ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 5, 29 July 1908, Page 39

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

This important floral festival—the 21st held under the auspices of this Society—took place within the historic grounds of the Inner Temple, London, on May 26, and two following days. These exhibitions have been characterised by a success almost without a parallel. So much has their popularity increased that the Society finds its resources taxed to the utmost to make room for the ever-in-creasing displays. On the opening day the charge for admission in former years

was 7/6, but this year the price was raised to 10/, and there was no falling off in the attendance. Her Majesty Queen Alexandra, accompanied by H.R.H. Princess Victoria, was present on the opening day. The show was equal to any former Exhibition, but no outstanding

novelty was presented ; greenhouse plants, orchids, etc., were much in evidence, the coveted Veitchian cup being won by Mr. F. M. Ogilvie, Oxford. Magnificent groups of stove and greenhouse plants, Orchids, etc., were staged by leading nurserymen. A fine bougainvillea named Maude Chettleurgh with bright flowers, was shown by Messrs Cannell, of Swanley, who also staged some noteworthy cannas, amongst others one named Dr. Nansen, a dwarf grower, with yellow flowers. Messrs. Sutton had a great display of calceolarias, cinerarias, schizanthus, gloxinias, and begonias. A magnificent display of the clorinda pelargonium was staged by Mr E. Beckett Elstree. Carnations appear to have been a great feature at this show. All kinds were well represented; the malmaison type was represented by Princess of Wales (rose). Maggie Hudson (crimson), King Arthur (scarlet). Mrs. Martin R. Smith (rich pink), Elf King (purple tint), and numerous others. The American type was well to the fore, such famous sorts as Aristocrat, Enchantress, Harlowarden, White Perfection, Winsor, etc., being remarkably fine.

Roses in great numbers of many sections growing in pots, as well as cut blooms, were well shown in almost endless variety. The biggest blooms were those of Princess C. de Ligue, which measured 7in in diameter; blooms were loosely built. Pierre Notting and Frau Karl Druschki were also of great size. Amongst roses deemed worthy of special notice we find Wm. Shean, Mrs. Myles Kennedy (a grand creamy white tea), Cherry Ripe. Elizabeth Barnes and Nellie Johnston. Dorothy Page Roberts is uncommon in colour, but of a sprawling form when expanded. Dean Hole is a nice bud. Mrs. Longworth is a new American rose, a sport from Caroline Testout, pink with white tints. The Lion is a pretty filbert-shaped bloom, salmon pink colour, tinted with copper. Delight a new trailing rose with white centre, flowers of the build of Hiawatha. Elaiine. a pure white Hybrid tea. obtained an award of merit. A fine display of azaleas and rhododendrons were on view. Messrs. John Waterer and Sons, the famous growers, showing the rhododendron pink pearl in excellent condition. Sweet peas were shown by several exhibitors. the sprays of blossom being of good colour and well flowered. Some of the finest varieties shown were Helen Lewis, Miss Wilmott, Etta Dyke (said to be the finest white). Elsie Herbert, Mrs. Collier. King Alphonso (deep carmine), Audrey Crier. Queen Alexandra, Gladys

Unwin, Paradise, King Edward, Herbert Smith. Altogether the display of flowers was valued at £500,000, but it was difficult to estimate the intrinsic value of many of the plants, while some of them were well-nigh priceless. The display of fruit was meagre for so huge an exhibition. Fruit trees in pots, staged by t'he well-known growers, Messrs. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth, were a fine collection, including peach, nectarine, cherries, figs, etc. Great interest was manifested in the collection of 100 dishes of well preserved apples, shown by Messrs. G. Bunyard and Co., Maidstone. Messrs. Laxton Bros., Bedford, had a fine display of strawberries. Vegetables were also shown, but the exhibition was held too early for a good display. Some very fine bunches of asparagus were on view.