THE 



GARDENER 



APRIL 1870. 



THE PROPOSED ABANDONMENT OF 

 CHISWICK GARDENS. 



HAT many of our readers are interested in this matter, 

 is clear from the number of communications we have 

 received relating thereto ; and the tone of these com- 

 munications is to deprecate the giving up of Chiswick, as 

 proposed by the Royal Horticultural Society. There appears to be 

 something about such a proposal that savours of desecration — the 

 forcible giving up of what has become endeared to many by pleasant 

 memories, and the power of associations — a spot sacred in times past 

 to the promotion of the best interests of practical horticulture, and the 

 preparation of young men to go forth and assume foremost positions 

 among the leading gardeners of the day. To many, the proposal to 

 abandon Chiswick is the snapping asunder of the only link binding 

 them in a bond of sympathy to the doings of the Royal Horticultural 

 Society. 



It is now believed that a portion of the gardens will be retained for 

 the use of the Society till the termination of their lease, some years 

 hence. Steps have been taken to effect such an arrangement, and, in 

 all probability, it will be perfected ere these lines appear in print. But 

 that, with such retention, there will also be continued those illustra- 

 tions of practical horticulture that have won such renown for Chiswick 

 in times past, we very much doubt ; and we by no means stand alone 

 in our scepticism. Our impression is, that the Society finds a garden 

 like Chiswick somewhat irksome, and, naturally enough, desires to be 

 quit of the responsibility and cost of maintaining it. Those who are 

 in the habit of visiting Chiswick, and seeing what can be done there, 

 were much surprised to read in the recent report of the Society that 



