REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS. 299 



and flowers are both extremely handsome, and there was a fine 

 show of bloom. 



P. Stuartiana, also distinct and very handsome. 



There was a total of two hundred and five plants in bloom, and 

 many varieties that were not in bloom. All the plants were well 

 grown and showed by their condition, which was excellent in 

 every respect, that much skill and care had been bestowed upon 

 them. The houses devoted to their cultivation were moderate 

 sized and what might be termed inexpensive, demonstrating fully 

 the incorrectness of the idea which was once entertained that ex- 

 pensive houses are requisite to tlie successful cultivation of this 

 beautiful and highly ornamental class of plants. Time will not 

 permit us to go into any further details, which might perhaps be 

 interesting to some, on the cultivation of cool-house orchids ; but 

 all who would like to study the subject can purchase one or more 

 of the following books, which are full of good practical informa- 

 tion, and cannot fail to interest such readers : " Cool Orchids, and 

 How to Grow Them," by F. W. Burbidge," and " Orchids; their 

 Structure, History, and Culture," by Lewis Castle. These are 

 both English works and can be had for about one dollar each. A 

 still later work, "Orchids; their Culture and Management," bj' 

 W. Watson, of the Royal Gardens, Kew, is a more extensive and 

 a very valuable work, costing about five dollars. 



Oakley Park, "Watektown, the Residence of Robert M. 



Pratt. 

 The members of the Society will undoubtedly remember the fine 

 exhibits of Orchids which were made a few years ago by David 

 Allan, the gardener at this place. It is not necessary to tell you 

 that what Mr. Allan does is well done ; proof of that is shown by 

 his works, and his skill as a cultivator we all acknowledge. On 

 the 20th of March your Committee were invited to visit Mr. Allan 

 and inspect his Dendrobiums, which were all arranged in a small 

 span-roofed house. Upon opening the door the sight presented 

 was truly magnificent, and it is not 'saying too much when we in- 

 form you that the Committee were enthusiastic over the rich treat 

 the\' were invited to enjoy. To give an adequate idea of it is 

 beyond our power. If by any description that we might be able to 

 give of that array of beauty we could rouse your imagination to 

 an appreciation of the scene, we would gladly do it. There were 



