252 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



shown in arrauging the pot plants in groups on the floor of the 

 hall. All the stove, greenhouse, and foliage plants were in the 

 best possible condition. The tanks of water plants near 

 the entrance to the Upper Hall were very much admired. The 

 Lower Hall was devoted to a splendid display of cut flowers. 

 Thei'e was a very large show of dahlias on the tables and a solid 

 bank on the platform at the end of the hall. Large collections of 

 zinnias, marigolds, dianthuses, French cannas, native flowers, 

 etc., were shown. The annual plant and flower show of 1897 was 

 one of the best held by the Society. 



The Annual Exhibition of Fruits and Vegetables began Septem- 

 ber 30, to hold two days. The show of apples was not as large 

 as that of some years, but many fine specimens were on the tables, 

 the Roxbury Russet, Washington Strawberr}', and Mcintosh Red 

 being worthy of special mention. The show of pears was very 

 fine, and many of the varieties were fully up to the high standard 

 held by this Society. Peaches were excellent. Native grapes 

 were good, notwithstanding the cold and rainy season. A novelty 

 in the exhibition was a collection of seventeen varieties of edible 

 nuts. The display of vegetables was abundant and of excellent 

 quality. One long table was devoted to the squash family ; another 

 to potatoes, beets, onions, parsnips, and carrots. There was an 

 interesting collection of culinar}' herbs, compi'ising twenty vari- 

 eties, many of which are seldom seen at our exhibitions. 



The Chrysanthemum Show began November 2, to continue four 

 days. The Upper Hall was given up to the display of pot plants 

 placed in groups on the floor. Here the gardener had a chance to 

 show his taste in arranging for effect, each being allowed one 

 hundred square feet. The plants were all well grown, and good 

 taste was shown in the arrangement. The Lower Hall was devoted 

 to the cut flowers on tables and in vases, ever}^ available space 

 being filled with the finest display of the chrysanthemum ever 

 shown in Horticultural Hall. Besides the chrysanthemums there 

 was a fine show of orchids and carnations. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Geo. Cruickshaxks, 



Inspector. 



