38 guineas, and other good forms sold for proportionately good prices. Cattleya labiata alba went for 66 guineas; C. labiata Cooksoniæ 72 guineas; C. Mossiæ The Queen, 21 guineas; C. Mossie Wageneri, 28 guineas; C. Schroderæ alba, 27 guineas; and other white Cattleyas fetched good prices. A fine type of SophroCattleya Doris realised 40 guineas, and for a smaller plant 13 guineas was paid. 'Botanical"

and rare species also found favour among purchasers, a good specimen of Cymbidium Devonianum selling for 32 guineas, Megaclinum falcatum 6 guineas, Bulbophyllum virescens 19 guineas, B. Ericssonii 6 guineas, B. grandiflora

mission of C. H. RAFTER, Esq., Chief Constable), will perform between 3 o'clock and 6.30 p.m. each day.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

(The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) SECRET COMMISSION.-The heavy sentences imposed by Mr. Justice Jelf in the case of the West Ham Guardians who accepted secret commissions from tradesmen, seem to furnish a useful guide to the attitude which it is the

the offers of secret commission made by other firms he found it impossible to secure orders unless he in his turn were equally ready to give such commission. It appears to me that the lessons to be learn from this case are threefold: (1) " Murder will out," and however secret these transactions may be, and however much the servant and tradesman may trust each other not to disclose these illicit transactions, there is always serious danger to be faced by those who may seek to evade the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. (2) Where a conviction is secured the judges are apparently determined to award severe terms of imprisonment. (3) Honesty is, as it has always been, the best policy in the long run. I think the trade should

£3.

Cypripedium bellatulum album, of which there were several small plants, sold well, and the rose-blotched C. bellatulum "Princess Clementine" went for 44 guineas. The sale was unreserved, and as the collection was very varied, and represented all classes, the results show how valuable the best Orchids really are.

FLOWER SHOWS AT BIRMINGHAM.-The first of the two flower shows already announced for holding in the Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, will be held on Wednesday, June 12, and the second on Wednesday, July 3. Intending exhibitors are invited to make early application for space so that the necessary arrangements may be made. The exhibition will open at 12.30 and close at 7 p.m. The City of Birmingham Police Band (by kind per

intention of his Majesty's judges to take in connection with the giving or receiving of secret commissions. It is true that the recent prosecution was instituted under the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act, 1899 (in addition to charges of conspiracy to defraud at common law), but this Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act appear to be framed on similar lines; in fact, much of the wording of the latter Act is evidently founded on the phraseology of the former Act. Furthermore, the penalties of fine and imprisonment under both statutes are the same, that is to say, in each case there is liability to imprisonment for a term of two years, or £500 fine, or both. It seems instructive to remember that in the West Ham case the public represented the employer, the guardians represented the servants or agents entrusted with the giving of orders, and the tradesman who gave the commission put forward the excuse that owing to

TH

HE greatest floral event of the year, the Temple Flower Show, took place on the above dates, and another success is to be added to the list of these remarkable exhibitions. Here, in a space of less than an acre, were collected the very finest products of our gardens and nurseries, and, one may say, in the world, for some continental friends send of their best. Although the general plan is each year necessarily similar, some new features were seen, and the exhibits in the open garden formed a not inconsiderable portion of the exhibition. The Orchids were more beautiful than ever, and especially in the direction of hybrids there was a great advance. Roses were, perhaps, not so fine as on some former occasions, and fashion changes in flowers as in other things, which accounts, undoubtedly, for the exhibits of Clematis, CalaIdiums, and a few other subjects being of less importance than in some of the earlier exhibitions. But advance is seen in other direc. tions, and magnificent were the Carnations, tuberous-rooting Begonias, pillar Roses, Cannas, and many other subjects. The weather on the opening day was dull, and the wind was keen, but, although rain threatened, it fortunately held off. The attendance of the visitors must have been a record, for at times the tents were packed, and one could only move with "the crowd." This is not to be wondered at when one remembers that the society now consists of more than 10,000 Fellows, each of whom is entitled to be present with friends.

The arrangements of the show were perfect, and the secretaries, the superintendent (Mr. S. T. Wright), Mr. Frank Reader, and the other officials are to be congratulated upon the excellent way in which the whole was managed.

Orchid Committee.

Present: Harry J. Veitch, Esq. (in the chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec.), De B. Crawshay, H. J. Chapman, W. Boxall, F. J. Thorne, A. Dye, F. Sander. H. Ballantine, G. F. Moore, W. H. White, J. Colman, W. A. Bilney, W. P. Bound, W. Cobb, F. M. Ogilvie, J. W. Odell, W. Bolton, W. Thompson, H. T. Pitt, C. J. Lucas, H. A. Tracy, W. H. Young, J. Wilson Potter, Francis Wellesley, H. G. Alexander, R. Thwaites, T. W. Bond, Ashworth, and F. J. Hanbury.

E.

Major G. L. HOLFORD, C.I.E., C.V.O., Westonbirt, Tetbury (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), had an extraordinary group of rare, handsome, and splendidly-grown plants arranged in the most effective manner and occupying 200 square feet, and which justly secured the Veitchian Cup as the highest award made at this show. The different types of flowers were admirably arranged so as to show to the best advantage, each set being made a special feature. Of Odontoglossum crispum of the finest type some 50 specimens were used in the group, each bearing fine spikes of 12 to 20 flowers. O. crispum Hilda was a fine spotted variety, and O. c. Osra, Juno and Egret were handsome forms. The stately O. Wilckeanum Rex bore 18 flowers, and one specimen of O. Pescatorei had a spike of 70 blooms. Of fine forms of Miltonia vexillaria there were 130 spikes, the largest specimen having 18 spikes, with an aggregate of about 100 flowers. Among the best were the richly coloured M. vexillaria Empress Augusta Victoria and M. v. Cobbiana, the white M. v. virginale, the showy M. v. Westonbirt variety (see Awards), and M. v. marmorata. Of hybrids and allies there were M. Bleuana nobilior and M. Roezlii album. The fine forms of Cattleya Mossiæ provided nearly 150 blooms, and included the white varie

Society.

May 28, 29 and 30.

ties Reineckiana Westonbirt variety, Reineckiana superba, and Wagneri. The forms of Lælia purpurata also were much in evidence, their large rose or white petalled flowers, with rich crimson or purple labellums, being very effective. Remarkable for the bright veining on the petals were the varieties Fastuosa, Annie Louise, and Backhousiana, and for the clear white of its petals the variety alba. Westonbirt is famous for its hybrid Orchids, and the display in the group was well worthy of it. One of the most beautiful and charming in colour was Lælia-Cattleya Golden Glory [see fig. 151], with a wealth of light crimson-lipped golden-yellow flowers. L.-C. Canhamiana Rex represented the largest dark variety, the variety "Lady Wigan" being the prettiest light form; the new Westonbirt seedling L.-C. Ganymede well displayed its peculiar colours, and good L.-C. Fascinator and other fine forms were noted. Of hybrid Cattleyas one of the most attractive was the clear white C. Dusseldorfei var. Undine, for which Major Holford had already received a First-class Certificate. C. Empress Frederick and other

66

p. 322; the handsome O. crispum xanthotes, White's variety, these two being the only plants out of the fine collection which Messrs. Sander entered to go before the Orchid Committee, and both secured First-class Certificates. Among the other Odontoglossums the best appeared to be O. crispum Sanderæ, of a peculiar red colour, with white margin and intersecting lines; 0. crispum "Beauty," a blending of the blotched and the punctatissimum class; O. crispum "Prince of the Asturias" (see fig. 150), and 0. crispum "Lord Cromer" (see fig. 149), two very handsome and finely blotched forms obtained by crossing a good blotched variety with O. crispum Graireanum, the orange-tinted purple of the latter showing in the progeny. Of hybrids 0. ardentissimum "The Earl" had grand flowers blotched with purple; O. ardentissimum Kaliston was a distinct and good form; O. Prince Albert, a new type of hybrid with reddish flowers, the tips and margins only being white; O. Fascinator, broad and heavily blotched with dark purple; O. mirum magnificum, a great advance in its class; O. crispo-Harryanum

fine hybrids and species were also represented in splendid condition, and among the BrassoCattleyas were B.-C. Digbyano-Schröderæ, Westonbirt variety, a grand blush-white flower with large fringed labellum, and various other Brasso-Cattleyas and Brasso-Lælias, including the new, bronzy-tinted B.-L. Gipsy. Of Cypripediums noted were a fine specimen of C. Lawrenceanum and its albino Hyeanum, C. Maudiæ magnificum, C. callosum Sanderæ, good C. niveum, &c. Other fine effects were made by the arching sprays of large white flowers on Phalaenopsis Rimestadtiana, the rose tints of Vanda teres, the scarlet of Epidendrum radicans, and the graceful sprays of Thunia Marshalliana, T. Veitchiana, Dendrobium Dalhousianum luteum, &c.

Messrs. SANDER & SONS, St. Albans, had a magnificent group, specially rich in fine Odontoglossums, among which were the unique O. crispum "Solum," a marvellous white variety with the whole labellum of a rich, dark ruby. crimson colour, and which was well illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle for May 27, 1905,

Brugense, large and finely marked; and G Pescatorei Princess," a clear white variety of fine shape; O. Wilckeanum Miss Louisa Fowler bore two spikes of noble primrose-yellow coloured flowers of great size and finely blotched with chestnut-brown; O. splendidissi mum (Pescatorei X ardentissimum) was very handsome. Two plants of the rare Odontonia Lairesseæ, with branched spikes of rose-coloured and white flowers, were noted; also among the hybrids of Brassavola Digbyana the very beau tiful Brasso-Cattleya Mrs. J. Leemann, variety Rajah (see fig. 148), obtained by using Messrs. Sander's C. aurea chrysotoxa, handsome The flower is of bright yellow in the centre, shading to chrome-yellow, the fringe of the lip and sides of the petals being ex quisitely flecked with light rose. Among the Cattleyas, of which there were many choice white forms, was a noble mass of C. Mossiæ. with over 100 flowers of fine quality; some splendid forms of C. Mendelii; a very fine series of Lælio-Cattleyas, L.-C. Canhamiana Rex, which was shown in several good examples,

was very

being very showy, and L.-C. Canhamiana alba. Miltonia vexillaria included the finely coloured M. v. Empress Augusta Victoria, the scarlet Renanthera Imschootiana, and many rare species were shown, including a noble plant of Bulbophyllum Ericssoni, with its large and quaint umbel of greenish-yellow flowers blotched with purple, and arranged like the cup of a Chinese pagoda.

Messrs. WILLIAM BULL & SONS, King's Road, Chelsea, had the next group, which was made up principally of Odontoglossums, Cattleyas, and Lælias. Among the Odontoglossums O. crispum Florence and O. c. Doris were of the blotched class; O. ardentissimum Sunset, O. percultum, O. amabile, and O. excellens were good hybrids. Cattleya Mendelii Countess and Princess of Wales were fine white-petalled varieties; C. Mossiæ Princess of Wales, Lælia purpurata Prince of Wales, L. p. illustris, and L. p. The Queen, excellent varieties.

Messrs. HUGH Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, completed this side of the stage with an extensive group, in which the forms of Cattleya Mossiæ were good throughout, and included several white varieties, the C. Mossiæ alba being purest; C. M. Leonora had a clear orange disc. C. M. Mrs. C. H. Feiling, which had previously secured an Award, is a richly coloured form, and the varieties of C. Mendelii of Messrs. Low's importation showed the strain to the best advantage. At one end was a batch of interesting species comprising Physosiphon Loddigesii, Epidendrum atropurpureum, aurantiacum, Cirrhopetalum picturatum, Oncidium cucullatum, Sophronitis grandiflora, Odontoglossum blandum, &c. Two specially fine plants in the group were comprised in a dark coloured Lælio-Cattleya Dominiana and the white-petalled Lælia purpurata bella.

E.

On the other side of the table JEREMIAH COLMAN, Esq., Gatton Park, Reigate (gr. Mr. W. P. Bound), had a very fine group excellently well arranged, the end being well filled by a number of plants of the fine orange-coloured Epidendrum Boundii and the new red Epidendrum Gatton Glory, excellent "decorative plants. In the main group was a selection of splendidly grown Odontoglossums, the pretty blotched O. crispum "Mary Colman," with three finely developed spikes, obtaining for Mr. Bound a Cultural Commendation; and the handsomely spotted O. crispum Richard Causton. The centre was of white Cattleyas, and at the

back were fine plants of Cymbidium Lowianum, with one fine form of C. L. concolor, and a good specimen of C. Lowio-eburneum, "Gatton Park variety." On each side were batches of Lælio-Cattleyas, Cattleya Mendelii, and C. Mossiæ, among the latter being the very distinct variety "Jeremiah Colman," which secured an Award of Merit last year. The scarlet Renanthera Imschootiana, Spathoglottis aurea, "Gatton Park variety,' patches of Cypripedium niveum and C. concolor, C. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, Bulbophyllum Lobbii and its variety colossus, and many other handsome species and varieties, were also arranged in the group.

Messrs. CHARLESWORTH & Co., Heaton, Bradford, came next with a magnificent group too full of extraordinary plants to admit of reference to a tithe of those deserving notice. The Odontoglossums were magnificent, and Messrs. Charlesworth's home-raised, blotched crispums yield their first fruits in five splendid varieties, perhaps the best of which is O. crispum heatonense, a grandly blotched flower of fine shape, the greater part of its surface blotched with reddish-purple, with only a few intersecting white lines and a white margin. Another fine hybrid was O. Phoebe magnificum (cirrosum x crispum Luciana [see fig. 151], a great improvement on the original and a charm. ing flower of novel colour. The ground colour is white, with a slight rose shade and the spot+ing of a dark reddish-purple colour, the crest of the lip being yellow. In the group were many white Cattleyas, a fine lot of LælioCattleya Fascinator and other Lælio-Cattleyas, some are Cypripediums, including the unique C. bellatulum Princess Clementine, large, cream-white, with soft rose-pink spotting; Brasso-Cattleya Queen Alexandra, a good white variety; Cattleya Mendelii Queen of Spain, C. M. Princess Thyra, a pure white with magenta lip; and C. M. Fushimi, a remarkable form. Lælio-Cattleya Canhamiana "Marguerite " is a

white form with marbling of rose on the petals and lip; the pretty scarlet Odontioda Vuylstekeæ, and a showy selection of other hybrids. The selection of Miltonia vexillaria were excellent, and among them was a very pure white variety.

H. S. GOODSON, Esq., Fairlawn, Putney (gr. Mr. G. Day), staged a pretty group, made up of showy Cattleyas, including a fine C. Schöderæ alba and some exceptionally good C. Mendelii and white C. Mossiæ, a grandly flowered Renanthera Imschootiana with two spikes, a selection of Odontoglossums, including a few blotched O. crispum, good Miltonia vexillaria, M. Phalaenopsis, &c., the front row being of scarlet Masdevallias and Maidenhair Ferns.

Messrs. CYPHER & SONS, Cheltenham, continued with an elegant group, in which the principal feature was made by numerous specimens of splendidly grown Miltonia vexillaria, varying from the large, bright rose-coloured type to the white-lipped class of the M. vexillaria leucoglossa section and the wholly white M. vexillaria alba. Among the best were M. v. Cobbiana, M. v. virginale, M. v. gigantea, and M. v. Empress Augusta Victoria. At the back was a very fine set of Lælia purpurata of the very best type. There were also Dendrobium Wardianum album, D. Dalhousianum luteum, a good Cypripedium "Miss Louisa Fowler," a very pretty and distinct cross between C. Chamberlainianum and C. Godefroyæ, and a singular form of the latter with the spotting of C. bellatulum.

In the long tent, Messrs. LINDEN, Brussels, showed a selection of varieties of Odontoglossum

FIG. 150.-ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM "PRINCE OF
ASTURIAS," EXHIBITED BY MESSRS.
F.
SANDER
AND SONS, AT THE TEMPLE SHOW.

crispum, including one plant of their new, heavily-blotched seedling O. crispum "Reine d'Angleterre," well worthy to rank with the very best of the seedling forms by reason of its rich claret-red blotching. Messrs. LINDEN also showed good Cochlioda Noezliana, and a yellow. form of this species.

J. RUTHERFORD, Esq., Beardwood, Burnley (gr. Mr. Lupton), showed a selection of white Cattleyas, including C. Mossiæ Rappartiana and C. M. Reineckiana.

FRANCIS WELLESLEY, Esq., Westfield, Woking (gr. Mr. Hopkins), sent Cattleya Mossiæ Miss Mary Knollys, a large pure-white flower of fine substance, the crimped and broad labellum having crimson-purple markings in front of the orange-coloured disc, behind which run some purple lines to the base.

Mr. JOHN ROBSON, Altrincham, staged a small group, in which were some very fine Odontoglossums, for the best of which see Awards. The best of the others were the finely blotched O. crispum "Karthausii," O. c. "Empress Frederick," O. c. "Dora," O. c. Moortebeekense," O. c. "Madouxianum," and O. "Lambeauianum."

M. CHAS. VUYLSTEKE, Loochristi. Ghent, showed Odontoglossum crispum "Fabiola," a showily-blotched seedling form, and three others (see Awards).

Mr. R. ROBINSON, Roath Park, Cardiff, sent an inflorescence of a singular, constant abnormal form of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum near to D. t. Galliceanum.

R. ASHWORTH, Esq., Newchurch, Manchester (gr. Mr. Pidsley), staged a small selection of spotted forms of Odontoglossum crispum, &c.

Messrs. ARMSTRONG & BROWN, Tunbridge Wells, arranged a very bright and effective group of finely grown plants, comprising a selection of Odontoglossums, Cattleya Mossiæ, Lælia purpurata, &c. High up at the back were graceful sprays of Cymbidium Lowianum and two Coelogyne Dayana, with drooping racemes of whitish flowers marked with sepia-brown. At one end was a fine spike of Coelogyne pandurata, and near it a group of Cypripedium niveum and others of the class. C. niveum "The Duke" was a very fine flower; C. Godefroyæ leucochilum and C. bellatulum, extra good; C. callosum Sanderæ, C. Maudiæ, a very fine Odontoglossum ardentissimum, O. amabile, &c., all grown to perfection, and the group was brightened with scarlet and purple Masdevallias.

Mrs. STONY FORTH, Kirk Hammerton Hall, Yorkshire, showed an enormous specimen of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, literally covered with fine heads of bloom, and for which a Cultural Commendation and Silver Banksian Medal were given.

Messrs. JAS. VEITCH & SONS, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, showed Cattleya Mossie Rosalind, having three very large white flowers, with a slight blush on their broad crimped-edged labellums; also two plants of their new and fine Brasso-Catt.-Lælia Veitchii.

H. L. BISCHOFFSHEIM, Esq., Warren House, Stanmore (gr. Mr. Doig), staged a very effective group of excellent varieties of Cattleya Mossiæ, C. Mendelii, Lælia purpurata, &c., together with Cypripedium bellatulum, Brasso-Cattleya Digbyano-Mossiæ, Odontoglossum citrosmum album, &c.

AWARDS.

FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATE.

Lalio-Cattleya Golden Glory (L.-C. Zephyra X Mossiæ Reineckiana), from Major G. L. HOLFORD, C.I.E., C.V.O., Westonbirt, Tetbury (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander). A very fine hybrid, with bright golden yellow flowers, with the front of the lips rose-crimson (see fig. 152).

Miltonia vexillaria, Westonbirt variety, from Major G. L. HOLFORD. A grand form and a very near approach to the famous M. v. Memoria G. D. Owen, its large rose-tinted flowers having the same rich vinous purple mask at the base of the lip; the colour, however, is rather lighter and shows more crimson than in the form mentioned.

Odontoglossum crispum Solum, from Messrs. SANDER & SONS, St. Albans. This remarkable form stands alone, as its name implies, there being no other with the remarkable, almost wholly dark ruby-purple lip. The sepals and petals are white, with an occasional blotch of the same colour as the lip.

White's

Odontoglossum crispum xanthotes, variety, from Messrs. SANDER & SONS. Florally the best of its class, it has the broad segments of the best type of O. crispum. Flowers, white, with orange crest to the lip, and some orangecoloured spotting on the sepals and petals.

Cypripedium tibeticum, from Messrs. JAS. VEITCH & SONS, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea. The very handsome, hardy species introduced by Messrs. JAS. VEITCH & SONS through their collector, Mr. E. H. WILSON, and which was well illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, June 2, 1906, p. 347. Flowers large, the sepals and petals tessellated with dark purple, the globose labellum chocolate-purple.

Odontoglossum ardentissimum Robsona, from Mr. JOHN ROBSON, Altrincham, Cheshire. A grand novelty and a great advance on other forms in size, substance, and colour, and worthy to rank with all first-class Odontoglossums. The greater part of the segments were of a bright crimson-purple; the margin and tips white.

Odontoglossum gandavense (ardentis.mum X Vuylstekeæ), from Monsieur CHARLES VUYLSTEKE, Loochristi, Ghent. A fine hybrid of exquisite shape, the greater part of the segments of a peculiar rose-purple colour, the margin of the flower white.

Odontoglossum eximium King of England, from Monsieur CHARLES VUYLSTEKE. Flowers claret colour, with white margin and tips to the segments.

Odontoglossum cœruleum (parentage unrecorded), from Monsieur CHARLES VUYLSTEKE. A new colour in Odontoglossums, the greater part of the flower being violet colour, with a white ground.

AWARD OF MERIT.

of

Cattleya Mossia Princess of Wales, from Major G. L. HOLFORD, C.I.E., C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander). A magnificent form typical C. Mossiæ, with large rose-coloured sepals, petals, and broad ruby-purple lip having an orange-coloured disc and blush-white margin.

Odontoglossum Thompsonianum superbum (Edwardii X crispum), from W. THOMPSON, Esq., Walton Grange, Stone (gr. Mr. Stevens). Flowers claret colour, with pale lilac margin and tips.

Brasso-Lalio-Cattleya Lido (B. Digbyana × L.-C. Henry Greenwood), from Monsieur CHAS. MARON, Brunoy, France. Flowers large and of good shape, rosy-lilac, with a deep fringe to the very broad labellum.

MISCELLANEOUS PLANTS.

GROUPS.

Messrs. SUTTON & SONS, Reading, filled the whole end of the large tent with varieties of florists' flowers. The group was broken by a central oval bay, composed of the stellata or star type of Cineraria, and on either side were banks of Herbaceous Calceolarias, tuberous-rooting Begonias, and Gloxinias, finishing at either end with heavily-flowered plants of Schizanthus Wisetonensis. The group also found space for hybrid Tobaccos (Nicotiana) in a variety of colours, Nemesia strumosa, Streptocarpus, and other greenhouse subjects. whole was staged in the best possible manner, with a few foils of Palms, Grevillea robusta, ornamental grasses, &c., and it was edged with a grass verge, Caladium argyrites, and Ficus

repens.

The

Messrs. HUGH Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, showed greenhouse flowers, including Gerbera Jamesoni, Ericas in variety, Boronia polygalæfolia, tiny plants of Azalea rosæflora, very freely flowered, the colour being pink; Pimelia, Hendersoni, Meterosideros floribunda Ferns, Roses, &c.

Messrs. H. CANNELL & Sons, Swanley, showed large-flowered Calceolarias of the herbaceous type, hybrid Streptocarpus, a desirable strain of Gloxinias, exquisite small pot plants of Phyllo. cactus phyllanthoides var. German Empress, with pink flowers, a batch of the very finest varieties of Cannas, including the following new kinds: Hermann Aldinger, a very big crimsoncoloured flower; Gaekwar of Baroda, bright scarlet spots on a yellow ground, a very choice flower; Frau E. Kracht (salmon). Mephisto is not new, but it is the darkest of all the race, being deep crimson. As a background to this very pretty exhibit was a row of heavily-flowered pillar Roses.

Messrs. JAMES CARTER & Co., High Holborn, displayed a very fine group of greenhouse flowering plants, staged in a very pleasing manner. They had excellent Cinerarias of the stellata or type, a fine batch of Gloxinias, a doubleflowering variety of Lobelia compacta, a choice strain of Petunias, tuberous-rooting Begonias, also Carnations, Primula obconica, Schizanthus, and a well-furnished rockery.

star

Messrs. JOHN PEED & SON, West Norwood, London, S.E., displayed a very large number of Gloxinias, all excellently flowered and exhibiting the very best cultural skill. The plants were almost all named varieties. Countess of Ilchester is one of the very best exhibited, a profuse bloomer and good grower; the colour is mauve or heliotrope, and the throat white. Countess of Carnarvon is very similar to the foregoing, save that the colour is rose. Empress of India is a purple flower of very large size; Purity, white; and Queen Maud, a new spotted variety.

Mr. W. ICETON, Putney, showed a batch of Lily-of-the-Valley in a setting of Astilbe (Spiræa), Saxifraga cotyledon, Ericas, and yellow Azaleas. The Lily-of-the-Valley was exceptionally fine. Mr. ICETON also furnished the top end of the centre tent with similar plants.

Messrs. JAMES VEITCH & SONS, Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, exhibited a large group of ornamental foliage plants of stove and green. house subjects, interspersed with a few Cattleyas, Anthuriums, &c. Anthurium crystallinum

was represented by a magnificent specimen ; there were also many handsome Caladiums, with foliage large and splendid in colour; tall Codiæ. ums (Crotons), choice Ferns, including the new Nephrolepis exaltata var. todeaoides; Davallia tenuifolia var. Veitchiana; Medinilla magnifica, in flower; large plants of Nepenthes Mastersiana and N. sanguinea, on tall pedestals; and a host of other beautiful subjects.

As a separate group in the same tent, Messrs. VEITCH exhibited many new and rare plants. Magnolia parviflora has a brilliant setting of red stamens in a pure-white perianth. Large standard plants of Rhododendron "Pink Pearl" were a feature; Vitis megalophylla, V. Thomsoni, and Actinidia chinensis are good climbing plants; and Lonicera tragophylla is another plant of this type of recent introduction; the flowers of the last-mentioned are yellow. The group also contained large-flowering Clematis, an assortment of Azaleas, Eremurus, Primulas, Viburnum rhytidophyllum, figured in Gardeners' Chronicle, June 30, 1906, p. 418, &c., &c.

Messrs. JAMES VEITCH also displayed an assortment of greenhouse flowering plants. Hybrid Streptocarpus, with flowers a shade of carmine-crimson, were noticed; also a handsome batch of Phyllocactus, some pretty hybrid Gerberas, Kalanchoe Kewensis, Cinerarias, Blandfordia nobilis, a rose-coloured form of Lobelia tenuior, and a host of other fine things.

Messrs. SANDER & SONS, St. Albans, gave prominence to a very large plant of Encephalartos in a group of choice stove foliage plants. Dracæna Broomfieldii superba has beautiful white striations and a similar margin, the centre being pale green. Anthurium Scherzerianum, Phoenix Roebelinii, Bougainvillea Sanderiana variegata, Dracena Godseffiana, Polypodium Knightiae, Pandanus pacificus, and Furcræa Watsoni are other rare and beautiful plants exhibited in this group.

Messrs. WILLIAM BULL & SONS, King's Road, Chelsea, displayed a group of ornamental-leaved exotic plants. Some very fine specimens of Dracæna Victoria were prominent, notably a handsome plant in the centre of the group; also Caladiums, Alocasias, Codiæums (Crotons), Aralia Chabrieri, tree Ferns, Phyllotanium Lindeni, Bertolonias, Nepenthes, Palms, &c.

The HORTICULTURAL COLLEGE, Swanley, showed well-grown plants of Schizanthus Wisetonensis, with flowers of a pleasing rose colour. Intermingled in the group were herbaceous Calceolarias and Ferns.

Messrs. HEATH & SON, Cheltenham, displayed handsome varieties of Regal and Show Pelargoniums, together with plants of Streptosolen Jamesoni, very profusely flowered.

THE CRAVEN NURSERY Co., Clapham, Lancaster, showed pots plants of Schizanthus Wisetonensis.

WILLIAM R. CHAPLIN, Joynings Nursery, Waltham Cross, had small plants of a wellselected strain of garden Petunias.

WICKHAM NOAKES, Esq., Croydon (gr. Mr. W. Howarth), exhibited large plants of Herbaceous Calceolarias in pots.

Mr. T. A. HAMMERSTON, Epping, Essex, displayed a new double-flowered Zonal Pelargonium; name, Pride of Essex. The colour of the flowers is pink.

Clematis.-Messrs. RICHARD SMITH & Co., Worcester, displayed a very large group of large flowering Clematis. The plants were balloon-trained, taller specimens being at the back, and smaller plants with Ferns, Anthuriums, Saxifraga cotyledon, tiny Maples, and other subjects in the foreground. Among the more notable of the Clematis were C. purpurea elegans (lavender), Gloire de St. Julien (a large flower of fine form, with the palest suffusion of pink-white), Venus vitrex (a double form), Nellie Moser, Mlle. Edouard Andre (vinous red), purpurea elegans, King Edward VII., and many others.

Mr. L. R. RUSSELL, Richmond Nurseries, Richmond, Surrey, exhibited well-trained plants of showy Clematis in all the more notable and finer varieties. At the back overhung pillar plants of Wistaria sinensis and tall Palms, and at the front a bright edging of Eurya latifolia, and the red-flowered Boronia heterophylla. var. Albert Victor.

Rhododendrons and Azaleas.-Messrs. JOHN WATERER & SONS, LTD., Bagshot, Surrey, staged a group of Rhododendrons in the

form of a bank; perhaps a little too crowded for the best effect, but remarkable for the quality and variety of colouring and general culture. A conspicuous place was given to the beautiful Pink Pearl variety, among which was seen a great difference in the degree of colour. ing, some being very pale-almost white; Strategist (rose-pink), Duke of Connaught (red, with a pale interior), Duchess of Connaught (white, with yellow spots on the upper petal, John Waterer (one of the handsomest of the red. flowered kinds), Mrs. William Agnew (a delicate pink, with deeper-coloured margins), Baroness Henry Schroder (white, with purple spotting, Minnie, concessum, &c.

Messrs. R. & G. CUTHBERT, The Nurseries, Southgate, Middlesex, staged a charming group of Azaleas of the mollis, altaclerensis, and Ghent types. The group presented a sheet of colour, the plants being covered in their deli cate-tinted flowers in yellow, pink, red, salmon, white, and other shades. Pallas (orange) and Fanny (pink) are two beautiful varieties of A. indica, and most profuse in their flowering. Mrs. A. E. Endty (yellow), Dr. Reichenbach, Mme. Anthony Koster (new), and Alphonse Lavallee are but a few of the varieties repre sented in this pleasing exhibit.

Mr. CHAS. TURNER, Royal Nurseries, Slough, staged two dozen pyramidal-trained plants of Azalea indica in a setting of showy Maples and Ferns. The plants were covered to their bases with flowers, and included such handsome varie ties as Roi de Hollande (a remarkably profuse bloomer), grandis, Perle de Deleberg (white), Rosa Bonheur (double), Helene Thelemann (pink), Mme. Van Houtte (pink, with a white edging), Mrs. Turner, Hexe, &c.

Messrs. WM. PAUL & SON, Waltham Cross. Herts, exhibited trusses of many beautiful varieties of hardy Rhododendrons.

Messrs. W. H. ROGERS & SONS, Southampton, showed varieties of Rhododendrons and Azaleas.

Caladiums.-Messrs. JOHN PEED & SONS, West Norwood, London, S.E., exhibited showy Caladiums, all beautifully coloured. The gradations of colour ranged from the palest green through darker shades to deep crimson, some of the vane. ties being maculated with deeper spottings, and others having pronounced veining in crimson, green, pink, and other shades set in a paler lamina. A selection of the varieties shown includes Sir Henry Irving, John Peed, Edith Luther (new rose), Marquis of Camden, Mr. John Box), Mrs. Iceton (new, pale green), Silver Queen (the very palest green), Triomphe de Comte (a remarkably fine flower, handsomely coloured), May Archer (new), &c.

Messrs. JOHN LAING & SONS, Forest Hill, West Norwood, displayed choice varieties of Caladiums, making a very good display with these showy-leaved subjects. Among the finer kinds in the group were Triomphe de Comte, red, with green markings; Mme. Imbert Kachlin, greenishyellow; Rose Laing, a beautiful kind, with rose veins on a greenish-yellow-coloured ground; George Berger, a splendid leaf; Excellent, red in the centre of the lamina, and edged with green spotted with silver; Gerard Dow, red, &c. Hippeastrums.-Major G. L. HOLFORD, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire (gr. Mr. Chapman), showed a selection of his fine strain of Hippeastrums (A (Amaryllis The plants were staged sufficiently apart to display their beauty, and suitable foils, such as Ferns, Palms, &c., were included in the exhibit. A selection of the varie ties, most of which have been already described in our pages, embraces Isis (almost pure white, Homer (red), Juno (white ground, streaked with red), Firelight (scarlet), Miltiades (crimson), Rob Roy, Hamlet, &c.

A.

Messrs. R. P. KER & SONS, Grassendale, Liver pool, also exhibited Hippeastrums, the group adjoining that last mentioned. The plants were sturdier and dwarfer than those in the former exhibit, but they were none the less beautiful, although, perhaps, a little too crowded. A variety named Dreadnought is of remarkable size: it measured little less than a foot across, but the colour is not of the best, being a weas shade of red. Pink Pearl is a fine flower, aptiv named; Sylvia is almost pure white, and alba perfecta is quite an albino. Lord Chancellor Black Prince (crimson), and Neptune are other excellent varieties seen in this exhibit.

CARNATIONS.

All the exhibitors staged very fine blooms. The Guernsey growers appear to obtain better colour in their flowers than home growers; this is especially seen in such varieties as Enchantress and others of blush and pink shades.

Mr. H. BURNETT, Guernsey, staged a fine group, the variety Mrs. H. Burnett being of the best quality, also the new Marmion (see Awards) and Mikado (a shade of heliotrope). The American varieties, especially R. Craig, were good, and there were also several seedlings of promise. Messrs. BELL & SHELDON, Guernsey, exhibited flowers of the American type. Helen Goddard (rose pink, a fine variety), President, Lady Boun.

Messrs. JAS. VEITCH & SONS, LTD., Chelsea, made an extensive exhibit, chiefly of the American type: the Pink Mrs. Patten is a most promising variety. The leading sorts of winterflowering Carnations were well shown in this display.

Mr. C. TURNER, Slough, put up a good group of pot plants representing American, Souvenir de la Malmaison, and other varieties.

Messrs. CUTBUSH & SONS, Highgate, were extensive exhibitors, all classes being well shown in pot plants. The variety King Arthur was remarkably fine, as were also their examples of Souvenir de la Malmaison.

Mr. C. F. WATERS, Balcombe, Sussex, ex

tiful (still one of the best "whites "), President (crimson), and Enchantress were all remarkable for the size and colour of the flowers.

Mr. S. MORTIMER, Farnham, Surrey, staged a fine lot of blooms. Harry Fenn was the best crimson variety displayed in this group, and Victory the best scarlet; Adonis, White Perfection, and most of the other American sorts were all finely shown.

Mr. W. H. PAGE, Hampton, showed a fine assortment of these popular flowers, having such standard kinds as President Roosevelt (crimson), White Lawson, Mrs. T. W. Lawson, and Enchantress.

hibited well-grown Carnations, his varieties specially worthy of note being H. Elliott, G. Steel, and Souvenir de la Malmaison "Princess May."

Messrs. HUGH Low & Co., Bush Hill, Enfield, were large exhibitors, having a fine exhibit in the tent and another in the open. Large specimens of "Malmaison " varieties were a feature; Princess May was finely shown, Lady Rose, Britannia, Floriana, Robt. Craig, and all other sorts were well shown.

Messrs. T. S. WARE, Feltham, had some fine blooms of Leander among others.

Messrs. R. H. BATH, LTD., Wisbech, exhibited

the leading American_sorts in well-developed blooms; Jessica, R. Craig, White Perfection, and others were very fine.

Mr. A. F. DUTTON, Iver, Bucks, exhibited in his usual good form his improved White Lawson and other leading American sorts, all exhibiting very best culture.

Mr. ENGELMANN, Saffron Walden, was another good exhibitor of the American sorts. Fiancée has been condemned by some growers, but as seen here it was very fine. The variety Mrs. W. T. Omwake was also good. Several seedlings were shown by Mr. ENGELMANN.

The Duke of PORTLAND, Welbeck Abbey (gr. Mr. J. Gibson), put up a fine group of pot plants, chiefly of Souvenir de la Malmaison varieties, of which Princess May was prominent.

Sir S. SCOTT, Brackley (gr. Mr. Tupper), staged good plants of Cecilia, Lady Hermione, and others.

THE ROSES.

The large marquee was better filled with Roses, shown as plants, than on any previous occasion. One of the largest and most varied groups was that shown by Messrs. W. PAUL & SON, of Waltham Cross Nurseries. The main idea in the arrangement of this exhibit was that of a sloping bank of bush Roses, and these were excellent for the size and fine condition of the individual flowers and abundance of healthy foliage; dotted among them at wide distances were standard Roses, and columns of such climbing varieties as Lady Gay, Kathleen, Hiawatha, &c., and the group had a backing of the same varieties. The new hybrid Tea Madame Melanie Soupert had an immense bloom of a light flesh tint, a filbert-shaped central mass of petals, and very large, circular guard petals. Dr. William Gordon is a large-sometimes very large-Rose of a bright pink tint, of good form, and very full in the centre.

Mr. CHAS. TURNER, Royal Nurseries, Slough, showed dwarf and climbing Roses extensively, Crimson Rambler, Lady Gay, &c., being dotted about among the former as starers." Standards of Souvenir de Pierre Notting, Maman Cochet, &c., were employed in a similar way. The effect was pleasing.

Messrs. PAUL & SON, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, made with a corner group a great show of Rambler and Polyantha varieties, and of Hybrid Teas as standards, arranged among the dwarfer Roses shown in pots. Of newer varieties there were observed Souvenir de Rosieriste R. Vilin, a massive white, of pleasing form, solid and full. Cherryripe pleased us by reason of its bright crimson tint that is marred by a conspicuous eye; Senateur St. Romme possesses a solid form, and a flesh tint; Dean Hole is a nice bright pink Rose, with the shape of Niphetos; Grand Duchess Alexandra is a fine, light flesh-coloured flower; Nellie Johnstone has a filbert-shaped bloom of moderate size and of light rose tint. The bloom, when in the half-open state, is a charming one.

The corner group facing the last was set up by Messrs. W. CUTBUSH & SON, of Highgate and Barnet. In this exhibit the Roses were in combination with "Malmaison" Carnations. Climbing and Polyantha Roses were finely bloomed, and these formed the background of the group. Messrs. B. R. CANT & SONS, The Old Rose Gardens, Colchester, exhibited Roses, arranged in the form of a bank on a table, the back rows consisting of Ramblers Lady Gay, Mrs. T. W. Knight, Evangeline, Babette, Nance Christy, Crimson Rambler, Minnehaha, a pretty doubleflowered, pink variety; Dorothy Perkins, and others. The middle foreground was filled with various climbing Roses, and species having single flowers, as Atropurpurea, Altaica, Leuchtstern, and Killarney; and the front was furnished with boxes of cut bloom. Among these very fine blooms of the best show varieties were conspicuous, Teas and Hybrid Teas being in the majority.

Messrs. F. CANT & Co., Braiswick Nurseries, Colchester, made an imposing show of Rambler and Polyantha Roses in great variety, such bright-looking Roses as Hiawatha being made much use of for the forming of arches and pillars. Trier is a semi-double white flower, with yellow anthers; Gruss an Zabern is more double, and not unlike Felicité et Perpetué; Eugénie Lamesch is a semi-double Polyantha variety, pale lemon coloured; Philadelphia Rambler has a very bright crimson tinted, and