REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS. 251 



and best collections known, and without any doubt it includes 

 more unique and rare specimens than can be seen in any other 

 place. We feel justified in making this statement, as it is based 

 on testimony given by those who have seen all the large collections 

 in the country. To he able to appreciate them one must see them, 

 and it is gratifying to know that visitors are always welcome, and 

 that all who wish may enjoy the pleasure which a visit only can 

 give. Many other things might be properly mentioned ; the 

 foliage plants are truly charming ; particularly the Crotons, Ferns 

 of luxuriant growth, Aralias, and Palms in the most healthy con- 

 dition, and some twenty varieties of Nepenthes, or Pitcher Plants 

 as they are popularly called. These superb specimens are grown 

 in baskets suspended from the roof of the house, and are so curious 

 and interesting that attention is at once drawn to tliem, and they 

 always excite admiration. There is also a large collection of Aza- 

 leas ; in fact there seems to be nothing lacking that is necessary to 

 make up a choice collection of all the rare and valuable plants found 

 in such places. Neatness and cleanliness are the rule, in the elegant 

 reception room, the glass houses, and the potting room. We have 

 confined this report entirel}' to the orchids, with a brief mention 

 only of other plants, but we hope that we may have the privilege 

 ot speaking to you at some future time of the grounds, where we 

 noticed many rare trees and shrubs. 



We desire to express our sincere thanks to Mr. Robinson for 

 his kindness on each of our visits, and for the interesting facts 

 which form a large part of this report. The excellent condition 

 of all the houses and plants gives the most abundant evidence of 

 his skill and ability to execute the trust committed to him. 



Strawberry Garden of Samdel Barnard, Belmont. 



The second visit of the season was to see the Strawberry Gar- 

 den of Mr. Barnard, at Belmont. We cannot add anything to our 

 report of last year's visit, except that in all respects the crop was 

 full}' equal to that of 1888, and those who had not the privilege of 

 a visit to his grounds, but did attend the Strawberr}' Exhibition, 

 had the evidence before them, in the exhibits made there, that 

 Mr. Barnard's crops of this fruit are of superior merit ; no exhibits 

 from any individual have surpassed his. The strawberry is a wel- 

 come fruit, not onh' on account of its being the earliest of the 

 small fruits, but because it comes within the reach of all, rich and 



