234 METROPOLITAN FLORAL EXHIBITIONS. 



be members to offer prizes for them to be cultivated and exhibited in 

 pots. 



Is it not as essentially necessary that a plant be exhibited as a single 

 flower? I think so. It is a well-known fact that plants are stimu- 

 lated in an unnatural degree of growth and size by various cliemical 

 and other compositions ;"and the inevitable consequences are, the pre- 

 mature decay and death of the plants under such treatment. Now, it 

 is my humble opinion, that if Pansies were to be exhibited for compe- 

 tition in pots, it would prevent, to some extent, the use of such in- 

 jurious stimulants. Generally the plants so stimulated are the largest, 

 but certainly not the handsomest, and, as such, they produce the 

 largest bloom ; but, then, if a prize be offered for the quality of the 

 plants as well as the blooms, you would have the twofold benefit de- 

 rived, by seeing a handsome plant and a compact bloom ; it would 

 offer more justice to the plants, and more encouragement to those who 

 are anxious that the practice be put in immediate execution ; and there 

 are many sucii in this city and its neighbourhood, of whom I may espe- 

 cially mention Mr. Cobold, formerly President of the Ipswicli Horti- 

 cultural Society, now manager of the Edinburgh Zoological Gardens, 

 and who was the originator of the formation, &c. of our own Horti- 

 cultural Society. This gentleman is most zealous in endeavours to 

 promote the plan I now plead for. 



I have conversed with many persons on the subject, and found some 

 difference in opinion as to the time when the competitions should take 

 place ; but when plants are grown in pots, they can readily be retarded 

 or forwarded, as circumstances may dictate ; this business of course 

 would be regulated by the existing committee, as well as defining the 

 size of the pots in which the plants are to be shown, &c. As the 

 Pansey will admit of two opportunities of exhibition, I would suggest 

 that at the spring show the pots be twenty-four sized, and the plants 

 be young, and to have only one stem bearing blooms ; that is to say, 

 the plant to be from three to six inches high, and the side shoots not 

 to be in bloom. The plants for the Autumn show I think should be 

 the largest, having the greatest number of good blooms ; and as the 

 plant can be trained to any desired form, that should be one that would 

 display the greatest surface of flowers ; periiaps the conical shape would 

 be preferable to any other ; and a good sized plant in profuse bloom 

 would be a very handsome object, and be highly attractive at any 

 floral exhibitions, as well as display the perfection and real merits of 

 the variety far beyond the system generally pursued when only a single 

 flower is shown. 



METROPOLITAN FLORAL EXHIBITIONS. 



Horticultural Society, Eegent Street. 



July 6. — The subjects of exhibition on this occasion were not nume- 

 rous, except those from the Society's garden ; nevertheless, some very 

 interesting things were produced. A Knightian Medal was awarded 



