322 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



hut foiiiid upon trial to l)o important and profitable changes. He 

 has learned to think for himself — to see that a practice is not neces- 

 saril}' ri^lit because it is old ; and he is more favorably disposed 

 to the adoption of every useful improvement, and to at least a 

 partial belief in the benefits to be derived from science. The im- 

 portance of thorough cultivation and a liberal a[)plication of the 

 proper fertilizers, the value of pure and reliable seeds, and the 

 very great importance of the most approved system of forcing 

 houses for the forwarding of vegetables out of season, are matters 

 which have come to be pretty generally acknowle:lged ; so that our 

 horticultural exhibitions especially, and the larger markets to a 

 certain extent, already show decided evidences of progress in the 

 art of growing good vegetables, both in and out of season. 



The prediction, made by your Committee in a former report, in 

 regard to offering prizes for forced vegetables instead of depending 

 on gratuities only (as was the custom previous to last 3'ear), has 

 already been fulfilled. Never since the existence of the Societ}- 

 have there been so large and tine displays of these objects, as were 

 to be seen on our tables the first Saturdays of Januar}- and Feb- 

 ruarj', the past season. The exhibits consisted of Cucumbers, 

 Radishes, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Parsley, Tomatoes, Asparagus, 

 Rhubarb, Dandelions, Chives, Water-cress, Mint, and several 

 choice specimens of Celery — from thirteen different contributors. 

 The result of these exhibitions has far exceeded the expectations 

 of your Committee, and is without precedent. The first of these 

 exhibitions occurred before the regular Schedule of Prizes for the 

 year was published ; and notwithstanding advance slips of the 

 prize lists were printed and sent out by the Secretary to all who 

 were thought likely to contribute, there were doubtless many who 

 would otherwise have contributed, but were not reached b}- these 

 notices. 



At tlie weekly shows there has been a constantly increasing in- 

 terest manifested; the exhibits have generally been of superior 

 character, and in great variet}'. Competition, in most instances 

 has been remarkal)ly close, and quite a large number of new and 

 constant contributors have been gained. 



AsrAKAGUS. — The standard set by John B. Moore at our exhibi- 

 tions, as a grower of this vegetable, has always been high. In- 

 deed, as far back as we can remember, he has always made it a 

 point that all \\\o first prizes for tliis favorite vegetable should go to 



