16 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



and Norwich Horticultural Society, and this, if not the 

 first, was at least one of the first of the many shows that 

 have since been held under the auspices of local horti- 

 cultural societies. The Norwich Show was repeated for 

 some years in succession, and its influence was felt in 

 other localities. 



Soon after the Norwich Show we hear of others at 

 Swansea and at Birmingham, but it is doubtful whether the 

 exhibits at these early shows consisted of anything more 

 than pot plants. Cut blooms were probably not staged 

 until a much later period. The Stoke Newington Chrysan- 

 themum Society held its first show in 1847, and for many 

 years was the centre of attraction for the Chrysanthemum- 

 loving public. It gradually developed into a much more 

 important organisation, being subsequently known as the 

 Borough of Hackney Society until it gave rise to the 

 present National Chrysanthemum Society. After the 

 National Society was established the shows were removed 

 from North London to the Royal Aquarium, Westminster. 

 Ultimately, the Society was obliged to seek shelter at the 

 Crystal Palace owing to the demolition of the Royal 

 Aquarium. 



Following the formation of the Stoke Newington Society, 

 many suburban amateur Chrysanthemum societies were 

 started in London, and in provincial towns the flower was 

 equally successful in arousing public interest. At the Inner 

 and Middle Temple gardens the benchers provided the public 

 with a free exhibition of Chrysanthemums for many years, 

 at first under the care of Mr. S. Broome and Mr. J. Dale, 

 who were followed by Mr. Newton and Mr. John Wright. 

 These "Temple" displays have long ceased, but there 

 is no doubt that they did much to stimulate and in- 



