REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PLANTS AND FLOWERS. 175 



The Orchid family were out in full force and presented some of 

 the most wonderful forms and gorgeous colorings of any class of 

 plants. The Cypripediums from Pitcher & Manda, of Short Hills, 

 N. J., included many rare kinds, and some of them so beautiful 

 that one might with propriety affirm that they would adorn some 

 beautiful Cinderella in case she lost her glass slipper. Among the 

 rarest ones were : 



C. euryale, C. Javanico superbiejis, 



C. Gandavense, C. Pleistochlorum, 



C. Harrisianutn Pitcher ianum, C. superciliare ornatum. 



Among less rare kinds were fine specimens of C. Veitchii, C. 

 Lawrencecmuvi, and others. Other noticeable specimens were 

 Oncidium crispum, having about fifty flowers on the stem, each 

 measuring four inches across, and Trichopilea crispa var. gloxince- 

 Jiora with richly colored flowers. 



John L. Gardner's exhibition of Orchids, interspersed with 

 palms, was very imposing, and formed an attractive feature of the 

 show. 



The display of Delphiniums was very large, comprising some of 

 the best spikes ever seen of these flowers. 



Nathaniel T. Kidder showed flowers of Syringa Pekinensis. 

 This is a weeping shrub introduced by F. L. Temple. It is very 

 graceful in form and handsome in foliage ; the flowers, are white, 

 with a fragrance of the privet, and are produced in large panicles 

 on the ends of the branches, giving to a full grown plant the 

 appearance of a large green umbrella with a beautiful white fringe. 



June 29th was not a prize day, yet the exhibition of Iris Kmmp- 

 feri was the best we ever had. When we recollect that this 

 species of Iris was introduced into this country only a few years 

 ago, we are surprised at the progress made in producing new 

 varieties ; and yet we ought not to be, for our cultivators know a 

 good thing when they see it, and then the desire comes to improve 

 even that which is already good. William C. Strong showed the 

 largest collection. John L. Gardner sent three flowers each of 

 twenty-two named varieties. Edwin Fewkes & Son showed in 

 their numerous collection some fine seedlings, which they had 

 raised from carefully cross-fertilized seed, therebj^ getting new 

 colors and improved flowers. 



