THE BOOK OF THE ROYAL 



element preponderated in the Council, but so strong was the 

 impression against its recovery that a circular letter was sent to 

 every Fellow, stating that the Council had arrived at the con- 

 clusion that the Garden exhibitions would not be profitable in 

 future, and jjroposing to revert to the system followed in 1821, 

 when the Society was in its most flourishing state, at which time 

 its operations were confined to the encouragement of horticul- 

 ture by rewards, and the pubhcation of its Transactions ; to 

 exhibitions in London ; to the distribution of seeds, &c., obtauied 

 from its correspondents ; and to the maintenance of a small and 

 inexpensive garden. 



Special meetings of the Society were held to consider the 

 state of matters, and much and keen discussion ensued as to 

 the propriety of retaining the Garden at Chiswick. Some were 

 for terminating the lease of Chiswick as soon as its conditions 

 would permit, seRing the property of the Society, and carrying 

 it on by smaller exhibitions in London. Others were for selling 

 off everything at once, paying ofi^ the value of the Life Compo- 

 sitions, and winding up the Corporation. Others again suggested 

 removing the Gardens to the Crystal Palace grounds, and making 

 some mutually beneficial arrangement with that body. But the 

 majority resolved to make another effort to preserve the Garden 

 at Chiswick, which by many was thought tantamount to the 

 Society itself, — the two at that time being sujjposed to be like 

 Siamese twins, indissolubly linked together. An appeal to the 

 Fellows and the public for subscriptions for this purpose was 

 resolved upon. This was liberally responded to, although not 

 quite to the extent required or expected. 3267/. was subscribed 

 by 181 individuals, and to show the light in which the Society 



