REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS. 285 



of the rarer Japan evergreens, so happily arranged as to form all 

 through the year a bright and attractive bed ; there is also near 

 the greenhouse another bed equally attractive. The herbaceous 

 border opposite the grapery is filled with a choice collection of 

 plants chosen with much care. The length of their flowering sea- 

 sou and the variet}' of color in the flowers of this class of plants, 

 bespeak for them a place in every well-ordered garden. 



The display of 7m Kcempferi, by Mr. Atkinson, was of unusual 

 beauty, and, for size of flower and variety' of color, exceeded 

 an3'thing that has been placed on exhibition. Indeed, so beauti- 

 ful are the colors of the flowers that they may be said to be almost 

 equal to some of the orchids. Those who wish to look them up 

 are referred to an article in " Garden and Forest," Vol. I, page 

 259, which will be read with profit and pleasure by all. 



Many of the shrubs are worthy of special mention. The Sibe- 

 rian Crabs are planted in a group opposite the grapery, and when 

 in flower were a sight not to be forgotten. The Japanese Maples 

 were very fine and exceedingly rich in their coloring. 



In going through the houses at a later date, we «aw very many 

 choice and well-grown plants that would be worthy of special 

 mention. The orchids, which are becoming so popular, receive a 

 good share of attention, and when seen a few days ago, were in a 

 very promising condition. The Cattleyas, Laelias, Cypripediums, 

 Odontoglossuras, etc., showed signs of producing many flowers, and 

 their very health}' state gave evidence of the best cultivation. The 

 cool house, which, by the way, is a very excellent one, contained a 

 large collection of plants. Although quite small, many of them 

 showed a remarkably fine growth, and now form the basis of a 

 valuable collection, among which at no distant day, many excel- 

 lent specimens will be found. A glance through the diff"erent 

 houses brought to ©ur attention many choice and well-grown 

 plants. All were good, but among the flowering plants we could 

 not help noticing some old favorites and wondering wh}' the}' are 

 not more grown. The Habrothamnus elegans is free flowering and 

 alwaj^s in bloom ; and, for a decorative plant^ we were glad to see 

 a good batch of Thyrsicanthus rutilans, a most excellent winter 

 flowering plant, producing from the single, straight-growing shoots 

 long racemes of bright crimson flowers, which are borne on their 

 summits, and droop gracefully down to the surface of the pots. 

 They are highly decorative. Another old plant, peculiarly well 

 6 



