1891.] TRANSACTIONS. 15 



" Reporting the same, in their discretion, to a special meeting 

 of the Society." 



It were unprofitable to state why nothing came of this within 

 the ensuing twelve months. Something might be charged, 

 with justice, to inertia where zealous co-operation was expected ; 

 somewhat more to an apparent inability of architecture to 

 understand that it was invited to remedy deficiences, not to 

 supply a su1)stitute for Horticulture. But the exigency became 

 too imperative to be disregarded longer. By dint of earnest 

 eftbrt, it was found that no misconception existed which could 

 not be cleared up ; no difiiculties that should be insupera])le. 

 So that, at a Special Meeting of the Society, on the 26th March, 

 A. D. 1891, the Eecord recited that "Mr. Lincoln (E. W.) 

 from the Finance Committee, submitted its Report upon 

 proposed alterations of Horticultural Hall, together with a 

 plan and estimates." That Report, in substance, was as 

 follows : 



** The main object to be accomplished by the alterations 

 proposed, is the utilizing of the fourth (4) floor, and its con- 

 version into a Banquet Hall ; smoking, serving, and storage 

 rooms ; and a kitchen. To gain the height required, the east 

 and west party walls and, in especial, the rear wall of the 

 Society's building will have to be carried up from six ((5) to 

 twelve (12) feet. It is not proposed to increase the height of 

 the present front and cornice. The fourth (4) floor and roof 

 to be supported by trusses, of which the chord at the fourth 

 (4) story ceiling, and the ceiling over the Hall of Flora will 

 be carried by iron rods of proper size." 



A statement of the methods of lighting the Banquet Room, 

 whether by sky or transom lights follows. 



Next comes the proposition "to build an elevator or lift, 

 in N. E. corner to raise supplies from the open court to the 

 kitchen, and also for the essential convenience of transferring 

 seats from the main Hall to the store-room, and vice versa." 



" On the third (3) floor, it is proposed to divide the present 

 Hall of Ceren into a Drawing-Room or Parlor ; a check or coat 

 room ; and a Toilet-Room for visitors, with wash bowls and 



