240 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the cultivation of the same ; and to the Messrs. Win- 

 ship, for their long and valuable services as members of 

 the Society. These testimonials were pieces of plate, 

 of the value of fifty dollars each, inscribed in accord- 

 ance with the above votes. 



At this time the camellia was the most popular 

 greenhouse flower ; and during the winter of 1835 and 

 1836 several beautiful shows were made by Marshall 

 P. Wilder, Samuel Sweetser, the Messrs. Hovey, and 

 Thomas Mason, who were the most extensive cultiva- 

 tors. This winter was extremely severe, and the sum- 

 mer following was cold and unpropitious, with severe 

 drought in the latter part. The crop of cherries and 

 peaches was much injured. On the 2d of July, 1836, 

 Marshall P. Wilder exhibited fine specimens of Gladi- 

 olus floribundus. The annual exhibition was held on 

 Saturday, September 24, at the Artists' Gallery, a 

 spacious hall in Summer Street ; and although it was in- 

 tended for only one day, and not so great exertions were 

 made as at the show of the previous year, the quantity 

 of fruits and flowers shown was but little less, and the 

 specimens in many instances were superior, and includ- 

 ed many new and rare varieties. The flowers, particu- 

 larly the dahlias, were in the highest state of perfection. 

 The collection of pears shown by Eobert Manning 

 comprised about seventy varieties, among which we 

 notice for the first time the names of the Belle Lucra- 

 tive and Beurre Bosc. The address, by Ezra Weston, 

 jun., the recording secretary, was on the production of 

 new varieties of fruit, with an account of the theory of 

 Dr. Van Mons on this subject. Fruits of this season 

 were exhibited on the 4th of March, 1837, comprising 

 thirteen varieties of pears, the greater part of recent 



