VEGETABLES FOE EXHIBITION. 



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VEGETABLES FOR EXHIBITION. 



By Edwin Beckett, F.R.H.S. 



Evidence is not wanting that a keener interest is being manifested in 

 the cultivation of vegetables for exhibition than has been the case for 

 some years past. There must be some very good reason for this altered 

 condition of affairs, and this should not be difficult to find. There is 

 little doubt that the representation of high-class produce at the leading 

 exhibitions throughout the country is mainly responsible for the change, 

 and one only need observe the interest taken in the different competi- 

 tions by visitors to the shows to be convinced of the good work that is 

 going on. 



A change for the better has taken place, and in this connection it is 

 interesting to note that the old ideas regarding size have been superseded 

 by a knowledge of what is best in the different subjects in which quality 

 is now rightly considered of first importance. While these thoughts are 

 now generally regarded as the embodiment of all that is correct, there 

 must not be a too hasty decision in determining the merits of the different 

 subjects in so far as size in itself is considered. High quality in many 

 vegetables is not determined by mere size in any one of them, yet there 

 are those which undoubtedly demand this essential as of first importance. 

 It is much to be regretted that opinions vary so much on this question, 

 and until a generally recognised standard has been set up it seems hope- 

 less even to expect that satisfactory progress will be made. 



The Royal Horticultural Society, as becomes its exalted position, is 

 the one authority to take this matter in hand, and among its large and 

 comprehensive list of experts in vegetable culture it should be an easy 

 task to call into existence a committee, capable of settling the question 

 once for all, so that a uniform standard of quality might be recognised. 

 I am surprised to find that tbere are many still under the impression 

 that vegetables grown for exhibition purposes are of little use for the 

 table, and to dispel such ideas a proper definition of what is quality or 

 excellence in vegetables seems to be very necessary. The different subjects 

 vary so much in their character that each one should, by itself, be clearly 

 and unmistakably defined. By some such method it should be possible 

 to arrive at conclusions most helpful to those who desire to cultivate 

 vegetables at their best, and by this means also settle a much-vexed 

 question. 



It is most unfortunate that for some time past experienced cultivators 

 have held views so diverse. Because of this unsatisfactory state of 

 affairs, positions have often been reversed when an exhibitor has shown 

 in two distinct parts of the country, and this is a fact that every thought- 

 ful person must deplore. 



We have now arrived at a very important period in the history of the 

 cultivation of vegetables for exhibition, and the present occasion appears 

 to be a fitting opportunity for ascertaining what should be done to attain 



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