458 Report on the progress of the Horticultural Society, 



examination is held in the months of December, January, February, 

 March, or April, without the special permission of the Committee. 



The result of the examination is recorded in a book kept for 

 the purpose ; if it be satisfactory, a certificate to that effect is 

 granted, and the person examined is entitled to be recommended 

 to a place, provided his general conduct is approved of. The 

 standard of qualification is placed very low by the Committee, in 

 order to render the system of examination applicable to all capa- 

 cities ; but the examiner has directions to raise it in those cases 

 in which men desire it, and the certificates are varied accordingly. 

 Of course those persons are considered qualified for the highest 

 places whose examinations are the most successful. 



The qualification of the person examined is stated in the body 

 of the certificate, without any distinction in the form or class of 

 such certificate, which also expresses the substance of the several 

 under gardeners' reports of the conduct of the man, whilst he 

 was in their respective departments. 



The examinations are verbal and private, and the result of each 

 examination is reported to the first Garden Committee which may 

 meet after it has taken place. 



If a man does not pass his examination within three years after 

 his admission into the garden, he is liable to be dismissed by the 

 Garden Committee. 



GEORGE BENTHAM, 

 Secretary. 



21, Regent Street, 

 May 1, 1840. 



