120 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



is a good one, and as the flora of the State is directly or indirectly 

 the source from which nearly all the food of man or beast comes, 

 the society offered premiums for correctly named collections of wild 

 flowers made during the season. It is proposed this year to extend 

 this work and invite the high schools of the State to compete, 

 some premium being given to the school making the best collection 

 of correctly named Maine flowers. 



For several years the Massachusetts Horticultural Society has 

 done an excellent work with the children of Boston through its 

 efficient committee on window gardening. Potted plants are given 

 to the children in the spring to be taken to their homes and cared 

 for during the season, and in the autumn these plants were exhibited 

 by the children, who were awarded small and suitable prizes. The 

 plan at first was received with indifference and, but for the enthu- 

 siasm of a few friends, would have been defeated. The first season 

 there was a general exhibition in HorticuUural Hall, but the popu- 

 larity of the work has necessitated the past few years several exhi- 

 bitions in different parts of the cii}^ the better to accommodate the 

 large number of children who wished to take part in the exhibition. 



By this plan many a child has learned to love plants and flowers 

 by being taught to care for them, and man}'^ a desolate home has 

 been made more pleasant by a plant or two in "training" for the 

 exhibition. 



The work of this committee has been still further extended, and 

 special premiums under its direction, have been awarded for window 

 gardens. 



Although the Pomological Society has only limited means, the 

 executive committee have decided to undertake a &.imilar work in 

 Lewiston and Auburn the present season, an equal number of plants 

 being distributed to children twelve years of age or less. Siipeiin- 

 tendents Siu vrt and Stetson have kindly promised their coopera- 

 tion in placing the plants in the best hands for the purpose. The 

 children receiving the plants will be expected to care for them during 

 the season and have them ready for exhibition at the park during 

 the fair in September. 



Each child who brings a plant for exhibition will rec.ive a ticket 

 admitting him or her to the fair on Children's Day. After the 

 exhibition is over the plants will ba returned to the children. 



Prizes will be ofl^ered for the best plants and a committee will be 

 chosen to examine the plants and make awards. Further details 

 Will be announced through the schools. 



