88 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



with the papers read at them, taught valuable practical lessons 

 both in horticulture and economics. In 1895 the show was 

 visited by considerably over 36,000 people. 



For several years the Society has held, concurrently in 

 different parts of the kingdom, examinations in the principles 

 and practice of horticulture, and has granted certificates of three 

 classes to qualified candidates. The numbers presenting them- 

 selves at these examinations have been considerable. The 

 Council have long felt that there was difficulty in interesting in 

 its work horticulturists at a distance from London, and unable 

 to visit its shows, meetings, and garden. To overcome this they 

 have devoted special attention to the Journal, and have taken 

 steps to bring local societies into affiliation with the parent 

 society ; with the result that there are now eighty provincial 

 societies affiliated. It has been with the same object that 

 invitations have been accepted to send deputations, such as the 

 present, to shows in the provinces ; and that efforts are being 

 made to distribute plants and seeds of value among the 

 Fellows, so far as may be done without interfering with the 

 horticultural trade. Finally, the Council have endeavoured to 

 carry out the wishes of the Fellows by putting the garden and 

 plant-houses at Chiswick into thorough order, and by maintain- 

 ing the grounds there in the best way as a practical and experi- 

 mental garden. It should be added that the Lindley Botanical 

 Library, consisting of about 4,000 volumes, is in the custody 

 of the Society and open to Fellows. A printed catalogue of it is 

 being prepared. 



The Koyal Horticultural Society has spent during the ninety-two 

 years of its existence not less than £100,000. That it has made 

 mistakes and wasted money its best friends will not deny. But 

 it may confidently be asserted that it has done, and is doing, 

 good work, which no other society could do — good work of great 

 value to the community. The same may be said of it as was 

 said of Wren, " Si monumentum queris, circumspice " ; for the 

 introductions of the Society and the lessons it has taught have 

 embellished the land, and smile on the visitor from every park 

 and garden in the kingdom. 



Ladies and gentlemen, the hearty thanks of the Society are 

 due to his Grace the Duke of Westminster for his support 

 on this occasion. He was one of those who had promised 



