26 THE FLOEAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



my directorship no addition has been made for the accommodation of 

 these kinds of plants." This appeal was as unsuccessful as the former ; 

 and specimens of the finest trees in the world, which need only slight 

 protection from the frosts of winter, are now to be seen huddled together 

 in the houses they have outgrown — perishing in darkness, or compelled 

 to brave out the trials of an English winter, every blast of which hastens 

 their ultimate demise, because the nation cannot afford them simple 

 house room. 



No expensive constructions are asked for, no new palm-houses requiring 

 costly arrangements for ventilating and heating, but a plain conservatory, 

 in which they can enjoy the daylight, secure from winter frost, and which, 

 as a winter garden, would be a new source of pleasure to every visitor to 

 Kcw ; and if this is not afforded them at once, the remnant of the noblest 

 collection of plants in Europe, still including gems of priceless value, 

 which have not yet succumbed, Avill be sacrificed for ever. The nation 

 readily provides salaries, bounties, grants, and dowries ; but, as repre- 

 sented by the •administrators of its means, a quarter of an acre of glass 

 stands between it and bankruptcy. For the sake of our name and fame, 

 as well as for the interests of horticulture, with which every phase of 

 our national progress is identified, we do hope that another session will 

 not be allowed to pass without a fair consideration of the claims of Sir 

 "William Hooker on behalf of his family at Kew. 



The year 1858 is to be crowned with a garland of roses, and the vexed 

 question of rose catalogues, and the well-fought battle of the new and old 

 roses, so differently conducted to that of the historical flowers of York 

 and Lancaster, will have a profitable issue. On the first of July we are 

 to have a " grand national rose show," open to all exhibitors in their 

 respective classes, in London ; the object being to give fair play to all 

 exhibitors and all roses ; and if some of the leading points in rose con- 

 troversy are not then cleared up, it will be no fault of the promoters of 

 this truly national undertaking, which will be literally a " feast of roses," 

 worth the sacrifice of time and railway fare, and will afford the best 

 opportunity ever yet offered of comparing varieties and making selections. 

 Subscriptions in furtherance of the design, are earnestly requested from all 

 lovers of the rose, and will be received by Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth ; 

 Mr. Paul, of Cheshunt ; Mr. Turner, of Slough ; and the Eev. S. Keynolds 

 Hole, of Caunton Manor, Newark, Notts. The last-named gentleman is 

 open to communicate with rose growers interested in the exhibition. 



The Horticultural Society has announced the following meetings and 

 exhibitions: — On the 2nd of February, a meeting at Regent-street, 

 when eight prizes will be awarded ; five for Camellias in threes and sixes ; 

 three for miscellaneous groups of flowering plants, in sixes ; and certifi- 

 cates for other objects. On the 2nd of March, there will be an exhibition 

 of Hyacinths, Rhododendrons, Cinerarias, Primulas, and forced vegetables, 

 with a liberal list of awards. On the 21st and 22nd of April, the grand 

 spring meeting will take place in St. James's Hall, the chief items in the 

 schedule being Hyacinths, Tulips, Marcissi, Fancy Pelargoniums, Camel- 

 lias, and Roses, Foliage Plants and Fruits, and an additional prize of £5 

 ottered by a V. P. H. S. tor the best Pine Apple of any kind. The Grand 

 Garden Show will take place at Chiswick, on the 9th and 10th of June, 



