232 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the first of March is spoken of as "a splendid display," 

 and the two succeeding shows appear to have been 

 equally good. May 3 1 specimens of Magnolia purpurea 

 and M. cordata were shown by John A. Kenrick ; and 

 " a fine specimen of Pseonia Moutan Banksii, from a 

 plant that had stood out during winter with scarcely 

 any protection," came from William Kenrick. It had 

 been shown on the 1st of March by Thomas Mason, 

 from plants which must have been grown under glass. 

 June 21 a fine specimen, from Mrs. Archelaus Nor- 

 cross, of the Macrophylla rose, the first ever exhibited 

 at the Society's rooms, excited much admiration. Au- 

 gust 9, the Gladiolus psittacinus or Natalensis was exhib- 

 ited by the Messrs. Winship, and it was shown at the 

 annual exhibition by Samuel Sweetser. In the words of 

 the report, it " was one of the richest and most gorgeous 

 plants which ornamented the hall. It is of late intro- 

 duction, never flowering here before this season. It 

 will probably be considered one of the finest varieties 

 of bulbs which decorate the flower garden." The 

 prophecy in the last sentence has been more than ful- 

 filled by the progeny of this species hybridized with 

 others : indeed, no one at that time could have imagined 

 the infinite variety of these flowers, which constitute 

 the gayest ornament of our gardens, and one of the 

 chief attractions of our exhibitions, in the months of 

 August and September. On the 27th of September 

 " the exhibition of fruits was more choice and select 

 than any previous one of the season ; and the show of 

 flowers excelled any previous exhibition, particularly in 

 regard to dahlias." November 22 the Duchesse d'An- 

 gouleme was again exhibited, and it appears that it had 

 already become celebrated for its uncommon size and 

 beauty, and its excellent flavor and productiveness. 



