216 MASSACHUSETTS HOKTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 



with some changes, the most important of which was 

 the omission from the fruit list of the premiums for 

 essays, nurseries, and the introduction of new varieties ; 

 and from the flower list of those for the cultivation of 

 the American holly, Magnolia glauca, Rhododendron 

 maximum, and Kalmia latifolia. 



The following account of the origin of the exhibi- 

 tions of the Society is given by John B. Russell in his 

 Reminiscences : 



" Robert L. Emmons, the first recording secretary, who had a 

 very refined taste, and passionate love for flowers, was a punctual 

 attendant at all the meetings, and generally brought a small, taste- 

 ful bouquet, or half a dozen modest flowers, and placed them on 

 the business table. His example was gradually followed by other 

 members, till a long table was required, which was always filled. 

 As Saturdays generally brought most of the members into the 

 city, informal gatherings were held at their room, with specimens 

 of fruits and flowers ; and thus began the weekly exhibitions of 

 the Society.'* 



The stated and annual meetings, which were origi- 

 nally fixed for Tuesdays, were, on the 13th of June, 1829, 

 changed to Saturday, doubtless because the latter was 

 found a more convenient day for the members. The 

 first exhibition of which we have any record was on 

 Saturday, the 20th of June, 1829. A correspondent 

 of the New England Farmer said of it, 



' c With others I was much pleased with the respectable exhibi- 

 tion of fruits and flowers which was made at the last meeting. 

 Among those exhibited at the hall were about thirty varieties of 

 roses, comprising the Royal Purple, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, 

 the Unique, Moss, the German rose, etc. Some fine Double 

 Crimson dahlias, White Moss roses, Double YeUow roses, Scarlet 

 irises, etc., would have been sent from the garden of Mr. Pratt if 

 he had been aware of the convenience of the hall for exhibiting 



