266 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



September 12, the last of the weekly exhibitions, was as usual 

 the largest and one of the best of the season. Nearly all the prizes 

 were competed for and awarded. 



The display of Potatoes at the Annual Exhibition formed as 

 usual one of the most interesting features of this show, the variety 

 being great (ninety-five dishes were shown) and the quality un- 

 surpassed. C. H. Thomas again took the first prize for the best 

 four varieties. Celery, Cauliflowers, Tomatoes, Squashes, Egg 

 Plants, etc., were also most richly represented. 



The various root crops are deserving of special mention, for we 

 have never seen finer or more perfect specimens of the different 

 varieties of Beets, Carrots, Parsnips, and Turnips than were shown 

 at this exhibition. We are pleased to bear testimony to H. R. 

 Kinney's skill as a grower of fine vegetables, as manifested in the 

 very fine specimens which on several occasions gained for iiim the 

 first premium. He also secured the first prize at this exhibition 

 for the best collection of vegetables arranged for effect. 



The display of Tomatoes, consisting of sixty dishes, mainly of 

 standard kinds, was, owing to the lateness of the season, not 

 equal to that made on September 12. The first prize for the best 

 three varieties was awarded to E. C. Lewis. Hon. Aaron Low 

 was the largest contributor, showing some twenty or more 

 varieties. 



Competition for prizes the past year has been unusually close 

 and spirited, and the Committee in making the awards have sel- 

 dom had their powers of discrimination so thoroughly tested. 



The amount appropriated for the year 1896 was . . 8l,lo0 00 

 The Committee have awarded in prizes and gratuities . 1,107 00 



Leaving an unexpended balance of . . . ^43 00 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



For the Committee, 



C. N. Brackett, Chairman. 



