1870.] A VISIT TO FROGMORE GARDENS. 295 



the old stand, will appreciate this new invention of Mr Chapman's. 

 Mr C. J. Perry, of Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, has now in use a set 

 of boxes for Dahlias, Roses, and Verbenas, and speaks highly of their 

 excellent preserving qualities. 



Those also who state that the old regard for florists' flowers is on the 

 wane, and that the florist of twenty years ago is fast becoming an extinct 

 species, would have found their assertions in much danger had they 

 witnessed the meeting of the Royal National Tulip Show held at Cam- 

 bridge last month. There was no lack of flowers or exhibitors, fire or 

 enthusiasm. The northern growers came in strong force, and brought 

 with them some beautiful flowers. The date was a little late for the 

 southern growers, as their flowers had become flushed owing to the 

 prevalence of hot bright sunny weather, thereby losing that refinement 

 so dear to, and valuable in the eyes of, a Tulip-fancier. As a general 

 rule, the flowers appeared somewhat smaller than usual, but there was 

 no doubt as to their purity and beauty of marking : delicate purity, 

 richness of marking, and perfection in form, met in these Tulips, and 

 who wondered at the regard in which the lovers of the Tulip held their 

 flowers 1 The judges were men sincerely to be pitied, and on no account 

 to be envied : theirs was a difficult and wearisome task, and for some 

 three and a half hours they held bravely to their work ; and their deci- 

 sions appear to be as correct as they were honestly given. To judge 

 Tulips requires not only a perfect acquaintance with them, but much 

 honest independence and firmness. The examples of Tulip lore we 

 heard would construct a unique vocabulary, could it be compiled ; it 

 was a part of the Tulip Show, and many of the visitors stood by listen- 

 ing with much interest to the discussions which took place among the 

 exhibitors as to the relative merits of certain flowers, and enjoying 

 the scene with a relish altogether new to those who had never before 

 witnessed a Tulip Show. 



The Society for the Encouragement of Florists' Flowers have made 

 arrangements to hold an exhibition at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, 

 on the 6th of September and following days, when prizes to the amount 

 of £150 (towards which the directors of the Crystal Palace Company 

 give £100) will be offered for Dahlias, Hollyhocks, Gladioli, Verbenas, 

 and Asters. Schedules of prizes will shortly be issued. 



A VISIT TO FROGMORE GARDENS, 'WINDSOR. 



It yet appears doubtful whether the wars of the adherents of the 

 " extension " and "restriction " systems are ended. Probably neither 

 of the combatants are to be " convinced against their will," and will 



