278 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



varieties of apples, pears, peaches, plums, and cherries 

 exhibited before it, the names of the successful varieties 

 were published as a " special prize list of fruit." 



The eighteenth annual exhibition occurred on the 

 16th, 17th, and 18th of September, the general arrange- 

 ments being much like those of the previous year. It 

 was deemed expedient to leave the hall as it came from 

 the hands of the architect, to show its own fair propor- 

 tions, and not to attempt any studied decorations other 

 than such as might be offered in the shape of wreaths, 

 bouquets, and floral designs, and to avoid an excess 

 of ornament, and a display of sombre green. The col- 

 lection of fruit was remarkably -good. The pears were 

 not so numerous or so fine as the year before ; but this 

 was more than made up by the splendid peaches and 

 still finer grapes. The two central fruit tables were 

 ornamented with four marble statues of the seasons, 

 the Society's new marble vases, and the rich Chinese 

 vases presented "by Mr. Bradlee, in which were large 

 pyramidal bouquets. The season had not been favora- 

 ble to the dahlia ; and the asters which had in previous 

 years supplied its place were also comparatively few in 

 number. But the floral ornaments and decorations 

 more than made up for any deficiency in the stands 

 of cut flowers, and, taken as a whole, fruits, flowers, 

 designs, and decorations combined, no exhibition had 

 ever been more attractive. The designs were similar, 

 in general character, to those of the previous year ; but 

 there was an improvement in the style and finish. 



One of the earliest measures adopted by the Society 

 in 1847 was the establishment of a list of " Prospective 

 Premiums" for objects to be originated subsequent to 

 A.D. 1846, and which should, after thorough trial, be 



