3*6 Flower Shoxvs. 



Art. VI. Flower Skotos. 



It was our intention to have given an account in this Number of the 

 principal meetings held by florists in the neighbourhood of London, for the 

 exhibition of what are called florists' flowers ; but after having put some 

 of our friends to a good deal of trouble, we find, that to give the names 

 of all the flowers for which prizes were awarded would occupy more 

 space than we could possibly spare. We beg leave, therefore, to apologise 

 for the trouble we have given our friends, and especially Mr. Groom, 

 Mr. Greig, Mr. Robert Mackay, Mr. Davey, and Mr. Lawrance, near 

 London ; and Mr. Saul of Lancaster ; and to limit our record to the dates 

 of a few of the principal shows or feasts, with the name of the flower which 

 obtained the first prize, and its owner. 



The Islington or Canonbury Auricula Show was held on the 18th of April. 

 The first prize was taken by Francis Cooper, Esq., for Britannia, and the 

 Lancashire Hero. 



Extract from a communication by Mr. Greig, the "Secretary to the 

 Islington Florists' Society. 



" The Islington Florists' Society is of comparatively ancient date, and may 

 truly be termed the parent Society of all others that have of late been esta- 

 blished in the vicinity of the metropolis. At its first formation, which, 1 

 believe, was aboutfifty years ago, the meetings of the Society were held at the 

 Barley Mow, an old and respectable public house, situated in the parish of 

 Islington, on the side of one of the old pack-horse roads, leading from 

 Blackwell Hall, in the city, to the north of England ; and now called Troy 

 Lane. They were afterwards held at the Britannia tavern, where you may, 

 I think, still find a copy (framed) of the ancient rules and regulations of 

 the Society Some little dispute having occurred at this tavern, the 

 Society was in a great degree remodelled, the rules and regulations simpli- 

 fied, and its meetings removed to Canonbury tavern, but latterly they 

 have been held at the King's Head tavern, opposite the church. 



"The shows of flowers at this Society consist of auriculas and carnations, 

 and the prizes are adjudged under the regulations (of which I hand you a 

 copy) to the best flowers, the first prize being a silver cup, of the value of 

 five guineas. The Society has always been supported by many amateur 

 growers, and, generally speaking, (their enthusiastic fondness for the flowers 

 inducing the greatest care in the growth of them,) they have borne away 

 the prize from the regular dealer. 



" I feel assured, Sir, that you will lend a willing aid in promoting the 

 growth of the finest flowers ; and it being a maxim amongst florists, that 

 exhibitions of them for prizes create emulation in their production, you, 

 I hope, will give me leave to trespass upon your valuable pages, for a small 

 additional space, to say, that this feeling so predominates with several mem- 

 bers of this Society, as to induce them (through me) to request of you to 

 offer this challenge to the florist world. That each member will, on a day 

 in July next, to be agreed upon, shew a pan of carnations, consisting of twelve 

 blooms, the produce of their own gardens, (and according with the rules 

 of the Islington Society,) against the same number of gentlemen from any 

 part of the kingdom, for any sum not exceeding 100/. The house for the 

 show to be agreed on, and the censors appointed, prior to the time of 

 showing. Wishing you every success in your valuable undertaking, 

 " Upper Paradise-house, Islington, " I am, dear Sir, &c. 



" May 26th, 1826. " Jno. Gkeig." 



The Windsor Florists' Show was held on the 19tn of April, and the first 

 prize taken by Mr. Brown, for Barlow's king. 



