130 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



mentioned decline of interest in it, from the point of view of the pub- 

 He, is largely due to rebellion against a mistaken conception on the 

 part of the grower of what goes to make up a beautiful plant. With 

 this should be recognized the fact that the public is annually sati- 

 ated by the almost overwhelming displays of chrysanthemum flowers 

 of the finest quality seen on every hand in store windows and on 

 street corners during the chrysanthemum season. 



When some genius arises endowed with the necessary artistic 

 skill for arrangement, coupled with the ability to grow the plants in 

 a suitable manner for the purpose, and backed by ample means or 

 sure prospect of very liberal prizes, then we shall have chrysanthe- 

 mum shows which will be a revelation and stop the cry of monotony 

 and sameness so often heard in connection with these shows. 



Here is an opportunity for some individual or individuals, abun- 

 'dantly supplied with this world's goods, to come forward and offer, 

 fully a year in advance, one or more prizes sufficiently large to make 

 it an object for growers to seriously consider the artistic side of the 

 matter and break away from the stereotyped character of these 

 shows as seen today. 



With restrictions sufficient to secure the object sought, it would 

 make our chrysanthemum exhibitions educational as well as a pay- 

 ing proposition for the Society. 



While there is a decrease of interest in the direction indicated 

 there is an increase in others, notably the carnation, the peony, and 

 the dahlia. Hardy roses barely hold their own although the intro- 

 duction of the new Rambler class is doing much to keep up 

 the interest. These with the Hybrid Teas and Rugosa hybrids 

 should be given careful' attention, for the most important improve- 

 ments in the rose are being made in these classes. 



The February show of carnations has become a very important 

 one both to the grower and the public, for it is at this season that 

 the finest exhibits can be made and at a time when the public is 

 most interested in them. 



At the March show the interest seems to be changing consider- 

 ably and where a few years ago the Dutch bulbs formed the center 

 of attraction, they are now secondary and have given place to such 

 things as orchids, cyclamens, cinerarias, roses, and plants grown for 

 Easter decorations. 



