INTEODUCTION. 



Ix introducing the reader to the contents of this Handbook, 

 we consider it necessary to give a few general remarks on 

 exhibitions ; to point out some of the benefits they confer on 

 those who participate in them, and show the effect their agency 

 has on increasing the value of produce. 



Exhibitions, whether of Science, Art, or Industry, are usually 

 inaugurated with the view of promoting one or more of such 

 desirable objects as the education of the public mind, the 

 gratification of the senses, or the encouragement of Science, 

 Art, or Commerce. That the desired results have been attained 

 in a marked degree in Horticulture is clearly apparent to all 

 observers. When we notice the large and increasing number 

 of shows held throughout the country, nearly every parish 

 and village participating in the annual display of garden pro- 

 duce, and see the interest taken in their success by all classes 

 of the people, we are led to conclude that flower-shows must 

 be doing a vast amount of good, directly and indirectly, in this 

 country. Whatever tends to increase the productiveness of 

 the soil — whether it be the proper application of labour, or the 

 acquirement of a sound knowledge of the wants of plants, and 

 the liest modes of applying the elements provided by Nature 

 and Science, to meet the varying demands of plant life — is 

 assisting in a material degree to fni'nish the means which so 

 largely contribute to the comfort and happiness of the people. 



There can be no doubt whatever that exhibitions tend in 

 this direction. The inducements offered through their agency 

 have a stimulating effect on the mental and physical energies 

 of all who participate in competitions, which are in themselves 



