: (Ms THE ROYAL oa CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY JOHN H. WILSON, D.Sc., F.R.S.E., Honorary Editor The Society does not hold itself responsible for the statements or views expressed by the authors of the papers CONTENTS PAGE MR PATRICK NEILL FRASER 5 ; ; : - 83 MR DAVID PRINGLE LAIRD . : : : : 85 NOTES ON VEGETABLE CLASSES AT THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW. By ALEX. DEAN . 3 : 87 IMPRESSIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW—FLOWER DEPARTMENT. By E. MoLyNneux : : poets, GRAPES AT THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW. = Wm. CRUMP, V.M.H. . - - 93 IMPRESSIONS OF THE ee eee SHOW. Sy Davip THOMSON, V.M.H. . : . 94 NOTES ON THE EXHIBITS OF HARDY FRUITS AT INTER- NATIONAL SHOW : : . : : pS COOL ORCHIDS (with Illustration). By R. BRooMAN WHITE - 100 BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR VARIETIES (with Illustrations). By CHARLES T. DRUERY, V.M.H., F.L.S. : . - 106 [Continued on Outside Back Cover. PRINTED BY NEILL AND COMPANY, LIMITED BELLEVUE, EDINBURGH 1908 THE West End Clothiers Co. Ld. SPECIALISTS IN HIGH-CLASS TAILORING SOLE MAKERS THE 95 [- ‘Mitchell-Proof 3 5 if Reed. Overcoat Ready for Wear or Made to Order. GUARANTEED TO WITHSTAND SOAKING RAIN. THE 42/- Lounge Suit 42) : Ready for Wear or Made to Order. Selected from the Latest Fashionable Material, specially designed and manufactured for ourselves. Best Workmanship and satisfaction assured to every Customer. Patterns and Self-Measurement Forms Ost a lnee. The WEST END CLOTHIERS CO. LD. 3 NORTH BRIDGE, EDINBURGH. Telephone No. 551 Central. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh http://archive.org/details/memoirsofroyv1p200roya THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD BALFOUR OF BURLEIGH, K.T. PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY MEMOIRS ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Mr PATRICK NEILL FRASER. THE death of Mr Patrick Neill Fraser on the 27th of February 1905 removed a well-known figure from botanical and horti- cultural circles in Scotland. Mr Fraser was a member of the old established printing firm of Neill & Co., with which he was connected from his earliest manhood. In spite, however, of the exacting duties of his business he managed during the whole of his life to find time for the study of botany and the cultivation of plants, and when he removed to his beautiful residence at Rockville, Murrayfield, he had ample scope for the indulgence of his favourite pursuit. He paid special attention to Ferns, but he loved plants of all kinds, hardy and tender, alpine and herbaceous. Mr Fraser’s hobby was his garden. He spent his leisure time in it, and he had no greater pleasure than in exhibiting his treasures to his friends. Mr Fraser was best known as a cultivator of Ferns. He had gathered them from all parts of the world, and was very suc- cessful in his treatment of them. Some of his exotic ferns were magnificent specimens which carried off numerous prizes at the shows of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society. He spared himself no pains in acquiring new species. In the spring of 1896 he undertook an expedition to Jamaica to study in their native habitats the Filmy Ferns for which that lovely island is famous. The writer well remembers the enthusiasm VOL. I. PART IL. 7 84 ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMOIRS. with which he would climb to an altitude of 5000 or 6000 feet, and labour with restless activity for hours in the close damp heat, returning in the afternoon with two heavy bags of spoil slung upon his back. It was trying work for a man who was no longer young, but the ardour of the chase was upon him, and no difficulty was sufficient to daunt him. Many of the Filmies he brought home alive, and he had considerable success in growing them, although it is almost impossible to reproduce the natural conditions under which they flourish. He visited the island of Grenada, and from there also added to his stores. All Ferns, however, were equally interesting to him, and he possessed a remarkable collection of varieties of the British species. His rockeries were extensive, but he had not quite the same success with alpines as with Ferns. He had a great number of them, however, and many of them were interesting. An old quarry hole in his grounds, which in other hands would have been an eyesore, he had transformed into a thing of beauty, planting the slopes with fine shrubs, cutting walks through them, forming rockeries along the paths, and filling up the margins of the water with water-plants. Everywhere evidence was seen of horticultural knowledge and taste. Mr Fraser was connected with several scientific societies. At his death he had been a member of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh for fifty years, and for some time he acted as its treasurer. For twenty-seven years, until 1898, he filled the same office in the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society ; in 1892 his services were acknowledged by a presentation of silver plate. He was a Fellow also of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and of the Scottish Alpine Botanical Club, whose excursions to the Highlands he attended until he was no longer fit for mountain climbing. He joined the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society shortly after its foundation half a century ago. He did not contribute much to scientific journals, but the papers he wrote from time to time were characterised by fulness and accuracy of knowledge. Possessed of a good botanical library, especially rich in works of reference, and aided by his volu- minous and carefully arranged notebooks, he was able to put his finger in a few moments on reliable information regarding any plant for the benefit of the friends who consulted him. THE LATE MR PATRICK NEILL FRASER. 85 His herbarium of Ferns was particularly good, embracing specimens from all parts of the world. His business and his gardening were the two main occupa- tions of Mr Fraser’s life. He was of too retiring a disposition to be in any sense a public man; his modesty prevented him from pushing himself forward. He loved a quiet and peaceful life. By his friends he was much esteemed and liked for his straightforward honesty, his kindly and obliging disposition, and the urbanity of his manner. Many remember him and regret his loss. DAVID PAUL, M.A., LL.D. Mr DAVID PRINGLE LAIRD. On the eve of the International Show, in September 1905, quite a gloom was cast over many, both inside and outside the Society, when it became known that Mr D. P. Laird, who had left Edinburgh but a few days before in the most buoyant of spirits, and with the intention of being back in time to take part in the proceedings connected with the great exhibition, had come by a sudden and tragic end. It was indeed a rude shock to his many friends and acquaintances. Mr Laird took a deep interest in the affairs of the Society, and he was one of the most active of its members. For several terms he served at the Council Board, and for one term he was a Vice-President ; and while he served in the latter capacity, when he usually had to preside at the meetings, those who sat round the table with him will long remember the fine tact with which he conducted the business, and the good humour in which he always kept everyone. Mr Laird was born in 1853, and was educated at the Edin- burgh Institution, Dr John Nisbet, late of the Indian Forest Service, being one of his schoolmates. He afterwards entered the nursery and seed business of Downie, Laird & Laing, of which firm his father was a partner, and at the time of his death he was the senior managing director of the firm of R. B. Laird & Sons, Limited. In the early seventies he spent two years in Ceylon, and on his return to Edinburgh he resumed 86 ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMOIRS. his connection with the business with which his family had so long been associated. With the affairs of the sister Society, the Scottish Horticul- tural Association, Mr Laird was closely identified. He was one of the founders of the Association, and.its first Treasurer, in which capacity he acted for several years afterwards. He served for a number of terms as a Councillor, and also as a Vice- President, and in 1887 he was elected to the presidential chair. In forestry matters, too, be took a deep interest, and for many years he was intimately associated with the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society, in the affairs of which, as Councillor and Vice-President, he took a prominent part; and when, after the death of Mr Dunn, it fell to him as Convener of the Excursion Committee to lead the excursion party in their annual outings, it may be truly said that no more genial leader ever took them in hand. Mr Laird also found time to devote to public affairs, and in educational and other matters connected with the parish in which he resided, Corstorphine, his services were much sought after. At the time of his death he was a member of the Parish Council and of the School and several other Boards. When hard frost brought nursery work to a standstill, the attractions of the curling pond were to him irresistible, and by none will his companionship be more missed than by those devotees of the “roaring game” amongst whom he was so singularly popular. A Daan co 7 Nota 7 i *sJayIOC pue uosyeyndaq Ayaqs0g JeanyNo}s0ZY [eA ‘saspn( qyounor jo dnoiy *6061 ‘AAOHS IVNOLLVNUGZLNI *fivag aA) *[ ATTA OV “APIN GH ‘uosuoyy Aviiny ‘d ‘aISSUN “H AN ‘youe a *[ Arey *YOOD “HL -aTTIATS TN “AN sf EE eg € y id asia ! Lf a MIE “AN ‘AS jan 51B< ‘presungd 5) * apt as 3 “UWS ‘SMOIPUY U ee an rea eran ies predung “ ‘uospny “f ‘ayers uyof “1ay905 “f MOM LNOYA z us Avo. 7 [neg ‘095 ‘PppIM “dd “youdy AI] "yy 9 “sp “Ss, 0° , UdAUIOIN "yc ‘s "gS ptt 4 . ea eles 4 é : M “Seu BBO ‘4 a 9 “f 109-"1- AYIOIN “f Spying “AA 'H ‘Ssepsnoq ‘se[ aopuy, Wf Wy SOS "M. ET KUNA esa ee oF nie tie vn ch “MO USPS “MOSSE: IW av ‘ssouyleyyqoy ‘wWoury 's ‘siypsur‘q ‘yeqdureg ‘WwW y : < : eH ash Vie Suemis Up aqdure9 "I wean “UOSTIAA * s 9 a Leyte MLM ATC L uosomuef “A, A ‘Teqdue) “WwW “Woot OIG ene ce } MOM pat SECO ee eter ype ‘founyx044 “1 mae as piece BAI Tiare IOSuLOY., “MA *C souleg “TN uo A “f ay ALT “UAL, ‘soo'T ‘H aay MOD NOVA \ vi : hy r ie Asay Se % “MOHS IVNOLLVNAUALNI LV AIA TIVAHNED [al . wn jy. Cal, Hort. Lor NOTES ON THE VEGETABLE CLASSES AT THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW. By Atex. Dean, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey. Ir is very doubtful whether at any time in the history of vegetable competitions any exhibit had ever before created such lively interest as did the class offered by this Society for 24 dishes of distinct varieties of not less than 12 kinds at this International Show. The prizes offered, four in number, and of the total value of £51, largely exceeded in value any known to have been previously offered, and thus made the class a veritable champion competition. Special interest also attached to the class because the schedule insisted on the positions of the respective exhibits being determined by points, and it was fortunate that it was so, as otherwise it would have been impossible in the case of the chief exhibits to have arrived at any clearly defined conclusion. Point judging without doubt materially adds to the interest attached to such competitions ; but whilst competitors and visitors like to ascertain exactly the numbers of points awarded in each case, experience unhappily shows that by their public exposure no end of disputation often results, crowds in a wrangling mood often gathering round the point cards, and thereby greatly incommoding the public. Another special cause for interest in the competition was found in the knowledge that such famous English vegetable growers as Messrs E. Beckett and J. Gibson (although the latter is none the less a Scotsman) would compete, and thus present the very finest opportunity offered to enable English and Scottish growers to come into full and fair competition. These two competitors took first and second place respectively, and whilst a capable Scottish grower came third, there was a material difference between his and the preceding English-grown collections. Still his effort in this great competition merited all praise. Whilst the Scottish grower, Mr Harper, had to be 88 ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMOIRS. content with 122 points, another leading English grower, Mr Ashton, secured only 1084 points. Apart from the superb quality seen in the exhibits of Messrs E. Beckett with 1434 points, and J. Gibson with 139 points, the setting up of the collections in each case was most elaborate and artistic, really in vegetables alone creating veritable works of art, and helping to make these splendid exhibits some of the most attractive features of the Show. Turning to the purely Scottish class for 18 dishes only, whilst there was good competition, the average quality was less high. Mr Beckett’s collection gave an average of 6 points to each dish, and Mr J. Gibson 58ths. The first prize collection in the Scottish 18 dishes, that of Mr R. R. Gibson, with 96 points, gave an average of 52ths. As the second prize collection obtained 94 points, the relative point proportions were in this case very similar to that seen in the first and second exhibits - in the open class. In the smaller classes for vegetables, and more especially in those for Potatoes, Scottish growers held their own most ably. Better samples than were those staged by Messrs M‘Pherson, Gemmell, and M‘Rae have seldom been seen. Peas, especially the Scots-raised Gladstone, Leeks, Onions, Celery, pots of Parsley, Cauliflowers, and all other vegetables were generally of superb quality and excellence. These vegetable competitions were indeed something of which the Exhibition Executive might well be proud. The contrast seen between the French vegetable exhibits, so kindly staged by the great Paris seedsmen, Messrs Vilmorin, Andrieux and Co., and those of British growth was remarkable. The trade exhibits as a whole, but especially those of Potatoes, called forth very high commendation. The association in the judging of the vegetable classes of English and Scottish censors was a happy conception. ~ iow Nee Roy. Cal. Hort. Soc Memoirs | *“MOHS ‘suopieyy asnoyy weyuoply ‘LLasoag “ay Aq pelqiyx| TVNOLLVNUALNI LV SHTEV.LSDSA AO AWIdSIC AZISd LSU IMPRESSIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW—FLOWER DEPARTMENT. By E. MotyNeux, Swanmore Park, Bishop’s Waltham, Hants. For some months before the Show I had spent much thought on the display which I anticipated, and when the opening day arrived I was not disappointed. Although there were not many outstanding features beyond what one would expect in such a large number of well-thought-out classes as were seen on this occasion, the display was, on the whole, the finest I have seen during thirty years of horticultural travel in the United Kingdom and on the Continent, and nowhere else have I seen such general excellence as was exhibited here. But while this is so, | do not mean to imply that some of the exhibits have not been surpassed in excellence at some time or other. One exception, however, must be made, and that is vegetables. These, I have no hesitation in saying, were superior to any which have yet been exhibited. It is not on vegetables, how- ever, that I purpose making any remarks I have to make, but on the Floral display. Arriving in Edinburgh two days before the Show, I had ample opportunity of noting the arrangements which had been made, and when I saw the chaotic state in which the Waverley Market was at 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning, I marvelled at the result twenty-four hours later when the Show was ready for opening. Mr Murray Thomson and his willing band of workers will never forget those hours, I am sure. If ever a man was required in ten places at once, Mr Thomson, I am certain, holds that record. The grumbling of the exhibitors alone, at what they con- sidered to be want of arrangement, was sufficient to fill one with dismay. Being in the position of an “unemployed,” I had ample opportunity of hearing and seeing what was going on. My reply to the confiding growler—the exhibitor who expects 90 ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMOIRS. to find everything in apple-pie order—was invariably the same: “Give the man a chance; if you had half as much to do and think about, and at the same time try to be courteous to all, as he has, I guess you wouldn't do any better.’ The reply came quickly and warmly, “It’s all very well for you; you have nothing to do; I have a lot to do.” But when night fell on the first day of the Show these same grumblers, especially the prize-winners, were loud in their praise of the arrangements. Now, as to the Show itself. The groups of plants arranged for effect were extremely fine, were, in fact, superior to any exhibits of the kind hitherto seen in Scotland. Some of the finest Crotons imaginable were shown, exhibiting the highest possible cultivation, and the way in which the first prize group was displayed ne doubt did much to secure for the exhibitor the leading award. Foliage plants in small pots are invariably a feature of Scottish exhibitions. Nowhere in England can their equals be found. British Ferns were indeed a feature, but rather in point of quality than in the large size of the plants. The Welsh Polypody (Polypodiwm vulgare, var. cambricum) especially was of high merit in cultiva- tion. The Scolopendriums, too, were much superior to what one is accustomed to see in England. In the non-competitive groups the exhibits were remarkable. Of great interest was the varied and unique exhibit from the Corporation of Glasgow, so excellently arranged by Mr Whitton, the Parks Superintendent. Plants there were in this group which are rarely seen outside of a Botanic garden, and yet they are so interesting. Messrs J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, had one of their characteristic displays. Crotons, Alocasias, Dracenas, with Nepenthes, etc., found a host of admirers. Mr D. W. Thomson, Edinburgh, had a wonderful display of retarded plants in flower, exemplifying well the method of controlling the flowering period of plants at will. In the cut flower department there was an immense display. Roses, considering the late period in the season, were remark- ably fine, and so differently arranged from what one usually finds to be the case. Messrs J. Cocker & Sons, Aberdeen, must have given an envious pang to those exhibitors who stuck to the flat box method of arranging cut blooms when they saw the exquisitely fine arrangement in the competitive class which Roy. Cal. Hort, Soc. Memoirs, FLORAL DESIGN AT INTERNATIONAL SHOW. Exhibited by FELTon & Son, London. INTERNATIONAL SHOW—FLOWER DEPARTMENT, 91 they had set up, bold masses of superb blooms in bamboo stands with their own foliage being used. “Caroline Testout,” “ Mme. Abel Chatenay,” and “ Frau Karl Druschki” were immense in size and quality. Im the smaller classes also were many noteworthy exhibits. Gladiol were admirably represented, and were much finer than we see them in England as a rule, although the premier exhibit came from Northumberland. “ Chloe,” “Fra Diavolo,” “ Sceptre,” “ Des Fleurs,” and “ Lord Salisbury ” were remarkable for the high quality of their flowers. Dahlias were exceedingly fine, especially the Show varieties exhibited by Mr J. Smellie, the huge size and superb finish of which were their leading attributes. This exhibitor also proved that he can grow the Cactus section equally well. I cannot, however, admire the method so commonly adopted of securing the blooms to flat black velvet-covered boards. They were certainly worthy of better treatment. Sweet Peas were marvellously well grown, and well staged. Their size of petal, lustre in colour, and freshness in appearance were such as we in England—in the southern counties at any rate—cannot obtain. Carnations were variable. Some handsome flowers were shown, but many were otherwise. Hardy flowers were contributed in enormous quantity, but I must confess to disappointment in not finding any new feature either in arrangement or in variety; but perhaps constant visits to the Temple Show in London are apt to make one too exacting in this respect at other shows. Pansies and Violas were exhibited in large numbers. Although taught from a mere boy to appreciate the Pansy, I cannot for the life of me see what others so admire in these flowers; and though I have no doubt whatever as to the quality of those which were staged here, I cannot but say that Pansies are not desirable flowers from a utilitarian point of view. Violas were of special merit, and were effectively displayed, the delicate tints being simply charming, and the more one examined the flowers, the more handsome did they seem to appear. For Scotland, Pentstemons were exceptionally poor. Having a strong penchant for this flower, I had left a large gap in my imagination to be filled by what I was to see here ; but, alas! the good blooms were non-existent. 92 ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMOIRS. The Table Decoration and Floral Classes were a new feature in Edinburgh, and created much interest. The site selected for the exhibits, however, was not of the best, as many of the magnificent wreaths, crosses, and bouquets could be but indifferently seen, placed as they were under the gallery. Messrs Felton & Son, London, had a most gorgeous first prize table of Orchids, all displayed without a semblance of crowding, an object-lesson of this common fault to many exhibitors. Taken as a whole, the display was varied, interesting, and certainly educational; and to me not the least interesting feature of it was the discussion which I had with Mr Murray Thomson, Mr M‘Hattie, and Mr Richardson over the knotty question of protests and disqualifications which crop up so frequently at shows. Roy. Cal. Hort. Soc. Memoirs, } . MOHS IVNOLLVNUALNI LV SHSOU HO HIEV.L AZINd LSald , 4 Va tig i Y GRAPES AT THE ROYAL CALEDONIAN SOCIETYS INTERNATIONAL SHOW. SEPTEMBER 1905. By Wm. Crump, V.M.H., Madresfield Court, Malvern. EVERYBODY expected to see a good display of high quality Grapes at this show. Taken as a whole, the exhibits were not disappointing; they were, however, not uniformly good, for whilst the size, quality, and finish of many of the varieties were grand in the extreme, others were very indifferent, rendering the exhibits quite unworthy of the valuable prizes offered by this enterprising and up-to-date Society. In fact, so inferior were the exhibits in some instances that the judges withheld the first prizes. But these remarks refer chiefly to the smaller or single-bunch classes. The varieties best represented in the exhibition were Muscat of Alexandria, Chasselas, Napoleon, Appley Towers, and Madres- field Court, and there were splendidly staged bunches of these by Mr J. Beisant, Castle Huntly, in competition for the Scottish Challenge Trophy for eight bunches of grapes, given by Mr W. H. Massie. It was evident from the points awarded that the judges had set a very high standard. No bunch gained the maximum number of points, which was doubtless a correct decision ; but if the two bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, staged in Class 9, by Mr W. Galloway, gardener to the Earl of Wemyss, Gosford, had been point-judged by the same high standard, maximum marks would have been unanimously awarded. Indeed, it was the unanimous opinion of the judges that nothing finer or nearer absolute perfection of their kind had ever been staged before. Bunches, berries, and colour were grand, and the exhibit was quite worthy of the award of His Majesty the King’s Cup, offered for the best fruit exhibit in the Show. IMPRESSIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW OF 1905. By Davip Tuomson, V.M.H., Eskbank, President of the Judges. THE International Show of 1905 was without doubt by far the most extensive exhibition of the kind ever held in Scotland, and as a whole it may be characterised as the best and most effective of these exhibitions. Looking back to the first International Exhibition, promoted by the Edinburgh Horticultural Society, in 1865, and contrasting the two shows, the difference in extent is very marked. Then the Music Hall,in George Street, afforded sufficient space for the Floral exhibits, and the adjoin- ing Assembly Rooms accommodated the Fruit exhibits. The exhibits of 1905 filled the interior of the spacious Waverley Market in all its parts, and overflowed extensively on to its roof. A striking feature of the Show was the very much larger proportion of nurserymen’s exhibits as compared with what was seen at former shows, and perhaps the next most striking feature was the great falling off in the number of large land- owners whose names appeared in the list of exhibitors. On this occasion a great improvement in the quality of the trade groups of miscellaneous plants staged for effect was very evident, and by staging them on the floor a great improvement was effected in the appearance of the Show generally. In these groups, too, a new departure was manifested in the transference, by retardation, of spring-flowering plants to the autumn-flower- ing groups. In flowering stove and greenhouse plants there was a very marked falling off, and the entire absence of those grand specimens of hard-wooded Heaths and other greenhouse and stove plants which appeared at the earlier International Shows from the gardens of various noblemen, and which formed the most severe tests of high and persistent cultural skill, was very much to be regretted. The display of Roses, Carnations, Dahlias, Gladioli, Begonias, Roy. Cal. Hort. Soc. Memoirs. | KING’S CUP. Awarded for the Best Exhibit in the Competitive Fruit Classes. Won by JAMES BEISANT, with Eight Bunches of Grapes, Soe. Memotrs. | oy. Cal. Hort. > vu vi *proystuuy ad10ar) SIT 0} JoUsprey “INVSIAg sawvf Aq paqryx| ‘“MOHS TVNOLLVNUYLNI LV SddVaD AO SSVID AHdOUWL ASONATIVHD HSLL.LOOS imag Bary poets 4qeypepey pad Mu sianuda ml = away \WIMOWIIN, DDO} eee es ee day soni ana AO, “WOR a ’ . 7 eis Zea BS : ‘ i sil i | 4\ 05 "yanod playsaipeyy ‘RLIPUBXETW JO JeOSNTY ‘stomoy, Aojddy ‘eLIpueXITW JO Jeosny] ‘uoajodeny sejasseyg *yNOD, ppPeysoipey ‘uosjoden, svjasseyd ‘samo y, Aojddy IMPRESSIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW. 95 ete., was unrivalled by that of any former Show, and perhaps the most marked improvement observed in these was in the collection of double and single tuberous Begonias exhibited by a trade firm from England. Turning to the Fruit classes, which were very extensive as compared with previous International Shows, one could not but be impressed by the large number of bunches of Grapes shown ; but I think it was quite evident that the proportion of inferior bunches was very great as compared with what has been seen on former occasions. The very best in quality fell considerably below the examples that were staged in 1865, and in later years, from England and Scotland. Especially does this apply to Museats and Black Hamburghs, which are the true test of cultural skill. For the heavy bunches, too, the exhibits fell far below those of former shows, at which bunches from 20 lbs. to 26 lbs. in weight were exhibited. It was generally conceded that the exhibition of vegetables was the outstanding feature of the show, and the display as a whole was very meritorious. In the collections especially the quality was remarkably fine, and the way in which these were staged was really most effective. In looking back to forty years ago, and taking into account the way in which fruits and flowers were then staged for exhibition, one cannot but be struck by the very great improve- ment in the way in which flowers and fruit are now conveyed and staged as compared with the methods which were then in vogue, and this applies more especially to Grapes and other tender fruits. The reference to improvement is quite as appli- cable to all the other arrangements connected with shows as it is to the conveying and staging of the exhibits. NOTES ON THE EXHIBITS OF HARDY FRUITS AT THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW. By CHARLES WEBSTER, Gordon Castle, Fochabers. THE magnificent display of hardy fruit at the late International Show of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society was, to those who had the pleasure of seeing it, an object-lesson in many ways. The handsome prizes offered by the Society and the advantage of a fine season induced strong competition in nearly all the classes, and the very finest fruit was shown. Taking Apples first, as being more extensively exhibited than any of the other fruits, what struck one most was the high colour and finish of the English and Irish exhibits as compared with the Scottish ones. The English and Irish fruit seemed more like what we are accustomed to find in the orchard house than from trees grown in the open air. That fine exhibition sort, “ Peasgood’s Nonsuch,” was oftener shown than any other kind, and there were some exceptionally fine dishes of it amongst the collections; but although one of the best varieties for show purposes, it is not a profitable one to plant extensively. Some of the newer sorts that have been raised either by using the pollen of this variety or making it the seed parent, such as “Chas. Ross,” “Rival,” and “ Coronation,’ were to be seen in some of the collections, but it is doubtful if ever they will be so extensively grown or become as popular as ‘“ Peasgood’s” is, It is not many years since “James Grieve,” “Newton Wonder,” and “ Allington Pippin” were put into commerce, but they have already made a name for themselves, and they were to be seen in nearly every collection. They are all sterling good kinds, and will be more extensively planted when their merits become better known. Of sorts that have been recently introduced, “ Langley Pippin,” “ Ben’s Red,” “ King Edward VII.,” “ Norfolk Beauty,” and a few more promising new sorts which are likely to be seen at future internationals, were observed. Amongst those older kinds which still keep their place on the exhibition aay 1A ae fy Roy, Cal. Hort. Soc. Memoirs } TWELVE DISHES OF FRUIT AT INTERNATIONAL SHOW. GOODACRE. Ie Exhibited by J. “MOHS IVNOLLVNUELNI LV SHTIddV dO LISIHXd e a ‘Ss S) > ~ s S bs) ite S R J a . La) = wo > cS SN INTERNATIONAL SHOW—EXHIBITS OF HARDY FRUITS. 97 table, and which were represented by almost perfect samples, may be mentioned “Warner's King,” “ Ecklinville Seedling,” “ Lane’s Prince Albert,” “ Worcester Pearmain,” “ Cellini,” and a few others. In the exhibits of Messrs Veitch and Bunyard were some grand samples of all the newer and up-to-date sorts, as well as many of the older and well-known kinds. Both exhibits well upheld the reputation of these firms as pomologists of high standing. There can be no doubt that the use of the Paradise stock has had a wonderful influence in bringing a good many sorts into an earlier fruiting stage than when grafted on the Crab stock; and where attention has been given in the way of mulching and exposure of the fruit to the sun, they also take on a much higher colour than when grown upon the Crab or free stock. The English Pears from the open air were, like the apples, a long way ahead of the Scottish-grown fruit. The Show was, no doubt, held a little too early in the season for the late sorts to be seen at their best, but nevertheless there was a great difference both in size and colour between the English and Scottish samples. Some sorts do very much better in some districts than in others, but there are a few general favourites which seem to succeed in most places, and these were to be seen in nearly every collection. That finest of Dessert Pears, “ Doyenne de Comice,’ was shown more frequently than any other sort, and there was scarcely a collection without a dish of it. “Louise Bonne of Jersey,” “ Souvenir du Congres,” “ Marie Louise,” and “ Pitmaston Duchesse” were staged more or less in every collection, and they would seem to succeed in nearly every part of the country. Of the newer kinds that were more frequently seen than others, “ Margaret Marillat,” a large high-coloured fruit of taking appearance, was observed in a good many collections. Another variety of very high colour not often seen in Scotland was “Beurre Mortillet,” and the best-coloured dish of Pears in the Show was one of this variety. The whole of the Pears were of great excellence, and one rarely has the opportunity of seeing so many choice varieties exhibited at one time. What the Paradise stock has done for the Apple, the Quince has done for the Pear, and it has enabled growers to get their 98 ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMOIRS. trees into a very much earlier fruiting condition than could have. been done by using the Pear stock. In dry seasons, however, it is essential that trees carrying a crop of fruit should be well mulched and watered, otherwise the fruit. will fail to swell as it ought to do. The classes for the collections of Plums were well contested, and the fruits, both from under glass and outside, made an excellent display. The fruit from the inside had a grand bloom, and the winning lots were especially fine. The number of seedlings raised by Messrs Rivers, as compared with the number of older kinds which was shown, bore testimony to what these pomologists have accomplished in the raising of new varieties, not a single competing collection being without one or more of their raising in it. “Grand Duke” and ‘‘ Monarch,” as well as others of their raising, were seen in every collection among cooking Plums, while “Late Orange” and “ Late Transparent Gage” appeared several times amongst the Dessert varieties. Coe’s “Golden Drop” still maintains its place as being the best late Dessert Plum in cultivation, being among Plums what the Black Hamburgh is among Grapes. There are few hardy fruits which respond more quickly and give better returns to glass protection than do Plums. They rarely fail to carry a crop, either when planted out or in pots, if they receive proper attention. Apricots, Peaches and Nectarines were not shown to the extent that could have been wished, but in the case of Apricots the season was almost over. The dull and sunless weather in the early part of September no doubt had the effect of retarding the outside fruit, and both Peaches and Nectarines that were staged were chiefly from plants grown under glass. There was nothing of outstanding merit in any of the exhibits to call for mention, and better dishes have been seen at ordinary shows of the Royal Caledonian Society on former occasions. For the collection of hardy fruit there was only one com- petitor, but as the class was an open one, some were no doubt deterred from making an attempt who otherwise would have competed. I think, however, that Scotsmen would have had as good a chance as their neighbours from over the border. What they lost in some varieties of fruit they would have made up for in others. Roy. Cal. Hort. Soe. Memoirs. | ‘oy9 ‘syivgq Jo JUapuszutsedng ‘NOLLIH MA ‘sv[ I ‘MODSV1D AO NOLLVYOANOD Aq payqryxg| 4O dnowud ‘S06f ‘MOHS IVNOLLWNUz¢.LNI 1K INTERNATIONAL SHOW—EXHIBITS OF HARDY FRUITS. 99 For Cherries and bush fruits the season was too far over, and only a few were staged, but the few Morellos that were staged were excellent samples. The display of hardy fruits was, all over, a most excellent one, and I should think was an advance upon any previous Inter- national Exhibition ; especially was this the case in the Apple, Pear and Plum sections. VOL. 1. PART II. 8 COOL ORCHIDS. By R. Brooman Wuits, Arddarroch, Garelochhead. “T CANNOT afford to grow Orchids” is a remark which has become so hackneyed that were I to retort, “There are many Orchids which can be grown as cheaply as Geraniums, or, at any rate, as cheaply as ordinary stovehouse plants,’ many of my readers would be sceptical. Yet such is the case; and to prove that it is so, the matter only requires to be put to the test. Among cool Orchids, Odontoglossum crispwm, the “ Alexandra ”’ Orchid of common parlance, the easiest to grow and flower of the whole genus, takes first place. As applied to these plants, the term “Cool” implies that they come from high altitudes; and when it is mentioned that in the Colombian Andes they grow up to an elevation of 12,000 feet above sea-level, the significance of the term will be fully appreciated. The requirements of a cool Orchid like Odontoglossum crispwm (and for my purpose I will include under the term “crispum ” not only the species of that name, with its hybrids and varieties, but such allied species as triwmphans, gloriosum, ete.) are briefly these:—(a) A light, airy house that can be well ventilated, and kept damp at will. Though they will grow in almost any locality, in Scotland at any rate, except perhaps in some hot situations, an independent house with span roof, walls to the roof (i.e. without glass sides), and top and bottom ventilators is to be preferred. (b) A tank or tub in which to keep water at the same temperature as that of the house. As a regulation minimum, a temperature of 50 degrees should be aimed at, though in very cold weather, when it would be difficult to maintain this, a temperature as iow as 45 degrees will not hurt the plants, if they are kept proportionately dry at the roots at the same time. In the hottest weather the temperature of the house should never exceed 75 degrees if possible, though, if the plants are kept wet, a higher tempera- COOL ORCHIDS. 101 ture occasionally will do no harm. Modifications of this temperature, according to weather and other conditions, will, however, soon suggest themselves to the thoughtful would-be grower of crispums. (¢) The house should be shaded by a blind of cotton shading or laths, made so that it can be easily rolled up and down at will. [Photo by Mr Chapman. Good type of Orchid, from collection of Norman Cookson, Esq. The plants can be purchased from the importers, or at auction sales of imported plants, at from 1s. to 5s. and upwards each, according to size. For the tyro in crispum growing it is better, perhaps, to begin with plants at 2s. 6d., and to continue with these for a while, as they will be better subjects to work upon than any of the other sizes. From amongst imported plants all the most valuable forms of Odontoglossum crispwm which have 102 ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMOIRS. appeared from time to time, and which have created such sensations in the Orchid world, and in the Press, have been obtained. When the plants are gathered from the trees they are dried in order that they may withstand the journey through the hotter parts of the country at lower levels, and across the ocean; and when they arrive here all that is necessary is to resuscitate them. This is done by laying the plants on tiles, or stage battens, with a little moisture-retaining material, and syringing them, great care being taken not to give too much water at a time till they begin to “plump up.” They will then produce roots and growth from the “lead,” which is the last- made pseudo-bulb, and they should then be potted. As a general rule, the more porous the pots the better will the plants grow, though this has been proved not to be an inexorable rule by an English grower who has introduced glass pots with excellent results in the cultivation of his own collection. The size of the pot, however, is important, and it may be stated that it should never be larger than what is just sufficient to enable the plant to form its next bulb comfortably. The potting material varies greatly according to position, climate, country, and the ideas of the cultivator; but, speaking from my own experience, and judging from the condition of my own plants, the following will, I think, be found a good basis whereon to work. First, “crocks,’ or potsherds, should not be used for drainage. This practice is now abandoned by all the best growers, and the rhizomes of the common brake fern, found in the peat formed from the debris of this plant, are used instead. These should be well “baked” before using, in order to kill any germs or fungus- mycelium which may adhere to them. They should be cut into pieces 1 to 2 inches in length, and two-thirds of the pot should be filled with this material, to act as drainage; and the remainder should be filled with a compost consisting of one-third good fibrous peat, one-third oak leaves, and one-third sphagnum moss, with a little sharp sand. The oak leaves should be gathered soon after falling, and they should be stored under cover for about a year in order to prevent them from rotting, as actual decomposition dissipates the nutriment they contain, and defeats the object in view in adding them to the peat; and it is advisable to have a 9 COOL ORCHIDS. 103 layer of rough ashes beneath them so as to prevent the ingress of worms. The leaves should be rubbed through a sieve of half-inch mesh in order to break them up a little, and the peat should be broken up into pieces not larger than a hazel-nut. The peat should be well incorporated with the sphagnum, and this and the oak leaves should then be well mixed together, a little silver sand being added to keep the compost open, and in this the plant should be firmly potted. Water should be judiciously applied, and the greatest care should be taken not to overwater the plants. On hot summer days water finely sprayed over the plants is very beneficial. Fumigation is necessary in order to destroy insects; but tobacco paper or cloth should never be used. The best insecticide with which the crispum grower has yet been provided is undoubtedly “XL ALL.” The obser- vant amateur cultivator will soon ascertain from the appear- ance of the plants whether all goes well with them. If the conditions are favourable, growth will be strong; but should the reverse be the case, advice should be sought from someone who can give the necessary information to his less fortunate fellow-cultivator. In due time the flower spikes will appear. As a rule, strong plants bloom the year following importation, though of course they do not show their full beauty till after they have become quite established. Now it is that the interest commences in real earnest. Day by day, night by night, the developing buds are watched by the expectant cultivator in order to see whether he is to obtain a great prize or but an ordinary form. If it be the former, great is his joy ; if the latter, then, as “ Hope springs eternal in the human breast,” he betakes himself to the other spikes, there to watch with the same intent interest as he did before. That prizes, and great ones, do come is matter of common knowledge; and as all the plants are gathered in a wild state, very few of them being seen in bloom by the collectors, the buyer of imported plants has always the chance of flowering something finer than anything that has yet been seen. The highest price hitherto paid for a erispwm variety is £1500, and this for a plant which would have gone into an ordinary glass tumbler. Many plants have been sold at sums ranging from £500 to about £1000. Scores have realised from 104 ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMOIRS. £100 to £200, while hundreds of examples exist which have realised £50. I have seen plants in bloom which cognoscenti would call rubbish sold for 4s. per dozen. The tyro gloats over such purchases at first; in time he becomes one of the cognoscenti, and then he too considers them rubbish. J know one grower who at a certain auction sale bought three plants for 19s. One of these, which he named after himself, turned out a very fine form, and the plant has been valued at no less. than £800. In nature, these fine forms are no doubt produced by insect agency. Many species very frequently grow in the same forest ; and the endless crossing and re-crossing of species: and of their hybrids and varieties which has taken place has resulted in the evolution of these forms, and this in a manner which the hybridist has as yet failed to discover. The beautifully spotted forms are the most prized of all the Odonto- glossums, and the more of these that flower the greater does the: demand for such forms seem to be, and the demand for these fine forms is always widening as new growers appear. One error into which the tyro generally falls is to leave the flower spikes too long. This exhausts the plants, and the spikes should therefore always be cut when they are fully developed, say when a fortnight old as a maximum. If this is done the plants will not suffer any harm. The propagation of Odontoglossum crispum is easy enough when one understands how it should be done, but many a valuable form has been lost owing to want of knowledge of this important cultural operation. It is a difficult thing to explain in a short article such as this is how propagation should be carried out, but, generally, the best way is to sever the leading pseudo-bulb from its fellows when its growth has reached the height of 2 inches. The rhizomes from which the bulbs spring should be cut through with a sharp knife, and for a fortnight afterwards the plants should have dry treatment in order to facilitate healing of the wounds. As cut flowers, crispums excel in beauty, and almost all of them last for a long time in the cut state, more especially if they are allowed to remain on the plant for about a fortnight after opening. For cultural purposes, under crispum may be included such species as triwmphans, gloriosum, luteo-purpurewm, Hunnewelli- COOL ORCHIDS. 105 anum, Lindleyanwm, and such hybrids as loochristiense, Ander- sonianum, Wilekeanum, Adriane and Coradinei. These and the blotched crispums grow well together, and collectively they give to the lover of plants the greatest possible amount of enjoyment which the cultivation of any single genus can give. BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR VARIETIES. By CuHaries-T. Drusry, V.M.H., F.L.S., London. It is a very curious fact, and one which is not so generally recognised as it should be, that the majority of our compara- tively few British species of Ferns have distinguished them- selves in the way of spontaneous variation far more than all exotic species put together—that is, of course, so far as actual wild sports have been discovered. Furthermore, a number of types of variation have been discovered which have no counter- parts or even approximations among exotic Ferns. As it is difficult to assume, despite the evidence to the contrary, that there is something in British soil or climatic conditions which induces variation here more than elsewhere, we are driven to the conclusion that the difference is largely due to the fact that for more than half a century the search for varieties in the British wild habitats of the normal species has constituted a special cult, pursued by a coterie of fern-hunters and raisers, with the remarkable result that the latest published list (E. J. Lowe, “ British Ferns,’ 1891) describes and _ classifies nearly two thousand distinct forms, of which no less than eleven hundred were found wild. This great variability, coupled with the greatly enhanced beauty of many of the varietal forms, when it was first recognised, and some of the results found their way into the market, led, in the fifties, to a popularity which almost amounted to a craze. We judge of this by the still ex- tant Fern catalogues of that time, where so large a number of inferior or merely “curio” forms appeared, at high prices, that the really fine symmetrical and constant forms were swamped. The result of the introduction of these erratics inevitably led to a reaction, and in a few years our British Ferns fell into the background, the “trade,” with one or two exceptions, ceased to cultivate them, and the cult only survived in the coterie of amateur fern-hunters and raisers who had originated it. In their hands, however, it has not merely survived, but has BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR VARIETIES. 107 developed with such remarkable results that once again our native Ferns are attracting public attention. In the interim, the great number of new discoveries has led to two results, viz. the improvement of the best symmetrical and constant forms by selective cultivation through their spores, and the rejection of the erratic and merely curious types as breeders, the joint result] of which is that we have now a host of extremely “ Le . ine aheorys Fig. 1. beautiful varieties which can not only hold their own with the finest exotics, but in many cases surpass them in beauty, or are even unique. British Ferns, therefore, are entering upon their new lease of popularity under far more favourable conditions than before, and if only the growers will refrain from debasing them by putting inferior forms before the public as representative ones, they are likely to hold at last their well-merited position of permanent favourites. One peculiar advantage attached to the study and culture of our native Ferns is thus seen to. be that the Ferns which in so many 108 ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMOIRS. 7 ‘ Fig. 2. parts of the country are found in thousands in glens, woodlands, hillsides, and even by the roadsides, in the hedges, and on the walls, are capable, by careful search, of yielding these sports to serve, if merely curious or irregular types, as interesting BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR VARIETIES. 109 souvenirs, while there is always the chance of thorough- breds turning up to swell the elite, and become, it may be, the progenitors of still more beautiful varieties. Scot- land is, in the writer’s experience, one of the most promising bunting-grounds, and at the same time one of. the least Fig 3. explored, and this fact should strongly appeal to our fern- loving readers, and induce them to search more thoroughly. It may safely be stated that everywhere where Ferns are plentiful, there is a chance of a good find. These good finds, 1.e. varieties distinct from the associated common ones, occur as a rule singly among the others, and are found by carefully scanning every individual. Much of the Fern may be so hidden 110 ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMOIRS. among its neighbours that its presence is only betrayed by a tip tasselled or curled, or otherwise varied from its neighbours, and only the successful hunter can know what a pleasure it is when, having detected such a clue, the clump of common Ferns is opened out and the completely characterised variety is seen in its midst as an independent thoroughbred. As a Scottish example of this kind, we may point to fig. 1 (Athyrium Filix- Jemina revolvens, Druery), found in Strathblane, and, as an Irish one, fig. 2 (4. F-f. cristatum Kilrushense, Druery), found in a ditch by the writer in County Clare. Turning to Scotland again, fig. 3 shows a marvellously varied form of the common bracken (Pieris aquilina) found by the writer at Pitlochry, which, as can be seen by the photograph, is not merely extremely dense and crispy, but also tasselled at all tips. Above these, Scotland has the undoubted claim to the most remarkable Fern sport found in all the world, in the shape of A. F.-f. Victoria, the Victoria Lady Fern, or, locally, the Buchanan Fern, since it was found in a lane leading off the high road at Drymen, Stirling- shire, near Buchanan Castle. By fig. 4 it is seen that in this extraordinary form the side divisions of the frond are very narrow and set on in opposite couples at right angles, thus forming a series of crosses, the tips of which, moreover, are slenderly and gracefully tasselled, while the cruciate or crossed character extends even to the small subdivisions of the pinne. Nothing approximate to this has been found in other varieties, since, although we have ourselves found a cruciate form of Lady Fern, and there are several cruciate forms of the Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum angulare), these are only partially cruciate, somewhat irregular, and devoid also of the tasselling. Fig. 5 shows under what a commonplace environment this wonderful Fern originated. We may mention here as an amusing fact that the original Fern was divided, and part went to Buchanan Castle, where several fine specimens exist; and yet, when the Cryptogamic Society of Scotland visited the gardens there a few years back, in the published report not a word of this unique cryptogam was mentioned—nothing but fungi. Having briefly described the position of our native Fern varieties as regards popular taste, and how those extant and under cultivation have been acquired, we may now try to give some idea of the diversity of form with which Dame Nature has BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR VARIETIES. 111 112 ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMOIRS. endowed the wild sports in the first place, and of the further development which man has been enabled to foster by careful selection among plants raised from spores, such selection un- Fig. 5. doubtedly constituting one of the most attractive features of the cult. The main type of variation consists in the formation of tassels at the tip of the fronds and subdivisions. Normally, each division has a central midrib or vein which terminates at a more or less pointed tip; but in tasselled Ferns this midrib, which is really the feeder of its associated more or less BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR VARIETIES. 113 pointed leaf tissue, splits up into several divisions, and each division grows on and forms its lateral tissues, the result being a tasselled or crested tip. This tasselling or branching varies greatly in degree ; it occasionally takes the form of. an irregular simple forking of frond. tips, or frond bases, so as. to form twin fronds, and this may only characterise a few fronds of many on a plant, the rest being normal. For such the variety hunter has no wish; to be worth collecting, every frond must show the characteristic variation, and tasselling proper must be evidenced throughout. In the extreme types of cresting and branching combined, the specific characters may become so disguised that, as in the case of the dwarf Hartstongue (Scolopendrium vulgare densum, Kelway) and the Lady Fern (4. F.-f. wnco-glomeratum), the frond of the one normally simple, green, and strap-shaped, and the other large, much divided, and feathery, both have become like balls of moss, and only the experts can determine the species at all. The great majority of our species have afforded crested sports, and sometimes on very different lines, since a crest may be a bunch of points, a fan, a repetition of divisions, or it may be stiff or pendulous, dense or lax, and so on, each form imparting a different aspect to the Fern. Furthermore, it may be associ- ated with other characters, as we see above in the Victoria Fern, or the tasselling may extend to a greater or less degree to the subdivisions, the finest form of crested Lady Fern (A. F-f. superbum percristatum, Druery), an example of selective results, having even the divisions of the fourth degree distinctly fan-tasselled. Scotland can boast of a pretty tasselled form of the Mountain Lady Fern (P. Athyrium alpestre), found by Mr Alexander Cowan, of Penicuik, a remarkable find, considering the limited and exalted habitat of the species. The crested | Holly Fern (Polystichum Lonchitis) has been found several times. The next predominant type of variation is the plumose one, that is, an increase of leafiness or subdivision in the frond, accompanied usually by comparative or, it may be, entire barrenness as regards spores. The best of the plumose forms undoubtedly rank first among the beauties, the finest Shield Ferns rivalling and even eclipsing that antipodean gem, Todea superba, in delicate dissection; while in the opposite direction the “crispum” or frilled Hartstongues have no rivals on their 114 ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMOIRS. own lines as bold decorative undivided foliage plants. Fig. 6 shows how plumation alters the common Polypody of our hedges to a thing of infinitely greater beauty. ‘Speaking of the Hartstongue, it is a pity that for the greater part of Scotland, except here and there on the south and west coasts, it is either rare or entirely absent, though when planted it seems to thrive Fig. 6. well enough. The pity is the greater, as this simply constructed Fern, a mere simple, undivided, strap-fronded, smooth-edged type, has undoubtedly sported into more diverse forms than any other fern in the world. Every feature of it has varied in one or more ways. Old Gerard, in his “Herbal,” depicts three varieties: a tasselled one, a sagittate one with harpoon-like fronds, and a form in which the barbs of this pseudo-weapon are slightly tasselled. Fig. 7 gives an idea from a nature-print of what nature can do with the Hartstongue, and fig. 8 an example on BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR VARIETIES. 15 different lines in the same species. Outside these two main types the diversity of detail and even of size defies description in the brief space available; but we may say that it is the diversity of size, varying from huge fronds, four feet or more VOL. I. PART II. 9. 116 ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMOIRS. long, to diminutive ones of fewer inches, little gems in thumb pots, and giants in tubs, which fits these varieties for large or small collections. Having now treated of the diversity available for rendering our hardy Fern collections not merely interesting but beautiful, we may advert to the fact that these varieties, springing as they have done directly or indirectly from -wild forms, are just as hardy and easy of