82 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



spoiled, but they germinated in tbree weeks. Peach stones and 

 the seeds of our native plants germinate much sooner for being 

 exposed to frost. The effect is the same in both cases — to 

 rui)ture the fibres or covering which encloses the germ. 



Mr. Wilder called attention to the flowers of camellia Mrs. Abby 

 Wilder, exhibited bj^ him, comprising seven different specimens, 

 from pure white to deep pink, confirming his previous remarks in 

 relation to the sports of this variety. 



Mr. Rand spoke of a A^ery rare orchid which he had brought in, 

 — Piliimna (formerly TricliopiUa) fragrans. The fragrance is 

 very powerful, and more agreeable than that of any other flower 

 with which he is acquainted, and is a mixture of that of Liliunt 

 auratum. and the garden narcissus. This plant has been in bloom 

 a fortnight. It is a cool orchid, but very difficult of cultivation. 



The Committee on Discussion announced for next week a paper 

 on " Natural Sports and the Influence of the Stock on the Graft, 



and vice versa." 



MEETING FOR DISCUSSION. 



Saturday, February 27, 1875. 

 The discussion was introduced by the following essay : — 



Natural Sports, and the Reciprocal Influence of 

 Grafts and Stocks. 



by charles m. ho\'ey. 



These are subjects of very great interest, and the latter a sub- 

 ject prolific of discussion, and one which can scarcely be dealt 

 with satisfactorily in the brief compass of these essay's. Though 

 coupled together for discussion, they are yet somewhat distinct in 

 their nature, and I shall treat them separately, first alluding to 

 " Natural Sports." 



And this leads to the question, What is a natural sport? To 

 most horticulturists and cultivators of experience this may 



