440 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
May  14,  1896 
where  that  Coelogynes  are  better  grown  than  at  Camberwell,  and 
the  plant#  of  C.  cristata  alba  are  simply  splendid,  as  also  is  one 
of  the  curiously  coloured  C.  pandurata. 
In  a  house  that  feels  delightfully  cool  after  one  or  two  of  the 
others  that  are  in  the  full  sun  Cymbidiums  are  looking  superb. 
Great  plants  of  C.  Lowianum,  C.  ebnrneum,  and  C.  Lowianum 
Mandianum  are  carrying  many  fine  flowers  ;  while  in  another  house 
the  not  very  often  seen  C.  Devoniannm  is  bearing  two  splendid 
spikes.  The  Yandas  have  been  reserved  to  bring  these  notes  to  a 
conclusion,  but  not  because  of  the  inferiority  of  the  plants  ;  on 
the  contrary,  they  are  thoroughly  well  grown,  and  comprise  some 
fine  forms,  of  which  the  Cambridge  Lodge  variety  of  Y.  tricolor  is 
one  of  the  best.  Then  there  are  specimens  of  Y.  suavis, 
Y.  Parrishi  Marriottiana,  differing  from  the  type  in  having  self 
coloured  instead  of  barred  flowers,  and  V.  teres  gigantea,  a  portion 
of  the  original  plant  which  gained  for  Baron  Schroder  a  first  class 
certificate  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society. 
For  the  completeness  of  the  collection  and  the  finished  manner  in 
which  the  plants  are  grown  both  the  owner  and  the  grower  are 
deserving  of  the  heartiest  congratulation. — H.  W. 
HINTS  TO  EXHIBITORS. 
This  short  paper,  which,  I  trust,  will  at  least  be  in  some  measure 
helpful  to  beginners,  may  pertinently  be  prefaced  by  a  few  remarks 
on  the  value  of  exhibiting.  With  the  intrinsic  value  we  have 
nothing  to  do,  for  rare,  indeed,  is  it  the  incentive  launching  a  young 
gardener  on  an  exhibiting  career.  Few  will  regard  it  as  a  short  cut 
to  fortune,  though  it  may  bo  the  road  to  fame.  As  a  training 
school  to  develop  the  latent  powers  of  a  man  it  is,  I  think,  of 
unquestionable  value.  Other  causes  there  are,  doubtless,  which 
may  and  do  work  out  means  to  this  end,  but  none  so  prompt  in 
its  action  or  so  bracing  in  effect  as  public  competition.  Knowing, 
as  we  do,  how  often  a  gardener’s  life  is  apt  to  run  its  even 
course  to  the  border#  of  uneventfulness,  despite  its  varied  character, 
there  is  the  possibility  of  routine  reaching  this  stage  with  the 
danger  of  dulling  its  charms.  The  tonic  properties  of  competition, 
under  whatever  shape  or  form,  stimulate  a  man  who  is  doing  well 
to  do  better,  nor  stop  until  he  is  urged  tr  his  best. 
Gardeners,  too,  are  prone  to  seclude  themselves  in  a  little  world 
of  their  own,  and  there  are  but  few  spheres  of  their  work  in  which 
a  tendency  to  this  does  not  prevail.  Now  and  again,  perhaps, 
they  are  tempted  forth  to  inspect  and  comment  on  the  handiwork 
of  their  confreres  at  the  local  show,  but  the  interest  taken  is  but 
half-hearted  at  best,  for  the  chief  interest  is  wanting — that  is,  a 
stake  in  the  matter.  But  with  the  humblest  exhibitor  how  all 
this  is  changed.  Obviously,  this  question  of  exhibiting,  or  not 
exhibiting,  is  with  many  not  a  matter  of  choice,  but  I  well  know 
that  with  many  more  their  own  diffidence  is  the  sole  preventive. 
This  diffidence  in  a  young  man — perhaps  with  some  of  the  older 
brethren,  too — probably  proceeds  from  aversion  to  test  his  powers 
under  the  fiercer  light  which  beats  on  the  exhibition  table.  That 
it  is  in  the  power  of  many  who  are  halting  between  two  opinions 
to  throw  in  a  casting  vote  of  to  be,  or  not  to  be,  is  a  fact.  Some 
will  openly  admit  that  it  is  the  case.  Many  and  various  are  the 
reasons  assigned  for  standing  aloof,  most  of  which  would  vanish  if 
tested  by  impartial  argument. 
Although  it  is  not  the  present  intention  to  plead  for  im¬ 
poverished  societies,  starved  for  the  lack  of  active  support,  this 
poverty  oft  serves  as  a  motive  for  the  diffident  ones  to  excuse  their 
presence  and  co-operation.  However,  once  this  barrier  is  sur¬ 
mounted,  and  the  zeBt  afforded  equally  by  victory  or  defeat  is  felt, 
it  is  astonishing  what  additional  interest  is  given  to  life  and  work. 
One  hint  only  on  this  phase  of  the  subject  I  venture  to  offer  here 
— that  is,  commence  by  contributing  some  small  stand,  or  group,  or 
specimen  to  your  show  “  not  for  competition,”  but  not  in  a  hap¬ 
hazard  fashion.  Endeavour  to  make  it  worthy  of  you  and  the 
employer  you  represent ;  then,  for  the  rest  I  have  no  fear,  the  first 
step  which  costs  has  been  taken,  and 
“  He  either  fears  his  fate  too  much,  or  his  deserts  are  small 
Who  does  not  put  it  to  the  test  to  gain  or  lose  it  all.” 
Returning  to  the  primary  object  of  this  paper,  our  young 
exhibitor  will,  if  he  is  wise,  be  anxious  to  employ  all  legitimate 
mean#  to  the  end  of  success.  Nothing  will  be  too  trifling  for  hi# 
attention,  for  “  Trifle#  make  perfection,  and  perfection  is  no  trifle.” 
In  the  first  place  the  schedule  has  to  be  studied,  some  require  more 
of  this  than  others.  Those  classes  in  which  our  competitor  is 
likely  to  figure  will  require  a  clear  interpretation  of  the  text. 
Failing  this,  from  ambiguous  wording  or  otherwise,  have  a  clear 
definition  from  the  secretary,  and  let  his  word  be  the  letter  of  your 
law  (preserved)  if  future  occasion  should  require  it.  Respecting 
the  scheduled  details  of  various  paraphernalia,  its  make  and 
measurement,  with  all  the  necessary  (or  unnecessary)  regulations 
regarding  entries  and  time,  neither  be  guided  nor  governed  by  any 
laxity  previously  noticed  amongst  those  with  whom  familiarity  has 
bred  contempt.  Expect  no  grace  from  the  powers  that  be  on  the 
eventful  day,  and  you  will  not  be  disappointed.  Be  equipped  on 
your  field-days  with  all  probable  requirement  in  the  way  of  stakes, 
blocks,  pots,  or  matting,  also  your  water-can  and  syringe  or  sprayer, 
if  likely  to  be  wanted,  and  you  will  neither  covet  nor  desire  other 
men’s  goods  at  a  time  they  are  least  disposed  to  part  with  them. 
With  the  latter  articles  it  is  well  to  affix  a  good-sized  luggage  label 
legibly  addressed,  and  at  the  summon#  to  quit  see  them  safely 
disposed  of  pro  tem. 
The  stock  in  trade  of  an  exhibitor  being  of  the  simplest  kind 
prevents  no  excuse  for  the  very  amateurish  examples  of  carpentry 
not  infrequently  seen  ;  but  I  think  young  exhibitors  are  less  likely 
to  err  in  this  direction  than  older  hands,  who  are  prone  to  take 
liberties  in  makeshifts.  The  novice,  anyway,  cannot  thus  afford 
to  handicap  his  efforts,  and  a  smart  man  will  be  known  by  his 
equipments,  giving  his  stands,  trays,  or  what  not  an  annual  refresher 
of  paint.  The  nearer  a  system  is  approached  (as  with  all  phases 
of  work,  indeed)  the  more  will  be  accomplished  with  ease  and 
satisfaction  to  the  performer.  Note-taking  will  be  of  great  service, 
and  if  systematically  observed  will,  at  least,  obviate  confusion  at 
the  near  approach  of  the  fateful  day.  As  a  preparatory  measure  a 
man  will  have  fairly  good  ideas  of  his  strong  points  ;  not  less  will 
he  endeavour  to  be  cognisant  of  the  probable  weak  points  of  a 
certain  show — that  is,  classes  which,  as  a  rule,  are  sparsely  filled  or 
poorly  represented,  and  act  accordingly.  The  moral  strength  of 
this  teaching  may  appear  somewhat  questionable,  but  I  would 
rather  see  our  young  exhibitor  swim  in  shallow  water  than  founder 
out  of  depth  in  his  earliest  efforts. 
Practical  note-taking  may  commence  on  receipt  of  the  schedule 
by  making  a  memorandum  of  those  classes  it  is  thought  possible  to 
compete  in,  and  as  time  speeds  on  periodical  inspection  of  the 
plants,  the  blooms,  or  the  crops  will  keep  the  possible  or  probable 
entries  well  in  view  till  such  time  as  the  date  for  entering  comes 
round.  Some  day#  prior  to  this  lists  of  each  entry  will  be  drawn 
up,  facilitating  the  final  arrangement.  In  some  cases,  rather 
important  ones  too,  where  a  day’s  shade  or  sunshine  may  upset 
calculations  at  the  last  moment,  and  possibly  debar  the  entry  or 
consequent  filling,  it  is  well,  I  think,  to  ask  some  grace  from  the 
secretary,  and  obtain  permission  to  enter  such  things  conditionally. 
A  postcard  at  the  last  moment  can  settle  the  matter  and  satisfy 
the  secretary.  Owing  to  the  uncertainty  attached  to  these  cases  it 
often  means  a  lapse  of  effort  to  bring  the  exhibit  up  to  the  finish¬ 
ing  point,  hence  I  have  dilated  on  what  may  seem  to  be  a  very 
small  matter. 
Above  all  things,  show  every  consideration  to  that  hardworked 
official,  the  secretary.  Let  him  see  you  on  your  arrival  at  the  show  ; 
be  for  the  time  seen,  and  not  heard  more  than  is  absolutely  neces¬ 
sary  to  prevent  mistakes.  Do  not  dun  him  for  free  passes  for  your 
friends,  but  endeavour  by  a  quiet,  unostentatious,  and  dignified 
demeanour  to  do  your  duty  as  an  exhibitor  as,  we  will  suppose,  you 
have  done  your  duty  as  a  cultivator,  with  those  objects  of  your 
care  and  skill  now  submitted  to  the  public  gaze  ;  and  whatever  the 
results,  be  seen  at  your  best  personally. 
One  general  observation  on  judging  relevant  to  an  exhibitor’s 
handiwork  may  be  included  here,  that  is  the  analytical  system  of 
pointing.  Indispensable  as  this  now  is,  in  many  cases,  there  are 
some  in  which  it  is  especially  so,  yet  fails  to  cover  all  the  ground. 
I  do  not  know  of  any  class  not  lending  itself  in  more  or  less  degree 
to  harmony  of  arrangement  or  tasteful  setting  up.  In  some  few 
instances  this  is,  of  course,  a  potent  governing  factor,  but  there  are 
many  more  where  point  judging  appears  to  exclude  this  desirable 
feature.  Appears,  I  say,  for  I  think  that  the  tout  ensemble  pre¬ 
sented  to  the  julicial  eye  cannot  by  the  mental  disintegration  for 
the  purpose  of  p  inting  wholly  fail  in  its  influence.  In  any  case, 
the  discrepancy  b  ween  the  work  of  a  deft  hand  and  the  rough 
and  ready  method  is  too  marked  not  to  make  the  acquisition  of  the 
former  a  most  desirable  attainment. 
As  much  of  the  moral  teaching  of  a  flower  show  has  been 
previously  exemplified  in  various  ways,  I  need  but  in  conclusion 
point  to  the  educational  value  of  literal  observation  amongst  the 
exhibits.  This  is,  doubtless,  very  general,  but  the  wrong  view  is 
often  taken  whereby  the  teaching  is  lost.  It  appears  as  if  many 
of  our  exhibitors  viewed  their  own  exhibits  through  a  mental 
telescope,  but  are  unable  to  bring  it  to  bear  on  a  rival’s  produce 
only  by  looking  through  the  wrong  end.  I  would  that  my  young 
friend  should  make  it  his  endeavour  to  see  all  the  good  points  and 
strong  features  in  his  fellow  competitor’s  work,  and,  per  contra,  the 
