jp.2. THE BOOK OF THE SWEET PEA 



ago, because the number of blooms arranged in each 

 vase either exceeded or were less than the number 

 stipulated in the schedule of prizes of the National 

 Society, we are disposed to support the suggestion that 

 it is better to fix a definite number as a limit, otherwise 

 large growers may gain an undue advantage over their 

 rivals who grow a lesser number. Twenty sprays is 

 a sufficient limit as a maximum, as a beautful display 

 can be made with this number. There are growers 

 who appear to think that any number between twenty 

 and thirty sprays would be better, while others would 

 like to see the number reduced to twelve. Twelve 

 good sprays make a lovely exhibit, but we are disposed 

 to think that eighteen or twenty sprays would be better. 

 Good culture and better quality Sweet Peas are giving 

 us sprays with much longer stems, and to show these 

 advantageously more space is required. For the benefit 

 of visitors to the shows, it would be more interesting 

 were the number of blooms noted either on the name 

 cards, or on the exhibitors' cards. 



There appears to be a general consensus of opinion 

 in favour of allowing more space to each vase of flowers 

 as set up at the leading shows. When the competition 

 is keen, the space allotted to each exhibitor is apt to be 

 less than it ought to be, in which case undue crowding 

 necessarily takes place, and an injustice is thereby done 

 to exhibitors. Each vase of flowers should stand clear 

 of its neighbour, and that each unit in a collection may 

 be seen, and judged, satisfactorily to all concerned, we 

 are disposed to think that the vases set up should be 

 arranged in three tiers. The back row should be either 

 twelve or fourteen inches high, the middle row six or 

 seven inches high, and the front row on the table level. 

 At the present time much is left to the ingenuity of the 

 exhibitor, who may use blocks or vases to raise the 

 middle or back rows, while others are quite content to 



