138 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



handsomest in appearance of all late Grapes, but who eats 

 them ? 



Of all evils that of judging either flowers, fruits, or vegetables 

 by size only is the worst. Size should in many cases be considered 

 an actual demerit, when the objects exceed certain standards 

 well known to all good judges. Overgrown Potatos, Cauliflowers, 

 Cucumbers, &c, are always left out in a close competition ; and in 

 every case quality should come first. The same remark holds good 

 with fruit. Not the largest bunches or berries of Grapes, but first 

 flavour, and then colour, should be given the highest points. A 

 big Melon counts for nothing when compared with a medium- 

 sized one of superior flavour. The same with Pears and Apples. 

 The Winter Nelis or Seckle amongst Pears would win against 

 some varieties four times their weight and far more beautiful in 

 appearance. So also would Cox's Orange or Ribston amongst 

 Apples maintain the foremost place, on account of their superior 

 quality, against the size and beauty of Blenheim Orange or Peas- 

 good's Nonesuch. Even in flowers size can at the best hold only 

 a third place. Paul Neron amongst Roses would never win in 

 the class for Roses of any one variety ; it is large enough, but 

 lacks form and substance of petal. Size in a Carnation is, I know, 

 by some considered the principal point, but no good judge would 

 put size first, unless it was accompanied by substance of petal 

 and good form. Men are beginning to learn that even Chrysan- 

 themums may be too large, and there are not wanting signs that 

 n the not distant future mere size will not receive quite so much 

 prominence as heretofore. Etoile de Lyon, for instance, is one 

 of the largest of all Chrysanthemums, but it is, generally 

 speaking, somewhat coarse, and flowers of half its size and of 

 better quality often are, and still oftener ought to be, placed 

 before it in competition. 



No man can judge fruits, flowers, or vegetables aright unless 

 he has a good knowledge of the different varieties. It is much 

 easier to obtain good specimens of some varieties than it is of 

 others, and the man who sets himself up as a judge should know 

 how much skill has been required to obtain the productions 

 placed before him, and good specimens of a difficult subject 

 should certainly, in my opinion, receive an extra point to only 

 equally good specimens of a subject that presents no difficulties 

 of cultivation. 



In all cases of at all near or close competition judging should 



