THE 



RHODODENDRON SFIOW. 



At a meeting of the Society, April 4, 1863, the President read 

 the following letter : — 



Boston, April 2, 1873. 

 Wm. C. Strong, Esq., 



President Massachusetts Horticultural Society^ Boston : 

 Dear Sir, — The Rhododendron Exhibitions which have been 

 held for several years past in the London Royal Horticultural 

 Society's Gardens under tents, have been so very successful, and 

 so much appreciated in England, I have been led to suggest to you 

 that an attempt be made to get up one here this season, of a simi- 

 lar character, under the auspices of the Massachusetts Horticultural 

 Society. I think it would not only promote the interests of your 

 Society, but stimulate the cultivation of this beautiful shrub in our 

 vicinity, and prove an occasion of much enjoyment to all lovers of 

 horticulture. 



Should the project meet with your approval, I will undertake, 

 with the aid of a few friends, to provide the necessary plants ; and 

 as it will be somewhat of an experiment, and of doubtful financial 

 results, the responsibility of which the Society might not wish to 

 incur, I will agree to guarantee them against any loss, and, on the 

 other hand, to give them the benefit of the profit, should there by 

 chance prove to be any after the payment of the necessary 

 expenses. 



The most desirable place for the exhibition will be on the Com- 

 mon or Public Garden, if the consent of the city authorities can 

 be obtained ; and, if agreeable to you, I would suggest that a com- 

 mittee be appointed for this purpose, and to make such other 

 arrangements as may be found requisite to carry out the contem- 

 plated design. 



Respectfully yours, 



H. H. HUNNEWELL. 



