238 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



stand was filled with double China asters. In the rear 

 of these tables, forming the background, was a mass of 

 white pines and plants in pots. In front of the second 

 and third galleries were hung the paintings belonging 

 to the Society, with ' festoons of flowers between the 

 supporting pillars. The entrance passage was densely 

 lined with evergreens. The exhibition was visited by 

 upwards of three thousand persons. The effect by gas 

 light was beautiful beyond description ; and the crowd 

 which thronged the hall on the last evening seemed 

 unwilling to leave it. For choice and rare flowers, and 

 especially new and excellent fruits, the exhibition was 

 far in advance of that of the previous year, or of the 

 highest anticipations which had been formed. An elo- 

 quent address on Theoretical and Practical Horticulture 

 was delivered at the Odeon by John Lewis Kussell, who 

 had succeeded Dr. Ward as professor of horticulture. 

 Towards the conclusion Professor Russell said, 



" The review of the past year is such as to encourage us in our 

 efforts. The weekly exhibitions at the Society's rooms have 

 afforded specimens of taste, skill, and enterprise. The establish- 

 ment of two magazines devoted to horticulture speaks highly in 

 favor of an increasing taste in the community. The list of new 

 members, and the remembrance of those abroad in valuable dona- 

 'tions, evince a good state of things and a degree of prosperity 

 ever to be desired." 



The winter of 1834-35 was one of unexampled 

 severity ; but the succeeding summer and autumn were 

 very favorable, particularly for the dahlia. The absence 

 of severe frost, and the extremely fine weather all 

 through October, prolonged the display of flowers at 

 the Society's room. "The dahlias from Marshall P. 

 Wilder, Samuel Sweetser, Samuel Walker, William E. 



