188 REPORT OF THE COUNCIL, 



ordinary working of the Society. It has now been finally settled 

 that Chiswick, although no more to be the scene of brilliant 

 exhibitions and agreeable promenades, shall be maintained for 

 the purpose of experimental cultivation, and of rearing plants 

 both for Kensington and for distribution among the Fellows. In 

 consequence of the forced economy of the Council it had fallen 

 into decay ; but under Mr. Eyles' superintendence it has already 

 so greatly revived, that the Council are now able to say that it 

 deserves a visit from all interested in the progress of practical 

 gardening. Large additions have been made to the collections 

 of fruit trees, spaces vacant and unprofitable have been filled with 

 them, new cherry and plum gardens, each containing upwards of 

 100 varieties, have been formed ; all the known sorts of straw- 

 berry have been brought together for comparison ; and the great 

 Conservatory, now containing the largest collection of vines in 

 Great Britain, is preparing to be loaded with a noble crop of 

 fi-uit. Kitchen garden produce is being dealt with in the same 

 spirit ; for example, preparation is made, among other things, for 

 proving a very large number of so-called varieties of cucumbers, 

 peas, and other esculents. In carrying out this work the Society 

 is greatly indebted to the nurserymen and seedsmen who have 

 liberally contributed seeds and plants, and to Mr. K. Hogg, now 

 the Secretary of the Fruit and Vegetable Committee, who has 

 presented his entire private collection of pear trees to the 

 Garden. 



Nor are flowers to be neglected ; numerous varieties of which, 

 annual, perennial, and shrubby, hardy and tender, have been 

 contributed by the trade for examination by the Floral Com- 



A considerable number of plants has been provided for ballot 

 in May, June, and July ; and a much more extensive collection 

 is coming forward, although at present too young for the purpose. 

 But the Council feel that no provision for this purpose will be 

 satisfactory until the Society shall once more import its own 

 supplies ; and they are only waiting to find a collector who can 

 be depended upon before despatching him to some rich and 

 uninvestigated country. 



Some years ago the noble Duke, who so long presided over the 

 Society, and from whom the Garden is held, most liberally 

 reduced the rent from 300Z. to 200Z. a year, until the Society 

 should again be in a condition to pay the full rent. Acting in 

 the same munificent spirit, the Dowager Countess of Granville, 



