80 



THE FLORIST. 



fetes have lost, and at the same time replenished the exchequer of the 

 Society. 



If less company attend these meetings, it is solely on account of 

 there being a less variety of plants at the exhibitions than formerly. 

 In 1854 there will be less still. Why are not new subjects pa- 

 tronised ? Hybrids, if home productions, are entirely ignored. Two 

 ends would be gained by encouraging the raiser of seedlings ; the 

 exhibitions would be more interesting, and it would at the same time 

 recognise the exertions of those who have so greatly improved our 

 Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Cinerarias, Pelargoniums, Ericas, Fuchsias, 

 &c., &c. A newly-introduced plant without beauty or novelty would 

 be noticed, to the exclusion of the finest home productions, however 

 meritorious. 



This, we feel assured, is not in unison with the wishes of the 

 majority of the Fellows of the Horticultural Society, or of those who 

 merely patronise its exhibitions. In the new schedule of prizes, 

 with two exceptions, all exhibitors are classed together. The pro- 

 fessional grower with the amateur, the dealer with his customer. 



This will cause great dissatisfaction, and we should be pleased to 

 see the society working in happier unison with the exhibitors. The 

 Society appears to have lost sight of one important point, namely, 

 that the exhibitors can do without the patronage of the Society, if 

 the Society can do without them. That is the question. 



If the only schedule yet published of the metropolitan exhibitions 

 is not satisfactory, those of the provincial societies are, on the con- 

 trary, very encouraging. At Derby, on the 3d of August, thei 

 National Carnation and Picotee Society will hold its fourth annual 

 meeting. Twenty-two consecutive prizes are offered for 12 blooms; 

 sixteen consecutive prizes for 6 blooms ; and eighty prizes for single 

 specimens, amounting to 731. 10s., and besides. 111. 10s. for Holly- 

 hocks; making a total of 85Z. This is in addition to the prizes of the 

 Midland Horticultural Society, to be awarded on that occasion. Such 

 liberality cannot fail to bring together all the leading growers of the 

 kingdom. 



It is in contemplation to hold an exhibition of Hollyhocks in 

 London some time in August. It is found that the Carnation shows 

 are too early, and the Dahlia shows too late for the Hollyhock 

 to be in perfection. As far as we can render aid to such an under- 

 taking, it will be cheerfully given. If the proposed Show could be 

 fixed about the 20th of August, Dahlias would then be fine, if not in 

 general bloom, and would be a great auxiliary. 



EFFECTS OF THE WINTER AT KEW.' 



The ill-efiects of the past winter are very apparent here on nearly all 

 the evergreens ; indeed few shrubs, either hardy or half hardy, are 

 to be seen at present wearing a cheerful green aspect. The preceding 



