REPORT TO THE STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 317 



The lectures and discussions are printed in the Transactions of 

 the Society. 



The sum of -f 8,050 was appropriated for Prizes and Gratui- 

 ties for 1896. 



The Annual Spring Show was held March 24-27. For a num- 

 ber of years much attention has been given to the cultivation 

 of the cyclamen. On a large table at the entrance of the upper 

 hall was the largest and finest show of cyclamens ever seen in 

 Horticultural Hall. The display of spring flowering bulbs, such 

 as fragrant hyacinths, lilies of the valley, narcissuses, jonquils, 

 and tulips was very fine. ]SI"otable among pot plants were Acacia 

 pubescens and A. Drummondii. A fine specimen of the new hardy 

 climbing rose, Crimson Rambler, with nearly two hundred flowers, 

 in fine condition, attracted much attention. The show of cinera- 

 riasj roses, carnations, pansies, and violets was very fine. There 

 was a good display of early vegetables, and winter apples and 

 pears. 



The Eose and Strawberry Show was held June 23 and 24. 

 The upper hall was devoted to a fine display of roses and large 

 collections of orchids and other flowering plants. In the lower 

 hall about two liundred baskets of strawberries were exhibited. 

 The six baskets of Marshall, four quarts each, on a table near the 

 entrance were the centre of attraction. All the standard varie- 

 ties and many new seedlings were shown. There was a fine 

 show of hothouse grapes, some bunches weighing nearly seven 

 pounds each. The show of early vegetables was not large, but 

 Avas very fine. 



The Annual Plant and Flower Show opened September 2 for 

 two days. The lower hall was devoted to cut flowers. A raised 

 bank on the platform at the rear of the hall was covered with 

 over twelve hundred dahlias, comprising all sizes and colors 

 and perfect in form. Four long tables were covered with a great 

 variety of cut flowers, including asters, phlox, dianthus, zinnias, 

 and French cannas, with large collections of wild flowers. Pot 

 plants were shown in the upper hall. There were large and fine 

 collections of ferns, palms, crotons, dracsenas, fuchsias, and 

 orchids in variety. Several large tanks of aquatic plants were 

 shown. One tank contained twenty-five choice varieties of 

 Xymphseas and Nelumbiums. 



The Annual Exhibition of Fruits and Vegetables was held 



