Plate 131 . 
V AEIE GATED SOLANUM. 
Among the requirements of modern society, which demand 
the attention of the horticulturists, one of the newest has been 
that of plants for the decoration of the dinner-table; the pon¬ 
derous epergnes and centre-dishes formerly in vogue are giving 
way to the more natural and equally beautiful flowering and 
berry-bearing plants which have for some time been used in 
various parts of the Continent; and we feel sure that it is a 
taste that every lover of nature will ardently wish may become 
more and more popular. 
During the past season somewhat of an impetus was given 
to the taste, an offer having been made by a Fellow’ of the 
Royal Horticultural Society, of a prize of five pounds Tor 
a collection suitable for the purpose. These collections were 
staged at the September show of that Society, but we cannot 
say that the results were such as we should have anticipated, 
and regret that a prize w r as awarded at all; it would have, w 7 e 
think, led to greater improvement, if, as in the case of tubs 
for the conservatory, it had been withheld, for the conditions 
required by the donor w 7 ere certainly not fulfilled in those 
which obtained it. The plants ought to be grown on single 
stems, and the foliage to be of sufficient height not to interfere 
with the guests,—points which were certainly absent in those 
which obtained the prize; it has had the effect, however, of set¬ 
ting many thinking on the point, and probably next season 
may witness an advance in the right direction A 
* We cannot omit this opportunity of recommending to all who are in¬ 
terested in the decoration of the dinner-table a brochure by Mr. T. C. March, 
whose exquisite taste was so appreciated by the judges, that they awarded him 
and his sister the first prizes offered by Sir C. Wentworth Dilke and Lady 
