308 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



vegetables. This is an increase on the appropriation of the past 

 year of $200, and shows not only that the Society fully recognizes 

 the present usefulness and importance of this branch of horticul- 

 ture, but that it has a distinct jDurpose and a progressive policy in 

 thus further encouraging and stimulating the efforts of those 

 engaged in it. 



Most of the specimens offered for prizes the past season have 

 possessed points of superior excellence. In a few instances, 

 as may be seen by reference to the list of awards, they have fallen 

 so far below the standard that the prizes have been wholly with- 

 held ; sometimes the first has been withheld and the second or 

 third awarded ; that course being followed which in the judgment 

 of the Committee was best adapted to each particular case. This 

 we are aware is exceedingly unpopular with some exhibitors, who 

 claim that an exhibitor is entitled to a first premium on the mere 

 o-round that he is the only one competing, although his specimens 

 may be very inferior. The Committee believe that the stricter 

 practice should be persistently followed, as thus only can the 

 standard of excellence be maintained, and poor and inferior 

 specimens be excluded from our exhibitions. 



The weekly exhibitions have, we think, been in advance of 

 those of last year. Competition has been unusually active, and 

 the exhibits, both as to quality and variety, have been among the 

 best, though by no means so large as we hope to see the coming 

 season. 



Peas have been shown in more than the usual quantity. Among 

 the earlier varieties, the American Wonder still takes the lead, 

 and at the Rose and Strawberry Show was awarded the first prize 

 over all competitors. Of the varieties of recent introduction. 

 Carter's Stratagem, Sharp's Early Paragon, and Invincible, seem 

 the most deserving of notice. The Stratagem is a new green 

 wrinkled pea of great merit, and prolial»ly the handsomest and 

 most productive of its class. The vines grow about two feet in 

 height, and are covered with immense pods, filled with peas of the 

 largest size, of the finest quality for the table. This variety was 

 shown by the Chairman, July 11, and has invariably taken the 

 first prize during the season, whenever it has been put in 

 competition. The Paragon and Invincible were shown by C. H. 

 Hovey & Co. Both were very attractive and both were awarded 

 prizes, — the Paragon receiving a first prize, and the Invincible 

 a second. 



