ioo THE BOOK OF THE SWEET PEA 



was created as a consequence. At first, as the new 

 named varieties were distributed each succeeding spring ; 

 and the list began to assume quite interesting propor- 

 tions, exhibits of six, twelve, or eighteen distinct 

 varieties usually attracted considerable attention. In 

 those days it was the custom to exhibit small, 

 somewhat tightly tied bunches, in zinc tubes, arranged 

 equi-distant on green painted boards. The latter were 

 generally used at that time by Chrysanthemum and 

 Dahlia Exhibitors and are still a relic of the past. 

 In course of time, as the newer varieties eclipsed the 

 older ones, growers conceived the idea of displaying 

 the Sweet Peas to better advantage. The newer 

 flowers were so much larger and the length and 

 stoutness of the flower stalks so much greater that 

 their adjustment in an artistic and effective manner 

 came to be almost imperative. Hence it was that 

 the bi-centenary celebration, at the Crystal Palace, 

 disclosed methods of effective arrangement that have 

 continued to improve ever since. The earthenware vases 

 that were hired by exhibitors at that great exhibition, 

 enabled growers to display the flowers in such a way that 

 their real beauty could be seen at a glance. There 

 were variations of staging at this show, however, some 

 of which were commendable. 



At each succeeding show of the National Sweet Pea 

 Society, there has been manifested by exhibitors a 

 keener preception of what is expected of them when 

 setting up blooms of high quality. Some exhibitors 

 are exceedingly careful in adjusting their blooms in 

 the vases, and although quality of the flowers is 

 of course the consideration of primary importance, 

 it cannot be denied that a well-disposed vase of Sweet 

 Peas seldom fails favourably to impress those who 

 judge them. 



Those who are familiar with the charming displays 



