28 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



The amount of prizes awarded at the summer shows was com- 

 paratively small yet seventy-five per cent of the total attendance 

 for the year was represented in these exhibitions. It is through 

 these summer shows that the principal horticultural educational 

 work of the Society is done. 



These statistics contain suggestions worthy of thoughtful con- 

 sideration in making up the annual schedules of prizes and exhibi- 

 tions. 



In February and March a course of four lectures was given by 

 Professor W. J. V. Osterhout of Harvard Universit3\ His subject 

 was "The Means of Controlling the Growth and Form of the 

 Plant," with especial reference to the effects of food, water, soil 

 conditions, poisons, vitamins, and stimulants. The charm of 

 Professor Osterhout's manner in addition to the subject treated 

 rendered these lectures of more than usual interest. 



It has been often suggested that lectures be given at the regular 

 exhibitions of the Society by horticulturists who have had special 

 practical experience in the cultivation of the principal flowers 

 shown. This suggestion was made effective this year through the 

 generous interest of Miss Marian Roby Case who provided the fol- 

 lowing named lecturers for the nine summer and autumn exhibitions : 



May 28-29. Kenneth W. Gillett, Southwick, Mass., on the 

 cultivation of wild flowers. 



June 4-5. T. D. Hatfield, Wellesley, Mass., on rhododendrons 

 and azaleas. 



June 18-19. Bertrand H. Farr, Wyomissing, Pa., on peony cul- 

 ture. 



June 25-26. Wilfrid Wheeler, Concord, Mass., on strawberry 

 culture. 



July 9-10. Allen J. Jenkins, Shrewsbury, Mass., on sweet pea 

 culture. 



August 13-14. H. E. Meader, Dover, N. H., on gladiolus cul- 

 ture. 



x\ugust 27-28. Miss Marian R. Case, Weston, Mass., an illus- 

 trated lecture, a year of New England scenery. 



September 10-11. J. K. Alexander, East Bridgewater, Mass., 

 on dahlia growing. 



