GIFT OF 
 C. -'.. Hovey 
 
REPORTS 
 
 COMMITTEES FOR 1853, 
 
 \m 
 
 SCHEDULE OF PRIZES 
 
 1854 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 PRINTED BY BUTTON AND WENTWOETH, 
 
 No. 37, CONGRESS STREET. 
 
 1854. 
 
COMMITTEES FOR 1853, 
 
 assacjmsdls p 
 
 SCHEDULE OF PHIZES 
 
 1854. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 FEINTED BY BUTTON AND WENTWOETH, 
 
 No. 37, CONGRESS STBEKT. 
 
 1854. 
 

 ti 
 
REPORTS. 
 
 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS, 
 AWARDING PREMIUMS FOR 1853. 
 
 The Committee on Gardens present to the Society a Report of their do- 
 ings for the past year. The Committee have inspected the gardens and 
 grounds of all those who notified them of their wish to be considered com- 
 petitors for the prizes offered by the Society, as well as of those who had 
 by invitation or otherwise given your Committee reason to suppose that a 
 visit of examination would be acceptable. Of the gardens submitted for 
 examination, as competing for prizes, an account somewhat in detail seems 
 proper. Of those not considered as coming within this class, no mention is 
 felt to be necessary, unless some attractive novelty, or some peculiar mode 
 of cultivation pursued therein, demanded a notice. On May 17, and again on 
 June 2, the grapehouse of Mr. M. H. Simpson, at Saxonville, was examined 
 by your Committee. The house is situated on the southern slope of a some- 
 what steep, though gradual declivity, not far from the top of the hill. It 
 has a span roof, and is about 75 feet long, by 22 wide. This house is 
 heated' by two cylindrical iron stoves, placed near each end, connected by 
 a funnel, running horizontally, with an upright in the centre to carry off the 
 smoke. These stoves have been in use for four years, and consume from 
 12 to 14 tons of coal annually. In extreme cold weather the fires have to 
 be attended to during the night ; but this is not generally necessary. At 
 the time of the visit of your Committee, there was a remarkably fine crop 
 of grapes upon the vines ; the fruit was ripe, both berries and bunches 
 large, and the former well colored and of fine quality ; the vines too seemed 
 vigorous and healthy. Of some varieties, as the Frontignans, Cannon Hall 
 Muscat, Muscat of Alexandria, and Chasselas Musque, the fruit was partic- 
 ularly noticeable for both size and beauty, as well as fine flavor. Peaches 
 are also cultivated by Mr. S., in pots, placed under the grape vines, in the 
 house, in the cold season, and carried out into the open air when the weather 
 is warm and fine. On May 17, Coolidge's Favorite and Royal George were 
 swelling off and coloring finely. The grape vines were started in Decem- 
 ber, and the first ripe bunches of grapes were cut on May 1st. The house 
 and garden being under the care of Mr. Byrnes, the gardener. Mr. Simp- 
 son is of opinion that the method he has adopted for heating his house, pos- 
 sesses decided advantages ; that it is very much more economical than any 
 other ; and that by it a constant circulation of the air in the house is always 
 kept up and rendered thereby pure. To this last he attributes the health of 
 
 ens j/i 
 
his vines, and his success with some varieties usually difficult to produce in 
 perfection. In presenting this statement, it is the intention of your Com- 
 mittee simply to present the views of Mr. Simpson, without being under- 
 stood as either controverting or endorsing them ; but they feel that they 
 ought to say that it appeared to them that the situation of the grapehouse 
 of Mr. S. was a most particularly favorable one, for being on the declivity, 
 yet near the top of a high hill, thorough drainage and an abundance of pure 
 air was thereby secured ; and it occurred to your Committee that the 
 marked success that has attended Mr. S., in the cultivation of the grape, 
 might perhaps more properly be imputed to his skill and his selection of a 
 site for his house, than to his method of heating. 
 
 On June 24 the Committee visited the gardens of Mr. B. V. French, at 
 Braintree. Mr. French is among our most thorough and skilful cultivators 
 of every variety of agricultural and horticultural product. He has more re- 
 cently been directing his attention to the strawberry, with a view of ascer- 
 taining both the best mode of cultivating that fruit, as well as what are its 
 best varieties ; and to his experiments in relation to these objects, the atten- 
 tion of your Committee, at this visit, was particularly called. Mr. French 
 cultivates a very large farm, but the Committee felt themselves, by the 
 Rules of the Society, bound to confine their examination to that part of it 
 which might strictly be considered as a garden, comprising in its various 
 compartments, devoted to fruits, vegetables, and flowers, about 4<J acres of 
 ground. The Committee found the gardens and grounds of Mr. French in 
 admirable order. The soil appears to have been originally stiff and hard, 
 but has been rendered, by under-ground draining and other processes, well 
 suited to the uses to which it is now applied. The gardens were stocked 
 with all the better varieties of the different species of fruit, vegetables, and 
 flowers ; all of which seemed to be cultivated judging from their apparent 
 health and vigor on some well considered and successful method. Mr. 
 French has a greenhouse of 5G feet in length, appropriated to grapes and 
 flowers. He has recently been making experiments with the strawberry, in 
 reference to the best mode of its cultivation, as well as to the quality of the 
 different varieties. The ground appropriated to this purpose, after being 
 thoroughly drained, was trenched to the depth of three feet, and then en- 
 riched by the application of various manures. The strawberries were 
 planted in beds, each bed containing one variety ; upon one half of each 
 bed the plants were kept in hills ; upon the other half the vines were per- 
 mitted to cover the ground. To ensure the fertilization of the pistillate va- 
 rieties, a bed three feet in width, and extending the whole length of the plot 
 of ground occupied by the beds, running crosswise, was set with the Early 
 Virginia, the vines of which were permitted to cover the ground. As the 
 different varieties of the fruit were all treated alike, and no one had any ad- 
 vantage of soil or situation, the mode adopted was a fair one to afford an 
 opportunity of testing their comparative merits. 
 
 The Committee found in every instance and with all the varieties, as waa 
 naturally to be expected, that the vines kept in hills produced the greatest 
 crop of fruit. As the members of the Society are familiar with many of 
 
the varieties cultivated by Mr. F., of such your Committee feel that any par- 
 ticular observations with respect to their quality, &c., are uncalled for ; but 
 that with respect to others, less generally known, some of the results of their 
 examination may not be unacceptable. In all the beds the vines were vig- 
 orous and healthy, with, in most cases, an abundant crop of fruit, of su- 
 perior quality. Among the various varieties, were the following: McAvoy's 
 Superior, of which the berries, though of fine flavor, were all imperfect ; 
 Burr's New Pine, Early Prolific, with small berries of exquisite flavor ; 
 Longworth's Prolific, berries large, perfect, very prolific ; Huntsman, a pis- 
 tillate, very great bearer, large berries, but of indifferent flavor; Rival Hud- 
 son, small, but great bearer ; Hudson Bay, very similar to the preceding ; 
 Gen. Jacquemont, of very high flavor, but a shy bearer ; Prolific Hautbois, 
 very prolific, small berries, with that very peculiar, though high flavor, that 
 distinguishes the Hautbois, so disagreeable to most persons as to render a 
 perhaps otherwise desirable kind worthless. This variety is so covered 
 with its clear white flowers in spring, as to render it worthy of a place in a 
 flower garden. In addition to these and other varieties, Mr. French culti- 
 vates extensively Jenney's Seedling, a good bearer, and when well ripened? 
 a most excellent fruit ; Willey's Seedling, a rather small, acid, but good 
 market berry ; and those old established favorites, Hovey's Seedling, of 
 which there were superb specimens on the vines ; Boston Pine and Early 
 Virginia. With regard to McAvoy's Superior, although great pains were 
 taken to procure the true variety, both Mr. F. and your Committee think it 
 possible some error may have been made, and they therefore refrain from 
 making any further remarks concerning it. And as it respects the other 
 varieties, that though several of them were of fine quality, prolific, and to 
 appearance worthy of cultivation in a large collection, yet, taking all cir- 
 cumstances into consideration, there were none, in their opinion, worthy 
 to supersede such varieties as Hovey's and Jenney's Seedling, the Boston 
 Pine, and Early Virginia. 
 
 On the 23d of June your Committee passed some time at the seat of J. 
 D. Bates, Esq., at Swampscot. The house of Mr. Bates is situated on the 
 seashore, and the grounds comprise about 15 acres, devoted mainly to walks 
 and pleasure grounds. The house is an ornamental cottage, and with the 
 grounds seems to combine all the attractions necessary to render a seashore 
 residence agreeable. About two acres are appropriated to the purposes of 
 a vegetable garden, with borders for flowers. This was in a state of perfect 
 neatness and high cultivation; the vegetables were in great variety and 
 very forward, and there was a choice collection of roses and border plants. 
 Another part of the ground was reserved for fruit trees, of which there were 
 many, but mostly recently planted. The grounds are laid out with great 
 taste, under the personal direction and supervision of Mr. Bates himself ; a 
 portion of them have been left in a state of nature ; other parts have been 
 improved and ornamented with trees and shrubs ; the whole being occupied 
 with lawns, groves, avenues, and walks. Mr. B. has planted a great number 
 of Norway maples, ash, elm, pine, and other trees, all of which seemed very 
 thrifty and vigorous. All the arrangements of the place, as stables, poultry 
 
6 
 
 houses, &c., were most complete and ample, and comfort and convenience 
 appeared to have been as much consulted and cared for, as ornament and 
 beauty. A grapehouse has also been recently erected. Your Committee 
 noticed here a strawberry, imported by Mr. B. from Ireland, resembling in 
 appearance the Bicton pine, and supposed that it might be that variety. 
 
 On June 25th the garden of Mr. I. Babbitt, of Roxbury, was examined. 
 Mr. Babbitt has a small garden, filled with fruit trees and shrubs, together 
 with many varieties of native grapes, a fruit that appears to have received 
 much of Mr. B.'s attention. Mr. Babbitt has displayed much ingenuity in 
 tools of various kinds, and other mechanical contrivances, and has also 
 manufactured a grafting wax, that is said by those who have used it, to be 
 superior to any yet discovered for that purpose. Mr. Babbitt's garden was 
 in fine order, and his trees in good condition. 
 
 On August 23d your Committee were at the garden of Mr. John Gordon, 
 and of Messrs. Evers & Bock, at Brighton. Mr. Gordon's garden has been 
 already described in previous reports, and no repetition of this seems 
 now necessary. It exhibited the same evidence of skilful cultivation that 
 has before distinguished it. Messrs. Evers & Bock have recently come 
 into possession of the place occupied by them, and although much had 
 been done to improve it, they did not consider it in a condition to be exam- 
 ined by the Committee. 
 
 On August 12th your Committee visited the grounds of Hovey & Co., at 
 Cambridge, and on August 23, those of Winship & Co., at Brighton. Both 
 these establishments are so well known, that any description or account of 
 them by the Committee, seems wholly unnecessary. They are both among 
 the largest commercial gardens in the country, where trees and shrubs, 
 flowers and plants, both native and exotic, hardy and tender, are culti- 
 vated for sale, in great profusion and almost endless variety. So far as 
 your Committee could judge from an examination necessarily, of grounds so 
 extensive, somewhat hurried, yet not careless, both these establishments 
 were in fine order; the trees and plants healthy and vigorous, skilfully 
 managed and well cultivated. Messrs. Hovey & Co. have a great collec- 
 tion of the different species of fruit trees ; a specimen tree of each variety 
 being cultivated to test the quality of the different sorts ; and in their hot 
 and greenhouses cultivate a great variety of exotic shrubs and plants. 
 Messrs. Winship & Co. cultivate great quantities of the different species 
 of forest and other ornamental trees, as well as of the different kinds of 
 fruits. In this last department very considerable additions have lately been 
 made to their former stock, by the planting out of extensive beds of pear 
 trees. 
 
 On August 30 your Committee examined the grapery of W. C. Strong, 
 Esq., at Brighton. Mr. Strong is among the largest cultivators of the grape 
 in this vicinity ; he having, besides a retarding-house, two houses of about 
 210 Jfeet in length each, devoted to this purpose. At the time of the visit 
 of your Committee, the vines in these spacious houses were covered with 
 an abundant crop of fine fruit, just ripe, well colored, and of excellent qual- 
 ity ; the vines were healthy, and everything about the establishment evi- 
 
denced judicious and economical management, as well as skill and scien- 
 tific attainment in this branch of culture, on the part of the proprietor. Mr. 
 Strong also cultivates somewhat extensively forced nectarines and peaches. 
 Of his success in this department of horticulture, as well as with grapes, 
 the tables of the Society, at its weekly exhibitions, afford abundant evi- 
 dence. 
 
 During the season, your Committee made brief and transient visits to a 
 few other gardens ; but of these a recapitulation is not, as it seems to them, 
 required. And with the subjoined statement of their award of prizes and 
 gratuities the latter being permitted by the amount of money placed at 
 their disposal in consequence of the withholding some of the prizes offered 
 they now close their Report. 
 
 * PREMIUMS AWARDED. 
 
 To Benj. V. French, for the most economically managed, best cul- 
 tivated, and most neatly kept fruit garden, . . . $25 00 
 
 To John D. Bates, for the most economically managed, best cul- 
 tivated, and most neatly kept grounds, . . i 25 00 
 
 To M. H. Simpson, for the best managed, most economically con- 
 ducted, and well kept grapery, . . . . 20 00 
 
 To W. C. Strong, for the same, . . . . . 20 00 
 
 To Winship & Co., for their fruit and other gardens, for neat- 
 ness, economical management, and good cultivation, . 25 00 
 
 To Hovey & Co., for the best managed, most economically con- 
 ducted, and well kept greenhouse, . , . 20 00 
 
 Amount of prizes awarded, ..... $135 00 
 
 For the Committee, Jos. S. CABOT, Chairman. 
 
 Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Boston, Dec. 3, 1853. 
 
8 
 
 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FLOWERS, 
 AWARDING PREMIUMS FOR 1853. 
 
 PELARGONIUMS. For the best six varieties, in pots, to Hovey & Co., $8 00 
 For the second best, to T. Page, . . . . 6 00 
 
 CUT FLOWERS. For the best display, to A. Bowditch, . . 3 00 
 
 For the second best, to P. Barnes, . . . . 2 00 
 
 FUCHSIAS. For the best six varieties, to A. Bowditch, . . 6 00 
 
 For the second best, to M. P. Wilder, . . . . 4 00 
 
 CINERARIAS. For the best six varieties, to A. Bowditch, . . 3 00 
 
 HEATHS. For the best varieties, to Hovey & Co., . . . 3 00 
 
 GREENHOUSE PLANTS. For the best display, to M. P. Wilder, . 15 00 
 For the second best, to Hovey & Co., . . . . 12 00 
 
 For the third best, to T. Page, . . . . . 10 00 
 
 For the fourth best, to A. Bowditch, . . . . 8 00 
 
 TULIPS. For the best thirty distinct varieties, to S. Walker, . 8 00 
 
 PANSIES. For the best twelve distinct varieties, to P. Barnes, . 4 00 
 For the second best, to J. Nugent, . . . . 3 00 
 
 HAWTHORNS. For the best display, to Winship & Co., . . 3 00 
 
 For the second best, to Hovey & Co., . . . . 2 00 
 
 HARDY AZALEAS. For the best display, to Hovey & Co., . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, to J. A. Kenrick, . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the third best, to Winship & Co., . . . . 2 00 
 
 . SHRUBBY PJEONIES. For the best six varieties, to M. P. Wilder, . 5 00 
 For the second best, to E. Chamberlain, . . . 4 00 
 
 HERBACEOUS PJEONIES. For the best ten varieties, to M. P. Wilder, 5 00 
 For the second best, to A. Bowditch, . . . . 4 00 
 
 PINKS. For the best six distinct varieties, to Hovey & Co., . 4 00 
 
 ROSES. Class I. Hardy Roses. For the best thirty distinct varie- 
 ties, to M. P. Wilder, . . . . .800 
 For the second best, to Hovey & Co., . . . . 6 00 
 Class II. For the best twelve distinct varieties, to E. Chamberlain, 5 00 
 For the second best, to A. B6wditch, . . . . 3 00 
 For the third best, to T. Page, . . . . . 2 00 
 Class III. Hardy Perpetual Roses. For the best ten varieties, to 
 
 Hovey & Co., 5 00 
 
 For the second best, to M. P. Wilder, . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, to J. Nugent, . . . . 3 00 
 
 PRAIRIE ROSES. For the best display, to Hovey & Co., . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, to J. Nugent, . . * . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, to Winship & Co., . . . . 3 00 
 
 CARNATIONS AND PICOTEE PINKS. For the best ten varieties, to 
 
 Hovey & Co., . . . . . .500 
 
 Amount carried forward, . . $185 00 
 
 
 
Amount brought forward, . . . . $185 00 
 
 For the second best, to Dr. C. F. Chaplin, ^, ',. *,'/ . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, to J. Nugent, . . . . 3 00 
 
 HARDY RHODODENDRONS. For the best display, to Hovey & Co., 5 00 
 
 For the second best, to M. P. Wilder, . . . . 3 00 
 
 DOUBLE HOLLYHOCKS. For the best twelve varieties, to P. Barnes, 5 00 
 
 For the second best, to Hovey & Co., . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, to E. Chamberlain, . . . 2 00 
 
 PHLOXES. For the best ten distinct varieties, to P. Barnes, . 6 00 
 
 For the second best, to Hovey & Co., . . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, to E. Chamberlain, , . . . 3 00 
 
 GERMAN ASTERS, For the best ten varieties, to A. Bowditch, . 4 00 
 
 For the second best, to J. French, . . . 3 00 
 
 For the third best, to J. Nugent, . . 2 00 
 
 DELPHINIUMS. For the best six varieties, to P. Barnes, . . 6 00 
 
 PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES AWARPED AT THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION. 
 
 PLANTS IN POTS. For the best display, of not less than 20 pots, to 
 
 J. P. Gushing, 12 00 
 
 For the second best, to Azell Bowditch, . . . 10 00 
 
 For the third best to Thomas Page, . . . . 8 00 
 
 For the fourth best, to Hovey & Co., . . . . 5 00 
 
 VASE BOUQUETS. For the best pair, suitable for the Bradlee vases, 
 
 to Hovey & Co., the Bradlee plate, . . . . 10 00 
 For the second best, to Winship & Co., . . . 6 00 
 For the best pair of bouquets for the Society's vases, to J. 
 Nugent, 10 00 
 
 PARLOR BOUQUETS. For the best round, for parlors, to Hovey & Co., 
 
 first premium, . . ... 8 00 
 
 For the second best, to James Nugent, . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the third best, to M. P. Wilder, . . . . 5 00 
 
 For the fourth best, to Evers & Bock, . . ... . 4 00 
 
 CUT FLOWERS. For the best display, to Thomas Page, . . 8 00 
 
 For the second best, to Winship & Co., . . . 6 00 
 
 For the third best, to P. Barnes, . . . . 4 00 
 
 COXCOMBS. For the best 6 pots, to J. P. Gushing, first premium of . 3 00 
 For the second best, to Evers & Bock, . . . 2 00 
 
 GRATUITIES. To Winship & Co., for bouquets, . . .200 
 
 To T. Page, for the same, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 ToB. B. Mussey, for the same, . / . . . .200 
 
 To W. E. Carter, for the same, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 To Evers & Bock, for the same, . . . . 5 00 
 
 To Winship & Co., for plants in pots, . . . . 5 00 
 
 To M. P. Wilder, for the same, . *, * . 5 00 
 
 To J. Nugent, for the same, . . . . . 5 00 
 
 To Evers & Bock, for the same, . . . . 5 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, .... $379 00 
 
10 
 
 Amount brought forward, - . . . $379 00 
 
 To A. Bowditch, for Double White Camellia, . . . 3 00 
 
 To T. S. Sullivan, for Testudinaria elephantipes, . . 1 00 
 
 To J. Nugent, for coxcombs, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 To N. R. Preston, for fig tree, . . . . . 1 00 
 
 To J. Nugent, for Japan pea plant, . . . . 1 00 
 
 To Miss Russell, $3 for a floral temple, and $2 for a floral 
 
 basket, . . . . . . . 5 00 
 
 To Miss M. A. Konrick, for floral basket, . . . 2 00 
 
 To Mrs. E. A. Story, for a basket, . . . . 2 00 
 
 To C. S. Holbrook, for design of amaranths, . . . 2 00 
 To Messrs. Burr, for floral vase of grasses, and horn of plenty, 
 
 silver medal, and . , . . . . 5 00 
 
 To B. B. Mussey, for a basket> . . . . . 1 00 
 
 To A. Bowditch, floral design, , . . . . 10 00 
 
 To Mrs. W. Kendrick, for floral screen, . . . 3 00 
 
 To Hovey & Co., for cut flowers, , . . . 3 00 
 
 To J. Nugent, for the same. . . . . . 3 00 
 
 To Messrs. Burr, for the same, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 To Mrs. J. Heard, for the same, , . . . 1 00 
 
 To C. Griffiths, for the same, . % . . . 1 00 
 
 To Dennis Murray, for dried ferns, . . . . 3 00 
 
 To Dennis Murray, for native plants, . . . . 5 00 
 
 To Miss Mary Fisher, for cut flowers, . . . . 1 00 
 
 To F. M. Howard, for verbenas, . . . . 2 00 
 
 DAHLIAS. Division A. Specimen Bloom. For the best flower, to 
 
 Hyde & Son, . . . . , . 3 00 
 
 Various Colors. For the best tipped, to Messrs. Burr, , . 1 00 
 
 For the best scarlet, to Hyde & Son, . . . . 1 00 
 
 For the best striped, to Hyde & Son, . . . . 1 00 
 
 For the best blush, to Hyde & Son, . . . . 1 00 
 
 For the best dark tipped, to Hyde & Son, . . . 1 00 
 
 For the best red, to A. Bowditch, . . . . 1 00 
 
 For the best scarlet, to J. Nugent, . . . . 1 00 
 
 For the best maroon tipped, to J. Nugent, . . . 1 00 
 Division B. Class I. For the best twenty-four dissimilar blooms, 
 
 to Hovey & Co., . . . . . . 7 00 
 
 For the second best, to P. Barnes, . . . . 5 00 
 
 Class II. For the best eighteen dissimilar blooms, to Hyde & Son, 6 00 
 
 For the second best, to J. Nugent, . . . . 4 00 
 
 Class III. For the best twelve dissimilar blooms, to Hovey & Co., 5 00 
 
 For the second best, to A. Bowditch, . . . . 3 00 
 
 HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS. For the best display through the sea- 
 son, to Winship & Co., . . . S .800 
 For the second best, to P. Barnes, . . . . 6 00 
 
 J?or the third best, to A. Bowditch, . . . . 4 00 
 
 .Amount carried forward, .... $498 00 
 
11 
 
 Amount brought forward, .... $498 00 
 ANNUALS. For the best display through the season, to J. Nugent, 8 00 
 
 For the second best, to P. Barnes, . \.". . .600 
 
 For the third best, to Messrs. Burr, . . -. v ** 4 00 
 
 CAMELLIAS. For the best twe.lve varieties, to J. Nugent, . . 8 00 
 
 FLOWERING SHRUBS. For the best display, to Winship & Co., . 8 00 
 
 For the second best, to J. A. Kenrick, . . . . 6 00 
 
 BOUQUETS. For the best display for the season, to J. Nugent, . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, to T. Page, . . . . 3 00 
 
 GRATUITIES AT THE WEEKLY EXHIBITIONS. 
 
 To Hovey & Co., for calceolarias, . 
 
 To Hovey & Co., for fuchsias, . 
 
 To A. Bowditch, for calceolarias, . 
 
 To T. Page, for cut flowers, $2, $1, . 
 
 To Winship & Co., for cut flowers, . 
 
 To E. M. Richards, for the same, $1, $4, . 
 
 To R. M. Copeland, for hyacinths, , 
 
 To J. Nugent, ...... 
 
 To J. A. Kenrick, ...... 
 
 To Miss Russell, $1, $12, . 
 
 To M. P. Wilder, for superb azaleas, 
 
 To M. P. Wilder, for Gardenia Fortuni, &c., 
 
 To J. Nugent, for .Erica ventricosa superba, . 
 
 To Hovey & Co., for Erics. Cavendishw, . . . 
 
 To T. Page, for various plants, . 
 
 To Hovey & Co., for seedling azalea, 
 
 To J. Nugent, for amaryllis, . 
 
 To Winship & Co., for verbenas, . 
 
 To P. Barnes, for cyclamen, . 
 
 To P. Barnes, for Deutzia gracilis, . 
 
 To E. Smith, for pansies, . 
 
 To Hovey & Co., for splendid verbenas, 
 
 To Hovey & Co., for ericas, . 
 
 To T. Page, for Clematis Sieboldii, . 
 
 To W. E. Carter, for Dodecatheon, . 
 
 To P. Barnes, for Swainsonia Grey etna, 
 
 To Mrs. J. Heard, for seedling verbenas, 
 
 To J. Hovey, for bouquets, . 
 
 To W. E. Carter, for cut flowers, .... 
 
 To C. Copeland, for splendid dahlias and roses, 
 
 To Mary R. Richards, for bouquets, .... 
 
 To J. Nugent, for seedling phloxes, 
 
 To B. Harrington, for native plants, .... 
 
 To Hyde & Son, for fine dahlias, .... 
 
 2 00 
 
 3 00 
 
 2 00 
 
 3 00 
 2 00 
 
 00 
 00 
 00 
 00 
 
 13 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, 
 
 $642 00 
 
12 
 
 Amount brought forward, .... $642 00 
 
 To D. T. Curtis, for pomegranate, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 To J. Duncklee, for Magnolia glauca, . . . . 2 00 
 
 To J. A. Kenrick, for magnolias in variety, . . . . 3 00 
 
 To Miss M. A. Kenrick, for designs, . . . . 9 00 
 
 To Mrs. E. A. Story, for the same, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 To R. C. Bell, for hollyhocks, 2 00 
 
 To A. Bowditch, for Cyrtocerus, fuchsias, &c., . . 10 00 
 
 To W. Ashley, for columbines, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 To Hovey & Co., for fine seedling Japan lilies, . . . 3 00 
 
 To A. Bowditch, for camellias, . . . . .500 
 
 To B. V. French, for cut flowers, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 To Col. B. Loring, for Prairie roses, . . . . . 1 00 
 
 "$687 00 
 
 The Committee recommend a gratuity of fifty dollars to J. F. Allen, for 
 the introduction and successful cultivation of the Victoria Regia, or Royal 
 Water Lily. The Committee have made repeated visits at Mr. Allen's, in 
 Salem, and witnessed with great satisfaction the growth and development 
 of both leaf and flower of this rare and wonderful plant : they have also seen 
 the flower and leaf at various exhibitions at the Horticultural rooms. Con- 
 sidering the unsparing pains, and great expense incurred, in preparing for 
 the cultivation of the plant, the Committee are unanimous in recommending 
 this amount to Mr. Allen. 
 
 The Messrs. Hovey have exhibited a number of beautiful seedling 
 camellias ; one of them, which had been previously exhibited, was very 
 superior, and worthy of special notice ; it was very much admired for its 
 brilliancy of color and perfection of shape. 
 
 The Messrs. Winship also exhibited a beautiful striped seedling ca- 
 mellia, much admired. 
 
 The Committee hope to see Messrs. Hoveys' plant when in bloom, the 
 coming season, when they propose to give a full description ; and if its 
 high character is sustained, shall recommend it to the Society as worthy 
 the premium offered for that object. 
 
 For the Committee, JOSEPH BRECK, Chairman. 
 
13 
 
 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS 
 FOR THE 25-TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION. 
 
 The Committee of Arrangements beg leave to make the following Report : 
 
 The exhibition of the Society on the Common, under Mr. Wright's large 
 pavilion, terminated successfully, not only in the rich display of fruits, flow- 
 ers, and vegetables, which were without parallel in previous exhibitions, 
 but also resulting in a pecuniary gain to the Society of four hundred dol- 
 lars. The public, as well as the members of the Society, appear to have 
 been well satisfied with the arrangement and comfort of the pavilion, and 
 with its endless variety of horticultural productions. ' 
 
 Notwithstanding the fears entertained by some persons, that the Common 
 would be injured by the erection of the tent, it was conceded by those op- 
 posed, that no essential harm was done to the ground. In a few weeks no 
 traces of the injury could be observed. The Committee are much indebted 
 to his Honor the Mayor and other officers of the city government, for the 
 anxiety they manifested to promote the welfare of the Society, and to over- 
 come the objections raised to prevent the use of the Common for this ex- 
 hibition. 
 
 The most important item in preparing for this exhibition, was laying the 
 floor, the erection of tables, stands, &c., requiring for the construction of 
 the whole, about 50,000 feet of boards and joist. The Mayor and Alder- 
 men would not give permission to use the Common for the occasion, with- 
 out the agreement on the part of the Committee to lay a floor over the whole 
 area of the pavilion, to preserve the grass from injury. The expense of 
 lumber and labor, in laying the floor, amounted to $877. The lumber sold 
 at auction for $440, making the cost $437. 
 
 The Committee are of opinion that, should it be found expedient hereaf- 
 ter to have a similar exhibition, a considerable saving might be made, by 
 advertising for proposals to execute the work and furnish the lumber. 
 
 At the commencement of the exhibition we were visited by a severe rain 
 storm, which falling very suddenly, penetrated the canvass and gave the 
 fruit and flowers a thorough drenching. It resulted, however, in no great 
 damage to the products on exhibition, except to the grapes and cut flowers, 
 and rendering the place uncomfortably wet for a few hours, and in greatly 
 diminishing the receipts at the door for that day. The weather for the re- 
 mainder of the time was remarkably pleasant, and crowds of people thronged 
 the pavilion, particularly in the evening, when the place, lighted with gas 
 and enlivened by the band of music, seemed like a place of enchantment. 
 
 The Committee regretted the necessary termination of the exhibition nearly 
 as soon as it was under good head-way, as the public had but just learned 
 of the glory of the place when it was closed. Should there be another ex- 
 hibition of the kind, we are of opinion that if it could be opened on Thurs- 
 day, and kept open for a week or ten days, by allowing the contributors to 
 
14 
 
 renew the perishable fruits and flowers on Monday, a large sum of money 
 would be secured to the Society. The risk of holding an exhibition under 
 a tent would be greatly lessened, could there be more time between the 
 opening and close ; contributors of the perishable fruits and flowers could 
 be remunerated by additional premiums for their products. 
 
 The whole amount taken at the door, was . . . $2,124 50 
 
 Sale of lumber, . . . . 440 95 
 
 $2,565 45 
 
 Sundry expenses of Exhibition, . . . . $2,157 72 
 
 Cash paid Capt. Austin, Treasurer, .... 400 00 
 
 " for trunk for linen, . . . . 3 00 
 
 In the hands of the Chairman, . . . 4 73 
 
 $2,565 45 
 
 Should it be thought best by the Society to continue their annual exhi- 
 bitions under a tent, the committee would suggest the propriety of exchang- 
 ing their glass ware for a new set, having the name of the Society 
 stamped on each article ; and for this purpose funds should be solicited from 
 individuals able and favorably disposed towards the society. The amount 
 required would be about $2,000. From this sum would be deducted the 
 value of the glass ware now owned by the society. In addition to the amount 
 paid over to the Treasurer, there remains on hand the value of one hundred 
 and twenty-five dollars in cotton cloth, which has been washed and calen- 
 dered, and is now packed in three trunks, ready for another occasion. 
 
 The committee purchased also, from the funds in their hands, ten gross of 
 vials, valued at $15 00, which, with the cotton cloth and trunks, are worth 
 $150 00. The balance in the hands of the chairman (4 73) will be required 
 for some small bills that have been made known since making out this 
 report. 
 
 For the Committee, JOSEPH BRECK, Chairman. 
 

 15 
 
 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FRUITS, 
 AWARDING PREMIUMS FOR 1853. 
 
 The Committee take pleasure in congratulating the Society on the em- 
 inent success appertaining to this branch of its fostering care. Results have 
 been attained the past season, developing the capabilities of soil and 
 climate in perfecting the choicest varieties of fruits more particularly the 
 pear that would compensate for years of toil. 
 
 It may well be questioned whether like results could be shown, in regard 
 to the last named variety, in any exhibition in any country, we are aware 
 of the purport of language ; and still do not hesitate to consider the remark 
 as stable. 
 
 During the same time our amateurs have not been backward in pro- 
 ducing seedlings of every variety of fruit, while in pears a diligence has 
 been shown deserving the warmest praise of those who have ever felt that 
 the parent society should be enabled to go on with an increasing and dis- 
 seminating influence. 
 
 With limited means, the Society has been enabled, through its rich dis- 
 play from week to week, to afford the public an opportunity to compare and 
 compete to an extent almost literally to the loading down of the tables al- 
 lotted to this department. And the Committee would here bespeak the 
 thanks of the Society, for a few who have come forward week after week 
 during the whole season, affording from their own grounds a display which 
 in many localities would alone form exhibitions of merit, viz. : The Presi- 
 dent, Messrs. Hovey & Co., F. & E. Burr, M. P. Wilder, Samuel Walker, 
 J. Fisk Allen, W. C. Strong, M. H. Simpson, Henry Vandine, Josiah 
 Lovett, Winship & Co., Breck & Son, A. W. Stetson, J. P. Cushing, 
 Azell Bowditch, E. M. Richards, Samuel Downer, Jr., W. R. Austin, Mrs. 
 F. B. Durfee, Josiah Stickney, C. E. Grant, Messrs. Stetsons, Francis 
 Dana, Hyde & Co., B. Harrington, J. B. Moore, Frederick Tudor, and 
 many others, of whom honorable mention might be made. 
 
 It may well be deemed a task when the Committee, are called upon to 
 decide the premiums where all are excellent, and so much superior to the 
 contributions of former years, and, though they have been obliged to de- 
 clare in favor of one or another who happened to compose the Committee, it 
 must be remembered that your Committee is obliged to be made up of such 
 members as have made this a zealous choice, and for years have been striv- 
 ing to attain to a superiority of culture, and of necessity the Society must 
 bear in mind that to them is due some share in the getting up from their 
 own grounds these liberal contributions. 
 
 To shut them out as competitors a result would entail on the Society, 
 depriving it of some of the largest experience, for the very information 
 required could not be obtained to do duty in this department. And to the 
 better understanding in the premises, we would say, that it is distinct- 
 ly understood in Committee, that unless such fruits or specimens are 
 
16 
 
 of a decidedly marked superiority, the preference shall be given to the 
 contributor outside of the Committee. Your Committee are impelled to this 
 statement, with the view that all competitors may feel that exact justice 
 will be awarded to each and every contributor, and, certainly, if there is 
 vantage-ground anywhere, it is with him who does not go through the 
 cheerful, though unpaid and uncoveted duties from week to week during 
 the whole year. 
 
 To the better understanding of the responsibilities resting on them, each 
 member is provided with a book " in which shall be kept a true record 
 of all contributions from week to week," and in which weights, measures, 
 &c., &c., are carefully noted ; and though a casual observer, carrying in 
 mind from one exhibition to another, might not deem the award in all cases 
 agreeable with his judgment, it must be borne in mind that when the 
 awards receive final action it is in full council, bringing to their aid the 
 contents of each and every record made and we take satisfaction in stat- 
 ing, that such awards have been made in perfect unanimity. 
 
 Much attention has been given to the introduction of desirable varieties 
 of pears by importation, and we would instance the names of a few who 
 have carried out such arrangements on the most liberal scale, viz. : Hon. 
 J. S. Cabot, Hon. M. P. Wilder, Hon. Samuel Walker, Messrs. Hovey & 
 Co., and Robert Manning, each of whom have liberally furnished specimens 
 at fruition, though they might chance to perfect but a single specimen. 
 
 Among the modern pears which have fully sustained their former reputa- 
 tion, and may be considered as valuable for general cultivation, are the fol- 
 lowing sorts, viz. : Poire d'Albret, Beurr6 Clairgeau, Grand Soliel, Beurre 
 Sterkman, Nouveau Poiteau, Fondante de Malines, Beurr6 Langelier. 
 To which may be added the following, of native origin, viz. : Howell, 
 Sheldon, Dallas, Boston, Collins, Meriam, Wadleigh, and Kingsessing. 
 
 Of the seedling pears heretofore spoken of as raised by Mr. Francis 
 Dana, the Committee have tested as ripening in course, and see now no 
 reason to change an opinion already expressed. The same can 'be said of 
 an excellent seedling called the Boston, offered by Messrs. Hovey, several 
 years in succession. 
 
 In a former part of this report it will be noticed that we spoke of several 
 members who had been foremost in availing themselves of all that could 
 be brought to our aid by the introduction from abroad of such pears as had 
 received favorable notice, and we will herewith append the lists and re- 
 marks, as furnished by the several gentlemen. 
 
 From the Hon. J. S. Cabot, Salem. Alexandre Lambre, Beurr6 Gens, 
 Choix d'un Amateur, Poire Rigoleau, Millot de Nancy, Estnor Castle, 
 Blanc Per Ne, Prevost, Belle Julie. Calebasse Delvigne. 
 
 Dorchester, December 18, 1853. 
 
 To Eben Wight, Esq., Chairman of the Fruit Committee of the Massachu- 
 setts Horticultural Society. 
 
 Sir, In response to your note of yesterday, I herewith transmit descrip- 
 tions of new pears which I have exhibited the past season. The quality of 
 
17 
 
 many of these has been pretty fully ascertained, but another favorable sea- 
 son will test them more thoroughly. Respectfully yours, fyc., MARSHALL P. 
 WILDER. 
 
 New Pears, exhibited in the year 1853. 
 
 1. Mexandre Lambrc. Size, medium; form, roundish, bergamot shape ; 
 calyx, moderately sunk in flat basin ; stem, rather stout, less than one inch 
 in length, generally set without depression ; color, yellowish green, occa- 
 sionally mottled with red on the sunny side, russeted at the stem and calyx, 
 and stippled with coarse dots; flesh, greenish white, melting and juicy; 
 flavor, sweet, rich, with the Passe Colmar aroma. Season, November to 
 December. Quality "very good," perhaps "best." Core, small; seeds, 
 numerous, plump, and acutely pointed. 
 
 2. Poire (TAvril. Size, medium ; form, acute pyriform, inclining to tur- 
 binate ; calyx, closed, sunk in rather broad, moderately deep basin ; stem, 
 one inch or more in length, fleshy at the junction, rather stout ; color, yel- 
 lowish green, skin rough, somewhat russeted and reddened on the sunny 
 side ; flesh, greenish white, crispy and juicy ; flavor, resemble* Easter 
 Beurre, but is much inferior. Season, February to May. Keeps well, and 
 ripens without difficulty. Quality, good, with the promise of being valuable 
 as a very late fruit Core, small ; seeds, long, sharply pointed. Mr. Rivers 
 ranks this variety as a stewing pear. 
 
 3. Beurre Soulange. Size, medium to large ; form, acute pyriform ; stem, 
 one inch or more in length, curved, fleshy at the junction ; color, pale clear 
 yellow at maturity, with occasional traces of russet ; flesh, melting, and 
 very juicy ; flavor, rich, sugary, with peculiarly pleasant aroma. Season, 
 October to November. Quality, " very good," will probably prove " best ;" 
 a desirable acquisition. Received some years since from Brussels, and of 
 doubtful nomenclature. 
 
 4. Beurre Bachelier.Size, very large ; form, obovate obtus,e pyriform ; 
 stem, short and stout, seldom more than three-fourths of an inch in length, 
 planted in a narrow folded cavity ; color, clear green until mature, when it 
 has a handsome yellow skin ; flesh, tolerably melting and juicy ; flavor, 
 pleasant, inclining to sweet, not high, but agreeable. Season, November to 
 December. Quality, good ; may prove, on further trial, very good. 
 
 The Beurre Bachelier is described as a pear of the largest size in the 
 European Catalogues.. The tree is tardy of growth on the quince root, but 
 succeeds and bears abundantly when worked on a standard, a graft of one 
 foot in length having produced the last season nine perfect pears. 
 
 5. Theodore Van Mons. Size, large ; form, obtuse obovate pyriform ; 
 stem, about one inch in length, planted without depression ; calyx, large, 
 open, moderately sunk ; color, green at first, but becoming, when ripe, clear 
 yellow ; skin, smooth and handsome ; flesh, tender, juicy and melting ; flavor, 
 pleasant, sweetish, with some aroma. Season, October to November. Qual- 
 ity, good, probably, very good. Tree, vigorous, growth upright, forming a 
 fine pyramid, and bears well, either on the pear or quince. A hardy, valua- 
 ble fruit 
 
 3 
 
18 
 
 6. Doyenne Robin. -Size, medium ; form, roundish, bergamot shape ; 
 stem, rather long, planted without much depression, on a flattened surface ; 
 calyx, small, moderately sunk ; color, pale lemon yellow, russeted at the 
 stem and calyx, and profusely stippled with coarse dots ; flesh, white, melt- 
 ing and juicy; flavor, sprightly, vinous, with pleasant astringency, like 
 Doyenne d'Ete, rich and good ; quality, very good ; core, medium ; seeds, 
 plump and fair. Season, October 1st. 
 
 7. Malconaitre tfHaspin. Size, large; form, roundish obovate; stem, 
 about one inch in length, inserted in slight depression ; calyx, closed, in 
 rather deep, irregular basin ; skin, dull yellow, with brownish red cheek, 
 stippled with coarse dots, and russeted at the calyx ; flesh, juicy, tender and 
 melting; flavor, rich subacid, perfumed. Season, October to November. 
 Quality, very good ; core, medium ; seeds, small. Tree, vigorous, hardy 
 and productive ; a valuable market fruit. 
 
 8. Beurre Nantais. Size, large ; form, pyriform, slightly contracted in the 
 neck, somewhat obtuse ; stem, about one inch in length, rather stout ; color, 
 clear green, until maturity, when the skin assumes a pale yellow, generally 
 without any blush, and with but few traces of russet ; flesh, melting, tender, 
 and juicy ; flavor, sacharine, tolerably rich. Season, September 15 to Oc- 
 tober 15. Quality, very good ; tree, grows well on the pear or quince, 
 comes early into bearing, and makes a fine pyramidal tree. Mr. Leroy ad- 
 vertises this as a new fruit, but it has long been known in other collections. 
 
 9. Fondante Agreeable. Size, medium; form, roundish obovate; stem, 
 one inch or more long, fleshy at the base, set on one side ; calyx, open in 
 broad shallow basin ; color, dull yellowish green, slightly russeted ; flesh, 
 tender, melting and juicy ; flavor, very pleasant and refreshing, with deli- 
 cate aroma ; quality, very good, excellent. Season, last of August. Core, 
 large ; seeds, large, plump. 
 
 10. Beurre Navez. Size, full medium, or large; form, turbinate ; stem, 
 one inch or more in length, moderately strong, inserted on the apex of the 
 fruit; calyx, closed, not much sunk; flesh, melting and juicy; flavor, rich, 
 vinous, with pleasant aroma ; quality, very good. Season, October. 
 
 11. De Bavay.Size, medium ; form, turbinate ; stem, one and a quarter 
 to one and a half inches in length, planted without depression ; calyx, 
 large, open ; color, dull yellow, coarsely stippled, and considerably covered 
 with traces of russet; flesh, juicy, tolerably melting; flavor, agreeable sub- 
 acid, moderately rich ; quality, very good. Season, October to November. 
 A good bearer, either on the pear or quince root. 
 
 12. Doyen DUlen. Size, medium to large; form, obtuse pyriform, in- 
 clining to oval; stem, short and stout, fleshy at the junction; skin, dull 
 green, becoming yellow at maturity ; flesh, melting, with sufficient juice ; 
 flavor, agreeable subacid, sweetish, with pleasant perfume. Season, Octo- 
 ber to November. Quality, good ; may prove very good. 
 
 13. VanMons, 1825. Size, full medium; form, obovate obtuse pyri- 
 form ; stem, rather stout, one inch or more in length, planted in a slight 
 depression ; calyx, closed, rather deeply sunk ; skin, at maturity pale yel- 
 low, with a few russet traces, and occasionally a brownish red cheek; 
 flesh, melting, juicy and tender; flavor, pleasant subacid, rich. Season, 
 
19 
 
 October to November. Quality, very good, if not best. Tree, vigorous, 
 much of the habit of the Urbaniste, both in foliage and fruit, but is a very 
 distinct variety. 
 
 14. Laure de Gfymes. Size, medium; form, oval, turbinate; calyx, 
 open, moderately sunk ; stem, short, less than an inch in length, and insert- 
 ed without depression ; color, dull yellow, ground almost completely cov- 
 ered with orange russet, skin handsome ; flesh, white, melting, not very 
 juicy; flavor, sweetish, with pleasant aroma. Season, October to Novem- 
 ber. Quality, good. Valuable as an orchard pear, bearing profusely, in 
 clusters. M. Bivort describes this fruit in his Album de Pomologie, as of 
 exquisite quality. Perhaps another year's trial may raise its character in our 
 classification. 
 
 15. De Sorlus.S'we, large ; form, obtuse pyriform, inclining to ovate, 
 narrowing abruptly near the crown ; stem, about one inch in length, rather 
 stout, planted in a slight depression ; color, light dull green, becoming yel- 
 low at maturity, with some russet, particularly at the stem and calyx ; flesh, 
 white, half melting, middling juicy ; flavor, pleasant, but lacks richness and 
 character. Season, November to December. Quality, not fully ascer- 
 tained, needs further trial. The tree is of fine pyramidal habit, and grows 
 well as a dwarf or standard. 
 
 16. Millot de Nancy. Size, rather below medium, never large; form, 
 acute pyriform ; stem, one inch in length, set without depression, in folds, 
 like the Passe Colmar ; color, dull yellow, ground overspread with russet, 
 sometimes reddened on the sunny side ; flesh, buttery and melting, not very 
 juicy; flavor, tolerably rich, sweetish, with peculiar and pleasant aroma. 
 Season, October to November. Quality, good, promises to be classed as 
 very good. This is No. 2G70 of Van Mons's Seedlings. 
 
 17. Fondante des Pres. Size, medium ; form, turbinate, inclining to pyri- 
 form, broad across the middle ; stem, of middling strength, one inch long, 
 slightly sunk in folded cavity at the junction ; color, yellowish green, be- 
 coming clear lemon yellow at maturity, coarsely stippled, a few traces of 
 russet, and occasionally a little red next the sun ; flesh, white, melting, 
 juicy ; flavor, sweet, agreeable, with considerable aroma. Season, October. 
 Quality, very good. This is another of the seedlings of Dr. Van Mons. It 
 does not appear to set its fruit so readily on the pear as on the quince stock. 
 
 18. Comte de Flandre. Size, large ; form, pyramidal pyriform, narrowed 
 in the neck, and broad at the middle, resembling the Marie Louise ; stern, 
 stout, fleshy at the base, one to one and a quarter inches long, set without 
 depression ; calyx, moderately sunk ; color, yellowish green, becoming 
 quite yellow when ripe, considerably traced with russet, and marbled occa- 
 sionally with dull red next the sun; flesh, melting and juicy; flavor, rich 
 subacid, inclining to sweet, with a pleasant aroma; quality, very good. 
 Season, November to December. Tree, vigorous and prolific. A seedling 
 of Dr. Van Mons's Collection, which fruited in 1843 for the first time, under 
 No. 2672. 
 
 19. Louise de Prusse. Size, medium; form, roundish obovate, resem- 
 bling, in appearance, the Belle Lucrative ; calyx, small, sunk in rather deep 
 irregular cavity ; stem, stout, generally less than one inch in length, and 
 
20 
 
 set without depression ; color, dull green, becoming of a golden hue at ma- 
 turity, a little obscured with russet spots, and frequently touched with red 
 on the sunny side ; flesh, white, melting, buttery and juicy ; flavor, pleasant 
 subacid, inclining to sweet, with an agreeable aroma. Season, October to 
 November. Quality, very good. The tree is upright in growth, and forms 
 a fine bushy pyramid. Succeeds well, either on the pear or quince root. 
 
 20. Bouvier Bourgomeslre. Size, medium to large ; form, obtuse pyri- 
 form, long, narrowed in the neck ; stem, one to one and a quarter inches 
 long, set with but little depression ; calyx, small, in narrow, deep, irregular 
 cavity ; color, clear green, becoming yellow at maturity, and with an occa- 
 sional red cheek ; flesh, white, melting and juicy ; flavor, pleasant, tolerably 
 rich, sweet Season, October to November. Quality, good, promises well. 
 
 The tree is of rather feeble growth on the pear root It is quite a dis- 
 tinct and handsome fruit, having no resemblance to the varieties heretofore 
 received, under the name of Bourgemestre. 
 
 21. Grosse Callebassee of Langelier. Size, extra large ; form, pyriform, 
 nearly acute, but occasionally obtuse ; stem, large, stout, fleshy where it is 
 joined to the fruit, about one inch in length ; calyx, moderately sunk, seg- 
 ments frequently not persistent ; flesh, coarse, tender ; flavor, rather astrin- 
 gent, inferior ; color, dull yellowish green, mostly covered with a thick coat 
 of russet. Season, middle of September. Decays soon. 
 
 This variety is synonymous with the Triomphe de Hasselt of the Belgian 
 Collections, the Grosse Van Marum of Bivort, and probably with the Grosse 
 Callebasse of Noisette. 
 
 22. Bturri Judes. Size, medium ; form, pyriform ; calyx, open, in a fur- 
 rowed basin ; stem, rather long, inserted without depression ; skin, dull yel- 
 lowish green, rough and thick, with some russet, stippled with coarse dots ; 
 flesh, melting and buttery ; flavor, sweet, rich, excellent Season, early in 
 October, of short duration. Core, medium size; seeds, numerous, long, 
 sharply pointed. 
 
 The Beurre Judes has been exhibited for some years, both under this 
 cognomen, and that of Longue de Mankowty, (should be Longue de Na- 
 kourts.) The former is correct, as we infer from the foreign catalogues. 
 Mr. Hovey describes the Beurr6 Judes in 1851, as "without much flavor; 
 rots at the core." It has proved with us a very good fruit, but liable to 
 quick decay. 
 
 For a long course of years Mr. Wilder has been increasing his collection 
 of pears, by the introduction of the European novelties. The same enter- 
 prise and indomitable perseverance which characterize the public labors of 
 this gentleman, are nowhere more strongly developed than in his attach- 
 ment to the cultivation of this fruit. Probably no person in this country 
 has corresponded more extensively on this subject, or given his attention 
 more carefully to testing the comparative merits of foreign varieties. We 
 are therefore gratified in being able to embody in this report the above 
 results of his experience, and to learn, in addition, that several kinds which 
 have come into bearing the past season, but which have not been exhibited, 
 give promise of excellence. 
 
21 
 
 Of those which are likely to take a prominent rank, he has furnished the 
 following sketch : 
 
 Pie IX a large pyramidal, or turbinate, high flavored, buttery pear ; ripe 
 in October. 
 
 Comte de Paris a large, obtuse pyriform pear, handsome, and very pro- 
 lific ; October. 
 
 Cornells large, pyriform, excellent ; September. 
 
 Willermoz above medium size, handsome and good ; ripe, middle of 
 October. 
 
 Retour de Rome a russet pear of good size, and excellent quality ; No- 
 vember. 
 
 Emile d'Heyst large, form of the Dix, very melting and juicy ; October. 
 
 Beurre Berckmans regular pear shape, second size, first order ; December. 
 
 Monseigneur Afire middle size, a rich, melting pear ; November. 
 
 Marquis de Bedmar second size, bergamot shape, fine quality ; October. 
 
 Madame Elisa large and handsome ; as a late fruit, of good promise ; 
 November. 
 
 New Pears exhibited by Hovey Sf Co., 1853. 
 
 1. Klngsessing. A new American variety, of large size, roundish obo- 
 vate form ; yellow skin, tinged with red in the sun ; flesh, buttery, melting, 
 juicy, rich, high flavored and delicious ; September. 
 
 2. Brandywine. Another native pear, of the highest quality ; size, me- 
 dium ; form, pyramidal ; skin, green and brown ; flesh, juicy, melting, rich, 
 and peculiarly high flavored and luscious ; August. 
 
 3. Beurre Kennes. Medium size ; form, obtuse pyramidal ; skin, green 
 and brown ; flesh, melting, juicy, rich and excellent ; October. 
 
 4. Beau Present tfArtois. Size, large ; form, pyramidal ; skin, green ; 
 flesh, melting, juicy, pleasantly flavored and good ; August. 
 
 5. Longue de Monkowty. Size, large ; form, pyramidal ; skin, yellow- 
 ish, much dotted with large russet spots ; flesh, buttery, melting, juicy, very 
 sugary, rich and delicious ; October. 
 
 6. Striped Duchess of Angouleme. Similar in all respects to the Duchess, 
 but the skin is beautifully striped with green and yellow. 
 
 7. Suffolk Thorn. Size, medium ; form, roundish ; skin, brownish ; flesh, 
 melting, juicy, pleasantly flavored and good ; October. 
 
 8. Bezi d'Esperin. Size, medium ; form, obovate ; skin, green ; flesh, melt- 
 ing, juicy, sprightly, subacid, and excellent; November. 
 
 9. Graslin. Size, large; form, obtuse pyramidal; skin, yellow, tinged 
 with red; flesh, melting, juicy, rich, and excellent; November and De- 
 cember. 
 
 10. Delices d'Hardenpont of Belgium. Size, large ; form, obtused pyra- 
 midal ; skin, yellow ; flesh, half melting, very juicy, sprightly, rich and fine ; 
 November. 
 
 11. Olt. Size, small ; form, obovate ; skin, brownish ; flesh, melting, very 
 juicy, rich, high flavored and delicious ; August. 
 
 12. Beurre Duhaume. Size, medium ; form, obovate ; skin, brownish rus- 
 set ; flesh, melting, juicy, rich and good ; November. 
 
22 
 
 13. St.Menin. Size, large; form, pyramidal; skin, green, nearly cov- 
 ered with pale russet ; flesh, melting, sweet and good ; ripe in August. 
 
 14. Bouvier Bourgermestre. Size, medium ; form, pyramidal ; skin, yellow, 
 smooth, with a fine tinge of red on the sunny side ; flesh, melting, very 
 juicy, rich and excellent ; October. 
 
 The contributions of grapes from Messrs. J. F. Allen, W. C. Strong, 
 Hovey & Co., Breck & Son, M. H. Simpson, A. W. Stetson, A. Bowditch, 
 Nahum Stetson, J. Pritchard, and Mrs. F. B. Durfee, have been liberal dur- 
 ing the past season, while at the same time we notice the berries mark a 
 superiority in size and coloring, over those of preceding seasons. 
 
 Mr. A. W. Stetson has, during the past year, offered a number of seed- 
 lings. Several give good promise one of which he has named the 
 " Cabot," (in compliment to the President of the Massachusetts Horticul- 
 ral Society.) It is of so marked a character as to elicit a favorable notice 
 from Mr. Allen, and all will agree that his opinions in grape culture may 
 be considered as decisive. 
 
 Of grapes for open culture,, the Messrs. Hovey have continued to offer 
 the seedling raised by Mr. Bull, without any diminution as to merit, as 
 awarded in previous reports, and the Committee learn that the vines will be 
 procurable at the warehouses of the Messrs. Hovey & Co., and Messrs. 
 Breck & Son. 
 
 We are pleased to notice that the attention given to grapes for open cul- 
 ture shows a decided change over the lethargic attention of former years, 
 both in the production of seedlings, and in bringing into notice many choice 
 varieties, heretofore unknown or unnoticed. Of the many seedlings offered 
 we do not feel that this would be a proper time to speak, and wait a mature 
 judgment, and, in passing, would merely say, as an encouragement to 
 growers, that those raised from seeds of the Catawba, have shown a decided 
 superiority. But your Committee would feel it a dereliction of duty should 
 they fail at this time to make favorable mention of a superior grape, ripen- 
 ing early in September, and exhibited by Mr. Thos. Waterman. This 
 grape will undoubtedly prove to be the " Winne," synonym " Colum- 
 bian" or "Buck" grape, of which Mr. Bull says, (see New England Farmer, 
 July 17, and December 11, 1829,) "The fruit is purple, close set, cluster 
 not very large, form nearer round than oval, pulp about the same as the Isa- 
 bella, never sheds its fruit, and is in eating from eight to ten weeks, a con- 
 stant and great bearer ; it has been judged to have had on one vine at a 
 single time, fifteen bushels." 
 
 We herewith subjoin valuable remarks on grapes, from Mr. Allen : 
 
 Salem, December 22, 1853. 
 
 Dear Sir, I have written down, for your use or otherwise, as you may think 
 best, the conclusions I have come to, first, as to those grapes which can be 
 soonest ripened by forcing ; and, secondly, those most suitable for retarding. 
 
 I believe all cultivators of fruit are aware of the fact, that for cold houses, 
 or houses where a little heat is used for the main crop, that the Black Ham- 
 burg (in its varieties,) is the most suitable, and the most generally esteemed. 
 Truly t yours, JOHN FISK ALLEN. 
 
23 
 
 " Grapes that may be forced, and which will mature their fruit in the least 
 period of time ; Pitmaston White, cluster ; Musque Verdel ; these two 
 ripen the soonest ; Macready's Early White ; Black July." 
 
 " Grapes, that require the longest time to mature their fruit, and which 
 keep fresh, without wilting, after ripe, several weeks, and are suitable for 
 retarding houses. The first named are the most valuable for this pur- 
 pose ; Wortley Hall seedling ; Syrian ; West St. Peters ; Queen of Nice, 
 moderate bearer; Prince Albert, this is a poor bearer; Ferrar, or Black 
 Portugal ; Portien Noir ; Muscat of Alexandria, in its varieties. This may 
 be thought the best in quality, but it dries more than either of the before 
 named. This does not injure the flavor, and being a large berry, after 
 arriving at this state, they can be preserved until they become almost, if not 
 quite, raisins. 
 
 The old Black Hamburg will keep with some wilting, and the Wilmot's 
 New, (the last season of 1853,) kept better than either of the Hamburgs. 
 The Victoria and Wilmof s No. 16, decayed soon after fully ripe. 
 
 The old Black St. Peters and the Black Prince, although keeping better 
 than last year, are very inferior to those advised for the retarding house. 
 
 Zinfindal dries badly, but when fully ripe, before this process begins, 
 the flavor remains fine. 
 
 For out-door cultivation I have proved that the Diana grape will ripen on 
 an eastern exposure, where the Isabella cannot be matured. I think the 
 Committee cannot err in recommending this for extensive cultivation for 
 market. It is now, after many years' trial, fairly tested. It is frequently 
 a slow grower for the first and second season, but after this a very strong one. 
 
 Cabot Grape. A seedling, raised by Mr. A. W. Stetson of Braintree. 
 It is no doubt a cross of Grizzly Frontignan and Black Hamburg ; the 
 seed of the first named variety having produced the vine. The bunch is 
 long, with firm, short shoulders. The berries are medium size, round and 
 black, with a thick bloom. In flavor, Musque, but with much spirit, more 
 so perhaps, than some would like ; this quality can always be tempered by 
 suffering the fruit to remain on the vine until perfectly ripe, when the 
 grapes with this characteristic become quite sweet. The specimens exhib- 
 ited thus far have been ripened in a pot, and the vine has produced and 
 matured a large crop, for a vine so situated. It may be considered a seed- 
 ling of much promise." 
 
 June llth, and subsequently, Mr. Isaac Fay made a fine display of nu- 
 merous baskets of his seedling strawberry, to which he has given the name 
 of " Jenny Lind," said, by the producer, to be quite productive, of good 
 size, and fine flavor. Should it continue to maintain the character of pro- 
 ductiveness it will prove a desirable variety. 
 
 June 21st. M. H. Simpson presented a strawberry, called "Dr. Durfee's 
 seedling," of a rich sparkling flavor, with berries of an extra large size, and 
 though somewhat lacking in weight, it is not " hollow-hearted." Mr. Bow- 
 ditch made a fine display of " Coe's Transparent cherry," of which previous 
 mention has been made. The tree continues to show signs of great pro- 
 
24 
 
 ductiveness. This, added to the great beauty of the fruit, will make it a 
 desirable and choice variety, for even the smallest collection. The Messrs. 
 Hovey presented at our weekly exhibitions, the seedling cherry heretofore 
 mentioned, fully sustaining its former reputation ; and this being the fifth 
 year of offering it, the Committee awarded the Appleton gold medal, valued 
 at $40, as the best seedling, after a trial of five years. 
 
 Messrs. Hyde & Son exhibited "Peirce's seedling," a large, dark-red 
 cherry, very late in ripening, of a fine flavor, and said to be remarkably 
 productive. The Messrs. Hyde represent the tree as being very handsome 
 as a " shade-tree," partaking much of the form of the horse-chestnut, with 
 large and broad leaves, which would certainly be an additional inducement, 
 combining, as it is said to, the advantage of a fine shade and good fruit. 
 
 July 2. Hon. M. P. Wilder exhibited Duchesse de Pallua cherries, of a 
 fine flavor, and represented as very productive. On the same day he ex- 
 hibited twenty varieties of strawberries from imported vines, and out of the 
 whole number only three were considered by him as worthy of cultivation, 
 viz. : " Hericart de Thury," " Marechal de la Cour," and " Barnes's New 
 Large White," which, as exhibited, certainly proves to be the largest and 
 finest of the white varieties. 
 
 Mr. Elijah Myrick exhibited Bigarreau de Mezel cherries, of an extra 
 size, under some new name. The same cherry has been received from 
 Europe, under the name of Bigarreau Gaubalis, and Monstreuse de Bavay, 
 and is identical with the Waterloo, sent to Mr. Wilder from Mr. Downing's 
 nursery some fifteen years since. 
 
 Sept. 3. Mr. A. D. Webber presented seedling melons, grown in open 
 culture. It is a cross between the Beechwood and Christiana. From its 
 great productiveness, early maturity and rich melting flavor, the Committee 
 are of opinion that they can recommend this variety in confidence of its 
 resulting in entire satisfaction to the cultivator. 
 
 We are ready to bear testimony in favor of the seedling strawberry by 
 Hon. Samuel Walker, so fully and meritoriously spoken of in previous 
 reports. 
 
 As previously stated in the preceding report, we cannot commend a gen- 
 eral culture of the gooseberry, with the exception of " Houghton's Seed- 
 ling," on account of the devastating influence of the mildew. There has 
 been only one contributor who has succeeded in making a large display 
 during the season, and his (Mr. Alexander McLellan's) contributions con- 
 sisted of some twenty-five varieties, well grown but by what process he 
 was enabled to avoid the usual baneful effect of the mildew, we did not learn. 
 
 As a general matter of note, the show of strawberries and raspberries 
 has been meritorious. Of the former, the most extensive shows have con- 
 sisted of Hovey's Seedling and Boston Pine, and of the latter, decidedly 
 the best have been made with Knevet's Giant. 
 
 The Committee notice that the number of contributions of the " Improved 
 High Blackberry," has but slightly increased over the previous year ; and 
 though they strenuously urged a general culture of this choice fruit, in their 
 previous report, they still continue to see evidence confirming their former 
 
25 
 
 opinion. Since the blackberry is so easily propagated by a division of the 
 root into small sections, it can readily be increased to an almost unlimited 
 extent. 
 
 Of the plum crop, we have to record an almost entire failure the past 
 season. 
 
 And we have to record the same difficulty in the apple, as a general 
 crop ; though there have been a few isolated cases in which specimens 
 have been presented, sufficient to cover the rules for prizes at the exhibitions. 
 We would instance in point of a general failure, and believe it is in ac- 
 cordance with the crop throughout New England. During nearly every 
 year since the establishment of the Society, the Hon. B. V. French has 
 carried off the premium for the "largest and best collection," offering hun- 
 dreds of varieties in competition, while the past season no award has been 
 made for a large and extensive collection, and Mr. French has not been able 
 to show one where hundreds previously adorned the tables at our Annual 
 Exhibition. The only variety of apple worthy of particular note, exhibited 
 the past season, was the " Size," a seedling from W. A. Andrews, Dover, 
 N. H., (by Messrs. Hovey & Co.,) of which a few dozen were offered, and of 
 so rich a coloring as to prove the main attraction in the fruit department. 
 This was on the 21st of May, giving evidence that it is a late keeping va- 
 riety. On testing it proved abundantly juicy, and of a rich flavor. In size, 
 it is above medium ; a high, warm, rich red on a yellow ground ; deep 
 red to the sun, and, for its great beauty alone, must prove a desirable table 
 fruit. 
 
 It might not be deemed the province of this Committee at this time, and 
 in this place, to enter fully into the feasibility of growers undertaking the 
 cultivation of the apple extensively, other than with local or tried varieties 
 such as have their habitations hereabouts, or, in other words, seedlings pro* 
 duced in this vicinity it is a subject deserving attention when newly plant- 
 ing an orchard, and we would advise such persons to look about and learn 
 what varieties have done well in their neighborhood for trees have a hab- 
 itation. 
 
 THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION for the past year was held under the large 
 pavilion on the Common, and proved an object of greater attraction than did 
 that of 1852, which by many had been deemed unapproachable. Many 
 new contributors came in, successfully carrying off the award over those 
 who for years had been recipients, showing conclusively, that with a small 
 allotment of ground, well cared for, the finest specimens can be produced 
 for competition, under the head of "the best twelve specimens," and 
 " best single dishes." So far as the pear was concerned, better growth of 
 all specimens was visible on every side. 
 
 It is to be hoped that arrangements may be made the coming year, by 
 which the exhibition may be continued for a greater length of time, ena- 
 bling strangers to avail themselves, when several of the leading societies 
 may chance to assign the same day for the opening and also giving the 
 members an opportunity to visit other exhibitions occurring about the same 
 time. 
 
 4 
 
26 
 
 With these remarks, your Committee now submit their award of the 
 prizes offered by the Society, for the past year : 
 
 For the best and most interesting exhibition of Fruits, during the 
 
 season, the Lowell plate, to Hovey & Co., . . $QO 00 
 
 For the second best, to J. F. Allen, . . . . 12 00 
 
 APPLES. For the best twelve Summer apples, to Bowen Harring- 
 ton, for the Williams, . . . . 6 00 
 For the next best, to J. W. Foster, Early Harvest, . 4 00 
 For the best twelve Autumn apples, to Hill & Crosby, Hub- 
 
 bardston Nonsuch, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the next best, to Josiah Lovett, Cole's Quince, . 4 00 
 
 For the best twelve Winter apples, to A. W. Stetson, Baldwin, 6 00 
 
 For the next best, to Messrs. Burr, Jonathan, . 4 00 
 
 APRICOTS. For the best twelve, to Geo. S. Baxter, . 5 00 
 
 For the next best, to Henry Vandine, . . 3 00 
 
 BLACKBERRIES. For the best specimens, to Josiah Lovett, . 5 00 
 
 For the next best, to Galen Merriam, . . 3 00 
 
 For the next best, to C. E. Grant, . . . . 2 00 
 
 CHERRIES. For the best specimens, to Geo. Walsh, . . 5 00 
 
 For the next best, to J. B. Moore, Black Eagle, . 3 00 
 
 For the next best, to A. Bowditch, Coe's Transparent, . 2 00 
 
 CURRANTS. For the best specimens, to Josiah Lovett, Gondouin 
 
 Red, 5 00 
 
 For the next best, to Geo. Wilson, White Dutch, . 3 00 
 
 FIGS. For the best twelve specimens, to F. Tudor, . 5 00 
 
 For the next best, to J. F. Allen, . . . 3 00 
 
 GOOSEBERRIES. For the best specimens, to Alexander McLellan, 4 00 
 
 For the next best, to J. W. Foster, . . . 2 00 
 
 GRAPES. For the best specimens, grown under glass, on or before 
 
 the first Saturday in July, to Mrs. F. B. Durfee, . . 10 00 
 
 For the next best, to M. H. Simpson, . . 7 00 
 For the best specimens, grown under glass, subsequently to 
 
 the first Saturday in July, to W. C. Strong, . . 10 00 
 
 For the next best, to J. F. Allen, . . . 7 00 
 
 For the best Isabella grapes, to C. E. Grant, . . . 5 00 
 
 For the next best, to Henry Vandine, . . 3 00 
 
 For the best Diana grapes, to Diana Crehore, . 5 00 
 
 For the next best, to Hovey & Co., . . . 3 00 
 
 MUSK MELON. For the best musk melon, open culture, to A. 
 
 D. Webber, . . . . . . . 5 00 
 
 For the next best, raised by open culture, to E. M. Richards, 3 00 
 
 NECTARINES. For the best twelve specimens, to J. F. Allen, . 5 00 
 
 For the next best, to Hovey & Co., . . . 3 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, . . $178 00 
 
27 
 
 Amount brought forward, . . . . $178 00 
 
 PEACHES. For the best twelve specimens, grown under glass, on 
 
 or before the second Saturday in July, to J. F. Allen, . 6 00 
 
 For the next best, to M. H. Simpson, . . . 4 00 
 For the best twelve specimens, open culture, to T. Clapp, 
 
 Early Crawford, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the next best, to C. E. Grant, Early Crawford, . 4 00 
 
 For the next best, to E. S. Rand, Jr., Coolidge's, . 2 00 
 PEARS. For the best collection, not exhibited before this year, 
 with a written description of the same, the Society's plate, 
 
 to M. P. Wilder, 10 00 
 
 For the next best, to Hovey & Co., . . . 6 00 
 For the best twelve Summer pears, on or before the last Sat- 
 urday in August, to J. B. Loomis, Rostiezer, . 6 00 
 For the next best, to J. F. Allen, Manning's Elizabeth, . 4 00 
 For the best twelve Autumn pears, on or before the last Sat- 
 urday in November, to S. Driver, Beurre Bosc, . 6 00 
 For the next best, to J. A. Stetson, Beurre Diel, . 4 00 
 For the best twelve Winter pears, on or before the third Sat- 
 urday in December, to W. R. Austin, Easter Beurre, . 8 00 
 For the next best, to J. Plimpton, Glout Morceau, . . 6 00 
 For the next best, to Henry Vandine, B. D'Aremberg, . 4 00 
 PLUMS. For the best specimens, to Josiah Lovett, Green Gage, . 4 00 
 For the next best, to Henry Vandine, Nectarine, . 3 00 
 For the next best, to M. H. Simpson, Green Gage, . 2 00 
 QUINCES. For the best twelve specimens, to Samuel Downer, Jr., 4 00 
 For the next best, to C. E. Grant, . . . 2 00 
 RASPBERRIES. For the best specimens, to Josiah Lovett, . 5 00 
 For the next best, to Thomas Page, . . . 3 00 
 For the next best, to Ezra Cleaves, . . . . ' 2 00 
 STRAWBERRIES. For the best specimens, to J. B. Moore, Hovey's 
 
 Seedling, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the second best, to M. H. Simpson, Hovey's Seedling, . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, to M. H. Simpson, Durfee's Seedling, . 3 00 
 
 PRIZES AWARDED ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE .ANNUAL EXHIBITION. 
 
 PEARS. For the greatest number of best grown varieties of named 
 pears, at least three specimens of each, the specimens to 
 be at the disposal of the Chairman of the Fruit Committee, 
 for two weeks, to Hovey & Co., the Lyman Plate, . 40 00 
 
 For the second best, subject to the same rules and conditions, 
 to M. P. Wilder, 2000 
 
 For the greatest number of best grown varieties of named 
 apples, at least three specimens of each not awarded. 
 
 For the second best, subject to the same rules and conditions, 
 not awarded. 
 
 Amount carried forward, . ^ . . . $352 00 
 
28 
 
 Amount brought forward, . . . * ., ,,. $352 00 
 
 APPLES. For the best twelve varieties, of twelve specimens each, 
 
 to Messrs. Burr, the Society's Plate, . , . . 20 00 
 
 For the second best, to Josiah Lovett, . . 15 00 
 
 For the third best, to A. D. Williams, . . . 12 00 
 
 For the fourth best, to B. V. French, . . . 8 00 
 For the best dish of apples, twelve specimens of one variety, 
 
 to Josiah Stickney, Gravenstein, . . . C 00 
 
 For the second best, to M. H. Simpson, 20 oz. Pippin, . 5 00 
 
 For the third best, to Henry Vandine, Porter, . 4 00 
 
 For the fourth best, to Geo. Everett, Baldwin, . 3 00 
 
 PEARS. For the best twelve varieties, of twelve specimens each, 
 
 to W. R. Austin, the Lyman Plate, . . 20 00 
 
 For the second best, to Josiah Richardson, . . . 15 00 
 
 For the third best, to Josiah Stickney, . . . 12 00 
 
 For the fourth best, to Hovey & Co., . . 8 00 
 For the best dish of pears, twelve specimens of one variety, 
 
 to Josiah Richardson, Flemish Beauty, . . 6 00 
 For the second best, to C. M. Brackett, Seckel, . 5 00 
 For the third best, to Samuel Downer, L. B. de Jersey, . 4 00 
 For the fourth best, to Samuel Walker, Dunmore, . 3 CO 
 ASSORTED FRUIT. For the best basket of fruit, to Azell Bow- 
 ditch, 10 00 
 
 For the second best, to Samuel Walker, . . 7 00 
 GRAPES. For the best five varieties, two bunches each, to Mrs. 
 
 F. B. Durfee, 12 00 
 
 For the second best, to W. C. Strong, . ; 8 00 
 
 For the third best, to Breck & Son, . . 5 00 
 
 For the best two varieties, to Nahum Stetson, ". . 6 00 
 
 For the second best, to B. D. Emerson, . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, to Dr. Durfee, . . . 2 00 
 
 The Committee also award to Messrs. Hovey & Co. the APPLETON GOLD 
 
 MEDAL, for their new Seedling cherry, which has been exhibited for five 
 years, and obtained the highest commendation of the Society. 
 
 GRATUITIES DURING THE SEASON. 
 
 To Josiah Lovett, for Minister apples, . . . 4 00 
 
 To Hovey & Co., for Glout Morceau pears, . . 4 00 
 
 To T. D. Anderson, for Beurre d'Aremberg pears, . . 4 00 
 
 To J. B. Moore, for currants, . . . . 3 00 
 
 To I. Fay, for Jenny Lind strawberries, . . . 3 00 
 
 GRATUITIES AWARDED AT THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION. 
 
 To J. S. Cabot, for a collection of pears, . . . 20 00 
 Amount carried forward, ..... $590 00 
 
29 
 
 * 
 
 Amount brought forward, ..... $590 00 
 
 To Samuel Walker, for the same, . . . . . 10 00 
 
 To Winship & Co., for the same, . v* * . 10 00 
 
 To Henry Vandine, for the same, . . . . . 10 00 
 
 To John Gordon, for the same, . . . . 4 00 
 
 To John Gordon, for a collection of apples, . . 6 00 
 
 To J. S. Sleeper, for fine pears, . . . . 5 00 
 
 To F. Dana, for the same, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 To Dr. C. F. Chaplin, for the same, . . . 4 00 
 To W. Bacon, A. D. Williams, and Henry Bradlee, each the Silver 
 
 Medal, for collections of fine pears. 
 
 To A. Parker, for fine pears, Van Mons Leon le Clerc, . 3 00 
 
 To W. C. Strong, for a design for grapes, . . 10 00 
 
 To John Hill, for a design for peaches, . . . 7 00 
 
 To J. M. Fessenden, for a design for grapes, . . 5 00 
 
 To Thomas Waterman, for the same, . . . 5 00 
 
 To R. M. Copeland, for the same, . '. . . 2 00 
 
 To C. J. Weinz, for Bartlett pears, . . . 2 00 
 
 To N. Collins, for Collins pear, . . . . 5 00 
 The Bronze Medal to N. C. Poore, for grapes ; to B. Hedge, for 
 pears ; to H. Kellog, for Seckel pears ; to L. Wheeler, for L. 
 B. of Jersey pears ; to J. A. Stetson, for Flemish Beauty pears ; 
 to D. Roberts, for a collection of pears ; to Evers & Bock, for 
 the same ; to H. S. Hills, for Bartlett pears ; to R. W. Ames, 
 for Merriam pears ; to J. B. Loomis, for a collection of pears ; 
 to B. Harrington, for a collection of apples. 
 
 To Mrs. E. A. Story, for Blood peaches, . . . 5 00 
 
 To N. Collins, for the introduction of the Collins pear, . . 20 00 
 
 To Hovey & Co., for the introduction of their new native pear, . 20 00 
 
 $727 00 
 For the Committee, EBEN WIGHT, Chairman. 
 
30 
 
 REPORT OF THE VEGETABLE COMMITTEE, 
 AWARDING PREMIUMS TOR 1853. 
 
 The Committee report the show of vegetables, during the season, to have 
 been very good ; although the quantity has not been great, the quality has 
 been very excellent. At the Annual Show the display was good, and at- 
 tracted much attention. In regard to the Davis Seedling Potato, it has, in 
 the opinion of the Committee, held to its previous character. This season 
 it has been repeatedly tried, drill and drill, with the Chenango and Peach 
 Blow, and whilst the decay was great with them, the Davis was untouched 
 by rot. The Committee have awarded the premiums and gratuities, a copy 
 of which is annexed. An interesting communication has been received 
 from Dr. T. W. Harris, of Cambridge, in which high mention is made of 
 the Cuba and fine Hybrid Squashes, (cross of Marrow and Cuba,) raised and 
 exhibited by A. W. Stetson, Esq., of E. Braintree, at the annual exhibition. 
 For the past four years Dr. Harris has given great attention to the exam- 
 ination of pumpkins and squashes, and now is able to report 10 varieties 
 of the same group, Valparaiso, Cuba, and Marrow. Of the varieties men- 
 tioned particularly, is the Acorn Squash, which is evidently nothing but a 
 variety of the one called Le Pepon Turban. Fine specimens were raised 
 by him in 1851. He jmmounces it the heaviest squash of its size, and the 
 best flavored ever raised by him. 
 
 ASPARAGUS. For the earliest and best, to H. Bradlee, . . $3 00 
 For the second best, to A. W. Stetson, . . .200 
 BEETS. Por the best (pure blood beet,) during the season, not 
 
 less than twelve roots, to Josiah Crosby, . . 3 00 
 
 BROCCOLI. For the best three heads, to Josiah Lovett, 2d, . 5 00 
 BEANS. For the best and earliest peck of string beans, to James 
 
 Nugent, . . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the second best and earliest Lima beans, to H. Bradlee, 3 00 
 For tke best and earliest variety of shell beans, to Josiah 
 
 Crosby, . . . . . . 3 00 
 
 CABBAGE. For the best Drumhead cabbage, during the season, 
 
 not less than three heads, to A. D. Williams, . - . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, to Josiah Crosby, . . 3 00 
 For the best Savoy cabbage, during the season, not less than 
 
 three heads, to J. B. Moore, . . . 3 00 
 
 CARROTS. For the best exhibited, to J. B. Moore, . 2 00 
 CELERY. For the best and largest blanched, not less than six 
 
 roots, to Josiah Crosby, . . . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, to Bowen Harrington, . . 3 00 
 
 CORN. For the best and earliest sweet corn, to A. D. Webber, . 3 00 
 
 For the second best, to J. B. Moore, . . . 2 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, . . Jp $48 00 
 
 if 
 
 
 
31 
 
 *w. -"- 
 
 *v*&i ' ' **' 
 
 Amount brought forward, .... . $48 00 
 CUCUMBERS. For the best pair under glass, previous to the first 
 
 Saturday of June, to H. Bradlee, . . ^ . 500 
 
 For the second best, to C. S. Holbrook, . . 3 00 
 
 For the best and earliest of open culture, to Josiah Crosby, . 3 00 
 
 EGG PLANTS. For the best display, to A. D. Webber, . 5 00 
 
 LETTUCE. For the best six heads, before the first Saturday in 
 
 July, to W. A. Harris, . . . . '. 3 00 
 For the second best, to J. B. Moore, . . . 2 00 
 POTATOES. For the best and earliest peck, to Josiah Crosby, . 3 00 
 For the second best, to W. A. Harris, . . 2 00 
 PEAS. For the best and earliest peck in June, to J. B. Moore, . 3 CO 
 RHUBARB. For the largest and best, previous to the first Satur- 
 day in July, to A. W. Stetson, . W . . 500 
 For the second best, to Galen Merriam, . . 3 00 
 TOMATOES. For the best and earliest, to James Nugent, . 3 00 
 VEGETABLES. For the best display and greatest variety at the 
 
 weekly exhibitions, during the season, to Josiah Crosby, . 5 00 
 For the second best, to J. B. Moore, . . . 3 00 
 GRATUITIES. To Parker Barnes, for fine early rhubarb . 3 00 
 To Wm. Walsh, for fine hybrid cucumbers, . . 2 00 
 To Hyde & Son, for fine rhubarb, . . . 2 00 
 To H. Bradlee, for Adams early corn, . . 2 00 
 To M. P. Wilder, for Myatt's Linnseus and Royal Albert rhu- 
 barb, 2 00 
 
 To Azell Bowditch, for Lima beans, . . . 3 00 
 To Alvin Adams, for specimens of oats, wheat, and barley, 
 
 from California, the Society's Silver Medal, . 5 00 
 
 To Hill & Crosby, for Marrow squash, . 3 00 
 
 To Win. Barnes, for large pumpkins, . . . 2 00 
 
 To R. C. Hooper, for turnip-rooted cabbage, . . 2 00 
 
 To W A. Harris, for fine early potatoes, . . 3 00 
 
 To J. B. Moore, for varieties of Sweet corn, . . 2 00 
 
 To Bowen Harrington, for Summer squashes, . 1 00 
 
 PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES AWARDED AT THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION. 
 
 VEGETABLES. For the best display and greatest variety, first 
 
 premium, to J. B. Moore, . . . . . 10 00 
 
 For the second best, to Stone & Co., . . 8 00 
 
 For the third best, to A. D.Williams, . . ' * 6 00 
 
 For the fourth best, to B. V. French, . .- . 4 00 
 
 MAMMOTH SQUASHES. For the best, to Jas. Dunn, the Silver 
 
 Medal. 
 For the second best, to A. W. Stetson, 
 
 Amount carried forward, .... 
 
32 
 
 Amount brought forward, . . . . * ' . $159 00 
 GRATUITIES. For a collection of squashes, to A. W. Stetson, 
 
 the Society's Silver Medal. 
 
 For a fine collection, first premium, to Hyde & Son, . Vf 5 00 
 
 Second premium, to Henry Bradlee, . . 3 00 
 
 Third premium, to B. Harrington, . . . 2 00 
 
 For egg plants, best, to B. V. French, . . 1 00 
 
 For the same, to Parker Barnes, . . . 1 00 
 
 For Lima beans, to J. B. Moore, . . . 2 00 
 
 For a fine collection, to C. S. Holbrook, . . 3 00 
 
 For tomatoes, to Nahum Stetson, . . f 1 00 
 
 For a fine collection, to James Nugent, .ft . . 5 00 
 
 For the same, to Messrs. Burr, . . . 5 00 
 
 For the same, to Stone & Co., . . . 1 00 
 
 For the same, to Josiah Stickney, . . . 3 00 
 
 For the same, to A. D. Webber, . . . 4 00 
 
 For pumpkins, first premium, to Thos. Page, . . 1 00 
 
 For potatoes, to C. A. Hewins, . . . 1 00 
 
 For the same, to J. B. Moore, . . . 1 00 
 For large pumpkins, to A. W. Stetson, Silver Medal ; and for 
 
 two extra Cuba squashes, . . . . 3 00 
 
 For squashes, to Hyde & Son, . . . 1 00 
 
 To Charles W. Stone, for black Spanish melons, . 4 00 
 
 Amount of prizes awarded, .... .$20600 
 
 For the Committee, HENRY BRADLEE, Chairman. 
 
33 
 
 SCHEDULE OF PRIZES 
 
 FOR 1854. 
 
 BOSTON, JANUARY 2, 1854. 
 
 The Committee for establishing Prizes, respectfully submit and recom- 
 mend the following Schedule of Prizes, for the year 1854. 
 
 For the Committee, 
 
 JOSEPH S. CABOT. 
 To the Executive Committee. 
 
 AMOUNT OF PRIZES. 
 
 Prospective Prizes, ...... $750 00 
 
 For Gardens, Greenhouses, &c., .... 200 00 
 
 For Fruits, ....... 620 00 
 
 For Plants, Flowers, and Designs, .... 700 00 
 
 For Vegetables, . . . . . . 250 00 
 
 $2520 00 
 
 JOSEPH S. CABOT, PRESIDENT. 
 W. C. STRONG, REC. SEC. 
 
 PROSPECTIVE PRIZES, 
 
 For objects to be originated subsequent to A. D. 1846, and which, after 
 a trial of Jive years, shall be deemed equal, or superior, in quality and other 
 characteristics, to any now extant. 
 
 For the best seedling Pear, the Society's large Gold Medal, valued at $60 00 
 
 " " " Apple, " . 60 00 
 
 " " Hardy Grape, " " . 60 00 
 
 " Plum, the Appleton Gold Medal, . 40 00 
 
 " " Cherry, the Lowell Gold Medal, . 40 00 
 
 " " " Tree Pseonia, the Appleton Gold Medal, . 40 00 
 
 " " " Herbaceous Pseonia, the Lowell Gold Medal, 40 00 
 
 " " " " Potato, the Society's large Gold Medal, . 60 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, .... $400 00 
 
 5 
 
34 
 
 Amount brought forward, . $400 00 
 
 After a Trial of Three Years. 
 
 For the best seedling Strawberry, the Lyman Plate, . . ** 50 00 
 
 " " " " Raspberry, the Bradlee Plate, . 40 00 
 
 " " " " Hardy Rose, the Society's large Gold Medal, 60 00 
 
 " " " " Camellia, the Society's large Gold Medal, 60 CO 
 
 " " " " Azalea Indica, the Lowell Gold Medal, . 40 00 
 
 Blackberry, , .* . . . 40 00 
 
 (( U It 
 
 " " " " Gooseberry, . . . . 30 00 
 
 " " " " Currant, Red, or White, . . 30 00 
 
 $750 00 
 
 PRIZES FOR GARDENS, GREENHOUSES, &c. 
 AMOUNT APPROPRIATED, Two HUNDRED DOLLARS. 
 
 ORDERED, That ihe following Prizes, to be awarded in 1854, be offered by 
 the Society, viz. : 
 
 F.or the most economically managed, best cultivated, and most 
 
 neatly kept Garden or Grounds, through the season, . . $25 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . . 15 00 
 
 For the most economically managed, best cultivated, and most 
 
 neatly kept Fruit Garden, through the season, . 25 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . . 15 00 
 
 For the most economically managed, best cultivated, and most 
 
 neatly kept Flower Garden, through the season, . . 20 00 
 For the second best, . . . . . .1000 
 
 For the most economically managed, best cultivated, and most 
 
 neatly kept Vegetable Garden, through the season, . . 20 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . . 10 00 
 
 For the best managed, most economically conducted, and well 
 
 kept Greenhouse, through the season, . . . 20 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 10 00 
 For the best managed, most economically conducted, and well 
 
 kept Grapery, through the season, with or without fire heat, . 20 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 10 00 
 
 $200 00 
 
 RULES AND REGULATIONS. 
 
 1st All applications for a visit must be made to the chairman, on or 
 before the 1st of May, stating the extent of grounds, number of fruit trees, 
 whether offered for a Prize, and such general outline as to give to the Com- 
 mittee some idea of the premises. 
 
 2d. No Fruit Garden or Grounds, of less than one acre, [and this well 
 Mocked and under fine cultivation,] can occupy the time of the Committee. 
 
35 
 
 3d. No farm will be visited, unless there should be connected with it a 
 fine Fruit Garden, Vegetable Garden, Flower Garden, Greenhouse, or 
 Graperies, in which case these alone will be examined. 
 
 4th> It shall be the duty of the Committee to select from the applica- 
 tions those which may seem most deserving of notice, and to visit as many 
 places, and as often, as they may deem expedient and necessary. 
 
 5th. In making all examinations, the utmost regard must be paid to 
 economy, and general thrift ; in cases, however, of pleasure, landscape, or 
 fancy grounds, more allowance must be made for taste and design, and a 
 gratuity or complimentary notice may be made at the discretion of the 
 Committee. 
 
 6th. No place will be visited officially, with reference to an award, 
 without a written invitation. 
 
 7th. All visits will be conducted without previous notice to the owner ; 
 and if made out of season, or under unfavorable circumstances, due allow- 
 ance will be made. 
 
 8th. No person shall be a competitor for the Highest Prize, for more 
 than two years out of seven. 
 
 9th. The Committee may, at their discretion, give gratuities or substi- 
 tute gratuities for Prizes, in either case which may best serve the objects of 
 the Society, and meet special cases, always of course within the limits of 
 the appropriation. 
 
 10th. Competitors for the Prizes shall furnish to the Committee, if 
 required, a written statement of their mode of cultivation, quantity and 
 kind of manure applied, amount of labor, including their own, and other 
 particulars called for, under the penalty of a forfeiture of such Prize if 
 withheld. 
 
 llth. The expenses of the Committee shall be paid by the Society, and 
 a record shall be kept by the Chairman of all places visited. 
 
 PRIZES FOR FRUITS DURING THE SEASON. 
 AMOUNT APPROPRIATED, Six HUNDRED AND TWENTY DOLLARS. 
 
 For the best and most interesting exhibition of Fruits during the 
 
 season, the Lowell plate, valued at ... $20 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 12 00 
 
 APPLES. For the best twelve Summer Apples, on or before the 
 
 last Saturday in August, . . . 6 00 
 
 orjthe next best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 best twelve Autumn Apples, on or before the last 
 
 Saturday in November, . . . . 6 00 
 
 or the next best, . . . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the best twelve Winter Apples, on or before the third 
 
 Saturday in December, . . . . 6 CO 
 
 For the next best, ... . . 4 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, .... $62 00 
 
36 
 
 Amount brought forward, . . ;^ . $53 00 
 APRICOTS. For the best twelve, on or before the last Saturday in 
 
 August, . . . . . 5 oo 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . . * 3 00 
 
 BLACKBERRIES. For the best specimens, not less than two boxes, 5 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . . 2 00 
 
 CHERRIES. For the best specimens, not less than two boxes, . 5 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the next best, . .._./ * . 2 00 
 
 CURRANTS. For the best specimens, not less than two boxes, . 5 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . . 3 00 
 
 FIGS. For the best twelve specimens, . . . . 5 00 
 
 4. _ For the next best, . . . . . ' . 3 00 
 
 XV*? -^GOOSEBERRIES. For the best specimens, not less than two boxes, 3 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . . 2 00 
 
 GRAPES. For the best specimens, grown under glass, on or be- 
 
 fore the first Saturday in July, . . . . 8 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . . 4 00 
 
 \ 149-***} For the best specimens, grown under glass, subsequently to 
 
 '* ^ the first Saturday in July, . . . . 8 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . . 4 00 
 
 r / best specimens of Isabella Grapes, . . . 5 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the best specimens of Diana Grapes, . . 5 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the best native grape of any other variety, . 5 00 
 K MELON. For the best Musk Melon, open culture, on or 
 
 before the last Saturday in September, . . . 5 00 
 
 ' For the next best) raised bv P en culture > n or before the 
 
 last Saturday in September, . . . ' 3 00 
 
 NECTARINES. For the best twelve specimens, . . 5 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . 3 00 
 PEACHES. For the best twelve specimens, grown under glass, on 
 
 or before the second Saturday in July, . . 6 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the best twelve specimens, grown in open culture, . 500 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . 2 00 
 PEARS. For the best collection, not exhibited before this year, 
 
 with a written description of the same, the Society's plate, 10 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . 6 00 
 For the best twelve Summer Pears, on or before the last Sat- 
 
 urday in August, . . . . 6 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, .... $227 00 
 
37 
 
 * 4 V 
 Amount brought forward, .... $227 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 the best twelve Autumn Pears, on or before the last Sat- 
 
 urday in November, . . . . 6 00 
 
 the next best, . . ' . . 4 00 
 > y^nf For the best twelve Winter Pears, on or before the third Sat- 
 
 ^ifcUigiv in^jecember, . . . . 8 00 
 
 For Wnlxf*est, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . . 4 00 
 
 . For the best specimens, not less than two boxes, . 4 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the next best, 200 
 
 ""^QUINCES. For the best twelve specimens, . . .400 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 RASPBERRIES. For the best specimens, not less than two boxes, 5 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the next best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 STRAWBERRIES. For the best specimens, not less than two boxes, 6 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . 3 00 
 
 PRIZES FOR FRUITS. 
 To be awarded during the Annual Exhibition. 
 
 APPLES. For the best thirty varieties, of twelve specimens each, 
 
 the Lyman Plate, valued at . . . 30 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 20 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 10 00 
 For the best twelve varieties, of twelve specimens each, the 
 
 Society's Plate, valued at . . . . 20 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 15 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 12 00 
 
 For the fourth best, . . . . 8 00 
 
 For the best dish of Apples, twelve specimens of one variety, 6 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 5 00 
 For the third best, . . . . .400 
 
 For the fourth best, . . . . 3 00 
 PEARS. For the best thirty varieties, of twelve specimens each, 
 
 the Lyman Plate, valued at . . 30 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 20 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . . 10 00 
 
 For the best twelve varieties, of twelve specimens each, the 
 
 Lyman Plate, valued at . . . . . 20 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, .... $510 00 
 
38 
 
 Amount brought forward, . .. . . $510 CO 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 15 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . . 12 00 
 
 For the fourth best, . . . . 8 00 
 
 For the best dish of Pears, twelve specimens of one variety, 6 -00, 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 5 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . ,4 00 
 
 For the fourth best, . . . . 3 00 
 
 ASSORTED FRUIT. For the best basket of Fruit, of various kinds, 8 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 4 00 
 
 GRAPES. For the best five varieties, two bunches each, . 12 00 
 
 For the second best five varieties, two bunches each, . 8 00 
 
 For the third best five varieties, two bunches each, . 5 00 
 
 For the best two varieties, two bunches each, . 6 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 PEACHES. For the best dish, of not less than twelve, . .500 
 
 For the second best, . . . . .300 
 
 $620 00 
 
 ICTThe Prizes and Gratuities will be awarded on the following days : 
 
 For Cherries, forced Grapes, forced Peaches, and Strawberries, on the last 
 Saturday in July. 
 
 For Summer Apples, Apricots, Blackberries, Currants, Gooseberries, Sum- 
 mer Pears, and Raspberries, on the last Saturday in August. 
 
 For Foreign and Native Grapes, Nectarines, Peaches, Plums, and Musk 
 Melons, on the last Saturday in October. 
 
 For Autumn Apples, Figs, Autumn Pears, and Quinces, on the last Satur- 
 day in November. 
 
 For Winter Apples, Winter Pears, New Pears, and for the " Exhibition 
 during the season," on the third Saturday in December. 
 
 OC?" Competitors for Prizes are particularly referred to the Rules and 
 Regulations, which will be strictly adhered to by the Committee. 
 
39 
 
 PRIZES FOR PLANTS, FLOWERS AND DESIGNS. 
 
 AMOUNT APPROPRIATED, SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS. 
 
 DISPLAY OF GREENHOUSE PLANTS, IN POTS. 
 
 To be exhibited at the opening of the Hall, on the second Saturday in May : 
 
 PELARGONIUMS. For the six best varieties, grown in pots, a pre- 
 mium of . . . . . $8 00 
 For the second best, . . * . 6 00 
 For the third best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 FUCHSIAS. For the best six varieties, in pots, . . 6 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 CALCEOLARIAS. For the best six varieties, . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 CINERARIAS. For the best six varieties, . . . 3 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 HEATHS. For the best varieties, . . . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 GREENHOUSE PLANTS. For the best display, of not less than ten 
 pots, regard to be had to new and rare varieties, and well 
 
 grown specimens, a prize of . . . 15 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . . 12 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . . 10 00 
 
 For the fourth best, . . . . . 8 00 
 
 For the fifth best, . . . . . 5 00 
 
 CUT FLOWERS. For the best display, a prize of . . 6 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 5 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the fourth best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 HYACINTHS. Prizes to be awarded second Saturday in May. 
 
 For the best display, not less than twenty varieties, . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 TULIPS. Prizes to be awarded the third Saturday in May. 
 
 For the best thirty distinct varieties, a prize of . 8 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 PANSIES. Prizes to be awarded the fourth Saturday in May. 
 
 For the best twelve distinct varieties, a prize of . 4 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, .... $154 00 
 
40 
 
 Amount brought forward, . . ... . $154 00 
 
 HAWTHORNS. Prizes to be awarded fourth Saturday in May. 
 
 For the best display, a prize of . . . 3 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 HARDY AZALEAS. Prizes to be awarded fourth Saturday in May. 
 
 For the best display, a prize of . . . 6 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 SHRUBBY PJEONIES. Prizes to be awarded fourth Saturday in May. 
 
 For the best six varieties, a prize of . . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, ^ . . . 3 00 
 
 HERBACEOUS PJEONIES. Prizes to be awarded second Saturday 
 
 in June. 
 
 For the best ten varieties, having regard to the number of va- 
 rieties, a prize of . . . . 5 00 
 For the second best, . . . . . 4 00 
 For the third best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 PINKS. Prizes to be awarded third Saturday in June. 
 
 For the best six distinct varieties, a prize of . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 HARDY ROSES. Prizes to be awarded third Saturday in June. 
 
 CLASS I. 
 
 For the best thirty distinct varieties, a prize of . 8 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 4 00 
 For the fourth best, . . . . . .300 
 
 CLASS II. 
 
 For the best twelve distinct varieties, a prize of . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 CLASS III. 
 
 HARDY PERPETUAL ROSES. For the best ten varieties, a prize of 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 PRAIRIE ROSES. For the best display, not less than six varieties, 
 
 a prize of . . . . . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, not less than four, . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, not less than four, . . 3 00 
 
 SUMMER PHLOXES. Prizes to be awarded second Saturday in July. 
 
 For the best ten distinct varieties, . . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . 3 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, ..... $273 00 
 
41 
 
 v 
 
 Amount brought forward, .... $273 00 
 
 CARNATIONS AND PICOTEE PINKS. Prizes to be awarded third 
 
 Saturday in July. 
 
 For the best ten varieties, a prize of . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, 3 00 
 
 HARDY RHODODENDRONS. For the best display of the season, a 
 
 prize of . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 DOUBLE HOLLYHOCKS. Prizes to be awarded third Saturday in 
 
 July. 
 
 For the best twelve varieties in spikes, a prize of . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 DOUBLE BALSAMS. Prizes to be awarded second Saturday in 
 
 August. 
 
 For the best eight varieties in spikes, a prize of ,. . 3 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 1 00 
 
 PHLOXES. Prizes to be awarded third Saturday in August 
 
 For the best ten distinct varieties, a prize of . . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 GERMAN ASTERS. Prizes to be awarded first Saturday in Sep- 
 tember. 
 
 For the best ten varieties, not less than twenty-five flowers, . 4 00 
 For the second best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 BOUQUETS, WREATHS, DESIGNS, &c. 
 Prizes to be awarded at the Annual Exhibition. 
 
 VASE BOUQUETS. For the best pair, suitable for the Bradlee 
 
 Vases, a prize of the Bradlee Plate, valued at . .1000 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the best pair for the Society's Marble Vases, . . 10 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 PARLOR BOUQUETS. For the best pair suitable for the parlor, . 8 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 5 00 
 
 For the fourth best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, ..... $390 00 
 6 
 
42 
 
 Amount brought forward, . . . " .' .$39000 
 
 CUT FLOWERS. For the best display and best kept through the 
 
 exhibition, a prize of .... . " 6 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 5 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 For the fourth best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 POT PLANTS. For the best display, of not less than twenty pots, 
 
 a prize of . . . . . . . 12 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 10 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . . 8 00 
 
 For the fourth best, . .' . . . . 500 
 
 COXCOMBS. For the best six pots, a prize of . 3 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 BALSAMS. For the best six pots, a prize of . . 3 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 DAHLIAS. Prizes to be awarded fourth Saturday in September. 
 
 DIVISION A. 
 
 Premier Prize. For the best twelve dissimilar blooms, a 
 
 prize of . . . . . 8 00 
 
 Specimen Bloom. For the best flower, . . 3 00 
 Various Colors. For the best yellow, buff, or orange ; purple 
 or maroon ; crimson or claret ; very dark ; white ; edged or 
 tipped ; scarlet ; pink or rose ; striped lilac, a prize of $1 00 
 
 each, . . . . . . . 12 00 
 
 DIVISION B. CLASS I. 
 
 For the best twenty-four dissimilar blooms, . . 7 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 5 00 
 
 CLASS II. 
 
 For the best eighteen dissimilar blooms, . . 6 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 CLASS III. 
 
 For the best twelve dissimilar blooms, . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS. For the best display through the 
 
 season, a prize of . . . . . 8 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 ANNUALS. For the best display through the season, a prize of . 8 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . ., . 4 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, ..... $542 00 
 
43 
 
 Amount brought forward, . J&i,-: ?. ;:'; , $542 00 
 CAMELLIAS. Prizes to be awarded third Saturday in January. 
 For the best twelve varieties of cut flowers with foliage, a 
 
 prize of . .... . * .; .- ' 8 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the third best, ; * /. . . . .4 00 
 
 GREENHOUSE AZALEAS. Prizes to be awarded second Saturday 
 
 in March. 
 
 For the best six varieties in pots, . . . 8 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the third best, ...... 4 00, 
 
 FLOWERING SHRUBS. For the best display through the season, a 
 
 prize of . . . . . . 8 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 4 00 
 
 BOUQUETS. For the best display for the season, . . 6 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 5 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . .300 
 
 Amount appropriated as Gratuities, to be awarded at the Weekly 
 
 Exhibitions, . . . . . . 90 00 
 
 $700 00 
 
 PRIZES FOR VEGETABLES. 
 AMOUNT APPROPRIATED, Two HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS. 
 
 ASPARAGUS. For the earliest and best, not less than three bunch- 
 es, a prize of . . . . ^f $3 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 2 OQ 
 BEETS. For the best (pure blood beet,) during the season, not 
 
 less than twelve roots, a prize of . . . . 3 00 
 
 BROccoLi.^-For the best three heads, a prize of . . 5 00 
 
 BEANS. For the best and earliest peck of string beans, a prize of 3 00 
 
 For the best and earliest Lima beans, not less than two quarts, 3 00 
 
 For the best and earliest variety of shell beans, . .300 
 
 CABBAGE. For the best Drumhead cabbage, during the season, 
 
 not less than three heads, a prize of . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . ^ 3 00 
 For the best Savoy cabbage, during the season, not less than 
 
 three heads, a prize of . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 CARROTS. For the best exhibited, a prize of . . 2 00 
 CAULIFLOWERS. For the best and largest, during the season, not 
 
 less than three heads, a prize of . . . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 3 00 
 CELERY. For the best and largest blanched, not less than six 
 
 roots, a prize of . . . . . . * % " 5 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, .... $50 00 
 
44 
 
 Amount brought forward, . . : .' ' . $50 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 3 00 
 
 CORN. For the best and earliest sweet corn, not less than twelve 
 
 ears, a prize of . . . . . . 3 00 , 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 CUCUMBERS. For the best pair under glass, previous to the first 
 
 Saturday of June, a prize of . . . 5 00 
 For the second best, . . . . .300 
 
 For the best and earliest of open culture, . . 3 00 
 
 EGG PLANTS. For the best display during the season, a prize of 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 2 00 
 
 LETTUCE. For the best six heads, before the first Saturday in 
 
 July, a prize of . . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . . 2 00 
 
 POTATOES. For the best new seedling, of superior quality, for the 
 
 table, a prize of . . . . . 10 00 
 
 For the best and earliest peck, previous to August 1, . 3 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 2 00 
 
 PEAS. For the best and earliest peck in June, a prize of 3 00 
 RHUBARB. For the largest and best, previous to the first Satur- 
 day in July, not less than twelve stalks, a prize of 5 00 
 For the second best, . . . . 3 00 
 
 SQUASHES. For the best pure Canada squashes, not less than six 
 
 in number, a prize of. . . . 3 00 
 
 For the greatest variety exhibited during the season, . 5 00 
 
 TOMATOES. For the best and earliest, not less than one dozen, . 3 00 
 VEGETABLES. For the best display and greatest variety at the 
 
 weekly exhibitions, during the season, . . 5 00 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 3 00 
 
 For the best display and greatest variety at the annual exhi- 
 bition, . . . . . 10 00 
 For the second best, . . . . 8 00 
 
 For the third best, . . . . . 6 00 
 
 For the fourth best, . . . . 4 00 
 
 For any new variety of vegetable suitable for the table, and 
 
 worthy of cultivation, other than seedling potatoes, . 5 00 
 
 To be awarded at the Annual Exhibition. 
 
 MAMMOTH SQUASH. For the largest and best, the Society's Sil- 
 ver Medal, ...... 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 3 00 
 PUMPKINS. For the largest and best, the Society's Silver Medal, 
 
 For the second best, . . . . 3 00 
 
 $165 00 
 
 For gratuities, . . . . . . . 85 00 
 
 $250 00 
 
45 
 
 EULES AND KEGULATIONS, 
 
 * 
 
 1. All Fruits, Flowers and Vegetables, offered for Prizes, are to be grown 
 by the competitors. 
 
 2. Articles exhibited for Prizes must be placed in the Stands by 11 
 o'clock, A. M. 
 
 3. Contributors of Fruits, for exhibition or Prizes, are requested to present 
 the same in dishes or baskets of the Society, or in suitable baskets or 
 boxes of their own. 
 
 4. All contributors exhibiting Plants, Flowers, Fruits, or Vegetables, 
 who desire a full report of the same, are requested to hand a list to the 
 Chairman of the respective Committees. 
 
 5. After the articles are arranged, they will be under the exclusive 
 charge of the Committees, and not even the owners will have liberty to 
 remove or touch them until the exhibition is closed, when they will be deliv- 
 ered as the contributors may direct. 
 
 6. No Flower, Fruit or Vegetable will be entitled to a Prize unless it 
 possesses points of superiority ; and the Committees have the discretionary 
 power of withholding Prizes, if, in their opinion, the articles exhibited do 
 not merit them. 
 
 7. Plants in Pots to be entitled to Prizes must give evidence of skilful 
 culture, in the profusion of bloom, and the beauty, symmetry, and vigor 
 of the specimens. 
 
 8. Successful competitors will be expected to furnish remarks on their 
 mode of cultivation, if peculiar ; and candidates for the Fruit Prizes will 
 be required to present specimens for trial. 
 
 9. Premiums can be awarded only to exhibitors who have complied with 
 the published Rules and Regulations. 
 
 10. No article for which a prize has been once awarded, can receive 
 another during the season. 
 
 11. The Committees are authorized to award Extra Prizes for any new 
 or rare Fruits, Flowers, Vegetables, Plants, or Designs of merit, and for 
 which no Prize has been offered. 
 
 12. The Fruit Committee, in making their awards, will consider the 
 flavor, beauty, and size of the specimens ; and each of these properties as 
 compared with a fair standard of the variety. 
 
 13. In deciding on the merits of a Fruit or Vegetable, its value for gen- 
 eral cultivation will be taken into account ; but superior specimens of any 
 good variety will not be excluded from Prizes, even though they may not 
 flourish in all situations. 
 
46 
 
 14. When specimens are presented for a name, the exhibitor is requested 
 to communicate all the information he possesses, as to the origin and the 
 local appellation. 
 
 15. It will be the duty of the Committees to exclude from Exhibition 
 all inferior specimens. Also, all such Designs as, in their opinion, evince 
 an incorrect taste. 
 
 16. The Committees have power to change the time of exhibition for 
 any article, if an earlier or late season renders such change necessary, by 
 giving seasonable notice thereof to the Society. 
 
 17. Any person to whom a Prize has been awarded, whether in money or 
 plate, may receive either, of like valuation, at his option; all prizes, not 
 applied for within one year from the time of award, shall revert to the 
 Society for its own use and benefit. 
 
 18. Gratuities shall not be awarded for Flowers, Fruits, Plants, or Veg- 
 etables, unless the same are offered for competition for the respective 
 premiums, as advertised by the Society, except for objects for which no 
 prizes are specified, or which may be new or rare, or show superior skill in 
 cultivation ; and in no case shall such gratuity exceed the amount of the 
 Society's silver medal. 
 
 19. In order to afford the Committees an opportunity to examine and 
 -report on the articles exhibited, no other person can be admitted to, or 
 
 remain in, the Hall, between the hours of eleven and a half, and twelve 
 o'clock, on the days of exhibition. 
 
 20. The Society earnestly invites the cooperation and competition of 
 cultivators. The prizes are open to all, and the Society is instituted for the 
 benefit of all. 
 
 ftj^ The foregoing Schedule of Prizes, having received the approval of 
 the Executive Committee, and the Regulations confirmed by a vote of the 
 Society, is now published as the List of Prizes for the current year. 
 
 Boston, January, 1854. 
 
 JOS. S. CABOT, PRESIDENT. 
 W. C. STRONG, RECORDING SECRETARY. 
 
. 
 
 
 
OFFICERS 
 
 OF THK 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
 
 President, 
 JOSEPH S. CABOT. 
 
 Vice Presidents. 
 
 BENJ. V. FRENCH, EDWARD M. RICHARDS, 
 
 CHEEVER NEWHALL, JOSIAH STICKNEY. 
 
 Treasurer, 
 
 WILLIAM R. AUSTIN. 
 
 Corresponding Secretary, 
 
 EBEN WIGHT. 
 
 Retarding Secretary, 
 \V. C /STRONG. 
 
 Professor of Bftany and Vegetable Physiology, 
 JOHN LEWIS RUSSELL. 
 
 P/ofessor of Entomology, 
 /T. W. HARRIS. 
 
 Profe/sor of Horticultural Chemistry, 
 E. N. HORSFORD. 
 
 STANDING COMMITTEES. 
 
 On Fruits. 
 
 E. Wight, ChVirman ; Jos. Breck, C. BL Hovey, W. R. Austin, F. L. Winship, 
 W. C. Strong, A. W. Stetson. 
 
 On Flowers. 
 
 J. Breck, ChairiW; A. McLennan, E. A. Story, Thos. Page, Azell Bovvditch, 
 G. Evarts, F. Burr. 
 
 On Vegetables. 
 H. Bradlee, Chairn^n; D. T. Curtis, A. C. Bowditch, Peter Lawson, J. B. Moore. 
 
 On Library. 
 
 C. M. Hovey, Chairman ; Azell Bowditch, \V. S. King, Samuel Kneeland, Jr. ; 
 R. M. Copeland, Librarian. 
 
 On Synonyms 6f Fruit. 
 M. P. Wilder, Chairman; P. B. Hovey, Josiah Lovett, S. Walker, E. Wight. 
 
 Executive Committee. 
 J. S. Cabot. Chairman ; y. R. Austin, M. P. Wilder, S. Walker, P. B. Hovey. 
 
 7 or establishing Premiums. 
 E. Wight, Chairman ;\J. Breck, H. Bradlee, J. Lovett, P. B. Hovey. 
 
 On Finance. 
 M. P. Wilder, Chairman j J. Stickney, 0. Johnson. 
 
 Of Publications. 
 
 E. Wight, Chairman; J. LovetV Jos. Breck, H. Bradlee, C. M. Hovey, W. C. 
 Strong, F. L. Winship. ^ 
 
 Gardens. 
 
 Samuel Walker, Chairman ; W. fe. Austin, F. L. Winship, Thos. Page; Eben 
 Wight, Jos. Breck, Henry Bradlee, ex officio, members. 
 
 Committee^f Arrangements, 
 
 Joseph Breck, Chairman; Wm. R. Austin, Eben Wight, Josiah Lovett, E. A. 
 Story, David Haggerstbn, J. F. WAHyde, C. M. Hovey, F. Lyman Winship, 
 Azell Bowditch, A. McLennan, P. B.^Hovey, H. Bradlee. 
 
 The Annual Exhibition will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sat- 
 urday, 13, 14, 15, and 16th days of September, 1854, and the succeeding week, 
 closing on Friday evening. 
 
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY