286 A HISTORY OF GARDENING IN ENGLAND 
local societies were held annually. Tulip shows were most 
frequent, as bulb culture was a favourite pursuit in the in¬ 
dustrial districts. It is thought that the taste was carried 
thither by the Flemish weavers, who in earlier times brought 
the love of these plants with them from the Low Countries. 
Next in popularity to tulips came the pinks, carnations, and 
picotees. The other florists’ flowers most thought of in 1850 
were Auriculas and Ranunculus, then Dahlias, Pansies, Poly¬ 
anthus, Fuchsias, and Verbenas, and these were the plants 
most frequently shown. Many societies have been started 
since then to encourage the florist varieties of different classes 
of flowers. Perhaps the most conspicuous have been those in 
connection with the rose, and more recently the chrysanthe¬ 
mum, which now boast of National Societies. The Rose Show, 
held in London, annually attracts an immense concourse of 
rose-growers from every part of the kingdom. The National 
Chrysanthemum Society originated in the one at Stoke Newing¬ 
ton. That locality of London, which has for centuries been 
the haunt of gardeners, from the times of L’Obel and Fairchild, 
on to that of the Loddiges, has not forgotten its old traditions ; 
even in the midst of fog and smoke the dwellers in the East 
of London try to cultivate flowers. The chrysanthemum 
occupies much of their attention, and that they can cultivate 
them with success can be seen by the local Exhibitions. 1 
Daffodils absorbed much attention during the second half of 
the century, and the family was greatly enlarged by the hybrids 
of Leeds, Backhouse, and Horsfield, whose work has been 
carried on by the Rev. G. H. Engleheart and others. Daffodil 
shows in many parts of England, particularly in the West and 
North-West, are largely attended by enthusiastic fanciers. 
The Horticultural Society held their first fete in 1831, and 
soon after the regular Exhibitions began. Since then their 
shows and those of the Botanical Society and of local societies 
in every town and county of England have become events of 
yearly, or almost weekly, occurrence, and the stimulus to 
floriculture promoted by these institutions must be apparent 
1 The shows of the Dalston and De Beauvoir Town Amateur Chrysan¬ 
themum Society, held annually, are an example of what care and atten¬ 
tion can achieve. 
