200 THE GRAND FLORAL EXHIBITIONS 



indispensable to erect a new marquee to supply the requisite accom- 

 modation. We rejoice to have to record this most gratifying fact, 

 because it so obviously affords us evidence that not alone is the 

 knowledge of skilful treatment making rapid extension, but that the 

 number of spirited cultivators are proportionately progressing. The 

 visitors to the show numbered upwards of 8000. 



Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Albert, the Prince of Leiningen, 

 and other of the Royal Family, attended before the gates were opened 

 to the public, and spent some time in inspecting the various collec- 

 tions. Her Majesty particularly noticed the most striking plants, as 

 she passed through the tents. The fine specimen of Epiphyllum 

 speciosum of Mr. Green especially elicited her admiration. 



The early part of the day was fine, and promised fair weather; 

 mid-day, however, brought with it a westerly wind, threatening clouds, 

 and occasionally slight drizzling showers till about four o'clock, when 

 a heavy shower, of some duration, fell ; but from about half-past four 

 to the close of the exhibition, tbe sun shone brightly, so that the 

 walks and lawns soon became dry, and for two hours they were 

 crowded by a numerous and highly fashionable attendance. 



By the regulations of the Society, the exhibitions are open to all 

 competitors, whether fellows or not. But in order that the specimens 

 received for exhibition may be properly arranged, and displayed to 

 advantage, the exhibitors are requested to communicate their inten- 

 tions to the secretary previous to the day of exhibition, specifying the 

 probable extent of table room, in square feet or otherwise, which 

 their plants, flowers, &c, require. Unless previous notice has been 

 given, the exhibitors, on entering the gardens, are requested to sign a 

 book or deliver a statement in writing, specifying in what collections 

 their articles are to be exhibited. They are also to apply to the clerk 

 for labels to attach to their several exhibitions; and to see that when 

 staged they are marked with the proper letters of division; and omis- 

 sions or mistakes, arising from neglect or improper entries on their 

 part, cannot be rectified after the awards have been made. At half- 

 past eight o'clock in the morning the gates are closed, after which no 

 subjects for competition are on any account whatever received; nor 

 is any person allowed to open packages containing articles for com- 

 petition. The judges proceed at ten o'clock to examine the merits 

 of the subjects exhibited, by which hour the placing and arranging 



