REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR 1895-96. ix 



iast year. It is needless to enter into details, as full particulars 

 will be found in Volume XIX., Part 2, of the Journal recently 

 issued. 



As an object-lesson in British fruit cultivation this Annual 

 Show stands out unrivalled, and is of national importance. But 

 its continuance year after year is a matter of the gravest concern 

 to the Council, as it involves a large expenditure without hope 

 of any return. Arrangements have been made with the Crystal 

 Palace authorities for the Society to hold a similar show on 

 October 1, 2, and 3, 189G, but these arrangements are abso- 

 lutely conditional on a sum of £100 being subscribed by April 

 189G to assist with the Prize Fund. 



Messrs. H. J. Veitch, T. Francis Eivers, George Bunyard, 

 Owen Thomas, Geo. Norman (of Mentmore), Philip Crowley, 

 John Wright, and the Bev. W. Wilks have been appointed a 

 committee to revise the schedule of prizes, and a circular letter 

 inviting subscriptions has been issued, but as it is impossible to 

 send it to all, it is hoped that any who are willing to assist in 

 the continuance of this show will send their subscriptions to the 

 Secretary, 117 Victoria Street, S.W. 



The Journal of the Society has been continued so as to enable 

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

 benefits of the study and work of those actively engaged at 

 headquarters. Vol. XVII., Parts 3 and 4, Vol. XVIII., and Parts 

 1 and 2 of Vol. XIX. were issued during the year, and Vol. XIX., 

 Part 3, is now almost ready for issue. 



An examination in the principles and practice of Horticulture 

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

 Kingdom, a centre being established wherever a magistrate or 

 clergyman, or schoolmaster, or other responsible person accus- 

 tomed 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 train- 

 ing of the candidates was imposed, and the examination was open 

 to both sexes. One hundred and sixty-nine candidates presented 

 themselves for examination, and were divided into three classes. 

 Twelve of the candidates gained 200 marks and more out of a 

 possible 300 in the first class ; thirty-seven gained between 150 

 -and 200 marks in the second class ; seventy-three gained between 

 100 and 150 marks in the third class ; and forty-seven having 



