INTRODUCTION 



13 



vegetables, from school gardens and from children's gardens, 

 or it may ask for exhibits of flowers and vegetables of a few 

 sorts that the children are thus stimulated to grow with 

 special care. In the latter case it is usual to limit the num- 

 ber of specimens allowed; for example, to a dozen vases 

 of Comet Asters, one blossom in 

 each, or to four heads of lettuce. 

 This favors quality rather than 

 quantity, and makes it easier to 

 compare exhibits. A few simple 

 rules as to entries and the award 

 of prizes should be adopted and 

 announced. As an aid in prepar- 

 ing these, send to the secretary of 

 some horticultural or agricultural 

 society of your section asking for 

 their schedule of exhibits and 

 prizes. 



In the case of a children's gar- 

 den exhibition, it is wise to make 

 sure that many children will cer- 

 tainly exhibit products, for they 

 often fear to do so in the belief that their products are not 

 worthy. It is often advisable, also, to get the best amateur 

 gardeners, the most successful farmers, local florists, and large 

 estates of wealthy men who employ professional gardeners, 

 to contribute displays, if the hall is large enough. Their 

 fine exhibits need not discourage the children, nor belittle 

 the children's achievements in the mind of the public. 

 They will rather heighten the enthusiasm of both children 

 and public for the fine art of horticulture. 



China Aster Seedling. 



