ANNUAL EXHIBITION, 1865. 347 



time. Peaches were exhibited more abundantly than 

 for several years, and of the finest quality. The grape 

 fever raged higher, and many of Rogers hybrids and 

 other new varieties were tested. The show of apples 

 was small. The pear continued to grow in favor ; and 

 the Goodale and several seedlings from Dr. ShurtlefF 

 were shown. The prospective prize " for the best new 

 seedling pear, after a trial of five years," was awarded 

 for Dana's Hovey. The show of melons, both water 

 and green fleshed, surpassed any in former years. 



The annual exhibition was held September 19-22 in 

 the new halls,, which had just been dedicated. In con- 

 sequence of the long and excessive droughts, some 

 doubts were felt whether all the space would be filled ; 

 but these doubts were removed on the opening day. In 

 the upper hall there were three tables running the 

 whole length ; the centre one filled with a selection of 

 the choicest variegated leaved plants, intermixed with 

 Palms, Yuccas, Ropalas, and other noble specimens of 

 tropical vegetation. The two outside tables were cov- 

 ered with pears, and against the wall on each side was 

 a table for cut flowers. The stage was fitted up with 

 two tables, one of which was filled with beautiful flow- 

 ering plants, and the other with begonias and ferns. 

 On a semicircular table in front, choice bouquets of 

 various styles were placed as a background, and the 

 table was filled with peaches and pears. The ante- 

 rooms and lobbies were also occupied with fruit tables. 

 The lower hall was arranged like the upper, with five 

 tables, of which the centre one was filled with apples 

 and grapes, and the others with fine vegetables. On 

 the platform were huge cockscombs, coniferous plants 

 in pots, and miscellaneous plants. In the vestibule. 



