HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 2000, 24 December 1863, Page 2

HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

Horticultural fetes constitute red letter days in the calendar almost everywhere, and in no place are they more appreciated than in Wellington. If any one were sceptical on this point, a visit to the Odd Fellows' Hall yesterday, would have convinced him, or her, as the case may be, of the profound truth of this remark. Towards one o'clock, the hour of opening, a gathering stream of citizens accompanied by ' their buxom spouses and blooming daughters, might have been seen converging towards the exhibition of the Horticultural Society, held in the Odd Fellows' Hall, which soon became filled with the gay and curious assemblage. On entering it was at first impossible to get a view of the tables from the way in which the room was crowded, but gradually we edged our way towards the tables, and slowly passing along had an opportunity of examining the large and beautiful collection of flowers, fruits, vegetables and shrubs, which composed the exhibition. The general appearance of the room wa9 very imposing in enect. In the centre was a table covered with specimens of flowers in every variety of form and colour. At the top various plants were gracefully disposed, the middle oeing occupied by a large bouquet in a vase, while on the right and left sides of the Hall were disposed the fruits and vegetables. When examined in detail, the various objects were found to be well worth attention. The show of flowers, in point of quantity, beauty, and variety, were everything that could be desired, and far exceeded that of . the previous exhibition. A device in flowers exhibited ., by Mr Wilkinson, was very much, admired, and deservedly received a prize for the tasteful and unique character ot its design. The collections of geraniums, fuschias, and piccottees, belonging to this exhibition were much commended and also awarded prizes. In roses, the prize for the best single rose was awarded to Mr G-. Moore, while Mr Wilkinson gained a similar honor for his collection. The other exhibitors in this department well sustained their previous reputation. But as we do not venture to infringe on the prerogative of the judges we. must refer our readers to the prize list itself. The show of fruit, though limited, was good of its kind. Strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, apples, and rhubarb all were there. Some strawberries exhibited by Mr Riddler, were splendid specimens, Mr rharazyn had some equally good raspberries, while the gooseberries seat by Messrs Wilkinson and vVoodward, were as fine as we ever remember to have seen before. Passing to the vegetable class, we thought the cabbages were decidedly the most striking feature. A' specimen exhibited by Mr 3J. Collins, was a' perfect Brobdinagian, but did not look so very large either, when compared with the rest. The show of carrots, turnips, peas and beans, was excellent, and a considerable number of prizes feu to the share of this department. Altogether, the exhibition was a decided success, and evinces not only the energy shownby the directors of the Society butalsotheincreasing interest evinced by the public in its operations. From the hour of opening the hall was crowded and every body departed well satisfied at having passed a pleasant afternoon. Perhaps we should allude to the absense of the band whose inspiriting strains did not as of yore add to the gratification of visitors, but this is an omission which we hear was unavoidable. We have subjoined the list of prizes. VEGETABLES. FIRST PHIZES. Cabbages, It. Oo'lins; turnips, T. Scarrow; parsnips, T. Sunrrow ; potatoes, T. Scarrow; peas, H. Woimldom; Windsor beans, Thos. George ; French beans, H. Meek; carrots, M. Read ; onions, D. Wilkinson ; cucumbers, J. Burne ; lettuce, R. .Collins ; artichokes, R. Collins ; rhubarb, Thos Mason ; asparagus, M. Bead. SECOND PBIZEB. Cabbages, H. Bracken ; put itoes, R. Collins ; peas, M. Bead. FLOWERS. FIRST GLASS. Best (levies. D Wilkinson ; best bouquet, J. Seller ; best rose, G. Moore ; collection of roses, D. Wilkinson; best fiuchia, J. Plimmer; collection of fuschia, G. Moore; best geiamum, W. Bennett; collection of geraniums, D. Wilkinson ; collection of piccotees, D. Wilkinson; collection of pansies, G Edwards ; collection of balsams, J. Burne ; collection of verbenas, J. Plimmer; collection of calceolaritis, W. Ben» nett; cactus, G. Alien. SECOND PRIZES. Device, R. Collins ; bouquet, G. Muore. EXTRA PRIZES. Double fusehia, J. Woodward ; gladiolus, (new), W. Bennett ; nllemuuda, J. Plimmer; lantanca, J. Burne; collection of autherrimutns, R. Donald ; raauramiia barchiyaon, James Sellar ; tnereum splendeus, J. Piirnmer ; catnelia, W. Bennett; topaolum cauariende, Her. A. Stock ; aquatic plants, Rer. A. Stock ; Lepospermum andsomeda, Rev. A. Slock; collection of geraniums, (highly commended) C. J, Phara* zyn. FRUIT. x FIRST PRIZES. Strawberries, W. Riddler, raspberries, C. J. Pharazyn ; gooseberries, H. Wouldom ; cherries, G. Hunter, SECOND PRIZES. Gooseberries, D. Wilkinson ; cherries, G. Moore. EXTRA FRIZES. Loquots, Rev. A. Stock ; almonds, 5, S« Cheesman ; green walnuts, H. Wouuldotn.