24 MASSA< BTOSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



be a matter for experiment. All that can be said at present is that 

 in England these new Chinese plants have proved much hardier 

 than was expeeted and are giving even satisfaction. Since decid- 

 uous trees and shrubs generally from China and Japan thrive 

 better here than in England there is reasonable hope that the 

 majority of these new introductions, when established, will prove 

 hardy here around Boston. Should, however, only a moderate 

 percentage prove hardy they cannot fail to have great influence on 

 our gardens in the near future. A writer in a recent Kew Bulletin 

 declared the present to be the " Chinese era in horticultural history." 

 Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a strong term but those interested 

 will speedily learn that it is a simple truth. 



Plant collecting, like everything else, has its own peculiar diffi- 

 culties and disappointments. Nature herself, the birds of the air, 

 and the animals of the field and woodland often seemingly combine 

 and prevent the collecting of seeds of this or that particular plant. 

 These, however, are minor things. But no collector, be he ever so 

 energetic, can accomplish much unless ably supported by the men 

 at home who handle the seeds and cultivate the plants. Delays in 

 sowing the seeds, too much or insufficient water, and a hundred 

 and one things may ruin the work of the collector in the field. For 

 my own part I have been singularly fortunate in this respect. In 

 England my seeds were handled by the foremost propagators in 

 that country. In America by Jackson Dawson and others. I take 

 this opportunity of placing on record my whole-hearted appreciation 

 of the care and attention these competent and skillful propagators 

 have bestowed on the seeds and plants I have been privileged to 

 introduce. 



