90 
The remarks I am about to make, may be 
of great service to a young beginner in this 
fancy, but to one who has had many years prac- 
tice, they may be considered too trifling ; but, 
by way of givmg a young florist an equal 
chance to shew against an old sportsman, 1 beg 
to infoim him what quantity of strong blooming 
plants it is necessaiy to keep, to give him the 
same prospect of coming in for the first, second, 
and third prize, among fifteen or twenty pair 
of flowers. I am confident, having for years 
made a calculation on my own shew flowers, 
that you are not able to get out of those flowers, 
you intend to exhibit for prizes, more than one 
superior, or first-rate bloom, out of four strong 
healthy plants. If you think you can get one 
out of three, you will be deceived, the risk 
is too great, it is giving away your chance ; I 
therefore recommend four plants of each sort 
to be kept at least (if not five) it is as well to 
reduce this to a certainty ; the remainder of 
your flowers are fine and healthy, and no doubt 
delightful for the stage, but what I consider 
second and third rates, and not fit to shew 
against an experienced grower : but I will ven- 
ture to say, if you will follow this plan, you will 
stand an equal chance with him. I remind you, 
that at all times you will have many good 
