158 REPLY TO MR. SLATER. 



there is no time like the present; take me up the plants, and I will 

 pay you." I complied with his request, and told him his observa- 

 tions were perfectly in accordance with mine ; and I wish many 

 others were of the same opinion, as it would be much better both for 

 the purchaser and the vender. It is not only so with the Pink, but 

 with most o£her florist flowers ; and those who would wish to have 

 good plants, cannot do better than send their orders early, as the best 

 and new sorts generally meet with a brisk sale. 



For information to many florists who may live a distance in the 

 country, I beg to offer a few remarks respecting a society held at the 

 Star Inn, Slough, near Windsor, which I conceive to be the best in 

 the kingdom for its judicious arrangements, and an example to all 

 other floricultural societies ; it is an open show to all England, and 

 gives encouragement to the young as well as to the old and experienced 

 florist. It is divided into three classes, viz., 1st. Nurserymen. 

 2nd. Amateurs and gentlemen gardeners. 3rd. Young florists that 

 have never won a prize or grown flowers for florists. 



I have often seen application to the Floricultural Cabinet for 

 a list of first-rate sorts of flowers. I think I may venture to state, 

 that the best criterion will be formed by a perusal of the reports of 

 the London Floricultural Society, held at the Crown and Anchor, 

 Strand, and the open show (stated above) at Slough, near Windsor, 

 where they will find the best flowers shown by the best growers and 

 best judges in the kingdom. Should any person produce a seedling- 

 pink that is considered a first rate flower by either of the above-named 

 societies, I will thank him to put my name down for two pair, and 

 send me word when I can have the plants, and I will forward the 

 cash for them. 



ARTICLE VIII. 



REPLY TO MR. SLATER, OF CHEETHAM HILL, NEAR 

 MANCHESTER. 



BY MR. J. TWITCHETT, OF CAMBRIDGE. 



My attention has been called to an article which appeared in the 

 April number of your work, purporting to be an answer to a " Midland 

 Florist," respecting the merits of my scarlet bizarre carnation, Don 

 John ; and I must confess that I am much surprised that so scur- 



