234 THE FLORIST. 



merely, we felt no little interest in its elucidation. It was 

 speedily apparent to us that this difference was purely ima- 

 ginary, that it existed neither in the productions nor in the 

 producers ; and henceforth we entreat all Florists to believe 

 that the same rules are received in the south as in the north, 

 and that in every cultivated mind the same taste obtains. 

 We are justified in saying as much, because there never were 

 such gatherings either of raisers or of Carnations and Pico- 

 tees before ; and we query the justice of our reporter's asser- 

 tion, that the "southern-raised flowers gained the day" in both 

 classes. We think our northern friends have every reason to 

 be well satisfied with the result of these amicable contests. 



In conclusion, we direct attention to the proposed Tulip- 

 exhibition for 1851, on which subject an address from Mr. 

 Dodwell, the indefatigable secretary of the Midland Horticul- 

 tural Society, Derby, will be found stitched in our present 

 Number. Let not the burden of such gatherings fall upon 

 a few devoted Florists. This should not be. The cause is a 

 general one ; nor can we accept the poor excuse, so commonly 

 made, of " the pressure of other engagements." There is 

 not a person who has lent assistance to such work who is 

 not in a position to say the same, and very often with far 

 more reason. Does the prof essio)ial Florist lose the time given 

 to the promotion of such exhibitions ? Does the professional 

 Florist lose his donation to an All-England floral demonstra- 

 tion ? Certainly not. If there be any loss to make up at 

 any time, we know that amateurs pay the greatest share. 



Concerning the flowers represented by our Plate, we shall 

 have something to say next month. In the meantime we may 

 add, that they will prove an acquisition to every collection. 



MY FERN-GARDEN. 



How many are there who, while turning their attention to the cul- 

 tivation of this interesting class, are yet at a loss to plant them in 

 situations which will develop them in their natural habits of growth ! 

 Most people will agree with me in thinking that any plant is ren- 

 dered more than doubly interesting if planted out in the open air, in 

 a suitable situation, than when kept cramped and nursed in a pot 

 under glass. We may, I think, safely say, that there are but very 

 few gardens of a moderate size, which have not some small nook 

 or shady corner, which, by a little taste and management, might be 

 easily converted into an interesting spot for the cultivation of Ferns 

 and Mosses. 



Some will no doubt exclaim, that they have many suitable spots 



