1880.] TRANSACTIONS. 65 



the incontestiible rights of tlie sex, — in this Society, is that of 

 becoming Members by compliance with a very simple condition. 

 It is claimed that an advantage would follow upon such an entire 

 revolution in our. practice. For that the harmony which so 

 strikingly illustrates the opinions and actions of Woman — in a 

 collective capacity ; like the notorious concord among musicians ; 

 would facilitate decisions and insure unanimity in their adoption. 

 Your present Committee, exclusively male, — althougli its Mem- 

 bers are upon the best of terms with each other, is generally 

 divided in judgment. A change in its constitution, however 

 radical ; — even to a degree that should involve the substitution of 

 one sex for the other; — might be worth the experiment, if simply 

 to secure the absolute agreement of all instead of the rule by a 

 bare majority. If it be objected that, all being competitors, no 

 decision would be rendered, since each would naturally prefer her 

 own ; the answer is obvious and sufficient, that competitors are 

 not excluded from male committees. Also, tliat if men are con- 

 tent with a Committee constituted as suggested, women cannot 

 possibly so impeach the character of their sex for fairness as to 

 allege, if only by implication, that the}' are naturally incapable of 

 framing an impartial award. 



As little alteration should be made in the Premium-Schedule 

 for Flowers, Plants, &c., as may comport with your better judg- 

 ment. It is so much gained, — to have a definite and fixed 

 proposal, under which Committees and Competitors have once 

 acted, and whose terms have become reasonably intelligible. 

 Most of the assignments for A. D. 1880, were found to be 

 seasonable : a piece of extreme good fortune in a very exceptional 

 year. But it is worth your serious consideration, whether it is in 

 the interest of an honest and true Floriculture, longer to encour- 

 age what are technically termed Floral Designs ! If regarded 

 merely as an arrangement of Flowers, a basket or bouquet better 

 answers the purpose ; — and without hypocrisy. For the rigid forms 

 of the glass-blower or iron-founder, however worthy of premiums 

 at a Mechanics' Fair, constrain the eyes and hands too rigidly to 

 meet the easy and graceful requirements of one who would dis- 

 play her individual taste. Let those who will impose a cross 

 upon the mortal remains ! or attempt to anchor the fleeting soul ! 



