58 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



leaves or bare stems to be seen. The khids exhibited were chosen 

 for the beauty of their flowers, and were not the best for bedding 

 purposes. Mr. Gra3^'s golden and silver tricolors were grown in 

 smaller pots than usual, and the colors were finely brought out. 

 All the pots were plunged in spent hops, and the temperature by 

 day was allowed to rise to 70,° while the sun shone, care being- 

 taken to give abundant ventilation, but fell to about 45° at night, 

 affording exactly the conditions under which geraniums thrive best. 

 On entering the door the whole scene is before you, and Mr. Bar- 

 ker had never seen anything equal to it at this season of the year. 



Charles M. Hovey said the geranium luxuriates in a hot sun by 

 day, with a low night temperature, and requires plenty of air. 

 The English catalogues give two classes ; one for flowering in 

 pots, and one for bedding ; both of tricolors and bicolors, though 

 some are adapted for both purposes. The English appreciate the 

 zonale pelargonium as a winter bloomer. 



Some discussion occurred here between Mr. Hovey and Mr. 

 Barker as to the best form of house for pelargoniums, Mr. Hovey 

 maintaining that a lean-to was required to grow them in perfection, 

 while Mr. Barker hoped the impression would not go out that they 

 could not be grown quite as well on a flat stage. 



Edward S. Rand, Jr., had on exhibition a plant of DendroMum 

 macrophyllum giganteum {superbum). Mr. Rand remarked that 

 this was a rare East Indian species, which has generally been con- 

 sidered difficult to flower. It blooms only on the strongest shoots. 



Mr Rand also called attention to the Azalea Souvenir de Prince 

 Albert, exhibited by William Gray, Jr., as, though not one of the 

 newest, one of the best varieties, the flowers being very persistent, 

 and to the rose Baronne Rothschild, exhibited by James Comley, 

 as very fine and worthy of cultivation. 



Mr. Rand added, in regard to the subject previously under dis- 

 cussion, that the scarlet geranium is one of the best window plants, 

 provided the room is not kept too warm. He has them bi'ought 

 into the house from time to time, a plant remaining in bloom for 

 about six weeks. 



The President wished gentlemen to understand that they are not 

 limited to specimens exhibited, but that any subject connected with 

 our art is in order. 



