■ REPORT 



OF THE 



COMMITTEE ON PLANTS AND FLOWERS, 



FOR THE YEAR 1878. 



By WILLIAM H. SPOONER, Chairman. 



Assuming the duties of bis office unexpectedly, and at a time 

 when the work of the year had already commenced, the Chairman 

 of the Flower Committee could hardh' hope to bring to the position 

 that careful preparation which alone could enable him to fulfil its 

 requirements ; but, while begging 3'our charitable judgment towards 

 his official shortcomings, he need not make the same request with 

 regard to the exhibitions of the past 3'ear, which have been unusually 

 good, and several of them much above the average. First among 

 these may be mentioned that of March 2d, with the forced Perpetual 

 Roses, Cyclamens, and Orchids. The Rose Show was particularly 

 noticeable for the increased number of competitors for the larger 

 prizes, although your Committee were disappointed in not seeing 

 more of the new roses introduced in 1875, which was rich in choice 

 varieties and roses of remarkably sweet perfume. The Annual 

 Exhibition was, in many respects, the best ever held by the Societ}', 

 especiall}' in the collections of fine plants, some of them from 

 parties whom we shall hope to see often hereafter. It is much to 

 be regretted that this exhibition was not more full}' appreciated and 

 visited by the public ; and we trust the shows of the next season, 

 with the changes proposed in the manner of conducting them, will 

 prove more remunerative to the 8ociet3\ Many of the smaller 

 weeklj' shows have been made particularl}' interesting b}' contribu- 

 tions of new and rare plants and flowers, which j'our Committee 

 have endeavored to encourage by suitable recognition. 



