APPROPRIATIONS RECOMMENDED. 11 



voh^es iu the case of the extremely valuable plants shown by a 

 number of our pro;nineut exhibitors, — losses that can only be made 

 whole by the fairly earned consciousness of a great public benefac- 

 tion, gratefully acknowledged. 



With regard, then, to our building, we find that the accommo- 

 dations for our books. are quite insufficient, that two at least of 

 our exhibitions have outgrown the floor space of the halls, that 

 social and business changes have rendered difficult, if not impos- 

 sible, the earlier and more acceptable use of them ; and I therefore 

 urge upon the Society the immediate and careful consideration of 

 what seem to me to be the most important questions now before 

 us ; the alterations, if any are necessary, and the future uses of 

 this building. 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — You have elected me to this your 

 highest office. 



I approach its many duties with diffidence, knowing full well how 

 much will be expected of him who follows the many eminent men 

 who have filled this place ; but confidently trusting in your contin- 

 ued good will, I shall do all that is in my own power to protect and 

 advance the interests of the Society. 



On motion of Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, the thanks of the So- 

 ciety were unanimously presented to the outgoing and incoming 

 Presidents for their interesting addresses. 



On motion of C. M. Hovey, it was voted that a committee of 

 three be appointed to take into consideration the suggestions made 

 in the President's address. The chair appointed as that Committee 

 Charles S. Sargent, C. M. Hovey, and F. L. Ames. 



The appropriations recommended by the Executive Committee 

 on the 7th of Novenber and the 26th of December were unani- 

 mously voted, as follows : — 

 For Prizes and Gratuities, — 



For Plants and Flowers (S200 of this amount 



being for gratuities during the winter months) $2,800 



For Fruits 1,700 



For Vegetables 1,000 



For Gardens 300 



Total for Prizes and Gratuities . . . $5,800 



