1871.] FESTIVAL OP COMMEMORATION. 29 



devoted friend, having done as luuch for this society as any member, 

 not forgetting the munificent Waldo, Salisbiuy, Butraan, and many 

 others who have often lent a helping hand. How nobly has this 

 society repaid its benefactors ; how nobly has it kept pace with this 

 flourishing city. When blocks, houses and streets have taken posses- 

 sion of some of our best gardens and nurseries, immediately the 

 horticulturist is found busily at work preparing new grounds, so that 

 our annual exhibitions have not diminished but increased, to such an 

 extent that this hall, which when it was built was thought large 

 enough for all time, has proved insufficient for our last exhibitions, 

 aud we have f )r this year and the last occupied Mechanics Hall with 

 great success, one of the hirgest in this Commonwealth. 



If we look back to the time when we were in Waldo Hall, we shall 

 find that we had not fruit enough to fill the tables even in that small 

 hall, and the duties were performed b^^ two committees. In those 

 days we had recourse to works of art, for the purpose of creating an 

 interest in our exhibitions. Pictures and statuary from the houses of 

 members were sent to decorate the hall In the year 1840 we had a 

 report on paintings from the accomplished chairman of the committee, 

 Sauniel F. Haven, Es(|., the first secretary of this society. 



In looking through the records and transactions of this society we 

 find it foremost also in all progress, and even as early as 1849 it con- 

 ceded the rights of woman, that she had talent both to act and advise 

 independentlv. The Committee on flowers that vear contained the 

 names of Mrs. M. D. Phillips, Mrs. P. S. Canfielil and Mrs. G. W. 

 Richardson. 



In 1851, this society held its first meeting in this hall, and did 

 not ofter any premiums. Such was the condition of its finances 

 that an honorable mention was all the contributors received. This 

 year our exhibition has been in Mechanics Hall, and our premiums 

 $1,000. 



We must not stop here ; it is not wisdom to sit down and do noth- 

 ing but talk over our success, and count up our wealth. We must go 

 on, and with our annual income, which is considerable, offer larger 

 premiums to cultivators and producers, and after we have done this, 

 save enough from our yearly rentals to create a fund which shall enable 

 us to build, in after days, a spacious and magnificent hall. I think 

 we can look forward to this achievement with much less doubt and 

 anxiet}'' than we did at the beginning to accomplish what we have 

 at the present daJ^ Keej) what you have, and make it earn for you 

 what you want. 



In conclusion let me say, as I do not wish to inflict upon you a long 

 address in this presence, that this society is in every respect in a most 

 flourishing condition. 



