240 J. H. MAIDEN. 
‘“‘At a meeting of practical men and those interested in 
the welfare of the Colony and Agriculture and Horticulture, 
held in November 1854, it was decided to establish a Society 
—The Horticultural Improvement Society.”’ 
In the “‘Australian Almanac’’ for 1855, we find:— 
‘The Horticultural Improvement Society of New South 
Wales. Secretary pro tem. — Humphries. Treasurer pro 
tem. D. Shepherd, Darling Nursery. 
The objects of this Society, now in the course of form-— 
ation, are the advancement of Horticulture throughout the 
Colonies.”’ 
In November 1854 the Society had already been ‘mooted,’ 
and at the adjourned meeting, on 15th January, 1855, the 
Rules were adopted and a Council of 21 members elected, 
together with— 
President: His Excellency Sir William Denison. 
Vice-President: Hon. Sir Charles Nicholson, Speaker of 
the Legislative Council; Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, 
Surveyor General. 
In consequence of some delay in organisation, etc., it was 
determined that the actual commencement of the proceed- 
ings of the Society should date from ist July, 1855, and 
subscriptions calculated from that date. 
In the ‘‘Sydney Herald’’ of 20th May, 1855, we read: — 
“The first meeting of the Horticultural Improvement 
Society took place on Tuesday evening (15th May), in the 
theatre of the School of Arts. Sir Charles Nicholson 
occupied the chair, supported on his right by Colonel Sir 
T. L. Mitchell, on the left by Lord Audley and Mr. Nichols, 
M.L.C. Among the audience were a number of ladies, 
several gentlemen eminent in botanic science, and many 
others of note and influence. After the chairman had 
addressed the meeting, Mr. T. W. Shepherd gave a long 
and interesting address.”’ 
