CUT FLOWERS 49 



as spikes, as in the case of gladioli. The upper part of 

 the spike, with its unexpanded flowers, is usually 

 removed before the exhibit is made up. 



Merits: Large blooms ; high centre ; flat guard 

 petals ; freshness ; clear colouring ; great length of spike 

 with expanded flowers ; flowers regularly placed, close 

 together, but not crowded. 



Faults. Flatness ; irregular and crumpled guard 

 petals ; faded colouring ; bleached margins ; short 

 spike , small and badly placed flowers on the spike. 



Hints. Give shelter from wind, sun, and rain ; stake 

 the spike firmly ; set three or four stakes around 

 the spike and bind a strip of canvas round these to form 

 a shelter and give shade to the expanded flowers ; use a 

 conical cap for the purpose of throwing off rain. 



PANSIES 



In the North of England and in Scotland the cultiva- 

 tion of Pansies for exhibition is still carried on briskly, 

 but in the drier atmosphere of the South there are so 

 many difficulties to contend with that flowers of the 

 finest quality are rarely seen, and therefore classes for 

 Show and Fancy Pansies are rarely provided at Southern 

 Shows. One has to visit the Scottish Exhibitions to see 

 the best Pansies. The flowers are shown on metal or 

 wooden stands, painted green ; sometimes the use of 

 paper collars, as in the case of carnations, is permitted, 

 but the flowers look better against the green stand than 

 on white paper. Another method, and one that the trade 

 Exhibitors follow, is the display of six flowers of one 

 variety in the form of a triangular spray, with sprigs of 

 Pansy growth to set ofT the flowers. Six or twelve such 

 sprays make up an effective exhibit, and classes for them 

 might be increased with advantage. 



Merits. Circular outline ; good size ; substance ; 



