CCxlii PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



done with reference to the pests to which growers are subject; and I 

 can assure you that whatever this Society desires the Board of Agricul- 

 ture to do in that connexion we shall be only too happy to do. In 

 conclusion I would just say this : that if at any time your Society 

 finds that the Board can do anything to help your efforts for horticul- 

 ture, tell us what it is and we will do our very best to meet you. 

 I do feel that for some years past the E.H.S. has been doing a 

 larger and a better work, and, in my judgment, it ought to continue 

 so to do. But as regards the Board of Agriculture, if we can do any- 

 thing supplementary to yourselves you have but to ask us. I have 

 much pleasure in asking you to drink the health of Sir Trevor Law- 

 rence, our Chairman at this pleasant gathering, and of Sir Albert 

 EoLLiT, who is at the moment acting for the President. 



Mr. Eutherford : I should just like to express my regret that the 

 fruit meant for show from Dominica has not yet arrived ; it is no fault 

 of Dominica, but is entirely due to the breakdown of the steamer 

 carrying the produce. Had she arrived in time you would have seen 

 a most excellent show ; and I wish to impress upon this Society that 

 it IS not through any lack of organization on the part of Dominica, 

 but is purely and simply caused by a delay in the arrival of the vessel 

 carrying the exhibits. 



Sir Albert Eollit : It only remains for me to acknowledge the 

 concluding toast, which Sir Thomas Elliott has so feUcitously pro- 

 posed. The President of this Society is its strength in all departments ; 

 we could not have a better leader, and no leader could have more loyal 

 Fellows on his Council ; I say that with emphasis. In the next place, 

 when we speak of the success of these meetings, we ought not to forget 

 our venerable Secretary. You know that in olden times when peoj)le 

 had been convicted of the highest crime of misdemeanour, they were 

 entitled to "Benefit of Clergy." Now, without having committed 

 any special misdemeanour, we, the Council of the Society, always 

 have benefit of Clergy; and I do not hesitate to say that no Society 

 is better served than we are by our esteemed Secretary, either as 

 Secretary or by good fellowship. I think I might say the same thing 

 of our Assistant Secretary, who is most attentive, energetic, and 

 zealous. 



j You have been asked and implored to think Imperially; I am going- 

 to be more mundane, and I merely say that I hope you have enjoyed 

 the Imperial pint and the reputed quart of this Society. It has been 

 a great pleasure to us to entertain you. I particularly welcome our 

 friend the representative of British Columbia, which is a country of 

 very great interest. I shall always appreciate the humour of the 

 people of British Columbia, who say of themselves and of their salmon : 

 *■ We eat what we can; and we can what we can't," and in that way 

 contribute to the Imperial supply. With regard to Dominica, I am 

 pleased to hear that their exhibit will be arriving to-night, and so 

 supplementing what is already a most excellent Exhibition. I take this 

 opportunity of acknowledging the great kindness of the authorities in 



