REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS. 253 



length of time many changes take place ; often less enthusiasm is 

 manifested, and perhaps the interest of the cultivator is turned in 

 another direction ; but we are pleased to say that the evidence 

 given at Mr. Smith's shows an increased interest in the same pur- 

 suits. Small fruits command the most attention, the object being 

 to supply the family with good fruit as long as it can be obtained, 

 and, with the apples added to the list, fruit is furnished for the 

 table nearly, if not quite, the year round. It must be remem- 

 bered that Mr. Smith is not engaged in fruit growing for profit, 

 and the work is accomplished with the help of one man. The 

 cause of his success lies in his love for the work and his com- 

 mendable enthusiasm in the endeavor to produce the best fruit 

 that culture and skill will give. The results which have been 

 obtained ought to satisfy the most ambitious. The term "small 

 fruits," is well understood as applying to the Strawberry, Rasp- 

 berry, Currant, and Gooseberry. Their uses for the dessert, and 

 the making of preserves and wines, are of great importance. The 

 Strawberry, ahead}' referred to in our report upon Mr. Barnard's 

 garden, is a fruit of great value to the amateur, and several of the 

 best varieties are found here. The Raspberry, so highly prized as 

 a choice table fruit, is very successful!}' grown. The Currants — 

 Red, White, and Black — also receive good care and attention, the 

 collection comprising the best varieties. Gooseberries have re- 

 ceived special attention and Mr. Smith has been very successful 

 with them, of which the fine fruit shown by him from year to year 

 at the Society's exhibitions has given ample proof. Apples, Pears, 

 Quinces, Plums, and Grapes are all successfully grown, and none 

 but the best varieties find a place in the garden. 



Ornamental plants and flowers also receive a due share of atten- 

 tion. The Rhododendron bed is healthy and flourishing as is also a 

 good collection of Hj'brid Perpetual Roses. A fine assortment of 

 summer bedding plants adds to the attractive appearance of the 

 grounds. In the winter months the conservatory attached to the 

 house is filled with a choice collection of flowering plants, adding 

 very much to the cheerfulness of the library, from which it is 

 entered. To keep up a good supply of plants for the conservatory 

 a small and convenient propagating house has been built during 

 the past season. The cold grapery, which has always been 

 a source of satisfaction to the owner, is still in good order, and no 

 season has passed since the vines commenced bearing, without 



