The Horticultural Society has also suffered to some extent, ae their somiannual Show has had to be postponed account of the backwardness of exhibits. However it is to, take placo.on Monday, and promises to be exceedingly interesting, I.am told..that..the. rose class will be a very strong one this year, the culture, of the' queen..of flowers has advanced. considerably. lately,. for which satisfactory state of affairs. the Horticultural, Society is..undoubtedly. responsible, I. notice that.a prize $25 is, offered for.the best..floral design..hich is a decided step the direction as the demand for floral gifts. and mementoos seems to be growing all the time, and the competition may Lelp us to.see the last of the ugly paper-surrounded bouquet which is so much b foyed by the Chinese gardeners, and many also banish the huge ragged-looking. wreath which is..80 fre-_ quently se f for something more beautiful. "Lo judge by the artistic effect of some lovely specimens I soon recently the floral design competition should prove a great attraction the show. Points are given for ality of design, harmonious blending of colours, beauty' of flowers and foliage, and grscoful arrangomenit, An Ultra-feminine Note, And now I ata going to" appeal tothe public spirit of the ladies of Shanghai, to give Mise Proctor, the energetic' Hotiorary Secretary, as much assistange'as they can, by undertaking to' decorate a table, or by taking part in the' soup-plate ai soda-water tunibler conipetition, which' was instituted last your by Mr. Biron, and is again to be's feature this year arionget decorative classes." Taken getiorally the tables at the' Idst show Wore not a credit to thio artistic ability of Shiinghai it is proposed to give sdme pretty articles prizes, ani' an extra ptizo will be" given, by Womootis whic "is interested, for: table decorations, which can diily Bi cotnpetitor who has - siever plate aiid 'soldi-water donipotition is vity easily acconiplished." Miss Proctor provides each conipétitor with a soup-plate, some said, aid a "arita-water the Competitor cai strange flowers and foliage" in "riem as she chooses, but tio string Of wice' la allowed to be used. Last year the' cleveres are given' for lightné's sud' slogati other important points being' utitforiait the beauty of flowers and foh Daring th 0 ry interesting programme of music will be performed, (on a.new concert Apollo player kindly lent. by the Robinsyn Piano. Company, yw... had and la the evening the, Tawa. Baud. will,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.