252 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



than the other two. In these alcoves were placed some 

 of the most splendid bouquets which ever graced the 

 room. They were backed by evergreens, and in front 

 festooned by a variety of brilliant flowers, which ren- 

 dered them objects of great interest, and added much 

 to the coup d'ceil upon entering the room. The cor- 

 nices of the room were also beautifully festooned, which 

 contributed in no small degree to the display. 



On the tables on each side of the room were arranged 

 collections of plants, many of them fine specimens. 

 The Chama3rops humilis, with its pendent fan-like 

 foliage, the sago palm, the thick and fleshy foliage of 

 the Ficus elastica (India-rubber tree), the myrtle-like 

 blossoms of the tall and graceful Eugenia, the noble 

 leaf of the banana, intermixed with the grotesque forms 

 of the Cacti, contributed to make up a fine display. 

 On one side of the room the plants formed a rich and 

 deep background to the mass of splendid blooms of 

 the dahlia, which filled the stands the whole length; 

 and the dark foliage, contrasted with the rainbow hues 

 of this flower, heightened and set off their appearance 

 with great effect. 



The exhibition of fruits was remarkably fine, and the 

 variety of specimens very numerous. Among other 

 new pears, the Flemish Beauty was shown for the first 

 time under that name. The exhibition of vegetables 

 was not as good as the previous year. There being a 

 great number of strangers in the city, the room was 

 crowded with visitors, all of whom seemed to be highly 

 gratified with the display. The Committee of Arrange- 

 ments dined together at the Exchange Coffee House, 

 with the usual pleasantness amd good feeling. 



The first Grand Dahlia Show of the Society was held 



