4 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FLOWERS, 



For the Year 1862. 

 BY THE CH AIRMAN. 



The year just closed has been remarkably prolific in floral treasures. So 

 well have the supplies of sun and shade, of cloud and sunshine, of rainy and 

 clear weather, been meted out to us, that in every locality the gardens have 

 prospered, and seldom has a greater portion of floral beauty fallen to our lot in 

 a single year. Annuals, Herbaceous Perennials, Bedding-out Plants and 

 Bulbs have all, in their season, done well. In Greenhouse Plants, which are 

 generally more under our immediate control than those grown in the open air, 

 the exhibitions have been usually good, and many new and rare species and 

 varieties have graced our weekly shows. 



The following have been the most noticeable features of the season : — 

 Saturday, February 1. 



From James McTear : Hakea acicularis — a new Australian plant, very 

 properly named " aci^Ailaris," the leaves (so called) being sharp, stiff, needle- 

 like thorns. The flowers are produced in twos or threes, in the axils of the 

 leaves, and are very fragrant, though inconspicuous. The plant is symmetrical 

 and ornamental. 



February 8. 



Marshall P. Wilder: Fine bloom of Tree Pjeony Elizabeth, as highly 

 colored as if grown in the open air, though inferior in size. 



March 1. 



Hovey & Co. : Acacia Drummondii — a fine showy variety. 



March 15. 



John Hogan : A fine new Azalea, marked " Adelhide von Nassau ;" color 

 red, lighted with purple on the upper petals, form good, flower large. The 

 plant shown was very weak ; it is likely to prove a valuable variety. 



March 29. 



Thomas F. Walsh: Clianthus puniceus — good specimens, but the variety 

 is far inferior in brilliancy and contrasts of color to C. Dampierii ; the black 

 centre is wanting in this variety. 



April 5. 



James McTear: A fine pot of Ornothogalum Arabicum nigrum. This is 

 one of. the finest of the species, from the rich contrast of color presented by 

 the pure white of the petals and the jet black of the ovary. 



Dennis Zirngible, Cambridge Botanic Garden: Collinsia verna — a beautiful 

 variety— color sky blue and pure white; well worthy cultivation, and when 

 obtainable it will be a general favorite ; as yet it is rare, being only in the 

 possession of the exhibitor, who, we learn, however, has ripened seed. 



