8 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Jamaica Plain, also a member of the same Committee, well 

 informed in his profession, a good cultivator, and one who would 

 have been of service to the Society had his health permitted. 



The finances of the Society are in as prosperous condition as 

 can reasonably be expected after the unusual expenditure forced 

 upon us by the fire in our building about a year ago, which 

 reduced our income from the halls, during the time occupied in 

 repairs. The opportunity was, however, improved for making 

 various needful changes and additions in the Halls and Library 

 Room, which are greatly to our advantage, but which necessitated 

 larger expenditures than was covered by the insurance received. 

 The Halls are much improved, and will undoubtedly be more in 

 demand. The Library Room is especially benefited by the 

 changes made, giving additional space for books, which was one 

 of its needs ; the Library Committee now consider it sufficiently 

 commodious for present purposes. 



These drafts upon our income have prevented any addition to 

 the Sinking Fund, but we can reasonably hope to add something 

 to this Fund, (which now amounts to about $5,000) during the 

 coming year. The mortgage debt of the Society is $25,000. 



The Treasurer's report will show gross receipts for the year of 

 $51,098.31, including a balance on hand January 1, 1889. The 

 total expenditures have been $40,477.75, leaving a balance of 

 $10,620.56 ; of this $1,000 should be reserved for the John Lewis 

 Russell Fund, making the net balance on hand January 1st, 1890, 

 $9,620.56. There has been received from Mount Auburn Ceme- 

 tery $4,322, included in the above. 



Ladies and Gentlemen : In assuming the duties of the oflSce 

 with which you have honored me, I realize fully its large responsi- 

 bilities, and my own shortcomings ; but, recalling in retrospect 

 the many distinguished men, whose wise counsels have heretofore 

 directed us and aided the growth of our Society, I can only strive 

 in some degree to emulate their zeal, and earnestly hope for your 

 suggestions and support to strengthen my efforts. 



John G. Barker, Chairman of the Committee on Gardens, made 

 a report of the awards by that Committee for the year 1889, 

 which was accepted. Mr. Barker asked to be allowed until the 

 first Saturday in February, to prepare the remainder of his report, 

 which was granted. 



