182 THE FLORIST. 



common Arbor-vitfe, clipped on the inside and broken on the outside by 

 masses and groups of various kinds of shrubs. We would specially 

 call attention to the excellence of the common Arbor-vita? as a material 

 for evergreen fences, being cheap, efficient, and ornamental. 



William Davidson. 



CRYSTAL PALACE EXHIBITION. 



The Crystal Palace Company issued a schedule of prizes that was well 

 responded to on the 24th ult., as on that day an excellent display of 

 plants and fruits was brought together, and was inspected by a 

 numerous attendance of visitors. The arrangement of the exhibition 

 this year was much more efficient than last, and on the present 

 occasion was confined to the transept and nave. We do not consider 

 the exliibition so extensive as last year, but it was much more select, 

 and in many respects better. The Messrs. RoUisson and Sons did not 

 compete, and the absence of their collections of course detracted from 

 the general display. 



In some remarks we made at the time on the show of last year, in 

 reference to the suitability of exhibiting plants under a glass roof, we 

 expressed our dissent from the plan as one ill calculated to show off 

 plants to the best advantage, owing to the glare of light falling from the 

 roof having an overpowering effect on the colour of the flowers. This 

 season a canvas screen was placed over the stage containing the plants, 

 to intercept the light from the roof, and this was found to be a great 

 improvement, and, so far as preventing the vertical light from reaching 

 the plants, answered the purpose ; but in a building all glass, and 

 consequently admitting the light from every side, it is very difficult to 

 place plants in a position where their colours can be seen to the best 

 advantage : add to this the many objects to detract attention, all of 

 which help to lessen the effect of the plants themselves, and render them 

 less interesting. 



Notwithstanding these drawbacks, however, the show was a glorious 

 one ; the collections of plants presented wonderful instances of horticultural 

 skill and energy. Much of the fruit, too, was fine, though why some 

 exhibitors will persist in sending green Grapes and other things unfit 

 for exhibition is to us a mystery. Mr. Davis, of Oak Hill, had a fine 

 collection of Pine-apples and Grapes. There were also some remarkably 

 good Melons ; two, under the name of Orion, shown by Mr. Boreham, 

 were both fine, and, we understood, well flavoured. We have seen 

 better Strawberries, but then Mr. M'Evven was not there. Cherries 

 were very good, and Nectarines particularly fine for the season. 



We hope, supposing the Company intend holding their June show 

 in the building, they will have the September one in the grounds under 

 tents. In wet weather the building, so far as the comfort of the visitors 

 is concerned, is the best place ; and as the weather, even in June, may 

 be uncertain, it might not be safe to venture out. We hope, however, 



