Management of Horticultural Exhibitions. 407 



Art. II. A few remarks on the management of Horticultu- 

 ral Exhibitions, with suggestions for their improvement, 

 <Src. By William W. Valk, M. D., and F. H. S., of Lon- 

 don. 



We do not know how far others may agree with us in the 

 general or particular tenor of our remarks, but we very cer- 

 tainly feel, that conviction has been attained in our mind of 

 their entire correctness, after giving the subject a great deal 

 of reflection, and thus arriving at something like justifiable 

 conclusions. The time has come, (at all events we think so), 

 when those who are interested in horticultural pursuits, either 

 for pleasure or profit, must be alive to what is passing around 

 them, and fully prepared to inaintai7i their progression in the 

 exciting and interesting contest for distinction, or be content 

 to bring up the rear with such as are less ambitious ; plodding 

 on in the settled ways of times past, and quiescently submit- 

 ting to that fate which they have not the energy to will the 

 removal. 



Horticulture is making rapid strides in the path of im- 

 provement, and we hail the advent of this period with feel- 

 ings of unmingled satisfaction. At no time within the last 

 twenty-five years, has there been witnessed such decided evi- 

 dences of advancement, but while all this is too palpable to 

 be in any way mistaken, it is obligatory upon the friends of 

 science to be jealous of the interests of their charming pur- 

 suit, and to throw around it such safeguards against the 

 reckless assaults of the less scrupulous and unprincipled, as 

 shall effectually protect it from their cunningly devised 

 schemes and illusive pretensions. Notoriety with some, be- 

 cause not otherwise attainable, will be sought after even at 

 the expense of truth, and, as the signs of the times clearly 

 point to the existence of systematic eff'orts to deceive, it is as 

 well that vigilance be practised on the part of all who value 

 character somewhat beyond the purchase of money. 



We acknowledge with pleasure, that, in the foundation and 

 promotion of the objects and interests of most of our horti- 

 cultural societies, many of our best and greatest men have 

 •been engaged. Their efforts have undoubtedly been directed 



