REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOE THE YEAR 1902. 



V 



July 21. National Carnation Society's Show. 



Sept. 1 and 2. National Dahlia Society's Show. 



Sept. 15. National Dahlia Society's Committee Meeting. 



All these will be held in the Drill Hall in conjunction with the Society's 

 usual Fortnightly Meeting, and full particulars of the Prizes &c. will be 

 found in the Book of Arrangements for 1903. 



8. The Exhibition of British-grown Fruit held by the Society at the 

 Crystal Palace on September 18, 19, and 20 was, from an educational 

 point of view, most satisfactory. Full particulars will be found in 

 Vol. XXVII., Part 3, of the Society's Journal, which will be issued in 

 the course of a few weeks. 



9. A great desire having been expressed that Vegetables should also 

 be represented at this Show, the Council have willingly acceded to this 

 request, stipulating, however, that they cannot consent to accept any 

 money or prizes which are accompanied with the restriction that the 

 seeds from which the Vegetables have been grown have been procured 

 from any specified firm. The Council are of opinion that all growers 

 should be at perfect liberty to procure their seeds wheresoever they will. 

 The authorities of the Crystal Palace having always strictly prohibited the 

 introduction of Vegetables at this Show, it has been decided to hold it at 

 Chiswick on September 29, 30, and October 1, 1903. Chiswick is nearer 

 to London, and both more easily and more quickly accessible therefrom. 



It is calculated that such a combined Show of Fruit and Vegetables 

 cannot be held under an expenditure of £350 to £400. If, therefore, 

 the Show is to take place it will be necessary for all who are interested 

 in the encouragement of the growth of good Fruit and Vegetables within 

 the United Kingdom, now largely dependent on external and foreign 

 supplies, to combine in raising at least half the amount of money required. 

 The Schedule of the Show is being proceeded with and will be ready for 

 issue on April 2, should the list of subscriptions prove satisfactory. The 

 List of Subscribers to the 1902 Show will be given in Vol. XXVII., Part 

 3, of the Society's Journal. 



10. An examination in the principles and practice of Horticulture was 

 held on April 23, concurrently in different parts of the United Kingdom, 

 a centre being established wherever a magistrate, clergyman, schoolmaster, 

 or other responsible person, accustomed to examinations, would consent 

 to act on the Society's behalf, in accordance with the rules laid down. 

 No limit as to the age, position, or previous training of the candidates 

 was imposed. Two hundred and twenty-nine candidates presented them- 

 selves for examination. The names and addresses of those who suc- 

 ceeded in satisfying the examiners, together with the number of marks 

 assigned to each, will be found in the Society's Journal, Vol. XXVIL, 

 page 196. 



11. It is proposed to hold a similar examination in 1903, on Wednesday, 

 April 22. Candidates wishing to enter for the Examination should make 

 application during February to the Secretary, R.H.S. Office, 117 Victoria 

 Street, Westminster. 



12. Valuable books have been presented to the Society during the past 

 year by the Director of the Royal Gardens at Kew, Dr. Maxwell Masters, 



