In the annual report of this Society, the committee of arrangements, in reviewing the exhibitions of the year now closing, pronounce them the most successful, so far as the quality, beauty and extent of exhibits are considered, which have taken place for many years, and possibly exceeding any within the society's history. The increase in paid admissions was particularly gratifying, the total being $2815.05, a greater sum than the total for the five years previous to 1881, when the American Pomological Society held its meeting in Boston. The receipts at the annual exhibition in 1884 were about equal to the total of all the large exhibitions in 1883. While a part of this increase may have been due to the extension of the time during which the exhibitions were held, it also indicates that the public is quick to appreciate the efforts to add to the beauty and brilliancy of the exhibitions.

The schedule of prizes for 1885 came up for final action, and it was voted to add to the general rules and regulations a rule that no premium shall be awarded at any exhibition, except those authorized by the society.

We do not feel sure that this is wise, while it is undoubtedly true that a free discretion in the scattering of money everywhere on special premiums, would tend to ruin financially the strongest society in time. There must necessarily be many superior objects of Horticultural interest continually coming up, deserving of reward and commendation, which no care or foresight in arranging a schedule, can provide for. It seems to us that the rule adopted by the Germantown Horticultural Society is a better one. This provides a specific sum each month for the discretionary use of the committee; the unused balance of which goes with the life subscriptions, to the permanent fund.

At the meeting of January 2d, Mr. J. B. Moore, the newly elected President, took the chair. His inaugural address dwelt chiefly on the good work the Society had done; gave a just tribute to the unselfish work of a number of his predecessors, and detailed many of the advantages for future usefulness which the Society now possessed. He particularly spoke of the value of the library of the Society as far greater than the whole cost of membership, to all who love rural life and admire beautiful plants and flowers and noble trees. The library is growing faster than ever before, and the necessity of more room for the accommodation of the many rare and valuable books which it contains was enforced.

Mr. Robert Manning was re-elected Librarian and Secretary, and Mr. Geo. W. Fowle Treasurer.

The appropriations for prizes, viz., for flowers $2,600, fruits $1,500, vegetables $800, and gardens $200: and the appropriations for the library committee, $400; committee on publication and discussion $200; and committee of arrangements $300, previously recommended by the executive committee, were voted by the society.

Charles H. B. Breck, William J. Underwood and John C. Hovey were appointed a committee to prepare a memorial of F. Lyman Winship.

Arthur Blake, of Brookline, was proposed by Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, as a member of the society. John L. Gardner and Miss Annie C. Putnam, both of Boston, were elected members. A motion to appropriate $20 for the deficiency in the subscription for vases for prizes at the rose show-was referred to the executive committee; and the meeting adjourned to Saturday, January 10th.

The prizes offered for forced vegetables brought out a grand display.