^^: 



if]) 



318 THE GENESEK FARMER. 



such extracts from the proceedings, in regard to the merits of fruits, &c., as we shall 

 consider of more immediate interest. 



The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. — The day after adjournment, we had 

 an opportunity of glancing over the splendid exhibition of the Pennsylvania Horticultu- 

 ral Society. The great hall formerly known as the Chinese Museum, was filled with pot 

 plants, floral ornaments, and cut flowers. A fountain was playing away in the center, and 

 close to it was a pond., on the bosom of which floated the gorgeous and wonderful water 

 lily, Victoria regia. The specimen was small, but perfect. We noticed very large and 

 fine old specimens of exotics, such as collections of half a century's standing could alone 

 produce. The smaller plants were no way remarkable — at least, not remarkable for 

 their beauty — and were so mixed up for the purpose of heightening the general eftect, 

 that they could not be well examined. The Manetlia was trained into pretty figures, 

 on wire ; and being in full bloom, they were the most ornamental, and we think the 

 most tasteful objects in the room. The display of cut flowers was quite below what we 

 anticipated seeing. We noted but two or three collections of dahlias. The season has 

 been rather unfavorable for dahlias almost everywhere, as far as we are aware. 



The fruit and vegetables were shown in a hall above that devoted to the flowers, and 

 the display of these ^was, in our opinion, much better than the floral ; it as much 

 exceeded our expectations, as. the other fell below. The fruits were large, beautifully 

 colored, and exhibited in large quantities, making a magnificent appearance. The size 

 of some of the specimens surpassed anything we have seen. We had here the pleasure 

 of making an intimate acquaintance with some Pennsylvania varieties we much desired 

 to see at home. The show of vegetables, too, was exceedingly rich ; the articles were 

 grown in great perfection, and shown in profusion and excellent taste. There are good 

 practical gardeners about Philadelphia, and they receive ample encouragement from a 

 wealthy, refined, and liberal population. The markets are proof of this. 



We can not now go further in noticing objects and matters of interest, but will add 

 that our visit was a most pleasant one — by far too short. We await an opportunity to 

 reciprocate the kind attentions shown us. 



Pears that succeed well on the Quince. — During the State Fair, at Utica, a 

 few nurserymen and fruit growers held evening meetings, for the purpose of conversa- 

 tion or discussion on topics connected with fruits and fruit culture. Among other sub- 

 jects that came up at these meetings, was, " What pears really succeed well on the 

 quince, after several years' trial ? " The question was put, we believe, by J. J. Thomas, 

 and it was proposed that each one present should name such varieties as they had suSi- 

 cient experience with. The following varieties, and jjrobably a few others, were then 

 named : Louise Bonne de Jersey., Glout Morceau^ Vicar of Winkfield., Urbaiiisie, 

 Beurre Diel, Beurre d'Amalis, Panache., Long Green, Long Green Striped., White 

 Doyenne, Duchesse d' Angouleme, Bergamotte Cadette, Easter Beurre, Doyenne rf' hiver 

 d^Alencon, Stevens^ Genesee, Henry IV, Summer Francreal, Fig, Napoleon, Gray 

 Doyenne. We believe no one objected to any of the above twenty varieties, except 

 Stevens'' Genesee, with which some thought there had not yet been suflScient experience. 

 Urbaniste was stated to be a slow and poor grower on the quince when young, but to 

 improve with age. 



Of gentlemen present who participated in the remarks and doings, we remember 

 Wm. R. Prince, of Flushing ; C. M. Hovey, of Boston ; John J. Thomas, of Macedon ; 

 Prof. CoppocK, of Bufl"alo ; Dr. J, A. Warder, F. R. Elliot, and M. Kelly, of Ohio ; 

 H. E. Hooker, of Rochester. There is something definite and reliable in this kind of 

 information. 





