90 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



during the whole term of his official service, which forms an important 

 epoch in its history, securing to us a home whicli we hope may stand for 

 many generations, and around which may cluster many pleasant mem- 

 ories. 



During the past four or live years, though some of them have been 

 years of war and bloodshed, the Society has enjoyed luiusual prosperity, 

 both in respect to its income and increase of numbers. "We feel that our 

 Society is yet in its infancy, and believe there is a wide field of honora- 

 ble usefulness open before it. It is very gratifying to know that entire 

 harmony and imity prevails in our ranks, that nothing remains to trouble 

 us in the least, except a debt incurred in the erection of this building. 

 Under the judicious management of the Treasurer, assisted and advised 

 by the able Finance Committee, the oldest member may expect to see 

 the debt paid, and our Socict}' the happy owner of a splendid building 

 in one of the most convenient and pleasant locations in the city. The 

 portion of the building not needed by the Society is well rented for a 

 term of years, while the halls are quite a source of income, which, in ad- 

 dition to our yearly income from Mount Auburn, yield a large sum to 

 be applied to a reduction of the debt. 



It will become necessary from year to year to increase our prizes, both 

 in number and amount, especially if there shall be that neglect of the 

 early small fruits that we have witnessed during the past three or four 

 years. There have been some important changes made in the Schedule 

 of Prizes for the ensuing year, which it is believed will prove to be im- 

 provements. The time for the weekly exhibitions has been changed from 

 Wednesday to Saturday, on which day they have been held for many 

 years. In fact it had become so fixed a habit to visit Horticultural Hall 

 on Saturday that it seemed almost impossible for some of the members 

 to become reconciled to any other day. We hope, as the change has been 

 made, that it will be satisfactory to all parties, and that vve may witness 

 durino- the year just opening richer and more extensive displays of fruits, 

 flowers and vegetables than have ever been seen in our hall. This result 

 may be attained if we will but put ourselves to the work with fresh zeal 

 and courage. 



It shall be my constant endeavor, while I occupy this position, to co- 

 operate with you in all efforts to render our Society, still more worthy of 

 public esteem, to increase its members and usefulness, and thus fulfil the 

 hif»'hest hopes and anticiiiations of its founders. 



Relying upon your kind forbearance and co-ojieration, I close by wish- 

 ing you one and all a happy new year. 



