PLANTS AND FLOWERS IN 1875. 411 



unfavorably, and to necessitate postponing the awards 

 of some of the prizes ; but the exhibitions as a whole 

 were successful, and the visitors were numerous, and 

 manifested much gratification with the displays. 



The exhibitions of flowers through the winter in 

 connection with the meetings for discussion were more 

 interesting and extensive than ever before. On the 

 13th of March, the library room being insufficient, the 

 lower hall was opened for the largest and finest exhi- 

 bition ever made at that season of the year. The first 

 object deserving of special mention in the flower de- 

 partment was the fine display of Hybrid Perpetual roses 

 in pots, by James Comley, on the 27th of February. 

 This was the beginning of those beautiful exhibitions, 

 which, stimulated by the offer of liberal premiuns, have 

 since added greatly to the attractions of our shows in 

 February and March. The first special Pelargonium 

 Exhibition was held on the 15th of May, when, besides 

 the Society's premiums, liberal prizes were offered by 

 William Gray, jun., of which that for the best speci- 

 men Zonale not variegated was gained by Hovey & Co., 

 with Harold, and that for the best variegated Zonale, by 

 the same gentlemen, with Florence. The show was 

 decidedly successful, nearly two hundred plants being 

 exhibited, and ail well grown. At the rose show the 

 Hunnewell special prize for the best twelve Hybrid 

 Perpetuals of one variety was awarded to William 

 Gray, jun., for Madame Laurent, and the second to John 

 C. Chaffin, for Madame Victor Verdier. The prize for 

 the best specimen plant was taken by James Comley, 

 with Dracaena Shepherdii. During the summer, prizes 

 were offered for cut flowers of fifty named greenhouse 

 plants, and on alternate weeks for fifty named annuals 



