106 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETT. 



in the more extensive and pretentious parks of the eastern and 

 western cities, is very favorable to us. 



This fall, subsequently to the removal of the present border 

 plants by frost, several thousand hyacinth, tulip, and kindred 

 bulbs will be placed in the borders to give an early spring effect, 

 during the months of April and May, in order that the beds 

 ma}- not present such a bare character at this season. These 

 plants will be removed and followed by the usual decorations 

 for the subsequent summer months. A large number of aquatic 

 plants were placed in prepared beds along the lake margins 

 last spring. These will bloom in the season of 1890. The 

 Egyptian and American lotus, the pink and common white water 

 lilies, and several indigenous water plants have taken root, and, 

 if not disturbed, will flower next season. 



If the King Fountain is constructed, there will be an oppor- 

 tunity for a generous displaj' of rare aquatic plants around the 

 rim of the basin, and we may arrive at that progressive stage 

 when the Victoria regia may bloom in a properly arranged and 

 protected pond. There are possibilities and opportunities for 

 a fine arboretum on the Almshouse grounds, where the botanical 

 students of the Normal, High, and public schools could find 

 specimens for stud}- and comparison. 



A small beginning has been made in the introduction of hardy 

 perennials along the Willett street walk, but the location is 

 too much shaded, and these plants will probably be removed to 

 a more congenial and sunny exposure, and planted with some 

 discrimination as to size, foliage, and time of blooming. 



There has been too much rain and too little sunshine for the 

 proper growth of almost all the varieties of bedding plants this 

 season, and some of the echeverias, if a timeh' forethought in 

 the admixture of plenty of sand in the beds had not prevented, 

 would have rotted because of too much moisture. 



The gardener is now struggling with the hay and grass, to 

 get the lawns readv for the glorious Fourth, when hundreds of 

 the orphan children will be entertained in the afternoon at the 

 children's playground near the refectory ; and the aldermanie 

 display of fireworks (value $600) will take place at the site of 

 the ice fort of two winters ago. 



The lawns will be open to the public on the Fourth of July, 

 except where the shrubber}- is dense and the flowers are planted, 



