226 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



The Autumn Exhibition of Plants, Flowers, Fruits, and Vege- 

 tables held November 1-5, while somewhat below the average in 

 floral displays, was noteworthy for the fruit and vegetable exhibits, 

 which were of unusual excellence and in their artistic arrangement 

 were equal to anything ever before shown in the halls. 



The other details of the year's activities will be fully set forth 

 in the reports of the various committees and it would be only a 

 repetition to dwell further upon them in this report. 



The publications of the Society for the year have been as follow : 



February 24. Schedule of Prizes and Exhibitions for the year 

 1916, 56 pp. 



May 4. Transactions, 1915, Part II, pp. 114-267, and Plates 

 1-4. 



May 16. Preliminary Schedule of Exhibition of March, 1917, 



8 pp.* 



August 23. Transactions, 1916, Part 1, pp. 1-143. 



The Library. 



The usual flow of horticultural and agricultural accessions has 

 continued through the year, although the receipt of some foreign 

 periodicals has been interrupted on account of the European war. 

 The library seems to be more and more appreciated as is evident 

 from the use made of it by specialists from various sections of the 

 country who find it necessary to consult it in investigating subjects 

 of horticultural interest. 



The collection of nurserymen's and seedsmen's trade catalogues 

 has been increased by 534 during the year making the total number 

 of these 9740. This collection is proving of much historical value, 

 especially in determining the origin and date of introduction of 

 many of our popular garden plants, fruits, and vegetables. 



And lastly, and perhaps most important, the librarian is pleased 

 to state that the new catalogue is now being printed and a con- 

 siderable portion of it is already in type. 



William P. Rich, 



Secretary and Librarian. 



