HORTICITLTURAL SHOW 



OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE, AT PALACE GARDEN. 



B* HbMRY S. OLCOTf . 



OPENING OF THE FAIR — -GENERAL VIEW. 



The fair was opened in due form on Monday evening by an ad* 

 dress from Judge Meigs, which took in general review the history 

 of the Institute, and contained copious personal reminiscences of 

 the progress of American agriculture. All through the day 

 and evening fresh contributions of fruits and flowers were 

 received by express and private conveyance, and not a few, 

 who were so unfortunate as to be disappointed in' the re- 

 ceipt of theii- specimens bewailed their ill fortune at being 

 excluded from competition. On Monday we saw the halls in a 

 state of chaos, many tables were unfilled, some uncovered, and 

 some overcrowded with specimens hastily grouped together. 

 Tuesday, however, we found on entering the Palace garden that 

 order had taken the place of confusion, and the full merit of the 

 show was made more apparent. 



During the twenty-four hours which had elapsed the' long lines 

 of fruit plates and flower tables had been filled, and the superin- 

 tendents were at a loss to know where to find the space which 

 new exhibiters clamorously demand. Hovey & Co., of Boston, 

 have contributed a lot of 30 varieties of dahlias, and Andrew 

 Bridgeman, a collection of ten pots, in each of which is a speci- 

 men plant, which would have taken a premium if brought here 

 before the closing of the entry books. The best plant of this 

 collection, perhaps, is the Madame Alvord begonia, and, after 

 that, the most noticeable the Dioscorea discolor, whose heart- 

 shaped leaves, with their green faces and purple backs, will 

 attract the attention of the flower amateur. This plant is of 

 the same species as the Chinese yam, or batatas, on which Prince 

 attempted to create ye grande sensation, a couple of years ago. 



