EXHIBITING SWEET PEAS 103 



stand their vases equidistant on the flat table space 

 allotted to them. 



We think the practice of associating Gypsophila with 

 the Sweet Pea flowers should be discouraged in all 

 competitions where cultural skill is to be exemplified. 

 The association of either the annual or perennial Gypso- 

 phila with the flowers of the Sweet Peas seems to detract 

 from the value of the latter, and we think the effect is 

 better without this so-called embellishment. 



The same remarks apply with equal force to the use 

 of asparagus and other foliage in association with high 

 quality flowers. An effective arrangement can easily 

 be made with the Sweet Peas alone, if pains be taken 

 to dispose them deftly in the vases. Added foliage of 

 another subject seems to be incongruous. 



There are those who advocate staging the Swest Peas 

 in bamboo stands, but we have yet to be convinced that 

 this is an advantage to the exhibitor or to the show as 

 a whole. They have their uses, but we think in quite 

 another way. 



Again, referring to the setting up of the flowers in 

 earthenware vases, we would rather see those of a green 

 tone of colour used, than the brown vases more often 

 met with. If it were not for the risk of breakage, we 

 would prefer to follow the example set by Mr Henry 

 Eckford, and stage our Sweet Peas in clear glasses. 

 Sweet Peas arranged in stately and elegant glasses lend 

 themselves so well for effective displays ; the sparkling 

 crystal of the water, and the bright and clean appearance 

 of an exhibit thus brought into effect, always create a 

 favourable impression. Why could not clear glasses of 

 three different heights be used instead of the present 

 earthenware vases ? 



While we must admit that it is difficult to suggest any 

 new method of exhibiting, we think the character of 

 some of the competitions might very well be altered. 



