106 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



EEPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE LIBRARY, 



For the Year 1859. 

 BY OHAKLES M. HOVEY, CHAIRMAN. 



The Library Committee beg leave to present their Report for the 

 year : — 



Since their last Report some valuable additions have been made to the 

 Library; among which may be named Decaine's Fruit Guide, a new- 

 French work on Pomology, figuring and describing all the popular fruits ; 

 also, Mr. R. Thompson's Gardener's Assistant, the latest practical work on 

 gardening generally. 



The Library now is in very good condition. Several of the older vol- 

 umes, having become much worn from constant use, have been rebound in 

 the most substantial manner. The serial works, of which there are sev- 

 eral, are all bound, and ready for the use of the members ; and, through the 

 exertions of Mr. Copeland, the Librarian, the Library is in excellent order. 



Your Committee would be pleased to see the Library placed upon a foot- 

 ing commensurate with the standing of the Society ; but the ill accommo- 

 dations and the dampness of the room have not warranted the purchase of 

 valuable books of reference, which the Society ought to possess. There 

 is, however, some difference of opinion in the Committee as regards addi- 

 tions to the Library the coming year. In view of the sale of the Society's 

 estate, and the probability that, for at least a year or more, it may be with- 

 out a permanent location, some have thought the present appropriation 

 ample, while others have been desirous it should be very considerably in- 

 creased, and the Committee have requested your Chairman to ask for an 

 appropriation of four hundred (^400 00) dollars. 



