GARDEN NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2627, 20 July 1904, Page 10

GARDEN NOTES.

TRIFLING.

At tin's season of the year, when Nature is comparatively "dormant, husbanding her energies for renewed vigorous effort, and whilst also*the gardener: has his hands full of work in preparing as an assistant, tho practical thought forcos itself on the reflective mind, of what use is all effort, if cfivoted but to raise * specimen plants, fru't or flower, for exhibition only? Display in this rospeot is worthy of the highest commendation, but it should not be the nir,in object in view. This idea has been foroed on us by reflection on the shows of flowvrs, fruit, and vegetables tabled at past exhibitions. They were all very fine — indeed, it may be said first class — in their different departments, tho object of the growers being to gain the prize for the finest specimens, forgetful of general utility within the scope- of le;s privileged growers. Not only are the best specimens shown, but these also must have outside adornments. There is nothing of practical value- m the experiaient. Auiong the flowers one may have

the advantage of ghss and heat, be provided with special tools, such as tweezers, to curl, or mayhap the opposite-, lay flat, the petals of the flowers, etc. Other accessories might be named of which the ordinary grower is not possessed. Fortune sometimes favours the latter, however, and by dint of close tending, difficulties are overcome, and he gains the victory. In fiuit and plants generally the same appears K> be attempted — viz., to produce th& finest .specimens, irrespective of the means used. This is perfectly right in its way; the question is, howevor, as to the practical result. This should be to enable the cottage or ordinary grower to raise products of greater household or dome&tio use than the elaborate specimens adorned with the ticket "First Prize." In every waJk of life adornment rather than utility appears to be the yUle,v U le, and yet both may be happily combined. The humblest class can raise Iruit and flowers up to their lequirements as well as the highest : it is altogether a matter of degree, and it should not b& forgotten that the highest has usually its origin among the lower, the ascending scale prevailing. Our intention is not to cost cold water on the more aspiring, but rather to encourage effort. The public go to shows to look at the splendid results of artificial cultivation, and the judges endoise the- liew that an isolated exhibit can be shown, and carry off the reward, ignoring the facilities enjoyed. Trivialities attract the eye, and secure appiobation. when more substantial results should be looked for.

Let it not be supposed that we deprecate any attempt at impro\ ing an exhibit, provided it ,is fair — that means the use of curling tongs to give a twist, or the use of a penny piece- to lay the petal flat, — but certainly we object to artificial means of sticking on a flower or a petal, which can he done without detection. Fair play is a jewel in every ease, and should be "rigidly followed. Indulging for the moment in such thoughts, the intention is to impress on all gi<awers of every sort of plant, not to strive for paiticular excellence, but to grow that which will be of use to the greater number of consumers and of the best sorts. We are but a young nation, holding old traditions, and following old practices; let us in many respects forget the past, and strike out a new lino of action here as in other respects, and gain not only our own but universal gratification. We possess different conditions as to soil and climate to those of the old land, where the soil has been wrought for ages, while ours is virgin, and the climate is far more favourable for the growth of every plant, according to the position in which it may be placed i and our young ambition should be to excel without any aitifice, and thus induce everyone to do his duty. This is the season when every preparatory effort should -be put forth, for when Nature is comparatively dormant our 'best efforts to assist should be exercised

— New Zealand P-otanv. —

From inquiries made at Wellington, we find that the new edition of Hooker's New Zealand Flora, largely added to by Mr Cheescman, /.ill not be issued from the Government Printing Office before June of next year. The price cannot be fixed until the cost of the compilation is fully ascertained. This will prove disappointing to many readers who have been making inquiries, but it cannot be helped, as a work of so much -value and of such lasting importance should not be hurried through. Not one proof, but several revues, will be necessary to ensure accuracy of the text. The reputation of the highly-respected editor, already well established, is at stake in this, his most important woik, and full leisure should be "afforded him to add to the well-digested notes of his author, whose name is of world-wide renown.

I. M. I.