REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR 1896-97. vii 



enable Fellows at a distance to enter more fully into and reap 

 the benefits of the study and work of those actively engaged 

 at head- quarters. Vol. xix., Part 3, and Parts 1 and 2 of 

 Vol. xx., were issued during the year, and Vol. xx., Part 3, 

 is now almost ready for issue. 



In January, 1893, the Council published a list of all the 

 Plants, Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables certificated from the 

 year 1859 to 1892. A Supplement is now ready, bringing the 

 list down to December, 1896. Each part is issued at the price 

 of One Shilling, but the two together may be obtained for 

 Eighteenpence, at the Society's Office. 



An examination in the principles and practice of Horticulture 

 was held on May 1st, concurrently in different parts of the 

 United Kingdom, a centre being established wherever a magis- 

 trate, or clergyman, or schoolmaster, or other responsible person 

 accustomed to examinations would consent to superintend one on 

 the Society's behalf, and in accordance with the rules laid down 

 for its conduct. No limit as to the age, position, or previous 

 training of the candidates was imposed, and the Examination 

 was open to both sexes. One hundred and fifty-two candidates 

 presented themselves for examination. The names and addresses 

 of those who succeeded in satisfying the examiners, together 

 with the number of marks assigned to each, will be found in the 

 Society's Journal, Vol. xx., Part 1, 1896, page 58. 



It is proposed to hold a similar examination in 1897, but at 

 the request of those most nearly concerned the date has been 

 altered to Tuesday, April 6th, so as not to clash with the Exami- 

 nations held at the beginning of May by the Science and Art 

 Department. Candidates wishing to sit for the Examination 

 should make application during February to the Secretary, 

 R.H.S. office, 117, Victoria-street, Westminster. 



The Council have heard with much pleasure that N. N. 

 Sherwood, Esq., Master of the Worshipful Company of Gar- 

 deners, has most kindly offered, in connection with the Society's 

 1897 Examination, a Scholarship of £25 a year for two years ; 

 full particulars of which will be found in the Society's Arrange- 

 ments for 1897, lately issued to all Fellows. Another similar 

 Scholarship has been promised for 1898, by G. W. Burrows, 

 Esq., a Member of the Court of the same Worshipful Com- 

 pany. 



