146 THE GARDENER. [April 



"the results of the cultivation there, owing to its low, cold, damp 

 position, combined with the gradual increase of smoke and houses 

 around it, are yearly becoming less satisfactory." We had come to 

 think differently of Chiswick, and to believe that, had Mr Barron at 

 his command means to make it a valuable school of instruction in 

 matters horticultural, neither its position, nor the increase of houses 

 and smoke about it, would prove very serious obstacles in working 

 out his plans in a satisfactory manner. Rather, the wonder is that, 

 with such poor means at his command, he has done so much. 



To our mind, the Society cares very little indeed for practical hor- 

 ticulture as it could be exhibited at Chiswick, were ample means 

 employed thereat. All that the Society appears to require is a feeding- 

 place for South Kensington — a nursery, in fact, from which can be 

 drawn materials to decorate the gardens there. Horticulture at South 

 Kensington has become fashionable — the gardens are a fashionable 

 lounging-place, the exhibitions a means for drawing a company together, 

 to see each other, and be seen in return ; and the gardens must, there- 

 fore, be made as attractive as possible. The practical horticulturist is 

 a being regarded as capable of affording an attractive show for the 

 fashionables to gaze at when not absorbed in the contemplation of each 

 other ; he is encouraged, and petted, and in a certain way rewarded ; 

 but the Society has no practical sympathy with what he is so worthily 

 doing, and the extent of the obligation can be assessed at a pecuniary 

 value. It is the price paid by horticulture for having been raised into 

 the elevated atmosphere of fashion ; and when any science attains to 

 such a distinction, the chances are that it will cease to operate for the 

 production of much practical good. 



All that the Society means to do — all that it perhaps can do — is to 

 maintain a series of exhibitions at South Kensington for the amuse- 

 ment of its fashionable fellows. Those practical horticulturists who 

 are connected with the Society will have to rest satisfied with what 

 encouragement horticulture can get there. It is refreshing to know 

 that horticulture will progress and achieve new triumphs, even though 

 a Royal Society may relegate its practical workings to those who de- 

 velop them for the sake of the love they have for their work or for 

 their own profit. From the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society 

 they can henceforth expect but little ; while the anticipations of those 

 that have been but small in times past, will be completely destroyed. 

 Whatever is in store for horticulture in the future — w T hat of bright 

 hopes and cheering doings shall brighten its progress in the time to 

 come — will and must emanate from some centre other than that now to 

 be found at South Kensington ; and the sooner a new power rises into 

 action the better will it be for the best interests of practical horticulture. 



