vi PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
for the sake of what, after all, will prove to be a passing difficulty. If 
our enemies are at present endeavouring to prove their scientific pre- 
eminence in certain regrettable directions, it is even more urgent for 
this country to prove its pre-eminence in the things which build up, 
rather than in those things which destroy. And horticulture, from 
whatever point it is viewed, is constructive. It is a very reasonable 
anticipation, and one that all events foreshadow, that when the War 
is ended there will be a better co-ordination of scientific effort in this 
country, in order that our whole national life may be given a further 
upward development ; and there could be no better time than the 
present, provided the means are forthcoming, for preparing for that 
greater effort which lies before us. In every department of the 
Society's work arrangements are now being made with this end in 
view, and Fellows have a responsibility in the matter, which it is 
hoped they will not lightly ignore, when so little from each individual 
can collectively accomplish so much. 
2. Staff Enlisted.- — There has been a remarkable response on 
the part of the staff of the Society to the call for men. No fewer 
than 32 from the Wisley Gardens (21 staff and 11 students), and of the 
small staff at Vincent Square four, have enlisted since War was 
declared. Adding a further 34 past Wisley students and gardeners, 
a total of 70 is reached, three of whom have already laid down their 
lives for their country. 
3. Economy.- — In response to Government exhortations to 
economy the positions held by those who have joined the Army 
have not been filled up, save in those cases in which it would have 
materially affected efficiency ; and all departments are being carefully 
considered with a view to possible retrenchment :• — for example, the 
Council, having been informed that most Nurserymen and Seedsmen 
value the award of the Society's Medals as much as, if not more than, 
the Silver Cups usually awarded at the Chelsea, Holland House, and 
a few other Meetings, have resolved to adopt the suggestion, and will 
accordingly confine the presentation of Cups in 191 6 to Amateurs 
only, unless any specific schedule indicate otherwise. Gold and 
Silver Medals will be awarded to Nurserymen and Seedsmen as here- 
tofore. In other directions also a special effort is being made for 
promoting economy without loss of efficiency. _ 
4. Bulbs for Hospitals.— The President, Field-Marshal Lord 
Grenfell, G.C.B., G.CM.G., made an appeal through the Society in the 
late autumn for bulbs for the Soldiers' Gardens at the Convalescent 
Hospitals and Camps near Etaples* There was a generous response, 
over one ton weight being received. They were despatched free of 
cost by the British Red Cross Agency, and a very grateful letter 
of appreciation and thanks has been received from the Chief Officer 
in Command, The contributors were :< — The Edinburgh Botanic 
