162 EEPOBT OF THE COUNCIL. 



2. All the hothouses and pits in the garden have been fitted 



up with hot-water apparatus, cisterns, evaporating-tanks, 

 and improved boilers, 



3. Various potting-sheds and similar buildings have been con- 



structed, especially a large room for the reception of 

 exhibitors at the garden, where they may be provided 

 with refreshment. 



4. Many new tents, tables, and other apparatus connected with 



the garden, have been purchased. 



5. Several of the glasshouses in the garden have been altered, 



or almost reconstnicted. The two iron curvilinear stoves, 

 which formerly were placed back to back, and proved ill 

 suited to plants, have been thrown into one, entirely re- 

 arranged in the interior, and thus converted into an 

 excellent stove. The roofs of some of the wooden houses 

 have been raised. A small and very inconvenient lean-to, 

 formerly used as a pine-house, has been converted into a 

 span-roofed greenhouse, fitted with slate shelves, and is 

 now a building perfectly adapted to half-hardy green- 

 house plants. 

 [ 6. A considerable addition has been made to the glazed pits, 

 all of which are now heated with hot water, with the 

 exception of a few in which heat is not required. 

 7. The meeting-room in Regent-street, which in 1840 stood 

 greatly in need of repair, has had an entirely new roof, 

 and the interior has been re-arranged and decorated. 



The actual cost of these works was as follows: — 

 1840-1 

 1841-2 

 1842-3 

 1843-4 

 1844-5 



£4,771 1 2 



It thus appeared that, while the debts of the Society had de- 

 creased to the extent of 4763?. 13*. 10c?., the value of its pro- 

 perty had increased by the sum of 4771/. 1*. 2d. 



The Council also reported, at the last anniversary, in connec- 

 tion with this part ot the subject, that they had been able, in 

 the year 1844, to convert the old 5 per cent. Bonds of the 

 Society into 4 per cent, loan notes, to be discharged as funds 

 might arise. 



Such was the state of the Society's accounts in May, 1845. 

 On the present occasion they show a deficit, the debt having 

 increased to the extent of 448?. 12*. 6c?. 



