GIFTS FROM H. H. HUNNEWELL. 127 



patron of horticulture, in the hope of encouraging the 

 cultivation of the rose in our community, and of increas- 

 ing the attractions of the Society's exhibitions, asked 

 its acceptance of a donation of $260, to be awarded 

 in prizes ; the careful specification of which showed not 

 only a love of flowers, but a practical familiarity with 

 them. 



The Rhododendron Show on Boston Common, in June, 

 1873, was one of the most noticeable events in the 

 history of the Society. This beautiful exhibition we 

 owe to Mr. Hunnewell, who conceived the plan, and, 

 with the assistance of a few friends, provided the plants, 

 making the show in the name of the Society, and guar- 

 anteeing it against any loss, but giving it the benefit 

 of any profit after payment of the expenses. The 

 exhibition resulted in a profit of $1,565.28, of which 

 $1,440 was invested by Mr. Hunnewell in two bonds of 

 the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad, of the 

 par value of $1,500, the income of this fund to be 

 distributed in prizes for the encouragement of the culti- 

 vation of rhododendrons and hardy azaleas, thus making 

 three permanent funds, amounting in all to $4,000, 

 established by this zealous and liberal friend of the 

 Society, besides his donation for prizes for roses, of 

 which the principal was intended to be awarded. The 

 balance of $125.28 from the Rhododendron Show was 

 added to the general fund of the Society. 



At the meeting of the Society on the 5th of Novem- 

 ber, 1864, the treasurer, William R. Austin, announced 

 a donation from William Thomas, of $100, for the fund 

 of the Society, for which the thanks of the Society were 

 presented to him. 



On the 3d of December, 1864, Josiah Stickney pre- 



