Even if the Shanghai Horticaltural Society were not the international body that it is, who would quarrel with the holding of the usual chrysanthemum show! For in the midst of war it is as well to be reminded of the softer side of life, Whether the show on the 18th will reach the standard of last year's is an open question, Some of te most successful competitors of twelve months ago are disappointed this year; trying weather, blight, or the loss of a favourite gardener (entailing the loss also of his favour. ite plants) have ruined their hope. Others, again, can speak modestly of having "some not bad." Not to forget the war, the excellent ides has been started of auctioning some of the plants exhibited. A variety of these has been promised to the Society for this purpose, and others Jare sure to be presented when the scheme is generally known, Tw auction is to be held at nine o'clock on the evening of the show, and the proceeds will go to whichever war relief fund the seller may select.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.