568 THE GARDENER. [Dec. 



their exhibitions. At the same time, they are fully as well aware that mill- 

 operatives and mechanics are great admirers of beautiful-leaved plants as well 

 as of flowers, and to banish either section from their great Whit-week display 

 would not only cause widespread dissatisfaction, but would tend materially to 

 diminish their exchequer ; for it must be borne in mind that at the provincial 

 flower-shows the working classes constitute a great portion of the visitors. 

 Many of them are enthusiastic botanists and amateur horticulturists, and it is a 

 rich treat to which they anxiously look forward, and one that enables them to 

 refresh their memories and gladden their sights with the beautiful works of 

 nature, of which, to a great extent, their daily occupation deprives them. We 

 say, long may such societies flourish — and nourish they must and will, whilst 

 their efforts all tend towards the education and elevation of the masses, which is 

 the noblest aim of life." 



Our own experience teaches us that, as touching provincial horticultural exhi- 

 bitions generally, the foliaged plants are not only more numerous than flowering 

 stove and greenhouse plants, but also better done, though this is no doubt 

 owing to the fact that foliaged plants are much more easily cultivated. Ixoras, 

 Allamandas, Clerodendrons, Gesneras, Gloxinias, and a few others, are seen, but of 

 New Holland plants but very few. While we quite think with Mr Williams 

 that the managers of the Great London Horticultural Exhibitions are to be cen- 

 sured for the way in which some of the finest features of these shows have been 

 lopped off, we should still like to see in country shows of second-rate excellence 

 more of flowering greenhouse plants, Heaths, &c, than are usually seen there. 

 It does seem that the rage for foliaged plants, that are after all much less attrac- 

 tive, is gradually pushing the flowering-plants out of cultivation. 



To young gardeners especially we particularly commend Mr Williams's new 

 book. As a reference work, they will find it extremely useful ; besides, every 

 page is full of instructive matter of high value to them in learning their profession. 



The Farmers' Almanack and Calendar for 1871. By C. W. Johnson, F.B.S., 

 and William Shaw. London : William Ridgway. 



This is the thirty-first edition of this useful annual, and it is one of the cheap- 

 est and most useful shilling's worth issued at this season of the year, when 

 annuals spring up as thickly as weeds. The gardener will find much to interest 

 and instruct him in its pages ; and the gatherer of scientific facts will get some- 

 thing for his storehouse of information also. 



BOOKS RECEIVED. 



The Gardener's Magazine for November. 

 The Food Journal for November. 



3>^^^S ■ 



NOTES AND QUERIES. 



Woodlice on Mushroom-Beds (T. L. A.) — Pieces of Apple placed in a little 

 moss under an inverted flower-pot will trap the woodlice wholesale. The bait 

 must be examined occasionally. 



