12 



Esq., in Watertown, where a ramble through his pear orchard well repaid 

 us for our visit. The house is situated on a hill overlooking Charles River, 

 which at this point is particularly beautiful. The land behind the house 

 descends in gentle terraces to the river's bank, each terrace planted with 

 choice trees. 



We found the pear trees in good health, and in spite of the unfavorable 

 season many bore good crops of fine fruit ; one tree of Bartlett was particu- 

 larly noticeable for the number and size of its specimens. 



The lawn in front of the house is a pleasing feature, closely clipped, and 

 shaded by noble trees. The lateness of the hour somewhat abbreviated our 

 call in Watertown, so reluctantly we turned towards home ; on our way, 

 however, we stopped at the Public Garden in Boston, now under the care 

 of the Messrs. Bowditch. We found all in accordance with good taste, 

 and in perfect order, and the garden bids fair to be not only a credit to the 

 Messrs. Bowditch but an ornament to the city, and one of which it may 

 well be proud. 



On Tuesday, September 15th, the Committee visited the garden of James 

 Nugent, near the Jamaica Plain Railroad Station in Roxbury. Though of 

 small extent, much was to be seen worthy of attention. In the fruit de- 

 partment fine specimens of the Dorchester blackberry were noticeable ; the 

 berries being larger and the plants more thrifty than any the Committee had 

 seen elsewhere. 



The greenhouses were empty, most of the plants being in the flower 

 garden, which was in full beauty ; dahlias and asters were showing a pro- 

 fusion of fine blooms ; some fine thrifty plants of Erica caffra rubra, pre- 

 sented a fine appearance ; and a rose pit, filled with the choicest varieties, 

 promises well for winter flowers. 



A short ride brought us to the nurseries of the Chairman of the Commit- 

 tee, Hon. Samuel Walker, which we found in fine condition, and showing 

 vigorous growth. In one lot we noticed about 15,000 pear stocks, and 

 5000 choice pear trees, all planted this spring, late in the season, under 

 unfavorable circumstances, but all had been overcome by care and atten- 

 tion. In another nursery we saw about 5000 pear trees of the choicest 

 varieties, many showing a growth of from six or seven feet from the bud. 

 Around the house we noticed some fine seedling phlox, and a large speci- 

 men of the deciduous cypress. Want of time prevented the Committee 

 from visiting six other fine nurseries. The lot of land containing 15,000 

 pear stocks had been underdrained ; and as the Committee have not space 

 here to speak of the advantages of this system, they hope in the future to 

 have the pleasure of receiving a detailed account of its benefits, in a com- 

 munication from the Chairman, who has thoroughly tested it. 



By invitation of the Chairman of the Committee we next rode to the gar- 

 den of Ariel Low, to view a fine crop of pears. The trees were mostly 

 small, having only been planted out about four or five years, but all were in 

 full fruit ; the Belle Lucrative were the largest and finest the Committee 

 had seen ; the Louise Bonne de Jersey exhibited a very high color ; the 

 size of the Flemish Beauty was remarkable ; Dunmore, Glout Morceau, 



