REPORT 



OF THE 



COMMITTEE ON PLANTS AND FLOWERS, 



FOR THE YEAR 1875. 



By JOHN G. BARKER, Chairman. 



In making up our report of the past season's work we perform a 

 duty which, although somewhat arduous, is still in many respects 

 pleasant, for looking over our notes of the various exhibitions brings 

 to mind the many times that we have met each other, and the 

 pleasant circumstances that have called us together. There is no 

 pursuit which so much as that of horticulture brings the thoughts 

 and minds of all near each other, and those of the creature to the 

 Creator. All the exhibitions have been very successful, ahd the 

 various prizes have been more largely competed for than at any 

 previous season. The impromptu exhibitions have, as last year, 

 been of great interest, and have brought out some of the rarest 

 and best of Flora's productions. The attendance of visitors has 

 been numerous, and it must have been gratifying to them to wit- 

 ness the excellent displays, which have proved not only pleasant 

 but a source of instruction to all interested in horticulture. The 

 evident gratification manifested by the visitors may be regarded 

 as good proof of the favor in which the exhibitions are held. 

 Now that our premiums are open to all, may we not reason- 

 ably expect a much larger competition for the various prizes, and 

 a correspondingly increased interest in our work ? Those whom 

 we have been accustomed to look upon as regular exhibitors have 

 been constant with their contributions, and we have been per- 

 mitted to welcome some new ones. In endeavoring briefly to call 

 attention to some of the most interesting objects, we find it a mat- 

 ter of no little diflSculty, where all have been so good, to select for 



