158 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



will not only be in a degree ornamental, but also serve 

 to prompt us all to make the best use of the moments 

 as they so rapidly pass away." This clock is now over 

 the stage in the lower hall of the present building. 



Soon after, Josiah Bradlee presented a pair of large 

 and elegant China vases, which not only served to orna- 

 ment the hall, but, at the annual exhibition, contained 

 a pair of large bouquets ; the " Bradlee Plate " being 

 offered as a prize for the best. On the 21st of April, 

 1849, George B. Jones presented a large and valuable 

 china vase, and on the 27th of September, 1856, he 

 added two more. On the 3d of March, 1849, a letter 

 was received from Dr. Samuel P. Hildreth, an eminent 

 pomologist of Marietta, O., accompanied by a painting 

 of fruits grown at that place, which was suspended in 

 the Library Room, and is now in the present Library 

 Room. 



The store under the hall was first leased to Samuel 

 Walker, then to Walker & Co., and afterwards to Azell 

 Bowditch, and was used by all for the sale of horticul- 

 tural articles. During the winter season, and at other 

 times when not wanted by the Society, the hall was let 

 for various purposes. 



The possession of a home of its own, by making the 

 Society and its objects more widely known, contributed 

 greatly to extend its reputation and influence, and at 

 this period, the Society began to take that prominent 

 position which it has since maintained throughout the 

 country. The building of which an account has been 

 given was the abode of the Society for fifteen years of 

 harmony arid prosperity, and to it many of the mem- 

 bers look back with the greatest interest. But, al- 

 though ample for the weekly shows, the first annual 



