THE FLOWER SHOW.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4889, 22 November 1876, Page 2

THE FLOWER SHOW.

The spring show of the Wellington Horticultural Society was held yesterday in the Odd Fellows’ Hall. The doors were opened to the public at two o’clock, and by half-past the room was quite crowded, .the fair sex predominating. The beautiful summer weather had a most appreciable effect on the costumes of the ladies, who all looked well, the excellent taste displayed, combining with the surrounding flowers, to produce a picture to be remembered and looked back upon with pleasure. His Excellency the Governor, Lady Normanby and suite arrived a little after four, and Messrs. Kohler and Wand immediately struck up the National Anthem, the gentlemen removing their hats, some boys and a person, who from his years should have known better, omitting to do so. During the Governor’s stay Mr. Kohler operated on the tumbleronicon, his performances being very well received. His cornet and flageolet solos were also a great success and loudly applauded. The general appearance of the room was somewhat marred by the absence of the tree ferns and nikans, which have at former exhibitions been so effective in adding to the general effect, but it. was most tastefully arranged, which may in a measure account for the difficulty experienced by our reporter in ascertaining the exact, whereabouts of various classes of exhibits. Amongst' those sent as not for competition was a green frog from Tasmania, lent by Mr. Donald, of Karori, It is a beautiful little creature, and withal.a musical frog, the tumbleronicon performance seeming to do its heart good. Another loan exhibition was some of Mr. Jeffs’ carbolated or carbolicised hydrosulphuretted compound. This substance is something like soap, and was handed to our reporter and another literary gentleman for inspection. They are both of opinion that the blight or any other ‘ creature will emigrate at once on being brought even in the neighborhood of the compound, and that it might he applied with great effect to cockroaches and, other watchful • hunters by night. If reduced to a powder it would make an economical snuff, as a little would goa long way, and its effect on, the nasal organs is far superior to that of the. smelling.bottles used by the Chinese in maritime warfare. Perhaps ere long there may be a valuable export trade to Pekin in this article, and in any case the local gardeners find it so well adapted for its original purpose’that there is not much fear of its , becoming a drug in the market. Mr. Tolhurst exhibited two very choice China vases and six miscellaneous plant s, and Mr. Green a rarity in the shape of a cobweb plant. The Ven. Archdeacon-Stock lent a variegated specimen of Siebold’s sedum and a variegated lily of the ' valley, which is also a great rarity, and Mr. H. F. Logan’s collection of native ferns, in addition to those exhibited for competition, received general admiration. A stag’s horn fern lent by Mr. J. H. Wallace also attracted considerable attention. Two gloxinias lent from Government House, and a plant, not named, brought from the Snowy Mountains by Mr. Travers, received a good deal of notice from those interested in floriculture. The show of pot plants in Class I. throughout the exhihition was very good. In the competition for the best exhibit of a new and rare plant, no special provision was made for amateurs, they and the gardeners having to fight it out on an equal footing. The first prize was taken by J. McNab with a Clerodehdrdu Balfourii, and the second by A. McKay with a Lucodendron Argentium. A variegated Petunia was also exhibited, but only came off with barren honors. ' For the best specimen plant in flower Mr. Cooper took the first prize with a Mackaya Bella, no second ‘ being awarded.

Mr. E,. Donald carried away first honors for a native plant in flower with a Veronica luxiflora, and Mr. J. MoNah, with a Cassinia fulvida, took the second place. For two exhibits of variegated foliage plants Mr. A. McKay took the first prize, Acalypta marginata being, the best of his two exhibits. A Croton Disraeli exhibited by Mr. H. H. Travers was a capital specimen, and was of decided assistance in earning the : second prize, which fell to him. In the competition for the best three greenhouse plants in flower, each of distinct genus, Mr. Travers was successful in taking the first prize, exhibiting a heath, Erica Ventricosa superba a Mackaya bella, and a Euphorbia jacquiniflora., Mr.: McKay ■ took second honors with a Clerodendron, a Bussellia juncea, and a white lily, which was the Mackaya bona fide, or in other words, the real McKay, being one of the best exhibits in the show, and universally admired. The next contest was the four best varieties of fine foliage plants, and Mr. McKay carried, off the first prize, exhibiting some very fine plants, the Egonia being especially excellent. Mr. E. Cooper took the second place, his two calladiums being capital exhibits. The exhibition of four varieties of Colens does not call for comment. Mr. MoNab took the first prize, and Mr. McKay the second. The contest for the best three varieties of begonias in flower was a very good one, Mr. Travers and _ Mr, McNab exhibiting such splendid specimens that the judges had a difficulty in arriving at a decision. Ultimately first honors were awarded to Mr. Travers, we suppose on the ground that his two exhibits were greater novelties than those of Mr. McNab. Mr. Travers again took the first prize for the best four varieties of single geraniums, Mr. McKay coming second, his plants being rather straggling, although the blooms were superior to those of Mr. Travers. There was no exhibit of ivy-leaved geraniums, ( and the contest for the best four bi and tricolor leaved geraniums was nothing out of the way. Mr. Cooper took the first prize, and Mr. Travers the second. Mr. McKay exhibited and took the first prize for four beautiful varieties of pelargoniums, the plants being really splendid, although there was hardly sufficient variety in the colors of the blooms. Mr. Travers, who took the second prize, showed better blooms, although the plants were not so large. Forthree varieties of fuschiaa only one prize was awarded, and this appeared to be for the quality of the timber. Mr. McKay was the prizetaker, and also earned off the honors for the best single fusohia. There were no exhibits of petunias, climbing plants in flower, or calceolarias, and for two varieties of roses Mr.. McKay took the first prize with a Baron Rothschild and John Hoppin. John Hopper and the Baroness Rothschild took second honors for Mr. F. Cooper. Azaleas and auriculas were not represented, and for the beat twelve New Zealand ferns in pots, not exceed-

ing Bin., Mr. McKay took the first prize, and Mr. Logan the second. Although Mr. McKay’s plants were larger and older than Mr. Logan’s, they were comparatively common, being easily obtainable in the valleys in the immediate vicinity of Wellington. Hr. Logan’s exhibits were admirably classified, and most of them were very rare and difficult to get—the Lomaria nigra, Lomaria Banksii, Lomaria alpina, and Lomaria Patersonii being especially so. Messrs. McKay and McNab were the prizetakers for the best six exhibits of exotic ferns, but they have all been seen at previous exhibitionsand donot call for special comment. For the best six varieties of native shrubs in or out of flower Mr. Donald came first, and Mr. Bramley second, and a similar comment may be made with regard to them as previously made on the exotic ferns. The exhibits for prizes confined to amateur’s, only in pot plants, were also on the whole very good. Mr. F. Smith carried off the first prize for the best specimen plant with a trifolium, which was one ■ of the most admired exhibits in the room. Mr. Travers took second honors. For the best variegated foliage plant Mr. Smith was first, with a Calladium houllettii, no second prize being awarded. Mr. Smith t*ok a similar position for the best two greenhouse plants in flower. For two varieties of fine foliage plants Mr. Travers took first honors, his Calladium being a very fine specimen. Mr. Smith was second, his Alocasia Jennengsii deserving special notice. Coleus were not represented, and for two varieties of begonias in flower Mr. Smith took the first place.no second prize being awarded. Nobody exhibited single geraniums, and Mr. Smith was awarded the second prize for the best two varieties of of ivy-leaved geraniums. There was another competitor, but he was disqualified, owing to his specimens being both alike. For two varieties of bi and tricolor leaved geraniums. Mr. Smith was awarded a second prize, there being no other competitor. Mr. Travers exhibited, and took a first prize for two varieties of pelargoniums, which were very handsome, and well deserved the honor, although there was no other competitor. Mr. Travers was a-rain first in fuschias, but the exhibit was not of a first-claSs order, and in fact fuschias were weakly represented throughout the show. For two varieties of petunias Mr. W. Parris was awarded a second prize, there being no other competitor. For the best climbing plant in flower, Air. H. F. Smith took first honors with a specimen of the box plants; 'Mr. H. H. Travers being second with a Khyncospermum jasminorides variegatum; and if there is anything in a name, should have received better treatment. Calceolarias, roses, and azaleas, were unrepresented. Mr. Smith took first prize for auriculas ; and there was no other competitor. For exotic ferns and varieties of native shrubs, there was no contest.

In Class II (cut flowers). —There was a good healthy rivalry between the gardeners and the amateurs. For the best collection of annuals and biennials there were only two competitors. Mr. Heighten taking the first prize, and Mr. Phillips the second. The exhibits of six varieties of antirrhinums were but poor, but the blooms have, hardly had time to recover from the damage inflicted by the late boisterous weather, which will account also for the poverty-stricken look of the verbenas. Mr. C., Duncan took the first prize, and Mr. Cooper the second. Mr. McNab was first with twelve varieties of verbenas, and in the contest for the best six varieties took second honors, Mr. Cooper being first. Carnations were not represented, and for the best six varieties of pinks, Mr. Cooper took the first prize, his exhibits being excellent, with the exception of one, which looked uncommonly like a piootee. Mr. McNab took the second prize, but his exhibits were too near to the stand to be as effective as they might have been. There were no exhibits of picotees, and for varieties of stocks Mr. Mason took the first prize with capital specimens. There was a second competition, but he had thrown down his flowers on the table without any attempt at order or arrangement, and the judges refused to take any notice of the exhibit. For the best six varieties of sweet-william, Mr. Jeffs was first, the bloom oh his specimens being most evenly divided, and Mr. Mason took the second prize. Mr. Mason was first prizetaker with a splendid collection of cut flowers of 18 distinct species, and Mr. Bramley took the second prize in this exhibit, his flowers being also very good. The roses exhibited were very beautiful indeed, Mr. Mason taking the first prize and Mr. McNab the second for the best 6 varieties. In the contest for the bestTS varieties, Mr! Mason was again first, and Mr. Bramley came off with the second prize, with some capital exhibits. It is a great pleasure to record the success, of the Curator of the Botanical Gardens in this respect, his specimens showing that time is only required to render the gardens all that can be desired. Mr. Mason exhibited three varieties of rhododendrons, each being a most perfect bloom, and took the first prize in this branch. There was no other competitor, Mr. Mason also took the first prize for the best six varieties of azaleas and bulbs, there being no other competitor in either branch. The bulbs excited general admiration, the gentleman in charge being frequently assailed for information as to the names of the flowers. It would be a convenient practice if in the future each specimen was named. Mr. F. Cooper was the prizetaker for varieties of anemones, his specimens being first-class. The show of six varieties of pansies was very good, Mr.Budden taking the first prize with one of the best exhibits in the room, and Mr. Cooper the second with very good specimens. In the exhibition of twelve varieties of native flowers, Mr, Bramley took the first prize, all his specimens being neatly classified and arranged; and Mr. Duncan took the second prize. It is a fact worthy of notice that the linum, or common flax, which has become acclimatized to our soil, found its place in the collection for the second prize, although it seems hardly fair to classify it as a native plant. For a collection of not less than six geraniums and pelargoniums. Mr. Travers showed no less than forty exhibits, being altogether the finest collection of blooms in the show, and he was awarded the first prize, there being no other competitors. The competitions confined to amateurs alone, in cut flowers, was very good ; the six varieties of auterrhimuus having apparently suffered considerably from the bad weather. Mr. Phillips took the first prize, and Mr. Bead the second. In the contest for the best twelve and six varieties of verbenas, Mr. H. H. Travers and Mr. Phillips were first and second, the position being reversed in the latter case. The verbenas were, however, considerably better specimens than those exhibited by the gardeners. Carnations and picotees were unrepresented, and there was a pretty fair show for the six varieties of pinks by Mr. Travers, who took the prize, there being no other competitor. Mr. Read took a second prize for a collection of stocks. There was no other competitor. In the contest for the best six sweet-williams, Mr. Travers made a good show, his exhibits being very fair, although the blooms were not very distinct in the outline of color, and took the first prize, Mr. Okell taking the second. There was no competition for the collection of eighteen specimens of cut flowers, as was also the case with the rhododenebrous and azaleas. For the best six roses Mr. Travers was the only competitor and prizetaker, as was also the case with the best six varieties of bulbs, the gladiolus in the latter exhibit being a very fine specimen. Anemonies were not represented, and Mr. Phillips, who although he was the only competitor, deservedly took a prize for the beet six varieties of pansies. Class 111. (Fruit and Vegetables), is the most important, and was altogether the best represented in the show. In the prizes open to all for competition there was a keen contest, and in the first exhibit, 24 strawberries, the judges had great difficulty in arriving at a decision. The temptation to commit felony was i.very great in this case, and the management acted wisely in lending two rival reporters into the room together, acting on the principle of setting a thief to catch a thief, in order to prevent a larceny. Mr. McNab took the first prize, and Mr, Laing the second. The show for the best twenty-four gooseberries was also very good, and although it is not the silly season at present, we feel bound

to comment on their extraordinary size. There were no less than eight competitors, Mr. McNab taking the first prize, and Mr. Cooper the second. There were enough cucumbers shown to cause any amount of indigestion, and they all looked very well. Mr. Laing was the first prizetaker, and Mr. G. Mann the second. The rhubarb was one of the finest exhibits in the room. Mr. Mason’s specimens, which took the first prize, being the best ever seen at the Wellington exhibitions. Mr. Cooper took the second prize. For asparagus, Messrs. Mason and Donald took the first and second prizes, the specimens being very good. Broad beans were not represented, but there was an excellent show of pod peas, in which, Mr. Cooper came first, and Mr. P. Laing second. Kidney potatoes were capitally represented, an' Irish friend, who was with our reporter, and is considered one of the finest judges of “ murpheys” in the province going into perfect ecstacies bn the subject. Mr. Mason took the first prize, and Mr. P. Laing the second. The round potatoes were also first-class; Mr. Mason being first in this branch, and Mr. G. Mann second. Cauliflowers were efficiently represented, Mr. Cooper being first, and Mr. Mahoney second. No exhibit was offered for brocoli, but the cabbages and onions were the strong points of the show; Mr. Mason being first and Mr. W. Heighten second in the first-named branch, and Mr. G. Mann and Mr. • F. Cooper first and second in the latter. Considering the time of the year the collection of onions was most creditable. For turnips Mr. li. Donald and Mr. G. Mann were the prizetakers, and the carrots deserve especial mention on account of the early time of the year. Mr. Duncan, of Porirua, took the first prize, and Mr. F. H. Corbett the second, both prizes being for shorthorn carrots. Lettuces were well represented, Mr. E. Donald taking the first prize, and Mr. Heighten the second. Ked cabbages were unrepresented. Mr. Heighton’s collection of salads on a tray was most artistically arranged, attracting general attention, and was most deservedly awarded the first prize. Mr. Corbett took second honors, but his exhibits, although splendid specimens, were not tastefully arranged, and perhaps suffered by comparison. The collection of vegetables was also very good, Mr. Mason taking the first prize, and Mr. Laing the second. In the competitions for fruit and vegetables, confined to amateurs only, of course no comparison could be made with the exhibits of the gardeners. For strawberries, Mr. M. Eead was first, and Mr. W. Kussell second ; gooseberries, Mr.'Okell first, and Miss Cooper second ; for rhubarb, Mr. Helyer first, and Mr. N. Valentine second ; for asparagus, Mr. N. Valentine first, there being no other competitor ; for broad beans t Mr. M. Bead first, and Mr. J. Dransfieldl second ; for pod peas, Mr. M. Eead first, and Mr. N. Valentine second ; for kidney potatoes Mr. S. Mason first, and Mr. N. Valentine second ; for round potatoes Mr. W. Eussell first, and Mr. M. Eead second ; for cabbages Mr. M. Eead first, and Mr.W. Eussell second; for onions Mr. M. Eeed first, there being no second competitor ; for turnips Mr. N. Valentine first, and Mr. W. Kussell second ; and for lettuces Mr. N, Valentine first, and Mr. H. H. Travers second. There were no exhibits for cucumbers, cauliflowers, brocoli carrots orred cabbage. Class IV wasopen toall, and there were some most tasteful exhibits. For the best dressed flower stand there were three competitors, the prize being justly awarded to Mr. Heighten, the display of blooms and arrangement of the ferns being in most perfect taste. Mrs. McNab took the second prize, her exhibit being also beautifully arranged. All three exhibits were in the same species of stand, and it was consequently easier to draw a comparison than at previous shows, where all sorts of shapes have beennaed. The show of hand bouquets was also excellent, Mrs. McNab taking the first prize, and Miss Best the second, her bouquet, however, appearing if anything not quite so good as two others which did not obtain, prizes. For the hand bouquet of native flowers. Miss Duncan took the first prize,’ having_made a wider selection than Mrs. McNab who came second, and. whose flowers were arranged in better form. For the bridal bouquets. Miss Hales took first honors with a splendid collection, but hardly so giod as that of Mrs. McNab,whotookthesecondplace. The firstprize for a button-hole bouquet wasawarded to Miss Fletcher, and the second to Mrsr Powne. All the exhibits in this branch were most tastefully arranged. For Mr. Budden’s special prize, Mr. O. Johnston was the successful competitor. For Mr. J. Burns’, special prize—Ist, Mr, Travers ; 2nd, Mr. McKay. For Messrs. Barraud and Son’s special prize, Mr. Travers. - For Messrs. McDowell and Col’s special prize, Mr. Travers. For Mr. F. Cooper’s special prize, Mr. M. Eead. For Mr. Wilton’s special prize, Mr. Wilton himself, with three beautiful heaths ; and for Mr. Jeffs’ special prize, Mr. Jeffs himself, with 12 specimens from seedlings collected in Wellington. There were no exhibits for the special prizes offered by Mr. Hill, Mr. Brandon, Messrs. McLeod and Weir, and the special subscription prize to be competed for by the students of the Wellington College. Honorable mention was made awarded to the Venerable Archdeacon Stock, Mr. H. F. Logan, Mr. J. H. Wallace, and Mr. G. Tolhurst, for collections of plants sent for exhibition only. Messrs. Heighten, Gibb, and Judd acted as judges in Classes' I. and 11., open to all, and the Ven. Archdeacon Stock and Messrs. Budden and Bennett in the same classes, open to . amateurs ’only For Class 111., fruit and vegetables, Messrs, Bramley and Mr. McKay were the judges, both in the open events and those confined to amateurs. . In. Class IV., open to all, Mrs. G. Moore and Mrs. Grace officiated as dispensers of justice. The exhibition was altogether a great success, being absolutely crowded out in the evening, upwards of five hundred people paying for admission, in addition to the subscribers whose families are all entitled to free admission. In addition to the attraction afforded by Messrs. Kohler and Bent in the afternoon, a band was engaged which discoursed appropriate music throughout the evening. The benefit of these meetings cannot be over estimated, and we can only wish the Wellington Horticultural Society the success which the merits of their efforts deserve.