164 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



be useful as an Easter forcing variety as well as for outdoor culti- 

 vation on trellises. 



Spring Exhibition. 



The Spring Show, March 20-23, was a remarkably good one. 

 Still we are very much dependent upon the trade growers for the 

 filling put of the classes and for the general effectiveness of the 

 displays which add much to the attractiveness of the halls. Time 

 was, when scant welcome was given to the commercial man, and 

 every mark had to be removed; but he has become necessary now 

 and greater privileges are allowed. Something should be done 

 to induce the private gardener to resume his place, as the dominat- 

 ing spirit of the exhibitions. There is plenty of material in the 

 vicinity of Boston among private places to fill the exhibition halls, 

 at least tolerably well. I mean no discourtesy to the owners of 

 estates when I suggest that some inducement should be offered the 

 private gardeners to come. They could do lots if they went about 

 it the right way. Certain it is, if the gardener has no inducement 

 to come he will find ways and means to stay away. 



R. & J. Farquhar's display of bulbous plants in design was well 

 worked out, harmoniously blended, and appropriate to the season. 

 A Gold Medal was awarded to them and it was well merited. 



With cut roses and carnations the commercial men had the field. 

 It is seldom a private gardener attempts competition. 



Narcissi were noteworthy for their excellence. Some of the 

 newer N. bicolor types were particularly striking. It was a great 

 improvement in arrangement to put all the Narcissi in the small 

 hall, and a great help to the committee. 



The Rawson Prize of a Silver Cup for a collection of Narcissi 

 went to Wm. A. Riggs of Jamaica Plain, and it was well merited. 



Rambler roses from M. H. Walsh of Woods Hole Avere of notable 

 excellence. A Silver Medal was awarded for climbing rose Arcadia, 

 double, dark crimson illumined with scarlet; a First Class Certificate 

 to Excelsior, crimson-maroon, tipped scarlet; and Honorable Men- 

 tion to Celeste, light china pink, tipped white. A Silver Medal 

 was awarded to John L. Smith, gardener to Mrs. A. W. Blake of 

 Brookline, for a grand specimen of Nephrolepis Barroiosii; a 



