year by year the number of exhibitors decreases, and both as 

 growers for sale and amateurs, the lists are now entered by 

 comparatively few competitors — whether because other things 

 are now more fashionable, or deterred by the wonderful culti- 

 vation of tliose who do compete, we are unable to say. Negress, 

 like many other very dark flowers, is delicate in habit, and con- 

 sequently has not been let out this season. It was commended 

 by the Floral Committee of the Eoyal Horticultural Society, 

 and Milton obtained a first-class certificate. 



