186 
THE COTTAGE GARDENER. 
nations; and, although but few of the objects they have 
brought as examples of their progress are within the 
purpose of our pages, yet those few shall receive our 
best attention, and we will point them out specially to 
our readers. We have not yet ingathered our materials, 
which we purpose to illustrate with drawings, as much 
as needed; but we will make, to-day, a faint beginning as 
a demonstration that we are quite alive to the conscious¬ 
ness of how much of utility, how many lessons of 
improvement may he extracted from this wondrous 
Museum. 
At the western end, outside the glass walls of the 
Exhibition, we very particularly recommend to our 
reader’s notice a model, shewing a new system of glazing 
Greenhouses, Conservatories, &c., invented by Alfred 
Kent, Plumber, Sc., Chichester. This system is founded 
upon a mode of fastening in the glass by means of a 
small bar of wood, lined with Indian rubber, pressed by 
a nut and screw against the frame beneath. “The chief 
points of novelty are,—1st. That by the peculiar con¬ 
struction of the lights, and the selection made in the 
materials to he used, putty and all other adhesive 
composts, are entirely avoided. 2nd. That the glass 
can be put in or removed with such facility, that the 
bars and frame can be painted, the glass cleaned, and 
the whole effectually repaired at an immense saving 
upon the old system. 3rd. That it will not require such 
frequent repairs as ordinary greenhouses. 4th. That in 
the event of a fracture, it will not be absolutely necessary 
to wait for the assistance of a glazier to repair the same; 
the simplicity of the contrivance enabling any one to 
become his own glazier; and 5th. That leakage, a uni¬ 
versal complaint in the old system, is here guarded 
against, by a peculiar grooved bar, which likewise assists 
to carry off evaporation, and renders ventilation more 
complete.” 
Very numerous are the specimens of Bee-hives, both 
foreign and domestic, and we hope to find room for a 
notice of them all, for the subject of bee-culture now 
claims universal and deserved attention throughout the 
country We will begin by examining the several 
descriptions of improved bee-hives, arranged by Messrs. 
Neighbour and Son, High Holborn, in tne north gallery 
directly under the transept (class xxix.) The novelty in 
the construction of these hives, consists in the facilities 
which are afforded of taking therefrom, at any time of the 
gathering season, the purest honey, in larger or smaller 
quantities, without destroying or even injuring the bees; 
thus huinauely superseding the barbarous system of 
murdering these interesting insects to obtain the pro¬ 
duce of their industry. 
Immediately adjoining this group of untenanted bee¬ 
hives may be observed living hives, with the bees most 
industriously at work. These useful little creatures have 
been highly honoured by the Executive Committee, for 
of all the animal workers that contribute to the interest 
of the Exhibition, they alone are allowed therein to 
display their matchless ingenuity and skill. By a 
simple contrivance, the bees are allowed egress and 
[June 20. 
I ingress through the building, without in the least de- 
I gree molesting visitors, thus enabling the admirers of 
the works of nature to see the process of forming the 
i cells and storing the honey. 
Within these few days Messrs. Neighbour have added 
to the working Apiary a bee-hive, constructed entirely of 
glass, protected by a cover neatly made of straw, but so 
contrived, that, on application to the attendant, it can be 
removed instantly to exhibit more particularly the 
curious workmanship of the tenants. 
Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Albert were some 
time engaged in watching, with much interest, the busy 
scene before them, and put many questions relative to 
the habits and economy of the Honey-bee. 
GARDENING GOSSIP. 
The American Ground at Chiswick is inferior to that 
at the Regent’s Park. One of these faults is in the very 
limited view we obtain from any given point. There 
is no lack of variety, we only quarrel with the effect, 
which is far better at the Park. 
The Horticultural Society have judiciously arranged that 
any stranger shall obtain admission by tickets, to be had at 
the Society’s rooms, at one shilling, without the trouble of 
obtaining an order from a Fellow. Thus, Mr. Waterer will 
have the full advantage that could be derived from a 
separate exhibition, for the price is the same, while there is 
all the additional attraction of the Society’s garden. 
The showing of Hollyhocks has become almost a 
general feature in miscellaneous exhibitions. How to 
show them to the best advantage is another affair, some 
require the top of the spike; but by far the best way is 
to limit the length of the spike to eighteen inches, and 
to take the top off. In short, to have the eighteen 
inches all flower. 
At the National Florticultural Society, June 11th, 
E. Beck, Esq., was in the chair. Four new members 
were elected, and eight gentlemen proposed to be elected 
at the next meeting. 
The following first class certificates were awarded. To 
Mr. Hoyle, of Reading, for a Pelargonium named Elize, the 
general character of which is light. Upper petals rich crim¬ 
son, edged with rose; lorver petal pink, with a white eye; 
first-rate form, a good trusser, and good substance. To Mr. 
Hoyle, for a Pelargonium named Ganymede. Upper petals 
dark, blotch edged with rose ; lower petals pale rose edged 
with pink; good form and substance, with good trusses. 
Certificates were awarded to Mr. Hoyle for his Pelargonium 
named Magnet, a splendid high coloured flower, a good 
trusser, and of great substance. The edges, however, were 
a little crumpled ; still it is a desirable variety. 
Also to E. Foster, Esq., for a Pelargonium named Purple 
Standard. Upper petals rich purple edged with rose, lower 
petals dark rose edged with pink; and for a Pelargonium 
named Enchantress, a light flower of good properties ; also for 
Ariadne, dark upper petals edged with rose, lower petals 
rose edged with white. This, the censors remarked, will 
improve when better grown. 
To Mr. Beck, of Isleworth, for a Pelargonium named 
Arethusa, an improvement upon Beck’s Major damn. 
Fancy Pelakgoniums. — First class certificate to Mr. 
Ayres, of Blackheath, for Caliban, a flower of good form 
Upper petals dark edged with pale pink, the lower petals 
had a distinct dark ring surrounded by a broad edging of 
cream colour; a decided improvement upon its class. Also 
for Miranda, for its pleasing colour and firm markings. 
Also for Advancer, a pleasing variety, of good form and 
substance. Also for Gipsy Queen, a dark variety, of good 
