REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR 1912. 



ix 



The notice of Fellows is specially drawn to the fact that in order 

 to avoid the Tuesday in Whitsun week the fortnightly show in May 

 will be held on Wednesday, May 14, instead of, as usual, on a 

 Tuesday. 



17. R.H.S. Cups, 1913— The Council have decided in future to 

 adopt one special and distinctive form of cup for each year, and to 

 have it made in four different sizes. The pattern adopted for 1913 

 will be found illustrated in the Book of Arrangements. The four 

 different sizes will be known as follows : — 



1. The R.H.S. Silver-gilt Cup. 



2. The R.H.S. Large Silver Cup. 



3. The R.H.S. Silver Cup. 



4. The R.H.S. Standard Cup — so called because its design 

 standardizes the pattern for the year. 



With regard to Challenge Cups and Special Cups for 1913, Fellows 

 are referred to the Book of Arrangements. 



18. Diploma in Horticulture. — The Committee appointed to 

 consider the desirability of establishing a Diploma in Horticulture 

 have held several meetings during the year, and have consulted a 

 large body of persons whose opinion was considered of value, and have 

 reported that it is desirable to establish such a Diploma. 



The Council, therefore, at once approached the President of the 

 Board of Agriculture and Horticulture, the Rt. Hon. Walter Runciman, 

 M.P., who most kindly met the Committee, and after hearing their 

 views, promised, after due time for consideration, to communicate 

 with the Council on the subject. The promised communication was 

 promptly sent — it empowers the Society to establish an examination, 

 conducted by a joint Committee of Members appointed by the Board 

 and the Society, to determine the recipients of the Diploma, which 

 will bear the words " National Diploma in Horticulture, awarded 

 by the Royal Horticultural Society, under a Scheme approved by the 

 Board of Agriculture." The Society has consented to bear the 

 expense (over and above the amount received for fees) attaching to 

 this long-needed proof of ability in the art of gardening. 



It is hoped that a Degree in Horticulture may also be established 

 by the University of London, and it will in that case be the aim of 

 the Council to make the Society's Diploma work up towards the 

 University Degree. 



19. Examinations. — The Examinations of the Society are assuming 

 greater importance every year. In 1912 a total of i486 Candidates 

 sat, as against 835 in 1911. 



20. Garden Inspector. — The number of applications from Fellows 

 for an Inspector to visit, advise, and report on their gardens, has 

 increased to such an extent of late years, that it was felt to be time 



