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PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
seven candidates presented themselves, sis of them being students at the 
Society’s garden at Chiswick, and one from Battersea Park. Of the former, 
three took second class in fruit and vegetable culture, one a third, and two 
were unsuccessful. 
At the examination in December last the number who presented themselves 
had risen to fifteen, and this shows the growing popularity of these examina¬ 
tions. In this case six of the candidates were Chiswick students, four were from 
Kew, and the remaining five from various gardens throughout the country. 
Of these, two (Chiswick students) took first-class in fruit and vegetable culture, 
five took extra seconds, three seconds, three thirds, while the remaining two did 
not pass. 
The marked improvement that the Chiswick students exhibit at the successive 
examinations shows that, as a school for horticulture, Chiswick supplies all the 
requirements necessary for that purpose; and the steady progress that the 
young men have made who entered the school when it was instituted is an 
evidence of the earnestness of purpose with which they are actuated, as well 
as a proof that the instruction communicated is of such a character as to enable 
the young men to take a high position in the gardening world. 
I have to observe with pleasure that the great National establishment at Kew 
has sent up so large a proportion of the candidates at the last examination, 
and that the endeavour of the Society to establish a sound horticultural educa¬ 
tion is so well seconded by the authorities of that establishment. It is very 
desirable that not only in all public, but in all private establishments where 
young men show indications of ability and a desire to distinguish themselves, 
the heads will use their influence to induce the young men to prepare for these 
examinations, thereby affording them a stimulus which cannot fail to operate for 
their advantage. The establishments from which the other young men have 
come up are, the gardens of the Royal Botanic Society, Regent’s Park ; Battersea 
Park ; Earl of Abergavenny’s, at Eridge Castle ; Benham Park, Xewbury; and 
Court Yard, Eltham, Kent. 
Extract from the Report of the Examiner in Ploriceltere. 
In the department of Floriculture the students have shown that they possess 
a very satisfactory amount of practical information. Their answers generally 
indicate an intelligent, and in seme cases a thorough and intimate, acquaintance 
with the subject propounded, especially if it be of a practical nature. Expe¬ 
rience has shown that questions on practical subjects are more fully and clearly 
responded to than those which have a more scientific bearing. Thus, for 
example, it is found that a more complete answer will be given as to the mode 
of treating any particular plant or family than when the question relates to 
such points as an enumeration of the species of that particular family, or the 
popular features of difference between them. While it is thus gratifying to be 
able to report that these young men are acquiring a good practical knowledge 
of this branch of their profession, which will fit them hereafter to occupy 
situations where such knowledge would be called into active exercise, it is to 
be observed that it would be well for them also in their youth to master as 
far as possible the elements of theoretical horticulture. 
Mr. Saunders moved that the Report just read be received and adopted; 
and Mr. Liggins having seconded the motion, it was carried unanimously. 
The scrutineers then delivered in the ballot papers, and the chairman 
informed the meeting that the votes were unanimous in favour of the following 
members of council and officers for the ensuing year :—- 
The retiring members of the Council were Viscount Sandon, Mr. Wentworth 
W. Buller. and the Rev. Joshua Dix. In their room were elected Mr. John 
Glutton, Mr. J. Russell Reeves, F.R.S., and Mr. Wm. Marshall. 
The following were elected officers:—His G-race the Duke of Buecleuch, K.Gf. 
as President, Mr. John Clutton as Treasurer, and Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, 
R.E., as Secretary. 
