254 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



which can be eaten with safety. It is useless to tell an ignorant 

 person how to distinguish a poisonous from a wholesome mush- 

 room. This knowledge can be safely gained only by learning 

 from those who know. Until such knowledge is acquired we can 

 only advise the masses to eat nothing but the one which everybody 

 is supposed to have learned to be the good Mushroom, (Agaricus 

 campestris) and the only one which is generally grown artificially. 



The largest exhibition of Native Mushrooms was made at the 

 weekly show, July 27. The contributors were Hollis Webster, 

 Annie M. Livsey of Crompton, R. I., Joseph H. Woodford, and 

 William C. Bates. The collection of Mr, Webster was a very 

 extensive one, comprising a large number of named specimens 

 both edible and noxious. On August 10, Charles E. Richardson 

 showed a good collection, and Ellen N. Rumrill another October 

 19. 



In view of the interest manifested both by members of the 

 Society and visitors, in acquiring a better knowledge of our Native 

 Mushrooms, it has been thought advisable to offer prizes the 

 comiog year for the best collection of named Edible Native Mush- 

 rooms. For further information those interested are referred to 

 the Schedule of Prizes for 1896. 



At the Annual Exhibition were to be seen a fine collection of 

 vegetables of all the best varieties, giving proof of the highest 

 cultivation, and displayed in tempting profusion. 



The show of Potatoes at this time was the largest and best the 

 Society has ever made. There were one hundred and six dishes 

 in all and not a really poor one among the lot. The first prize for 

 the best four varieties was awarded to C. H. Thomas of New 

 Hampshire. His specimens were splendidly grown and much 

 admired. 



The show of Tomatoes at this exhibition was equally fine and 

 fnU^ — one of the best ever made so late in the season. The 

 whole number of dishes was eighty-seven. Hon. Aaron Low was 

 the largest contributor, showing some twenty varieties. The first 

 prize for the best three varieties was awarded to Varnum Frost. 



At this exhibition we were indebted to William J. Martin, 

 gardener to Nathaniel T. Kidder, for a large collection comprising 

 upwards of sixty varieties of well-grown vegetables, tastefully 

 arranged and forming an interesting feature of the show. 



