174 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



exhibit was most effective and elicited a great deal of praise. 

 William Thatcher, gardener to Johu L. Gardner, exhibited a new 

 seedling Delphinium, nearly pure white, for which Honorable 

 Mention was awarded. 



The postponement of the Hollyhock prizes until July 17 did not 

 gain the exhibits hoped for, and none weie deemed worthy of the 

 first prize. 



The exhibits of Sweet Peas on July 24 were ample and well 

 shown, although weather conditions had been somewhat disadvan- 

 tageous to individual flowers. However, distinct advancement in 

 many of the newer sorts was evident, and the coming year will, 

 with favorable weather conditions, undoubtedly assist in producing 

 effective exhibits in this class. At this time, James Greene, 

 gardener to James L. Little, exhibited flowers of Begonia Haageana 

 which, for their abundance and unique character, were deemed 

 worthy of a First Class Certificate of Merit. Robert Cameron, 

 gardener to the Botanic Garden of Hai'vard University, displayed 

 fruits of Podophyllum Emodi, whose unique character and orna- 

 mental effect gained for them a First Class Certificate of Merit. 

 Hardy Perennial Phloxes were not shown to as good advantage 

 this year as in the past, owing to abundant rains, which seriously 

 interfered with the perfection of the panicles. 



August 7, the display of Annuals resulted in very close compe- 

 tition. A large portion of the Hall was filled and the character of 

 the exhibits was of the best. Unfortunatel}' Gladioli were not 

 shown to as good advantage this year as in the past. We hope 

 another season may bi*ing a change in this respect. Monthretia 

 crocosmiflora was shown both by the Bussey Institution and Judge 

 C. W. Hoitt, of Nashua, N.H., and made a very interesting 

 exhibit. This class of Hardy Bulbs should be far more widely 

 cultivated than in the past. Its brilliancy of color, abundance of 

 bloom, and ease of culture are valuable characteristics. 



AQUATIC EXHIBITION. 



August 21. 



This was held in the Upper Hall, several tanks being filled to 



repletion, and the exhibits commanded close attention from a large 



number of visitors. The same day the prizes for China Asters 



were closely competed for by a number of exhibitors, and decided 



