lxviii PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



under the altered conditions of Agriculture, of great national 

 importance, in that it encourages the application of Horticul- 

 tural methods to Agriculture, enlarges the field of profitable 

 cultivation of the soil, and varies and increases the food supply 

 of the people. 



" The Koyal Horticultural Society, in addition to its ordinary 

 work, is now devoting its energies to the provision of a great 

 national want— a Central Metropolitan Hall or Home for the 

 Horticulturists of the United Kingdom. Such buildings exist 

 in the chief European capitals and in the United States of 

 America, and the Council have ample evidence from amateurs 

 and the very important trade engaged in Horticulture that they 

 are urgently required in London. 



" We earnestly trust that the aims and objects of the Society 

 may recommend themselves to your Royal Highness's support 

 and approval. 



" Signed, on behalf of the Council, 



''Trevor Lawrence, President." 



To this Address His Royal Highness was graciously pleased 

 to respond in the following terms : — 



" Sir Trevor Lawrence, Ladies and Gentlemen, — I am very 

 much gratified by the Address I have just heard, and I beg to 

 assure you that I have visited this Exhibition with the greatest 

 possible pleasure and interest. I have always taken a great 

 interest and pleasure in Horticulture, and I must say I have 

 never seen a more beautiful show than that which we have here 

 around us, nor one better arranged. The best proof of the 

 success of the Society is the fine show we have all witnessed 

 to-day. You have alluded to a great want — that of a Central 

 Metropolitan Hall. I sincerely hope your labours in that 

 respect may be successful, for I feel sure that such a Hall will 

 be of the greatest use and advantage. Let me thank you again 

 for the Address, and once more assure you of the pleasure I 

 have had in being present." 



The following letter has also been received from Sir Francis 

 Knollys :— 



"Marlborough House, Pall Mall, S.W. 



"May 28, 1890. 

 " Dear Sir Trevor,— The Prince of Wales was extremely 



