182 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



crowned with a cornice and parapet, and are reached by 

 stairs from the landings beneath. Between the pilasters 

 on the sides of the hall are placed large mirrors, over 

 which hang the portraits of the presidents of the 

 Society. A full-length portrait of Dr. Jacob Bigelow, 

 " Projector of Mount Auburn," by Ordway, was placed 

 in this hall in 1876. The walls, pilasters, and mould- 

 ings are colored with delicate tints, and the stage recess 

 is richly decorated in fresco with garlands of flowers and 

 vases of fruit ; and, when lighted up for a horticultural 

 exhibition or an evening party, the hall presents a rich 

 and attractive appearance. 



As intended by the committee when the building was 

 planned, the Lower Hall is used for the weekly shows 

 of the Society, and both halls for the rose and annual 

 exhibitions ; though in 1873, '74, and '75 the annual 

 shows were so extensive as to require the addition of 

 Music Hall for the plants and flowers, while the shows 

 of fruits were held in the Society's Upper Hall, and 

 those of vegetables in the Lower. When not occupied 

 by the Society, the halls are let for airs, lectures, 

 parties, etc. 



The close of the address delivered by President 

 Hovey at the laying of the corner stone of the building 

 which has just been described, will form an appropriate 

 conclusion to the present chapter : 



"Let us hope, that whenever, at some very remote day, these 

 walls may crumble and decay, for decay, though slow, is the 

 destiny of all earthly things, and the memorials now deposited 

 shall come to light, they will at least serve to show that the objects 

 of the Society were solely to promote all those pursuits which bring 

 pleasure and happiness to the social and domestic life, to enrich 

 and embellish our homes and country, to create a refined taste, 



