HISTORICAL SKETCH. 81 



Besides the Addresses which have been named, others were delivered at 

 each successive Festival, down to 1842, by Professor John Lewis Russell, 

 Ezra Weston, Jr., William Lincoln and J. E. Teschemacher, Esquires. 



As those Addresses contained much valuable information in relation to 

 the history, theory, practice and importance of that very pleasing portion 

 of rural industry, which pertains to all the useful and ornamental divisions 

 of gardening, they Avere printed by the Society and liberally distributed, as 

 one of the most certain and acceptable modes for accomplishing the objects 

 for which it was instituted, by exciting a taste for Horticulture, and inducing 

 the generous co-operation of its intelligent, enterprising and ardent friends 

 throughout the United States. 



That such a Society, energetically conducted, was one of the great 

 wants of the age, and that its beneficial influence was rapidly and univer- 

 sally experienced, has been conspicuously illustrated by the increased 

 magnitude and elegance of the Weekly and Annual Exhibitions, and the 

 immensely augmented number of visitants ; and at last, so great became 

 the number and variety of the Fruits, Flowers and Vegetables, which were 

 brought to the rooms of the Society on those occasions, it was necessary 

 to erect an edifice, including a large Hall and apartments for the Library, 

 the periodical meetings of the officers, and other purposes. It was com- 

 pleted and dedicated on the fifteenth day of May, 1845, on Avhich occasion 

 an eloquent Address Avas delivered by George Lunt, Esq. This Hall, 

 including the land, cost thirtyseven thousand six hundred and eighty two 

 dollars. It is situated on the southerly side of School street, nearly opposite 

 the Stone Chapel. The front is of hammered granite and is embellished 

 with Corinthian pilasters. The exhibilion apartment is spacious and neatly 

 finished in stucco, and properly furnished Avith all the appendages for sub- 

 serving the objects for Avhich it was constructed. It is ornamented Avith 

 paintings of fruits, floAvers and landscapes, chandeliers, and five superb 

 marble and porcelain vases — tAvo of Avhich Avere presented by Josiah 

 Bradlee, Esq., and one by George B. Jones, Esq., and a clock by John 

 J. LoAv, Esq. 



But after the lapse of only a feAv years, it has become apparent that this 

 capacious saloon is not sufficiently large, even for the Weekly Exhibitions, 

 during those periods of the year when fruits, flowers and vegetables are in 

 the greatest abundance and perfection : and it Avill soon be necessary to 

 hold the Annual, as it recently has been the Triennial, Festivals in Faneuil 

 Hall, — unless by the munificence of the City, or the aid of generous indi- 

 viduals, apartments can be obtained for the exclusive use of the Society in 

 a central and conAenient position. That this Avill be eflecled in due time, 

 in some manner, cannot be doubted, Avhen the propitious results, Avhich 

 thus far have been developed and cheered on the Society, to its present 

 exalted station, are justly considered and fully appreciated. 



