HINTS FOR EXHIBITORS 77 



All long-rooted specimens, as carrots, parsnips, etc., 

 shape best when planted in compartments made in the 

 ground by means of a dibber and filled with carefully 

 selected earth. A generous allowance must be made 

 when sowing or planting out for unsatisfactory germina- 

 tion, weak growth, unshapely formations, etc., and 

 where the number of specimens required to form an 

 exhibit is stated it is always wise to take to the show a 

 surplus in case of accidents. Where a number of either 

 potatoes, carrots, turnips, etc., form an entry all the 

 specimens should be about the same size, for big and little 

 things shown together rarely please the judges. Every 

 vegetable in composite groups does not receive the same 

 maximum number of points (i.e., potatoes score more 

 than artichokes, and radishes less than almost any other 

 vegetable), therefore, the groups should be composed of 

 as many of the high-scoring varieties as possible. In 

 preparing the vegetables, clean them with the utmost 

 care. Never use a brush for scrubbing, but wipe softly 

 with a sponge. Carry the produce to the exhibition in 

 cotton wool or padded boxes. Further particulars 

 referring to individual vegetables are given below : 



Artichokes (Jerusalem). Choose symmetrical tubers, well 

 rounded or spindle shaped, but reject those that are erratic 

 in form. A rough granulated skin should be avoided. 



Asparagus. Specimens must be absolutely straight and 

 of the same width throughout the entire length. The forma- 

 tion of the heads must be perfect and the stalks well blanched. 



Beans (Broad). The pods must be of more than medium 

 size, well shaped, and containing plump beans. The outside 

 skin of the pod to be quite green with no traces of brown 

 discolouration. Handle the pods as little as possible, if at 

 all. 



