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MR. HUNNEWELL'S LETTER.

WELLESLEY, November 27, 1887.

Mr. John G. Barker:

DEAR SIR:

With special reference to our conifers, to the cultivation of which I have for many years given a good deal of attention, I hope my experience may be of some practical benefit to the public. It may possibly induce them to plant more of this class of ornamental trees, and an inspection of my collection may enable them to do so without the trouble and expense of testing the many different varieties, some of which I have found are not hardy in our severe climate. We have in our Pinetum, besides those scattered about in different parts of the place, over one hundred specimens of choice and rare evergreens, collected from all parts of the world, which have been planted from ten to twenty-five years, and a sufficient distance apart to allow the trees to grow and develop to full size without crowding each other. Most of them are now so large that they can be seen to the best advantage, and an idea can be obtained of the special characteristics of each variety. I have intended to give them good cultivation, and they are in a very healthy condition, but most of them were planted on what would be called a very poor gravelly soil, and though I have of late years improved its character essentially, still it is not, even now, of first quality, or the trees would show a much greater growth.

There is of course great uncertainty attending the introduction of foreign trees, but I have found that this question of hardiness ought not to be decided hastily, for I have frequently despaired of success, but have persevered, and after several importations have been finally rewarded with most satisfactory results.

Our trees have now been planted so many years, and have thriven so admirably, that there can surely be no doubt that with ordinary care they are perfectly hardy, and well adapted to our severe and trying climate; and any one who takes an interest in the matter can satisfy himself on this point by a personal inspection of our trees.

The Picea Nordmanniana is seen occasionally in this neighborhood, and we have a dozen or more fine specimens, thirty feet high, on the place. It comes from the Crimean mountains, and is

certainly a very beautiful tree, attaining, it is said, a height of one hundred feet, and will no doubt soon be more generally planted in this country.

I think favorably of the Japanese Retinosporas, which are charming trees, especially for moderate sized places, as they do not grow to a great height. The Spruces and Pines are likewise very desirable, being perfectly hardy and well adapted to our climate.

Abies polita, A. brachyphylla, and A. Alcoquiana are great acquisitions, especially the last, which is a grand tree and looks as if it would hold its beauty to a great age. The Umbrella Pine and Pinus Koraiensis must be great favorites and largely planted before many years, the latter retaining its foliage three years, a great advantage over our White Pine.

Truly yours,

H. H. HUNNEWELL.

REPORT

OF THE

COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1887.

The reports of the Chairmen of the various Committees of the Society, anticipate so much that might be said by this Committee, and cover the work of the Society for the past year so thoroughly, that there remains little to be said, which will prove of value to the records. The receipts from the large exhibitions of the year 1887, have fallen off in a slight degree from the total of 1886, although the Chrysanthemum Show this year made a slightly better showing as to receipts than in 1886. In detail the receipts were as follows: Spring Exhibition, $1,213.55; Rose Show, $306.55; Annual Exhibition, $1,023.00; Chrysanthemum Show, $734.75. Total, $3,277.85, against the sum of $3,646.10 last year.

The experiment of holding the Annual Exhibition in the Mechanics' Building on the Back Bay, in conjunction with the Exhibition of the American Pomological Society, was, so far as the financial results are concerned, not as successful as it ought to have been, and it served to demonstrate in part at least, that the Society is fortunate in the present location of its building, which is easy of access to those who wish to attend our exhibitions. It would seem to be the future policy of the Society, to stimulate the improvement of the quality of all exhibits rather than to seek to enlarge the quantity of individual exhibits. The limited space at our command, renders this an imperative consideration, and our exhibitions will assuredly prove not only more attractive, but instructive and beneficial to horticultural interests, if this line of policy is adopted.

EDWARD L. BEARD, Chairman Committee of Arrangements.

REPORT

OF THE

COMMITTEE ON THE MEETING

OF THE

AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

The Committee appointed to receive and to provide for the American Pomological Society at its Twenty-first Session, in Boston, in September last, make the following report:

Working in harmony with your Standing Committee of Arrangements, provision was made so that the exhibitions of the Pomological Society and also its sessions should be held in the Mechanics' Building in connection with the Annual Exhibition of this Society.

A goodly number of eminent horticulturists and scientific gentlemen from all parts of the country and from the Dominion of Canada were in attendance, and the papers which were read and the discussions which followed were of decided interest. The wide experience and thoughtful observation of such an intelligent body of observers when thus brought to a focus, must prove to be of great value. The volume of "Proceedings" of this Society will be essential to every horticulturist who wishes to be abreast of the discussions in the various departments of our art. Your Committee take the liberty to urge upon the members of our Horticultural Society that they also become members of the National Society, and thus not only entitle themselves to its publications, but contribute to the support of a most worthy and widely useful Society.

The exhibition of Fruits by the Pomological Society was more limited than was anticipated, owing to the comparative failure of the fruit crop at the West. Yet it was of interest and afforded points of comparison with our own products which were certainly

encouraging. Special mention should be made of the many seedling grapes, some of which were of decided interest, and also of the remarkable collection of 165 varieties by the T. S. Hubbard Company, of Fredonia, N. Y., undoubtedly the largest number of varieties ever brought together in this and perhaps in any country. This was a rare opportunity for identification and the comparison of merit. One gentleman from the West expressed himself as amply repaid for his journey by this one exhibit of grapes.

By the courtesy of the City of Boston, an excursion down the harbor and a visit to the Public Institutions were enjoyed by the Convention. Through the liberality of several members of our Society, a banquet was given to the members of the Pomological Society at the close of its session, which was largely attended by the members of both Societies. Hearty expressions of union and good cheer were given by our President and other distinguished speakers, and the session closed with a prevalent feeling that the bond of fraternal union had been strengthened.

WILLIAM C. STRONG,

BENJAMIN G. SMITH, Committee.

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