6 MASSACHUSETTS HOKTICULTURAL SOCIETi'. 



hoini' and abroad. Much creclit is justly due to the Couuiiitlee on 

 ruhlication and Discussion for their etiicicncy in this work. 



The (inances of tlie Society were never in a more prosperous 

 condition. Although the amount appropriated for prizes in 

 188r> was §1,800 more than in 1884, and notwithstanding extra- 

 ordinary expenditures for improvements in the building, and for 

 insurance we have, alter allowing for the payment of the prizes 

 now due, invested in bonds nearly §20,000 ; and there is some- 

 thing more which has already been earned that may be added. 



This prosperity is due among other causes to the good judgment 

 and care of the Finance Committee and the Treasurer ; and also 

 to the Committee of Arrangements, who have successfully directed 

 the exhibitions for which admission fees are taken. 



The building is in better condition than a year ago ; the reports 

 of the various committees are all in ; and, with the aid afforded to 

 the Secretary, the Tuansactions, which were much delayed, are 

 now published up to the present time, and bear upon their face 

 that correct and perfect linish for which our Secretary has so long 

 been distinguished. 



Ladies and Gentlemen, — With my bebt wishes for the continued 

 prosperity of this Society, I have the honor to introduce to you 

 the I'resident elect. Dr. Henry P. Walcott. 



President Wai.cott, on taking the chair, delivered the follow- 

 ing inaugural address: 



Adukess of PuiiSioENT IIenhy p. AValcott. 

 Ladies and Gentlemen : 



At this first meeting of the new year, in obedience to an honored 

 custom, it becomes my dut}" as your official representative to briefly 

 recall some of the events of the past year, to invite your attention 

 again to the more imi)ortant recommendations of the slnnding 

 comniittees, and to add the few suggestions that occur to me as to 

 our future policy. 



Of our foruK-r associates who have died in the past year, three 

 at least should be named, — Mr. P. B. Hovey, who joined this 

 Society in 1829, and was for some years a Vice-President and 

 Chairman of one of our most im[)orlant committees; Mr. Ilervey 

 Davis, for four years Chairman of the Fruit Committee, and a 

 constant exhibitor; and Mr. Charles O. Whitmore, who freely 



