222 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Garden of Harvard University made a very large display of Hardy 

 Herbaceous Perennials, occupying the entire riglit-hand side of the 

 lower hall, and M. H. Walsh, gardener to Hon. Joseph S. Fay, 

 displayed a new seedling Rose named " Joseph S. Fay," for 

 which the Society awarded Honorable Mention. 



Hollyhocks were so seriously injured by the past winter that 

 no display was made on the regular prize day (July 11) ; indeed 

 this flower seemed to have suffered more severely than for many 

 previous seasons. 



Native Plants continued to be a feature throughout the balance 

 of the season, and the competition being close it was difficult for 

 your Committee to decide awards, and we would repeat the sug- 

 gestion made by the Chairman of the Flower Committee of last 

 year, which is : That we believe it to be unjust in some respects to 

 both Committee and Exhibitors, to ask the regular Flower Com- 

 mittee to judge botanical collections of Native Plants, as it would 

 be far better in our estimation for a competent botanist or Com- 

 mittee of botanists to jndge upon these exhibits. We are very 

 glad to note that a skilled botanist has been added to our Com- 

 mittee this season, as this will largely obviate the difficulty men- 

 tioned. 



July 18, Gloxinias and Tuberous Begonias were shown in 

 variety, and the prize for Hardy Ferns was closely competed for. 

 drawing out some very noteworthy exhibitions. On this day Hon. 

 Joseph S. Fay made a very large display of Hollyhocks, Phloxes, 

 Roses, and Delphiniums, and Hon. Johu Simpkins (James Brydon, 

 gardener) made a remarkable exhibition of Aquatic Plants which 

 excited great admiration. Arthur E. French exhibited at the 

 same time a collection of Grasses and Sedges which was very 

 interesting. 



July 25, Sweet Peas were shown in great perfection, and the 

 Botanic Garden of Harvard University made a display of Herba- 

 ceous Plants, probably the largest ever seen in the hall, for which 

 your Committee awarded the Society's Silver Medal. 



August 8 brought forth the largest display of Annuals that 

 has been seen in the hall for many years. The Society's prizes 

 were generously competed for, and in addition to this the Botanic 

 Garden of Harvard University made a special display of Annuals 

 which occupied an entire side of the hall, comprising the most 

 remarkable variety and arranged in a most effective manner, and 



