REPORT OF THE GARDEN COMMITTEE, 1861. 329 



pears was far below the average, this was to some 

 extent compensated by the quality of the fruit pro- 

 duced, which was with respect to some varieties superior 

 to any before noticed. In the later exhibitions espe- 

 cially, the specimens were exceedingly fine and beau- 

 tiful. Among the varieties which showed the greatest 

 superiority were the Urbaniste, Marie Louise, Belle 

 Lucrative, Beurre D'Anjou, Beurre Langelier, Glout 

 Morceau, and Josephine de Malines. The only cherries 

 exhibited during the season were two baskets of very 

 beautiful May Dukes, from the forcing house of John 

 Fisk Allen. 



The Garden Committee reported that, while there 

 had been less display and competition than usual during 

 the season, a permanent and growing love of horti- 

 culture had been manifested. Very few, if any, of the 

 noted estates and gardens in the vicinity had suffered 

 from neglect ; and in some cases, though to a less extent 

 than in past years, new grounds had been opened, glass 

 structures erected, and other improvements made. No 

 places were entered for premium ; but a gratuity was 

 awarded to Edward S. Hand of Dedham, for his neatly 

 kept grounds and greenhouses, and superior collection 

 of orchids. His collection of new and choice exotics 

 generally, was reported as beyond question the finest 

 in New England, and under the most perfect culture. 

 A gratuity was also awarded to Edward S. Rand, jun., 

 for the skilful and economical laying out and manage- 

 ment of a new estate. 



The year 1862 was as propitious to the horticulturist 

 as the preceding was unfavorable, the crop of fruit, 

 especially, being even more abundant than in the plenti- 

 ful year 1860. Nor was this abundance confined to any 



