Cll PHOCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



EXAMINATION OF SCHOOL TEACHERS 

 IN COTTAGE AND ALLOTMENT GARDENING. 



April 24, 1907. 



EXAMINERS' REPORT. 



One hundred and forty-five candidates entered for the Examination, 

 as against 166 last year. Of these 36 have won a first class, 41 a second, 

 45 a third, and 23 have failed to satisfy us ; but, notwithstanding these 

 failures, we are glad to be able to report a general advance all along the 

 line, the improvement since the first establishment of this Examination 

 being well maintained. 



The following criticisms may be of use to those who have failed this 

 year and to intending candidates in future : — 



Whilst the best papers showed a proper appreciation of the common 

 term " Cabbage," and dealt solely with that section of plants, many 

 candidates wandered into long dissertations on various other members 

 of the Brassica family. 



Generally the deterioration of Potatoes was ascribed to absence of 

 needful constituents in the soil, especially through excessive cropping. 

 Free dilating on chemical manures was common. The most practical 

 papers, however, mentioned the importance of good winter storing of 

 tubers and frequent interchange of them for planting purposes. 



The selections of vegetables for exhibition at rural Shows were 

 generally excellent, and the culture of Vegetable Marrows, though variously 

 described, still evidenced fair practical knowledge. The same might be 

 said of garden herbs, their propagation, culture, and uses ; but some 

 candidates included salads and other unlooked-for subjects with them. 



A knowledge of hardy plants suitable for rock- work or garden edgings 

 caused a good deal of stumbling, very many including both tall and tender 

 plants in their lists ; the best papers, however, furnished excellent lists. 



When dealing with garden flowers for cutting and sale, candidates 

 generally were more at home, some lists being of exceptional merit. 

 These flowers, apart from their decorative value, have good market value 

 also for cottagers. 



Reference to Apple stocks caused some tripping, but, all the same, many 

 candidates thoroughly understood the diverse uses of Crab and Paradise 

 stocks, and described their peculiarities and adaptabilities. Very few 

 of the candidates seemed to realise the value of the "Bramble " type of 

 fruit for garden culture, and dwelt solely on the Raspberry, some even 

 dwelling largely on Gooseberries and Strawberries. 



The appearance of what is known as " big bud " on Black Currants, 

 and the true nature of the insect causing it, and the best recognised 



