James Dean, New York, discussed the Easter trade. Lilium Harrisii, azalea, hydrangeas (especially H. Otaksa) cytisus (C. Canariensis and C. race-mosus), hyacinths, tulips, narcissus and lily of the valley are the best plants for the Easter trade. B. F. Critchell named the following as the twelve best house plants for window gardening: Aspidistra lurida, var. variegata, Chinese or Indian azaleas, calla, Dracana ter-minalis and D. indivisa, Livistonia australis, and L. Chi-nensis, Kentia Belmcreana and K. Forsteriana, Ficus elas-tica, Pteris tremula, Nepkrolepis Duffi. Rob't Veitch, Connecticut, regards the following as the best berry-bearing plants for autumn: Ardisia crenata, Ampelopsis tricolor\ several capsicums, bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), burning-bush, several hollies, mistletoe and Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudo-Capsicum).

Professor Maynard detailed the results of experiments with fertilizers under glass. He recommends for special fertilizers in the house sulphate of ammonia, sulphate of potash, ground bone or bone meal, and dissolved bone black. A spirited discussion occurred upon the paper presented last year at the Buffalo meeting by Wm. McMillan, which severely criticised the absorbing passion for carpet bedding. This paper is working out a great good, as is proved by the fact that its memory is still green, a twelve-month after it was written. Most of the discussion opposed the essay and upheld carpet bedding and massing. The unusually fine carpet bedding in the Boston Public Gardens furnished justification for this view of the matter. A. Gilchrist, Ontario, mentioned the following as among the best native plants for florists' use : Aquilegia Canadensis, Asclepias incarnata and tube-rosa. Coreopsis lanceolata. Euphorbia corollata, Eupatorium agerafoides, Cypripedium parviflorum, C. pubescens, and C. spectabile, Helianthus strumosus. Spiraea lobata, Nym-phoea lobata, Rudbeckia kirta and R. laciniata, Monarda didyma. Lobelia cardinalis, Solidago odora, thalictrums, and the trilliums.

Jackson Dawson named the following as the twelve best hardy shrubs for florists' use : Andromeda speciosa, Cytisus scoparius. Viburnum plica turn, Staphylea Colchica, Deutzia Sieboldii, Exochorda grandi-flora. Pyrus baccata, var. fioribunda, double Rubus rosiz-florus, Diervitla (or Weigela) candidissima, Philadelphus latifolius, double Sptraea Cantoniensis, Kalmia latifolia. Wm. Falconer advised the culture of the Christmas and Lenten roses. The Christmas rose is Helleborus niger, and the Lenten roses H. Cotchicus, H. Olympuus and H. orienta/is. They can be used either for cutting or as pot plants. For cutting, H. niger, var. maximus is best. The hellebores can not be profitably managed as outdoor perennials in the north.

E. S. Carman, of The Rural New- Yorker, gave a unique and invaluable paper on experiences in crossing plants. Mr. Carman is one of the oldest and best hybridizers in the country, and his paper commanded great attention ; at its conclusion the society, through John Thorpe, voted thanks, enthusiastically, to the essayist. It was undoubtedly the best paper presented. The simplicity and ease with which hybridizing could be affected was very clearly set forth, and ridicule was put upon the pedantic use of botanical terms where they would only mystify and confuse. He detailed many of his failures, and then spoke of his many successes, particularly with Rosa rugosa, corn, rye and wheat, blackberries and raspberries. He also alluded pointedly to the recent Rubus phanico-lasius. The effect of the paper will undoubtedly be to stimulate intelligent effort upon the part of the active florists to hybridize and improve plants coming into their hands. Valuable papers were read by E. S. Miller and J. W. Manning, upon succulents and hardy herbaceous plants respectively.

Many short essays, prepared mostly in answer to questions, were read; but there was not as much live dis-cussion upon points of vital interest as was expected.

Memorials of the members of the Society deceased during the year were read, and eloquent tributes to Peter Henderson and John Henderson commanded especial attention.

The social features of the convention comprised a visit to the estate of Mrs. Francis B. Hayes at Lexington, to the famous grounds of H. H. Hunnewell at Wellesley, and a trip down the harbor with a banquet at Nantasket Beach. All of these were very largely attended - much better than the business sessions of the society.

The Massachusetts Horticultural Society held its fall exhibit of plants and flowers at Music Hall, and all members of the society were admitted free. The exhibition was a remarkable one, perhaps the best ever made in this country. Some of its special features, as the mantel and table decorations, the aquatics, fine crotons, and massings of foliage were magnificent. The very best specimens in the superb private collections of the many horticultural enthusiasts near Boston were here displayed. There was also a most instructive showing of wild flowers and hardy plants, correctly labeled, and the cut gladioli were notably fine. The arrangement exhibited unusual care, although the great hall was scarcely ample for the best display of such a collection. The exhibition alone was well worth a visit across the continent to see; and it is worthy of remark that the local attendance was very large, in contrast to that bestowed upon similar exhibitions in some other large cities.

The usual trade exhibit was held in connection with the Society's meeting, and a variety of articles and stock for florists displayed, in which considerable interest was manifested by the members.

The Society will meet in Toronto in 1891. The new officers are: M. H. Norton, Boston, President; John Chambers, Toronto, Vice President; Wm. J. Stewart, Boston, Secretary ; M. A. Hunt, Terre Haute, Treasurer.

Ana the breezes us fragrance are bearing; In the mid-summer bounty and gladness,

Our hearts are restfully sharing;. In the elm trees down by the river,

I hear the bobolinks singing; - Their song feels the wings that upbear it,

In its tireless freedom up-springing.

The freshness of spring time is meeting

The fullness of ripening things; Before and behind him the farmer

Promise and recompense brings. Kindly the heavens are bending,

Like the roof of a home, o'er his toil; Swiftly God's messengers hasten

To nourish and quicken the soil.

For "He waters the hills from His chambers,"

And sweeter our blessings are seeming When the radiant warmth of His goodness

In dewdrop and sunbeam is gleaming. And now, with His quickening impulses,

The beauty around us is thrilling; In the mid-summer's lavish out pouring,

With mercies our lives He is filling. - Olivb E. Dana.