478 THE GARDENER. [Oct. 



the poor cottager, who might fiud pleasure in a simple border or a few select 

 flowers in his small garden. (Cheers.) He concluded by again proposing "The 

 English Horticultural Society and the Strangers, coupled with the name of the 

 Rev. S. Reynolds Hole of Newark." The toast was cordially pledged, 



Mr Hole, in responding, acknowledged the superiority of Scotchmen both as 

 horticulturists and agriculturists, and thanked the Society for the hearty reception 

 the strangers had received. He had to reciprocate their kindness by proposing 

 " Prosperity to the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society. " He congratulated 

 them on having got up the finest exhibition of fruit that ever was seen since the 

 Creation. (Laughter and applause.) The show was enough to take away one's 

 breath ; and when a royal prince, three dukes, and earls and baronets as numer- 

 ous as the Peaches, contended in the battle, defeat was glory. (Laughter and 

 cheers.) He coupled with the toast the name of the noble President, the Duke 

 of Buccleuch. (Applause.) 



The noble Chairman returned thanks, and then gave " The Successful and Un- 

 successful Competitors," coupled with the name of Mr Johnston. In pi'oposiug 

 the toast, his lordship bore testimony to the superior character of the exhibition, 

 especially of fruit, and expressed a hope that the high standard which had been 

 reached would be maintained. 

 Mr Johnston returned thanks. 



Professor Balfour gave "The Judges," coupled with the name of Mr Turner, 

 Slough. 



Mr Turner, in responding, said it had given him the greatest pleasure and pride 

 to be appointed one of the judges in a show where so many magnificent produc- 

 tions were exhibited. He had acted as a judge twenty times, and he had been 

 present at such exhibitions for twenty years, but he had never seen anything like 

 such an exhibition of fruit — he would not say on one occasion, but on half-a- 

 dozen occasions — as had been that day placed before them. (Applause.) The 

 show of fruit was altogether something wonderful. This was not the season for 

 plants, but the show would have been better if the Committee had had a larger 

 space at their disposal. 



The Chairman, in next giving the health of the members for the city, said the 

 members of Parliament had had most arduous duties to perform during last 

 session. They would not all agree in the principles which they held, but they 

 would all give their members credit for doing their duty according to their own 

 convictions. He coupled with the toast the name of Mr Miller, M. P. (Applause.) 



Mr Miller, in replying, said that if he had always to encounter as hard work as 

 he had encountered during last session, he would rather be the hardest-worked 

 gardener in Scotland than a member of Parliament. (Laughter.) He was afraid, 

 however, that they would have equally hard work next session. He had great 

 pleasure in countenancing the exhibitions of the Caledonian Horticultural Society, 

 as, if its objects were properly carried out, it was calculated to afford inconceivable 

 happiness to the people of this country. (Cheers.) 



Mr Nisbet-Hamilton gave "The Health of the Earl of Dalkeith," which was 

 cordially received. 



The noble Chairman acknowledged. 



Mr Miller, M.P., gave " The Office-Bearers." 



Mr David Smith gave *' The Ladies ; " and several other toasts having been pro- 

 posed, the company broke up shortly after ten o'clock. 



Messrs Geoghegan, Bishop, and Rutherford were present, and sang a number of 

 glees during the evening. 



We may add that at the close of the exhibition, Mr T. H. Douglas, photogra- 



