]76 MASSACHUSETTS IIORTICULTUHAL SOCIETY. 



CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW. 



November 2, 3, 4, and 5. 

 All things considered, this was undoubtedly the finest exhibition 

 of Chrysauthemnins ever made in our Halls. There were a greater 

 number of entries, and the character of the flowers was seemingly 

 perfect in all of the double blooming varieties. All the tables 

 were closely filled, and the capacity of the Hall was taxed to its 

 utmost. All exhibitors seemed to vie in giving their plants the 

 highest culture. As a result, competition was extremely close and 

 the general tone of the exhibition was immensely^ improved. The 

 classes of twenty-five varieties were very closely competed for. 

 The vases of cut blooms gave a remarkable effect upon entering 

 the Hall, while nearly every scheduled prize was taken. As a 

 result the surplus that would otherwise return to the Committee to 

 help meet gratuities awarded during the year was very small, and 

 in consequence your Committee find the appropriation nearl}' ex- 

 hausted at the end of the year, and they cannot but reiterate the 

 hope that a larger appropriation can be spared by the Society for 

 the use of the Flower Committee, feeling as they do that this would 

 enable them to award gratuities to exhibitors more nearly in pro- 

 portion to the value of their exhibits. At this show, Arthur 

 GriflSn, gardener to J. J. Van Alen, of Newport, R.I., exhibited 

 an improved strain of seedling Begonia semperflorens in which a 

 great range of color was apparent. For this a Silver Medal was 

 given. 



M. H. Walsh lias entered his new seedling Rose, Lilian Nordica, 

 for the Prospective Prize. 



The amount appropriated for the year 1897 was . ^2,600 00 

 Awards of prizes and gratuities have been made to 



the amount of 2,514 00 



Leaving an unexpended balance of ... §86 00 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



J. Woodward Manning, \ 



George E. Davenport, f Committee 



M. H. Norton, ( on Floiuers. 



Frederick S. Davis, ) 



