OPENING OF THE LABORATOKY AT WISLEY. 



337 



at twenty local shows, with an average attendance of twenty-six. Lectures 

 on the science of gardening are also given by Wye College to the members 

 of gardeners' societies, and an average attendance of ninety-five gardeners 

 has been secured. Last year also we had gardens attached to fifty-nine 

 elementary schools in which 993 scholars were having instruction. Also 

 thirty-five teachers spent their vacation at Wye College, and had instruction 

 in botany and horticulture. Further practical horticultural instruction is 

 being given by the Surrey County Council ; this year sixty-two elementary 

 day schools, with a total number of 1,250 scholars, are receiving instruc- 

 tion. Though you might wish that we were doing more even than that, 

 still I think you will agree that we are paying some attention to the study 

 and teaching of horticulture in this county. 



Then as regards the general work of the Surrey County Council, the 

 reason, I think, why we are to a very large extent successful in the work 

 we are doing is that we are entirely non-political ; and I think that as 

 long as we refuse to pay attention to political views and confine ourselves 

 to administration we shall go on with success, and be amongst the 

 foremost of the counties of England for County Council work. 



5. THE LOED AVEBURY, P.C., F.R.S. 

 Proposed by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., V.M.H. 



Sir Trevor Lawrence said : — It is hardly necessary for me to say 

 how much we appreciate Lord Avebury's presence with us here to-day to 

 open our new Laboratory and Research Station. We have been privileged 

 to listen to very interesting and stirring speeches, and we have, I think, 

 been particularly fortunate in the selection of speakers on this occasion. 

 So far from thinking that Lord Balfour has been trespassing on my 

 province, I think you had from him a speech very full of interest from 

 many aspects, especially as regards the Laboratory. 



One great fault which I feel has long existed amongst our fellow- 

 countrymen is that they have shown a disinclination to appreciate the 

 teaching of science in connection with horticulture, whereas in various 

 foreign countries, by the encouragement and endowment of science, 

 many discoveries have been brought to the practical aid of the gardener. 

 The fault is an obvious one, because we have nothing in this country that 

 does not owe an enormous improvement to scientific teaching, and in 

 regard to practical horticulture this Society may claim some little credit. 

 Only a few days ago I received a letter from that eminent and distinguished 

 botanist, Sir Joseph Hooker, which I will read you. It lays stress on 

 this point. 



" The Camp, Sunningdale, July 15, 1907. 



" My dear Sir Trevor, — Your letter of June 25, conveying the hearty 

 congratulations of the President, Council, and Fellows of the Royal 

 Horticultural Society on the approach of my ninetieth birthday has 

 gratified me more than I can express. 



" It is not by many times the first instance I have experienced of the 

 friendly and all too liberal estimate of my labours in the cause horticultural 

 that the Society has entertained. 



