FEBRUARY 10, 1863. 51 
intended for the French fountains, to be applied in the purchase of 
works of art for the Garden. 
As regards the planting of the Garden, the Council have, they trust, 
effected considerable improvements in it by the introduction of clumps 
of trees and shrubs. They have also provided a large supply of bulbs 
for its spring decoration, and they have to acknowledge the assistance 
received by presents from Her Majesty, and some of the Fellows. 
A great deal, no doubt, still remains to be done, but so far as these 
objects are concerned, the work already executed justifies the Council in 
looking at their progress with satisfaction. It is otherwise, however, 
with a part of the Garden less under their control; a portion of the 
arcades still remains unfinished, and in a measure neutralises the 
beneficial effects of other improvements. The completion of the 
arcades belongs to the Commissioners of 1851, and notwithstand- 
ing the reluctance which the Council have naturally felt to press 
a body who had dealt with them so liberally, they have considere 
themselves called upon to make a most urgent appeal to the Commis- 
sioners on this subject. 
There still remain structural works pressing for completion which 
belong to the Society to execute; such as the council-room portico, 
steps in the middle walk, a western entrance, &c. 
The Council regret to have to announce the retirement of Dr. 
Lindley from the Secretaryship, which he has held so long with 
honour to himself and benefit to the Society. Last year he tendered 
his resignation, but was induced to withdraw it at the solicitation of 
the Council, on the ground that as he had supported the Society during 
its period of depression, so he should remain as one of its officials 
until the next summer (1862) should have crowned his labours with 
Success. He has now repeated his resignation, and the Council have 
most reluctantly felt bound to comply with his wish, and accept it. 
He has been for forty-one years an officer of the Society, and 
during that period, to use his own words, he “has endeavoured to the 
best of his ability to promote its true interests as a great English 
association for the advancement of Horticultural knowledge, until, 
through many changes and some adversity, it has at length gained a 
position of high eminence, and may be regarded as standing on a 
secure foundation.” : 
The Council need not repeat the arrangements for the coming 
season which have been already made public. The chief alteration on 
those of last year is the non-admission of the public to the Garden 
except on féte days and promenades, a restriction by which they trust 
that the comfort and quiet enjoyment of their Garden by the Fellows 
and their friends will be materially increased. ; 
The Council cannot conclude this Report without congratulating the 
Fellows on the continued interest The Queen takes in t 
and its proceedings, Constant reports of its progress have been 
furnished to Her Majesty throughout the season, and She has in various 
ways marked the interest She has taken in them. 
