MAY 1, 1854. 



191 



In 1850, when twenty-four only were issued, the sale of 8s. %d. 

 tickets was as 7644 to 10,389 of the others. When forty-eight 

 were allowed, the numbers were as follows : — 



1851 



1852 

 1853 



13,405 to 10,227 



10,102 to 5,317 



9,497 to 7,330 



Thus it appeared that while the proportion between 3s. M. 

 tickets and other tickets was as seven to ten where twenty-four 

 only were allowed, the proportion became reversed from the moment 

 when the number was extended to forty-eight, the numbers in the 

 three years during which the trial lasted having been as thirteen 

 to ten, ten to five, and nine to seven. This appeared to be so 

 manifestly detrimental to the finances of the Society, that it has 

 been thought expedient to reduce the number of privileged 

 tickets from forty-eight to thirty-six for the ensuing year. 



It is satisfactory to add that the meetings in Regent Street 

 have been unusually well attended. The introduction of subjects 

 connected with the collateral branches of Horticulture has proved 

 interesting, especially those of which utility,- not mere beauty, is 

 the principal feature. It is therefore hoped that the produce of 

 plants cultivated for the sake of their value in arts and manu- 

 factures, whether at home or abroad, will continue to be brought 

 forward by those who possess information concerning them. 

 Colonial as well as home produce is admissible to Exhibition, and 

 if it should hereafter appear desirable to do so, the Council are 

 prepared to authorise the award of medals to such subjects as well 

 as to the more usual descriptions of horticultural produce. 



The following return shows the number of Medals awarded in 

 Regent Street from April 1, 1853, to April 1, 1854 : — 



1. Flowers. 



2 Large Silver Medals. 



6 Kniglitian Medals. 

 12 Banksian Medals. 

 22 Certificates of Merit. 



42 



Fruits. 



2 Knightian Medals. 

 18 Banksian Medals. 



25 Certificates of Merit. 



45 



Vegetables. 



3 Knightian Medals. 

 7 Banksian Medals. 



7 Certificates of Merit. 



17 



In the course of the year Mr. Robert Thompson, the super- 

 intendent of the Orchard and Kitchen Garden department, has 



