1871.] secretary's report. 61 



the Annual Exhibition ■/ I think not; for during no other week in 

 the 3'ear are the productions of our gardens and orcliards so numerous 

 and varied. Tlie true renied}' is to magnify the other Exliibitions 

 during the year. I am convinced tliat the horticultural resources of 

 this vicinity would support, in a highly creditable manner, a series of 

 weekly Exhibitions on a much larger scale than now, during a 

 large part of the year, if only sufficient inducements were held to con- 

 tributors and visitors by a lil:)eral but judicious otter of premiums, by 

 convenient arrangements iu a pleasant room in a suitable location and 

 by the presence of those known to be able and willing to give infor- 

 mation upon subjects connected with that art which our society is organ- 

 ized to foster. These frequently recurring exhibitions have many 

 recommendations which are obvious upon the slightest reflection ; one 

 of them only will be alluded to here, namely, that the Annual Exhibi- 

 tion would naturally be compared, not with its fac simile of the previous 

 year, but with the smaller and varied displays during the season. 



Whether this plan be adopted by the Societj^ or not, a change in 

 the location of the headquarters of the Societj^ is imperatively 

 demanded. It is essential that our Library and the weekly exhibi- 

 tions should be of easy and agreeable access to ladies and children. 

 The situation of our present building, in a centre of heavy trade, is 

 advantageous, no doubt, as a profitable investment of our funds ; but 

 our headquarters must be removed elsewhere. It may not be, in my 

 opinion it is not, desirable, to sell this property forthwith, in order to 

 build upon what seems a more fa\'orable site ; but it is certainly prac- 

 ticable to hire such apartiuents as we require, without much pecuniary 

 sacrifice, since after the removal of ovir Library etc., our present prop- 

 erty could be made to return a considerable larger income than now. 

 But if such a change or any other is essential to the prosperity of 

 the society, the question of cost need not deter us. We are now in 

 receipt of a considerable net income, which it is our duty to expend 

 for the promotion of Horticulture, and for no other object. 



In concluding this Report, let me briefly lay before you what I con- 

 sider to be the immediate needs of the Society, and the particular 

 objects for whi(-h we should expend the money at our disposal. 



1st. Suitable rooms for the Library and smaller exhibitions. 



2d. A liberal schedule of Premiums carefully planned to attract 

 amateur as well as professional gardeners. 



