610 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



Mr. Burgess said he was willing to offer a premium of $15 for the best 

 seedling- Rose to be exhibited during the year 1864. 



It was resolved that the regular meetings of the Association be held 

 semi-monthly. 



On motion, "Flowers" was selected as the subject for discussion at the 

 next meeting, and 3Ir. John Henderson was appointed to open the dis- 

 cussion. 



On motion, it was resolved, that the ladies and others be invited to send 

 written communications. 



Adjourned. John W. Chambers, Secretary 



Horticultural Association of the American Institute. 



The second meeting of this Association was held at the rooms of the 

 Institute on Wednesday evening. May 4, 1864. 



Mr. Peter B. Mead called the meeting to order, and, after a few remarks, 

 introduced the newly elected President, Mr. B. C. Townsend, who, on 

 taking the chair, said: 



Ladies and Gentlemen, — I rise with feelings of great embarrassment to 

 thank you for the honor which you have seen fit to confer upon me ; an 

 honor the more highly appreciated, as it was. unsolicited and unexpected. 

 At the time of your last meeting I was out of the city, and knew nothing 

 of your action until my return. I feel embarrassed from the consciousness 

 of my inability to worthily fill the position to which you have elected me» 

 You will therefore permit me to occupy it only temporarily, until another 

 more capable of discharging its duties can be found. At the same time, 

 allow me to say that I take a great interest in the art of horticulture, and 

 feel mortified, as a citizen of this city, in being so long without a society 

 like this. With the influences and advantages around us, of our Central 

 Park, and many other public and private parks and gardens, it is not very 

 creditable to us to be without a well-organized Horticultural Society. The 

 salutary effect on the occupants, of embellishing the surroundings of 

 houses, is well known, and surely those who do not cultivate a taste for 

 this art, lose much enjoyment. It should, therefore, be our aim to awaken 

 an interest in tliis matter. See the innumerable gifts of God that crowd 

 our pathway, which he has made common to us all. Our endeavors should 

 be to foster a love for the simple pleasures of the garden; and, as far as I 

 am concerned, my aid shall be cheerfully given. I will not take up any 

 more of your valuable time from the discussion of the subject for the even- 

 ing, but merely tender to you again the expression of my esteem and ardent 

 good wishes. 



Mr. Mead reported from the Committee appointed to prepare by-laws for 

 the Society, that they had not fully accomplished their labors, and on 

 motion further time was granted to them. 



Mr. Mead suggested holding a horticultural exhibition in the month of 

 .Tune, when a fine display of flowers, and some of the early fruits, could 

 be had. This matter was favorably received, and, after a brief discussion, 

 the subject was postponed for action to the next meeting. 



