PRESIDENT BRECk's ADDRESS. 83 



are at the present time. If we can content ourselves in this place until 

 the expiration of our lease, we may by that time find a convenient locality, 

 when we may erect an edifice commensurate with the wants and means of 

 the Society. * 



The state of our finances is highly satisfactory, as will be perceived by 

 the report of the Treasurer. The receipts from Mount Auburn will fall 

 somewhat short of the amount we received last year, which, after deducting 

 the sum of $1,500 voted by the Society towards the improvements now in 

 progress there, will probably reduce the amount to be received into our 

 treasury to about ^3,500. It is to be hoped that our ample resources will 

 not be encroached upon at present for any other than our ordinary ex- 

 penditures. 



Two years since, a committee was appointed to petition the legislature, 

 in connection with the Boston Natural History Society and other scientific 

 associations, for a reservation of a part or whole of three sections of the 

 Back Bay lands, of about three acres each, for the accommodation of these 

 various associations, on which to erect buildings, and for other purposes 

 that might be required for the advancement of horticulture, agriculture, the 

 ornamental arts, and to science in its application to the various purposes 

 of life. The various societies and associations were represented by their 

 respective committees and agents, before the committee on the Back Bay 

 lands, who gave a patient hearing ; but our united efforts were unavailing. 



The same committee, with some additional members, were appointed, in 

 December, 1859, to take the same subject into consideration, and to report 

 at a future meeting. Of this number, our lamented deceased friends. 

 Walker and French, were included. At a regular meeting of the Society, 

 held December 31, 1859, the Hon. Marshall P. Wilder submitted a paper, 

 signed by all the members of the committee (nine in number), which might 

 be used in a memorial to the legislature for a reservation of lands on the 

 Back Bay. The memorial was accepted, and the same committee having 

 in charge the matter were instructed to present it. You will find this 

 document (page 115) in the report of our transactions for 1859. This 

 committee, with the representatives from other scientific societies, had 

 successive hearings before the joint committee on education at the State 

 House, when interesting addresses and statements were presented, by 

 Professor Rogers and other scientific and practical gentlemen, upon the 

 importance of congregating together, upon these sections on the Back Bay, 

 all these various institutions, not merely for the benefit of our city and these 

 societies, but for scientific, educational, agricultural, and commercial pur- 

 poses for the whole Commonwealth and Union, — institutions which would 

 command respect throughout the scientific world. The legislative com- 

 mittee gave a patient and attentive hearing, which resulted in bringing in 

 a bill granting a portion of the land petitioned for, which passed unani- 

 mously in the house, but was defeated in the senate. 



This same committee was appointed again to consider the subject of a 

 further trial before the legislature at the present session, and were instructed 

 to report to the Society what action, if any, should be taken in relation to 



