NATIONAL DIPLOMA EXAMINATION, 1920. 
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NATIONAL DIPLOMA EXAMINATION, 1920. 
The Examiners report that the candidates who passed the examinations reached 
a very fair standard of excellence and in some cases a high one. Too many, 
however, of those who entered failed to appreciate the importance of attention 
to details and of thorough familiarity with the matters with which they may be 
called upon to deal ; while others, even though familiar with principles of good 
practice, failed to apply them when confronted with new conditions. 
In the main, the outdoor work was satisfactory, but many showed small 
acquaintance with the technique of grafting, and the knowledge of summer 
pruning was distinctly poor ; even so common and essential an operation as 
staking was done in an unsatisfactory fashion by many, who either tied the 
plants so as to make them lose their natural habit, or used stakes far too heavy 
and conspicuous for the purpose. 
In the work at the potting bench, again, inattention to such elementary points 
as the thorough mixing of the ingredients of a potting compost, the proper choice 
of pots, firm planting, and so on, was too often apparent. 
Candidates for this, the premier Horticultural Examination, should realize 
that the standard set is one commensurate with the idea that the possession of 
the National Diploma in Horticulture should be the hallmark of the best practi- 
tioners of the horticultural profession. While its attainment- is not beyond the 
power of any who will devote attention not only to gaining a knowledge of the 
principles of horticulture, but also to acquiring technical skill in applying them 
practically, it is not to be acquired lightly or without due and prolonged prepara- 
tion. Reading alone, no matter how painstaking, nor practice alone in one or 
two sets of conditions, is sufficient preparation. A broad and deep knowledge 
of principles and a close acquaintance with details of practice, together with the 
power of carrying them out in a craftsmanlike manner, are all called for. If 
candidates will realize this there will be a smaller proportion of failures and the 
future of horticultural progress will be assured. 
The following candidates secured the Diploma : 
Section i. — General Horticulture. 
Abbis, H. W., I Richmond Road, Exeter. 
Dedman, J. M., 109 New Barn Lane, Rochdale. 
Herring, Miss L. K., Horticultural College, Swanley, Kent. 
Hudson, C. E., East Anglian Institute of Agriculture, Chelmsford. 
Jones, Miss D. R., West Heath, Ham Common, nr. Richmond, Surrey. 
Section 8. — Horticultural Teaching. 
Kent, W. G., County Education Office, Kingston-on-Thames. 
Perry, P. B., Horticultural Department, Holmes Farm, Kilmarnock, N.B. 
Simmonds, A., 66 Old Tovil Road, Maidstone, Kent. 
The following have passed the Preliminary Examination, and are eligible 
to take the Final Examination following their required six years' experience in 
gardening : 
Channing, S. J., Norton Manor Gardens, Sutton Scotney, Hants. 
Christian, W. H., Piel View, Public Park, Barrow-in-Fumess. 
Gethen, H., Mondamin, West Mersea, Essex. 
Hemming, Miss M. H., Studley College, Studley R.S.O., Warwickshire. 
Jarrett, J., Bradford, Victoria Avenue, Wellington, Salop. 
Millar, Miss L. L., Heatherdown, Hythe, Hants. 
Morgan, L. E,, Queen's Park, Victoria Avenue, Crewe. 
Rudge, A. T., Spread Eagle Hotel, Gailey, nr. Stafford. 
Syer, Miss K. L., Charlton, East Sutton, Maidstone, Kent. 
Townsend, F. G., Bradwell Training School, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. 
Tuck, W. H., The Homestead, Stoke Ferry, Norfolk. 
Wilson, G. F., R.H.S. Laboratory, Wisley, Ripley, Surrey. 
W. R. Dykes, Secretary, 
