446 Retrospective Criticism. 



On the flay above named, there was a general marking by the princi- 



Eal cultivators present, (in all ten gentlemen, including the Messrs. 

 [ovey,) in the following- manner: — 



For the best formed dahlia, 



For the best flower, and 



For the second best do. flower. 



The result of the above was as follows: — 

 For the dahlia of the best form — 



Juliet received ....... 4 



Marquis of Northampton 4 



Dodds's Mary Queen of Scots .... 1 



Conqueror of Europe 1 



10 



For the best flower — 



Conqueror of Europe 7 



Dodds's Mary Queen of Scots .... 2 



Princess Victoria ....... 1 



lb 



For the second best flower — 



Mrs. Broadwood ....... 4 



Conqueror of Eui'ope ...... 2 



Dodds's Mary Queen of Scots .... 2 



Exemplar ........ 1 



Dodds's Mary 1 



lb 



Fine specimens were taken from the stands of several growers, and 

 among others the Marchioness of Tavistock and Princess Victoria 

 from the collection of the Messrs. Hovey. The Princess Victoria, the 

 Editor has represented, during the whole season, as the best dahlia in 

 this section of the country. The result was, that Mr. C. M. Hovey 

 was the only one of the ten gentlemen who marked for his favorite Vic- 

 toria as the best or second best variety; and the fair Marchioness of Ta- 

 vistock, the " extremely superb variety," was passed over without re- 

 ceiving his 01071, or a single, mark of approbation. We did not "envy"" 

 his 'Haste," or " blush at such a decision.-'' 



As our opinions and remarks, given in confidence and friendship, have 

 been the foundation of an attack on our judgment, in the columns of 

 your Magazine, we respectfully request you to give this communication 

 an insertion in your next number. o Watker 



Marshall P. Wilder. 

 Dorchester, Nov. 18, 1837. 



We insert the above with much pleasure : w-e are always ready to 

 correct any errors or misrepresentations which we may inadvertantly 

 make; and our columns are open to all who ma}^ take exception to any 

 of our remarks. 



In the present case we are not aware of having committed any error 

 or made any misrepresentation; neither did we mention any particular 

 individuals when speaking of the dahlia above particularly alluded to; 

 but as the above gentlemen have seen fit to applj' our remarks to them- 

 selves, and consider them an "attack" upon their judgment, we shall 

 endeavor to see whether the attack iias been unjustifiable. 



The dahlia has now become so popular a flower, that there is scarce- 

 ly a garden of any extent, or laying any claims to beauty, but what, in 

 jthe proper season, is adorned with its gorgeous blossoms. Within the 



