ALLOTMENT AND COTTAGE GARDENING. 



133 



Ten is the maximum given to Potatos, Peas, winter and summer 

 Onions, winter Greens (including Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, 

 Kales, and Coleworts), to hardy fruits, and, where there are no flower- 

 garden classes, to flowers also. 



Eight each is the maximum given to Bunner, Dwarf Kidney, and 

 Broad Beans ; also to Beet, Carrots, Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Parsnips, 

 Turnips, and Vegetable Marrows. 



Six is the maximum given to Asparagus, Celery, Leeks, Cucumbers, 

 Lettuce, Rhubarb, Seakale, and Tomatos. 



Four is the maximum given to Artichokes, Red Cabbage, Shallots, 

 Spinach, Herbs, small salads, and anything else that may be found 

 unenumerated. 



These maximums indicate the value to the grower which the compilers 

 of the schedule attach to the various crops. It is as a rule found that 

 cottagers and allotment holders attach much about the same values to 

 them also. 



The total number of marks possible to obtain is 236 ; but no garden or 

 allotment ever exhibits perfection in every crop, although the maximum 

 is often attained in relation to cleanliness, order, &c. The judges are 

 somewhat exacting, and both look for and demand excellence. The 

 highest pointed garden in Surrey so far — and a splendid garden it was — 

 secured 184 marks, whilst the highest number given as yet to an allotment 

 is 179. The Surrey Education Committee grant county certificates once 

 only to all those whose work for the first time obtains with a garden 120 

 marks, and for an allotment 110 marks. In future years, when the 

 gardens or plots obtain these numbers of marks and above them, merit 

 cards are given to each competitor. These are exclusive of the various 

 local societies' prizes, as it is only those entered in the local competitions 

 that are judged by the county experts. Their services are placed at the 

 disposal of these local bodies free of charge. Some twelve years' experience 

 has conclusively proved that the awards of these county judges carry 

 more local respect than do those of judges living in the localities. 



It is worthy of remark that for the year 1903, in spite of the difficulties 

 the season created to cultivators, there were just 100 certificates or merit 

 cards awarded to cottagers and allotment holders, and thirty-one were 

 awarded for excellence in flower gardening. 



With respect to the granting of marks for flower gardens — 



Ten is the maximum given to order and neatness, and the same to 

 brightness or general effect. 



Eight is the maximum given to hardy flowers and to tender flowers. 



Six to Ferns, vases, or hanging plants, and to other unenumerated 

 features. 



For window decoration there is a total maximum of thirty-eight 

 marks, divided among cultivation and quality, tasteful arrangement, 

 variety in plants, and any other special features. 



Some cottage fronts are very beautifully done, exhibiting great tasfc 

 skill, industry, and not infrequently evidencing material expenditure. 



