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Pez Che Orebid ‘Review % 
A). VoL. XXIII. June, 1915, No. 270. gS 
leeiceS OUR NOTE BOOK. Feery] 
HE Spring Show of the Royal Horticultural Society is the great event 
of the year, and whether held at the Temple or at Chelsea is the 
Mecca to which all faithful horticulturists make their annual pilgrimage,. 
and in the past it has almost invariably been favoured with brilliant 
weather. But the present occasion was a notable exception, for a steady’ 
downpour of rain on the first day, and for hours preceding the opening,. 
reduced the grounds to the condition of a quagmire, and the mud outside 
the big tent was something to be remembered. And even inside there were 
rivulets and pools to be negotiated, for the rain collected by the roof 
descended at places in waterfalls, and such planks as were available were 
quickly requisitioned. Such a condition of things naturally made a 
difference in the attendance, though it failed to damp the ardour of the 
enthusiasts, and the large tent was pretty well filled with visitors. Another 
notable difference was the absence of continental exhibits, for not only were 
Belgian exhibitors excluded by the war, but Messrs. Sander were totally 
unable to draw upon the resources of their Bruges establishment. On the 
second and third days, however, the weather made some amends, for it was- 
fine, and there was some pleasant sunshine; but it was never hot, and the 
conditions were such that everything remained perfectly fresh right up to 
the close. 
The meeting altogether was held under exceptional conditions, for the 
war has produced a shortage of labour in many establishments, and the 
railway facilities were in some cases curtailed. But, in spite of the draw- 
backs, there was a magnificent show, and the Orchids were quite up to the 
usual standard of quality, though not quite as numerous as last year, for the 
size of the large tent was somewhat reduced on this occasion. The trade 
exhibits were naturally in a majority, but the splendid groups staged by 
7. Gurney Fowler, Esq., and Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., were of the 
highest quality, and figured high in the award list. In all three Gold 
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