REPORTS. 



REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PLANTS AND FLOWERS, 



FOR THE YEAR 1874, 

 By JOHN G. BARKER, Chairman. 



The exhibiflons of the past year may be safely said to have been 

 among the most successful ever held by the society. Particularly 

 is this true of those held during the early months of the year, 

 which is undoubtedly owing, in a large degree, to the discussions 

 held at the same times. At each of these exhibitions rare and 

 fine specimens of Flora's choicest productions were presented, and 

 a growing interest has been continually manifested in this depart- 

 ment of the society's work. The number of exhibitors has been 

 about the same as last year ; those whom we have been accus- 

 tomed to look upon as regular contributors having been constant 

 in their attendance, and performing their part well, and the changes 

 being less than usual. The valuable contributions from Louis 

 Guerineau of the Cambridge Botanic Garden, which always added 

 very much to the interest of the exhibitions in the way of new and 

 rare plants, have been missed during the past year ; and it is with 

 regret that we hear that Mr. Guerineau has left the country ; but 

 the many others whose names are familiar to all, have always 

 brought in their best productions. The new and rare plants of 

 James Comley, the splendid orchids of E. S. Rand, Jr., the hand- 

 some geraniums of Wm. Gray, Jr., the superb flowers from Joseph 

 Clark, the well arranged cut flowers from James O'Brien and 

 others, the neat and handsomely arranged baskets by the ladies, 



