22 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



many superb collections have been exhibited by Mr. Hunnewell, we 

 feel that we are safe in saying this has never been equalled. 

 Francis B. Hayes also exhibited a small collection. In our last 

 report maybe found a carefull}" prepared list of choice varieties, 

 which we think will be of use to anj- one about maldng a collection 

 of rhododendrons. 



Hardy Azaleas were shown by Hovey & Co., E. Shepherd, and 

 B. G. Smith, each exhibiting a good collection of choice varieties. 

 We append a list of the ten varieties exhibited by B. Gr. Smith, 

 which were very fine and showed good care in their selection. No 

 other lists were handed the committee. 



Baron Pycke. — Large, orange. 



Coccinea. — True scarlet. 



Cruenta. — vScarlet, fine. 



Gloire de Belgique. 



Graf von Mer an plena. — Fine rose. 



Narcissijiora. — Splendid yellow. 



Ne plus ultra. — Extra orange. 



Othello. 



Princeps spedosa. 



Prince Frederick. 



The hardy Azalea deserves more general cultivation than it now 

 receives. There is no hardy plant that requires less care ; it will 

 flourish well in any good garden soil. The plants may be massed 

 with other shrubs, but produce the best effect in groups by them- 

 selves on the lawn. If planted in a partially shaded place the 

 flowers will last much longer in perfection. 



Roses. — The plants in pots and the cut flowers shown from time 

 to time have been among the very best contributions placed upon 

 the Society's tables ; and for the past two or three years, the 

 annual rose shows have steadily improved. Your Committee 

 thought that the show of 1876 could hardly be equalled, but that of 

 1877 far exceeded our most sanguine expectations. At the Rose 

 Show held June 20th, WiUiam Gray, Jr., exhibited the following 

 new varieties sent out since 1873 : 



Antoine Mouton. — Fine orange rose ; very large, full and fine. 



Madame Lacharme. — Very vigorous ; flowers very large, full, 

 beautifully formed ; while opening slightly shaded with rose in 

 the centre, changing into pure white ; a superb rose. 



Madame Marius Cote. — Flowers clear red, i)assing to deep rose ; 

 cup shaped ; very large, full, fine form ; growth very vigorous. 



