16 



production of new varieties from seed of their own raising. 

 We suspect that by proper pains, and by the use of means 

 well known to florists, well ripened seed may be procured. 

 Fortunate in this respect in one instance, and that the first 

 trial, we have reason to anticipate a tolerable degree of suc- 

 cess in subsequent efforts. Another favorable instance was 

 offered to our notice in the production of several seedlings, 

 which, however, will not show flower until the next season. 

 Artificial impregnation and the removal of the superfluous 

 petals, will cause the germ to swell and perfect its seed. By 

 these means, also, the chance of good crossed flowers is in- 

 creased. The Society's prizes for the current year were 

 awarded in the following order, viz : 



To Messrs Winship, Brighton, for the best display, a 

 premium of five dollars. 



To T. Mason, Charlestown, for the best six specimen 

 blooms, a premium of three dollars. 



To W. Meller, Roxbury, for the best seedling, a premium 

 of three dollars. 



The finest pinks we have ever seen are in the possession 

 of Mr Walker, Roxbury, with some seedlings of his own ; 

 and have been frequently offered for exhibition. Indeed to 

 him may be accredited the first successful efforts in their intro- 

 duction. It has been his aim to extend the culture of these favo- 

 rites. To Mr Meller, however, belongs the merit of the first 

 attempt at a public show of the pink, in his garden in Roxbury, 

 during the past year. He has raised several seedhngs of 

 value, from imported seed. These were offered for sale, 

 last spring. Thirtytwo seedling varieties, embracing the 

 purple and red laced, black, and white, and red, and white 

 star, were designated in his advertisements. A few of the 

 number were considered very fine. 



Till within a very few years w^e have been ignorant of the 

 humble beauties of the Pansey, the varieties of two distinct 



