128 Massachusetts Hortlciiltiiral Society. 



cent display of Fruit, we cannot omit to notice, in terms of high commenda- 

 tion, the Floral department : Dahlias, Japan Lilies, German Asters, and 

 other flowers of exquisite beauty and brilliant hues, were in great abun- 

 dance, imparting gayety and animation to the scene. The wreaths, festoons, 

 and other decorations, were tasteful and effective; and indeed, in all its de- 

 partments, the Exhibition was such as to do great credit to the Committee 

 of Arrarigement, and add to the renown of this far-famed Society. 



Though at a loss how to compress within the limits of a Report, the 

 many matters of interest offered to our notice in this visit, there is one 

 other of too great importance, in its practical bearings, to be omitted ; we 

 refer to the examination of the new or little known varieties of fruit dis- 

 played on the occasion. This examination took place on the last day of the 

 Exhibition, and in the Library-room of the Society. There, were assem- 

 bled, the Fruit Committee, with the President of the Society, and, by invi- 

 tation, the delegates from six or eight Horticultural Institutions, together 

 with several other distinguished Pomologists. The fruit alluded to was 

 submitted to the inspection of the gentlemen present, and at the same time, 

 the circumstances connected with its introduction or discovery were made 

 known ; the fruit was then tasted, and a record made of the observations. 

 The result of the examination would sometimes warrant a decision that 

 might be considered final. In this manner, the merits of the fruit in ques- 

 tion were tested by a number of well qualified persons, whose appreciation 

 could scarcely fail of being just ; thereby tending to a rapid dissemination 

 of the valuable sorts, the rejection of the inferior, and the lessening of dis- 

 appointment that too often falls to the lot of the Horticulturist. 



In conclusion, we beg leave publicly to express our warm and grateful 

 acknowledgments to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, for the cor- 

 dial welcome with which we were greeted on our arrival — the kind and un- 

 remitting attentions we received during our stay — and the facilities, so gen- 

 erously afforded us, for visiting the princely gardens in the vicinity of their 

 enchanting city." Report, pp. 602 — 605. 



Art. IV. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 



Saturday, January 8th, 1848. — An adjourned meeting of the Society was 

 held to-day, — the President in the Chair. 



The Secretary being absent, Mr. C. M. Hovey was appointed Secretary 

 pro tern. 



The Finance Committee submitted the Annual Report, which is sub- 

 joined. 



The Committee of Finance, having examined the accounts of the Treas- 

 urer, respectfully submit the enclosed Statements of Receipts, Expendi- 

 tures, and Investments of the Society, from which it appears that the Re- 

 ceipts have been seven thousand six hundred and thirty-three dollars and 

 sixty-seven cents, including the balance of fifty-nine dollars and fifty -eight 



