]xxii PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
of Exeter), for Melon “ Netted Victory .” A Yote of Thanks was 
passed to Mr. H. A. Mann (gardener to Mrs. Hornsby), for Melons 
and Nectarines. 
July 10th, 1878. 
PROVINCIAL EXHIBITION AT PRESTON. 
After an interval of five years, daring which period no Horti¬ 
cultural Exhibition had been held under the Society’s patronage 
in the provinces—the last having been at Bath in 1873—a show 
upon an extensive scale was organised to be held at Preston in 
Lancashire. A local committee, presided over by the Mayor of 
Preston, was formed, and Mr. T. M. Shuttle worth, late a member 
of the Council of the Society, undertook the duties of honorary 
secretary. 
The occurrence of the operatives strike in the early part of 
the year exercised, unfortunately, a somewhat unfavourable 
influence upon the exertions of the local Committee, and consider¬ 
able difficulty was experienced in raising an adequate subscription 
list, and at one period the feeling was general in London that the 
most prudent course would be to postpone the Exhibition for the 
present. The earnest representations of the local Committee, who 
sent a deputation of their own body to London to urge their 
wishes upon the Council, were, however, pressed upon the Society 
not to abandon the Show, and the arrangements were allowed to 
proceed, and the Exhibition was accordingly held on the 10th July 
and the following days. The inauguration ceremony was attended 
by the Right Hon. Lord Aberdare, the President of the Society, 
and several members of the Council, r the ^Mayor and Town 
Council of Preston receiving them as visitors. Unfortunately the 
weather was not favourable, and the attendance was only 
limited. 
The display of valuable plants was extensive, and the groups 
of stove and greenhouse plants were amongst the best that had 
ever been seen in this country. Orchids and ornamental foliage 
plants were well represented, and of specimen Eerns several highly 
interesting collections were exhibited. The entire Show was on a 
scale, and of a quality that fully sustained the reputation of the 
Society’s provincial exhibitions. 
