GARDEN COMMITTEE S REPORT. 6 



Rhododendron are probably unequalled in New England, being eight feet 

 high, six feet broad, well-furnished, and profusely set with flower buds. Mr. 

 Rand attributes their vigor to the cool, shaded and northerly exposure. A 

 striking specimen of Fagus laciniata, (Cut leaved Beech) ten feet high and 

 eight feet in width, and very dense, gave an unique contrast with larger trees. 

 Several specimens of English oak were much admired for their vigor and 

 depth of color. Not to dwell upon the perfectly kept walks and hedges and 

 lawns, we pass to the graperies, loaded with fruit ; the rose pit, in which Glorie 

 de Dijon reigns as queen, and come at last to the chief attractions of the 

 place — the greenhouse, the conservatory, and the stove. This collection of 

 new and choice exotics is beyond question the largest in New England, and 

 was under most perfect culture. Among variegated plants we noticed a fine 

 collection of Ansectochilus, ten varieties of Caladia, several new Viresia, noble 

 specimens of Cyanophyllum, twenty newest Begonias, and a great number of 

 others. The collection of Orchids in the Stove were worthy of undivided 

 attention. Especially noticeable were Aerides odorata. Nepenthes distil- 

 latoria, Cattleyas in variety, Sciiticarea Steelii, Stanhopeas, Lelias, Gongo- 

 ras, Cypripediums, Dendrobiums in variety, and a long list, which would 

 exceed our limit to enumerate. Of the more choice Ferns and Lycopods we 

 noticed a great number of beautiful specimens. No one can visit this varied 

 collection of the most curious and wonderful products of the vegetable king- 

 dom, without a feeling of gratitude to Mr. Rand. His plants are a public 

 benefaction, and an honor to the Commonwealth. They supply the place, so 

 far as p;ivate collections can, of a public garden of plants. Though not 

 accessible to many, yet this example is a stimulus to all. It is a help toward 

 a result, for the which we will not rest until it is attained, viz., a Public 

 Conservatory of Plants, worthy of the city of Boston, of the Commonwealth, 

 and of this Society. 



WILLIAM BACON'S PEAR ORCHARD. 

 Your Committee also visited the pear orchard of Mr. William Bacon, in 

 Roxbury, and found the trees in great vigor, and well loaded with fruit. 

 The advantage of protection from winter winds was very manifest, this garden 

 being surrounded by high walls, which saved the fruit buds. It is a matter of 

 surprise that these trees can continue to thrive in such a location — the surface 

 soil being but eighteen inches to two feet above the water level, in the driest 

 season. The secret is, that a constant and profuse supply of food is applied 

 on the surface, obtained from the city sewer, which flows through the ground. 

 So long as the surface roots can be so fed and stimulated the trees may 

 thrive, as they have heretofore, in a most marked degree, under Mr. Bacon's 

 management. But if, from any cause, the roots should for once venture down, 

 quick consumption would be sure to follow. As Mr. Bacon's garden was fully 

 reported, and received an award last year, it was excluded from the list for 

 this season. 



