The American Pomological Society. 279 



culture in those places, now in its infancy, is fully developed. The collec- 

 tions of peaches and native grapes rather disappointed us, as they were 

 far from equal to those shown at the St. Louis meeting two years ago. 



The show of pot-plants, for which the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society 

 is renowned, was not as good as usual, the larger specimens having been 

 excluded in order to give room to the collections of fruits ; and those con- 

 tributed were placed under the galleries, where the light was unfavorable 

 for the display of their beauties. Still the collection of caladiums, crotons, 

 lycopodiums, fuchsias, &c., was very fine ; and the century-plant bloomed 

 in honor of the occasion. Upon the stage at the end of the hall were 

 arranged a great variety of choice plants, which, with a miniature cascade 

 and beautifully painted scenery in the back-ground, produced a charming 

 effect. 



The address of the president, which was listened to with much interest 

 and applause, consisted mainly of a review of the progress of pomology 

 since the commencement of the science, and especially its wonderful growth 

 since the establishment of the society, with notices of the revision of the 

 catalogue, the effects of the inconstancy of the seasons, the deterioration 

 of varieties, &c. Appropriate notice was also taken of deceased members, 

 and a hearty greeting given to all, especially the Southern members, who 

 appeared at the meeting of the society for the first time after long absence. 



The last two days of the meeting were devoted to the discussion of the 

 different varieties of fruit ; and the debates, when collated and published, 

 as they will speedily be by the secretary, will form one of the most inter- 

 esting pomological documents ever given to the world, and advance the 

 catalogue another step towards completeness. Indeed, the value of these 

 reports is already recognized, as not merely local, but universal throughout 

 the country ; and a complete set forms a treasure for the library of the 

 pomologist. We have before us now a copy of the first report, a pamphlet 

 of about fifty pages, in strong contrast with the stout volume to which it 

 has since grown. 



We are not surprised that the success of this society should have generated 

 the idea, which was suggested by one of its most prominent members, of 

 extending its object, so that, instead of embracing simply pomology, it should 

 include general horticulture, thus forming a national horticultural society. 



