14 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



of the building Avas planned to contain rentable stores and offices, 

 with good elevators. 



Such a plan contemplated hiring a larger hall, or erecting a 

 large tent, in the warmer season, for the larger exhibitions. It 

 has been suggested that an exhibition in such a tent at Franklin 

 Park, or in one of the new buildings being erected there, miglit 

 be wise, if Avell advertised. 



Another firm of architects submitted a sketch for a building 

 suited to a new, proposed site, if our present property could, in 

 the opinion of our Committee, be sold advantageousl}', and a Avise 

 purchase of land could be made elsewhere. Several locations 

 were suggested, and considered in this connection. 



Conferences were also held Avith leading city officials, to ascer- 

 tain Avhether it Avas likely that the city would favor this Society 

 in selecting a neAV site in connection Avith the Park systems, or 

 elsewhere, in view of the importance of its Avork to public interest. 

 There are possibilities in this direction. 



I am told that in Philadelphia a ncAv and ample Horticultural 

 Hall, and anterooms, is eitlier planned, or completed, that is hand- 

 some and convenient for its exhibitions, and for large assemblies. 

 This is located in the heart of the city, and readily accessible by 

 street-cars, carriages, or on foot. 



I have deemed it Avise to present to you these facts and sugges- 

 tions in advance of that time (soon, I hope) AAdien your Committee 

 will find it Avise to present to you recommendations. It is fair 

 that you should not be led by the idea that your Committee has 

 been inactive, for the members Avho coinpose it have been mindful 

 of the Society's interests and chartered duties. 



The subject is still under consideration, and your Committee can 

 be trusted to act Avith Avisdom and Avith discretion. 



Before concluding Avith a summary of suggestions, in brief, I 

 Avish to commend the volunteer Avork in the promotion of our 

 duties by so many of our members. It is by no means only 

 those who so freely give of their time to act for the Society, so 

 usefully, in this building, and Avho deserA^e much credit for 

 assisting in making our meetings possible ; but also the many 

 other members, Avho constitute our useful and reserve force, Avho, 

 at their homes and by their influence,. contribute largely to make 

 the Society's influence felt for good. 



