CHAPTER XXIII 

 METHODS OF EXHIBITING SWEET PEAS 



THIS is a somewhat contentious subject in which 

 ample opportunity is afforded cranks and faddists to 

 air their views with doubtful advantage to the general 

 public. That the remarks in the present instance 

 may not be attributed to either of these extremists, we 

 propose to consider the question of " methods," from a 

 broad and comprehensive point of view. 



On looking backward we have to admit that great 

 strides have been made in recent years. The methods 

 of setting up and staging Sweet Peas at Exhibitions 

 have changed completely, and for this fact we are 

 devoutly thankful. The National Sweet Pea Society 

 can justly claim credit for having set a most excellent 

 example to many of leading horticultural Societies 

 throughout the United Kingdom, as well as to the 

 numerous local societies in small towns and villages. 



Most of us are familiar with the popular method 

 of staging Sweet Peas that prevailed in days gone by 

 when this fragrant annual was usually set up as a 

 mixed bunch in a collection of hardy flowers or else 

 in classes confined exclusively to annuals. Even at 

 that period their beauty seldom failed to charm, but as 

 the excellent work of the late Mr Henry Eckford began 

 to bear fruit, and the list of named varieties lengthened, 

 collections of Sweet Peas, in distinct varieties, were 

 frequently exhibited at flower shows throughout 

 the country, and a keener interest in these flowers 



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