ANNUAL EXHIBITION, 1856. 309 



the Stan wick nectarine, which proved superior to any 

 other variety the committee had ever tasted. Septem- 

 ber 3 was prize day for asters ; and the display was 

 superior even to that of the preceding year, there 

 being nearly twenty contributors. October 4, Isaac Fay 

 showed twelve Seckel pears weighing fifty-one and a 

 quarter ounces ; and Samuel Kemp, an equal number 

 weighing fifty ounces. The exhibition of pears on that 

 day as a whole was unsurpassed at any weekly show, 

 nearly every contribution being well grown, and of extra 

 size. 



The annual exhibition was again held in the Music 

 Hall, and, though superior in many respects, was not, 

 as a whole, equal to some former exhibitions. The 

 general arrangement of the hall was the same as the 

 year previous ; but a greater profusion of evergreens 

 and flowers was used in decoration. The ceiling was 

 festooned with streamers of various colors, and the col- 

 umns were prettily wreathed. On the railings of the 

 balconies were the names of prominent botanists, hor- 

 ticulturists, pomologists, and benefactors of the Society. 



The display of pot plants, though not large, was an 

 improvement on that of the preceding year, and that of 

 cut flowers was uncommonly good. Many floral designs 

 were exhibited ; and, besides the successful competitors 

 for the six prizes, twelve persons received gratuities for 

 bouquets. 



The display of pears, which included many new va- 

 rieties, was, as usual, large and fine, as was also that of 

 apples ; while that of grapes was limited. Prizes were 

 offered this year for the best display of vegetables ; yet 

 the show was not equal to that of some former years, 

 many of the liberal and extensive contributors being 



