MR. hovey's address. 63 



In the pronress of a Society like ours, it seems to me alteralions should, 

 from time to time be made, in onr list of premiums. I have made some sug- 

 gestions to the fruit committee, which I am happy to say, have had the hearty 

 approbation of the excellent chairman, who has so long, laboriously, and hon- 

 orably served you in that capacity, and whose annual reports are an honor, 

 equally to himself and the Society. I hope similar alterations may be made in 

 the other Committees, in order to bring them up to our condition and present 

 wants. 



One subject, I think, has escaped the attention of our Society. I refer to 

 trees and shrubs, which not being especial objects of exhibition, like flowers, 

 have not been sufficiently encouraged. As these, however, enter extensively 

 into the arrangement of our gardens and grounds, it is very important they 

 should receive more attention; especially should the introduction of seedlings 

 or new varieties be rewarded by gratuities or premiums. The Azalea and 

 Rhododendron, two of our most magnificent hardy i-hrubs, have no more 

 encouragement than the humblest garden flower. I hope another year, at 

 least, that this subject will not be overlooked. 



The Garden Committee does not seem to have accomplished much the last 

 few years, and it has been suggested whether the appropriation might not be 

 discontinued for a time. This cannot be done without an alteration of the 

 By-laws, and I do not recommend such a movement. I merely mention it that 

 measures may be taken to make it more effective. 



The President, in his address, his shown you that our Annual Exhibitions 

 have sometimes resulted m considerable loss. This we know has been the 

 case, and we have tried to obviate it by holding our exhibitions, in our own 

 rooms. It appears, however, that the result has been nearly the sume. Our 

 expenses were small — our receipts much smaller — and we have not felt satis- 

 fied that either of the exhibitions reflected much credit upon the Society- 

 It appears, to me, far preferable to make an exhibition honorable alike to our- 

 selves and the sttite of public taste, even if it results in some loss . for the 

 time will come when our exhibitions will be appreciated and sustained. The 

 Royal Horticultural Society of London depends upon its resources from its 

 exhibitions to defray many of its expenses ; yet at one period, not long ago, it 

 lost money as we have done. 



The President has relieved me of the necessity of saying much in reference 

 to the financial condition of the Society. Its flourishing state must be gratify- 

 ing to all of us. The Report of ihe Finance Committee will acquaint you 

 with the details. 



And now, gentlemen, I come to a subject of more than ordinary interest, 

 one which has long occupied my attention, and I doubt not that of other mem- 

 bers. This is the possession of a Home, — of a building we can call our own. 

 Until that takes place I cannot believe a deep and permanent interest will be 

 felt in our behalf "Horticultural Hall" in former years was a household 

 word. We were then an institution ; now only a Society. The taste and 

 fashion of the city flocked to see us, and our exhibitions were attended by 



