1869.] THE MANCHESTER EXHIBITION. 417 



the wall. It wag so completely overshadowed by the great agricultural gather- 

 ing, that it had to content itself with a very sparse patronage, and a probable 

 deficit. The site of the horticultural gathering was badly chosen, though it is 

 not unlikely that there was no choice in the matter. It v/as on the opposite side 

 of the agricultural gathering, most difficult of access — for all, or nearly all, the con- 

 veyances were monopolised by the visitors to its much more pretentious neigh- 

 bour. The entrances to the grounds would have disgraced a country show, so 

 roughly and hideously were they constructed ; the ground was rough and uneven, 

 and where it had been attempted to make the passage through the tents a trifle 

 more pleasant, it had been done by laying down some spits of turf, that soon be- 

 came loosened, and actually made the way more difficult. The tents were too 

 widely distributed ; one, containing the Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, &c., was placed 

 so far away that many visitors would not attempt to reach it over the rough turf 

 and under the bi-oiling sun. Many of the stages for the plants were as hideous 

 as the entrance-gates — huge rough deal slabs without any pretence at covering ; 

 and the plants being widely distributed, the naked deformity of the stages became 

 more markedly apparent. Without attempting to enter into the matters of dis- 

 pute between the Royal Horticultural Society and the Council of the Manchester 

 Botanic Gardens, it was yet a great calamity that these fine gardens could not 

 have been made the site for the show ; and to have obtained them, and the pres- 

 tige attaching to them, would have been worth a large sacrifice on the part of the 

 Royal Horticultural Society. There was a most convenient site, numberless 

 appliances, and the undoubted administrative capacity and invaluable aid of ilr 

 Bruce Findlay, at their disposal, but they were rejected. Perhaps, for a place 

 like Manchester, there might have been too much of standing on its dignity shown 

 by the Council. Governing bodies of such a character are too often deeply tainted 

 with this infirmity. A generous man, who understood better the men with whom 

 he was treating, might have effected an equitable arrangement that would have 

 set aside many causes of complaint and heart-burnings, and in all probability have 

 changed a comparative failure into a splendid success. The considerations con- 

 stituted the dark side of the Manchester gathering— the heavy shadows obscuring 

 to some extent a bright prospect behind them. 



There were lesser shadows as well hanging about this gathering. Such a big 

 show as this should never open on a Monday. It must entail a great amount of 

 Sunday work, and there are men who might have, but who did not exhibit in 

 consequence of this. To some, considerations for the religious sanctity attached 

 to the character of the day kept them from exhibiting; others, valuing it chiefly 

 as a day of respite from forced labour, would not make an exception to their 

 invariable practice. Then to those to whom neither of these considerations came 

 with much weight, there was to be met all the inconveniences and disadvantages 

 of Sunday-travelling — no rapid express trains or quick journeys, and in some cases 

 no trains at all., Then, naturally enough, the Monday morning trains were crowded 

 from all parts, and very late in consequence; and those who had to make a jour- 

 ney of 60 or 100 miles found themselves on the ground some hour and a-half too 

 late. This was vexatious enough in itself, but to be told afterwards that they 

 could not have their exhibition cards because they were so late, was enough to 

 call forth the ire of the most placid temperament ; and under such circumstances 

 small exhibitors fare badly. A little more courtesy on the part of Mr Elye's sub- 

 ordinates might be attempted another year with the best possible results. 



It is always a matter for great regret that the judging cannot be commenced 

 earlier at these large exhibitions ; but it is perhaps unavoidable. Two things 



