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EOYAL HOltT-IC UXTUKAL SOCIETY. 



plan of assigning to each quality a numerical value. The features 

 to be specially sought, and their relative value, are these : — 



1. Form. — In most single flowers this should be circular, or, 

 where this will not apply, symmetrical. In double flowers there 

 should be a semiglobular outline. Compound flowers follow the 

 same law as double flowers. Tubular flowers and some others of 

 peculiar form offer exceptions, which can only be dealt with in- 

 dividually. 



2. Substance. — This must be dense if the flower is to be durable, 

 for if flimsy in texture the blossom soon gives way both as to 

 form and colour. 



3. Smoothness and Flatness of Edge and Surface. — These 

 qualities are necessary to give refinement. In some cases, but 

 not often, a well-developed fringe or frill is admissible. 



4. Colour. — This must be bright or pure and decided in self- 

 flowers (that is flowers of one colour) ; and well-defined and well- 

 contrasted in striped or laced flowers. 



5. Fixity of Colour is a quality of some importance, and depends 

 partly, but not wholly, on the texture or substance of the corolla. 



6. Proportion of Parts to the Whole is an essential element of 

 beauty, but must be defined individually in the different kinds of 

 flowers. 



7. Size is an advantage so that it is not disproportionate nor 

 conducive to coarseness, but it is very apt to degenerate into 

 coarseness. 



8. Distinctness is absolutely necessary for the sake of variety. 



9. Novelty is a quality always welcome, as it enlarges the field 

 of floriculture ; but it is not a mere variation but a decided dif- 

 ference of form or feature which is comprehended under this head. 

 The merit of novelty, however, must always be estimated subject to 

 the higher qualities of form, substance, smoothness, proportion, &c. 



These qualities may bear the numerical ratio indicated below : — 



Points. 



1. Form 15 



2. Substance 15 



3. Smoothness 15 



4. Colour 10 



5. Fixity of colour 10 



6. Proportion 10 



7. Size 10 



8. Distinctness 10 



9. Novelty 5 



