176 MASSACHTSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



E. Sheppard & Son showed thirty varieties of named Pelar- 

 goniums in fine form and rich colors. 



On account of the earliness of the season the weekly show 

 appointed for July 13. was held in connection with that of July 6th, 

 and for the same reason all the other weekly shows preceding the 

 Annual Exhibition were held a week earlier than the Schedule time. 

 These exhibitions were very good indeed. The flowers of all classes 

 in their season being at their best in each display commanded a large 

 attendance of visitors, who found great pleasure in these free 

 exhibitions of flowers, for they were such as no other city on this 

 continent, and no other society provides weekly for the education 

 of the masses in floriculture. We can take credit to ourselves for 

 the liberality manifested by this Society in thus opening these 

 shows to the public without charge, and when we hear the favor- 

 able comments made by eminent members of our fraternity from 

 distant places, who visit our shows while sojourning temporarily 

 in this city, it does our hearts good to know from their testimony 

 that no other Society in the United States compares with our own, 

 in the quality of its exhibitions or the welcome given bv its mem- 

 bers to visitors, either from this vicinity or from a distance. 



As we predicted, in one of our former reports, that certain flowers 

 would become more prominent in the near future, we take pleasure 

 in again alluding to that subject and noting the progress which 

 has lately been made. The first to which we will call attention is the 

 Sweet Pea. This flower has such intrinsic merit that it is no 

 wonder every one wants the old kinds. But some of our seed 

 growers are continually introducing new varieties. One of the 

 latest of these is Miss Blanche Ferry, grown by D. M. Ferry & 

 Co.. of Detroit. Michigan, which is of brighter color than the 

 old standard. Painted Lady. 



One excellent quality of the sweet pea is that it can be used in 

 connection with all other flowers, and while it does not cheapen 

 the others or lose its own individuality, it is always sweet and 

 beautiful. -James F. C. Hyde exhibited forty-four varieties. The 

 M. B. Faxon Special Prizes were taken by Joseph H. Woodford for 

 a bouquet, and William Patterson for twenty-five varieties. Every 

 one having a garden should grow a mixed collection of Sweet Peas. 



The Tropaeolnm is another flower that is engaging the attention 

 of gardeners to a greater extent than formerly. The colors are 

 excellent, and every day in the summer it gives out its wealth of 



