119 



The third day of October last, was assigned the Committee 

 to visit and examine Dr. K.'s grounds, with reference to award- 

 ing the prize. I was the only one of the Committee who was 

 on the spot as directed ; and with the exception of the Chair- 

 man (B. Perley Poore), who sent an explanatory note of his 

 absence, no member has been heard from. The following re- 

 marks, which are to be found in this Report, are therefore en- 

 tirely and wholly mine own, and I am alone responsible for 

 them. 



The land used for artificial growth of forest trees, is an area 

 of seventeen acres, situated on High Street, and therefore 

 bounding on a central and conspicuous portion of the city, 

 amidst elegant residences and substantial dwelling houses. — 

 Its entire surface is not planted out, that is to say, the surface 

 of the land is not covered over, as is usual in forest tree cul- 

 ture : but the plan of the Society's premium does not necessa- 

 rily contemplate such a contingency. It simply specifies cer- 

 tain kinds, and requires a fixed number of individuals. Not 

 having at my command a list of Dr. K.'s trees, I- am not able 

 to state whether all the kinds are growing on his grounds ; in- 

 deed it would be difficult even if I had such a list. 



The Society doubtless had some reasons for limiting the con- 

 ditions by specifications of kinds, but 1 think it an objectiona- 

 ble arrangement. As to number, counting separately the trees 

 in all stages of growth, employed, they would far exceed that 

 required. Dr. Kelley, I presume, is aware of these facts, yet 

 I deem him justified in putting in his claim, on a constructive 

 interpretation of the language. To encourage similar planta- 

 tions of rare, curious and ornamental foreign species, suitable 

 to the climate of New England and of value to our country, 

 the highly ornamental grounds of the Doctor should be admit- 

 ted to the claim from the Society of its highest premium. In- 

 deed, if a suggestion be not out of place here, would it not be 

 well that the Society offer its present first prize or premium for 

 this especial end ; and increase the amount of a new premium 

 based on a stringent adherence to conditions published by its 



