THE INAUGURAL MEETING. 9 



The usual winter course of lectures on subjects of horticultural 

 interest was given early in the year, and next to the exhibitions, is 

 one of the important methods of carrying on the work of the Society. 



The general interest in the cultivation of the ground, whether for 

 ornamental or for practical purposes, is undoubtedly increasing, 

 and in that respect our Society is in reality a great educational 

 institution whose object is to foster the love of gardening and to 

 present to the people the possibilities in this line of employment 

 through the exhibition of fine specimens of flowers, fruits, and 

 vegetables, the most tkstef ul methods of planning the home grounds, 

 and the means by which such results are attained. 



In regard to the giving of prizes, there is an increasing desire on 

 the part of some of the members to have this Society give medals 

 in place of money for prizes. I am glad to see that this opinion is 

 spreading among you, as I think it is the true ground on which we 

 shall ultimately have to distribute rewards for merit. 



I have left the last part of my address to the latest possible 

 moment in hopes I could give you some definite figures with regard 

 to the Treasurer's accounts. Owing to the fact that the meeting 

 comes earlier than usual this year, and through no fault of the 

 Treasurer's office, it has been impossible to get any definite figures 

 as yet. So far the receipts have been, roughly, $18,400, and the 

 expenses $20,000. This would make a deficit for the year of 

 $1600.00. 



I would again urge the members of the Society to do all they can 

 to increase our income by gifts of money, and by getting parties 

 to lease our hall. The Trustees are doing all in their power to get 

 additional means of income, and I hope by another year that we 

 shall be able to increase the income and keep our expenses within 

 our receipts. 



At the conclusion of his address the President called for the 

 annual reports of the various officers and chairmen of committees 

 which were presented in the following order. 



Report of the Board of Trustees. 

 Report of the Finance Committee. 

 Report of the Treasurer. 



