56 THE BOOK OF THE FLOWER SHOW 



without any foliage of their own, simply because cutting 

 away growths or leaves would ruin or injure the plant, 

 hence the use of fern fronds should be permissible. 



Merits. Size, substance, and rich colour or purity 

 according to the kind or variety exhibited ; freshness 

 and absence of blemish ; elegant arrangement of each 

 subject and of the collection as a whole ; correct, 

 legible, but unostentatious labelling. 



Faults. Poor quality, and inferior varieties to repre- 

 sent the kind ; crowding ; the use of fern fronds 

 where the natural foliage attaching to the flowers or 

 spikes is sufficient ; wires or other supports. 



Hints. Erect flowers are more effective than pendulous 

 ones ; one faded flower will reduce the value of a spike, 

 if allowed to remain ; a good judge will not point a 

 collection high simply because it contains several orchids 

 some competitors attach too much importance to 

 orchids, and fondly fancy that third-rate Cypripediums 

 will score higher than good Allamandas. 



SWEET PEAS 



During the last quarter of a century, Sweet Peas have 

 been raised from a lowly position in the garden to a 

 place of great importance. They are foremost among 

 Hardy Annuals. Their beauty of form and colour, 

 their grace and usefulness in floral arrangements, and 

 their adaptability to exhibition requirements have all 

 helped to make them immensely popular. 



Previous to the year 1900, Classes for Sweet Peas were 

 provided at the principal Flower Shows held in July, 

 August, and September; but in that year, when the 

 Bicentenary of the Introduction of the Sweet Pea into 

 Great Britain was celebrated at the Crystal Palace, an 

 exhibition entirely composed of Sweet Peas was held 

 for the first time. The National Sweet Pea Society 



