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far better than usual at the season, and many new and rare greenhouse 

 plants were exhibited. Among others, Ericas by James Murray, J. McTear, 

 Wm. Wales, and Galvin & Hogan ; Calceolarias by A. Bowditch ; a fine 

 new Correa, Ne plus ultra, by J. McTear ; Hyacinths by Curtis & Cobb ; 

 fine Orchids by C. F. Jones ; Auriculas by M. Trautman. 



At the opening of the hall on the sixteenth of May, large collections of 

 plants were exhibited. The Fuchsias of H. H. Hunnewell were most 

 beautiful specimens, some of the plants being over five feet in height, and 

 a perfect mass of bloom. They were by far the finest ever exhibited in the 

 hall, and reflect great credit on Mr. Harris, by whom they were grown. 

 The Calceolarias of F. Winship were very superior, both in marking and 

 color. The displays of greenhouse plants were fine, and included many 

 new and choice varieties. The collection of Thomas G. Whytal was very 

 noticable for new imported plants. 



Late Hyacinths, this year, have shown no marks of improvement, though 

 never below the standard. Tulips have been very inferior. Pansies have 

 not been as good as on previous years. Hawthorns and Hardy Azaleas have 

 been inferior, owing to the heavy rains of the spring. Peonies, both 

 shrubby and herbaceous, though very late, have been good ; and the same 

 may be said of herbaceous plants in general. Aquilegias, Pinks, and 

 Spiraeas were a failure. Roses have suffered much from late rains and 

 insects. Summer and autumn Phloxes have done well, and some superior 

 varieties have been raised and imported. Carnations and Picotees were 

 not so good as on previous years. Rhododendrons bloomed well. Holly- 

 hocks were very late, but showed decided improvement. Balsams and 

 Petunias did well, but the exhibition was poor, owing to severe rains. 

 Annuals have in general grown and bloomed poorly. Antirrhinums were 

 a failure. Asters did well, but Stocks were inferior. Dahlias were better 

 than usual, though early touched by the frost. 



Verbenas have seldom grown or flowered so poorly, though a marked 

 improvement is visible. Many fine varieties have been imported, and a 

 few good seedlings raised. Among the latter we may mention Annie alba, 

 a new white, raised by E. S. Rand, Jr., and which took the prize for the 

 best new seedling. Thus far it has proved very superior, and, should 

 longer trial confirm its excellence, it will be a valuable acquisition. A new 

 blue, raised by Thomas G. Whytal, may prove fine ; and a most curiously 

 marked variety, raised by W. C. Strong, and named Yenadesse, is a decided 

 novelty. 



We subjoin a few remarks on the culture of the Verbena, together with 

 a list of the best varieties in colors, kindly furnished us by Joseph Breck, a 

 most successful cultivator : — 



Verbena. — There is no flower of modern introduction so indispensable 

 for the flower garden as tqe verbena. Ever-blooming, of the most vivid 

 colors, embracing every tint of red, purple, blue, and white, it is the wonder 

 of young florists how a flower garden, a quarter of a century since, could 

 have been interesting without it. 



