194 THE FLORIST. 



JUNE EXHIBITION AT CHISWICK. 



The Horticultural Society held their second grand exhibition on the 

 ord ult., in consequence of the opening of the Crystal Palace taking 

 place on the 10th, the day originally fixed on by the Society. Un- 

 fortunately the 3rd was gloomy, and had been preceded by several 

 raw, cold days, which no doubt prevented that large influx of visitors 

 from attending which were wont to crowd the June fetes. 



We shall merely notice first, that as regards the exhibition itself, it 

 was much more extensive than the ]\Iay show; and secondly, that as 

 regards the collections of plants, they presented that universal same- 

 ness which it becomes necessary now to notice, and which appears to 

 us more palpable every year; both the exhibitors and the Society may 

 be certain that the same plant seen year after year loses its novelty 

 with the public, let it be ever so beautifully grown and bloomed. The 

 exhibitors appear chiefly in fault here, for if they would infuse the 

 charm of novelty more frequently into their collections, instead of 

 chnging with marvellous tenacity to a limited number of plants usually 

 seen — merely, we believe, because so-and-so, the great exhibitor, grows 

 them — they would gain a point, which the judges would be glad to 

 reward; but unless some spirited exhibitor changes his tactics, and 

 beats his competitors by growing a fresh class of plants, we have not 

 much hopes of a change being effected, so wedded appear the great 

 body of exhibitors to certain plants, and so partial to imitation. In 

 reference to this, we think that both the societies would do well (by 

 way of giving encouragement to variety in collections), to give specific 

 prizes additionally to such collections as comprised a certain proportion 

 of plants, not generally cultivated for exhibition. We doubt not this 

 would in some degree help to introduce a number of fine things into 

 notice, not often seen on the exhibition tables, but which only want 

 the same care and attention as are bestowed on much less sho^^y 

 plants, to render them universal favourites. 



But to return from our digression. The Orchids were numerous ; 

 generaUy in fine condition as to bloom and health ; and in addition, 

 presented a weU arranged contrast as regards colour; and we may 

 adduce them as a proof, how immensely more interesting they were to 

 the general public than the coUections of plants and Heaths. We think 

 that, taken altogether, we never saw a better display of this favourite 

 class of plants. To particularise each individual collection would take 

 up more room than we can afford; we shall therefore merely notice 

 the more prominent points as we proceed. The most sho^\y and 

 striking plants in Messrs. Veitch's group were Cattleyas Mossiae, 

 (Lobb's variety) and superba; Sobralia macrantha, Aerides aflfine 

 and odoratum purpurescens, Dendrobium Devonianum, and Cypri- 

 pedium barbatum; and Messrs. Rollisson, in a fine collection, had 

 some splendid Cattleyas, a fine Brassia verrucosa and Cypripedium 

 caudatum. The collections exhibited by private growers contained 

 many choice and well managed plants ; Mr. Williams had Mr. War- 

 ner's variety of Aerides crispum, a fine thing; the old Calanthe 



