REPORT OF THE SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN FOR 

 THE YEAR 1917. 



Several events stand out prominently in the activities of the 

 Society during the past year which are worthy of record in this 

 report. 



The principal one was the June Outdoor Flower Show, held 

 June 2 to 20, on the grounds of the Wentworth Institute on Hunt- 

 ington Avenue, Boston, containing an area of three acres. 



On account of the magnitude of the undertaking and the notable 

 horticultural display which was produced a record of it should be 

 preserved in the annals of the Society. Many of its features will 

 long remain in the memory of the visitors and as time passes the 

 impressions left by this exhibit seem to grow stronger. It was 

 without doubt the most extensive exhibition ever held by the 

 Society. 



Seven large tents were provided and filled with the finest pro- 

 ductions of the gardener's art; including great collections of 

 Orchids, Roses, Azaleas and Wistarias, Rhododendrons, and 

 miscellaneous displays of tropical foliage plants, cut flowers, and 

 bulbous plants. 



On the outside grounds were numerous plantings of hardy, 

 evergreen trees and shrubs, an immense circular bed of pansies, 

 and many other collections of seasonable flowering plants. 



One of the most conspicuous and attractive features was the- 

 rock garden with a goodly-sized pond in the center around which 

 were massed naturally arranged rock slopes filled with a great 

 variety of rock-loving flowering plants. 



The entire receipts of the opening day were given to the Red 

 Cross resulting in a liberal contribution to the funds of this noble 

 charity. 



Horticulturally the exhibition was a great success but owing to 

 unfortunate weather conditions the financial results were disap- 

 pointing and a considerable loss resulted. The season was un- 

 usually backward, with rainy weather prevailing most of the time, 



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