THE FLORIST. 183 



Either of the above growers can supply a more extended cata- 

 logue; and there are some yearling seedlings of great merit, which 

 must be two years old before we notice them. 



HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



In our last paper we left the grounds as the judges were entering ; 

 but we must return and accompany them, just to give our readers 

 an idea of the manner in which their important duties are con- 

 ducted. 



The whole exhibition is divided into as many parts as is neces- 

 sary to prevent the task of arriving at a judgment from being hastily 

 hurried through. To each division two judges are appointed; these 

 receive on their entrance coloured cards, on which are printed the 

 letters under which the plants they have to judge are entered, and 

 the numbers of the collection present under that letter. Now all 

 they have to do is to look through the tents, and wherever they 

 see cards of the same colour as those in their hands nailed in front 

 of plants, there are the subjects for their attention. If unable to 

 agree, the judges of one department call in the aid of another divi- 

 sion ; but this is rarely required. As they award the prizes, they 

 enter the same on their cards ; and when they have judged all under 

 their care, they return to the Council-room, where the Vice-Secretary 

 receives their decisions, and enters them in a book, from which they 

 are copied by the clerks on to large well- displayed papers attached 

 to boards, which are forthwith hung in conspicuous situations 

 outside the tents, and near the portion of the exhibition to which 

 they refer. 



But how fast time flies ! the judges are scarcely finished, and 

 it is nearly one o'clock. We must run outside ; the weather is 

 most delightful, — clear bright sunshine, tempered by a gentle breeze 

 of wind. At both entrances, and in the road, a strong body 

 of police are placed, to keep order in the arrival, setting down, and 

 departure of carriages ; and also for another purpose, if required, 

 for there will soon be not a few of that unhappy parasitical class 

 which live on their fellows, and who frequent all large gatherings ; 

 not that this sort obtain admission, — ample precaution is taken to 

 prevent that. Beneath the canvass spread over a portion of the 

 roadway leading to the Council-room entrance, sit, impatiently await- 

 ing the opening of the gates, those enthusiastic admirers of flowers 

 who come always before time, that they may make sure of seeing 

 them well. Within are the Fellows, Members of the Council, enjoy- 

 ing one of their few privileges, — shewing a select number of friends 

 the exhibition before the public are admitted. But the clock strikes 

 one — musical sounds reach our ears — the gates fly open, and in we 

 go, treading most daintily, lest we step on that beautiful dress moving 

 before us. We cast a look behind, and what a gathering already ! 



