(58 
JOUltXAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
January  26,  1899. 
No  honourable  trailer,  however,  does  that.  The  real  evil  lies  in  the 
practice  on  the  part  of  executives  in  making  such  very  questionable 
awards  as  medals  to  trade  exhibits  at  all,  especially  when  it  is  found 
they  form  the  ground  of  assertion  in  catalogues  that  give  pain  to 
many  readers. 
1  have  a  new  list  and  a  long  letter  in  from  one  trader.  I  see  in 
the  list  that  he  auain  refers  to  this  disagreement  with  the  action  of  the 
N.C.S.  ;  and  whilst  I  again  condemn  the  introduction  of  any  personal 
quarrel  into  a  trade  list,  I  can  but  say  that  every  word  found  in  the 
complaint  justilies  my  advice  to  wash  hands  entirely  of  any  association 
that  breeds  .so  much  of  ill  feeling  and  dissatisfaction.  The 
popularity  of  the  Chrysanthemum  and  its  culture  does  not  depend  on 
a  show  or  two  at  the  Iloyal  Aquarium.  There  are  very  many  others 
not  less  worthy  of  consideration. 
I  observe  that  the  esteemed  Chairman  of  the  N.C.S.  Executive 
retires  from  the  office.  How  soon  these  officials  have  enough  of  it  ! 
And  no  wonder,  when  what  should  be  a  real  National  Society  is 
controlled,  not  more  in  the  interests  of  the  Chrysanthemum  than  that  of 
an  entertainment  company. — A.  1). 
CHRYSANTHEMUM  EXHIBITS  AND  MEDALS. 
It  was  not  my  intention  to  enter  the  controversy  initiated  by 
“A.  D.,”  who  apparently  is  one  of  those  who  consider  themselves 
critics  on  all  subjects.  Surely  it  is  a  little  presumptuous  of  “  A.  D.,” 
or  anyone,  to  say  what  should  or  should  not  appear  in  a  catalogue. 
We  may  next  expect  to  be  told  how  many  varieties  we  may  catalogue, 
and  those  only  ol  certain  raisers,  what  colour  its  cover  may  be,  and  so 
on.  I  have  always  understood  that  catalogues  were  the  property  of 
the  firms  who  published  them.  May  I  suggest  to  “  A.  D,”  that  he 
should  use  his  pen  against  “cliquism”  and  jobbery  wherever  they 
may  exist,  he  would  then  be  doing  horticulture  a  service.  Personally, 
I  must  admit  that  what  I  wrote  in  compiling  my  catalogue  was  much 
against  my  inclination,  for  I  knew  there  would  be  some  who  would 
consider  “  trade  jealousy  ”  was  at  the  bottom  of  it  all,  but  the 
circumstances  of  the  case  left  no  other  course  open  to  me,  and  I  said 
as  little  as  I  could. 
“A.  D.”  now  suggests  that  the  proper  course  for  Chrysanthemum 
traders  who  object  to  certain  proceedings  is  for  them  to  “  wash  their 
hands  of  a  body  that  acts  contrary  to  their  desires,  or,  failing  that, 
to  bring  forward  complaints  and  objections  at  committee  meetings.” 
The  first  proposition  is  presumably  what  a  certain  section  might 
de.sire,  and  I  can  hardly  believe  that  “  A.  D.”  has  joined  this  party. 
As  to  the  second  proposition,  it  has  been  tried  and  found  useless. 
Letters  may  be  written  and  explanations  asked  lor,  but  at  the  meeting 
someone  is  quick  to  suggest  that  the  letter  lie  on  the  table,  and  so  the 
complaint  is  “snuffed  out.”  Other  letters,  I  am  credibly  informed, 
are  never  jilaced  before  the  Committee.  Will  “  A.  D.”  take  the 
trouble  to  inquire  why  the  genial  and  straightforward  Chairman  of 
the  N.C.S.  has  intimated  his  intention  of  resigning  the  position  that 
he  occupies  .so  creditably  ?  But  we  will  suppo.'C  that  our  complaints 
are  attended  to,  and  explanations  are  tendered  ;  of  what  service  are 
they  unless  they  are  given  the  same  amount  of  publicity  as  are 
the  circumstances  of  which  we  complain  ? 
I  do  not  imagine  that  anyone  values  the  various  medals  primarily 
for  their  intrinsic  worth.  I  am  sure  I  do  not,  but  it  is  the  value  that 
the  medals  are  sujiposed  to  give  the  exhibits  th.at  is  aimid  at.  I  have 
known  a  medal  awarded  to  an  exhibit  of  Chrysanthemums  not  a 
bloom  of  which  was  grown  by  the  exhibitor.  Much  more  could  be 
said  on  this  matter.  I  would,  however,  like  to  add  that  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  specialists  are  not  alone  in  winning  medals  in  this  way,  for 
I  could  mention  a  firm  which  exhibits  at  important  shows  collections 
of  Carnation  planis  which  are  sent  from  the  Channel  Lsles  direct  to 
the  shows  at  which  they  are  awarded  medals. — W.  J.  Codfrey. 
[We  do  not  know  Avhat  our  correspondent  has  said  in  his  catalogue, 
but  he  is  entitled  to  say  what  he  likes.  Most  business  men  know,  or 
are  not  long  in  finding  out,  what  best  suits  their  purpose  to  publish. 
The  rules  and  regulations  ol  all  societies  are  not  alike.  In  certain 
clas.ses  the  ]irizes  are  given  for  the  products  and  skill  in  arranging  them 
for  making  a  great  spectacular  display,  and  not  to  the  growers  of  the 
materials  eoajiloyed.  An  exhibitor  is  not  open  to  reproacn  when  he 
acts  within  the  rules ;  and  in  clear  cases  of  infringement  formal 
jirotests,  entered  in  precise  form  and  within  the  stipulated  time, 
receive  in  all  societies  with  which  we  have  Oeen  officially  connected 
the  careful  attention  of  the  committee.  We  have  received  more  com¬ 
plaints  relative  to  the  awarding  of  prizes  at  the  N.C.S.  shows  than 
trom  exhibitors  at  all  other  shows  in  the  kingdom,  but  as  the  rules 
and  regulations  of  the  N.C.S.  are  neither  sent  to  us  officially  nor  by 
the  complainants  we  have  no  opportunity  for  te.sting  the  merits  of  the 
several  allegations.  Catalogue  statements  are  in  their  very  nature 
ex  parte,  and  there  is  an  alternative  side  to  every  (piestion  in  di.spute. 
We  are  not  prepared  to  admit  that  the  Committee  of  the  N.C.S.  would 
sanction  a  proved  case  of  injustice  as  against  any  exhibitor.  If  such 
outrages  sliould  be  permitted  by  any  society  it  would  speedily  be  on 
the  down  grade  in  a  dodgery  hating  country.] 
ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCTETY. 
THE  COMMITTEES  FOR  1899. 
Full  particulars  of  the  exhibitions  of  the  Society  can  be  had  from 
the  “Arrangements  for  1899,”  in  which  are  also  given  lists  of  the  various 
committees,  and  these  we  reprint  for  the  benefit  of  our  readers. 
Scientific  Committee. 
CAaiman.—Sir  J.  D.  Hooker,  K.C.S.I.,  C.B.,  F.R.S.,  V.M.H.,  Sunningdale. 
Vice-Chairmen— Sir  W.  T.  Thiselton,  K.C.M.G.,  F.R.S.,  -Roval 
Gardens,  Kew. 
Foster,  Prof.  M.,  V.M.H.,  Sec.  R.S.,  Great  Shelford,  Cambridge. 
Masters,  Maxwell  T.,  M.I).,  F.R.S.,  &c.,  Mount  Avenue,  Ealing,  W. 
Hon.  Secretary.— 'Rev.  Prof.  G.  Honslow,  M.A.,  V.IM.H.,  F.L.S.,  80,  Holland 
Park,  W. 
Allen  Park  House,  Shepton  Mallet. 
Baker,  J.  G.,  F.H.S.,  Royal  Gardens,  Kew. 
Balfour,  Prof.  1.  B.,  F.R.S.,  V.M.H.,  Botanic  Gardens,  Edinburgh. 
Bonavia,  Dr.  E.,  Westwood,  Richmond  Road,  Worthing. 
Burbidge,  F.  W.,  M.A.,  V.M.H.,  Trinity  College  Gardens,  Dublin. 
Church,  Prof.  A.  H.,  M.A.,  F.R.S.,  Shelsley,  Kew  Gardens. 
Darwin,  Francis,  F.R.S.,  Wychtield,  Huntingdon  Road,  Cambridge. 
Dod,  Rev.  C.  Wolley,  M.A.,  V.M  H.,  Edge  Hall,  Malpas,  Cheshire. 
Elwes,  H.  J.,  F.L  S.,  V.M.H.,  Cole.sborne,  Andoversford,  Glos. 
Engleheart,  Rev.  G.  H.,  M.A.,  Appleshaw,  Andover. 
farmer,  I’rot.  J.  B.,  M.A,  Royal  College  ul  Science,  S.  Kensington. 
Frankland.  E..  F.R.S.,  The  Yews,  Reigate  Hill,  Reigate. 
Godman,  F.  Du  Cane,  F.R.S.,  10,  Chandos  Street,  Cavendish  Square. 
Im  Thurn,  E.  F.,  Gov.  Admin.,  N.VY.  District,  British  Gaiana. 
Lindsay,  R.,  Botanic  Gardens,  Edinburgh. 
Llewelyn,  S'r  ,1.  T.  D.,  Bart,  F.L.S.,  Penllergaer,  Swansea. 
Lynch,  R,  Irwin,  A.L.S.,  Botanic  Gardens,  Cambridge. 
Maxwell,  W.  H.,  Munches,  Dalbeattie,  N.B. 
McLachlan,  R.,  F.R.S.,  Westview,  Clarendon  Road,  Lewisham,  S.E. 
Michael,  A.  D.,  F.L.S.,  Cadogan  Mansions,  Sloane  Square,  S.W. 
Morris,  D.,  C.M  G.,  M.A.,  F.L.S.,  D.Sc.,  Imp.  Agri  Dept.,  Barbados. 
Muller,  Hugo,  Ph.D.,  F.R.S.,  13,  Park  Square  East,  Regent’s  Park. 
Oliver,  F.  W.,  D.Se.,  F.L.S.,  2,  The  Vale,  Chelsea,  S.W. 
Plowright,  C.  B.,  F.L.S.,  7.  King  Street,  King’s  Lynn. 
Russell,  W.  J.,  F.R  S.,  Ph.D.,  34,  Upper  Hamilton  Terrace,  N.W. 
Scott,  D.  H.,  M. A.,  Ph.D.,  F.R.'S.,  F.L  S.,  The  Old  Palace,  Richmond,  S.W. 
Sutton,  A.  W.,  V.M.II.,  F.L.S..  Reading. 
Veitch,  H.  J.,  F.L.S.,  King’s  Road,  Chelsea,  S.W. 
Ward,  Prof.  Marshall,  F.R.S.,  Botanical  Laboratory,  Cambridge. 
Wilson,  Geo.  F.,  F.R.S.,  V.M.H.,  Heatherbunk,  Weybndge  Heath. 
Fruit  and  Veuetable  Committee. 
Chairman. — Crowley,  Philip,  F.L.S.,  Waddon  House,  Croydon. 
Vice-Chairmen. — Balderson,  H.,  Corner  Hall,  Heinel  Hempstead. 
Bunyard.  Geo.,  V.M.H.,  The  Royal  Nurseries,  Maidstone. 
Rivers,  T,  Franci.s,  V..VI.H.,  Saw bridgeworth. 
Secretary. — Wright,  S.  T.,  ll.H.S.  Gardens,  Chiswick. 
Barron,  A.  F..  V.M.II. ,  Sutton  Court  Road,  Chiswick,  W. 
Basham,  J..  Fairoak,  Bassaleg,  Newport,  Mon. 
Bates,  W.,  Poulett  Lodge  Gardens,  Twickenham. 
Bennett,  W.,  Rangemore  Park  Gardens,  Burton  on-Trent. 
Cheal,  Joseph,  Crawley,  Susse.x. 
Crump,  W.,  V.M.II.,  Madre.stield  Court  Gardens,  Malvern. 
Dean,  A.,  62,  Richmond  Road,  Kingston,  S.W. 
Divers,  W.  IL,  Belvoir  Castle  Gardens,  Grantham. 
Dunn,  Malcolm,  V.M.II.,  The  Palace  Gardens,  Dalkeith,  N.B. 
Empson,  W.  J.,  Ampthill  House  Gardens,  Beds. 
Farr,  W.,  Spring  Grove  House  Gardens,  Isleworth. 
Fife,  Robert,  Dobbie’s  Nurseries,  Orpington,  Kent. 
Gleeson,  W.,  Warren  House  Gardens,  Stanmore. 
Herrin,  C.,  Dropmore  Gardens,  Maidenhead. 
Iggulden,  W..  North  View,  Frome,  Somer  et. 
Lane,  Fred.  Q.,  Berkhamsted. 
Mclndoe,  .Tames,  V.M.II..  Hutton  Hall  Gardens,  Guisborough. 
Miles,  G.  T.,  Wycomb  Abbey,  High  Wycomb. 
Mortimer,  S.,  Rowledge,  Farnharu,  Surrey. 
Norman,  G.,  Hatfield  House  Gardens,  Hatfield. 
Parker,  R.,  Goodwood.  Chichester. 
Pearson,  A.  H.,  The  Nurseries,  Chilwell,  Notts. 
Pope,  W.,  Highclere  Gardens,  Newbury. 
Poupart,  W.,  Marsh  Farm,  Twickenham. 
Reynolds,  G.,  The  Garilens,  Gunnersbury  Park,  Acton. 
Saltmarsh,  T.  ,L,  The  Nurseries,  Chelmsford. 
Shaw-Baker,  Dr.  E.,  The  Cedars,  East  Grinstead. 
Smith,  James,  V.M.II.,  The  Gardens,  Mentmore,  Leighton  Buzzar  ?. 
Veitch,  J.  H.,  King’s  Road,  Chelsea. 
Veitch,  P.  C.  M.,  The  Royal  Nurseries,  Exeter. 
Wilks,  Rev.  W.,  M.A.,  Shirley'  Vicarage,  Croydon. 
WiPard,  Jesse,  Holly  Lodge  Gardens,  Highgate,  N. 
Woodward,  G.,  Barham  Court,  Tesion,  Maidstone. 
Wright,  .lohn,  V.M.II.,  8,  Rose  Hill  Road,  Wandsworth,  S.W., 
Wythes,  G.,  V.M.H.,  Syon  House  Gardens,  Brentford. 
