^ ^"rHsljOOK OF THE ROYAL 



depended upon. They also introduced Meetings at the House in 

 Kegent Street, and made every effort to make them as attractive 

 in their way as the great assemblages at the Garden. With this 

 view they increased largely the number of medals and other 

 awards bestowed on these occasions, and invited the production 

 of every valuable subject connected with gardens, which might 

 be either remarkable for novelty or intrinsic excellence. Much 

 interest was added to these collections or exhibitions by expla- 

 natory lecturettes (as they were called) which were given by 

 Dr. Lindley. These still dwell gratefully in the memory of those 

 who listened to them, and their cessation forms one of the most 

 frequently expressed regrets of the laudatores temporis adi. 



The Duke of Devonshire, who had been elected President on 

 the death of Mr. Knight, lent his powerful aid. On the occa- 

 sions of the great meetings at Chiswick he threw open the 

 adjoining grounds of Chiswick to the Society and their visitors, 

 and the promenades on its charming lawns and under its 

 ancient cedars drew thousands of the world of fashion to these 

 privileged fetes. 



The trial, however, was only partially successful. The house 

 in Eegent Street was amply supplied with valuable specimens 

 of horticultural skill, and a large number of visitors availed 

 themselves of the opportunity to examine them. Other efforts 

 were made in various directions. Changes were made in the 

 meetings at the Garden, both as regards arrangement and the 

 rewards to be conferred. But matters were not restored. 



For many years the Exhibitions at the Garden were accom- 

 panied by such constant fine weather that precautions against 

 rain seemed needless. From 1833 to 1843, a period of eleven 



