344 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



ascertained until the period embraced in this chapter, 

 though they were introduced before. In new seedlings 

 originated here the greatest advance was shown in the 

 gladiolus ; but the phlox continued to be a favorite 

 subject for improvement ; and the hardy rhododendrons, 

 Japan lilies, and petunias, and many others on a smaller 

 scale, were the subjects of successful experiments. 

 Closely connected with this department is the growth 

 of a better taste in regard to the arrangement of flowers 

 in bouquets, baskets, and designs. The establishment 

 of the Committee on Gardens marks the progress, not 

 only of improvement in the culture of fruit, flower, and 

 vegetable gardens, but of taste in the laying out of 

 ornamental and pleasure grounds with artistic effect. 



In the less showy but not less useful department of 

 the kitchen garden, we have noted the zeal of cultiva- 

 tors in testing large collections of potatoes, beans, 

 squashes, and turnips, and the improved varieties ori- 

 ginated or introduced. As, perhaps, the most striking 

 instance of improvement, we may mention the tomato, 

 now universally used, but in 1845 comparatively un- 

 known. The only kind then generally cultivated was 

 exceedingly irregular in form, and soft in texture ; but 

 in 1864 some of the smooth and solid varieties which 

 have superseded that had appeared. The Hubbard 

 squash, which keeps so much longer and better than 

 the Marrow, was one of the most important vegetables 

 gained by our cultivators. Not only were many new 

 varieties introduced, but the quality of those exhibited 

 showed a marked improvement in cultivation. 



The twenty years from 1845 to 1864 were years of 

 marked prosperity to the Society; and though the period 

 includes several of the most inauspicious seasons ever 



