1881 .] 
177 
[Annual Reports. 
The enclosure and grading of the grounds surrounding the 
building, which has been so seriously neglected, but which the 
Society, on account of its want of funds, could not undertake, has 
through the generosity of our friends, and the unwearying inter- 
est and labor of our treasurer, been fully accomplished. 
The beginning of this undertaking we owe to Mr. Henry Sal- 
tonstall, who suggested the work, and volunteered the first sub- 
scription, having recognized the disreputable aspect of our 
grounds. This and the readiness of some of our neighbors, 
especially W. B. Potter Esq., to helji by their work and by sub- 
scriptions, encouraged our treasurer, Mr. C. W. Scudder, to at- 
tempt to raise the necessary funds. A strong effort was made by 
this gentleman to accomplish this work before the meeting of the 
American Association in the summer of 1880, but on account of 
several difficulties it was only partially completed at that time, 
the curbing being placed and the grounds graded prepara- 
tory to the sowing of grass seed. 
The curb not only included our own portion of the square, but 
also that part of the grounds of the Mass. Institute of Tech- 
nology which adjoins ours. This considerably increased the sum 
of money to be raised, but it was felt to be necessary in order to 
give a neat appearance to the grounds, and as the Institute was 
also unable to contribute to it, Mr. Scudder cheerfully assumed 
the additional labor that this involved. There was much differ- 
ence of opinion among the subscribers as to whether we should 
have a fence or a curb, but it was finally decided in favor of the 
latter, though out of deference to those who thought a fence nec- 
essary, the curb was built with abutments on the inner side strong 
enough to support any fence that might become necessary. The 
pattern of the curb is similar to that which surrounds the Art 
Museum building, and the whole was laid upon a strong founda- 
tion of slate three feet deep. After the grounds were graded and 
sowed with grass, a row of shade trees was set out on the side- 
walk, as far as the curb extends. 
The Society owes its thanks to Mr. Scudder for his efforts in 
its behalf, and which can only be' appreciated by those who have 
PROCEEDINGS B. S. N. H. VOL. XXI. 12 DECEMBER, 1881 . 
