Tasteless tomatoes get Frankenstein treatment

The supermarket is surely one of the modern wonders. How on earth do they manage to keep stocked up with thousands of different products with little sign of effort. The logistics behind keeping up with their avid shoppers must be mind blowing.

But it doesn't all result in great products, and surely there can be no bigger disappointment than the supermarket tomato. Giving customers the come on with perfect redness, uniform shape and plumpness, they're without fail a huge disappointment every time. Where's the smell associated with allotment tomatoes, the firm flesh and sweet taste? They must really try to arrive at such a bland specimen.

Supermarkets only care about five things... size, weight, uniformity, colour and shelf life. Flavour is an irrelevance. The grower doesn't get a single penny for a sweeter tomato. And it's fraud, because taste is the only thing you can't check until you arrive home. With any other product giving such disappointment you'd be searching out the receipt and taking it back.

Actually, we're all partly to blame. Tomatoes are a summer fruit, and yet we expect them all year round. To satisfy that demand supermarkets source their supplies from all over the planet. But to get them to look inviting on the shelves they have to resort to some sleight of hand.

Tomatoes are picked long before they're ripe. Hard and green, they're much easier to transport than ripe mushy alternatives. Chilled to enhance their transportation lifespan, they begin to lose what little taste they still have. Cool a tomato to below 50 degrees fahrenheit and after 24 hours half of what makes it so appealing will be lost. And what do we British do as soon as we get the tomatoes home... stick them in the fridge of course!

When closer to the sale point they're artificially 'ripened' with ethylene gas. Not as bad as it sounds; it's the same process as putting a ripe banana in with unripened fruit, but nevertheless yet another human intervention.

And the crazy thing is, even when tomatoes are in season, less than half of the produce we buy is grown in the UK! Would you believe home grown green tomatoes taste better than 'ripe' red supermarket tomatoes? It's true, as proved in a blind test.

Of course scientists have arrived at the solution. This summer a missing gene was discovered they think explains the blandness of today's tomatoes. In striving for a more uniform colouring growers have bred in a mutation which results in the missing gene. They're hoping to find a way of breeding that gene back in and restoring the taste.

All sounds a bit Doctor Frankenstein to me. Maybe it's time we got back to basics and just shopped seasonally and British. And maybe when those tomatoes disappoint we should return them for a refund. While we're at it, lets follow suite with bananas, oranges, cucumbers....

Broad bean (vicia faba)

Why plant

Broad beans, or fava beans as they're also known, are very easy to grow and are one of the few plants that can be sown in late autumn or winter. With successional sowing you can be harvesting from May right through the summer.

Interesting uses

The dried beans have long been used for counting, such as for voting, and games. So you can use some dried beans to amuse children by inventing a game.

Since the plants fix nitrogen in the soil, they're worth growing over winter purely to improve soil fertility.

Origins

The broad bean is one of the most ancient plants in cultivation, so old in fact that there's no known wild form of the bean. Remains have been found from the Neolithic period in Israel dating back to almost 9,000 years ago and it was another 3,000 years before it found its way to Europe. It was the only bean known in the old world until discovery of the Americas just 500 years ago.

Health benefits

As with other types of beans, broad beans are high in protein. They also contain beneficial levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and plant sterols. They're also a rich source of dietary fibre. Theymay therefore be beneficial in avoiding a wide range of ailments such as heart disease, cancer and hign cholesterol.

Varieties

* Aquadulce Claudia: Probably the best autumn sowing variety, since it can withstand winter frosts and harvests early. A heritage type from the 1850s.

* Masterpiece Green Longpod: A reliable, slender-podded, high yielding and tasty heritage variety dating from the late 19th century cultivar.

* Bunyards Exhibition: A variety introduced pre-1835, the pods are long and produce a large harvest of delicious flavoured white seeded beans with up to 9 beans per pod.

* Medes: A popular, high-yielding, uniform variety

* The Sutton: A dwarf favourite producing small, tender beans ideal for containers.

* Witkiem Manita: An early-maturing cultivar with heavy yields.

* Red Epicure: This variety is a bit different, the pods containing up to 5 crimson red beans which, as well as tasting lovely, add a vibrant splash of colour to the dinner plate when steamed.. Dates from 1894.

Planting

You can plant broad beans as early as November to get early spring crops. Alternatively plant from February to May to harvest throughout the summer.

The plants appreciate a well drained and manured site. Sow seeds 2 inches (5cm) deep and 8 inches (20cm) apart, with 18 inches (45cm) between rows. As they grow plants will generally need support with stakes and string. Alternatively grow in blocks so less affected by the elements, but always ensure there's plenty of air circulation to avoid fungal problems.

Aftercare

Keep moist and weed-free. When the lowest flowers have formed small pods, pinch out the tips of the plants to encourage development of the remaining pods and avoid blackfly infestation. Don't waste the tips... they can be steamed and eaten.

Harvesting

The beans are ready to harvest when they have begun to visibly swell inside the pod. Pick the lowest pods first. Small beans are sweeter and more tender and pods can also be picked when they're immature to be cooked and eaten whole

Broad beans are great for storing, either by drying or freezing. Dried beans can be sown the following year, or rehydrated for use in cooking.

Recipes

Broad beans with tomatoes and anchovies

Fried new potatoes with parma ham and broad beans

Broad beans with mozzarella, lemon and mint

Broad beans with bacon

Broad bean, yoghurt and mint soup

Common problems

Blackfly can be a problem in late spring or early summer. Pinch out the plant tips as soon as the lowest flowers have formed pods to avoid. If the plants do become affected you can manually remove the blackfly, or spray with soapy water. It also helps to grow poached egg plants or polygonum nearby; both attract hoverflies, which feed on the blackfly.

Fungal diseases can develop if there's not enough air flow between the plants.

Broad bean seedlings.

Comes with the bonus of attractive flowers.

Tender beans ready for harvesting.

St Ives Flower Show 1881

Here's the report of the 1881 St Ives Flower Show as published in the Hunts Guardian & East Midland Spectator dated 30 July 1881. You can read a history of the show and access all the links for newspaper articles and other information about the show at Allotment Heaven: St Ives Flower Show from 1876.

If you are doing a family history search and are interested if your ancestor's surname appears as a prizewinner or official, just search for their surname within this page. Because spellings sometimes vary it might be worthwhile using the first few characters for the search. Not sure how to search within this page? For guidance click Allotment Heaven: How to find text within a web page.

30 July 1881

SAINT IVES HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The show last week, like all its predecessors, was a great success. A capital band, a good all-round competition, and an excellent display of fireworks, all combined to make the meeting most satisfactory. The number of entries in the amateur classes was 292, against 280 last year, this showing a further improvement. In the cottager's classes there were no less than 434 entries, and in both departments there was an excellent exhibition. 

The competition in the open rose classes was fcarcely so good as last year, Messrs. Paul and Sons, Chshunt, had an easy first, with Messrs. Farren and Seekings looking well. Mr. H. Frettingham, of Nottingham came second with some fine specimnes. The worthy secretary succeeded in taking the first local prize, with Mr Seekings second. The inferior character of the whole rose show was due solely to the nature of the season, and not to the interest felt in the exhibition. 

The cottagers' exhibits with the interest taken prove that the meeting has by no means fallen off in point of attraction. The amateurs' tent was as god as ever, notwithstanding that some amateurs expressed the opinion that those exhibitors possessing glass and the assistance of practical gardeners over-weighted the ordinary amateur, In both departments there was an excellent display, and proved the beneficial results of the competition in promoting garden cultivation of a superior character. 

The contributions not for competition were as extensive and gratifying as ever. It was hard for the professional judges to have to arrange the staging, as well as the arduous task of deciding upon the respective merits, but all was done with a cordial good will, and no fault could be found with th arrangements. The judges were - Messrs. I. Smith (Papworth Hall), Cooper (Huntingdon Nurseries), Petfield (Diddington), and Tilbrook (Houghton), with Messrs. A. Fryer (Chatterist), and Ingle (Cambridge), as residuary legatees in th etask of awarding the various results. 

The space occupied by the various collections not for competition was well filled, but it might just as well have been taken by an open class for gardeners, as is the case at St. Neots, and must be here next year. A proper collection of stove and greenhouse plants was the one thing needed, and as the society has an abundance of funds, and a very vigorous growth, we have no doubt this will be the arrangement next year. 

The Kettering Band, after a night's rest from their Fenstanton exertions, discoursed sweet music in an admirable and satisfactory manner the programme of which we subjoin. 

PART I.

March ... "Hail to the Duke," ... Clarke

Overture ... "Primrose," ... Brepsant

Fantasia ... "La Chatelaine," ... Jones

Valse ... "Queen of the May," ... Scholes

Selection ... "Pirates of Penzance," Sullivan

Solo (Coronet) ... "Zerlina," ... Ettling

J. W. Foster 

PART II.

March ... "Ambeise Castle," ... Fisher

Overture ... "Talavera," ... Battman

Fantasia ... "Semiramide," ... Rossini

Valse ... "Tres Jolie," ... Waldtenfel

Selection ... "Girofle Girofla," ... Lecocq

Glee ... "Chough and Crow," ... Bishop

Fantasia "Scotch Songs," ... Seaman

Quadrille "Les Cloches de Cernveille," Coote 

There were two supplementary attractions - dancing and fireworks. In both there was every interest and success, and the attendance was larger than ever, so much so that the space of Alderman Goodman is scarcely large enough if the exhibition grows at the same rate. Mr Seward conducted the admirable fireworks with his usual success, and altogether it was the most successful of all its predecessors. 

The labours of Messrs. Copley, Chapman and Hankin with the committee deserve every praise. 

LIST OF PRIZES: 

COTTAGERS: 

VEGETABLES. 

Class

1.-Twelve Kidney Potatoes, first 3/- John Frost, second 2/- William Thompson, third 1/- John Smith

2.-Twelve Round Potatoes, first 3/- Joseph Seymour, second 2/- William Burton, third 1/- W. Richards.

3.-Twelve Early Rose Potatoes, (or any red variety) first 3/- T. Garner, second 2/- A. Fear, third 1/- J. Seymour.

4.-Twelve Potatoes, not less than three varieties, first 3/- S. Newman, second 2/- J. Seymour, third 1/- E. Harrison.

5.-Four Stalks Rhubarb, first 2/- J. Brown, second 1/- F. West, third 6d. C. King.

6.-30 pods Peas, first 3/- W. Leeds, second 2/- J. Simmons, third 1/- A. Fear, fourth 6d. T. Cooper.

7.-20 pods Broad Beans, first 2/- R. Wicks, second 1/- J. Smith, third 6d. R. Culpin, jun.

8.-20 pods Scarlet Runners, first 2/- J. Smith, second 1/- R. Wicks, third 6d. J. Brown.

9.-20 pods French Beans, first 2/- J. Smith, second 1/- J. Everitt, third 6d. W. Howell.

10.-10 Onions (spring sown) first 3/- J. Whitlock, second 2/- J. Baker, third 1/- H. Naylor.

11.-10 Onions (autumn sown) first 3/- W. Saunders, second 2/- E. Harrison, third 1/- C. Royston.

12.-2 Cabbages, first 2/- W. Burton, second 1/- J. Brown, third 6d. T. Cooper.

13.-2 Cauliflowers, no entries.

14.-10 Carrots, first 2/- J. Seymour, second 1/- E. Harrison, third 6d. F. Tabbit.

15.-10 Turnips, first 2/- J. Everitt, second 1/- C. Hobbs, third 6d. H. Naylor.

16.-3 Coss Lettuces, first 2/- J. Seymour, second 1/- J. Brown, third 6d. J. Frost.

17.-3 Cabbage Lettuces, first 2/- J. Brown, second 1/- R. Culpin, sen., third 6d. J. Seymour.

18.-Collection of Pot Herbs, first 2/- E. Harrison.

19.-Basket of Vegetables, not to exceed 28in. by 21in., first 5/- E. Harrison, second 2/6 J. Seymour, third 1/- J. Brown.

20.-Basket of Salad, first 3/- J. Brown, second 2/- J. Seymour, third 1/- E. Harrison.

21.-2 Vegetable Marrows, first 2/- J. Reynolds, second 1/- W. Burton, third 6d. J. Everit.

22.-2 Ridge Cucumbers, first 2/- J. Seymour, second 1/- T. Cooper.

23.-12 Radishes, first 1/- J. Brown, second 6d. J. Seymour.

24.-12 Turnip Radishes, first 1/- A. Jeffs, second 6d. W. Thompson.

25.-10 Parsnips, first 2/- J. Brown, second 1/- F. Tabbitt, third 6d. T. Cooper.

26.-2 Heads of Celery, first 2/- C. Hobbs, second 1/- G. Smith, third 6d. E. Harrison. 

FRUIT. 

27.-6 Kitchen Apples, first 2/- T. Cooper, second 1/- W. Hart, third 6d.

28.-6 Dessert Apples, first 2/- T. Cooper, second 1/- J. Golding, third 6d. C. King.

29.-12 Gooseberries, first 2/- S. Newman, second 1/- C. King, third 6d. T. Cooper.

30.-1/2lb Gooseberries, for flavour, first 2/- A. Coulson, second 1/- D. Sneesby, third 6d. S. Chambers.

31.-12 Strawberries, first 2/- C. King.

32.-Dish of Red Currants, first 2/- D. Sneesby, second 1/- A. Coulson, third 6d. T. Garner.

33.-Dish of White Currants, first 2/- S. Newman, second 1/- S. Holmes, third 6d. A. Coulson.

34.-Dish of Black Currants, first 2/- C. King, second 1/- A. Fear, third 6d. S. Chambers.

35.-Dish of Raspberries, first 2/- A. Coulson, second 1/- C. King, third 6d. T. Garner. 

FLOWERS IN POTS. 

36.-Mimulus or Monkey Plant, first 2/- C. Hobbs, second 1/- J. Favell, third 6d. J. Seymour.

37.-2 Variegated Geraniums, first 2/- A. Fear, second 1/- S. Chambers.

38.-2 Zonal Geraniums, first 2/- S. Chambers, second 1/- E. Harrison.

39.-2 Pelargoniums, first 2/- C. Hobbs.

40.-2 Calceolarias (yellow), first 2/- E. Harrison, second 1/- C. Hobbs.

41.-2 Calceolarias (various), first 2/- S. Chambers.

42.-1 Cactus, first 2/- C. Green, junr. second 1/- S. Chambers.

43.-2 Fuschias (various), first 3/- E. Harrison, second 2/- Miss H. Meadows.

44.-Fuschia, first 2/- J. Teller, second 1/- G. Smith, third 6d. F. W. Peacock.

45.-3 Window Plants (various), first 3/- A. Jeffs, second 2/- E. Harrison, third 1/- C. Hobbs.

46.-2 Balsams, first 2/- S. Chambers, second 1/- J. Seymour.

47.-Hanging Plant, first 2/- E. Clarke, second 1/- S. Haynes.

48.-Fern, first 1/6 S. Chambers, second 1/- C. Green.

49.-Pot of Musk, first 2/- E. Harrison, second 1/- A. Jeffs, third 6d. S. Chambers.

50.-Pot of Mignonette, first 2/- E. Harrison, second 1/- A. Jeffs, third 6d. S. Chambers.

51.-Selection of four Plant (various), first 3/- B. S. Clarke, second 2/- A. Jeffs, third 1/- H. Nayor.

52.-Best single Specimen Plant in the Show, 2/- E. Clarke. 

CUT FLOWERS. 

Class 

53.-3 Marigolds, first 2/- C. Hobbs, second 1/- E. Clarke.

54.-2 Verbenas, first 2/- A. Jeffs, second 1/- E. Harrison.

55.-3 Carnations, first 2/- S. Chambers, second 1/- R. Lord.

56.-3 Picotees, first 2/- S. Chambers, second 1/- S. Newman.

57.-3 Stocks, first 2/- S. Newman, second 1/- E. Harrison.

58.-Sweet Williams, first 2/- S. Chambers.

59.-3 Phloxes, first 2/- A. Jeffs, second 1/- T. Garner.

60.-3 Double Zinnias, first 2/- S. Chambers, second 1/- E. Harrison.

61.-3 Single Zinnias, first 2/- S. Chambers, second 1/- J. Seymour.

62.-3 Hollyhocks, first 2/- E. Harrison, second 1/- E. Harrison.

63.-Nosegay of Garden Flowers, first 3/- S. Chambers, second 2/- Alfred Fear.

64.-Nosegay of Wild Flowers for Girls under fifteen years, first 3/- Ruth Adams, second 2/- Ada Pryke, third 1/- S. Skelton,

65.-Nosegay for Boys under fifteen years, first 3/- F. Fear, second 2/- F. Tabitt, third 1/- S. Witherow.

66.-3 Cut Roses, first 3/- S. Chambers, second 2/- S. Newman, third 1/- J. Golding.

67.-3 Dahlias, first 2/- E. Harrison, second 1/- S. Chambers.

68.-3 Asters, no entries.

69.-6 Varieties of Cut Flowers, first 3/- B. S. Clarke, second 2/- E. Harrison, third 1/- C. Hobbs. 

SINGING BIRDS. 

Class 

70.-Canary (green), first 3/- E. Harrison, second 2/- G. Denton.

71.-Canary (yellow), first 3/- E. Harrison, second 2/- C. Hobbs.

72.-Canary (buff), first 3/- C. Hobbs, second 2/- E. Harrison.

73.-Canary (marked), first 3/- E. Harrison, second 2/- W. Maile.

74.-Bullfinch, first 2/- C. Hobbs, second 1/- R. Cowell.

75.-Linnet, first 2/- J. Golding, second 1/- S. Newman.

76.-Blackbird, no entries.

77.-Thrush, Charles Maile, first 2/- Joseph Sargeant, second 1/-.

78.-Collection of Birds (any variety), E. Harrison, first 5/-, C. Hobbs, second 2/6.

79.-Best Glass of Honey, C. King, first 5/-, E. Golding, second 2/6.

80.-Special Prize, (third year) Best Dish of Potatoes, given by Mr. Bailey, of Cambridge, J. Frost, 4/-. 

ALLOTMENT CULTIVATION. 

S. Chambers. jun., first 10/. J. Brown, second 7/6, W. Cox, third 5/-, W. Burton, fourth 2/6, W. Hight, 2/-, J. Simon, 2/-, E. Clack, 2/-, John Frost, 2/.

AMATEURS: 

FRUITS. 

Class 

1.-6 Kitchen Apples, first 2/- Mr. Mayson, second 1/- E. M. Norris.

2.-6 Dessert Apples, first 2/- Mr. Mayson, second 1/- E. M. Norris.

3.-Dish of Raspberries, first 2/- E. M. Norris, second 1/- Rev. Carroll.

4.-Dish of Red Currants, first 2/- E. M. Norris, second 1/- J. Knights.

5.-Dish of White Currants, first 2/- T. Knights, second 1/- W. Woods.

6.-Dish of Black Currants, first 2/- W. Woods, second 1/- E. M. Norris.

7.-Dish of Cherries, first 2/- J. Turner, second 1/- H. Goodman.

8.-12 Strawberries, first 2/- R. M. Copley.

9.-12 Gooseberries, first 2/- W. Woods, second 1/- J. Turner.

10.-1/2lb. Gooseberries, for flavour, first 2/- W. Woods, second 1/- E. M. Norris. 

VEGETABLES. 

Class 

11.-12 Kidney Potatoes, first 3/- W. Woods, second 2/- Mr. Mayson.

12.-12 Round Potatoes, first 3/- R. M. Copley, second 2/- S. Chambers.

13.-12 Early Rose Potatoes, first 3/- R. Smith, second 2/- W. Woods.

14.-20 Pods of Peas, first 2/- S. Chambers, second 1/- J. Knights.

15.-20 Pods of Broad Beans, first 2/- S. Chambers, second 1/- A. Adams.

16.-20 Pods of French Beans, first 2/- R. M. Copley, second 1/- J. Skeeles.

17.-20 Pods of Scarlett Runners, first 2/- W. Howson, second 1/- S. Chambers.

18.-10 Spring Onions, first 2/- A. Adams, second 1/- S. Chambers.

19.-10 Autumn Onions, first 2/- Rev. Carroll, second 1/- S. Chambers.

20.-3 Cabbage Lettuces, first 2/- T. Knights, second 1/- R. M. Copley.

21.-3 Coss Lettuces, first 2/- Rev. Hoskyns, second 1/- W. Howson.

22.-3 Heads of Celery (white), first 2/- R. M. Copley, second 1/- H. Goodman.

23.-3 Heads of Celery (pink), first 2/- R. M. Copley, second 1/- H. Goodman.

24.-2 Cucumbers, first 2/- H. Goodman, second 1/- S. Chambers.

25.-1 Cucumber, first 2/- H. Goodman, second 1/- Rev. Carroll.

26.-2 Cauliflowers, no entries.

27.-10 Carrots, first 2/- S. Chambers, second 1/- A. Adams.

28.-10 Turnips, first 2/- S. Chambers, second 1/- S. Chambers.

29.-10 Parsnips, first 2/- C. E. Greene, second 1/- S. Chambers.

30.-4 Stalks of Rhubarb, first 2/- R. Smith, second 1/- C. E. Greene.

31.-2 Vegetable Marrows, first 2/- Rev. Hoskyns, second 1/- S. Chambers.

32.-Basket of Vegetables, first 3/- S. Chambers. 

FLOWERS IN POTS 

Class 

33.-6 Fuschias (various), first 4/- H. Goodman, second 2/- G. Chapman.

34.-3 Fuschias (various), first 3/- J. Butler, second 1/6 G. Chapman.

35.-1 Fuschia, first 2/- J. Butler.

36.-3 Zonal Geraniums (single) various, first 2/- G. Chapman.

37.-3 Zonal Geraniums (double) various, first 2/- G. Chapman.

38.-6 Balsams, 3 varieties, first 3/- H. Goodman.

39.-3 Balsams (various), first 2/- G. Chapman, second 1/- J. Baker.

40.-6 Coleus, 3 varieties, first 3/- J. Baker, second 1/6 Rev. Hoskyns.

41.-3 Coleus (various), first 2/- J. Baker, second 1/- Rev Hoskyns.

42.-6 Plants in bloom, first 3/- J. Baker, second 1/6 H. Goodman.

43.-1 Plant, first 2/- J. Baker, second 1/- Miss Wadsworth.

44.-6 Ferns, no entries.

45.-3 Ferns, first 2/- H. Goodman, second 1/- R. M. Copley.

46.-1 Fern, first 1/- G. Chapman.

47.-6 Foliage Plants, no entries.

48.-1 Pot of Mignonette, first 2/- G. Chapman.

49.-1 Pot of Musk, first 2/- J. Butler, second 1/- G. Chapman.

50.-6 German Stocks, 3 varieties, first 3/- R. M. Copley, second 1/6 J. Butler.

51.-3 German Stocks, various, first 2/- G. Chapman, second 1/- R. M. Copley. 

CUT FLOWERS. 

Class 

52.-6 Carnations, not less than 3 varieties, first 3/- A. Gifford.

53.-3 Carnations, various, no entries.

54.-6 Picotees, not less than 3 varieties, first 2/- W. Gifford, second 1/6 W. Galley.

55.-3 Picotees, various, first 2/- W. Galley.

56.-6 Roses, distinct varieties, first 4/- R. M. Copley, second 2/- G. Hicks.

57.-3 Roses, distinct varieties, first 2/- not given, second 2/- E. M. Norris.

58.-6 Tea and Noisette roses, distinct varieties, R. M. Copley, second 2/- Rev. Carroll.

59.-3 Tea and Noisette roses, distinct varieties, first 2/- G. Hicks.

60.-6 Trusses sweet williams, not less than 3 varieties, no entries.

61.-3 Trusses sweet williams, various, no entries.

62.-6 Double zinnias, not less than 3 varieties, first 2/- F. Knights, second 1/- R. M. Copley.

63.-French marigolds, first 3/- R. M. Copley, second 1/6 H. Goodman.

64.-3 French marigolds, first 1/- R. M. Copley, second 1/- S. Chambers.

65.-6 African marigolds, first 3/- H. Goodman, second 1/6 S. Chambers.

66.-3 African marigolds, first 2/- F. Knights, second 1/- E. M. Norris.

67.-6 Varieties of cut flowers, first 3/- H. Goodman, second 1/6 R. M. Copley.

68.-6 Varieties of cut flowers from herbaceous plants, first 3/- A. Gifford, second 1/6 R. M. Copley.

69.-6 Varieties of herbaceous pyretherum, no entries.

70.-6 Phloxes, not less than 3 varieties, first 3/- A. Gifford, socond 1/6 J. Baker.

71.-3 Dahlias, various, first 2/- Rev. Hoskyns.

72.-6 Verbenas, not less than 3 varieties, first 2/- T. King, second 1/- Miss Wadsworth.

73.-6 Pansies, various, first 2/- A. Gifford, no second.

74.-Basket of cut flowers, not to be tied to supports, first 5/- Miss Wadsworth, second 2/6 Miss E. King.

75.-Hand bouquet, not exceeding 9 inches in diameter, first 5/- Miss Wadsworth, second 2/6 Miss E. King.

76.-Table decoration, consisting of one stand, first 7/6 Miss Wadsworth, second 4/- Miss E. King. 

WILD FLOWERS (for children under 15 years, whose parents are subscribers. 

77.-Hand bouquet, first 3/- A. Woods, second 2/- F. Copley, third 1/- C. Knights.

78.-Basket of cut flowers, first 3/- H. Copley, second 2/- Nellie Barton. third 1/- A. Chapman.

79.-Table decoration, consisting of one stand, first 3/- S. Spencer, second 2/- Miss Goldie. 

SPECIAL PRIZE. 

80.-12 distinct varieties of roses (open to members of the society only), first prize, given by Thomas King, Esq., £1/1, R. M. Copley, second prize, given by the treasurer, £10/6, Thos. Seekings.

81.-24 distinct varieties of roses (all England), first £5 Paul & Son, Cheshunt ; second £2 H. Frettingham, Nottingham ; third £1 W. Farren, Cambridge.

The above prizes are given by the Mayor of St Ives, Thos. Knights, Esq., and by the ex-Mayor, John Wadsworth, Esq.

82.-12 distinct varieties of roses (all England), first prize, given by E. G. Bevan, Esq., £2/2 J. L. Curtis, Chatteris ; second prize, given by Thos. King, Esq., £1/1 Rev. Fellowes, Wimpole.