THE HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

Otago Witness, Issue 904, 27 March 1869, Page 5

THE HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

Patron, His Honour J. Macandrew, Esq., Superintendent o% Otago ; President, Mr George Matthews ; Vice-Presi-dent, Mr A. C. Purdie ; Treasurer, Mr George Matthews ; Honorary Secretary, Mr Thomas Allan ; Members of -Committee : — Practical Gardeners — Messrs Chas. Carter, J Gebbie, Geo. W. Draper, Wm. Bramley, J. M'Kenzie, W. Richardson, George Smith. Amateurs — Messrs Chas. Smith, Shury, Lambton, M'Gregor, Thomson, John W. Jago.

The annual March show of the Horticultural Society of Otago was held, in the Masonic Hall on the 19 th instant, a room ■well fitted for the. purpose, except that it is not lit with sufficient brilliancy from the roof. The centre stand, reserved for plants in flower and cut flowers, was hardly large enough for the nurrber of exhibits (unusually large, by the way) crowded on it, and, as a consequence, a proper and distinct classification was rendered next to impossible. The Committee, however, -worked very hard, and when the time of opening came, had got everything into the best possible order. The sight on entering the room ■was very beautiful, the whole hall being ablaze with colour, rich, vivid, and striking, and the picturesqueness of the whole was added to by the large number of elegantly dressed ladies present. la the gardeners' list of plants in flowers, the most noticeable ncvelty was a collection of achimeneas, sent by Mr William Martin, of Saddle Hill, conspicuous for its beauty ; as also was the collection of Start's Pea of the Desert, (Cleanthus Dampierii) contributed by Mr William Arrol. Mr A Traill, gardener to F. Dillon Bell, Esq., may be complimented on his fine collection of foliage plants. The coxcombs were well grown, sturdy looking plants, and several good varieties of cyclameas were shown. There were some German asters in pots, new to the district, and very pretty in effect. The Queen's Favourite Lily is a very showy plant, and the one exhibited was universally admired. The common geraniums and fuchsias were plentiful enough, but not generally so fine as we have seen them at former shows. Conifer® were large in number and variety, and it is evident that the growth and improvement of this class of plants is attracting attention here, and becoming every season more popular. Mr Charles M'Neill, of Woodhead, sent a fine specimen of Norfolk Island pine, and the native plants from Mr Charles Carter were nicely got up. Mr Matthews's collection of gladioli, coniferce, phloxes, &c. was quite up to tbe usual standard of his exhibits. In thi3 class may also be mentioned the really fine collections of variegated geraniums, sent by Mr ¥m. Arrol, and of roses in pots from Mr Sontag, nurseryman. The show of bouquets for the haad and table was fine and numerous, a splendid collection being Bhown by Mr George W. Draper, gardener to Geo. Cook, Esq. Considering the lateness of the season, cut roses were good. There was a great variety of carnations and piccotees, of dahlias, phloxes, and a fine single collection of cut roses, also sent in by Mr Sontag. In the Amateurs' collection, the plant which called for most attention was a white corolla fuchsia. Neither in common geraniums nor in fuchsias was the show so good as on the other side of the room. Mr R. Miller sent some good specimens of native plants, Mr Beverley some ferns, native plants and exotics, and Mr Strachan, the brewer, a very fine hop plant. This is a useful addition to the garden, from the beauy of its flower, and it may be used as an ornamental framing to seats or trellised arbors. Fruits on the Gardeners' side were Btrons in every department, except apples. These wanted the bloom of former years, but were well grown and sound. Mr Fazakerly deservedly carried off the first prize for the best collection, with a perfect bijou for the table of an epicure. The fruit in the second prize sent by George Scott, gardener to Judge Ward, was fine, but his taste did not stand him in such good stead in its arrangement. The only other*competitor in this class was Mr J. H. Harris, who showed some really fine black mulberries. The show of gooseberries and currants was finer than might have been expected at this season of the year ; and peaches, apricots, and plums were fair of their sort and tolerably numerous. The Amateurs were much more successful with their apples than tho professionals, and with a magnificent dish of peaches (decidedly the beßt in the room), Mrs Milne, of the East Taieri, missed the first prize only through being too late for judgment. Dr Hulme sent two fine bunc ies of black and while grapes, which reflect credit on his gardener, and his pears and tomatoes were also very much admired. Mr Hugh M'Neill contributed a tempting yl&te of appetising

raspberries. The show of vegetables was good on both sides of the room, the professionals excelling in celery and onions, and the amateurs in cabbages. The beauty of the floral designs and miniature gardens show that the taste is improving in. that direction. The first prize for the latter was won by Mr M'Gregor. No. 2 was more pretentious, and not nearly so pretty ; while No. 3 seemed as if it had been flung together in a hurry. The designs were all good, but again the judges overlooked the gaudier ones to bestow the first prize on the most pleasing. We must not close this notice without referring to the special prizes given by Messrs Lambert, Matheson Bros. , and A. C. Purdie. For these there were a large number of exhibits, which added greatly to the general effect of the show, and showed that great interest must be taken in the cultivation of the varieties, for which the prizes were offered. For Matheson Bros. 5 vases (given as a prize to the best collection of picotees and carnations), there were 14 entries, varying in number from 12 to 50 each. Mr Gebbie, gardener, Water of Leith, was the successful competitor, with a well chosen 40. We append the prize list : — GARDENERS' LIST. Cla<>s I. — Plants in Flower and in Pots : Collection of sis distinct species — Ist, W. Arrol ; 2nd, A. Traill, gardener to F. 1). BelL Roses bestthree— none. Fuchsias, best four distinct spee'es— lst, A. Traill ; 2nd, James M'lndoe, M.P. C. Pelargoniums, best two stage varieties, two fancy do two Bcarlet do — Ist, Law, Somner, and Co. Petunias, best three distinct varietie« — Ist:, A. Trail, gardener to F. D. Bell. Balsams — Ist, do. Coxcombs — Ist, do. Native plants, ornamental, 12 distinct vaiieties — Ist, A. Beverley ; 2nd, C. Carter. Class II. — Cut Flowers : Roses, best 12 distinct varieties -Ist, W. Arrol; 2nd, J Gebbia. Dahlias, 12 do— lst, J. hn M'Kenzie ; 2nd, George Scott. Gladioli, best collection — Ist, Law, Somner, and Co; 2ad. Jas Gebbie. Idllium, best co lection, one spike each — none. Bulbs (of other kinds) best collection — none. Asters. best collection— lst, H. Fazakerly; 2nd, "W. Arrol. Larkspur, best six varieties — Ist, J. Gebbie; special to G. H Douglas. Marigolds, best three French, three African — Ist, Mrs Johnston ; 2nd D. Munro Stocks, best b'x — Ist, James fiebbie Pausies, best bix — Is*, D. M'Kenzie; 2nd, W. Arrol. Phloxes, herbaceous beat coll;ction — Ist, James Gebbie ; do, annual — none. Carnations and picotees, best 12 varieties — Ist, W. Arrol; 2nd, G H. Douglas. Verbenas, best collection, three trusses each — Ist, Jas. Gebbie; 2nd. G. H. Douglas. Hollyhocks, best three varieties, one dpike each — none. Do, six single blooms — none. Herbaceous plants, best collection not enumerated in this class — Ist, Jam<=B Gebbie ; 2nd, W. Arrol. Basket garden flowers, not to exceed 2ft in diameter — Ist. James Gebbie ; 2nd, H. Fazakerly. Bouquet garden flowers for table, not to exceed 12in in diameter — Ist, H. Fazakerly ; 2nd, O-. H. Draper. Bouquet of garden flowers for hand not to exceed sin in diameter — Ist, Mrs Matthews ; 2nd, James Gebbie. Floral design— lst, D. Munro ; 2nd, Alexander Reekie. Class 111. — Fruit : Miscellaneous Collec tion — Ist, H. Fazakerly; 2nd, George Scott Grapes, best bunch (light) — Ist, H. Fazakerly. Do, do (dark)— lst, H. Fazakerly. Peaches, best dish of three — Ist, EL Fazakerly ; 2nd, Jas. Gebbie. Nectarines, best dish of three — none. Apricots, best dish of three— lst, H. Fazakerly; 2nd, Jas. Geb*ie. Plums, best dish of 12 (six light, six dark) — Ist, Jas GeY ie ; 2nd, George Scott. Figs, best dish of three— lst, Jas. Gebbie. Apples, hest table, six varieties, four each — let, Mr Martin ; 2nd, W. Richardson. Pears, best three varieties, four each— none. Melon, best flavoured — none. Cla^s IV. — Vegetables: Best collection — Ist, William Beasdale ; 2nd, ,William Lake Salads, best collection —none. Cucumbers, beat brace— lst, W. Beasdale ; 2nd, A. Trail. Leeks, best 4— none. Onions, best 12— Ist, W Lake ; 2nd, A. Traill. Pea 3, best three varieties, 24 pods each — Ist. W. Lake; 2nd, H. Fazakerly. Potatoes, beßt three varieties. 4 each — Ist, D. Munro ; 2nd. W. Lake. Tomato, best single dish, red or yellow — none. Cabbage, best two— Ist, W. Beasdale. Cabbage, heaviest one — none. C ibbage, red pickling, two — let, W. Beasdale. Savoy, best two— none. Cauliflower, best two — Ist, W. Beasdale ; 2nd, W. Richardaon. Lettuce, best six, 3 coos, 3 cabbage — none. Vegetable Marrow, heaviest pair — Ist, Mr Seekie Pumpkin, heaviest pair— none. Celery, best four sta'ks (two white, two red)— lst, W. i Richardson ; 2nd, H. Fazakerly. Shallots, best 12 bulbs— lst, D. Munro; 2nd, H Pazakerly. Rhubarb, best six stalks — Ist, W. Richardson ; 2nd, A. Traill. AMATEURS' LIST. Class I.— Plants in flower and in pots : Collection of three distinct species— -Ist, C. Smith. Single speoimen pi ant— lst, Mr G-reen ; 2nd, C. Smith. Fuchsias, best three (one light, one dark, one light corolla) — Ist, C. Smith; 2nd, E. Lambton. Pelargoniums, best two stage varieties, two fancy do, and two scarlet do, distinct— none. Petunia, best single plant — none. Verbena, b*st do do — none. Balaam, best da do — lbt, C. Smith ; 2nd, W. Waldron, Coxcombs-* pone.

Class II. — Cut Flowers : Roaes, best, six varieties— none. Do, do, three do— lat, Robert Thomson. Dahlias, do, six do — Ist, A.. C. Pardi<i ; 2nd, JKobert Gillies. Gladioli, Vest collection — Ist. E Lain' ton ; 2nd, R. Thomson. Lil ivm — none. Bulbs (of other kinds), beat collection — nont>. Asters, six varieties — Ist, C. Smith ; 2nd, George Polkea. Marigolds. bP3t three French, three African— lst, Mr Taylor ; 2nd, J. W. Jago Phloxes, herbaceous, bes-t collection — Ist, P. M'Gregor; 2ad, Mr Taylor; do annual, b"st collection, 3 trusses each — none. Stocks, best 3 varieties — Ist, R. Thonvon ; 2nd. R. Miller. Pansies, do 6 do — Ist, R. Thomson ; 2nd, W. Winchester. Herbaceous plants, hest collection, not enumerated in this class —Ist, P. M Gregor ; 2nd, J. W Jago Verbems, 4 varieties, 3 trusses each -Ist, R. Thomson ; 2nd, A, H. Shury. Carnations and Picoteea, best 6—lst,6 — Ist, E. Lambton ; 2nd. John W. Jago. Hollyhocks, best 3 spikes — Ist, R. Gillies ; 2nd, P. Dick ; do, 6 single blooms — Ist, P. Dick. Basket of garden flowers, not to exceed 2 feet in diameter — Ist, Mrs Edmondaon ; 2nd, R. Thomson. Bouquet of garden flowers for table, not to exceed 12 inches in diameter — lat, R. Gillies ; 2nd, Mrs Edmondson. Bouquet of garden flowers for hand, not exceeding 5 inches in diameter — Ist, Mrs Edmondson; 2nd, P. M'Gregor, floral deign — Ist, R. Thomson ; 2nd. Mrs Edmordson.

Class 111. — Fruit: Miscellineous collection — none. Grapes, best bunch, light — lat, Dr Hulme. Do do, dark — Ist. Dr Hulme. Peaches, best dish of three — Ist, Captain Eraser ; 2nd, Peter Dick. Nectarines, do three— Ist, Robert Miller Apricots, do three — none. Plums best six, three I ght, three dark -Ist, R. Thomson. Raspberries, with stalks, best dish— lst, Hugh M'Neill Melon, best flavoured— none. Apples, best three varieties, three each — Ist, Jno. Gillies ; 2nd, John Logan. Peara. bs't two do, three each — Ist, Dr Hulme ; 2nd, Dr Purdie.

Class IV.— Vegetables: Best collection —Ist, A. H. Shury ; 2nd, William Winchester. Salads, best collection — none Cucumber, best brace— lst. A. H. Shury; 2nd, Charles Gibb. Carrots, best six (three lon,', three horn)— lst, Eobt Miller; 2nd, W. Winchester. Parsnips, besc three — lRt, J W. Jago ; 2nd, C. Gibs. Beet, best three, dark — Ist, C. Gibb ; 2nd. John Graham Turnips, best six (three white, three y 'How) — none. Leeks, be3t three — Ist, Robert Miller. Onions, best six — Ist. P. bick ; 2nd, R. Miller. Runners, best 24 pods — Ist, W. J. Winchester. Peas, best 3 varieties, 24p0d8 each— none. Po r atoes, best 3 varieties, % each — Ist, Kobert Miller. Cabbies, best 2— Ist, John Graham ; 2nd, R. Miller ; do. heaviest I—lst1 — Ist John '-raham; 2nd, R. Miller ; do, red pickling — l«t, John Graham. -Savoys, best 2—lst,2 — Ist, R. Miller, Cauliflower, best 2— -none. Lettuce, besb four. 2 cos, 2 cabbage— lst, Robert Miller. Tomitnes, best eingle dish, 6— lst, Dr Hulrae. Vegetable marrow, best 2 - Ist, A. H. Shury ; 2nd, R. Miller. Pumpkins — none, Celery, best two heads, 1 white, I red — none. Eschalots, best 12— 1st, R. Miller ; 2nd, A. Shury. Rhubarb— best 4 stalks — Ist, A. ff. Shury; 2nd, K. Thomson.

Special. — Lambert's Vases— W. Arrol; Matheson Brothers' Vn»es— James Gebbie ; A. C. Purdie's Cage— W. Martin, Green Island. Society's Ist prize, Miniature Garden —P. M'Gregor.

Judges — Flowers in Pot and Cut : Messrs Begg, Ware, and Edwards. Vegetables and Fruit — Messrs Langmuir, Douglas, Martin, and Henderson (Tomahawk).