CARNATION SHOW.

Otago Witness, Issue 2812, 5 February 1908, Page 10

CARNATION SHOW.

Before the floral brilliancy of summer mellows into autumn tints comes a quiet truce in the conflict of seasons — a soit of Indian 'summer — a period of placid sunshine, to •which has been dedicated the carnation. Wherever it is found the carnation is always beautiful, but the specimens at the Carnation Show held under the auspices of the Duneditt Horticultural Society on the 29th ult proved that Dunedin gardeners are further advanced in this respect than others elsewhere in the Dominion. The explanation would apear to be that Dunedin horticulturalists do not mind spending time and money on their carnations. Some splendid specimens were shown by Air Bullock, and ell exhibits were very much up to 'date, competition, in Xew Zealand raised seed-

lings being responsible for many exquisite blooms.

The decorative work was a decided feature, bowls and vases being exceptionally good. Marguerites and carnations arranged in a large vase redounded to the credit of Mr W. Hitchcock, of Leith Valley, who "n as also responsible for a. bouquet of four colouis. including the new blue sweetpea (Helen Prir.co) shaded off w ith cream, after the patern affected in tiie Homeland.

Decorated tables by ladies wore also prominent in merit. Among the most effective were those arranged by Miss Glendining, Miss Burt, Miss Mitchell, Mrs M'George, and Mrs Robinson.

Competition in some classes ■was keen. Mr Cousins and Miss Mill, of Port Chalmers, were well represented in leading classes. The entries were large, and the blooms excellent considering the dryness of the season. Hippeaetrum 5 !. begonias, cannas, fuchsias, and ferns by Mr D. Tannock from the Gardens were a special feature of the show. The pot plants also made a creditable display, and an exhibit by Mr Glondining came jn for a good deal of admiration.

Cactus dahlias, elaborately arranged, made a good show, but these will probably be at their best in a month's time. Picotecs were allowed among the carnations, and although tho wisdom of this is doubted by some, it in no way detiacted wm the general effect.

Roses are always a welcome addition to any show. Those on view were, of course, betwoen-season specimens, but good of their kind. The display of vegetables was well up to the usual high standard, and the specimens looked fresh and remarkably healthy.

Th© Horticultural Society obviously scored another success, and the management of the show reflects credit on all responsible.

The judges were Mr Maemillan, of Kaikorai, and Miss Black, of Dunedin.

Various specimens entered for exhibition only were in some cases quite the leading features of the show, and exhibitors under this head seem worthy of every encouragement.