CLAUDELANDS NURSERY, HAMILTON.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2325, 4 June 1887, Page 2

CLAUDELANDS NURSERY, HAMILTON.

Passing through Claudelauds the other afternoon we dropped in to have a look through Mr Mason's nursery, situated near the railway. In the garden we found the proprietor'busy at work getting trees ready for the coming planting season. Having notified our intention, of looking around, Mr Mason kindly placed his services at our, disposal, and led the way, describing the various trees and .shrubs in their different beds. Regarding the apple trees not a particle of blight was to be seen as we passed up and down the walks. All the trees, which firs worked on blight proof stocks, looked healthy and are well grown. As to naming Mr Mason told us that he was always careful in. that respect, and had harcliy ever had complaints. From the list of names enumerated it was quite evident that a lot of new sorts had been introduced. These we were told were principally keepers, suitable for export and, judging from samples, unmistakably bore out the statement. Last year Mr Mason obtained the first pri/.e for the best collection of apples at tho Horticultural Show at Te Awamutu against allcomers, which in.itself fchould bo a guide to those who intend planting out this season. Mr Mason assured us that he. only ,, grows those sorts which he has proved to be the best. The apple trees, which range from 1 to 3 years old. include over 300 varieties, and ho has a very large stock. Among the principal sorts are Jenkins' (No 2), BraddickV Nonpareil, Welsford Seedling, Shepherd's Perfection, Maverick's Sweet, Pride of Australia, Cox's Red Leaf Russet, Rome Beauty, Rymer, Virginia Pippin, Golden Pippin, Kenwood's Pearmain, King Tom, Perfection, Baldwin. The Queen, Jonathan, Waihou Pippin, South Carolina Pippin. Yapp's Favourite, Golden lieiiiette, Nonpareil, Yates, Ohinemuri, Court of Wick, and Pine Apple Russets. There are also seveial new varieties of pears, including Thompson's Burgamot do Esperance, Marshal Wilder, Louise, Bonnie Jersey, Beurrie de Caprimot and Beurrie dela Assumption. Mr Mason has over 40 varieties of plums, besides a very large stock of gooseberries, black and rod currants, chestnuts, mulberries and medlars. There is also a choice and varied collection of decorative plants, including many new varieties. Of roses there arc about GO different kinds, and of azalias about a dozen, in addition to flowering shrubs of every discription, forest trees, hedge plants, lr.acrocarpa and insignis, especially the latter, of winch he has a large stock. What struck us in particular was the remarkable cleanliness of the grounds, a feature in it-self. It is nearly twenty years since Mr Mason first established a nursery in Hamilton, and as all the planting is done under his personal supervision, customers can rely upon being' served to the best advantage. In conclusion we would recommend those about planting to pay a visit to the Claudelands nursery.