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changes the members were called together in March 
1872, for the purpose of reorganization. Of those 
who had been active in organizing the Society, death 
had removed nine, viz. : Charles N. Bancker, James 
Dundas, John Grigg, Thomas Dunlap, Evans 
Rogers, George A. McCall, Samuel V, Merrick, 
John Cassin and William Parker Foulke. Eight 
gentlemen responded to the call and determined 
that the Association should be placed on a proper 
footing before the public, and that every effort 
should be made to raise funds and increase the 
membership. A committee was appointed also 
at that time to select a proper site for the garden. 
This committee at once put themselves in com- 
munication with the Park Commissioners who ex- 
pressed a desire to favor the Society to the 
utmost. Early last summer a site was selected 
in the East Park above Girard Avenue Bridge, 
but was afterwards abandoned, as not being ex- 
actly suited to the wants of the Association ; 
subsequently another locality was secured on the 
west bank below, and commencing at the term- 
inus of Girard Avenue Bridge, on the grounds 
occupied by the Penn Mansion, and known as 
" The Solitude.** It was supposed that the lease, 
which it is necessary should be taken, would be 
agreed upon, and signed at once by the Com- 
missioners, but a series of vexatious delays have 
occurred, owing to disagreements on the terms- 
and at this moment the lease remains unexe 
cuted, although I am happy to say that there 
is now every prospect of the difficulties being 
amicably settled. Another drawback has also 
