86 THE FLORIST. 



cult matter to prove that the good gardener is almost invariably a 

 first-rate labourer. How, indeed, should it be otherwise ? 



The establishment of Horticultural Societies in various parts of 

 the country, with liberal prizes to cottagers, has been productive of 

 the Greatest good ; but these societies are, " like angels' visits, few 

 and far between." I would multiply them ; I would have one in 

 every parish of considerable extent : smaller parishes might unite in 

 twos and threes for the purpose. I would give prizes for every de- 

 scription of vegetable useful to the cottager ; and one main feature 

 of my society should be as many premiums, graduated in amount, 

 for the best-managed cottage-garden, as the funds would allow. 

 Would I exclude flowers ? By no means. I would invite their 

 production, by bidding highly for the best nosegay ; but the word 

 bouquet should not appear in my schedule : it seems sadly out of place 

 in a " cottagers' prize list," though I have often seen it inserted 

 there, for the purpose, I presume, of " astonishing the natives." 

 But there is the pet Fuchsia or Geranium, which the good wife so 

 assiduously cultivates as an ornament for her window. We must 

 have that ; and so, Mr. Secretary, put down " the best-blooming 

 plant in a pot, 25. 6d." I would have one exhibition in each year, 

 and no more ; but that should be a general holiday, and I would take 

 especial care that the children should have their annual treat on that 

 day, which should be in every respect worthy to be marked with 

 a white stone in our calendar. 



Worthy farmer, my very good friend, I am going to ask a favour 

 of you. "Is it to give up Protection?" No, indeed! that were 

 a preposterous request. Give up Protection ? Never ! It is a good 

 word. You have faith in it; yon love it; so do I. Therefore I 

 say, Do not give up Protection. Cling to it, my dear sir ; cherish it 

 in your heart of hearts ; only do endeavour to alter its object, just 

 the least in the world. Believe me, protection to the producer will 

 be the best security for the produce. Nay, nay, they are not radi- 

 cal notions ; they are conservative in the highest sense of the word. 

 But we will not discuss that matter at present. I want you to 

 subscribe to our " Cottagers' Horticultural Society," and moreover 

 to give your men half a day's holiday once in every year, on our day 

 of exhibition. My Lord and Sir John and the Squire have pro- 

 mised to come down handsomely, provided the farmers will do their 

 part ; and our good vicar is in this, as in every other u labour of 

 love," ready to aid us not only with his purse, but with his active 

 co-operation. He has already consented to undertake the organisa- 

 tion of the society, with the assistance of a committee, of which he 

 feels assured you will not refuse to be a member. Thank you, my 

 dear sir, thank you ; we may consider the affair established. Time 

 alone can test its utility; to that ordeal we will hopefully submit it. 



A. S. H. 



