6 THE BOOK OF THE FLOWER SHOW 



it is one of the great encouragements at local shows to 

 watch a person rise steadily from the ranks of the 

 " unplaced," through the various prize grades, up to the 

 coveted " First." This is usually good evidence of 

 improved cultivation of the soil, or closer attention to 

 the small details that mean so much in the aggregate. 

 Anything that serves to improve the quality and increase 

 the quantity of the produce from a garden is worthy of 

 support and encouragement. 



Though it cannot be regarded as a general rule, it may 

 be taken for granted that mostly the best kinds or varieties 

 will be more largely shown than others, and it is in this 

 connection that an Audit of the varieties of Apples, 

 Roses, etc., exhibited at any show, becomes useful. 



Very little is done by show Committees to encourage 

 and popularise new plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. 

 In the case of vegetables this is just as well perhaps, 

 because new names are plentiful while new and distinct 

 varieties are not so abundant ; a class for new vegetables 

 might lead to trouble and confusion. A very interesting 

 class, and one of considerable educational value would be 

 one for a display of new varieties of florists' flowers 

 introduced within the two years preceding the date of 

 the show. Such a class could, if necessary, be limited 

 to hardy flowers. Turning to plants, as distinct from 

 flowers, the possibilities of a class for those introduced 

 since a certain stated date are considerable. The same 

 lines might be followed with fruits. Even though com- 

 petition might not be very keen in such classes, the 

 exhibits would bring the newer things before the public 

 in a striking manner. They would also give the press- 

 men an opportunity of which they would not be slow to 

 take advantage, and though the story of the new flowers, 

 etc., might be more wonderful than truthful, the great 

 point is that attention would be drawn to the work of 

 the Society. 



