290 Provincial Horticultural Societies. 



of Perfection, Mr. Wilson. Scarlet, Crimson, Sfc, Selfs : 1 and 2. Heliotrope, 

 Mr. W. Hardman ; 3. Domingo, Mr. Wilson ; 4. Pompea, Mr. Parker ; 

 5. Zebulon, Mr. W. Hardman. Buf and Rosy Flowers: \ and 2. Coxe's 

 Buff; Mr. Parker ; 3. Coxe's BufF, Mr. W. Hardman ; 4. Coxe's Buff; Mr. 

 Wilson ; 5. Coxe's Buff^, Mr. E. Hardman. 



Geraniums. Coloured Grounds: 1. Variafolia, Mr. Parker; 2 and 3. 

 Moore's Seediin*, Mr. Butler. White Grounds : 1. Macranthon, Mr. Sum- 

 mer; 2,Youngu, Mr.Parker; S.John Bull, Mr.Parker. Seedlings: 1. Louisa, 

 Mr. Parker; 2. Summer's, Mr. Summer; 5. Hardman's, Mr. E. Hardman. 

 {York Herald, June 21.) 



Wakefield Horticultural Society. — We have to congratulate our Wake- 

 field friends on the establishment of a branch of the Yorkshire Horticul- 

 tural Society in that town. A numerous meeting of the subscribers was 

 held in the Music Saloon on June 11th, the Rev. J. G. Morris in the chair. 

 At this meeting, E. S. George, Esq., one of the secretaries, gave an interest- 

 ing account of the rise and progress of the Society, from its commence- 

 ment to the present time ; and it was resolved, that one of the Society's 

 meetings, for the exhibition of flowers, fruits, &:c., and for the distribution 

 of prizes, should be held at Wakefield on the third Wednesday in August 

 of each year. On the general utility of such institutions, and the advan- 

 tage they afford to the towns in which the meetings are held, we should 

 have offered a few observations, had we not been able to present our read- 

 ers with the following report of the worthy Chairman's address, wherein 

 the subject is so ably and eloquently discussed, as to render any further 

 comment from us unnecessary : — 



" I thank you, gentlemen, for your extreme courtesy, and the high honour 

 which you confer upon me, by requesting r~e to preside at your meeting 

 this day. Were I to say that 1 am entirely taken by surprise, and that such 

 a distinction was altogether unexpected, I should be guilty of affectation 

 and a want of candour; for Dr. Crowther, whom I am proud to call my 

 friend, when he advertised me of the intention of summoning this meeting, 

 at the same time, on his own part, and on the part of some well-wishers to 

 the contemplated society, urged a request that I would take the chair on 

 the occasion. Gentlemen, conscious that I possessed no qualifications to 

 fit me for the task, and feeling that it ill became me to assume it, as I am 

 as yet nearly a stranger amongst you ; aware, too, that 1 should be sur- 

 rounded by individuals so much more eligible, inasmuch as they are emi- 

 nently gifted with botanical science and practical knowledge, the result of 

 their horticultural pursuits and facilities, of which I am quite devoid ; I 

 wished and begged to decline the proffered honour. It appears, however, 

 that my entreaties are not listened to, and that your kindness and partiality 

 persist in selecting for your chairman one so inadequate to the situation. 

 Gentlemen, I take the chair with much diffidence ; but I will presume to 

 say, that, in the absence of other qualities, I bring with me a passionate 

 love for plants and flowers, for the sweets and beauties of the garden, and 

 no inconsiderable fondness for its more substantial productions. Gardening, 

 as a recreation and relaxation from severer studies and more important 

 avocations, has exquisite charms for me; and I am ready, with old Gerarde, 

 to confess that ' the principal delight is in the mind, singularly enriched 

 with the knowledge of these visible things ; setting forth to us the invisible 

 wisdom and admirable workmanship of Almighty God.' With such pre- 

 dilections, you will easily give me credit. Gentlemen, for participating with 

 this assembly in the sincerest wishes for the complete and permanent 

 establishment of a society amongst us, whose object shall be to promote, in 

 the surrounding district, the introduction of different sorts of flowers, 

 culinary vegetables, fruits, improved culture and management generally, and 

 a taste for botany as a science. These are pursuits, gentlemen, combining 

 at once health and innocence, pleasure and utility. , 



