EEPOETS. 



REPORT OF THE COM. ON ORNAMENTAL GARDENING, 



For the Year 186'2. 

 BY DANIEL T, CUBTIS, SECRETAKT. 



The growing taste for horticulture as an art, and the extent to which 

 ornamental gardening is now prosecuted in this section of the country, must 

 in ordinary times render the functions of this Committee not only very pleasant 

 but highly important. The late honored pioneer of the Massachusetts Horti- 

 cultural Society, (Hon. Samuel Walker of Roxbury) the first Chairman of this 

 Committee did not overestimate the utility of this measure of bringing the 

 public in communication with this Society, through its official boards ; thus 

 enabling it to exert a wider influence beyond the immediate circle of its own 

 members, and secure the cooperation of all lovers of rural art in its improve- 

 ment and general diffusion. A liberal emulation in the effort to excel in this 

 branch of horticulture has been visibly promoted in this neighborhood since 

 the Committee has entered upon its system of personal inspection and award 

 of premiums ; and though, owing to peculiar circumstances, relating to that 

 condition of the country which has diverted the attention and means of our 

 fellow-citizens from ornamental pursuits to considerations of patriotism and 

 stern necessity, the visits of the Committee have been few the past season, 

 yet their observations have been sufficiently extended to afford them much 

 gratification at the abundant evidence of increasing taste and skill in garden- 

 ing, as well as encouragement in the prosecution of their mission. 



GROUNDS OF WILLIAM J. UNDERWOOD. 



On the first of July, the Committee, by special invitation, visited the beauti- 

 ful grounds of William J. Underwood, in Belmont. The mansion occupies 

 a fine elevated site, overlooking a beautiful slope towards the main road, 

 and consisting of two acres ; about one-half of which, after providing for a 

 handsome lawn, is devoted to the cultivation of fruit, flowers, &.c. The Com- 

 mittee were most cordially received, and conducted over the premises. They 

 found the arable portion of the grounds in a high state of cultivation ; the 

 fruits and flowers rivalling each other in growth and beauty. The floral de- 

 partment presented a particularly attractive feature in its rich array of pinks, 

 which are his especial favorites. But the attention of the Committee was 

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