, 1893-08-05
KINGSTON FLOWER SHOW
From the Gleaner. 1Oh July.)

One of the annual gatherings to which
KingsC0nians look forward Wtth keen antlei-
patton as a pleasant ana withal instructive
exhibition is the Horticultural and Flower
Show, which has now become a recognised
institution in our midst. The show which
was opened yesterday at Mr.. Pawscy's pen at
Winchester Park Ivy Her Excellercy Lady
Blake, is about the fifteenth which has been
held in this city, bnt it was not until 1859
that a regular and permanent Society was
formed to cover the operations hitherto I'M
dertaken by the Kingston Flower Show com
mittee, and 10 take up matters = general
interest connected with horticulture. 1t was
found that since the introduction Of the shows
vast improvements had been made in the
care and cultivation Of Towering plants and
an increased interest had been developed.
which led to the exhibits yearly becoming
enha ced in beauty and value, as well as in
number. The competition which waB Caused
became keen, the love Of Horticulture was in.
creased, and the knowledge spread amongst
the general public began to bear fruit. With
the object of still further spreading the in
tersst which was being gradually aroused, a
committee of prominent gentleUten took the
matter in hand, and the success of their
efforts has been such that tie Flower
Show. to use an Americauism, has come TO
stay"
The rivalry bet the exhibitors has led
to grand results ibeing obtained and anyone
who visits the suburbs of the city cannot but
notice the difference in the well kept and
beautiful gardens Of to-day, and these Of the
olden times. The students Of botany have
increased in number by leaps and bounds.
and prove the truth of Sir j Il. Smiths
remark that Botany has one advantage over
.--. OAIo. ,tafr1 and rr {ttlioc that
even it's first beginnings are pleasing and
profitable, though pursued to ever so small
extent; the objects with which it is oonversant
are in themselves charming. and become
doubly so to those who contemplate them with
the additional sense, as ii were, which science
gives the pursuit of these objects is an
exceroise no lees healthful to the body, tkan
the observations of the laws and characters is
TO the mind There can be no doubt that
the specimens which are yearly shown by the
different public gal dens have acted as a great
stimulus upon private individuals, There is
g. feeling Of satisfaction provoked when one
feels that it is possible TO vie with a govern
ment (which exercises the utmost epdeavour
and the utmost vigilance in their attemp S to
take the premier position. A man may be-
parioned for being triumphant over the tact
that in his spare time, i'll such moments as he
can snatch from the cares OF DuS hess llIc ne
has raised specimens which are as good as
from Botanical Gardens where profes
sional men are in constant attendance and
when the amateur has actually beaten the
professional, as il frequently fhe case, the
Incentive is still more marked and there is no
fear of him relaxing his efforts or resting
upon his laurels. Excelsior is the motto,
and the Kingston Flower Show proves the
truth of the statement.
Year after year the verdict Of experts IS well
as Of the general public has been Better
than last and this has now become almost a
matter Of course and people make the. remark
as if they were expected 10 say it. The
climax must come some day, and if the Show
next year is to soIpass the present one, it will
indeed be a remarkable one from every point
Of view. Winchester Park is too we'll known
to need description, but one cannot help
congratulating the energetic oommittee on the
manner in which they have laid out the
grounds to the very best advantage. Last
wear large accommodation was provided