REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. 



V 



Contributions Of Plants. — Contributions of Orchids have been 

 presented to the Gardens by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., V.M.H., 

 Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., V.M.H., Colonel Holford, C.I.E., C.V.O., 

 W. A. Bilney, Esq., J.P., P. Ralli, Esq., F. Wellesley, Esq., J.P., J. S. 

 Moss, Esq., C. A. White, Esq., J. Sparkes, Esq., Messrs. James Veitch, 

 Messrs. Charlesworth, Messrs. J. W. Moore, Messrs. George Bunyard and 

 Messrs. Sander. It is hoped that these will form the nucleus of a far 

 larger collection in a few years to come. 



Visitors. — The number of visitors to the Gardens, admitted by 

 Fellows' tickets during the year 1908, amounted to nearly 11,000 as 

 compared with 8,818 in 1907. This is exclusive of horticultural parties 

 which were admitted by special arrangement, and would increase the total 

 to more than 11,500. 



Wisley Trials. — In order to protect the members of the various 

 standing Committees from the possibility of reproach, and to secure 

 absolute freedom from bias, the Council have arranged that in future, 

 when trials are being made at the Gardens, the growing plants, flowers, 

 or fruits, shall be inspected by a Sub-Committee composed of five 

 members of the Committee interested, and that everything so grown for 

 trial shall be kept under a number only, and that the names, both of the 

 varieties and of their senders shall not be disclosed until a decision has 

 been arrived at, and samples are submitted to the whole Committee at 

 Vincent Square, together with the Report and Recommendations of the 

 Sub-Committee. Thus, the judgments of all Sub-Committees at Wisley 

 will be given under number only. Specimens of the produce for which a 

 Sub-Committee shall have recommended any award, will be brought to 

 Vincent Square at the next* ensuing Meeting, and the whole Committee 

 will then have an opportunity of considering the Report and Recom- 

 mendations made by the Sub-Committee at Wisley. The Committee 

 having inspected the samples brought up, and adopted (or otherwise) the 

 Recommendations of their Sub-Committee, will send them up to the 

 Council for its approval in the usual way. 



Wisley Tithe.— In 1907 the land tax at Wisley was redeemed ; this 

 year the Tithe rent charge has been similarly treated, so that the land is 

 now free from both these outgoings. 



A Visit to Windsor. — On June 10, by the gracious permission of 

 His Majesty the King, the Council and Committees visited Windsor and 

 the Royal Gardens at Frogmore. As guests of His Worship, the Mayor 

 of Windsor (G. Bampfylde, Esq.), an excellent luncheon was enjoyed in 

 the Guildhall, and after visiting St. George's Chapel, the Albert Memorial 

 Chapel, and the State Apartments, an inspection of the Royal Gardens at 

 Frogmore followed. The Council were much impressed by the admirable 

 cultivation and order displayed in all departments of the garden, and 

 desire to express their great thanks to Sir Dighton Probyn, V.C., G.C.B., 

 and to Mr. Mackellar, His Majesty's Head Gardener, for the kind way 

 they received the visitors. 



