318 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



October 1 and 2. The show of pears was smaller than usual, 

 but apples were abundant. Many fine specimens of apples were 

 shown, but no outdoor peaches and very few plums. Benjamin 

 G. Smith, of Cambridge, one of the oldest members of the 

 Society, celebrated his eightieth birthday, October 1, by exhibit- 

 ing sixty varieties of hardy native grapes, the largest exhibit 

 ever made by one individual. The show of vegetables was in 

 the lower hall, and included all tlie standard varieties, which 

 Avere all well grown and of good quality. 



The Annual Chrysanthemum Show opened November 10 and 

 continued four days. The lower hall was filled with cut flowers. 

 Seven large vases were filled with some of the choicest varieties. 

 The tables from the door to the platform were completely filled 

 with a superb display of cut flowers. The upper hall was de- 

 voted to the pot plants. In the centre of the hall were^fine 

 groups arranged for effect. Palms and other foliage plants were 

 used with the chrysanthemums ; the effect was very fine. On 

 one side of the hall were arranged plants in twelve-inch pots that 

 were seven feet broad and five or six feet high, and complete 

 masses of bloom. For large flowers, fine color, and perfect form 

 the Chrysanthemum Show of 1896 has never been equalled. 

 Respectfully submitted, 



George Ckuickshanks, 



Delegate. 



