Miscellaneous. 



260 



CEYLON AGRI-HORTICULTURAL SHOWS. 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR FORWARDING AND ARRANGING EXHIBITS. 



1. Fh-st of all obtain a catalogue or schedule of the forthcoming Show. 

 Go carefully through the various classes, when doubtless a number of the prizes 

 offered will suggest themselves to you as within your scope. 



2. Ciopsof vegetables, flowers, &c, should be sown or planted insufficient 

 time to allow them to grow and mature to suit the Show, the period thus 

 required in each case being dependent on the nature of the crop and local 

 conditions of climate or soil. 



3. If iu due course you are satisfied that the result of your efforts will 

 make at least a creditable exhibit, write to the Secretary of the Show, inti- 

 mating the articles which you wish to exhibit. 



4. In selecting exhibits adhere to the rules laid down in the catalogue, 

 especially in regard to number or quantity required : disregard of these may 

 disqualify an exhibitor. 



5. Show rules usually disqualify exhibits which have not been grown by 

 the exhibitor or his employer for at least two months before the exhibition. 

 This does not necessarily apply to flowers for table decorations- 



6. Remember that quality counts for more than quantity : that vegetables, 

 fruits, and other edible products should be in a reasonably fit state for con- 

 sumption when exhibited, it being impossible to properly judge under-ripe or 

 over-mature articles. 



7. Fruits such as oranges, mangosteens, sapodilla, tomatoes, &c, should 

 be packed in shavings, sawdust, or some soft material to prevent bruising ; 

 smaller fruits, such as uguressa, kon, strawberries, &c, maybe packed in layers 

 with their own leaves ; whilst large kinds, such as plantains, pineapples, durians, 

 jak, &c, may be packed with dry straw or shavings in crates or well ventilated 

 boxes. 



8. Plants, too, should be sent in crates, the stems, leaves or flowers being 

 securely tied and held in position. Support the stems of flowering annuals in 

 pots. Avoid obtrusive pots, stakes, or ties. 



9. Wash root-crops carefully before sending to Show, and cut off all 

 unnecessary roots. 



10. Remember that the impression your exhibit makes on the Judges is 

 largely dependent on the manner it is arranged. Do not send articles iu large 

 and unsightly receptacles, such as cadjan baskets, with their contents usually 

 hidden at the bottom. 



11. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, &c, should be shown iu shallow basket- 

 trays or plates of uniform sizes. 



12. Fruits are rendered more effective by having a few of their own 

 leaves arranged neatly round them. 



13. Cut flowers should have their stalks placed in water immediately 

 after cutting ; these will keep longer if when being trimmed their stalks are 

 cut under the water instead of in the air. For exhibition uniform bottles or 

 tins securely held in position should as far as possible be used for cut flowers. 



II. Each exhibit should have a label fixed to it, giving the name under 

 which it is commonly known, and, if possible, the scientific name, this will 

 secure points in the judging and add interest to the Show. 



H. F. M ACM ILL AN, 



Curator, Royal Bolaniv Garden*. 



