has also opened several buds: Rhododendron arbòreum var. hybridum, is, also, now (October 18th), expanding an umbel of its magnificent flowers. Mr. Wilder cannot account for this very unusual display of flowers at this season of the year. We can only attribute it to some situation in which they were placed during the summer; as we have an azalea, the duplicate of which we let Mr. Wilder have last spring; that plant with him has flowered, while ours shows not the least disposition to do so earlier than usual.-Conds.

Cèreus grandiflorus.-Since we wrote the paragraph at page 390, respecting the flowering of this splendid plant at an unusual time, we have been informed by J. W. Boot, Esq. of this city, that the same variation was observable a year since, on a plant in his collection. Two or three flowers opened in the morning, and remained expanded nearly all day. Such singular variations in the time of flowering of this species we deem highly worthy of record.—Ib.

O'xalis Bowiei.-This very beautiful and showy species is now in fine bloom at our garden. We consider it one of the handsomest of the whole genera. Its habit of growth is similar to the O. cérnua, a spring flowering species; but the flowers are larger, and of a deep crimson color. This, together with the O. hírta, should be in every collection of autumnal flowering ones: at this season of the year, when there is scarcely a flower to enliven the in-door collection, these continue to greet the spectator with a charming display of blossoms.—Ib.

Mòrus multicaulis.-This mulberry, it is now well ascertained, is a hybrid variety, and not a true species: the seeds will not produce its like. We have been informed by a gentleman who purchased a plant, three or four years since, of some of the nurserymen in our vicinity, that with considerable care he raised quite a large number of seeds. The plant was taken up upon the approach of severe weather, and placed in a cellar where the frost did not penetrate: the roots were slightly covered with earth. Pursuing this course two succeeding winters, it attained the size of a large shrub with numerous ramifying branches: the third season it produced fruit and seeds. No other species or variety of mulberry grew in the vicinity of this plant, and the blossoms consequently could not have been fertilized but by its own pollen. These seeds were carefully sown, and the result was a number of seedling plants, with foliage of all sizes and textures, from that of the common white to that of the parent. No better proof is needed to confirm what we now state, and have before stated.—Ib.

Pæònia Moútan.-Is there such a species of the pæony as the P. Moútan? Loudon, in his Hórtus Británnicus, enumerates one under this name. But Mr. Sabine states, in the Horticultural Transactions, that the P. Moutan papaveracea is the original species, and the others varieties: with this account you agree in your paper on the subject in a late number. As I infer, the name Moutan is given only to designate the ligneous character of the species, which should be applied to every species or variety, as in your article, although differing from Mr. Sabine. The object of stating this is to correct an error of some amateurs, who have an impression that the P. Moútan is a distinct species, and different from the P. Moútan papaveracea var. Bánksia.-An Amateur, November 11th, 1836.

Prolific Lima Bean.-What are the merits of this bean, which, it has been stated, place it on an equality with the true Lima? I should be glad to learn, from some of your readers.-Ib.

ART. IV. Massachusetts Horticultural Society.

Saturday, October 29th, 1836.-Exhibited. From Messrs. C. & A. J. Downing, Botanic Garden and Nursery, Newburgh, N. Y., by Mr. Manning, Bezi de la Motte, Sylvange, St. Germain, Gilogil, brown beurré, St. Michaels, and Mabille (?) pears; the St. Michaels, brown beurrés, and St. Germains, were as fine as any we have ever seen. The Mabille is not the same as that mentioned in the London Horticultural Society's Catalogue, which is there stated to be a kitchen fruit: the specimen was tasted at a later meeting, when mature, and found to be one of the best, if not the very best pear that has been exhibited at the society's room. By the kindness of the Messrs. Downing, we received a fine specimen, which we tasted, and noted down its qualities: these we will give at a future time; it is evidently a valuable variety. Our readers may anticipate some further information respecting it from the Messrs. Downing; also, Jonathan and Dominie apples, both fine fruits. From E. Vose, Esq., Urbaniste pears, and a variety unknown. From R. Manning, belle et bonne, beurré Von Marum, and green pear of Yair; also, violette Imperatrice plums. From the Hon. John Lowell, Sylvange Verte, Bezi Vaet, delices d'Hardenpont, beurré Crapaud, beurré bronze, Calebasse d'Holland and a kind received of Mr. Knight, supposed the Elton. Mr. Lowell states in a letter to the committee on fruits, that "no fair opinion can be formed of them [the specimens] this season, as my ground has been as dry as ashes at the depth of two feet, as I found by trenching." Mr. Lowell in a note recommends the beurré Knox, "as the best baking and stewing pear" he knows: it is a great and constant bearer, and of“ noble size, juicy, and sweet." From Dr. E. Dwight, Dedham, Thin skin apples, so called from the thinness of the skin; it is stated to be an abundant bearer. From Gorham Parsons, Esq., Bellflower and De neige apples.

November 5th.-Exhibited. From B. V. French, Wilkinson pears. From R. Manning, Wilkinson, and Pope's Quaker pears; also Rambo apples. From L. P. Grosvenor, St. Michael and bell pears; the former very handsome. From J. Morton, apples, the name uncertain, but supposed the Harvey. From T. Brown, pears, the name unknown. November 12th, 1836.-Exhibited. From R. Manning, Doyenné gris, Capsheaf and Fulton pears: the specimens of the former very fine. From Joshua Hersey, South Hingham, apples, a native fruit, the name unknown.

ART. V. Exhibitions of Horticultural and Floricultural Societies.

IN making up these reports, we have included only those articles which are particularly worthy of note. We have, also, only given the dates of those meetings of the respective societies, where there has been any thing of importance shown. We hope by the return of an

other season to be able to furnish accounts of the exhibition of every horticultural and floricultural society in the country. The present article will not be so complete as we had anticipated, in consequence of our not receiving any accounts from several societies, which have had their annual exhibition this fall. It requires considerable labor and attention to make them up properly, and unless we have returns in season, we cannot promise their appearance.

Columbian Horticultural Society, Washington.-August 8th, 1835. From June to this date. Fruits: From A. Lindsay, a seedling apple. From J. A. Smith, English codling apples. Red Juneating, summer red-streak and summer pearmain apples from R. Barnard. Vegetables: A drumhead cabbage weighing fourteen pounds six ounces, from J. O'Grady. Fruit of the purple egg-plant, weighing four pounds five

ounces.

September 5th. Brown beurré and Seckel pears from J. A. Smith. Seckel and other pears were also exhibited. Vegetables: squashes, cabbages, sweet potatoes and other vegetables, by various members of the society; the fruit of the purple egg-plant was very large. One pumpkin weighed twenty-three and a half pounds.

October 3d.-Fruits: A. Lindsay exhibited, Catawba, Roman plum, Mississippi and white Chasselas grapes. Joshua Pierce, Catawba grapes. Specimens of several kinds of apples from various members. Vegetables: fruit of the purple egg-plant, weighing five pounds: turnipbeet, weighing four pounds: large margel wurtzel, cocoa-nut squash, &c., from H. F. Camp. Brocolis, potatoes, four varieties of radishes, sweet peppers, and turnips: also a pumpkin weighing forty pounds, cocoa-nut squash twenty-two pounds, and Canadian squash twentytwo pounds, J. A Smith. From J. Pierce, Scotch Kale, cabbages, very large, white and black radishes. Celery, one head three feet in length, weighing three pounds four ounces.

At the Fall Exhibition, November 7th, 1835, for delivering the prizes, awarded to the members, a great number of excellent specimens of vegetables were exhibited. The following we have condensed from the society's report:

"This exhibition, the first autumnal one the society has had, though got up after a few days' notice, and consequently in great haste, was in a high degree gratifying, from the variety, beauty, and magnitude of the productions of the vegetable kingdom exhibited. The season had, indeed, been very favorable, but there was still an evident improvement in every product of the garden, since the establishment of the society. Among the cabbage tribe of various kinds, all large and fine, brought by Messrs. Douglas, Pierce, Smith, Cammack, Wilson, &c., was one from the garden of the first named, which weighed thirty-one and a quarter pounds, and one brought by Mr. J. A. Smith, which contained four distinct heads, well formed, and of considerable size. Some of the radishes were monsters, and the celery, cauliflowers, cardoons, turnips, beets, parsnips, pumpkins, &c. were very large and perfect. Among the latter was one raised by Mrs. Whitney, near Georgetown, which weighed ninety-nine pounds, and measured six feet in circumference. The beautiful floral pyramids, composed of chrysanthemums, interspersed with dahlias, roses, heartsease, &c., and formed by Mr. Douglas, decorated the table in front of the President's chair, and some fine exotics from the collections of Dr. Gunnell, Mr. Suter, Mr. Douglas, and others, and a number of beautiful garden flowers, ornamented one of the side tables. Among the former were the tea-plant in bloom, the phylica, and a specimen of the white camellia, with a splendid flower. There was also a considerable collection of fruit, chiefly from the orchards of Mr. Barnard and Mr. Smith.

"The President, General Towson, before distributing the premiums, delivered a neat and appropriate address on the occasion. The Reports of the Committee of Arrangements, descriptive of the former Exhibition, and of the several Standing Committees, were then read by Mr. Barnard (second Vice President), and Messrs. Gunnell and Smith. The premiums consisted of handsomely-wrought silver vases, cups, dishes, knives, medals, &c., executed to order, by Messrs. S. and V. Masi, Williams, &c., of Washington, and Mr. Villard, of Georgetown, and were presented, with appropriate remarks, to the persons to whom they had been previously awarded by the society. A silver cup of the value of ten dollars was presented to Mr. J. A. Smith, for the beautiful and excellent specimens of fruits and vegetables exhibited by him to the Council from time to time, and at the Annual Exhibitions of the society. Mr. Barnard declined receiving the premium awarded to him, and presented a silver cream-and-sugar ladle, of double the value, as a premium for the best two quarts of strawberries or raspberries which should be exhibited by market-gardeners at the next Annual Exhibition in 1836. After the premiums had been distributed, Dr. Jones, the lecturer on Horticultural Chemistry, of the society, made some interest ing and appropriate remarks on the valuable properties of the liquid caoutchouc, a specimen of which he exhibited. Some delicious specimens of the pumpkin, prepared by a culinary process for the occasion, were presented by Mrs. Hall and Mr. Barnard and Mr. Smith, of which the company were invited to partake, and all seemed to admit that this vegetable, thus prepared, was as delightful to the palate as it was nutritious to the body. The whole Exhibition, which lasted about four hours, was, in no ordinary degree, gratifying and interesting, and furnished satisfactory evidence of the great and obvious improvements which had been made in the various products of the garden, by the ope ration of the society, in affording encouragement to those who devote their leisure or exertions to the salutary and useful pursuits of Horticulture." (National Intelligencer, Nov. 12, 1836.)

Mr. J. Pierce exhibited cabbages weighing twenty pounds. Mr. Hickey, savoys weighing eight pounds and three quarters, and long blood beets weighing ten pounds. Mr. Hoppe, cauliflowers weighing seven pounds. Mr. Ouseley, cabbages weighing eighteen and a half pounds. Col. Taylor, one weighing twenty pounds. Mr. Douglas, Jr. extra specimens of cabbages, the largest weighing thirty-one and a half pounds. Mr. Crimmins exhibited fine celery. Mrs. Whitney a large pumpkin weighing ninety-nine pounds. Mr. J. A. Smith exhibited fine cabbages, cauliflowers, green peas, celery, Valparaiso, and crookneck squashes, and several kinds of turnips.

The prizes for the best fruits and vegetables exhibited between the first and second annual meetings, were awarded as follows:-Fruits: Mrs. Joseph Gales for various fruits. Mrs. Seaton for various fruits. Mrs. M. Smith for lemons. Miss Bingham for strawberries and cherries. Mr. J. Agg for apples. Mr. Cammack for gooseberries. R. S. Coxe various fruits. Robert Dick for various fruits. A. Lindsay for grapes. J. Ouseley for hautbois strawberries. Joshua Pierce for green-house fruits. W. Redien for various fruits. J. A. Smith for various and numerous specimens. A. Suter for best oranges.

Wm.

Vegetables: To Dr. Bayne, for various articles. Jesse Brown, for best and carliest celery. H. F. Camp, for various articles. Cammack, for finest cucumbers, asparagus, brocoli, and early cabbages. M. Crimmins, for various frame productions and large celery. John Douglas, for the finest cabbages. Joseph Gales, T. Grimes, H.V.Grimes, and William Hickey, for various articles. E. Hoppe, for forced vegeta

bles and mushrooms. William Ingle, and J. Maule, for potatoes. George Marbury, G. Naylor, Mrs. Seaton, and J. Wheat, for various productions. H. Naylor, best sweet potatoes. J. Ouseley, artichokes and fruit of the egg plant. J. O'Grady, drumhead cabbages. J. Pierce, saVoys. J. A. Smith, for various articles. S. Whitall, onions. Mrs. Whitney, for a large pumpkin. William Yates, for large parsnips. Total amount of prizes for fruits and vegetables upwards of one hundred and fifty dollars.

February 6th, 1836.-From November to this date, few things were exhibited. Mr. E. Hoppe exhibited two bunches of asparagus, seakale heads and cardoons.

March 6th.-Fruits: Several varieties of apples. Vegetables: Asparagus, cucumbers and mushrooms, one measuring fifteen and a half, and another fourteen and three quarter inches in circumference, weighing one pound six ounces, from E. Hoppe. Cucumbers and lettuce from M. Crimmins. From H. F. Camp, lettuces and short-topped radishes.

April 2d.-Fruits: Varieties of apples in excellent preservation. Vegetables: From E. Hoppe, London early cucumbers, measuring twelve inches in length and six in circumference; fine mushrooms, four weighing nearly one and a half pounds, and ash-leaved kidney potatoes. June 4th.-Since the last date, the only fruits exhibited were apples, and, on May 21st, specimens of strawberries. Vegetables: Of these, since April 2d, there was a very fine display: a bunch of asparagus of nine heads weighed eighteen ounces, fine mushrooms, royal cabbage lettuce, one head weighing nearly two pounds, and cauliflowers, were exhibited with radishes, cabbages, &c. Two heads of asparagus raised in the garden of Robert T. Brent, weighed half a pound, and one of them measured four and a half inches in circumference.

Annual Meeting, June 8th and 9th.-The Committee state that "the results of the Exhibition, so entirely satisfactory to the public as well as to the society, are sufficient evidence of the prosperous condition of this branch of their labors. The plants on the central pryamid, with those placed around the room, were from private collections, with the exception of a few from Linnæan Hill, from which an idea of the number of contributors can be formed; and had the season been as fayorable even as last year, we should have had as much bloom on the large pyramid as on former occasions; but the geraniums had, generally, gone out of bloom, and although there were as many exhibited this year as last, the varieties could not be distinguished without a close exami nation. It is believed that upwards of forty varieties of China roses were exhibited, some of them of the very latest introduction into the country; others seedlings, raised in this place. The display of native flowers was good, but not equal to that of last year, which is also attributed to the unfavorable weather. There were many fine ferns, orchises, phloxes, &c., but we missed our delicate monotropas and orobanches."

The following are a few of the contributors of flowers:-Mrs. Bomford, several superb vases of beautiful green-house flowers, and many rare plants. From Mrs. Seaton, vases of beautiful flowers and several fine varieties of fine flowers. Mrs. Suter, Mrs. Pierce, and other ladies, also presented fine specimens of flowers. Mr. Samuel Feast and John Feast, of Baltimore, exhibited fine specimens of Cèreus splendidum, and speciosíssimus, Amaryllis Johnsòni, Hòya carnosa, Strelitzia reginæ, and many choice cut flowers. From Georgetown College, Thea viridis, and Cactus triangulàris. From Dr. A. Mc Williams, a large plant of Strelitzia reginæ in bloom, and Céreus septangulàris (?) fifteen feet high.