364 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



beyond that of any similar association in this country. It has 

 been largely instrumental in surroimding Boston with elegant gar- 

 dens and pleasure grounds, surpassing the suburbs of any American 

 city. It has stimulated the growth, introduction, and refined cul- 

 tivation of the choicest and most useful trees, plants, flowers, and 

 vegetables, and has accomplished more than any other agency in 

 im[)roving the markets, not only of Boston, but of all Massachusetts 

 and New England. Its library, the most complete in this country 

 if not in the world, as a specialty, is a perennial mine of agricul- 

 tural learning. 



Its publications have exerted a most wide-spread influence in 

 the cultivation throughout the country of the best and most useful 

 of all things growing out of the earth for our health and our enjoy- 

 ment. Its members and correspondence extend throughout all 

 refined countries, even to China and far Japan. 



As citizens of Massachusetts we may well be proud of such an 

 institution. As farmers and cultivators of the soil we should 

 appreciate the benefits we have received from it, directly and in- 

 directly. As members of this board we are happy in seeing it 

 represented among us. 



REPORT FOR 1886. 



Bt JAMES P. LYNDE, M. D., of Atuol. 



The report of the Hon. James S. Grinnell upon the Horticul- 

 tural Society last year was so comprehensive and exhaustive, 

 covering its history, methods, work, and financial standing, that 

 it is only left for me to review the past year's transactions and 

 consider their inlluence upon progressive agriculture. 



The sum appropriated for premiums was over $6,000, distrib- 

 uted through four exhibitions held in March, June, September, 

 and November, covering a period of from two to four days each, to 

 which an admission fee was charged, and thirteen weekly prize exhi- 

 bitions from May 8, to October 2, open from 12 to 3 o'clock, on 

 Saturdays, which were free to the public. 



Thirteen meetings for Essays and Discussions, free to all inter- 

 ested, were held during the winter and spring, at which the 

 following topics were considered. 



