CONCERNING ROSE-SHOWS. 215 



No long solicitude. More than fifty shillings — I humbly 

 apologise — more than fifty intelligent and good - looking 

 individuals were waiting for admission; and these were 

 followed by continuous comers, until the Hall was full. A 

 gentleman, who earnestly asked my pardon for having 

 placed his foot on mine, seemed perplexed to hear how 

 much I liked it, and evidently thought that my friends were 

 culpable in allowing me to be at large. Great indeed was 

 my gladness in seeing those visitors — more than 2000 in 

 number — but far greater in hearing their hearty words of 

 surprise and admiration. 



" No words can describe," so wrote Professor Lindley in 

 the Gardeners Chronicle a few days after the show, *' the 

 infinite variety of form, colour, and odour which belonged 

 to the field of Roses spread before the visitor. At the sides 

 were crowds of bunches, daintily set off by beds of moss; 

 in the middle rose pyramids, baskets, and bouquets. In 

 one place, solitary blossoms boldly confronted their cluster- 

 ing rivals ; in another, glass screens guarded some precious 

 gems; and in another, great groups of unprotected beauties 

 set at defiance the heated atmosphere of the Hall." 



Yes, they defied this adversary ; they defied and defeated 

 with their deHcious perfume the foul smell which at that 



