THE SIX OF SPADES. 171 



his thumb in the direction of old Jaundice, rises to 

 propose that the flower-show shall be connected with 

 a general gala, including a great variety of entertain- 

 ments, and terminating in a brilliant display of fire- 

 works. Old J. rushes at the bait, like a 10-lb. pike 

 at a gudgeon. If, says he, this opportunity of re- 

 fining the public mind by the exhibition of things 

 beautiful, and by the encouragement of an innocent 

 recreation, is to be turned into an occasion of stuffing, 

 and swilling, and smoking, and niggers, and pig 

 balloons, and Punch and Judys, he must beg to 

 remove his name from the committee. 



Then comes the schedule of prizes. Mr. Tank 

 suggests that stove plants should always take pre- 

 cedence, and that it is very desirable to restrict 

 competition to exhibitors residing in the county. Mr. 

 Heath remarks that any old woman with a big boiler, 

 and an old tooth-brush to rub off the scale, can grow 

 them crotons, and suchlike, and that the chief evidence 

 of real talent is to be found in the successful cultiva- 

 tion of New Holland plants. Mr. Bunch, whose 

 employer some three years ago erected a long range 

 of vineries and peacheries, has always noticed that 

 the British public take a wonderful delight in fruit. 

 Mr. Moss observes that ferns make a show by them- 

 selves. Mr. Kindly maintains that the chief object 

 of tbe society should be, to extend the love of the 

 beautiful among the poor, and recommends prizes of 

 an insane amount for bunches of wild flowers. Mr. 

 Brierly would like to be informed whether the rose- 

 tent isn't always the most crowded of all, and pro- 

 poses three silver cups for the queen of flowers. Mr. 



