REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANTS AND 

 FLOWERS FOR THE YEAR 1912. 



By T. D. Hatfield, Chaieman. 



The regular shows of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society 

 for 1912 were generally below the average. Competition was 

 poor so that a considerable amount of the appropriation for prizes 

 was unexpended. This should not be taken as meaning that too 

 much money was appropriated but rather that competition should 

 be stimulated. 



The special shows of the year — The Italian Garden and Sweet 

 Pea Show — were most successful which would indicate that special 

 features are necessary attractions. 



The Midwinter Flower Show. 



The Midwinter Flower Show, February 2-4, did not come up 

 to expectations although a liberal schedule was provided. Owing 

 partly to severe weather the classes were poorly filled and in many 

 there were no entries. The prizes for Indian azaleas, although 

 quite liberal, brought out few entries and it was really too early 

 for acacias and other hardwooded plants. Good prizes were offered 

 for Rambler roses in pots and for forced herbaceous plants, but no 

 entries were made. Most of these classes would have been better 

 deferred until the Spring Show. It seems, however, that cut roses 

 should have been shown. 



The carnation growers made a most creditable display and com- 

 petition was fairly full for most of the classes. 



The best white carnation was White Wonder; the best pink, 

 Gloriosa; best dark pink, Loris; crimson, Harry Fenn; scarlet. 

 Beacon; and yellow. Golden Ray. 



There were excellent primulas: Primula sinensis from William 



