15 



regulating the size of the designs exhibited ; or else, what would be far 

 better, the entire discontinuance of the premiums, and the institution, instead, 

 of prizes for miniature specimens of floral or landscape gardening. 



The display of cut flowers at the Annual Exhibition was superior to 

 those of previous years, the varieties being more select, and the arrange- 

 ment far more tasteful. The same may be said of the parlor bouquets 

 presented for premium; for even those taking the lowest prize were 

 superior to those receiving the highest premium in former years. The 

 mantel bouquets were also well arranged and tasteful. But in hand bou- 

 quets much improvement might be made ; and we trust our next Annual 

 Exhibition may be more creditable in this respect. In large bouquets (as 

 those made on frames were excluded from premium, as being rather decora- 

 tions than bouquets,) some improvement was visible, though the committee 

 cannot but consider these huge masses of coarse flowers as anything but 

 ornamental. 



The number of contributors of pot plants was smaller than on previous 

 years, though the specimens and varieties were better. Fewer plants illy 

 grown and branching were exhibited, and the general tendency was to 

 render the growth elegant and symmetrical ; yet, as usual, some few plants 

 grown on the ladder or bean-pole principle found admission. Choice col- 

 lections were exhibited by Messrs. dishing, Wilder, Rand, Walker, Win- 

 ship, Bowditch, and Hovey; also many very beautiful specimen plants. 



A brief retrospect of the last season, as well as of the progress we have 

 made in floriculture, may not be out of place or uninteresting. 



The first exhibition was on Saturday, Jan. 10th, when a new and beau- 

 tiful plant, Styphelia tubiflora, was presented by James McTear. It is of 

 the Epacris tribe, and a most superior plant. It is difficult to propagate, 

 but we hope soon to see it in every collection. 



Jan. 24th, the Spiraea Reevesuma flore pleno and Azalea amoena were 

 shown by Hovey & Co., both valuable plants. 



Feb. 7th, a beautiful specimen of Phaiis grandifolia from C. F. Jones. 

 Though prize day for camellias, none were presented worthy of premium. 



Feb. 14th, the prizes for greenhouse azaleas were also withheld, the 

 time being fixed too early in the season. Specimens of Eriostemon cuspi- 

 datum, Kennedia monophylla variegata, and Cytisus monosperma, were 

 shown by W. C. Strong ; also fine ericas by Galvin & Hogan. 



Feb. 21st, fine ericas and azaleas from Wm. Wales, and a beautiful 

 specimen of Eriostemon nerifolium from James McTear. 



March 7th, the new Orange Rhododendron Javanicum was shown by 

 Galvin & Hogan. It is very beautiful, and said to be hardy. James 

 McTear also exhibited a seedling camellia of very superior excellence, and 

 a decided acquisition. 



March 21st, Mr. McTear exhibited a fine specimen of Phaiis maculata, 

 and another seedling camellia of great merit. A fine plant of Tropjeolum 

 tricolorum came from Parker Barnes, and fine hyacinths from Curtis & 

 Cobb. 



From this time to the opening of the hall the exhibitions were very good, 



