REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR TO THE STATE BOARD 

 OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE YEAR 1907. 



To the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture: — 



As Inspector of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society I have 

 to report that its work during the past year has been carried on 

 with unabated interest. The sum of .$5,500 was appropriated for 

 prizes and gratuities, which have been awarded for the encourage- 

 ment of those engaged in horticultural and agricultural pursuits. 



Thirteen public exhibitions of the products of the garden, green- 

 house, and farm have been held during the year in the society's 

 building, and it is not too much to say that they have fully equaled 

 in tasteful arrangement and comprehensiveness any previous 

 exhibitions of the society. 



While the floricultural exhibits have attracted, naturally, the 

 most attention, it is noteworthy that the displays of fruits and 

 vegetables have been also centers of interest on the part of the 

 visitors, and the philosophic observer cannot fail to be impressed 

 with the educational value of these exhibitions and their influence 

 in calling attention to the desirability of country life. 



Another feature of the year's work was an exhibition, in Septem- 

 ber, devoted exclusively to the products of children's gardens, 

 which called forth a very creditable showing on the part of the young 

 gardeners. 



In addition to the various exliibitions a course of ten free lectures 

 was given during January, February, and March, covering a wide 

 range of horticultural subjects. These were delivered by experts 

 in the several lines and attracted large and interested audiences. 

 A valuable feature of these lectures was the opportunity offered 

 for general discussion and for the answering of questions, of which 

 the audiences availed themselves very freely. 

 Respectfully submitted, 



Francis H, Appleton, 



Inspector. 

 Boston, December, 1907. 



257 



