116 MASSACHUSETTS HOKTICULTUliAL SOCIETY. 



Repoi^t of the Committee on the Libr^r^, 



for the year 1870. 



by francis parkman, chairman. 



The Librar}' has received large and iiiiporfant additions during the 

 j'ear. Wide gaps in our collection have l)een filled by the purchase of 

 such great works as the Botanical Iteyister of Edwards in thirty four 

 volumes, and the Botany of Sovverby in fort}" one volumes, while a 

 large number of pojjular books, adapted to the wants of an increasing 

 class of readers, have also been procured. As it is very desiraljle to ob- 

 tain all good books of the latter description, with a view to general cir- 

 culation, the Committee request any member of the Society who may 

 wish to read or consult any book not on our shelves, to hand in its name 

 to the Superintendent, in order that it uia)'^ be procured at once, if, on 

 inquiry, it should prove to be of value as regards horticulture or its 

 kindred departments of knowledge. 



All the income of the Stickney fund, together with the appropriation 

 m;tde by the Societ}' have been expended, and a much greater amount 

 might have been used to advantage. Important works of consultation 

 are still wanting in our collection. Opportunities of purchasing them 

 are rare, and when such occur, it is tantalizing to lose them through a 

 want of funds. The Committee therefore request a renewal of last 

 year's appropriation. 



The subjoineil list shows the purchases and other accessions to the 

 rlo.se of 187U. 



Tlie total of funds at tlie disjiosal of the C()minittec for the past year 

 is as follows: 



Income of Stickney Fund, - - - §700 00 



Appro])riaiod by the Society, - - - 300 00 



SI, 000 00 

 Expenditure for Ijnoks and binding, - - OSS S2 



Balance on hand, - - - - - $1 18 



The amount proceeding from the Stickney fund has been expended 

 exclusively in the purchase of books. 



