REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS. 343 



SO frequent mention of visits to this place that little can here be 

 said by wa}- of addition to our former reports. The Rhododen- 

 dron tent has been largely increased in size, and many fine varie- 

 ties have been added to the already extensive collection. It is 

 gratifying to remark, in this community, a more general desire to 

 cultivate these valuable decorative plants ; which are certainly 

 among the most beautiful means of adorning grounds. Many a 

 northern exposure, now barren and wild, could be beautified by 

 the use of the rhododendron. There are no ornamental plants 

 that will paj' for the care and attention given them better than 

 rhododendrons ; let the work be done well at first, and the attention 

 they require afterward is but little. 



The spacious dwelling in process of erection at our last visit 

 is now completed and has the appearance of an English mansion 

 house, being built of natural stone collected on the place ; 

 while its location, well back from the entrance and surrounded by 

 the native forest, gives it a very picturesque and attractive setting. 



Grounds of Charles S. Sargent. 



Our second visit was at Mr. C. S. Sargent's ; his beautiful estate, 

 situated in the charming town of Brookline, is well known to 

 nearly all the members of the Societ3% very many having enjoyed 

 frequent visits there. We were received most heartily at the resi- 

 dence of Mr. Sargent, and enjoyed very much the cordial recep- 

 tion given us there, as well as the opportunity for a reunion and 

 further acquaintance with other guests of the occasion. 



In a niche at the rear of the house on a broad piazza, and 

 facing the lawn, a tent was erected, which was well filled with an ex- 

 cellent collection of Indian Azaleas, of the finest varieties and all in 

 flower. The multitude of fine specimens, comprising almost every 

 shade of color, formed a beautiful exhibition in itself. We regret 

 to record the death of the splendid specimen of Decora, which has 

 been frequently shown at the exhibitions of the Society, and was 

 one of the finest plants ever known. 



While admiring this beautiful collection of plants we wondered 

 why more of them are not cultivated ; especially considering 

 with what ease they can be grown, and how conveniently they can 

 be controlled as regards their time of flowering, by keeping them 

 back, when desired, in a temperature of 40° to 45° — the same as 



