NOTICES OF FLOWER-SHOWS. 
235 
the best rules for the cultivation and management of tulips in general, 
with a figure of a convenient awning for a tulip-bed, and directions 
for its erection and use. There is also an excellent defence of the 
florists’ 'peculiar taste in estimating the merits of flowers, show¬ 
ing that their taste respecting them is quite as rational as that of the 
cognoscenti respecting pictures. 
The next figures are those of the Madam Hardy and Village Maid 
Roses, with full directions for their culture from the budding (which is 
illustrated by figures) to the perfect plant. 
The next plate exhibits the Emeline and Princess Frederica 
Picotees, with their history, and the best method of propagation and 
culture. 
The fourth plate presents us with the Achilles Auricula—a most 
beautiful florist’s flower, accompanied with full directions for the culture 
of this much-admired tribe of plants. 
NOTICES OF FLOWER-SHOWS, &c. 
On Saturday, the 14th, the Horticultural Society of London 
had its first exhibition of flowers and fruit for this year. The day was 
deliciously fine; and, although vegetation is somewhat backward, the 
gardens looked as fresh and gay as possible in their young verdure. 
The company was quite crowded, as might naturally be expected, by 
those wishing a little fresh air. There were three bands in attendance 
on this occasion. The display of flowers was one of the least attractive 
that we have seen here—a circumstance owing, no doubt, to the pro¬ 
tracted severities of the season, which repressed vegetation in the open 
air, and in hot-houses compelled the use of higher artificial temperature 
than is congenial to vegetable life. The whole delicate class of Cacti 
and azaleas seemed particularly to have suffered from these unkindly 
influences; the Pelargonium tribe bore less appearance of unhealthi¬ 
ness ; the fruits looked, comparatively, in better condition ; the speci¬ 
mens of Hamburgh grape were very luxuriant ; some oranges were 
amongst the finest we have known of this country’s growth; and the 
display of cucumbers was alsq good. While we have to remark that 
the flowers were less luxuriant in appearance, and more scanty in point 
of number, than we have before seen here ; we need scarcely add, at the 
same time, that they formed a delightful exhibition. Amongst the 
visiters to the gardens we noticed the Ambassador from Qude, who 
