BRITISH-GROWN FRUIT. 



123 



Mr. Biggs, one of the Directors, briefly responded on behalf 

 of the Company, and reminded those present that the Crystal 

 Palace was a great educational institution, and he ventured to 

 hope that the present magnificent fruit show was the first of many 

 successive ones. 



Dr. Masters proposed the toast of " The Royal Horticultural 

 Society," and remarked that he thought everyone present would 

 admit that the authorities of the Royal Horticultural Society 

 were deserving of their best thanks for providing such an exhibi- 

 tion. Twice in that week they had held exhibitions and con- 

 ferences, that at Chiswick, however, taking place under most 

 depressing circumstances. On this occasion a splendid show 

 was held in a magnificent building, and in wet or fine weather 

 the Royal Horticultural Society always does its duty alike. 

 If the Society did not always do what the public or its Fellows 

 thought should be done, it was not always the fault of the autho- 

 rities. He thought they ought not to part before sending a 

 telegram to the Rev. W. Wilks, whose absence through illness 

 they so much deplored, informing him of the success of the 

 Show. 



Mr. Philip Crowley, Treasurer of the Society, in responding, 

 observed that the Royal Horticultural Society was at present in a 

 very satisfactory financial condition. Since its foundation ninety 

 years ago it certainly had seen some ups and downs, and at one 

 time it appeared to be about to merge into oblivion. Happily, 

 however, matters had changed for the better, and there were 

 now nearly 3,500 Fellows, 2,000 of whom had been elected during 

 the past four or five years. The periodical meetings held at 

 Westminster were very creditable indeed, and the Temple 

 Show of this May eclipsed those held in previous years. The 

 present Fruit Show at the Crystal Palace he regarded as a 

 magnificent one, there being exhibitors from all parts of the 

 kingdom. At Chiswick the trial of vegetables and other useful 

 work was being carried on, and the Journal of the Society had 

 reached large dimensions. 



Mr. J. T. Bennett-Poe briefly gave " The Judges," thanking 

 them for the very valuable services which they were at all times 

 so ready and willing to freely give to the Society. 



Mr. Owen Thomas responded, remarking on the general 



