600 Provincial Horticultural Societies : — 



measured 4 in. over. There were twelve prizes awarded to cottagers, for 

 cabbages, potatoes, and nosegays. (Kcene's Bath Journal, May 19.) 



July 18. The carnations were very fine. The principal prizes for currants 

 and gooseberries were gained by the Earl of Cork. Amelia Coles was the 

 most successful of the cottagers. {Bath Herald, July 26.) 



Bath Royal Horticultural and Floral Society. — May 14. The exhibition 

 was allowed, by competent judges, to be exceedingly fine, both as to extent 

 and the beauty and rarity of the specimens; and it was particularly interesting 

 as being the first held by the Society. In the centre of the great room was a 

 grand pyramidal flower-stage, of several tiers, loaded on every side with rare 

 exotics and superb specimens, the whole surmounted with a palm tree in full 

 " plumage," the term most applicable to its feathery growth. Classified spe- 

 cimens of fruits and flowers were also arranged in great profusion around the 

 sides of the room, which was elegantly festooned and ornamented with devices 

 in flowers complimentary to the royal patronage with which the Society is 

 honoured. The numbers assembled having far exceeded all previous cal- 

 culation, some little difficulty was experienced in going through the room ; 

 nearly 2000 persons being present. Among the plants deserving of particular 

 notice appeared a beautiful orange tree, in full bearing, sent by G. Yeeles, Esq., 

 and another by Lady Acland ; and a superb Schizanthus pinnatus, by Miss 

 Bayly. Among the fruits were a magnificent fig tree, in full bearing, sent by the 

 Rev. Dr. Hale ; and vines, in pots, and in full bearing, by several persons whose 

 names we could not learn. The elegant collection of plants and flowers ex- 

 hibited by Mr. Maule of Stapleton, Mr. Miller of Durdham Down, Mr. Salter, 

 Mr. Bartlett, and Mr. Collens, attracted general admiration. To those gentle- 

 men some praise is due for their indefatigable exertions in adding to the 

 beauty of the exhibition. An interesting feature of the exhibition consisted 

 of nearly 200 specimens of British plants, collected from the neighbourhood 

 of Bath, and arranged in classes according to the Linnaean system, by Mr. 

 James Kitley, gardener, Pulteney Road. {Ibid., May 17.) 



June 24. To obviate the inconvenience complained of from the excessive 

 crowd at the last meeting, on this occasion, the committee had erected a 

 noble marquee, 60 ft. by 30 ft., and of proportionate height. Down the centre 

 of this was erected an immense flower-stage, with ascending tiers of shelves, 

 on the lower of which were placed the smaller and more delicate plants, which 

 required closer and more minute inspection in order to appreciate their beauty, 

 while the larger -and more showy occupied the upper. On the topmost range 

 were two noble specimens of the C'ycas species, placed at each end, one 

 belonging to G. Yeeles, Esq., and the other to S. Barrow, Esq.; and, in the 

 centre, a magnificent Musa paradisiaca, belonging to Mrs. Newby, the gigantic 

 and freshly vivid foliage of which formed a beautiful contrast with the bright 

 and intensely glowing hues which surrounded it on every side. The effect of 

 this immense " double bank " of flowers, of every imaginable tint, as seen from 

 either end, was strikingly beautiful. Spacious, however, as was the accommo- 

 dation for the display and view of this magnificent collection, the throng was 

 so dense, and apparently immovable, that a close inspection was denied to a 

 very considerable portion of the company, and hundreds of visiters left with- 

 out the possibility of inspecting those plants, fruits, and flowers to which the 

 first prizes were awarded. In addition to the specimens exhibited for prizes, 

 there were, on the present occasion, an immense number of plants, flowers, 

 and fruits, sent by ladies and gentlemen in the city and neighbourhood, to add 

 attraction to the show. Among these, Messrs. Maule, Miller, and Lee of 

 Bristol sent largely, both of fruits and flowers. Mr. Miller also sent three 

 fine pines to the fruit room, merely to decorate the stand. The fruit was 

 arranged in the great room of the hotel, on a large oblong stand, with ascend- 

 ing ranges of shelves, similar to those in the marquee. Among the cottagers' 

 prizes was a classified collection of botanical specimens ticketed and arranged 

 by Mr. Kitley. A model for heating a conservatory^ from the kitchen boiler 

 was exhibited by Mr. S. King. Among the decorations was a bird of para- 



