WOOD AND GARDEN 



flowers, by which I mean those that find favour in 

 the exclusive shows of Societies for the growing and 

 exhibition of such flowers as Tulips, Carnations, Dahlias, 

 and Chrysanthemums. In support of this I should 

 like to know what proportion of demand there is, in 

 Dahlias, for instance, between the show kinds, whose 

 aim and object is the show-table, and the decorative 

 kinds, that are indisputably better for garden use. 

 Looking at the catalogue of a leading Dahlia nursery, 

 I find that the decorative kinds fill ten pages, while 

 the show kinds, including Pompones, fill only three. 

 Is not this some indication of what is wanted in gar- 

 dens? 



I am of opinion that the show-table is unworthily 

 used when its object is to be an end in itself, and that 

 it should be only a means to a better end, and that 

 when it exhibits what has become merely a "fancy," 

 it loses sight of its honourable position as a trustworthy 

 exponent of horticulture, and has degenerated to a 

 baser use. When, as in Chrysanthemum shows, the 

 flowers on the board are of no use anywhere hut on thai 

 hoard, and for the purpose of gaining a money prize, I 

 hold that the show-table has a debased aim, and a 

 debasing influence. Beauty, in all the best sense, is 

 put aside in favour of set rules and measurements, and 

 the production of a thing that is of no use or value; 

 and individuals of a race of plants capable of producing 

 the highest and most deHghtful forms of beauty, and 

 of brightening our homes, and even gardens, during 



