UMASS/AMHERST o 31EDbbDD514Dfl7b FIRST AN horticultural jNjool for (Kffllomen, FOK SEVEN MONTIM KMUNC A % lT A 11 A^ i>. 1 8 7 1 . SB 52 H6A3 BOSTON: MACOMBER, SEXTON & CO., PRINTERS No. 15 Guild Row, ^^^^^■■■■■■^fl 18 71. UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AT AMHERST UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Special Collections & Rare Books so 52 H6A3 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT orfaltarai ^cjjool for Mlomen, FOR SEVEN MONTHS ENDING aJA.lVUA.IlY S>. 1S71. BOSTON: MACOMBER, SEXTON & CO., PRINTERS, No. 15 Guild Row, 1871. k>3o. 3 3 H 7% ANNUAL REPORT. At this, our first annual meeting, it may be well for the in- formation of those who have not been familiar with our plan from the beginning, to state our purpose in organizing a new school on a new basis, where so many already exist and claim the public interest. It was felt by many that it was an object of great impor- tance to open a new and more healthful field of labor for women — to draw them back from the crowded city, where every avenue open to them is over full — to a more simple and wholesome life in the country, and the open air. But to accomplish this it was important to show that they could find profit as well as pleasure in the cultivation of the soil, and to prove that the raising of fruit and flowers was not too laborious a pursuit to be adapted to a woman's strength. In order to do this it was needful that some way should be found of affording women that instruction in horticultural pur- suits, without which success could not be hoped for, and as none of the institutions already in existence in our com- munity even contemplated any such end, it became necessary to establish one for the purpose. Hence arose the Horticul- tural School for Women, a school of which the professed object is to teach Horticulture, and only such branches as have a direct bearing upon this subject. We are aware that many in the community who are watch- ing this attempt with interest, believe that it would be better to combine other industries, and especially instruction in all the details of housekeeping with Horticulture, and it was orig- inally the hope of several of the Directors, that this might be done. But our experience thus far, convinces us that if we are to teach Horticulture thoroughly, as a profession, and not merely as a pleasant adjunct to other branches of education, it is not wise to try to unite so many things, particularly as it seems absolutely imperative to make the time for the course of instruction as short as possible. The studies of Botany, En- tomology, Agricultural Chemistry, Drawing, etc., which are necessary for a thoroughly trained Horticulturist, afford ample opportunity for mental culture, and taken with the practical training given in the garden and greenhouse, they leave no time to devote to other industrial pursuits, if the strength of the pupils is not to be overtaxed. In a general industrial school, such as we hope to see estab- lished for women before many years, though many branches would be taught, it would be out of the question for one pupil to undertake to perfect herself in all unless she were to spend her life in study, each would have to choose her particular pur- suit, and devote herself chiefly to that if she intended to make it a profession. It is admitted at the outset that a school on so novel a plan must be regarded largely as an experiment, and we propose in this report to give a brief account of the history and progress of that experiment for the few months since its commence- ment. The first public meeting in reference to the proposed school was held on the evening of February 17th, 1870, in Horti- cultural Hall. Various addresses were made on the occasion, and a good deal of interest in the project was manifested. A subsequent meeting for organization was called for February 2 3d, at which committees were chosen to prepare a constitution and by-laws, to present a list of officers and transact other business. The plan of the school, as originally presented, contempla- ted the purchase of a small farm of twenty acres or more. Some liberal donations were promised for the purpose: but as it did not prove an easy matter to find for any moderate price such a place as was desired, sufficiently near the city to facili- tate the carrying out the rest of the project, it was thought better to commence on a smaller scale on some place which might be rented at once, postponing the purchase of a farm till experience should have shown just what was needed. After many inquiries and visits of investigation, the Direct- ors decided, on May 7th, to hire a place at Newton Centre con)- prising about two acres of land under cultivation, a large, convenient house and out-buildings in good repair, the whole being charmingly situated on the borders of Baptist Pond, in Newton Centre, and very near to the railroad station. The terms proposed being accepted, the house was put in order at once, and the school was advertised to begin on Mon- day, May 23d. It opened accordingly on that day. The Horticultural department was put in charge of Mr. Charles Barnard, and Miss Anne T. Pollard was appointed matron. Many letters were received from different quarters, after the school was advertised and ready to receive pupils, making inquiries as to the terms of admission and the plan to be per- sued, and there seemed no want of interest in the public mind and no lack of women eager to enter the Institution. But unfortunately the majority of these applicants were evidently unable to meet the necessary expense, though the price of board was made as low as possible and the fee for tuition was but $100 a year. Beginning so late in the season, and with so small a working force, the number of pupils not exceeding five during the sum- mer, the school labored necessarily under great disadvantages at the commencement. The grounds, too, which had been for some time neglected, required much labor to bring them into even moderately good condition, while the exceptional weather of the summer, the intense and prolonged heat, and severe drought, combined to render the task undertaken more difficult and the results less 6 satisfactory than had been anticipated. Another year, begin- ning under more prosperous conditions, will doubtless tell a better tale. In spite of all drawbacks, however, the pupils were never discouraged but showed the warmest interest in their work, while their health, as we were certain would prove to be the case, so far from suffering' improved as the}7 labored. Though careful that they should not expose themselves to the burning heat of the middle of the day, they worked in the grounds many hours daily, and found ample employment for the time passed under shelter in the daily lesson on Horticul- ture, in recording the result of the past hours7 work, or pre- paring for that of the coming day. As there was but little fruit on the place, and unfortunately small space to be devoted to fruit culture, it was not expected that much profit would be derived from the summer work, but the amount of vegetables, etc., raised for the consumption of the household was not inconsiderable, and a large supply of slips, cuttings, etc., were set out and rooted for stocking the green-house in the autumn. Almost the entire labor involved in this was performed by the pupils themselves. A propaga- ting house, with a suitable work shop was built in the course of the summer. As there was no green-house on the place, it became necessary to provide one for the winter work, and one was erected in the autumn and stocked with the plants pre- pared by the pupils during the summer, and with others obtained from various sources as gifts or by purchase. Arrangements have been made for the sale of cut flowers and plants from the green-house during the winter, but this first season no great returns in the way of money can be expected from this source. The number of pupils at present in the school is six, of whom four are resident, and two day pupils. The winter season will be occupied with the care of the green-house, with such studies as bear immediately upon the main purpose of the school for which the out-door work through the summer afforded little leisure. A course of lectures on Botany and Entomology was given, however, during the summer, by Professor John L. Russell, of Salem, who generously gave his valuable time and services. The school is under constant care and' supervision of the Directors, one or more of whom take charge of it each month, visiting the school regularly and reporting fully at the monthly meeting of the Board, at which all matters relating to the welfare and management of the Institution are fully consid- ered. We are aware that in offering this short history of our first year, we are not relating a brilliant tale or presenting any striking results as the fruit of our labors. But we did not expect to be able to do this. All beginnings are difficult enough, and we have had to work under special disadvantages. We suffer from want of funds, and consequently from want of pupils and inability to engage all the teachers we should like, and are hampered in all our undertakings by lack in these essential points. We feel confident that in time the school will become to a considerable extent self supporting; but no small outlay is needed at the start, for procuring the land, erecting* green- houses, stocking them, providing tools, books, etc., and a very complete outfit is needed in these directions that the school may have a fair chance. We desire more, even than these however, the means to establish free scholarships, if not to make the whole tuition free. In the present state of public opinion, we can hardly expect that many young women will wish to make Horticulture a profession, unless obliged to main- tain themselves by their own exertions, and in that case they rarely have the means to pay the amount needed for their edu- cation, and, too often, not the time to devote to unremunerative work, even for the sake of obtaining thorough training in their business. We admit that we are trying an experiment, but we shall not feel that the experiment has had a fair trial until we are able to open free scholarships, for which, at present, we have not the funds. Of the present pupils, several have adopt- 8 ed this pursuit as a means of health, and, in this particular, we are glad to be be able to say that our anticipations have been fulfilled. All the invalids have improved in health, and they prove the advantage of regular occupation and more act- ive life in the open air. As the community gains confidence in the wisdom and prac- ticability of this undertaking we are sure that it will receive that liberal support which a pioneer enterprise of this kind requires. Notwithstanding the attractiveness of the present location of the institution, it is not entirely satisfactory; more land is needed than can be obtained there, and though the city is near, it is not so readily accessible as would be desirable. The source of future income must consist chiefly in the rais- ing of fruit and flowers, under such conditions as will secure a ready sale for everything produced ; and that the best possible results may be accomplished in this respect, the institution needs an estate of its own, where all improvements made will be a permanent benefit. We hope that the friends of the en- terprise will make it possible to obtain this and also enable the school to open its doors more widely, that all those may enter who now desire it, but are withheld by want of means. The unabated zeal and enthusiasm of the pupils convinces us that the work to which we thus invite women, is one for which they have a natural fitness, and one which has a rare charm for many ; a healthful charm too, which will in every way be a source of profit, mentally, physically and pecuniarily. There are many branches of Horticultural work which seem espe- cially intended for women, and which are profitable already and constantly becoming more so. The raising of fruit and vegetables is closely connected with pickling, canning and pre- serving them, and the demand for articles thus prepared is a constantly growing one. The gathering and putting up of seeds is also a branch of some importance, while the arrange- ment of bouquets and floral decorations constitutes a business by itself. Those who have the requisite skill and artistic taste in this way, can we are assured, command immediate and profit- able employment of a very pleasant kind. A class for the spe- cial purpose of studying the art of arranging flowers, is one of those which we anticipate with particular pleasure next sum- mer, when our supply of flowers will be more abundant. It only remains to return thanks to all who have given us help and encouragement thus far. We gratefully acknowledge gifts of money, books, tools, plants, and of furniture, etc., from various friends. To the Massachusetts Horticultural Society we are indebted for permission to hold meetings for some months in their library-room. We have received, also, friendly notice from the press in many instances, and have met with much kindly and respectful consideration of our undertaking in this direction. We hope that all our friends will continue to support our hands, and appreciating the needs which we have here tried to set forth, will give the money needed to establish the school on a larger and firmer basis, and enable us to tell a more striking story next year. We promise, on our side to make the wisest and most care- ful use that we can of the funds entrusted to our stewardship. For the Directors, L. M. PEABODY, Secretary. S£ CO JS OO B " CO «s sz oo crq b; i • *J cc »*} O C ^ P £ 3 S Pa 50 3: p n >« >■ o | ° 5' < 3 a o 5. S 2. £ !1! co £ B ° 5 1. p m» 5.8 S £g &o S aq £ 8 «S b g> 3 - S, S- » CD B- o Cd >B p B p £<" B^ co II O. o «S o- 3 B ~ pLb^o ffiw 2 <^> o "* p 5.o 3. aq o 8 |i 9" ' o °F 8 £ ' aq b a 2 A.S- coU Hall, ouse, 1 B* m =» . Or Ox O* *fc cr- CD CT> *». -I OJ K8 CO CO OS CO CO tO H-> Oi tf^ tO -I CO M C5 Ol OS O tf>. M CO N CO CO tC >-i Oi 00 CO 00 OCOOQO^HtOHotO COCOMlOOOO^tOM 50 p> gcotd^;>QCog ^ K p o B a *->b co ° S^^S-'bS'S^'o 2 b »i ?.2 a 2.S ^ -0'-bp-Jl— ' g m _ Cm B*» 4tR S CI co^ p.s b ^ k 2 o o 2 a* " §* O W H' .co B-P-^B g- , S' — £?"• ,- « -j ■■ rr> m •C^ | eg co I g* B 2- 2 S o» i-1 i° CO oo p w P o ^ o -a £ co c 5. 9. W p fel CD f> „2. O " CD O : o n PS? ^B HI n o O f ► W w > o KJ O to 5 00 j> « o oo o o o o is w o C H W ► CO c! W 50 11 SPECIAL GIFTS FOR GREEN-HOUSE Mrs. A. Hemenway, Mrs. John E. Lodge, Mrs. Catharine Walsh. #500 00 200 00 50 00 $750 00 GIFTS FOR CURRENT USE. Mrs. Susan W. Farwell, - - $50 00 Mrs. R. G. Shaw, - . 100 00 Misses R. A. & A. C. Lowell, - 50 00 Miss Anna C. Lowell, - 50 00 Mrs. W. P. Barnard. - _ 5 00 "A Friend/' by S E. Sewall, 50 00 Mrs. S. E. Sewall, - - - 50 00 Members of N. E. Women's Club, 100 00 Mrs. C. M. Severance, - 5 00 Mrs. C. A. Bartol, - **_ 20 00 ' Mrs. H. M. Pitman, - - 50 00 E. W. Hooper, ... 50 00 Mrs. Geo. R. Russell, - - 200 00 Miss A. P. Rogers, - - 60 00 Mrs. Sam'l A. Way, - - 50 00 Miss L. M. Peabody, - - 25 00 Miss H. L. Brown, _ _ 2 00 " Woman's Associative Union," 20 00 Mrs. Sarah P. Eastman, - _ 100 00 Mrs. S. T. Morse, - _ 25 00 Miss Lucy Goddard, - - 25 00 Mrs. Samuel May, - Miss Abby W. May, - John Parkman, Miss Marian Hooper, - Mr. & Mrs. J. F. Clarke, Miss Cora H. Clarke, - Henry B. Rogers, - Wm. Munroe, Mrs. Wm. A. Tappan, - Miss Matilda Goddard, "A Friend," by Miss May; Chapman Dwight, Miss R. A. Goddard, $100 00 100 00 50 00 100 00 50 00 5 00 150 00 150 00 50 00 20 00 5 00 10 00 20 00 Mrs. & Miss Cary, Jamaica Plain, 50 00 'A Friend," by Miss Goddard, 100 00 1 Caroline Richards, Miss Anne Pomeroy, - "M. S. B„" Miss Jane Alexander, - Henry F. French, - "A Friend," _ 10 00 100 00 100 00 5 00 25 00 200 00 Mrs. Franklin Greene, - Nathan Matthews, - Mrs. Quincy A. Shaw, - Miss M. L. Shaw, - Robert C. Billings, H. Smith, E. E. Rice, Henry A. Rice, Mrs. F. B. Fay, for herself and friends, Mrs. Sterne Morse, Mrs. S. T. Hooper, - 50 00 100 00 50 00 100 00 10 00 5 00 10 00 10 00 100 00 5 00 5 00 $2932 00 12 ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Miss S. C Williams, - Miss E. H. Bartol, - Mrs. H. A. Mitchell, - Miss H. A. Ames, John Ayres, - Mrs. H. Whitman, - Mrs. Wm. Gray, - Mrs. Henry B. Rogers, Miss Isa E. Gray, - Mrs. H. P. Kidder, - Mrs. Edward R. Flynt, - Mrs. Solomon Piper, (1870-' 71), 10 00 Mrs. Alexander Williams, - 5 00 f 5 00 Mrs. Wm. Appleton, (1870-'l- 5 00 Miss Belle L. Johnson, - 5 00 Charles S. Johnson, - 5 00 F. B. Fay, - 5 00 Mrs. F. B. Fay, 10 00 Mrs. S. M. Hunt, - 20 00 Miss Alice S. Hooper, 10 00 Mrs. E. D. Cheney, 5 00 Miss H. E. Freeman, Mrs. C. E. Stratton, Mrs- Adams Ayer, - 10 00 5 00 Note. — Our friends will please notice that the accounts were closed January, and that gifts received since cannot be acknowledged until Report. '2) 15 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 25 00 10 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 $190 00 the 9th of our next As the school was opened only seven months ago, it is too soon for us to offer to its friends any accurate estimate of the cost of maintaining it each year. It will be seen at once, however, that many of the items stated in the foregoing account should not be counted as part ol its ordinary expen- ses. The outlays for construction of green-house, for house- furnishing, and a large part of the cost of garden tools, of advertising, and of express, are to be charged to the cost of opening the school, even though for some time to come we must expect similar expenditures. Perhaps it is safe to say that about five hundred dollars a month (including rent) seems to be at present about the current expense of the school, and that, even with the present small number of scholars, nearly one-half of that amount is received for tuition, board, and sales of produce. If the number of scholars should be increased to the full capacity of the house, and all should be able to pay, for themselves or by free scholarships, the same charges for board and tuition as are now paid, we may reasonably expect 13 to carry on the school without asking our friends for more than enough to cover rent, an expense from which we should be relieved if our real estate fund could be made up to the amount necessary to purchase a suitable place. GIFTS TO HORTICULTURAL SCHOOL. 1870. May. Ames Plough Co., Boston, garden tools. Fairbanks & Co., stationery. June. Messrs. Washburn & Co., Boston, package of seed. W. C. Strong, Esq., lot of plants. Miss M, Shannon, Newton, plants and cuttings at various times. July. Mrs. S. A. Bush, Melrose, plants. Messrs. Barnard, Hunnewell & Severance, W. Newton, assorted plants. Mrs. F. B. Fay, Chelsea, plants and cuttings. Prof. John L. Russell, Salem, cuttings. Miss C. Clarke, Jamaica Plain, plants at various times. H. F. French, Esq., Concord, books and papers. Aug. " Cultivator and Country Gentleman," one year's subscription. " New England Farmer," one year's subscription. " Massachusetts Ploughman," one year's subscription. Mrs. Gammon, Newton Centre, plants. Mrs. Webster, Newton Centre, plants. Oct. Mr Aug. Calder, plants. M. P. Wilder. Esq., Dorchester, large lot of plants Aug. Parker, Esq., Roxbury, cuttings. Gen. C. G. Loring, Boston, plants. Lawson Valentine, Esq., books. Misses Harris, Jamaica Plain, plants and cuttings. Mrs. S. M. Hunt, Cambridge, barrel apples and two bed quilts. Nov. Mr. Aug. Parker, Roxbury, barrel apples. Dec. Mr. Roffe, Newton Centre, plants. OFFI C EISSS FOR- 1 8 *? 1 . PRESIDENT. MISS ABBY W. MAY. VICE PRESIDENTS. MRS. J. ELLERTON LODGE. MRS. GEO. R. RUSSELL. SECRETARY. MISS L. M. PEABODY. TREASURER. EDWARD W. HOOPER. DIRECTORS. J. A. Black, Hon. Simon Brown, Mrs. E. D. Cheney, James. F. Clarke, F. P. Denny, Mrs. Charles Dorr, F. B. Fay, Mrs. F. B. Fay, H. F. French, Miss Lucy Goddard, Miss L. M. Harris, Mrs. Henry Mrs. S. T. Hooper, Mrs. S. M. Hunt, J. F. C. Hyde, J. M. Merrick. Jr. Miss S. C. Paine, Augustus Parker, John Parkman, Mrs. S. Parkman, Edward S. Rand, Jr. Miss A. P. Rogers, Mrs. S. P. Shaw, Whitman. CARD