ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. 
iii 
bition would be repeated this year. An appeal was made for 
funds towards the special prize list. 
The Chiswick Conference on hardy trees and shrubs had been 
a failure in regard to the number of the members attending, and 
the weather prevented, in large degree, an inspection of the 
exhibits that were staged, but considerable good would result 
from the papers that were read. 
The growth of the Society was illustrated by quoting the 
number of new members enrolled between 1889 and 1894, which, 
after deducting the number of resignations and deaths during 
the same period, gave a net gain of 1,530. Reference was made 
to the desire of the Council to maintain the Journal in the 
highest position possible. The examinations conducted under the 
auspices of the Society during the last year were alluded to and 
declared satisfactory on the whole. Fewer candidates presented 
themselves, but a higher standard of efficiency was displayed than 
in the preceding year. 
In regard to Chiswick, the President declared that the Council 
had no intention of turning their back upon the Gardens there ; 
indeed, they were very anxious that Chiswick should be kept up 
as well as possible, and the very most made of it. The Society 
had expended during the last year upon the Gardens there, after 
deducting the amount received for sales from the Gardens, a sum 
of £1,500, and the cost of the Gardens to the Society since 1890 
had been £7,445. He thought there was no evidence of starving 
in such figures. 
In regard to the desirability of publishing a Catalogue of the 
Lindlov Library, which was proposed at the last annual meeting, 
the President stated that £80 had been subscribed, and the work 
had commenced, but the sum obtained being far below the 
required amount, further donations were solicited. 
The Council hoped that by the steps they were taking to 
draw up a code of suggested rules and regulations for judging at 
fruit and flower shows, they would help considerably in meeting 
the difficulties that frequently arise at such exhibitions. 
In concluding, the President remarked that everyone, how- 
ever remotely connected with the Society, had sympathised with 
the Bev. W. Wilks in his illness, and they rejoiced to see him 
with them that day, and hoped that he would be restored to hi? 
usual gv, d health. The Treasurer (Mr. P. Crowley), the Assistant- 
L 2 
