154 THE GRAND FLORAL EXHIBITIONS 



greenhouse. The opposite climates embraced within the narrow 

 latitude of New Spain have given to it, probably, the richest and most 

 diversified flowers to be found in any country on the globe. The 

 different products were systematically arranged by the Aztecs, who 

 understood their properties, and collected them into nurseries more 

 extensive than any then existing in the Old World. It is not im- 

 probable that they suggested the idea of those ' gardens of plants,' 

 which were introduced into Europe not many years after the conquest. 

 The first regular establishment of this hind, according to Carli, was 

 at Padua in 1545." 



ARTICLE V. 



THE GRAND FLORAL EXHIBITIONS OF THE METROPOLIS. 



An opportunity of great utility is afforded the cultivator of flowers 

 by floral exhibitions : by the assemblage of numerous choice and 

 new hinds of plants, he can early become acquainted with such as are 

 good ; he may besides learn a great deal in successful cultivation by 

 noting much of the manner adopted in growing the finest specimens 

 he sees ; and thus is rendered more general that kind of superior 

 skill which, without these exhibitions, would continue confined to a 

 few, just as it was previous to the system of annual exhibitions being 

 adopted. Public competition creates animation, and tends to rouse 

 into exertion all the cultivator's capabilities with a determination of 

 equalling his compeers. Under the influence of causes like these, im- 

 provement spreads; like as the circles formed in water, when dis- 

 turbed by a blow, — at first there is a little agitation exclusively at the 

 point of displacement, but the tranquil fluid once set in motion, the 

 ripple spreads, and its circumference is quickly extended till it 

 embraces the whole breadth of the stream. 



The extensive patronage received by the principal floral societies 

 of London enables them to give exhibitions upon an extensive and 

 liberal scale ; and the facility offered by the numerous railways now 

 established, of a speedy, cheap, and easy conveyance for plants, 

 will no doubt induce persons having new and good things to send 

 them to some of these exhibitions. We have therefore determined, 

 from time to time, to publish, for the benefit of our readers, and 

 especially those residing at a great distance, a detailed account of 



