\ell & Soi\^’ Gj;uide. 
INVENTIONS, ACHIEVEMENTS, &c., &c„ 
BHOUGIIT 'I’O IJGHT BY 
Mr. HENRY CANNELL, f.r.h.s., m.s.a., r.a.s.e., h.m.c.a.b., 
S W A N L E Y. 
Although .1 had no connection with the first-held b'ruit and Flower Committees 
that met at South Kensington, nevertheless 1 regularly attended, and have now been 
a member of the Floral Committee of the Eoyal Horticultural Society 25 years, and 
as a proof I append the following extract : — 
Gari.knkk’s CiiEONiOLK, 18G2.— Df. Lixdi.kv says: “Of fuchsias an admirably grown 
collection was shown by Mr. CanncU. It consisted <>f medium-sized conical plants, every one ot 
which nearly covered their pots with gracefully drooping branches ladenwith flowers, llun this 
irroup nothing in its way could possibly be more perfect, and it received, as it well deserved, 
iinivei-sal admiration. Very miicli larger plants were contrilmted by Messrs. Vebb, Gardiner, 
Harper, and Higgs; but as regards fine growth they were considerably inferior to those just 
mentioned." — Boyal Horticultural Society’s Show. 
Making it plain that I was busy in horticultural matters in those days. I was not 
only successful at the above Society s shows with my exhibits, but also previously 
at tlie Crystal Palace. Success there tind in other similar places went far to secure me 
the appointment as chief gardener at one of the most important gardens in those days 
Portnal Park — where all branches of horticulture were expected to be carried out to 
the fullest extent. A full knowledge of grajies, and, in fact, the art of the highest 
cultivation of everything, in those days of I860 were entirely different to \yhat they 
are to-day. The proprietor and myself differed over the vines in three vineries, so 
rootless were they that in sunny weather the foliage drooped as if they were in 
perfectly dry soil. Howev'er.soon afterward.s 1 obtained an appointment where£l,000 
had just previously been expended in vineries and vines, and to see the glorious 
urowth of these young vines in the more modern constructed houses was indeed a treat 
to my eyes and heart. These light-admitting houses enabled me to grow some of the 
finest fuchsias yet seen in London. I carried off’ nearly £20 in prizes that year, and 
at three of the largest London shows. 
At that time the “ sample post ” was introduced, so that merchants could send 
tlieir samples to every shopkeeper, and I could fore.see wliat a grand advantage and 
oiiportiinity it would he to those availing themselves of it, and more especiall.v how 
advantageous to send cuttings, rooted cuttings, and seeds to all parts of Gre.at Lritain. 
Many laughed at the idea, nevertheless I built houses and carried this mode of transit 
until perfectly successful to the farthest parts of the world, thus lessening cost of 
carriage immensely, and bringing floral treasures and seeds within the reach of all; 
and, after an elapse of two or three years, it was saiil by numerous patrons wlio had 
derived such great pleasure from it that the plants 1 sent by sample post did more real 
good for the si)ivad of horticulture tlian anything else ever brought forward. I 
repeatedly arraigned the postal authorities respecting the i>arc(d post; and the country 
have much to thank me, perhaps, for this coming as early as it did. This system gave 
another fillip to my business, and added much to the enjoyments of gardens and 
gardener.s in remote parts. 
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