REPORT 



OF THE 



COMMITTEE ON GARDENS, 



FOR THE YEAR 1886. 



By JOHN G. BARKER, Chairman. 



In submitting our report for the past season, we trust it will not 

 be devoid of interest to the Soeietj', although we have to report 

 no competition for any of the various premiums offered, except 

 those for vineyards. We have tried to offer sucli prizes as would 

 be sure to bring forward competitors, but regret to say that in this 

 particular we have been disappointed. We still cherish the hope 

 that those who are fortunate enough to possess places or objects 

 worthy of notice will not fail to call the attention of the Com- 

 mittee to them. It is true the prizes offered alwa3'8 relate to some 

 especial object ; still it is not intended to debar from the Commit- 

 tee's inspection everything except matters especially named. On 

 the contrary we shall always be glad to embrace in our report 

 anything that is of interest to the Society and will advance the 

 interests of horticulture ; and we sincerely hope for a more hearty 

 co-operation on the part of the members than it has been our lot 

 to enjov in the past. We also invite your attention to some slight 

 changes in the Schedule of Prizes. 



Oakmount, the llESinENCE OF Mas. Fkancis B. Hayes. 



Our first visit of the year was made at the grounds of our late 

 President, the Hon. Francis B. Hayes, the especial object being to 

 see the very fine display of Rhododendrons. We have made 



