PLANTS AND FLOWERS IN 1877. 427 



were placed in a low stand, where they might have been 

 fancied one of the gayest beds in a flower garden. The 

 largest plant had in 1875 and 1876 borne an average 

 of three hundred and eighteen flowers. No such display 

 had ever been made before, and the same may be said 

 of the stands of Hybrid Perpetual roses on the opposite 

 side of the hall, from John B. Moore, who received all 

 the premiums for roses, both pot plants and cut flowers. 

 As a whole, the exhibition was by far the finest ever 

 made by the Society at this season of the year. The 

 day was beautiful, and the show was witnessed by 

 crowds of admiring visitors. A week later, Mr. Moore 

 exhibited Hybrid Perpetual roses, which, though less in 

 number, were perhaps even finer in quality. 



The azalea exhibition was, on the whole, not up to 

 the standard of former years, and the pelargonium show 

 was not successful. In 1876 the committee thought the 

 rose show could hardly be equalled ; but that of 1877 

 far exceeded their most sanguine expectations. The 

 competition was more spirited, and the number of 

 visitors greater, than ever before. The number of ex- 

 hibiters also showed a gratifying increase, and the 

 interest in the show was much greater than if all the 

 prizes had been taken by a few contributors. The 

 special prize for the best twelve Hybrid Perpetual 

 roses of one variety was gained by John B. Moore, 

 with Alfred Colomb ; and that, for six flowers, by J. S. 

 Richards, with Louis Van Houtte. The chrysanthe- 

 mum show was by far the best ever held by the Society. 

 The plants from H. L. Higginson, both bush and stand- 

 ard, were superb specimens. The former were grown 

 in small pots, and furnished with foliage to the rims of 

 the pots. 



