466 AGRI-HORTICULTURAL SHOWS 



8. Remember that quality counts for more than quantity 

 that vegetables, fruits and other edible products should be in a 

 reasonably lit state for consumption when exhibited, it being 

 impossible to properly judge under-ripe or over-mature articles. 

 Therefore do not send fruit in an unripe or over-ripe state. 



9. The impression your exhibit makes on the judges is largely 

 dependent on the manner it is arranged. Do not stage small 

 articles in large and unsightly receptacles, such as cadjan baskets, 

 with their contents usually hidden at the bottom. See that pots r 

 tubs or other receptacles containing plants are properly washed. 



10. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, etc., should be shown in shallow 

 basket-trays or plates of uniform sizes. Fruits, especially small 

 kinds, are rendered more effective by having a few of their own 

 leaves arranged neatly around them. Parsley, or similar foliage, as 

 Panax, affords an excellent material for decorating and displaying 

 exhibits to best advantage. 



11. Cut-flowers should have their stalks placed in water 

 immediately after cutting ; these will keep longer if, when being 

 trimmed, their stalks are cut under the water instead of in the air. 



12. Overcrowding of exhibits, especially as regards plants 

 and flowers, should particularly be avoided, for exhibits of first-rate 

 quality often fail to make an impression by a disregard of this 

 rule. 



13. The value of an exhibit will be much enhanced if a label 

 is fixed to it giving the name under which it is commonly known 

 also, if possible, the scientific name; this will secure points in the 

 judging and add interest to the Show; it is one of the most impor- 

 tant considerations at floral exhibitions in England, and applies 

 particularly to such exhibits as Roses. 



14. Flowers which naturally grow in clusters, as Verbena, 

 Phlox, Schizanthus, etc., are best shown in bunches; while blooms 

 of a large size as Dahlia, Hibiscus, etc., are seen to best advantage 

 when displayed singly. 



15. Though bottles or tins, if of uniform size and securely 

 held in position, may answer the purpose of displaying cut-flowers 

 at an exhibition, the proper thing to use so as to show the flowers 

 to the best effect as well as to facilitate arrangement, is an 

 exhibition box. This may be made of any light wood, on the 

 principle of a writing desk, and painted green. The size may 

 vary according to requirements, but for all practical purposes the 



