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MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Hardy June Roses. Hovey & Co., Jos. Breck, M. P. Wilder, Antane 

 Apple, and James Nugent. 



Climbing Roses were not shown in variety sufficient to merit the 

 premium. 



Moss Roses. By far the finest display was made by M. P. Wilder; 

 but the largest number of varieties was shown by Hovey &l Co.; a fine 

 stand was exhibited by Charles Copeland. 



Bourbon Roses. There were but two contributors, Hovey & Co., and 

 Wm. J. Underwood. A question arose in the Flower Committee as to the 

 classification of the fine new rose, Gloire de Dijon, whether of right it is a 

 tea or a Bourbon ; the arguments are strong and nearly equally balanced 

 for each side of the question. It was finally decided to admit it into the 

 prize lists as a Bourbon, though the question is not as yet settled to the 

 satisfaction of all the Committee; it will probably be allowed in prize 

 stands of both classes. 



Some beautiful bouquets of Roses were shown by Gustave Evers. 



Tender Roses were shown in variety by Gustave Evers, James Murray 

 and Martin Trautman. 



The season was very severe upon both summer and autumn Phloxes, 

 and none of any merit were shown for premium. The display of Joseph 

 Breck has, however, been creditable ; and Mr. Walker's new white seed- 

 ling, " Mrs. Walker," well maintains its reputation as one of the best. 



Carnations have been remarkably fine ; the display has been larger than 

 ever before, and the flowers have more nearly approached perfection. The 

 line of division, or rather distinction, between Carnations and Picotees, 

 has been rigidly drawn, and we trust in future there may be no confusion. 

 The largest contributor has been B. K. Bliss, of Springfield, though his 

 flowers suffered by comparison with others, as, on account of the early 

 hour of opening the hall, they had to be cut more than half a day before 

 the exhibition. Fine blooms have been exhibited by Jonathan French, 

 Wm. J. Underwood, and Hovey & Co. 



These remarks apply equally well to Picotees, which have also been 

 far better than any shown in former years ; the exhibitors were the same. 

 We have also during the season noticed several seedlings of merit in col- 

 lections of cut flowers. 



In Rhododendrons there has been a great falling off"; the prizes were not 

 awarded, and the only specimens we have seen have been now and then 

 a straggling head of bloom in a collection of cut flowers. When will our 

 amateurs learn to appreciate the beauty of this magnificent plant? There is 

 no shrub of its size which so richly repays the care bestowed upon it, and 

 no garden, however small, should be without specimens. 



Hollyhocks seem to be growing in favor Avith gardeners and amateurs, 

 and also to be improving in beauty. It is not improbable they may take 

 the place of the Dahlia, which for some reason has become unpopular; 

 probably because the early frosts have cut off the plants for the last three 

 years. The Hollyhock is seen to best advantage when shown in single 



