28 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Reporj of THE Committee on Plants and Flowers, 



FOE THE YEAH 1809. 

 BY J. C. HOVEY, CHAIRMAN. 



As the year draws to a close, we are reminded of the duty we owe 

 to the Societj', in the shape of an Annual Report of the doings of the 

 Flower Committee during the year. 



The past season, up to the 8th of September, was a most favorable 

 one for floriculture. 



The Winter was mild and the Spring opened early, though late frosts 

 continued at intervals until May 23d. 



The Summer months were remarkably free from very dry or stormy 

 weather; this had the effect to much improve the displays at the weekly 

 exhibitions throughout the season, both in quality and quantity. 



On the 8th of September we were visited, more particularly in the 

 eastern portions of the State, with one of the most terrific gales on 

 record; not only did it destroy nearly all the Annuals and Bedding 

 Plants, but many of the finest forest and ornamental trees; though of 

 less than one hour's duration it left our gardens perfect wrecks. 



The first frost of the season occured October 6th, but, being quite 

 light, did little damage, and the remaining flowers continued to bloom 

 some ten days later, before overtaken by a black frost. 



One of the most important features of our weekly exhibititions have 

 been the fine displays of novelties; this class included many fine hybrid 

 seedling flowers, and although forming a small part of our exhibitions. 

 it is, nevertheless, one of the most interesting, and we are glad to notice 

 that artificial hybridization, so long practised by European horticul- 

 turists with such gratifying results, is receiving the attention from our 

 members which it deserves. 



Special Premiums. — Of the six premiums offered for Roses by Vice 

 President Hunnewell, three have been awarded, namely, the first, for the 

 best collection of twenty named varieties of Hardy Perpetuals to J. C. 

 Chattin, the same gentleman to whom was awarded the first Hunnewell 

 Premium in this class last year. The second award was for the best 

 collection Moss Roses, to W. C. Harding, and the third for the best gen- 

 eral display of Pot and Cut Roses, to Francis Parkman ; each of the 

 collections were excellent in every resjiect. The very liberal premium 

 of $50, for the best six specimen Pot Roses, has not been awarded. 



