XIV IX'l'liUDUCTION. 



illustrations are given below of the order of precedence in 

 which the different kinds of exhibits are generally accepted, 

 and which can be easily rearranged to suit the varying taste 

 and circumstances on all occasions. With these desiderata 

 provided, there is still plenty of scope for the exercise of 

 knowledge, acumen, and sound judgment in making a correct 

 adjudication. 



It is chiefly in the plant and fruit divisions, where, in mixed 

 collections, the greatest difference in nattu'al merit prevails. 

 The intrinsic, or commercial worth of an article, should not 

 alone determine its relative value in competition, but the 

 gi'eatest weight ought to be attached to the careful persever- 

 ance, skill, and taste required to produce a perfect exhibition 

 specimen. For example, the Oroton and Palm, which require 

 several years of careful culture to form specimens, should be 

 allowed more competitive value than a Caladium or Coleus; 

 and among flowering plants, the Erica and Ixora should have 

 more weight than a Cineraria or Begonia. A greater dif- 

 ference, however, is generally found in relative value among 

 the fruit in a large collection. The Pine-Apple is usually 

 assigned the first position, closely followed by the Grape, with 

 the Melon, Peach, Nectarine, Fig, Apricot, Pear, Plum, Cherry, 

 Apple, Strawberry, Gooseberry, Raspberry, and Currant in the 

 order in which they are here given. Other less common fruits 

 may intervene, but the order of precedence can always be 

 settled on the spot by competent judges, when they have the 

 exhibits before them. In all cases, excellence for dessert or 

 culinary purposes should carry more weight than mere appear- 

 ance or rarity. Rich flavour, high quality, and pleasing 

 appearance, should prevail in dessert fruit ; in culinary fruits, 

 large size, even outline, fine flavour, and usefulness, are the 

 chief points. 



