FLOWER committee's REPORT. • 33 



Let us notice some of the cases where special prizes were not awarded, 

 with the prefatory remark, that in a few instances only prizes were withheld 

 for "informality" or "inferiority," iind we shall then see whether the present 

 year shows any improvement upon the past. 



We will begin with Camellias. From amongst all the excellent collections 

 in our vicinity, but two lots were shown commanding the second prize, and a 

 gratuity. Epacris, none shown. Hyacinths : From all the broad acres 

 around Boston we seldom or never see one, but instead, a gentleman, whose 

 taste and skill prompt him to grow a few in a pent-up city yard, carries off the 

 prizes. Tulips : One small collection which earned a gratuity, and this, too, a 

 flower which was once the favorite of the world, and no less beautiful to-day. 

 So far these prizes were offered before the commencement of the season. At 

 the opening, we had of greenhouse plants but two collections ; greenhouse 

 Azaleas, but one ; fancy Pelargoniums, one. The only prize for specimen 

 plant was the third. Cinerarias, Calceolarias and Pansies, none. Thence 

 onward during the season. Shrubby Pseonies, none ; Tuberous Iris, Herba- 

 ceous PaBonies, not awarded. For Roses nine prizes were withheld of the 

 twenty-one offered. Summer Phloxes, two in three; Carnations, the same ; 

 and Picotees, one in three. Balsams, none awarded. 



Gladiolus, a flower which is making rapid strides into public favor, as easily 

 propagated and cultivated as any other, more sure to reward the labors of the 

 cultivator than the Dahlia, took less than half the prizes offered. 



At the Annual Exhibition, Gloxinias and Fuchsias were but poor specimens. 

 This, however, was the fault of our schedule, in placing them at the wrong 

 end of the season. 



Dahlias, those old favorites, were few and poor. The mild weather of the 

 autumn led us to expect a fine display on the 11th of November of Chrysan- 

 themums in pots. This beautiful flower is rendered doubly interesting by its 

 ability to withstand quite severe frosts as but few others can, consequently 

 coming in at a season when we have little else from open culture, and is well 

 worthy our fostering care. Of this not a single pot was offered, and but a 

 handful of cut flowers, and, in our endeavor to get at the causes of the failure, 

 the best of all the reasons offered was, " too busy." Now we ask, in all chari- 

 ty, Is this right ? Is it doing justice to the Society or the public ? 



We present a schedule of prizes, and thus virtually say to the public that 

 exhibitions will be made as named, and yet what have Ave ? Amateurs who 

 grow flowers for the love of them, and dealers, whose advertising medium to 

 some extent we become, are what ? " Too busy," " they have forgotten it," or, 

 " it wont pay," or some other equally potent and encouraging reason is given. 

 If our friends are to be excused upon such terms, what can be expected of the 

 various committees sitting without hope of reward, as judges of stands so often 

 empty ? 



This may be considered a gloomy view of the case. We may be said' to 

 show the dark side of the picture. Be it so. We deem these suggestions 

 3 



