NOVEMBER. 235 



sufficient space between those in the front row, to see the back row 

 to advantage. A board twenty-two inches from back to front, with 

 holes in two rows of six at the back, and five in the front, alternating 

 with one another, and placed five inches from the edge and twelve 

 inches apart, would not be too large for well-grown spikes. There 

 is an objection to raising the board higher at the back than the front, 

 as it would put the spikes out of the perpendicular, which would 

 have an awkward appearance ; nor does such elevation seem neces- 

 sary for Hollyhocks, as some sorts will always produce longer spikes 

 than others, and such will, of course, be placed in the back row, 

 thereby giving the desired effect. The board should be neatly covered 

 with fresh green moss. 



With regard to the length of spike, nothing should be allowed 

 under fifteen inches ; but it would be a pity to fix any hmit above 

 that height, as, with good growth and proper shading, spikes of 

 some varieties may be got three feet long, and even more ; and if 

 the exhibitor choose to take the trouble of bringing them, the longer 

 the spikes the nobler appearance they make. They ought, of course, 

 to be in full bloom to the very summit. Judges should be very par- 

 ticular on this point, and not allow six or more inches of unbloomed 

 stuff to be shewn, as is frequently done, but should at once reject 

 those with green tops, which are quite as objectionable as green 

 eyes in Dahlias. With a little care there is not much difficulty in 

 making all the really good varieties close over the top entirely. 



As to the number of spikes to be required, eleven is perhaps 

 the best number for Nurserymen, and seven, in two rows of four at 

 the back and three in front, for Amateurs ; and the latter should be 

 allowed to compete in the Nurserymen's class, if they have courage 

 enough to do so. 



As to the proper time for an exhibition of Hollyhocks, the 8th 

 or 10th of August is about the date they are generally at their best ; 

 and the writer can state, from several years' experience, that an 

 attempt to get them in at the same time as the Carnations and Pico- 

 tees will be a failure five years out of six ; nor is there any neces- 

 sity for doing so, as the Hollyhock is quite worthy of an exhibition 

 of its own ; mdeed it is destined at no very remote period to become 

 the most admired and popular flower in the garden. G. H. 



[Our own views entirely coincide with those of our Correspondent, 

 with the exception of the manner of exhibiting spikes. In our opi- 

 nion they appear to the greatest advantage in pots known as 32's, 

 or 6-inch pots, the tube holding the water being sunk in the pot in 

 sand, the top of which should be covered with fresh green moss. 

 By adopting this plan they can be placed at any distance apart, 

 according to their size, and shewn in three rows of four spikes each, 

 or, what is better, two rows of eleven spikes, six in tl.e back and five 

 in front, thus displaying every spike to advantage. The back row 

 might be raised, similar to Pelargoniums, at the same time keeping 

 them perpendicular, or a short spike might be brought up to corre- 

 spond with the others. 



