HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 



it 

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between distant countries on the subject of their horticultural 

 products, and has initiated the mutual introduction of varieties 

 previously unknown to them. 



By the 1st of November the Exhibition was at an end ; its 

 busy crowds no longer blocked up the ways, the foot passengers 

 could again venture to cross the neighbouring streets without the 

 risk of being annihilated by ponderous omnibuses packed high 

 with their living freight, and the Garden subsided into its normal 

 condition of elegant and aristocratic quiet. The Council of the 

 Horticultural Society could now take breath to count their gains 

 and reckon up the cost. The total receipts during the year had 

 been upwards of 30,000/., but large though they were, they did 

 not leave so great a balance as might have been anticipated ; the 

 expenses themselves had been correspondingly heavy, — the taxes, 

 interest on debentures, and rent to the Commissioners, ate up a 

 very large sum. The balance which remained, however, enabled 

 the Council to make very considerable improvements in the 

 Garden, to finish various minor matters which had been standing 

 over, and to execute some costly planting which had been 

 greatly needed. A good deal of money was also expended in 

 the purchase of objects of art, and upon this head the Council 

 received an unexpected aid. 



When the fountains were in daily operation, many FeUows 

 of the Society pressed upon the Council to make an effort to 

 purchase them ; but, on inquiry, they found that this was 

 beyond the means of the Society. 60001. was at fijst asked 

 for the large fountain, and 4000/. for the smaller one ; and 

 it appeared further that a yearly expenditure of a considerable 

 amount would be needed to work them. Although, therefore. 



