152 
THE FLORIST. 
cessfully, in Orchids, in Ericas, in Camellias, indeed in every kind of 
plant; but, believe me, I cannot forget my simple but delightful Ge¬ 
ranium, Auricula, Pink, Carnation, Picotee, Rose, &c. &c. But what, 
let me ask every honest florist, is the drawback } Why, it is this, 
that hybrids are too easily produced, sorts multiplied without dis¬ 
tinctness, hosts of varieties palmed upon the public without any 
material difference or improvement. You may say this is severe; but, 
let me ask, is it not true ? What I therefore want is, as I have al¬ 
ready stated, some competent public test of all such productions. 
Let us then, one and all, agree to adhere to it, and benefit will very 
quickly arise from it. 
In addition to this test, I would advise every raiser and seller of 
seedlings of all kinds to take every possible opportunity of exhibiting 
his plants. I am a constant exhibitor; some of my brethren; I be¬ 
lieve, consider that 1 do so too often. I do it on this principle, that 
before I offer a plant for sale, I wish the public to see and judge for 
itself. If people like the plant, and think it will suit them, they buy 
it; if not, they let it pass, and very properly. Thus I am relieved 
from a vast deal of responsibility. 
I trust that The Florist and its managers will prove all in this 
respect that is wanted. Deal fairly, be impartial, be fearless, and 
you must succeed. I have very narrowly watched your four first 
numbers; 1 congratulate you on your beginning. It is an old saying, 
that a battle well begun is half won ; and that this may be the case 
with The Florist is the sincere desire of 
One op the Trade. 
ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY. 
May 10. —This, the first of the annual series of the great metro¬ 
politan exhibitions, as well as of this Society, was held in their 
garden. Inner Circle, Regent’s Park. The weather was charming, 
and the show, upon the whole, an excellent one. In some particulars, 
as in Roses for instance, it was indeed wonderful, w^hen we consider 
the character of the spring which has just passed over us; for sel¬ 
dom have we experienced more trying weather for bringing forward in 
perfection the blossoms of the queen of flowers. The exhibition of 
Azaleas was deficient, and there were no Cacti. Orchids, however, 
were produced in fine condition, their singular forms and gay colours 
rendering them especial favourites with the visitors; and a whole 
tent was devoted to the exhibition of the interesting genus Erica. 
Collections of stove and greenhouse plants were numerous, and neatly 
arranged; and the same remark applies to the show of Pelargoniums, 
which appeared peculiarly fresh and beautiful. The visitors were 
numerous, and at an early hour the exhibition was inspected by the 
Queen, H. R. H. Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, the Princess 
Royal, and the Princess Alice. 
The floricultural department of this great exhibition occupies 
much of our limited space ; yet we have for once determined to place 
