46 SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING, 



Bearing all these advantages in mind, the Council have no 

 manner of doubt, that with the hearty support and co-operation 



mised to them, they will be enabled, while keeping steadily in 

 view the scientific objects of the Society at Chiswick, to make 

 this garden, with the periodical exhibitions which they propose to 

 hold in it, one of the most attractive places of popular resort in 

 the neighbourhood of London ; and they will have the satisfaction 

 of knowing that they have provided for the metropolis a place 



Plans and designs for the Winter Garden, and for laying 

 out of the ground, as prepared and agreed upon in conjunction 



and a careful estimate of the probable cost has convinced the 

 Council that, as at present prepared, these plans may be carried 

 into effect for the sum named. But it should be borne in mind, 

 that the more liberal the support which the Society shall meet 

 with, and the nobler the scale on which the designs for this garden 

 are framed and executed, the greater will be the prospect, not to 

 say the certainty, of a successful and remunerating result. 



Should the General Meeting adopt the views of the Council, 

 the question will then arise, as to the mode of raising so large a 

 sum as 60,000Z. 



The Council believe that this may be effected by the issue 

 of a certain number of Life Memberships ; but as the success 

 of the undertaking will in some measure depend upon the 

 vigour with which it is undertaken, and it is of importance that 

 the works should not be in any way delayed in their completion, 

 if once determined on, it will be requisite to obtain the money 

 immediately required for the progress of the works by the issue of 

 debentures, bearing interest at 5 per cent., to be redeemed as the 

 receipts from Life Memberships become available. Donations 

 in aid of the undertaking will at the same time be thankfully 

 accepted by the Council, and they will be prepared to extend to 

 the donors of sums exceeding Twenty Guineas, privileges similar 

 to those possessed by Members. Had the Council been inclined 

 to make the project a mere commercial speculation, and to place 

 it in the hands of a Company, there is little doubt that thrice the 

 sum now demanded would have been speedily obtained. But the 



* Great room of the Society of Arts, John Street, Adelphi, W.C, London. 



