518 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



of horticulture in the aggxegate because this special side of what is 

 generally called " gardening " does not often receive the attention it 

 deserves. 



One of the greatest assets that horticulture possesses is the unceas- 

 ing sympathy shown by the Eoyal Family in its welfare. 



This sympathy is respectfully reciprocated, and the pleasure with 

 which the Directors received King George's gracious promise to open 

 the Exhibition on May 22 next, at 12 o'clock, will be shared by all 

 who are interested in the success of the Exhibition. 



The considerable difficulty in securing a suitable site was eventually 

 overcome by an arrangement to occupy 25 acres of the grounds of the 

 Eoyal Hospital at Chelsea, which include the Eanelagh Gardens. j 



The position is ideal in many respects, among its advantages being 

 two ample entrances from Queen's Eoad and the Chelsea Embankment 

 respectively within a few minutes' walk from Sloane Square station. 



There is open space for tents covering nearly 6 acres, and there are 

 in addition several broad shaded avenues and the sheltered and mature 

 gardens, which offer a good example of Middle Victorian landscape 

 gardening and will make a perfect background for outdoor exhibits and 

 the rock and water gardens, which are expected to be of particular | 

 interest. | 



It is proposed to illuminate the grounds and engage the best military ' 

 bands available, so that given fine weather, a series of delightful floral 

 fetes will be feasible. ! 



A provisional plan of arrangement has been issued and it is the 

 determination of the Directors that there shall be no avoidable cause of 

 complaint in matters of ventilation and space in the gangways, lu 

 this respect I may mention that the largest tent, which will cover 

 nearly 4 acres, is divided into 5 spans, 45 feet in height, with special 

 ventilation for the whole length of each ridge — the total length of the 

 tent being about 220 yards. The gangways are from 15 to 20 feet wide. , 

 The show space in this tent amounts to nearly 100,000 square feet and | 

 will provide, if necessary, table run of nearly half a mile. 



It is necessary to state that the tenancy of the premises will be too 

 short to allow the production of an artistic scheme to compete on equal 

 terms with the permanent sites of some Continental exhibitions, but at | 

 salient points, striking effects will be produced from views of the great 

 expanse of flowers, and the general arrangements will be much less 

 complicated than are usually found at such exhibitions. It may be, j 

 mentioned that the 1866 Exhibition was held on the site now occupied | 

 by the Natural History Museum at South Kensington, adjoining the | 

 premises then occupied by the Eoyal Horticultural Society. ' 



Experience has proved — fortunately in realms other than of horti- ! 

 culture — the folly of entering upon such an enterprise without ample 

 financial guarantees. 



We are happy to state that the support already accorded, both in 

 the matter of guarantees and subscriptions, has been more than j 

 enconrnging, so that \\-itli a continuation of existing experiences, the j 



