REPORT or THE COMMITTEE ON FLOWERS. 47 



ical forest of the rarest productions. The irregular manner in 

 which tlie small, low tables were placed, seemed to receive favor 

 from all. Visitors who are constant attendants at exhibitions in 

 all parts of the country pronounced the arrangement the best they 

 had ever seen, the special feature being that not a single plant was 

 crowded out of sight, but each could be seen by itself. The stands 

 of cut flowers under the balconies, with the darker colored walls for 

 a background, produced the finest effect ; the table for bouquets, 

 baskets of flowers, designs, etc., being on the stage, where it could 

 be seen from various parts of the hall, also producing a grand 

 effect. Not only was the principal floor all filled, but the contribu- 

 tions came in so largely that it became necessary to remove the 

 seats from the balconies, and place tables and stands there, which 

 also added much to the attractions of the exhibition from the main 

 floor. 



Nearly all the visitors availed themselves of a visit to the balco- 

 nies, to view the whole scene, which was most effective. There you 

 could see the stately Tree F'erns, the magnificent l^alms, the grace- 

 ful Ferns, and the hundreds of other magnificent plants, in all their 

 splendor We doubt very much if ever such a scene has been wit- 

 nessed this side of the tropics. There seemed to be nothing want- 

 ing, and it must have proved to all that even in icy cold New Eng- 

 land the rarest and most tender plants can be grown. All honor to 

 the ardent lovers of flowers, who have spent fortunes to obtain 

 these rare and valuable plants, and have done, and are still doing, 

 so much to make our exhibitions a success. Long may thej^ live and 

 prosper in their noble work ; and with this brief introduction we 

 call your attention first to the magnificent collection of plants from 

 E. Butler, gardener to Wellesley College, which were exceedingly 

 well grown, and were in the healthiest condition, showing that no 

 pains have been spared to bring them to the highest perfection. 

 This collection comprised the following species : — 



Alocasia macrorhiza variegata, Lygodium scandens, 



Cissus discolor, Maranta pardina, 

 Cacos coronata, " zebrma, 



Cycas circinalis, Musa ensete, 



Dracaena ferreUf Pavetta horhonica,, 



" indivisa, Pritckardia Gaudichiana, 



" spectabihs, Sansev.iera angulensis. 

 Beliconia angustifoliay 



