THE HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2483, 17 December 1868, Page 2

THE HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

The first exhibition of the season was held in Coker'H Gardens yesterday. A cloudy morning, with slight rain, caused doubts to be entertained of the success of the show, but towards noon tltc weather cleared up, and was all that could be desired. The bulk of the exhibits was of course contributed by the nurserymen and gardeners. The amateur class was not ho well represented, and we missed the plants of several who exhibited at the show last year. Considering the season and the many drawbacks to which horticulturists have been subjected by the late tempestuous weather, the show of flowers was very good. The exhibits of pot plants, being protected from the effects of bad weather, were magnificent. The centre table of the tent was literally one mass of brilliant colour on the side on which the pelargoniums were principally arrayed. The fuchsias were not numerous, hut several well-grown specimens were shown, Mr \V. Norman taking first prize. Four fuchsias and a double geranium were sent by Mr Peacock, and the judges awarded to them an extra prize. The double geranium is only of recent introduction in England, "and the appearance of a fine specimen in New Zealand was received with some surprise. The flower is of the scarlet variety, and very double, the foliage being twice the size of that of the ordinary geranium, Petunias were fairly represented both in the double and single varieties; but in our opinion the race of double petunias are hideous abortions, having nothing to recommend them, either in form 01 colour. Half-a-dozen calceolarias represented the whole of this class. The best pelargoniums were sent by the nurserymen and gardeners, though several contributed by amateurs were of considerable merit. In stove plants, Duncan and Son took the leading position, and among their exhibits were some fine begonias, Calathea zebrina, S'tphanotis Jloribunda, Dracana terminalis, a variegated willow, several pretty varieties of Coins and a plant of Araucaria txedsa. The nosegay section of pelargoniums was not very numerous, but several well-bloomed plants were staged. Generally, the pelargoniums exhibited symptoms of forcing, the plants showing a want of that compactness and dwariness so essential in well-grown plants. On the side table on the right of the tent was a large pelargonium sent by Mr Jenkins, which attracted much notice from the profusion of bloom, We noticed several small plants of the Mrs Pollock geranium, and two others of the tri-colour section, but of inferior merit. Mr Crooks sent a collection of ferns, and several pot plants which gained first honours in the amateur's department. In this class Mr Norman was also a successful exhibitor. A fine collection of beddiug-out geraniums was sent by Mr Duncan, amongst which several new varieties were conspicuous. Mr Wilson sent a fine collection of greenhouse plauts, and his pelargoniums were awarded two first prizes. The collections of ferns of Duncan and Son and Mr Wilson were much admired. There was a fine healthy plant of Leptope* is superba from the West Coast, which attracted some notice. The roses were much superior to our anticipations, considering the recent unfavourable weather, A collection sent by MrAbbott for exhibition only were very superior; he also exhibited Arundo donax var. The first prize for twelve roses was taken by Mr Greenaway, and Mr. 11. Macfarlane, jun., took the prize for the best six. The competition in hand bouquets was very spirited. It is seldom that we have occasion to impugn the decisions of the judges, but our opinion is that the hand bouquet of Duncan and Son should have been placed first, that of Mr Hawkes second, and Mr Whale's third. The first prize for table bouquets was carried off by Mr Hawkes, and in this instance we can endorse the judges' award. The pansies of Mr Craw were excellent, and fully maintain Ms reputation as a grower. The verbe»as had suffered from the weather, but Mr Wilson's collection was awarded an extra prize. There were a few carnations of no particular merit, and the antirrhinums were very inferior. The sweetwilliams were numerously represented, those sent by Mrs Deans obtaining the first prize. There were several floral devices, some of which were well designed aud tastefully executed.

The fruit and vegetable department contained fewer exhibits than was expected, but some of those shewn were remarkably good, considering' that the season has been such a backward one. In the nurserymen's and gardeners' class, a splendid basket of vegetables was exhibited by Mr J. G. Hawkos, to whom Mr William Norman's champion prize was awarded; those baskets obtaining the first and second prizes were also of good quality. The lettuces shewn were very indifferent, while turnips, on the contrary, were very creditable for the time of year; so also were carrots. The potatoes trcre inferior in many respects. The show of peas was about the average. Mr John Allen's exhibit (Lord ltaglan) was very fine, and merited beyond question the prize which was awarded to it. The salads were well arranged, more especially Mr Henry Crooks' exhibit, which obtained the first prize. The cabbages were really fine, and Mr McWilliam carried away the first prize. There was but little rhubarb shewn, the season being nearly over. Mr J. Jones, station master, had intended to compete in this section, but lie was two hours behind time, and he was obliged to place his parcel for exhibition only. There is no doubt that it was far superior to any of the other exhibits. Cauliflowers were extremely fine; Mr Henry Spicer carried away the first prize. In cucumbers, Mr Lord took the first prize with a very good brace of Batley's Telegraph. The cherries were all very good; Mr 0. W. Turner took the first prize. Strawberries were very numerously exhibited; the first prize was won by Messrs W. and J. llargood, with Keen's seedling. Mr K. Macfarlane, jun., took the first prize, and Mrs Deans the second, for collections of currants; both were very line for so early a period in the season. A collection of fruit was exhibited by Mr Robert Macfarlane, jun., which was not only very good but well arranged; amongst it we noticed the winter golden pippin in good preservation from last season. Mr Thomas Williams' collection, which obtained the second prize, was also very good.

In the amateur department, Mr Henry Crooks carried away first prizes for a collection of fruit ami one of currants. Strawberries were good ami numerously exhibited; and Mr Crooks was again fortuniiie in taking the first prize. The same remark applies to cherries ; the first prize was won by Mr Win Reed, of Lyttelton, For a basket of rcgetttbles, the llrst prize was awarded to Master J, A, K, St. Queutin. The exhibits of cabbages were likewise very satisfactory; Mr Cashbolt obtained the first prize. For peas, the first prize was awarded to Master J. A. ft St, Quentiu, and the second to Mr, Guild, but iu our opinion they should have been reversed. Mr George Gordon took (he first prize for asparagus. Both first and second prize exhibits deserve notice, being line for so late a period of the season. The potatoes were all very superior, especially (he kidneys (Ist prize) exhibited by Mr Norman. For round potatoes, the first prize was awarded to Mr Gadd for Dcnvcuts. Carrots were fair, and Mr Crooks took the first prize. The turnips were remarkably fine* the first prize being awarded to Master J. A. E. St Queutin. The lettuces were of a very ordinary description,

During the afternoon, the baud of the Yeomanry Cavalry, under the direction of Heir Bi'mz, and the fife ami drum band of the Orphan Asylum performed some choice selections of music. The attendance of visitors exhibited a failing off as compared with former shows, which might be owing to the many attractions elsewhere. The arrangements of U\e show were carried put by the secretary, Mr Greeuaway, and the other officials in a manner which did them credit, The judges were—for pot plants, J. F, Armstrong (Government sardencr), 11. Webb and Lowe; cut flowers", Messrs Chudley, Bunting, and Dutton ; vegetables and fruit, Messrs W. Wilson, R. Barker and Ivory.

LIST OP PRIZES. *" NURHBRTWSS's AID Gahdbskm' l) m I'OT PLANTS. 4 Stort Plants, in flower, varieties,.]),,,, can and Son ; no 2nd or 3rd prize, 6 Greenhouse Plants, in flower, varieti« Duncan and Son, Ist prize; W. Wilson ,7 no 3rd prize. ' ' n ''i 6Fine-foliagcd Plants, in flower V!lri ... -Duncan and Son, Ist prize; \v wf 2nd; no 3rd prize. Us,,D . 12 Finc-foliaged and Flowering, <,u„ wl , effect-Duncan and Son, Ist prize I," Hawkes, 2nd; no 3rd prize. ' ' '• 1 Finest or Rare Plant-Xo 1,1 ,„ , , prize; ,]. U. Hawkes, 2nd. r h[ G Fuchsias, varieties-Win. Nomu n ~ prize; J. G. Hawkes, 2nd; no 3rd prize' 3 Fuchsias, varieties-W. WiKoii ' 1 prize; no 2nd or 3rd prize. ' 1 Fuchsia—No exhibits. 4 Pelargoniums, show, vurietins-W iy, son, Ist prize; J. Greenaway, 2nd • L»!', prize. ' "''

3 Pelargoniums, fancv, varieties— \y \y , son, Ist prize ; J. G. Hawkes, 2nd • .I',, ■!'] prize. ' '' n e Geraniums, at least 3 varicgatr-d vari, ties-Duncan aud Son, Ist prize; no M,'' r 3rd prize. '' 4 Calceolarias, varieties—J. (}. HaTrkr-- 1 prize; no 2nd or 3rd prize. ''' 4 Petunias, varieties-No Ist or 3rd nr.» W. Wilson, 2nd. pru ' ; 4 Jkl.sams, varieties—No exhibit, 3 Cockscombs—No exhibits. 12 Ferns—Duncan and Son, ut Pr j„. w Wilson, 2nd; no 3rd prize. P ' ;V ' Collection of Fuschias—J T i>„„„ , extra first prize. ' ' tacoc *- Double Geranium-.! T. Peacock, „.., first prize as a rare plant. err ixowkks. 12 Roses, varieties-J. Grecnaw ay h prize. "' ' _ 6 Roses, varieties-Robert M,vfarl»n,. ]un., Ist prize, 12 Verbenas, varieties, 3 trus:* oj not in order according to sehedule-W Wil' son, extra prize. 12 Pansies, varieties-D. Craw, i-t w \ z ,. no 2nd or third prizes. "' 6 Pinks, at least 3 varieties-No exhibits 6 Carnations and Picotees, at lean 1 nil ties-No Ist or 3rd prize; W. Wilson 2nd* prize. '

6 Ranunculi, at least .3 varieties-Ho exhibits. 6 Flowering Bulbs, at least a varieties-No exhibits. 12 Species, hardy—Xo exhibits. 6 Species, herbaceous— No exhibits 6 Sweet Williams, varieties-Mrs Dew Ist prize; J. G. Havkes, 2nd prize; no 3rd prize, 6 Stocks, at least 3 varieties—Xo •xhibit* Table Bouquet—J. G. Havkes, Ist prize" Robert Macfarlane, jun., 2nd. Hand Bouquet—John Whale, Ist prizeDuncan and Son, 2nd; J. G. Havkes, 3rd. ' Floral Device-Xo exhibits. HtUIT. 1 Melon-Extra prize. Mr Wynn William*no other prizes. SO Cherries-C. W. Turner, Ist prize; J G. Havkes, 2nd ; Robert Macfarlane, 3rd. 50 Strawberries—W aud J. Hargood. Ist prize; Henry Spicer, 2nd; no third prize 50 Raspberries-No exliibits. Collection of Gooseberries—Mrs Deans, Ist prize ; no 2nd or Crd przes. Collection of Currants, lied, White, and Black, 25 bunches of each-Robert Macfarlane, junr., Ist prize ; Mrs Deans, 2nd ■ no third prize. ' Collection of Fruit—Robert Macfarlane junr., Ist prize; Thomas Williams, »nd ■ Mrs Deaus, 3rd. VEGETABLES.

2 Cucumbers-W. and J. Hargood, Ut prize ; Henry Spicer, 2nd; John Allen, 3rd. 2 Cauliflower or Broccoli-Henrv Spicer Ist prize; J. G. Havkes, 2nd ; J. M'Williams, 3rd.

2 cabbages-John M'Williams, Ist prize • J. G. Havkes, 2nd ; Heurv Spicer, 3rd G Rhubarb, heaviest stalks-Robert Macfarlane, Ist prize ; Henrv Spicer, 2nd • no 3rd prize. * '

oo Pods of Teas-John Allen, Ist prize-. J. G. Hawkes, 2nd ; Henry Spicer, 3rd. 50 Pods of French Beans-No exhibits. 50 Pods of llroad or Lon« Beans-John Ailen, Ist prize; Henry Spicer, 2nd; no 3rd prize.

50 Asparagus—No exhibits. 12 Potatoes, kidney—Henry Spicer, I«t prize ; John Allen, 2nd ; no 3rd prize. 12 Potatoes, round-John Allen, Ist prize; Henry Spicer, 2nd; J. G. Hawkos, 3rd. G Carrots-John Allen, Ist prize; Robeit Macfarlane, junr., 2nd; J. G. Hawkes, 3rd. 6 Turnips—W. and J. llargood, Ist puze; John Allen, 2nd: no 3rd prize. G Lettuces-W. and J. llargood, Ist prize; John Allen, 2nd ; no 3rd prize. Basket of Vegetables, not less than six sorts—J. ti. iiawkes, Ist prize; Henry Spicer, 2nd ; Win. Gibbs, 3rd. Salad Henry Crooks, Ist prize; Henry Spice:, 2nd; no 3rd prize. Champion Prize-Early Vegetables-J. G. liawkes. Amatei'k lH:i\uiraEST. I'OT PLANTS. 3 Greenhouse Plants in flower, varietiesHenry Crooks, Ist prize; no 2nd or 3rd, 1 Specimen Plants in flower—P. Jenkins, Ist prize; John Whale, 2nd ; Beverley Buchanan, 3rd. 4 Piue-foliagcd Plants in flower, varieties - Henry Crooks, Ist prize; no 2nd or 3rd. G Finc-foliaged ami Flowering varieties— Henry Crooks, Ist prize: no 2nd or 3rd. 1 flare I'lant—Henry Crooks, Ist prize; no 2nd or 3rd. 4 Fuchsias, Tarieties-llenry Crooks, Ist prize; no 2nd or 3rd. 1 Fuchsia—William Xormau. Ist prize; Henry Crooks, 2nd; no 3rd. 4 Pelargoniums, varieties—William Norman, Ist prize; F. Jenkins, 2nd; John Whale, 3rd. 4 Geraniums, varieties-William Norman, Ist prize; no 2nd or 3rd. 3 Calceolarias, varieties—Henry Crooks Ist prize; no 2nd or 3rd, 4 Petunias, varieties—Henry Crooks, Ift prize; no 2nd or 3rd. 9 Ferns—Henry Crooks, Ist prize; Arthur Ollivicr, 2nd; no 3rd. G Pelargoniums— Kxtra prize offered, by W. Norman—No exhibit. err FLOWLT.S.

0 Hoses, varieties—J. A, K, St. Queutin, Ist prize; Henry Crooks, 2nd; George Gordon, 3rd. ti Verbenas, varieties, 3 trusses of each— Henry Crooks, Ist prize; George Gordon, 2nd; no 3rd prize. ti I'ansies, varieties—D. Crow, Ist prize; no '2nd or 3rd prizes. G Pinks, at least 3 varieties-No exhibits. « Carnations and Picotecs, varieties—No exhibits, 0 Uaiiiiueiili, varieties—No exhibits. (! Anemones, varieties—Xo exhibits. 6 Antirrhinums, varieties—George Gordon, Ist prize; J. A ft St. Quentin, 2iul; John Wliaky'lrd. G Sweei Williams, varieties—D. Craw, Ist prize; J. A. ft St. Queutiu, 2nd; John Whale, .'iril; George Gordon, commended. G Stocks, at least 3 varieties—No exhibils. G Species, hardy—Win. Normnn, Ist prize; Kobevt Maefarlane, 2nd; no 3rd. Table Bouquet—John Whale, Ist prize; Thomas Williams, 2nd; Charles Wigzell, 3rd. Hand Bouquet—Mrs A. Duncan, Ist prize; Audrew McGill, 2nd; Robert Maefarlane junr., 3rd. floral Device—B. Buchanan, Ist prize; no 2nd or 3rd prize; extra prize, Henry Spieer. Hand Bouquet—Special prize for gif |v under 15, given by the secretary—lst prize, Miss Greeuaway; no 2nd or 3rd. Fruit.

50 Cherries-Win, Reed, Ist prize j Da™ l Nairn, 2nd; Henry Cashbolt, 3rd. 50 Strawberries—Henry Crooks, Ist pri«; George Gordon, 2nd; Henry Hewitt, 3rd. .50 Raspberries-Henry i asliboit, Ist prize; no 2nd or 3rd prizes. Collection of Gooseberries-Robert Maefarlane, juu , Ist prize; Henry Crooks, 2nd; no 3rd prize. Collection of Currants, red, wliice, m

black, 25 hunches of each—Henry Crooks, Ist prize; George Gordon, 2nd; no 3rd prize. Collection of Fruit—Henry Crooks, Ist prize; no 2nd or 3rd prizes, Vegetables. 2 Cucumbers—Henry Crooks, Ist prize; J, A. E. St. Quentin, 2nd; no 3rd prize. 2 Cauliflower or Broccoli—Henry Cashbolt, lilt prize; Henry Crooks, 2nd; no 3rd yrize. 2 Cabbages—Henry Cashbolt, Ist prize; -George Gordon, 2nd; Eobert Macfavlane, jun., 3rd. 6 Rhubarb, heaviest stalks—John Whale, Ist prize; no 2nd or 3rd prizes. 50 Tods of Pcas-J. A. E. St. Quentin, Ist prize iE. Gadd, 2nd; Samuel Jackman, 3rd. 50 do French Beans—No exhibits. 50 do Broad or Long Beans—J. A. E. St Qnentin, Ist prize j Henry Crooks, 2nd; no 3rd prize. 50 Asparagus—George Gordon, Ist prize; Henry Crooks, 2nd; no 3rd prize. 12 Potatoes, kidney-Wm. Norman, Ist prize; Henry Crooks, 2nd ; Robert Macfcrlane, jun., 3rd. 12 do round—E. Gadd, Ist prize 5 Samuel Jackman, 2nd; Robert Macfarlane, jun., 3rd. 6 Carrots—Henry Crooks, Ist prize; Robert Macfarlane, jun., 2nd; no 3rd. 6 Turnips—J. A. E. St Quentin, Ist prize; George Gordon, 2nd; no 3rd prize. 4 Lettuces-J. A. E. St. Quentin, Ist prize; Samuel Jackman, 2nd; no 3rd prize. Basket of Vegetables, 6 sorts—J. A. E. St. Quentin, Ist prize; Robert Macfarlane, 2nd; no 3rd prize. Salad-No exhibits. Extra prize offered by W. Norman for the best collection of early vegetables; open to all classes—J. G. Hawkes. The judges very highly commended the following collections:—Stove and greenhouse plants exhibited by Duncan and Son ; Mr Abbott, and Mr Davidson, gardener to Mr Gould. .