afternoon tea at the invitation of the Prince Regent on the following day completed the celebrations. No one who witnessed the events will forget them. The weather was remarkably good, and everything was done to make the Linné festivals at Lund, Rashult, Upsala, Hamm, Hammarby, and Stockholm successful.

It may be added that the Linnean Society of London will celebrate the event by a reception and soirée on June 7. The principal exhibits will be of objects associated with or belonging to Linnæus, such as letters, manuscripts, and objects of natural history.

OUR SUPPLEMENTARY ILLUSTRATION represents the beautiful new Polyantha Rose Aennchen Müller, as sketched by Mr. WORTHINGTON SMITH from specimens exhibited by Messrs. WM. PAUL & SON, at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, on April 30 last. The variety is of German origin, as is indicated by the name. The flowers are of a rich shade of coral-pink colour, and are produced in clusters in extraordinary profusion. The individual flowers measure about 1 inch in diameter, and the petals are rolled backwards which gives the whole flower a very distinct and pleasing character. The variety continues in bloom almost uninterruptedly from June until late autumn. The plants attain to a height of from 1 to 2 feet, and in their dwarf habit of growth they are particularly suited for planting in masses or in groups. That the variety is also well adapted for forcing and for pot-culture was evidenced by the handsome plants in pots shown by Messrs. PAUL at the meeting already mentioned.

LINNEAN SOCIETY.-A meeting will be held on Thursday next, June 6, at 8 p.m., when the following papers will be read:-(1) Prof. A. DENDY, F.L.S., and Mr. E. HINDLE, "Contributions to our Knowledge of the New Zealand Holothurians;" (2) Prof. W. A. HASWELL, "Observations on Australasian Polyclads;" (3) Mr. C. TATE REGAN, Report on the Marine Fishes, collected by Mr. J. Stanley Gardiner in the Indian Ocean;" (4) M. FOSLIE, "The Lithothamnia of the Sealark' Expedition;" (5) Prof. L. G. NEUMANN, "Notes sur les Ixodida recueillis dans les îles de l'Océan Indien, par. Mr. J. Stanley Gardiner." Exhibitions:-Mr. G. CLARIDGE DRUCE, F.L.S., Orobanche Ritro, and some new varieties of plants from the Channel Islands.

FLOWERS IN SEASON.-From Messrs. JAMES VEITCH & SONS, LTD., Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, we have received flowers of the dark form of Magnolia Soulangeana and known as nigra; a spray of Exochorda grandiflora, a handsome, hardy flowering shrub, having racemes of large white flowers; the rose-coloured form of Clematis "montana, named rubens; and Trochodendron aralioides, a shrub with leathery, ovate, acuminate leaves on long petioles, and having a curious terminal inflorescence consisting of a raceme of apetalous flowers, with disc-like gynæcium surrounded by an indefinite number of stamens: the whole of greenish-yellow colour. Messrs. VEITCH also sent a number of named Lilacs, including Souvenir de L. Spath (purple), President Viger (double lilac), Emile Lemoine (soft heliotrope), President Grevy (lavender-blue), Mad. Casimir Perier (white), Mad. Lemoine (double white), Charles Joly (purple), Marie Legraye (white), Mdlle. Mélide Laurent (lilac), &c.

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Mr. S. WYNDHAM FITZHERBERT sends a spray of Semele (Ruscus) androgyna from the open in Devon, with numerous small flowers upon the margins of the phylloclades. Our correspondent writes: "There are good specimens at Penjer. rick and at Rosehill, Falmouth, which occasionally bear fruit. My plant has not as yet fruited. A wall covered with this climber is a beautiful and uncommon sight, the glistening green of the great drooping leaves being very effective and pleasing. Small plants require two or three years to become established, and the younger is the plant the earlier it starts into growth. For the first two years my specimen commenced to grow in November, and by December had shoots 4 feet in height. Now that it has increased in size it does not start into growth until April."

Mr. D. STORRIE, of Messrs. STORRIE & STORRIE, Dundee, obligingly sends us examples of hybrid forms of Cowslips, Polyanthus and Primroses in which a great advance is seen, and which promise to be choice acquisitions for the garden. Mr. STORRIE writes: "I hope to exhibit at the Temple Show a small group comprising Cowslips, Cowslip x Polyanthus, Primrose, Primrose x Polyanthus, hybrid Polyanthus, Polyanthus X Primrose, and one solitary plant of Cowslip x Primrose the first I have met with as a natural cross. In the meantime, I send you by same post three bunches of blooms representing the three main types, and in my exhibit the evolving or intermediate stages will be shown, as well as the devolving stage from Polyanthus back to Primrose. It is a notable fact that in the Cowslip X Polyanthus there are no 'whites,' and a white Cowslip is as yet a thing to dream of."

RESEARCH STATION AT WISLEY. The laboratory and experimental research station in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Wisley will be formally opened, on July 19 next, by the Right Hon. Lord AVEBURY, P.C., F.R.S., &c.

COVENT GARDEN "EMPTIES."- For some time past there has been an agitation by dealers against payment for boxes and baskets containing fruit and flowers for sale, the receptacles being non-returnable. This practice is the most common in respect to the imports from France. Previously, the crates, baskets, &c., were charged for at the time of sale, but the money was refunded when they were returned empty. The buyers have considered the enforced purchase of the receptacles to be an imposition, especially as the charges for the same were considered

the Apple cases from Australia and Tasmania, or the barrels from America. Some English growers impose a charge for baskets, but in such cases full allowance is made for them when they are returned as empties.

SALE OF THE "CLARE LAWN" ORCHIDS.The sale of the Orchids that belonged to the late Sir FREDERICK WIGAN took place at Messrs. PROTHEROE & MORRIS' Rooms on May 22, 23, and 24, and was highly successful, the total sum realised amounting to about £4,600. From