LECT. i ADVANTAGES OF ALLOTMENTS 23 



The exhibition was an extraordinary one. It was 

 visited by 35,000 persons, and demonstrated that 

 the finest of hardy fruit could be grown in British 

 soil. 



Selections of fruit were made from the collections 

 and sent to and accepted by the Queen with a copy 

 of the essay referred to. A photograph was taken 

 of this royal presentation and engraved for the 

 Journal of Horticulture. The illustration, greatly as 

 it is of necessity reduced, affords an idea of what can 

 be done in England by good cultivation. 



What may be termed the garden culture of fruit 

 and choice vegetable crops for sale cannot be suc- 

 cessfully conducted in small field plots in remote 

 country districts, far distant from railways in direct 

 communication with great centres of population ; 

 but such crops can be grown much better than they 

 are now in gardens attached to homesteads. Families 

 may have better supplies than heretofore of what is 

 wholesome and delicious, while those who are garden- 

 less in the localities and adjacent towns will be glad 

 to take the surplus when fresh and of the first 

 quality. It is low quality produce that finds no sale. 

 The best is always in demand at prices which are 

 remunerative to the growers. 



Splendid culture is displayed in some field 

 plots, and evidence of taste and loving care is 

 apparent in bright windows and forecourts, as well 

 as in full and well-cropped gardens generally ; but 

 these are in the minority, a minority, however, which 

 is happily becoming less yearly, especially in districts 

 where encouragement has been given to induce a 

 more general indulgence in the healthful and de- 

 lightful pursuit of domestic gardening. 



Our wish is that all shall be taught to make their 

 gardens and plots to the fullest extent useful and 



