The Sun.
London, England, 1868-07-09 00:00:00

A PARISH FLOWER SHOIV.

In the parish of St. Philip's, Clerkenwell, as in
other metropolitan districts which contain a large
number of the poorest people, the clergy encourage
by every means in their power the growth of win-
dow plants. The constant care required for the
cultivation of even the commonest plants is found
to exercise a most beneficial effect. upon the dwel-
lers in neighbourhoods where, unfortunately, there
is but little to refine. In attending to flowers the
poor promote their own health by learning the v due
of light, sunshine, and water. The clergy of the
parish of St. Philip state that during the two years
they hive encouraged the growth of flowers for ex-
hibition at an annual parish show considerable im-
provement has been observed in the habits of many
who have been induced to join in the competition
for the prizes which are offered. The second yearly
show of the parish named was opened yesterday,
at the school-rooms, Atnwell-street, Pentonville,
and will remain on view until this evening, when
the awards will be kindly distributed by her Grace
the Duchess of Sutherland. Two classes were
invited to exhibit—domestic servants and persons
occupying not more than three rooms, in the
poorest parts ; and children of poor parents. As
a Baking proof of the increasing interest which
is felt in the movement by those for whom it is
specially intended, it is pleasing to report
that the show this time is very mach better than the
one held last year. As a whole, it was most com-
mendable, and many of the specimens sent in, re-
membering the crowded alleys from which they
were contributed, were remarkably healthy and
handsome plants. Had there been an open com-
petition between Clerken well and Westminster—
which held its show in Dean's-yard on Tuesday—
the prize would have been unaannausly given to the
former, which for variety and beauty of the flowers
far surpassed the more aristocratic quarter of
the capital. The history of several of the plants,
as known to the incumbent from his weekly visits
to the owners, is very singular. In too many
cases the owners had had a long fight yeah ill-
ness and poverty, during the winter starvation
and bitter want. To many sick folk the attention
which they daily bestowed upon their pet plants was
the one only pleasure they could afford, or perhaps
be capable of enjoying. Several plants were sent
by the very aged, who were quite incapable of
sharing in the household duties ; others again were
the property of little ones who knew nothing more
of their qualities than that they required fresh air
and water. But a large class belonged to men and
women who, far too poor to afford the ordinary
pleasures of their class, took a rational and
intelligent interest in the cultivation of the
plants. It was thought best that the prizes
given should not be in small sums of money,
but in useful domestic articles, and these are mostly
to be distributed according to the known wants of
the individual. Thus, to an old man suffering
from consumption a cheap arm-chair would be
most acceptable. For the children toys and a
variety of suitable gifts are provided, and the recep-
tion of them from the hands of a lady of high
degree" will be an honour never to be forgotten.
Many of the articles were butter-coolers, &c., for
the table, which the clergy frequently find teach a
useful lesson for making things comfortable.
Connected with the show was a display of " warm
goods" for the winter, which have been made at a
mere nominal cost. During that season of the year
when hundreds of bread-winners have no employ-
ment their families suffer severely from the want
of the scantiest and commonest bed-clothing, and
too often they have none at all. It is, therefore, a
real benefit if the mothers and girls can be taught
how to make warm coverings out of mere rags and
scraps by knitting. One such covering was shown
which, by a few hours' labour and the expense of a
little thread, had been so manufactured. There
was a display of pretty Danish terracotta orna-
ments by Mr. Bird, who yesterday received the
honour of the patronage of the Princess of Wales.

Some of the Italian journals state that Father
Secci,the constructor of thegreat astronomical clock
so much remarked at the Universal EKhibition of
1867, - ha:, discovered a motive power, lighter,
stronger, and more economical than gt2am. They
add that the learned Itrlian is said to :have laid his
irrventions before the - Court rortial, which is
this pose 4 to Rumba§ jt.
• .