Massachusetts I lorti cultural Society. 29 



Art. IV. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 



We cnmiiience otir reports of tlio Ilortioiiltnrnl Society, vvliicli we intend 

 to follow up witli llie utmost acciinicy, willi liio exliibitioii ^'iv( ii at Faiieiiil 

 Hall, on the 17tli, It^ili, and 19ili of t?i;i)lcnilicr la*t: it beinir ilie ssixtli anni- 

 versary of tlie Soeiety. We had the jilcasinc, as chairman of the coinnjilU'o 

 for the |)urj)ose of arranging and labelling the plants and Howers, on ihat oc- 

 casion, to draw np the report appended to ihe pitmphlet, containing Mr. 

 Gray's address. ^Ve took a few notes l()r the express pur|)ose, some of which 

 were in;ide in that rejwrt; but not wishing to extend it to too great a length, 

 they were partly omitted. We have here added some of them. 



We cannot here omit to mention tiie importance which such exhibitions 

 would have in disseminating a taste for horticulture and floricnltiu-e, il' they 

 were given annually. It is only by presenting to the eye, in such profusion, 

 all the rich beauties of Flora and Pomona, that the 'asle, which in many in- 

 dividuals would perhaps remain dormant for years, can be called forth. The 

 rose, or the modest violet viewed singly, would present liut small attractions 

 to an inattentive observer; wiiile masses of them, in all their v;,rious colors, 

 woidd strike with wonder and astoni>hment. To the amateur and gardener, 

 such exhibitions are of incalcidable benefit. All are apt to place too much 

 belief in their own methods of cultivation and practice, and some even think 

 that their productions are not equalled, or certainly not surpassed, by any. 

 But when viewed and com|)ared with those of others, they see they have let 

 their own judgment mislead them, and that they may yet add much towards 

 perfection. We liope another season will find every horticulturist ready to 

 aid in increasing the character of an exhibition, as useful, and we may say 

 ])rofitable, to the interests of society, as the last. 



"The display of the various plants and flowers which decorated the Hall, 

 was S[)lendid beyond description, and far exceeded the most sanguine ex- 

 pectations of the committee. Although the proper season to show hot-house 

 and green-house plants to advantage is during the spring months, w hen they 

 are in fell bloom and beauty, yet many varieties, especially those with ever- 

 green foliage, are pleasing and interesting objects at all seasons of the year. 

 Many of the species presented were very choice and rare. There might be 

 seen the Banana of the West Indies, the Fig, from Persia, the Coflee, from 

 Aral)ia, the Lemon, Orange, Pomegranate and Sago-Palm, with many other 

 interesting plants, natives of a tropical clime. Among those ornamental, as 

 well as useful, were the variegated Holly, Myrtle, Laurel, Magnolia, Acuba, 

 Box-tree, Aloes, and the elegant India-rubber tree. Some were remarkable 

 for either their curious foliage or flowers, as the Arum, Pourretia, Eucalyp- 

 tus, Nandina, Cactus, etc. Others for their delightful and agreeable odor, as the 

 Hedychium gardnerianum, Polyanthes tuberosa. Pancratium Funkia, Jas- 

 rainum, etc. Those conspicuous for the splendor of their rich and brilliant 

 colors, were the Erythrina picta, near eight feet in height; tJie Vallota pur- 

 purea (once Amaryllis), with six ex|)an(le(l flowers ; the Gladiolus natalensis, 

 with three tall spikes, and numbering near twentj' open flowers, which, for 

 magnificence of bloom can be ecl'psed but by few plants at this season of 

 the year. Among the various flowers and charming bouquets which a(l(>rned 

 the tables, was a large collection of the su])erbly s|)lendid Georgina (Dahlia), 

 amounting, in all, to nearly five huiKlred flowers. There was also a beautiful 

 collection of the lovely China and (German Asters." 



From .John Lowell, Es(]. Roxbiny. Finespecimens of the Erythina plcta 

 and Justiida |)icta, plants very rare in our gardens and green-houses, but 

 which shoidd be in every collection. Two elegant plants of the Citrus de- 

 cumana, with eight or ten ripe fruit, some of which measured five inches in 

 diameter. These attracted nutch attention, and contributed greatly to the 

 decoration of the Hall. ]\Iany other ran; plants were sent from Mr. Lowell, 

 among which was the I\Iusa Sapientium, (a Banana tree). J. P. Gushing, 



