The Show of this Society, which was held in the show-ground of, and in connection with, the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland's Show, on July 26, 27, 28, and 29, was, so far as exhibits are concerned, a complete success. In absence of any other stirring horticultural event in Scotland, it may in some sense be regarded as the event of the year; although we must characterise as absurd the statement that appeared in one at least of the local papers, that "it was equal to any similar exhibition in the country, not even excepting the metropolitan one." That it was "equal to any similar exhibition" may be true; but that it was equal to such Shows as are from time to time to be seen even as near our doors as Edinburgh, Dundee, or Glasgow, is not a fact. It was, nevertheless, a fairly creditable show, and many fine examples of cultivation were staged. Among foliage-plants, the Crotons from Mr John Russel, Keir House, were good examples of culture. Among stove and greenhouse flowering-plants was a grand specimen of Pancratium speciosum, with over a dozen extra-strong spikes of marvellously fine flowers, in the four staged by Joseph Souza, Touch (gardener to Sir H. J. Seton-Stewart), to which was awarded the premium prize in that class.

Among Ferns, the only noteworthy lot was the two Todeas and magnificent Platycerium grande, which gained for Dr Paterson, Bridge of Allan, the first prize in the class for three. The collections were of the usual kind, and by no means particularly well arranged. The winning collection (18 ft. x 7 ft.), of Mr Thomas Boyd, gardener to Wm. Forbes, Esq., Callander House, Falkirk, contained four remarkably fine specimens of Eucharis amazonica, which rendered his table much brighter than the others, and doubtless did much to secure him the first place. The table-plants were of the usual kind which are to be seen at every Show, and were fairly good. Most, however, were too small, and too valuable and tender for the purpose. Cockscombs were particularly fine, reminding one of those exhibited by such growers as Mr Syme. Liliums were not "as good as may be seen anywhere," although a local oracle declared them to be so. Orchids were nothing remarkable. Among cut-flowers, the Roses from Mr Gray, Dunkeld, and A. Kirk, Norwood, were exceedingly line. Grand stands were staged (for exhibition only) by Messrs Dickson, Belmont, Pelfast, and Smith, Stranraer. The first prize Pansies, both fancy and show, from Mr T. Paterson, Denny, were such as are seen at northern shows only.

Among cut-flowers, perhaps the most attractive were the grand Phloxes and spikes of hardy herbaceous flowers. Should such summers prevail as have now become chronic apparently, these hardy plants must ere long become more largely grown.

Fruit, especially Grapes, was shown in quantity and quality not often seen outside of Edinburgh, and not always there. As much dissatisfaction prevailed in regard to the awards, we prefer to single out no particular exhibitors, although some of those who failed to secure prizes staged samples which were exceedingly fine. We understand that the interpretation put upon certain rules by the judges, led to awards being made which, without explanation, appeared quite incomprehensible. For instance, in the class for any other black than Hamburg, Alicants were placed before equally well-coloured, well-bloomed, and riper Muscat Hamburgs; and the same thing occurred in the class for best bloom. The collection of ten dishes from Mr Boyd, which gained the first prize, was very meritorious, and included beautiful examples of Grapes, Peaches, Bananas, and Figs, in addition to Melons and outdoor fruit, all of which were fine. The Melons which gained the two firsts for Mr Thomson, Kilkerran, Maybole, were remarkably fine samples. The green flesh was William Tillery: we could not ascertain the name of the scarlet. T. Boyd's Peaches were fine and well coloured. Black Currants were extremely fine - indeed were comparable to Black Hamburg Grapes : finer we have never seen.

Most of the other classes were fair, though some were blanks altogether, as, for instance, Apricots and Nectarines.

Vegetables were, considering the season, very fine indeed. Mr Souza's first-prize box of ten kinds was quite remarkable.

We are sorry that we cannot say something in favour of the arrangements made by the Society's officials. According to the rules, exhibitors were obliged to have everything staged by 10 A.M., and yet by that hour a third or more of the tables were to erect, and one of the three tents. The consequence was, that staging and judging went on simultaneously, and the judges had to go over the fruit three times. Not only so, but the judges had to group the classes, and to do so each card containing exhibitor's name printed in conspicuous capitals had to be turned face up to ascertain the number of the class - a very objectionable proceeding, but not the judges' fault. It would have been much better if the officials had adhered to the rule, which was to the effect that only sealed envelopes, containing the exhibitors' names inside, and only the numbers outside, were to be affixed to each lot. The placing of the cards as the envelopes were opened would have been a simple and a satisfactory matter. The final arrangement of plants, etc, was made at the close of the first day's exhibition.