290 Quarter Centemual A.umrersary of A.ni. 'Potnologicl Society. 



The capacities of the halls of the Horticultural Society were taxed to the utmost, 

 and all available space was needcJ. The lower hall was reserved exclusively for 

 fruits of Massachusetts ; and in the upp'3r hall were gathered the collections from 

 other parts of the country. The scene here, as witnessed from the platform, was 

 one of great beauty. The rosy-cheeked apples and clusters of grapes were packed 

 close to each other as far as tables extended, vicing with each other in their lovely, 

 yet modest colors — and peaches, pears and plums, with blushes most picturesque, 

 formed cor?mcopias of enticing fragrance and appetizing flavor. The major part of 

 the center table was occupied with the collections from Nebraska — and although 

 over 200 varieties had been spread on the table, yet it was found from the incapacity 

 of the room, seven barrels more remained unopened. Almost equal in other 

 respects was the collection from Kansas and Iowa ; all finely colored and well 

 arranged. It seemed exceedingly difficult to decide between the merits of such 

 closely contending exhibitions. The fruits of Kansas were much the largest in size. 

 Those from Iowa, by the Polk County Agricultural Society, were highly colored, 

 yet the collection from Nebraska was so much the largest and extensive, it is not 

 surprising, that the first prize was awarded to it, and the occasion is more than 

 ordinarily noteworthy, since she is but the youngest of all the fruit growing districts 

 of the Union. The display of pears was supplemented by valuable collections from 

 EUwanger & Barry, Moody & Sons, Smith & Powell, and Clapp Brothers. The 

 latter had on exhibition unusually fine dishes of Clapp's favorite with specimens of 

 some of their other new seedling varieties. 



Utah contributed many choice plums, apples, peaches and pears. California was 

 represented by excellent pears, from the orchard of C. H. Reed ; while grapes were 

 in abundance, from Canada, Central New York and the Hudson river. 



The seedling grapes on exhibition came principally from J. H. Ricketts, Newburgh, 

 N. Y., and E. M. Bull, Concord, Mass. The finest peaches came from Delaware, as also 

 the largest specimens of Bartlett and single varieties. The best display of native grapes 

 came from Canada. Oranges were brought from the Sunny South and received 

 honorary acknowledgment, while even from California, unusually large oranges and 

 lemons were received, indicating the excellent adaptation of that State for their 

 cultivation. 



Display of Plants. 



The resources in Music Hall were again called into play, to hold the galaxy of 

 plant treasures and decorations, which too, added their share to the charming enter- 

 tainment of the visitors. Throngs of visitors passed from the fruit halls to the 

 floral hall, and yet again another hall — Wesleyan — had to be engaged to accommo- 

 date the promologists in their long discussions. Thus four halls were constantly occu- 

 pied with floral or pomologist's objects of interest the most of the week. 



The display of flowers was in general, both profuse and chaste. Tall tree ferns, 

 palms and agaves, were placed on raised stands, underneath whose branches the 

 audience moved to and fro, almost suggestive to the imagination, of a rich real 

 tropical scene. Around the sides of the hall are arranged frames for holding cut 

 flowers, gladiolus, phlox and dahlias. The varieties of gladiolus interesting us more 

 than any other, were the new seedlings of Geo. Craft, Brookline, Mass., and J. S. Rich- 



