72 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



which have no other merit than what in the opinion of the producer they pos- 

 sessed. The stamp of merit by a Society like ours will at once give value to 

 every new flower, fruit or vegetable which may be brought before it. 



The Library is in excellent condition. The chairman justly estimates the 

 mportance of this department of the Society. While the high rates of ex- 

 change have prevented the purchase of larger works, all current periodicals 

 and popular books have been added, so that the wants of the members have 

 been well supplied, and they have been enabled to keep up with the progress 

 of the art abroad. 



The sales of Mount Auburn, the past year, are believed by your Treasurer 

 to be considerably larger than in 1862 ; and as no extra expenses are known 

 to have been incurred, a handsome sum will be realized. A piece of bog land 

 of no value for cemetery uses has been filled up and beautified, and a fountain 

 erected, adding much to the value of the surrounding lots. The Society were 

 only called upon to relinquish all their rights in this lot, and this was cheer- 

 fully done, in consideration of the advantages gained. 



I am happy to state that the finances of the Society are in a flourishing 

 condition. Four thousand dollars ($4000) have been invested in Government 

 stocks, and there remains in the Treasury a cash balance of $1193 33. After 

 paying the large expenses incident to the purchase of a valuable estate, this 

 must appear highly gratifying. If we add to the amount invested and the cash 

 balance, the expenses just alluded to, the accumulation of the year over and 

 above ordinary expenses would exceed $6000. I find on looking over the 

 Treasurer's reports for five years (1859 to 1864) that during the whole period 

 only $8000 were invested, and of this sum, $6000 was from the surplus over 

 and above the mortgage received for the sale of the old hall. Thus has an 

 accumulation begun which it is hoped will go on increasing until a fund shall 

 be established which will enable us to transmit to our successors a splendid 

 estate, unincumbered and free. 



But, gentlemen, with all this prosperity must be mingled regrets at the 

 loss of those who have so long been faithful co-workers and active mem- 

 bers, friends and companions, whose loss we lament, and whose memory 

 we cherish. 



The death of Mr. David Haggerston occurred in November last. Of late 

 years he has not been an active participator in the aflairs of the Society ; but 

 for a long period from its first organization he was not only a frequent con- 

 tributor wherever employed, but an active and efficient member, serving on 

 various Committees and always punctual and faithful in the performance of 

 his duties. Few professional men have done more for the Society, or pre- 

 sented better examples of skilful culture than Mr. Haggerston. 



The departure of Mr. A. D. Williams in a good old age has just been an- 

 nounced, and resolutions expressive of the feelings of the Society were passed 

 at a very late meeting. Though somewhat retired from the active pursuits 

 of horticulture, he was one of the oldest members, and contributed largely to 



