so MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



who have gardens and greenhouses, have been competitors for premi- 

 ums, or even contributors to our exhibitions. 



The Opening Exhibition was good, though smaller than usual, not 

 more than two-thirds of the premiums offered being awarded. The at- 

 tendance at this, and also at the Weekly Exhibitions through the season, 

 has much improved, and shows a gradually increasing interest. 



The Third Annual Exhibition of Roses was held on the 25th and 2Gth 

 of June, and filled both Halls. It was thought liest to make this a fee- 

 paying exhibition, as last year. The disjilaj' of Roses was larger and 

 better than at any previous Show for a number of years. Financially, 

 it was also a success, as the following figures will show: Total receipts 

 of exhibition, S2G2.25; expenses of exhibition, S200.88; balance over 

 expenses, S61.37. 



One of the most interesting features at our Weekly Exhibitions, have 

 been the large and fine collections of Native Plants, by our young lady 

 contributors. Premiums were offered the past season for this class of 

 plants, but as most of the contributors were not members of the Socie- 

 ty, gratuities had to be substituted in place of premiums. 



The display of Baskets of Flowers has also been much improved, and 

 now forms a very conspicuous part of our Weekly Exhibitions. 



During the past season fine displays of rare Hothouse Flowers have 

 been made from time to time from the Conservatory of Mrs. T. W. 

 Ward. Eight plants of Gloxinias from the same source were exhibited 

 at the Rose Show, which were pronounced perfect specimens in every 

 sense. 



The Annual Exhibition was all that could be desired, though much 

 crowded for want of space. On the first night of the Exhibition we 

 were visited by a frost, which, in some localities, was quite severe, pre- 

 venting a number of contributors from rei^lenishing their stands of Cut 

 Flowers. 



The amount appropriated by the Society for Floral Prizes was S1500. 

 Of this amount the Committee have awarded in Premiums and Gratu- 

 ities S1471, leaving a balance of S29 to the credit of the Committee. 



In closing this Report, we would call the attention of contributors to 

 the changes in the Schedule of Prizes for the ensuing year, especially 

 those at the Rose Show. 



J. C. IIOVEY, Chairman. 



Appi'oved, 



James McTear, 



E. F. Washburx, 



F. Parkman, 



C. H. B. Breck, 

 O. II. Peck, 



S. H GiBBENS. 



