HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1331, 15 December 1864, Page 1 (Supplement)

HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

The first exhibition of the Horticultural Society of the season took place on Not. 23, in the gardens of Cathedral square, instead of at the Town Hall, as previously advertised. The reason of the change of locality was that the old room was occupied by the Supreme Court, and the other, the new one, was required for the purposes of Thatcher's entertainment. The two purposes are certainly rather anomalous, but on the whole, the change was for the better, as there is something infinitely more pleasant in viewing the varied products of nature, in an open-air space than in a building, however spacious. The gardens have been rather neglected of late, and have lost their neat and trim appearance. This is owing to the contemplated'change in the arrangements of the square consequent upon the erection ef the Cathedral. However, the best was done which could possibly have been effected under the circumstances to render the place as fit as possible for the purposes of the exhibition. Up to a late hour on this previous evening workmen were busily employed in putting the placein order. And they must have worked with a will, for on the morning of the show, the ground, which had been covered with a crop of grass, Which would have gladdenfed the heart of an agriculturist of the Tiptree school of farming, was converted into something like a lawn, on which two marquees were pitched in which the flowers and vegetables were displayed. The day was a most propitious one, clear and cloudless, with a breeze just strong enough to be exhilirating, and to give effect to the gay bunting which floated in the gardens. Entering the gardens at an early hour, the first object which meets the eye is the group of coniferous plants growing in pots and tubs, and contributed by Mr. Hislop and Mr. Brooke. The former sends a choice collection of araucarias, cypresses, and a fine specimen of the Virginian cedar. One of these araucarias deserves notice from its singular appearariceand still more whimsical name— the Monkey's master, for thfe Stem is so covered with spines that it is said tojUe the only tree which a monkey cannot climb; fSbme of the cypresses are Ysry elegant in shape, are beginning to fructify; in fact, they are perfect trees in miniature. Strolling about.the grounds previous to entering the tent, we meet with the familiar faces of many an old friend and many a zealous horticulturist, but we miss one —that of the lamented Archdeacon Mathias—who was at the same time such an energetic supporter of th'e society and such a large contributor to its exhibita. A noticeable addition to the show was the hortiu siccus sent l>y Dr. Haast; this consists of nearly 200 specimens of the Alpine Flora of Canter-

bury, neatly arranged in sixteen large gilt fnfmes. Some of these deserve notice from thfe fact that they are found only a few feet below perpetual mo*.' The doctor also sent a volume of-Hooker's Flora, the octavo edition published for general circulation. Entering the flower tent, we find ourselves amidst a bewildering collection' of flowers of almost ; every kind. Indeed, considering the earliness of the season, one cannot help being surprised at the beauty and variety of the specimens contributed. The fuschias and geraniums were very line; the variety of tint and the beauty of the> blooms producing a charming effect. Inexorable space demands that we should only briefly notice those which more immediately caught the eye of the visitor. Probably the most striking plants are the, cacti. These were exquisitely beautiful, whetber.we look at the C. Jenhinaonii with its gorgeous crimson corolla, or at the more retiring specimen with its lovely rosy blossoms, orat the almost grotesque shape of some of the others shown which remind the spectator of B. Doyle's famous View in the conservatory at Kew Gardens. Amongst the fuschias we must not forget one which Was pointed out as an old associate, the F. Corymbiflora-, this was almost the first fuschia introduced into Europe. There were some pretty azaleas, and some veiy choice cinerarias. A tall plant of a fine species of nastur--1 tium, growing in a pot, was much admired, M were the calceolarias and verbenas; There were some fine specimens of roses, especially those known as the cloth of gold and General Jacqueson. Mr. Gould sent in a small plant in a pot, which had already four very large blooms, although the plant was test: of very short growth. The collections of greeny house plants sent in by Mr. Gould, and by Mr* StroutSi respectively, are deserving of great con*» mendation, as were the plantago variegata of Mr. Watts Russell. Here also was a company , tively neyr importation—the Chatham Island# my—with its pretty blossom nestling amongst -it* luxuriant glossy foliage of dark greoi. We also saw a plant of the familiar heliotrope, w-% minding, one of its discovery by Jusrieu, whilst!** tanising in Mexico, and a plant'.atillmore familiar— the old English foxglove. A splendid gloxinia, attracted much attention; it is we believe, one of the 'first which has bloomed in the province. The exhibition of cut flowers was a very pleasing feature. The geranium blooms of Mr. Guise Brittan, and the. blooms of pansieswere veryhandsome, as were also the rhododendrons furnished by Mr. Potts.- The [antirrhinums and the gladioli were of great beauty; both the dark an light varieties of the former made a very pleasant contrast to each other. ' A floral trophy in the shape of a crown was a conspicuous,object on one of the stands. Nor must we pass by a pretty bouquet placed in an elegant ala-; baster vase. Turning now to the fruit and vegetable tent, we must again, as in the case of the flowersmake allowance for the earliness of the seuon. There were only a few strawberries, thegreater number contributed by Mr.B. Duncan* There wear® some gooseberries from the gardens of Mr. M'Cormick, at Sumner; some well-preserved apples, from the garden of Mrs. Deans, at Biccarton; and a large ipumpkini contributed by Mr. G. Gordon. , These ; two last articles are of the past years growth. There iwere not many samples of rhubarb, but that, which ; was shown,appeared.to be of a large and superior nature. The new potatoes seemed very fine, as waa-; 'the sea-kale, but the peas were apparently neither • ▼ery numerous nor very largo. The turnips* were • very abundant, some of the finest were; those ■the "golden ball." Tliere was avast display of | large, crisp, lettuce, and some very tempting-ioolring-t mixed salads. The lettuces sent by ,Mr. Fisher were of first-rate quality, and being I :cut, one was enabled to form a . better opinion of them. The cucumbers were very large find wellgrown; those belonging to Mr. Brook® being especially There were piles of radishes both white and red: these, both the turnip-radishes and. the ordinary sort, seem to thrive most luxuriantly in i the gardens here. Mr. Hargood and some other conjf; tributors sent somo mammoth cabbagqsjthese, at least, had not suffered from the prevalent blight. The cauliflowers were especially remarkable. There iwere also some leeks which would have rejoiced, the spirits of a Welshman; and. last,, though not least, some fine asparagus. We are not going to write a. paragraph in the " big-gooseberry" style, but there was one sample of asparagus sent by Mr. .Watts > Russell which almost deserves one. It is a large , flat sample, totally different ftom the ordinary growth. During the day, a considerable number of visitors were present, and the gardens.,presented a gay and animated appearance. Kohlerfs band greatly, contributed to enhance the pleasures of the,proceedings* t and by the permission,of. Captain.Packe, the drom and fife band of the Volunteers also played at intervals. ,

Altogether the show was a decidedly successful one, and it must have been very 1 gratifying to thie com* mittee to find, that their exertions for the public recreation were followed with such a pleading result. . We append the list of prizes. The judges of the flowers were Messrs. Angus, Lowe, and Turner; and of the fruits and vegetables; Messrs. Abbott, Packe, and Davidson^

Pot Plants, (a.) Best six greenhouse plants in flower—lst pri*e, G. Gould; 2nd do, F. Strouts; 3rd do, W. Wilson. One specimen do, in flower—lst prize, D. Innesj 2nd, do, G. Gould. Three fine foliaged—lst prize, J. Greenaway; 2nd do, G. Gould; 3rd do, W. Hislop. : Three pelargoniums in flower—l st prize, G. Gould j 2nd do, W. Hislop. One pelargonium do in flower—lst prize,F. Stroutsj 2nd do, G. Gould. Three geraniums in flower—lst prize, G. Gould} 2nd do, J. C. W. Russell; 3rd prize, J. Greenaway.. Three cinerarias in flower^—lst prize> G. Gould* 2nd do, J. Greenaway. Three calceolarias, herbaceous,in flower—lst prize* 1). Innes; 2nd do, G. Gould. ' Six fuschias in flower—lst prize, G. Gould; 2nd do, F. Strouts.

Two fuschias: in flower, one light one dark—-Ist prize, G. Gould; 2nd do, W. Hislop. :• Three roses, distinct varieties, in flower—lst prize, J. Greenaway.

Four verbenas, distinct varieties, in flower—lst prize, W. Hislop; 2nd do, G. Gould. Collection of native plants, feriis, &c., grown in pots arid correctly named so far as known—-Ist prize, G. Gould; 2nd do, W. Hislop. ' ' ;'

Cdt Flowers, (a.) ; Best twelve roses, distinct varieties—lst prize, T. H. Potts; 2nd do, J.Greenaway. ; Best six roses, distinct varieties—lst prize, T. H. Potts; 2nd do, J. Green away.

Best twelve verbenas, single trusses, distinct varieties—lst prize, W. Wilson; 2nd do, John Gordon. Best six verbenas, single trusses, distinct varieties —let prize, W. Hislop. ; Best six stocks, at least three varieties—lst prize, B. Duncan.

Best six tulips, three varieties—No entries. Best six ranunculus, three varieties—No entries. Best six anemones—No entries. . Best six pansies, distinct varieties—lst prize, D. Crawe. Six antirrhinums, distinct varieties—lst prize, Mrs. Deans; 2nd do, W. Hislop; 3rd do, J.Gordon. Best six herbaceous plants, distinct plants—3rd prize, T.H. Potts. Best collection of flowering bulbs—lst prize, T« H. Potts. Best collection of cut flowers of twelve varieties,, separate—lst prize, T. H. Potts; 2nd do, K. Duncan 3rd do, W. Hislop. Best bouquet, table—lst prize, T. H. Potts. Best bouquet, hand—lst prize, T. H. Potts; 3ml do, J. Greenaway. Best floral device—lst prize, R. Duncan; 2nd do, J. C. W. Russell. VB9BTABt.ES AN© FrTJITB. (a.) Best six rhubarb, heaviest stalks—lst prize, J. Ci : W. Russell ; 2nd do, R. Duncan. Best two cucumbers—lst prize, J. C. Brooke; Sndt ' do, T. H. Potts; 3rd prize, — Harris. Best peck of peas—lst prize, T. H. Potts; 2nd do* . W. Hislop; 3rd do, D. Innes. ( ; Best twenty-five heads of asparagus—lst prizes J. C. W. Russell} and do,T.H.Potts; 3rd d<£ E. J. Wakefield* '

Best collection of vegetable?, to consist of not less than twelve varieties—lst prize, D. lnnes 5 2nd do, T H. Potts; 3rd <10, F. Strouts. Best collection of vegetables, to consist of not less than six varieties —Ist prize, E. J. Wakefield 5 2nd do, J. C. Brooke. Beat collection of salads—lst prize, J. C. W. Russell} 2nd do, T. H. Potts; 3rd do, J). Innes. Vegetables, (b.) Beat si* rhubarb, heaviest stalks—lst prize, — Jenkins 5 2nd do, W. Hobbs. Best peck of peas-Crooks. . # Best collection of vegetables, to consist of not less than six varieties—lst prize, — Painter ; 2nd do, C. Shand 5 3rd do, J. G. Hawkes. Best collection of salads—No entries. ' ..: Pot .Plants, (a.) • ■ • Be«t tljffCQ greenhouse plants in flower—2nd prize. J. G. Hawkes, ■ j 3 . t Best two pelargoniums, varieties, in flower—lst piize, — Caephatie t 2nd do, D. Craw. Beat two fuschias, one light one dark—No entries. Best three verbenas, varieties, in flower—No entries / . Cot Flowers, (b.) Best six roses, varieties—lst prise, Dr. Donald; 2nd do, J. F. Ballard. _ % Best' six varieties — Ist prize, Mrs. Hnwdon. " , , „ Best six stocks, at least three varieties—No entries. ,„ , Best six pansies, varieties—lst prize, p. Craw. . Best six antirrhinums, varieties—3rd prize, Mrs. Hawdon. . ' „ w .. Beat six herbaceous plants, varieties—No entries. • Best three double wall-flowers, varieties—No entries. The following specimens were highly commended; Mrs. Hawkins, for a new verbena. ' Conifer®, Messrs. Hlslop, Purdie. and Brooke: Cut flowers, shewn by Dr. Donald} do, r. n. , Potts; do, G. Buckley, do, J. C. W. Russell. Potatoes, kidney, G. Gordon; do, round, Garland. Lettuces, W. Hobbs; do, T. B. Fisher. Gooseberries, M'Cormick. Strawberries, R. Duncan.