1883.] TRANSACTIONS. 19 



they are perfect, — should they not be shown separately, if possi- 

 ble : at all events, with as little bunching as consists with due 

 arrangement ? Take, for example, the Hollyhock ! What ! or 

 how mncli can a solitary flower disclose of the manner of growth ; 

 the vigor of stalk ; or the general character and style of the 

 entire plant ? Our schedule, A. D. 1883, called for the " best 

 display;" the "best 12 distinct colors;" the " best 6 distinct 

 €olors." Those 12, or 6, colors, like so many kernels of corn 

 upon the ear, may be indicative; — yet of what? Let him de- 

 <3lare who has learned the lesson, if any, which they have to teach ! 

 But what lessons can yon learn from a detached bloom of the 

 Holljdiock, — more than from one of the Gladiolus, — which you 

 would laugh to see ? Yet the cases are exactly similar ; and any 

 distinction is without a palpable diflference. Should not the 

 whole spike of the Hollyhock be required for exhibition ? Even 

 John Bull is of that advanced opinion ; for, in " The Garden "* 

 *' T. H. B." is complimented, yet advised, as follows : — 



"Hollyhocks. — (T. H. B.) The flowers you send are good, par- 

 ticularly the dark crimson sort, which is one of the finest of its color! 

 In order to judge Hollyhocks properly, however, the full spikes must 

 be seen." 



We have much to learn ; — somewhat to forget, or discard. But 

 where there exists a willingness to be taught ; a pei'fect schedule 

 may be lioped for, sooner or later, if not coujpletely attained. 



Strawherr'ies were shown, the past season for the first time, 

 flat, — as the term is: or, arranged upon a dish, in a single layer. 

 The experiment was entirely successful, and gave equal satisfac- 

 tion to competitors and the Judge. Every thing was at once 

 apparent, but flavor ; the presence, or lack of that being of the 

 easiest determination. No time was wasted in vague speculation 

 whether the quart, so handsomely " deaconed," was honest : de- 

 fects or deceit becoming obvious at a glance. It has proved the 

 most decided advance that has been taken, for years, in our 

 manner of displaying the smaller fruits. And we may the better 

 incline to look favoi'ably upon any other suggestion that will 

 promise to facilitate, or simplify, what is sufiiciently difficult and 



* The Garden (London, Eng.), Aug. 4, p. 104. 



