PLANTS AND FLOWERS, 1921 15 



a number of persons as possible. We stage two exhibitions of 

 practically equal merit. One is free and we get an attendance of 

 20,000. The other makes a charge of half a dollar and the attend- 

 ance drops to less than as many hundreds. The lesson seems 

 obvious. 



Our neighbor. The Museum of Fine Arts, also an educational 

 institution, remitted the entrance fee a few years ago with the 

 result of a largely increased number of visitors. 



The question is, shall we make all of our exhibitions free to the 

 public? 



Plants and Flowers. 



T. D. Hatfield, Chairman of the Committee on Plants and 

 Flowers, reported in detail the exhibits made at the various exhibi- 

 tions of the year 1921. An abstract of his report is given herewith. 



January 8. At the Inaugural Meeting held this date. President 

 Burrage and J. T. Butterworth showed many rare and beautiful 

 orchids ; James Wheeler showed a fine vase of the new pink-colored 

 sport of carnation Matchless; William N. Craig, Btiddleia asiatica; 

 and S. J. Goddard, a vase of Erlangea iomentosa with violet-colored 

 flowers. 



April 6-10. The joint exhibition of the Massachusetts Horti- 

 cultural Society and the American Rose Society exceeded the expec- 

 tations of the members and others interested. It was one of the 

 best spring shows the Society has held in many years and especially 

 noteworthy for the excellence of the material displayed. Roses 

 and orchids were the principal features. Thomas Roland's rose 

 garden was artistically arranged and contained abundance of the 

 newest and best varieties. 



The Breck, Robinson Co.'s garden was quite different in design. 

 If there was any criticism to be made it was lack of color. In other 

 words, a monotony of pink prevailed, which might be according to 

 the tastes of artistically disposed visitors. 



The displays of cut roses were excellent. Hybrid Tea roses were 

 the feature. They have quite taken the place of the Tea roses we 

 had years ago. Hardly ever have we seen such magnificent blooms. 

 Orchids also were largely represented. 



