REPORT 



OF THE 



COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS 



FOR THE YEA.R 1897. 



The 3'ear just about closing has been, as usual, quite gratifying 

 to your Committee, for the reasons that the exhibitions ail through 

 the season have been very full, and an unusual interest has been 

 manifested by a large number of new exhibitors. This is greatly 

 to be commended, for the constant addition of new life to an}- 

 working institution is desirable, since by these additions we come 

 in contact with new and imi)roved modes of cultivation, which are 

 sometimes great improvements over the old methods, and add 

 to our exhibitions an interest wliich they would not have had 

 except by this new life which is constantly being added by the ini- 

 tiation of new members. 



We are also pleased to note the unflagging interest of the 

 gardeners in our shows, for without their heart}" cooperation our 

 shows would be utter failures. We are under great obligations to 

 them for their industry and zeal, and we try to repaj" them, in part, 

 by expending a portion of our appropriation for their comfort and 

 enjoyment. 



It is also pleasant to record the great success of the Mycologi- 

 cal Club, an auxiliary to our Society, and the enthusiasm mani- 

 fested by the members in making their shows of wild fungi as 

 large and complete as possible. Tiieir exhibitions have added 

 very largely to the knowledge of the edible species of this class of 

 vegetablesf much to the gratification of the lovers of mushrooms. 



Taking the Schedule of Prizes as the basis for our action, the 

 halls, tables, etc., have been so arranged as best to bring into 

 view the various collections at each exhibiiion, and the exhibitors 

 have cooperated so well with your Committee that there has not 

 been any friction or adverse comment on the allotment of space. 



