144 PROCEEDINGS. 



has been demanded. For a very considerable period, the weekly exhibitions of the Society 

 were numerously attended ; but more recently, either because a fee has been charged for 

 admission, or for some other cause, they seem to have lost their attractions for the public. 

 This is much to be regretted by the Society, and shoukl be by those interested in horticul- 

 tural pursuits, who may not be enrolled among its members. The principal stimulus to 

 contributions to these exhibitions, is the very natural desire, on the part of individuals, 

 to bring to the notice of the public, the results of their successful cultivation or active 

 enterprise, as exhibited in the production of superior specimens, or the introduction of new 

 varieties. If these exhibitions, then, cease to be attractive to visitors, the main incitements 

 to contributions will be drawn, and they fail longer to be objects of interest with the- 

 members of the Society, while the public will no longer be offered an opportunity, should 

 it be desired, to form, by personal inspection, an opinion of the novelties or rarities that 

 may be produced. Under these circumstances, the adoption of one of two measures has 

 been suggested to your Committee, as expedient for the Society ; that is, to attempt the 

 rendering of these exhibitions more attractive, by having them less frequently, or to seek 

 ail increase of visitors, by making them free to the public. The adoption of the course first 

 proposed, would be attended viith some inconvenience ; the time of holding the exhibitions 

 would not be so extensively known as n&w, when, after long continuance of the custom, 

 that they are to be regularly on Saturdays, is generally understood ; and because it is 

 difficult, if not impossible, if the exhibitions should be held on stated days, to fix be- 

 forehand the time when certain Fruits or Flowers will be most abundant, or in the greatest 

 perfection. 



Your Committee, in view of these supposed difficulties, and considering it has been the 

 established practice of the Society, since its organization, unattended with much expense, 

 recommend an adherence, for the coming season, to the custom of having exhibitions of 

 Fruits, Flowers, and Vegetables, regularly on Saturdays, through the year, in the Hall and 

 Library Room, as heretofore ; and, because it would seem to have been more acceptable, 

 and that, without the attendance of visitors, they are of little value, as well as that the 

 charging of an admission fee is not productive of much income, a return to the original 

 practice of making the weekly exhibitions of the Society free to the public. And with 

 these statements of facts, and explanation of their views, recommend to the Society the 

 jtdoption of the subjoined orders. All which is respectfully submitted. 



For the Committee, 



JOSEPH S. CABOT, Chairman. 



Ordered^ That the selection of a place for holding the ensuing Annual Exhibition of the 

 Society, and the recommendation of the President of the Society, in his inaugural address, 

 at the commencement of the year, in relation thereto, be referred to the Committee of 

 Arrangements, with full power and authority to take such measures in relation thereto, as 

 they may think proper, and to have such exhibition in the Hall of the Society, or under 

 a tent, (if such can be procured on reasonable terras,) as in view of the expenses to be 

 incurred, and other circumstances attending it, they shall deem expedient. 



Ordered^ That during the ensuing year, there be, as heretofore, weekly exhibitions of 

 the Society, for Fruits, Flowers, and Vegetables, on Saturdays ; and that the public be 

 admitted to such exhibitions, under such regulations as may be now or hereafter established 

 by the Society, free of charge for admission. 



Ordered^ That in addition to the premiums established by the Society, there be offered 

 for 

 The most economically managed, best cultivated, and most neatly kept Garden or 



Grounds, through the season, a premium of - - S'25 00 



For the second best do., - 15 00 



