FIRST ROSE SHOW, 1849. 287 



these was the Society's gold medal, voted to Gen. Dear- 

 born on the 6th of January, for the essential services 

 rendered by him to the science of horticulture and the 

 interests of the Society, during the period when he pre- 

 sided over its affairs, and when that noble monument of 

 his devotion to its interests, Mount Auburn Cemetery, 

 was projected. The second was the award of a piece 

 of plate, of the value of twenty-five dollars, to J. F. 

 Allen, as a testimonial of the appreciation by the 

 Society of his contributions of hothouse fruits to the 

 exhibitions of past seasons. 



There has seldom been so unfavorable a year as 1849 

 for the apple, pear, and other fruits, on which the 

 interest of the Society's exhibitions largely depends. 

 And not only were they diminished in extent as regards 

 fruits ; but we find less than usual worthy of mention in 

 the department of plants and flowers. The first special 

 Rose Show, or semi-annual exhibition, ever held by the 

 Society, was on the 25th, 26th, and 27th of June. The 

 weather had been exceedingly hot and dry the week 

 previous, and many plants had begun to feel the effects 

 of the drought ; yet the show was much better than had 

 been anticipated under these circumstances. The roses, 

 which were the main feature, were surpassingly fine, 

 some of them excelling any ever before exhibited, and 

 were supplied in liberal quantity. The display of pot 

 plants was limited ; but the specimens were remarkably 

 well grown. Grapes were shown in large quantities and 

 numerous varieties, as well as of fine quality. Peaches, 

 figs, and strawberries were also shown ; but, owing to 

 the lateness of the season, the last named fruit was not 

 so fine as was anticipated. A special list of prizes was 

 prepared for this exhibition, besides which liberal gra- 



