8 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The financial condition of the Society you Avill learn from the 

 report of the Treasurer. It shows that we still need to practise 

 economy in the administration of affairs. If we are to be a perma- 

 nent success and accomplish the fullest amount of good possible 

 we must not exceed our income. 



As a means of increasing our income there are possible ways of 

 improving our halls to make them more sought after by tenants. 

 Your officers have had the hall in which we are now meeting 

 decorated, at a cost of about one thousand dollars. It seems to 

 have accomplished its purpose in every way. It has made a pretty, 

 attractive hall and at the same time the acoustic defects have 

 been absolutely remedied. We hope you will find it a great im- 

 provement and that it will make the hall more attractive for pur- 

 poses of lease. The success of the improvements in the Lecture 

 Hall has encouraged your Trustees to consider further improve- 

 ments. In the large hall something will have to be done in the 

 future in regard to an improved floor. This is in the hands of a 

 committee who are giving it careful attention. 



The Exhibitions of the year have been of a high standard of 

 excellence. The Chrysanthemum Show in November was hardly 

 as full and complete in its exhibition of chrysanthemums as was 

 hoped for. Measures are under way to insure a beautiful show 

 for next fall, and I earnestly invite the cooperation of all mem- 

 bers to make this a success. 



In regard to Prizes, the sum of S5500.00 was appropriated last 

 year. There is a strong difference of opinion among the members 

 of the Society as to what is most conducive to the horticultural 

 spirit; whether a cash prize or a prize of a medal or vase, or some- 

 thing of that sort, is the greater incentive to the best interests of 

 horticulture. This matter may come up for discussion at some 

 time, and I strongly advise all members of the Society to look at 

 this question in its various lights. 



The Lectures this year have been well attended and are of in- 

 creasing interest, and the fact that they are published in the Boston 

 Transcript and given a wider circulation has made their influence, 

 of course, still greater and more important. The interest in hor- 

 ticulture seems to be growing everywhere, and by wise action on 

 the part of this Society it should steadily increase. 



