The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

WELSHPOOL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ANNVAL SHOW AND FETE, A MAGNIFICENT DISPLAY. Brilliant weather favoured die fourth annual show and fete, which was held as usual in the far- famed and beautiful grounds of Powis Castle Park, by the kind permission of the Earl of Powis. The approach of Welshpool show. which has a; tamed an established position of emiuence second to none in the whole of the Principality, is now looked forward to by lovers nf floral beauty atid horticul- tural perfection with the highest expectation. So great has bonn the success achieved year by year since the establishment of the society on a firm and proper basis in regard to the number and quality of ,0 exhibits that it is impossible almost to expect marked progress in these respects as compared with, say, last year. Nor would it be more reason- able uO assert off-hand that the present effort of the society eclipses all predecessors. On all sides however, it was conceded on Thursday, and the more readily by the older members of the society, never has there been a show here which the one held this week did not at least equal, and rarely has there been one which it does not surpass. As a display of c< lour it is questionable whether any- thing so dazzlingly brilliant has been on view at Welshpool hitherto, and it is satisfactory to find that the bright glowinsr effect has been obtained without any sacrifice of that which is lovely in form or of choice rarity in quality and value in the horticultural world. Thursday's exhibition was represe,it,itive of every department of floral nature, fairly complete in all that it professed to be, and thoroughly beautiful alike in aggregate and detail Certain forms of vegetation may not have been present in the same quantity as occasionally in the past,, but as regards quality it is impossible for anything to have been better done. The groups arranged for effect" were of the highest practical value. Instruction in the art of grouping is 01e of the most wonderful functions of a flower show, and oiiLIit to be warmly encouraged. It teaches how to exchange confusion, often painful, for nice order ard proportion, how to make that speak which previously was silent, how to give life to tnat which before was inanimate. Success in the fine art of grouping, here illustrated so successfully, does not demand costly things difficult to preserve. Common thines, well grown, and marshalled so as to improve one another, are every bit as good as proud exotics that cost a guinea apiece. The highest attribute of skill in gardening is that it takes these "common things" and weaves them together in a delightful way that men knew not of before, indeed, it must be admitted that this year's show was a truly magnificent one in every department. The thousands of beautiful blooms, the brHiant display of foliage plants, and superb collection of fruit formed a picture which cannot adequately be described. Most of the well-known exhibitors throughout the country were represented, whilst the entries in some departments had so in- creased that the tent which was in former years of a cruciform shape had to be enlarged to one rjpresenting a double cruciform. The president for the year is Captain Mytton, Garih, who evinces the keenest interest in every- thing connected with it; Mr Charles E. Howell (ex-mavor) was chairman of committees, and Mr Matthew Powell acted as treasurer. The general arrangements were carried out by the following committees :—Horticultural committee Messrs J Lambert, F Roper, C P Yearsley, J Weir, W Griffiths, E L R Jones, and Edward Jones. Admis- sion committee Messrs C P Yearsley, Simpson Jones, Richard Jones, and Edward Hughes. Ground committee Messrs W Baker, J H Anderson, J Astley, W Griee, W Humphreys, Barnett, Payne, and T J Svans. Entertainment committee Capt Genth, Messrs J Pugh, T R Morris, James Davies, F Owen, J Parsons, J H Addie, and C Galloway. Refreshment committee Messrs S Morris, J Bushell, R H Jones, C Galloway, J Pryce Jones, L Parsons, and C Morris. The task of preparing for such a show as this has now become was no light one, but everything passed off satisfactorily, a result upon which the members of the committee, and particularly the indefatig- able hon secretaries—Mr W. Forrester Addie and Mr J. Lambert (assistant)—may be heartily con- gratulated. Judging by their active, business-like movements and the care with which they dis- charge their multifarious duties, both the hon. sec. and the assistant secretary seem equal to all demands in the same direction for years to come. That they are masters in the art of show prepara- tion and routine is indisputable. They appear to have taken in hand what was by no means an easy task, but with the aid of earnest and able co-adj utors determined to surmount all obstacles that might have been in the way. That they based their action on sound lines is certain, and on those lines they have continued with results which, viewing all the circumstances of the case, may be fairly described as excellent, and here, in a town of some five thousand inhabitants, has been established one of the most extensive and complate shows of horti- cultural produce in North Wales, if not the Princi- pality. The time of year is probably the best that could be chosen for securing the most varied display. Specimen and decorative plants can be had easily e summer, especially orchids, and in the cut ower department roses then make a show in them- f8^68' *s uot un''il later that fruit and vege- nln f3 Can bought out in full force, and while thpn 9 *ate as we^ as ear*y the season, J J.U llm^ roonths bring innumerable border) mnlti-mi. aster8> gladioli, carnations, and a of npr«nTia° ° affording the greatest number stantial prSST^re t?eBl°r CO™Petin«' whilst sub" #>vp-vrhinw IT, hound to bring out the best of tared skill. Sthe^co1 can be £ )rodaced cuI" eemmen-ement, and sotted SHlv S manding position. The nri^c, i! S,flOW t0 a COm~ the great displays became thP |!™^ ttbepr,0<kce' this brought the people, and the i° money; and thus has the societv H, brov| £ ht of reporting a favourable balance in the treasurer's hands treasurer's It may be said that this could w u accomplished by the horticultural a7e could not; but care has general! y been tn'°n6\u^ th" music and other featnres of "attract; l<enuthiU generally be of the highest order that mone/could produce, and thus It has become the custom for all classes to assemble for a few hours of genuine pleasure and healthful wholesome enjoyment6 Then it is not the flower show that is the first attraction ? some strict horticulturist may ejacu- late. Let there be no mistake about this. The products exhibited are absolutely the first source of attraction, and the fact is pressed with a pres- sure that can be felt on those who try to take a few notes in the tent half-an-honr after the judging is completed. The tent is crowded with visitors at once, and remains crowded all the time. It was a sight to see the throng present in the tent soon after the opening, [t was a sight such as the Royal Society would be proud to see ilil the occa- sion of one of their brilliant May shows. They came to see the horticultural exhibits, and could return after seeing them if they chose, or remain to hear the Guards full bands, and see what else might be provided. They mostly remained, and this is sufficient evidence of the attractive force of the last and greatest event at Welshpool. The judges were as follows:—Cottage gardens, Welsh pool Mr Shnte, Newtown. Mr Macfarlane, Welshpool. Montgomery Mr Smith, V aynor Park, Mr Jones, Rhiewport. Professional classes, Mr Austin, lale of Whitley Court, Malvern; Mr Farrant. Shrewsbury. Cottagers', Mr Jones, Shrewsbury, and Mr Pritchard. Special prizes, Mr Smith, Vaynor Mr Evans, Llanyrriynech. Sewing, &c., Mrs Davis, Vicarage. Honey, Mr John Pugh and Mr Oliver, Westbury. Bread, Mr Stockton. Grasses, &c., Mr .1. H. Addie and Mr J. Pugh. The contractors for marquees, fittings, etc., were Messrs Eldred, Mottram, & Co., of Shrewsbury. The performances were under the direction of Messrs W. and J. Wilder, of Birmingham. Mr Fred Owen's string band played for the stage and aerial performances. The Refreshment Committee were themselves the refreshment contractors. Mr Bond, confectioner, Broad street. Welshpool, catered for the luncheon, and tea tents were pro- vided by Mr Bond and Mrs Jones, of the Star Coffee House. The police alrangements, which were in the hands OfSllpt. Crowden, D.C.C. were well carried out. The weather remained beautifully fine through- out the day, and the principal streets of the town were gaily decorated with flags, banners, &c. It is estimated that between 11,000 and 12,000 persons were present, and the attendance included the Earl and Her ladyship kindly invited a large number of friends to tea provided on the grounds. The children of Forden Workhouse attended the show by the invitation of the Executive Committee, and during the afternoon they were kindly entertained to tea by the Mayoress (Mrø W. Forrester Addie). V" Though there were over 1,000 entries, the spacious marquee was cleared shortly after eleven o'clock, and the stuff of judges completed their work in about two hours, and at one o'clock visitors com- menced pouring in. Only the leading features of chief general interest can be noted, and possibly some of these may be overlooked in the bewildering array of produce and people. PLANTS AND GROUPS. The groups were staged in different positions in the tent, and all lent a pleasing spectacle. The showy and beautifully-coloured plants presen- ted a charming appearance, and tall and graceful palms enhanced the brilliancy of the scene. The premier place in the exhibition for stands and plants not for competition was easily taken by a magni- ficent group sent from Powis Castle gardens, and admirably arranged by Mr. Lambert. It was the most prominent and beautiful feafure of the ex- hibition, and easily won the admiration of all be- holders. It entirely occnpied one of the transect ions of the tent. Never during the existence of the Society has it ever been excelled. It consisted of three groups joined together with fine floral arches, under which visitors could pass with ease to other portions of the exhibition. The base of the centre of the three groups, which was the largest, was oval shaped, and the outer borders were neatly laid in moss with touches of relief, supplied by plants with foliage of the most luxuriant character. The gigan- tic palms, with an exquisite tree fern, occupied the middle and this formed a massive foundation to the whole. Above them was observed the centre pole, covered with fern in terra cotta brackets, thus fotmiuo- a kind of floral pillar. The palms and tree fern were surrounded with humea elegans, ferns, crotons, caladiume, with lilium lancifolium and auratum. From the sides sprang the arches, handsomely covered with ferns, begonias, and eulalia, and these connected the two smaller groups, which were decorated in similar fashion, with the larger. The taste displayed in the whole arrange- ment was exquisitively light and artistic. Mrs. Lovell, LIanerchydol, also had a nice group not for competition, composed principally of coleui and ferns, with the favourite palm in the centre. Messrs Evans and Son, nurserymen, Llanymvnech, had a very nice group arranged not for competition, consisting principally of the following:—Palms, caladiums, crotons, grevillia nobusta, plumbagoes, ebironia exifera, swainsonia aibu, ericus, eurya latifolia variegatum, adiantum cumatum, phile- boduna, aureum, asplenum, and ferns, asparagus ferns, begonias, aralia sieboldi, strobilanthus, acalyplas, and choice dracaenas. Group of miscellaneous plants arranged for effect, 200 square feet.—In this class there were two entries, and the arrangement in each case was most skilful, in fact, the best we have seen here. The first prize of X7 was worthily awarded to Mr Wright, Halston, Oswestry (gardener, Mr Roberts), for a well-arranged, light, and graceful combina- tion of fine foliasre and flowering plants—the most pleasing association of flowering and foliage plants we have seen for some time, and almost, if not quite every plant visible. One could not help admiring it as a masterpiece by a masterhand. The arrangement was a representation of hills and dales, with plants displayed in a manner to represent forests. We could not help noticing the highly- coloured crotons, whilst the old-fashioned bridal wreath, twined about in many varieties of maiden hair fern embadded in moss, was much admired. The centre piece consisted of a fine Kentia rupicola. Messrs Jones and Son of Shrewsbury, received the second prize of £ 5. This firm has arranged many grand groups at this and other shows, and has been many times to the front; their gro"p was a magnificent one, but a trifle heavy. The group was made up principally of palms, caladiums, and other miscellaneous decorative plants. In the second division for a group of miscellaneous plants, arranged for effect, 100 square feet, the Misses Howell, Rhiewport (gardener, Mr Jones) was second. Mrs Curling occupied first position for the best six stove or greenhouse plants, not less than three in flower with a caladium, two begonias, dracsena, pandanaa, and vinca, the Misses Howell being second. Mr Wright secured the first prize for the best stove or greenhouse plant in flower with a fine panctratium. The Misses Howell held a like position in the class for tuberous begonias, and also for the best five table plants, Mrs Curling coming second in both these classes. For the four ornamental foliage plants, the first prize was awarded to Mr Wright for four magnificent palms, principally cf the Kantia variety. Mrs Curling was again second. CUT FLOWERS. The d;.splay in this section was of great magnitude and excellence, the several collections producing a beautiful effect at the different places where they were arranged. The view that met the eye in this department was one that could not fail to make a very deep impression on the minds of the many thousands of visitors who passed through during the day. To adequately describe the floral display would be almost an impossibility. Such a collection of Nature's floral jewels, rich and rare, must be seen to be appreciated. The whole place was one mass of plants, garnered from all over the country, and made up a spectacle the beauty of which cannot easily fade .from the memory. The arrangement of the exhibits was carried out with the best possible taste, every specimen being so placed as to harmoniously contrast with its surroundings, and the display could not fail to impress the visitor. Unfortunately, there was only one entry in the display for floral arrangements, that of Messrs Jones and Son, of Shrewsbury, and it was worthy of the prize, being a veritable triumph of the floral decorators' art. In the collection of Messrs Jones' tasteful staging was considered in addition to the flowers exhibited, and the effect produced was artistic in the extreme. Visitors could not help admiring the group of sweet peas arranged in a bamboo stand, on one side of which was a large floral anchor made up of white flowers, and on the other a cross of lichen moss, with sprays of lilies springing out. There were also displayed lovely baskets of orchids, and shower bouquets of carna- tions anc sweet peas. As for the orchids, nowa- days the aristocracy of every flower show of pretension, they presented an aspect of singular richness and brilliancy. There is an eclat about them that catches the eye in a way that we have never known before, and the individuals, when narrowly 'crutinised. are in almost every instance unexceptionable. Messrs Pritchard and Sons, Shrewsbury, deservedly took first prize in the class for cut carnations and picotee blooms, in a space 12 feet bv 3 feet. both in bunches and as exhibition blooms on stands. Their display consisted chiefly of border varieties, set up with gipsophila and natural grass. One specimen, a good white ground fancy named W. B. Child, was much admired. Among the bunches were noticeable the Duchess of Fife, Uriah Pike, and Amor varieties. Messrs Jones and Sons came an easy first in the competition for a bouquet, bridal or otherwise, with a superb shower bouquet (bridal) of white roses, lilies, orchids, pancrasus, tuber roses, gardenias, and eucharis. with asparagus foliage, They also came first in the classes for ladies shoulder sprav and three button-hole bouquets, shoulder sprav and three button-hole bouquets, each exquisitely made up of orchids, In the last two classes Mr Isaac Cooke, of Corner Farm, ^rewsbury, was second, and the Misses Howell 'ra. The former chose tuber roses and picotees, whilst the Misses Howell went in for tea roses and ■BJ), an°tis. Mr Murrell, Shrewsbury, took first class^^w3 c^ass for 24 roses, whilst in the amateur truly r 7^aworth held a similar position with a secondma8Tv!iCen-t displa-v> CaPtain Pryce being whatever nrecli^1!- D° ^ett'Do Past the facfc that> trarv tho 'actions there mav be to the con- trary, the rose is* «t;u i. c flowers and it K ^contestable queen of it is but fittipg that due homage e one to her much that is patricirneVen when environed bv so Dr Hawksworth and r< r> second respectively fZ V pt Pr-7ce t00,i: firsfc and classes, the lirst-nain »d m the !lmareur bouquet on exhibition^ whlTI- ^ntty Jones and the Misses HowJll Pr-yC,°" honours in the class for tw l ca^ned away the flowers. Welve but,ches of cut In the floral section, apart from delightful sections shown for e,,™ many were a number of magnificent stands'byfl &c., not for competition. Mr Edwin Mu s' hibited varieties of roses and gladioli CX~ Eckford, Wem, showed some beautiful speci Messrs mens of their sweet peas, the new blooms including 0DS Victoria (cream), Countess of Powis (salmon r,i Refulgent, Triumph, Prince Edward (,f York Salopian (a fine crimson), and Shazada. Messrs Jones and Son, Shrewsbury, had a good show of cactus and double dahlias, cut flowers and ferns Messrs Clibran and Sons, Altrincham (representa- tive, Mr T. Lewis, Arthog) had a stand in the centre of the tent which was greatly admired for its tasteful arrangement. They displayed some charming roses, amongst the newest varieties being Prince Arthur, Edith Gifford, Viscountess Folkestone, John D. Pawle, and a new specimen of Mrs. Sharman Crawford. The old man cactus proved a great novelty. They also had a splendid collection of herbaceous plants, about which more will be said lower down. Messrs. Dicksons, of Chester and Newtown, were prominent for a nice collection of cut tea roses, stove and greenhouse plants and crotons and dracaenas. They also had a very fine collection of tuberous begonias, gladioli, and some cut herbaceous flowers very nicely ar- ranged at tke back of the stand. Messrs. Robeit Ker and Sous, Aigburth Nursery, Liverpool, sent a magnificent display of crotons, among them being reidii, with large leaves tomsoni, and Montfon- tainensis; the latter is really superb, and was raised at Monfontain, near Paris. Other good variety cratons were Queen Victoria and Inimit- abilis, whilst there was an exquisite narrow leaf croton named Mrs. Dortnan on view. Other varie- ties suitable for table decoration were golden ring, with twisted haves, superbus, and Aigburthensis. This firm also exhibited some fine caladiums, those of delicate colours being Assunguy and Rheme de Portugal. In addition to the above they sliowed a bright vallota named purpuria major. Messrs. John Evans and Son, Llanymynech, showed some excellent specimens of stove and greenhouse plants which were greatly admired. Messrs. Cutbush exhibited some magnificent carnations, among the new varieties being Cardinal Wolsley. Lady Cook (yellow ground, slightly edged with crimson), Wanda, Miss Ellen Terry, Queen Anne, and Edith Leadenham (primrose yellow ground, with purple edces). The latter is an enormous flower, some- times being five inches across. Displays of paramount interest to all people who possess gardens of their own are naturally those of the class called harly herbaceous," illustrated so well by Messrs Cutbush and Son, Highgate Nurseries, London, Messrs Clibran and Son, and Messrs Dickson. A flower show cannot possibly be too caiholic and wide embracing; no true flori- culture is that which looks only at costly indoor plants. Therefore the" hardy herbaceous" more than deserve the place that was given them. To- day, moreover, they are by no means only of the "old fashioned'' and famihar kinds. Many, to say the least, are seldom-seen curiosities-trhe Pyreneau Ramondia., to wit; the edelweiss of the Alps, ixias from the Cape, in many colours; and,asarepresenta- tive of old England, the cuckoo-flower, that pretty denizon of moist meadows. Several of the best hardy plants have seldom or never been exhibited before. These include the stately eremurus of the Himalayas, and a Heuchera from California, with scarlet flowers, so unexpected in a genus devoted to white and green. Both plants ought to oecome uni- versal. The Heuchora, coccinea by appellation, is in the style of the common London-pride, and of similar dimensions. It grows with surpassing fieedom in any ordinary border, demands' no special care, flowers abundantly, and is eminently valuable in the preparation of bouquets and for other delicate decorative purposes. The other, the Eremurus Himalacius, is one of a company of singularly noble plants belonging to the mountainous parts of south-western temperate Asia, members of the lily family, and in some respects competing with even the Madonna- lilv ipsisximn The stems rise to the height of quite six feet. and often considerably exceed that stature, the uppermost portion cl tbed with bloom after pre- cisely the same fashion as in the common sceptre- illy, the flowers, often three or four hundred in number, and a third of them open all at once. Individually, the flowers are all star-shaped, and when expanded, the size of a florin; the colours, in the various species, are rosy pink in many shades, yellow, or, as in the Himalaicus, pure white. Thanks are due to the Messrs. Dickson for introducing to the notice of local floriculturists a plant, the beauty of which, in its way, it would be difficult to surpass. and which is within the reach of all. Of course it is quite hardy, as would be expected of a plant com- ing from mountain sides, bare of forest,, and on an elevation of six to seven thousand feet above the sea level. Another good feature is that, like the others of its genus, it ripens plenty of seed. Among the new varieties exhibited by Messrs. Cutbush, who had the largest display, were scabiosa caucesica alba, romneya coulteri (Chinese poppy, and very pretty) arctotis arborescens, asclepia, tn berosa. and veronica subsessilis. In Messrs. Clibran's group was a fine yucca gloriosa, in flower, a plant which indeed rarely blooms. The competition in wild flowers, was, as usual, very keen, some most attractive exhibits. being sent in. FRUIT. There were twelve classes for fruit in the division for gentlemen's gardeners, and substantial prizes being offered, the competition was very keen throughout. On entering the tent, the first feeling was one of astonishmeat, which gave place to in- terest, this grew till, when the visitor thought of leaving, it was with a wish that he might soon return. The collections were remarkably fine, and we question whether a similar display has ever been made before. There was a good competition in the class for eight distinct kinds of fruit, the first prize going to Mr. Wright for a well set up collection, which was very even all through. Rev. T. M. Bulkeley-Owen was a very close second. For the best melon, there was a strong competition, and the first prize Hero of Locking," (exhibited by the Earl of Lisbuine) was a beautiful fruit of first class flavour^ Mr. Robert Lloyd, Oswestry, took first prize for two lovely bunches of black Hambro grapes; they were well coloured and most beauti- fully finished. The classes for peaches, nectarines, and apricots were very good, but in the classes for plums and cheiries we have seen better at this show. VEGETABLES, Whilst there may be divers opinions as to whether vegetables were seen at this most excel- lent show in their highest excellence, at least there could be no question as to their quantity for they were legion. Generally the tendency here seems to be in favour of size tending to coarseness, which is, of course, chiefly due to the annual judging, because it is evident that exhibitors soon learn to cater for the prevailing judging (astes, and give size the preference to what is commonly termed quality, yet even here it was easy to find that there was some occasional gleams of sanity in regard to quality, as now and then what would generally be regarded as quality apart from mere size came to the front, but then again there would be a lapse to the other aspect, so that it was difficult sometimes to determine just which element most widely dominated. When some systematic code of judging is established perhaps then if studied and made a guide to show awards some approach to national consistency may pe possible. TABLE DECORATION. This was one of the features of the show. There were tive competitors for the three prizes of £1, 15s, and 10s, offered for the best dinner table to seat eight persons, arranged on a table 8ft by 4ft. Mrs Copnall was first, and she was the only one of the prize-winners who could be said co have had a perfect table, the other competitors, with the ex- ception of one, not providing their arrangements with dessert places. It is true that it was stated on the schedule that fruit and plates would not be considered, but when we bad two really good tables, of equal merit, as we had this week, what could be done ? So the judges, we are inclined to think, favoured the one who did provide the plates. This was, as stated before, Mrs Copnall. In the centre of her table was a mirror representing water, with miniature swans floating on the same, and with ferns going np from the centre and at the corners, decorated with Iceland poppy grasses and ferns. Mrs Pryce Yearsley was a very close and excellent second, and if she had had places doubt- less she might have taken premier position. There was au epergne iu the centre of her table with glasses at each corner, all containing carnations and grasses very nicely arranged. Mrs G. D. Harrison was third. Other competitors were Mrs Hawks- worth and Misses M. and S. Pugh, Leighton. Mr Cowper Smith had entered for this competition, but failed to turn up. which was rather unfortunate after the committee had gone to the trouble of finding space, which was afterwards void, and making a table, which was useless. These things ought to be considered by entrants. A very nicely arranged table, not for competi- tion, was that in which Messrs Pritchard and Sons, Shrewsbury, exhibited a new design cf rustic bronze and silver table decoration. It is one of the finest table decorations yet introduced; it is light, unbreakable, and endurable, and can be used with almost any flower or foliage. Their table was tastefully set off with an epergne centre-piece, flanked with two rustic gateways, and surrounded with rustic stiles and fences, and these were dis- played with carnations and picotees. The whole arrangement was very much admired. THE COTTAGERS' DIVISION. The improvement in this division keep apace with those that are visible year after year in other sections of the show, and it is pleasing to note the advances made among these modest competitors. whose products are inspected and admired by crowds of visitors during the day. The society do an incalculable amount of good in making liberal awards to cottagers, for whilst providing for some an especial attraction there is still greater and more lasting result in the permanent and beneficial effects the emulation in competition brings about in the gardens of cottagers. There is l'° doubt the improvement which has taken place daring recent years, particularly in the products of ground cultivated by the artisan classes in his district, at any rate, can be traced to the lDfiuences of the society, who may take to them- se ves a large share of credit for creating that esue among cottagers to excel, out of which success invariably comes. This refers more perhaps to cottagers than to competitors in the classes for professionals who more particularly cater for the general public, which of itself is sufficient to induce them to raise the boat that is possible. By far the greater quantity of vegetables was well worthy to be exhibited, and was of more than ordinary merit. The cut flowers and plants were also very fine throughout. lu numerous instanoes the judging must have been a task of the extrtiest difficulty, and only in a few instances vsre the winning exhibits distinctly superior to thqj which came next. THE HONEY EXHIBIT. The honey last year was very gid, but the ex- y I tracted honey at this show was eve better, and the judges must have had great difficti-y in awarding the prizes. The honey in section was only fair. Two novelties—one for dry fcedin of bees and the other for conveying swarms to E distance—were properly awarded prizes. THE MUSIC. The musical arrangements wer about as com- plete as the committee of any te could make them. The engagements include the band of 31 J performers of her Majesty's Scot Guards, under the conductorship of Mr Henry r. Dunkerton (by permission of Col. B. B. D. Campl?ll), the band of the Shropshire Yeomanry Cavalr, conductor, Mr J. Hudson Davies (by the kind ermission of Col. the Earl of Kilmorey, K.P.). Jul the renowned Pipers of the 1st Battalion Kin's Own Scottish Borderers, conductor, Pipe IfajoBalloch, and in- cluding Pipe Sergt. Stevenson he gold medallist dancer), who gave two sword. laces, als,) Scotch reels, Highland fling, and broad tvord dances, with the others on the stage, and plaJù about the park and gardens. The programing were arranged with the best possible judgmentand provided for the lovers of the musical art a t^at seldom to be met with. The Yeomanry Banc was the first to occupy the stand, and between he hour of one and I two o'clock, the following prgramme was gone through:- Ilarch, "Double Cagle" (Wagner); overture, "Light Cavalry" (Suppe); valse, "Toujours au Jamais" (Walteufel); selection, Shop Girl (Caryll). The Uisio was capitally performed, and the efforts of te band were quite in keeping with their past successes. At two o'clock the Scots Guards Ban( commenced a two hours' performance with the following attractive programme:—-Marehe Milita-e (Gounod); over- ture, Guillaume Tell (Rossii), (oboe, Corporal W. Harrison flute, Musician Underhill) selec- tion, Donna Juanita'' (Supp); waltz, "Hofball Tanze" (Fetras); selection. Peminiseetices of Waq-ner" (arranged by C. Grjfrey) cornet solo, "Killarney" (Balfe), Sergesit Drake; selection from The Grand Duke (follivan) divertisse- ment, Espagnot" (Desormes piccolo solo, The Linnet" (Brockett), Mnsict^i eeley; selection, Carmen (Bizet). Two whle hours were occu- pied in the performance of thEvarious items, which certainly made up a most I)Itisiiiv and enjoyable programme. Many of the piftes were vociferously applauded, and when the bam left the stand it was evident that it had lost none < its popularity. At four o'clock, the Yeomanry B,nd again performed, the following being the pogramme:— Valse, Moonlight on the Rhine (rollstedt) selection, Haddon Hall" (Sullivan); Russian mazurka, "La Czarine" (Ganne) march, Aus-ria (Nowotny). Of course th great feature of the evening was the concert by the combined bands. The programe was commenced at six o'clock, with Mr Ilent? Dunkerton as con- ductor. The programme wa as follows :—March, The Washington Post" (H Sousa) overture, "Mirella" (Gounod); selecion, "The Mikado" (Sullivan); danse comique, "Punch and Judy" (Boggetti) polka for two picolos, Le Rossignol de lopera" (Damare), Musiciius Seeley and Under- hill selection, "An artistg model" (Jones) cornet solo, The lost chord (Sullivan), Sergeant Drake; valse, "Santiago" (Corbin); trombone solo (by desire), The death )f Nelson (Brahms), Musician J Wilson selection of National Hymns and Patriotic Songs of all Nalons (arranged by F. Godfrey) God save the Qieen." The concert was a conspicuous success, aid was very highly appreciated. It was listened to by a very large concourse of people who wer( not slow in recognis- ing what was to all intents aid purposes a brilliant performance. AMUSEMENTS AND FIREWORKS. In their provision for th amusement of the visitors the committee make the utmost endeavour to secure the services of performers whose exploits have won them a world-widerenown, and brought them among the cleverest aul most daring artistes of the day. At the same title every attention is paid to as great a change as possible in the variety of each year's performances, as well as to the greatest novelties, and up to the present their judgment has excited universal admiration. The expense for this, as well as any other part of the show, is enormous, but in ltiaking the matter of expenditure subordinate in ihe consideration of the people's enjoyment lies the secret of so much success. The efforts of past years, though they have been gigantic, and met witb proportionate results, have never yet been more successful than the present. The miscellaneous oharaetec. of the per- formances was very noticeable, and consequently the prettily covered stage and the lofty aerial arrangements were surrounded during the day by thousands, whose countenances betokened the high degree of pleasure derived from the astounding feats of the artistes engaged. Among them were the Lizettee troupe of acrobatic wonders; Gartner and Richards, comical musical clowns; Mons de Varo, the slack rope performer, who a' dusk gave a wonderful perform- ance on the trapeze surrounded by fireworks; Nestor and Aerian, who are acknowledged to be the most wonderful trapeze artistes in the kingdom; Japo and Japo, celebrated tight-wire walkers; the Arland and Marlo troupes, the former in their acrobatic and the latter in their comical perform- ances; whilst there were the four Vandols in their Grecian statuary. The agents for the performers were Messrs W. and J. WIlder, of Birmingham, who at dusk also gave a superb display of fireworks, which proved that this portion of the day's pro- ceedings received as much attention as hitherto from this well-known firm of popular and ingenious pyrotechnists. The display commenced with a brilliant illumination of the Park, the oak trees being lit up with pretty changing colours with charming effect. The miscellaneous display of wheels, rockets, &c., was thi3 year particularly good, the gigantic concluding device being an ex- quisite representation of Powij Castle, which was received with cheers, as was also the pyrotechnic portrait of Dr Jameson. The whole terminated with a tremendous flight of rockets, whose explosion threw amone the trees a dazzling illumination which quickly died- away and left the throng in darkness. PRIZE LIST. GENTLEMEN'S GARPEXERS (OPE^")-—DIVISION 1. Group of plants, 200 square feet 1 C H Wright, Halston (gardener, Roberts); 2 Jones and Son, Shrewsbury. Collection of cut flowers, 12ft. by ns 5ft. -1 Jones and Son, Shrewsbury. Cut carnations and picotee blooms (12 by 3)-1 Pritchard and Son, Shrewsbury. One bouquet-1 Jones and Son, Shrewsbury. Twenty-fm,r roses (distinct)-l E Murrell, Shrewsbury. A l^y s shoulder spray— 1 Jones and Son, Shrewsbury 2 J Cooke, Lower Farm 3 Misses Howelli Rhiewport. Three button- hole bouquets—1 Jones and Son, Shrewsbury; 2 J Cooke; 3 Misses Howell. PLVISION 2. Group of plants. 100 square feet—1 Misses Howell; 2 Mrs Curling, Brooklands (gardener, Mr McFarlane). One stove or greenhouse plant in flower-1 C H Wright; 2 Miaees Howell (gardener, E Jones). Four ornamental foliage plants (dissimilar)—! C H Wright, 2 Mrs Curling. Four tuberous begonias (dissimilar) 1 Misses Howell, 2 Mrs Curling. Six stove or greenhouse plants, not less than three in flower (distinct) 1 Mrs Curling. 2 Misses Howell- Four coleus (dissimilar) -1 withheld, 2 S D Priee-Davies, Marrington (gardener, George). Eight table plants (dissimilar) -1 Missed Howell; 2 Mrs Curling-, 3 S D Pi-i-oe- Davies Eighteen roses (distinct) 1 Dr Hawks- worth, Welshpool. Twelve roses (distinct)-l Dr Hawksworth; 2 Captain Pryce (gardener, Coo-ke) Cvfronvdd; 3 Mfsses Howell. Twelve dahlias double a d distinet-l J Parry Jones, Oswestry; 2 Colonel Heyward (gardener, Bennett) Crosswood 3 R L Kenyon, Pradoe. Twelve asters (6. varieties) -1 Colonel Heyward 2 Captain Pryce; 3 Misses Howell. Twelve Carnations or picotees (6 varie- ties)—! R L Kenyon; 2 Misses Howell; 3 Dr Ilawksworth. A bouquet of flowers-I Dr Hawks- worth 2 Captain Pryce. Twelve bunches of cut flow-rs-I Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, (gardener, Shute); 2 Misses Howell. Twelve trusses zonal pelargoniums-no exhibit. Collection of eight distinct kinds of fruit—^1 C M Wright 2 Rev T M Bulkeley-Owen, (gardener, Langley), Tedsmore; 3 Misses Howell. One melon (bv flavour)-l Earl of Lisburne, (gardener, R J Williams), Crosswood, Aberystwyth; 2 Mrs Curling; 3 Sir Pryce Pryce- Jones. Two bunches of black Hambro grapes-l R Lloyd, (gardener, E Hughes), Oswestry 2 Rev T M Bulkeley. Owen; 3 J Tams, (gardener. J Bates) Stone, Staffordshire. Two bunches black grapes, any other variety-1 Rev T M Bulkeley- Owen; 2 C H Wright; 3 Mrs Curling. Two bunches white grapes, any other variety-1 Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones; 2 J Tams, Stone; 3 Mrs Curl- ing. Six peaches—1 J Tams 2 C H Wright; 3 Mrs Curling. Six nectarines-l Earl of Lisburne 2 J Tams; 3 C H Wright. Six apricots—1 Dr Hawksworth; 2 Misses Howell; 3 Rev T M Bulkeley-Owen. Six plums—1 Rev T M Bulkeley- Owen; 2 R L Kenyon; 3 Misses Howell. Six apples—1 Rev T M Bulkeley-Owen; 2 C H Wright; 3 Misses Howell. Forty cherries -1 Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones; 2 Oapt Towzel (gardener Standish), Rhysnant, Oswestry; 3 Dr Hawksworth. Collection of twelve distinct kinds of vegetables—1 C H Wright, 2 Captain Pryce, 3 Misses Howell. Collection of six distinct varieties of potatoes (3 round 3 kidney) -1 R L Kenyon, 2 Capt Towzel, 3 Misses Howell. Six tomatoes-1 Sir P Pryce-Jones, 2 J Parry Jones, Oswestry; 3 J Tams. Nine kidney pot,,itots-I J Parry Jones, 2 C D Baker, Welshpool; 3 Misses ITowell. Thirty pods French beans—1 Misses Howell, 2 Captain Towzel, 3 J Tams. Three sticks celery 1 S D Price-Davies, 2 Captain: Towzel. Three heads cauliflowers -1 Ca,prain Pryce. Thirty pods peas -1 R L Kenyon, 2 Capt, Pryce, 3 J Tams. Brace of cucumbers—-1 J Tams, 2 Captain Pryce, 3 Dr Hawksworth. Six carrots—1 Capt Tams, 2 Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, 3 Dr Hawksworth. DIVISlOK 3 (OPEN).—AMATBUKS. Plants in pot: Three fuchias (dissimilar)—1 Mrs Copnall, Welshpool. Three ferns (dr-)—1 Mrs Copnall. Three plants in flower «(10)-1 Rev J Sawer Leighton; 2 Mrs Copnall. decoration suitable for a dinner table to seat pic, c persons on table 8ft by 4ft, separate tabies provided fruit and plate not considered — 1 Mrs Copnall, 2 C P 3 G D Harrison. Two bunches of annuals (distinct)—1 Rev E W Brown, Montgomery 2 D E Swayne, Newtown. Nine roses (distinct)—1 Rev J Sawer. 2 Rev E W Brown, Twelve double dahlias (not less than six varieties)- 1 J Pryce, Caersws. Twelve asters (not less than six varieties) -1 T Jones, Newtown; 2 D F Swayne, do. Six African marigolds—1 E Jones, Heath, 'Llandr;n;o; 2 Rev E W Br wti. Six-stocks (single spikes)—1 J Prvce, Caersws; 2 J Cooke, Shrewsbury. Twelve c iriwitionsor picotees ( not loss than six varieties)—1 G D Harrison, 2 J Cooke. Twelve pausies (do)—1 J Pryce, Caersws, 2 T Jones, Newtown. One lady's shoulder spray—1 Mrs Hawksworth, Welshpool 2J Cooke. Three buttonhole bouquets—1 G D R ii-rison, 2 J Cooke. Bouquet for the hand—1 G D Harrison, 2 Rev J Sawer. Basket of wild fiowers-l Misses Pugh, Leigittoii 2 Iliss F Nay lor, do; 3 G D Harrison. Six Apricots—1 J Cooke, 2 Misses Putrh. Six plums (dessert)—1 H Gittins, Golfa; 2 H F Cowper Smith, MOitzomery, Six apples (dessert) -1 H Gittins, 2 W Morgan, Welshpool. Thirty gooseberries—1 G D Harrison,. 2 F Roper, Welsh- pool. Red currants—1 F Roper, 2r G D Harrison. White currants—1 F Roper. Black currants—1 E Jones Heath, Llandrinio; 2 G D Harrison. Six apples (cooking)—1. J Cooke, 2Rev E W Brown. Six plums (cooking)^—1 P R Pryce, Pool Quay 2 J P urh, Pool Quay. Two bunches white grapes—1 Rev E W Brown. Two bunches black grapes-l Rev E W Brown. Tray of six distinct kinds of fruit—1 J Cooke. Six tomatoes—1 J Cooke 2 C D Baker, Welshpool. Six beet—1 Rev J Sawer, 2 G D Harrison. Three sticks of celery—1 T H Pu,h, Newtown 2 J Prvce, Caersws. Brace of cueumL)ei-s-I J (looliz(,2 J Pryce. Two marrows -1 Mrs Pryce, Severn street 2 J Pryce. Three cauliflowers—1 T J Bratton. Welshpool 2 H Gittins, Golfa. Six carrots—1 H F Cooper Smith, 2 D E Swayne. Six turnips—1 S Jackson, Shre ws- bury 2 J Cooke. Six spring onions—1 Mrs Cop- nall, Welshpool 2 D E Swayne, Newtown. Six autumn onions—1 J Pryce, 2 T H Pugh. Six leeks-l T H Pugh, 2' Mrs Copnall. Three lettuc-es-I T H Pllgh. 2 DE Swayne. Colle 'tion of potatoes (three distract varieties) — 1 II F Co .vper Smith 2 S Jackson, Shre vsbury. 30 pods i'Y >noh beans—1 T Jones, New'own; 2T H Pugh. Sine kidney potatoes—1 RevE W Brown,2 Rev J Sawer. 30 pods runner beans—1 D E Swayne, 2 S JaHcson. 20 pods broad beaus -l H F Cowper Smith 2 T H Pugh. Nine round potatoes—1 H F Cowper Smith, 2 Rev E W Brown. 30 pods of peas 1 J Pryce, 2 S Jacksou. Three red cabbages -1 W F Addie, Welshpool. Three green or white cabbages -2 T H Pugh (lst prize withheld). DIVISION 4.—COTTAGERS. (Nine miles radius of Welshpool Cross). Three window plants in variety—1 J Adams, Welshpool. The best plant in flower'—1 J Brown, Llardrinio 2 Mrs J Lloyd, Forden. Six cut roses (not less than three varietes)-l J Davies, Welsh- p,ol; 2 J Jeffries, Llanymynech. Six dahlias (double, not less than three vrieties)-l J Davies, Welshpool; 2 Mrs- M Bowen, Welshpool; 3 J Williams, Llandysilio. Six stocks (single spikes) -1 J Davies, Welshpool; 2 E Pugh, Leighton; 3 W Barker, Welshpool. Six asters (not less than three varieties)*— 1 D J, Ashley, Llanfair; 2 J Williams, Llandysilio; 3 R Lloyd, Berriew. Three small flowers-l,l\lrs M Jones, Belan 2 R Lloyd, Berriew; 3 Mrs M Bowen, Welshpool. Six marigolds—1 J Williams, Llandysilio; 2 Mrs M Bowen; 3 J Brown, Llandysilio. Tray of cut flowers—1 C Pryce, Montgomery 2 J Davies, Welshpool; 3 M Bowen, Welshpool. Nosegay of wild flowers and grasses—1 Mrs Ann Cuoke, Welshpool; 2C Pryce, Montgomery; 3 J Burgess, Guilsfield. Nosegay garden flowersc-l C Pryce, Montgomery 2 Mrs M Bowen, Welshpool. Basket of wild flowers, Krasa38, and friLits-I J Davies, Welshpool; 2 J Williams, Liandysilio,. Six apples (dessert)—1 Mrs J Jones, Forden; 2 E Williams, Welshpool; 3 E Jones, Welshpool. Dish of goose- berries—1 C Wood; 2 R Lloyd, Berriew; 3 J Davies, Welshpool. White ciirrants-1 C Wood 2 R Lloyd; 3 J Jeffries, Llanymynech. Red cur- rants—1 J Jones, Guilsfield; 2 C Wood; 3 E Owen, Welshpool. Six apples (culinary)—1 W Edwards, Welshpool: 2 J Jones, Guilsfield; 3 J Davies, Welshpool. Black currants—1 G Reese, Welshpool; 2 Wm Preece, Leighton; 3 E Roberts, Welshpool. Nine apricots—I E Pugh, Leighton 2 J Brown, Llandrinio; 3 G Reese. Welshpool. Nine plums 1. J Davies, Welshpool; 2 E Pugh, Leighton 3 W Fox, Pool Quay. Filberts—1 J Jeffreys, Llanymynech 2 J Lloyd, Forden 3 Mrs Joseph Jones, Forden. Collection of four distinct varieties of potatoes (six on dJsh)- 1 C Pryce, Montgomery 2 Mrs M Jones, Belan; 3 D Evans, Groes. Nine spring onions—1 G Turner, Berriew; 2 J Jeffreys; 3 J Williams, Llandysilio. Nine round potatoes (white)—1 C Pryce, Montgomery 2 Mrs S Bennett. Welshpooi; 3 D J Ashley, Llanfair. Thirty pods of peas—1 J Davies, Welshpool; 2 T Harris, Golfa 3 J Brown, Llandrinio. Nine round potatoes (coloured)—-1 E Jones. Welshpool; 2 William Fox, Pool Quay; 3 ,t Mrs S Bennett. Twenty pods of broad beans—1, J Brown. Llandrinio: 2 G Reese, Welshpool; 3 D J Ashley, Llanfair. Kidney potatoes (white) 1 E Jones, Welshpool; 2 C Pryce, Montgomery 3 D J A.shley. Thirty pods dwarf or French beans- 1 G Reese, Welshpool; 2 E Owen, do; 3 E Jones, do. Kidney potatoes (coloured)—1 Francis Owen, Welshpool; 2 E Owen, do; 3 C E.vans, do. Thirty pods of runner beans—1 J Burgess, Welshpool 2 Mrs S Bennett, do; 3 T Harris, do. Three st'cks of celery- -I J Williams, Llandysilio; 2 D J Ashley 3 J Davies, Welshpool. Six carrots—1 D Bowen, Welshpool; 2 William Humphreys, do; 3 E Ower, do. Six white turnips—1 D Bowen, Welshpool; 2 E Jor.es, do; 3 R Lloyd, Berriew. Six coloured turnips—1, D Bowen, Welahpool 2, D J Ashley, Llanfair 3, R Llwd, Berriew. Two marrows 1 William Edwards, Welshpool; 2 William Fox, Pool Quay 3 D J Ashley, Llanfair. Brace cucumbers 1, D Bowen, Welsbpool; 2 J Davies, do; 3 William Humphries, do. Three heads of lettuce—1 J Davies. Welshpool; 2 Mrs E Williams, do 3 J Burgess, do. Three cabbage (white or green) 1 J Williams, Llandysilio; 2 J Davies, Welshpool; 3 F Owen, do. thvee cabbages (red)-l D Bowen, Welshpool 2 E Jones, Welshpool. 20 shallots (large) 1 T Harris, Welshpool; 2 D J Ashley 3 Joseph Jones, Forden. 30 shallots (small)—1 W Edwards, Welshpool 2 C Evans, (to; 3 E Pugh, Leighton. Six beetroots—1 E Pugh. 2 J Jones, Guilsfield; 3 C Reese, Welsh- pool. Six Jecks-l D Bowen, 2 J Brown, Lhn- drinio; 3 D J Ashley. Collection of eight kinds of herbs-l J Davies, Welshpool; 2 A Phillips, do 3 E Pugh. Plate of parslcy-l H Evans, Welsh- pool; 2 Burgess, do; 5 A Phillips, do. Six autumn onions-I U Roese, 2 D Bowen, 3 R Lloyd, Berriew. SPECIAL PHIZES. (Open to Cottagers). Collection or eight kinds of vegetables—1 J Brown: 2.J Wiliams, Llandysilio; 3 W Humphreys. Welshpool. Tray of fruit (six distinct varieties; 1 J Brown, 2 G Reese, 3 E Pugh. Cottagers' wives: Man's whitocalieo shirt 2 Evans, Welshpool; 3 E Jones, Welshpool. 41b. loaf of bread—1 Sarah Bennett, Welshpool; 2 T Vaughan, Kiikewydd; 3 Jane Stephens, Welshpool. Six lib. bottles of ex- tracted honey-1 H Roberts, Ellesmere; 2 W Morgan, Forden; 3 J F Evans, Kerry. Six lib. sec- tions of honey 1 J Manning, Westbury; 2 J- Bradley Yockleton 3 E Williams, Llanymynech. Bees-wax, about lib.—1 E Williams, Llanymynech 2 J Bradley, Yockleton 3 J Manning. Open to all. c, Twelve lib bottles extracted honey 1 J Purton, Aberystwyth; 2 W Morgan, Welshpool; 3 T Harris, Welshpool. Twelve lib sections of honey -1 Earl of Lisburne, 2 J Bradley, Yockletouv Novelty or invention with bees—Prize divided between J Manning and J Bradley. Six carrots (Jones' "Prize Winner Intermediate ")-I Mrs Willans (gardener, Jerman), Dolforgan, Kerry; 2 Mrs Copnall; 3 T H Pugh, Newtown 4 Capt. Pryce 5 D Bowen, Welshpool; 6 W Humphreys, Welshpool. Dish of Jones' Exhibition Runner Bean "—1 D Swain, Newtown 2 T Pugh, New- town 3 Mrs Willans; 4 C Pryce, Montgomery; 5 D Bowen. Welshpool. Twelve double dahlias (plants)—1 S D Price-Davies 2 J Pryce, Caersws; 3 J Davies, Welshpool. Twelve cactus dahlias— 1 P E Swayne, 2 J Davies, 3 J Williams, Llandy- silio. Collection of vegetables, eight sorts, from Clibran's 18% seeds—1 J Parry-Jones, Oswestry; 2RL Konyon, 3 Mrs Copnall. Gardeners and Amateurs. Six "Proud Salopian" tomatoes—1 J Cooke, Corner Farm 2 Mrs Copnall, Welshpool; 3 Capt. Pryce. Six spikes (distinct), of Pritchard's exhibi- tion stocks—1 J Cooke, 2 J Brown, Llandrinio 3 Capt Pryce. Open to Cottagers. Six of Pritchard's Snowflake" parsnips-l J Brown, 2 J Wi-liams, Llandysilio; o W Humphreys, Welshpool. Collection of grasses., clover, et suitable for meadows and pastures—1 D E Swayne, Newtown; 2 Misses Powell, Leihtcfto r 3 D Bowen, Welshpool. Six distinct varieties of fruit—1 J Brown, Llandrinio; 2 J Jeffreys, Llanymynech.