306 THE FLORIST. 



of the \sLwn were richly in bloom (for which, in a great measure, our 

 friends in the north are indebted to the softness of their chmate), and 

 the arrangement of colour was all that could be desired. The houses 

 contain the usual popular flowering plants of the day, — clean, healthy, 

 and full of bloom. 



The different modes of culture, including the training and pruning of 

 fruit trees, are here carried on extensively, from which important 

 practical results may be attained ; altogether this is one • of the most 

 useful institutions we have seen, and reflects the greatest credit on Mr. 

 Evans and all concerned in its management. 



NORTH OF ENGLAND SEEDLING SOCIETY. 



We have received a circular from Bolton respecting the above Society, 

 which is formed for the same purpose as the National Eloricultural 

 Society — enco\iraging the raising of seedling flowers, and pronouncing 

 judgment upon them. The field of operations will, of course, be the 

 northern counties. Most sincerely do we wish it every success in 

 its sphere of usefulness, and glad shall we be to hear of its doings, 

 and encourage it, if it will accept encouragement at our hands. 

 Such societies are much needed, and, if worked out in a proper spirit, 

 will succeed, and do much good. We gladly give an extract from the 

 circular, to show the objects of the Society. The committee state that 

 *' with regard to the objects of the Society, it may be remarked that 

 the raising of new flowers is perhaps one of the most pleasing and 

 interesting pursuits that can occupy the attention either of the amateur 

 florist, or the professional gardener. Hitherto the north of England 

 has been indebted mainly to the metropolis, or at least to residents in 

 the south, for their new plants. It is true the climate of the north is 

 not so favourable to the raising of new varieties ; yet when we call to 

 mind the great number of first-rate flowers (which might easily be 

 enumerated), standing at the head of their class, raised in the uncon- 

 genial north, we need not despair, that, if proper incentives are held 

 out, specimens of the highest character may iDe produced, which will vie 

 with those raised in the more favoured south." 



We, however, much regret to find our friends in the north labouring 

 under an erroneous impression regarding the principal metropolitan 

 tribunal for seedhng florist flowers. We allude to the National Flori- 

 cultural Society — for i/mt is the Society alluded to in their circular, 

 from which we take the following extract : — 



" With respect to the censorship, which the Society, by its Judges, 

 intends to assume, the necessity of such a step will at once be acknow- 

 ledged by those who refer to the many worthless varieties of flowers 

 which have been imposed upon the public by interested, and, we think 

 it not too much to say, unprincipled dealers. The system of playing 

 into each other's hands, by granting certificates of merit to each other s 

 productions, deserves universal exposure, and the severest reprobation. 

 The Society intends meeting this tricky system boldly, and will endeavour 



