PROCEEDINGS

ON THE OCCASION OF

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE

NEW HALL

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AUaUST 18, 1864,

BOSTON:

HENHY W. BUTTON & SON, PRINTERS, 90 AND 92 Washington Street.

1864.

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AT AMHERST

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Special Collections & Rare Books

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At an adjourned meeting of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, held at their rooms, Saturday, September 3, the follow- ing votes were unanimously passed :

That the thanks of the Society be tendered to the President, for his very interesting and fehcitous address delivered at the laying of the Corner-Stone, and that a copy be requested for publication.

That the thanks of the Society be presented to the Rev. Dr. LoTHROP, for his services at the ceremony of laying the Corner- Stone.

That the Committee of Publication be authorized to publish, for distribution among the members, the address delivered by the President, C. M. Hovey, at the laying of the Corner-Stone of Horticultural Hall, on the 18th of Auo-ust last, too-ether with a detailed account of the ceremonies on that occasion.

C. M. HOVEY, President. F. LYMAN WINSHIP, Secretary.

PROCEEDINGS.

The Corner-Stone of the New Hall of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society was laid on the 18th of August, 1864.

At a Special Meeting of the Society, called on the 13th day of August, at the Rooms in Amory Hall, the President stated that the work of building the new Hall had so far progressed as to be in readiness for laying the Corner-Stone.

He remarked that the magnitude of the building was such, that it was deemed proper to observe the occasion in a manner commensurate with the importance of the work ; and, although it was not the desire of the Building Committee, or he pre- sumed of the Society, to make any ostentatious display, yet it was thought some notice should be taken of such an event, and that the Corner-Stone should be laid with such ceremonies as were deemed appropriate. It remained for the Society to take such measures as would render the occasion interesting to the members and creditable to the association.

On motion of G. W. Pkatt, Esq., it was voted that a Com- mittee of ten be appointed by the President, with full power to make all necessary arrangements thought proper for the occasion, and the following gentlemen were appointed the Com- mittee :

Geo. W. Pratt,

S. H. GiBIJENS,

W. H. Spooner, Jr., William Gray, Jr.,

C. H. B. Breck,

F. Lyman Winsiiir,

J. C. HOVEY,

D. T. Curtis,

E. W. BUSWELL,

R. McCleary Copeland.

Agreeably to the arrangements made by the Committee, the members of the Society, with Ilis Honor Mayor Lincoln, the members of various kindred societies, and other invited guests assembled at the Rooms of the Society, in Amory Hall, at the corner of West and AYashington Streets, at 9 o'clock, A. M., on the 18th of August. The meeting was opened by the President, who stated its objects and requested those present to form in procession in the Hall, and thence under the marshal- ship of Samuel Hatch, Esq., proceed to the site of the build- ing, at the corner of Tremont and Bromfield Streets. The Order of Procession was as follows :

Detachment of Police.

Chief Marshal.

Brigade Band.

Committee of Arrangements.

President of the Society and Chaplain.

His Honor the Mayor, and Members of the City Government.

Building Committee. Stewards bearing the Boxes and Documents for deposit beneath

the Stone.

Architects of the Building.

Past Officers of the Society.

Invited Guests.

Members of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics' Association.

Members of the Natural History Society.

Trustees of Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Members of the Massachusetts Historical Society.

Members of the Institute of Technology.

Trustees of the Public Library.

Members of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture.

Members of the Boston Numismatic Society.

Members of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.

The Procession proceeded up West Street, through Tremont Street Mall and Tremont Street, to the site of the new building,

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and formed upon the platform, a raised dais being erected for the President, Chaplain, and invited guests. After Music by the Band, the following Address was delivered by the President of the Societv.

ADDRESS.

DELIVERED BY C. M. HOUEY, ESQ., PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY.

Gentlemen of the

Massachusetts Horticultural Society:

We are assembled here to-day, agreeably to your direc- tion, to take the first formal step towards the erection of a building for the use of the Society, to more effectually carry out its purposes of " encouraging and improving the science and practice of Horticulture, promoting the ameli- oration of the various species of trees, fruits, plants, and vegetables, and the introduction of new species and varie- ties."

Such were the original objects of the Society, as named in the act of incorporation, and such, I am happy to say, they have always been, and I doubt not, ever will be, as long as this beautiful edifice you are about to erect shall endure.

This is the second time that you have, in the course of your organization, erected a building for the Society. It \ will be just twenty years, on the 14th of September next, ' since the Corner-Stone of Horticultural Hall in School Street, erected on the site of the old Latin school-house, was laid by your late President, the Hon. Marshall P.

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Wilder, now prevented from uniting in these ceremonies by long continued illness. It was the only important act of the Society since its foundation in which I have not been present or taken a part; but absence abroad prevent- ed me from witnessing the services on that interesting occasion; and T esteem it a source of the highest gratifi- cation that, through your continued kindness and great confidence, I have now the honor not only to be present with you, but to take so prominent a part in laying the corner-stone of another and more magnificent structure, which will undoubtedly be the home of the Society long after we and many succeeding generations have passed away.

The Massachusetts Horticultural Society was organized February 24th and incorporated June 12th, 1829, and it is highly gratifying to me, and I doubt not to every mem- ber, to recognize among those who are assembled here to- day, gentlemen whose names are borne upon the charter, and many others who were prominent and active members the first year of its organization. Though thirty-five years have glided away, and age may have lessened their active labors, it has not checked their enthusiasm, dimin- ished their zeal, or lessened their devotion to the interests of a pursuit which, in their younger days, was a source of instructive occupation and pleasure, and which now amuses and solaces their declining years.

It would scarcely be possible, should I make the at- tempt, in these brief remarks, to recount the progress of

the Society, from its small beginning in State Street, up to that period when the old hall in School Street was erected, since which time its history is more familiar; but I should be recreant to duty did I not, standing on these solid foun- dations, refer to one who did more than all others to place the society in its present flourishing condition, and enable it now to undertake the building of an edifice of such magnitude and architectural beauty. Need I say I refer to the late General Deaebokn ? Without detracting in the least from the labors of a band of intelHgent and distin- guished men, who were pioneers in the enterprise, it is not too much to say that to him are we indebted for that "sacred garden of the dead," Mount Auburn Cemetery, and the consequent results from his plan of an experi- mental garden. His enlarged knowledge, liberal views, accomplished mind, practical skill, and elevated character, alone carried the project through. His pen was never idle in gathering facts and writing reports to show the under- taking a safe one, and the objects to be attained worthy the consideration of the whole community. By the happy combination of an experimental garden and cemetery, hor- ticulture was to be recognized as an art and science, and the dead removed to secluded and shady groves, away from the busy marts of crowded cities ; and though a combina- tion of circumstances changed a part of his favorite scheme, it is undoubtedly owing to its failure that we are indebted for the means to erect this Temple, no less calcu- lated "to foster and extend a taste for the pleasant, useful,

/

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and refined art of gardening." We love and revere the name of such a noble man : we shall never forget his un- selfish labors, and, when our edifice is completed, it will, I am sure, be the hope that his statue may have a prominent place within it. But whether statue or bust shall ever grace our hall, this building will be the enduring memo- rial of his genius and services, and his name will be held in grateful remembrance by a thousand generations. ' But it is since the completion of the former hall that the progress of the Society has been more rapid, and its influence felt throughout the entire country. New life and fresh vitality were infused into the Society. It had the sympathy, as it had the substantial aid, of the pubhc. It was appreciated as its founders intended it should be. Its objects seemed all at once to become apparent. / It encour- aged and promoted the science and practice of horticult- ure ; — it stimulated the production and introduction of new flowers, fruits, trees, and plants; — it rewarded the cultivator for the best specimens of his skill ; — it gathered together, for the use of the members, a library of the most celebrated English and French works on garden- ing;— it made known through its weekly and annual exhi- bitions all the choicer productions of the garden, the orchard, and the greenhouse; — it awakened a taste for ornamental and landscape art, and it disseminated through its annual reports a vast fund of information upon every branch of horticulture.

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Who does not see, in whatever direction he may turn, the results of the influence which has gone out from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society ? Beautiful villas en- rich and embellish all parts of the country ; suburban gar- dens of greater or less extent give a cheerful and pictu- resque aspect to our towns and villages; and even the little gardens and city lots denote some unseen influence which has changed these weedy and neglected places into verdant and fertile spots. Who will compare the rural aspect of the country thirty-five years ago with its present appear- ance, and say the Massachusetts Horticultural Society has wasted the resources with which a liberal public have in part endowed it, for objects so beneficent, and for purposes which confer both individual comfort and happiness upon the people.

Thanks to the generous men of Boston, that after they had witnessed our good stewardship, they reposed every confidence in us, and came forward hberally with their aid, determined that no loss should come from an enterprise then deemed hazardous for our means. Yes, gentlemen, we were the owners of a new hall, but beyond that we had but little to accomplish the great objects in view, namely, to create a laudable competition by the offer and distribu- tion of liberal prizes, and thus attract the people to see the superior specimens which the skill of our cultivators could produce. We had not, fortunately, any occasion to wait; and I deem this a most fitting opportunity to allude to their liberal acts. Few of the large number of mem-

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bers, who have recently joined us, know by what means we have reached our present prosperity, and, if they did, we should be ungrateful were we to forget those among the dead, or those among the living, to whom we are indebted for aid to more effectually carry forward the great objects of our association.

This building, it is true, is erected by the funds of the Society principally received from our interest in Mount Auburn Cemetery. This beautiful location, however, was only secured by the most persevering efforts of the com- mittee appointed for that purpose, who beheved it pos- sessed all the facilities the Society required, and was just within the means of the Society to purchase. Two years have your committee assiduously labored to bring the work to its present state. We hope and believe the Society will never have cause to regret what they have done.

And we have established funds, the income of which is distributed yearly in premiums. This has been the life of the Society; and, the larger the amount at our disposal, the more rapidly will the art of Horticulture be promoted, and a genuine taste for gardening be encouraged.

And now let me name, because first, and just at the right time, just as we had expended our funds in the build- ing of the old hall, came the liberal donation of the vener- able merchant, Samuel Appleton, whose many benefac- tions to various public institutions will render his name honorable, and cause his memory ever to be cherished.

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Next, we have the same generous gift from the puhhc spirited and well-known gentleman, the son of one who presided at the first formal call to organize the Society, and whose name is intimately associated with everything con- nected with the early improvements in horticulture around Boston. Need I name John A. Lowell? "Not being able," as he says in his letter to the Society, "to actively cooperate with you, but wishing to contribute in a moderate way, I send you one thousand dollars." May he long be spared to witness the good results of his timely aid.

And now, standing conspicuously in the group of our many benefactors, we have another name, not only associ- ated with horticulture and agriculture, but with the finer art of landscape gardening. Who does not remember the once and yet elegant demesne at Waltham, where, years gone by, the beautiful deer might be seen bounding o'er the lawn, or gently reposing beneath some graceful elm ? Need I name Theodore Lyman, Jr. ? who bequeathed to us the munificent sum of $10,000, having during his life made the same generous gift as those already named. His memory will be ever dear to us and our successors.

And yet we have the aid of that kind-hearted and liberal merchant, Josiah Bradlee, whose aim it was to see the effects of his liberality during his own hfe. Not only was his donation of one thousand dollars most gratefully re- ceived, but his many acts of friendship towards the Society, in its time of need, are indelibly recorded in our memory.

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Then we have the legacy of one who was among the earliest friends of the Society, always an active and honor- able member, and for many years one of its Vice Presi- dents; whose special and successful culture of one of our most valuable fruits has been of great service to pomologi- cal progress. The appropriation of the income of the Feench fund to the encouragement of one particular fruity has already been highly beneficial, and the yearly exhibition of superior specimens of apples will always remind us of his early and later participations in the prominent acts of the Society.

Others among those who have gone from us, and whose ashes repose beneath the fragrant turf, or lie beneath the shady groves of Mount Auburn, have made us partici- pators of their bounty. Each and all will be remembered by every member of our association.

But, gentlemen, there is one at least among the living who has given us recently and so liberally, — encouraging us by his sympathy and devotion to our interests, — that I think I shall not be transgressing the bounds of friendship to mention. I refer to H. Hollis Hunne"\vell, whose beautiful country residence at Wellesley so many of you have seen and admired, and which displays so much taste in its arrangement and keeping. His generous gift of $2500, just now that we wish to increase rather than curtail our premiums, is most opportune. Mr. Hunnewell is now absent in Europe; and from these foundations we

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waft across the broad Atlantic our best wishes fur his health and prosperity, and a safe return to his home.

Of other donors it would be a pleasure to speak, but 1 am not permitted to do so.

But the most colossal edifice which associated wealtli could erect, though it might be a perpetual monument of architectural taste and skill, would be of little avail without the aid of a zealous and cooperative association ; and whik^ we recount with pride these many benefactions, we ought not to forget that to a host of intelligent amateurs and cul- tivators— to Cook, Downer, Lowell, Manning, Kenrick, WiNSHip, Perkins, Prince, Phinney, Gushing, Yose, Walker, Lovett, Harris, Teschemacher, Haggerston, Williams, and many others — not to enumerate the liv- incy — are we indebted for the invaluable services and un- flagging zeal which have given to the Society a renown second to no other horticultural association in the world.

And now, gentlemen, as we are to place beneath this granite block the records of what we have already accom- phshed, with the object of transmitting them to distant gen- erations, let us hope that, whenever, at some very remote day, when these walls may crumble and decay, — for decay, though slow, is the destiny of all earthly things,— and these memorials shall come to light, they will at least serve to show that the objects of the Society were solely to pro- mote all those pursuits which bring pleasure and happiness to the social and domestic life ; to enrich and embelhsh our homes and country; to create a refined taste, and to

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open new and exhaustless sources of instruction and wealth.

With the increased means with which the liberality of the public have in part endowed us, — the resources from the investment now believed to be so judiciously made, — and the greater facilities afforded by this edifice, we shall be called upon for fresh exertion, greater activity, and the same persistent zeal which have thus far given us a name and reputation at home and abroad.

We feel the responsibility of the task, but an appreciat- ing and enhghtened public will cheer us on ; and as those who have been so prominent in our councils are soon to pass away, and the " places which know them shall know them no more," may our successors, animated with their zeal, stimulated by their example, roused by their energy, and enlightened by their knowledge, not only preserve the Society in its present flourishing state, but extend its use- fulness, increase its* popularity, and give it an imperishable renown.

At the close of the Address, the Corner-Stone was laid by the President, who was presented with an elegantly burnished steel trowel for the occasion.

An appropriate prayer was then oiFered by the Eev. Dr. LoTHROP, Chaplain.

The whole audience then joined in singing Old Hundred, after which, the ceremonies were concluded with a Benediction.

APPEKDIX,

APPENDIX.

DESCRIPTIOX OF THE BOX, PLATE, AND OTHER ARTICLES, DE- POSITED UXDER THE CORXER-STOXE OF THE XEW HALL.

The box Is made of zinc, and twelve inches lonji, ten wide, and four deej^. In the box the annexed list of articles are enclosed :

1. A Silver Plate, measuring eight inches long and six wide, upon which the following is engraved :

THIS EDIFICE IS ERECTED

IHassafUusdts funiiniltutal ^oridy,

For the purpose of encouraging and improving the Science and Practice of Horticulture,

And this Corner-Stone laid, August 18, 1864,

BY THE PRESIDENT,

CHARLES M. HOVEY.

Bu ilding Com m ittee :

C. M. HOVET,

JosiAH Stickney, M. P. Wilder, C. O. Whitmore, W. li. AUSTIX.

h. h. hunnewell, Joseph S. Cabot, J. F. C. Hyde, L. Wetherell.

Architects : Gridley J. F. Bryant and Arthur Oilman.

To this Society the community are indebted for the foundation and consecration of Mount Auburn Cemetery.

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Massachusetts Horticultural Society,

Incorporated the 12 day of June, A. D. 1829.

Present number of members, six hundred eighty.

President, CHARLES M. HOVEY.

Vice Presidents,

J. F. C. Hyde, C. O. Whitmore,

H. HOLLIS HUXNEA\ ELL, W. C. StRONG.

Treasurer,

William R. Austin.

Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary,

Eben. Wight. F. Lyman Winship.

2. Proceedings of the Society, from 1843 to 1864.

3. Publications of the Society, containing its History, &c., by Gen. Dearborn.

4. Boston Almanac for 1864.

5. Catalogue of Proprietors of Mount Auburn Cemetery.

6. Copies of Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture for 1864, containing Reports of Building Committee.

7. Copy of Fruits of America.

8. Boston newspapers of August 18.

9. Silver Medal of the Society.

10. Bronze Medal.

11. Appleton Bronze INIedal.

12. Coins of the United States, dollar, half dollar, and smal- ler, of the date of 1864.

Beneath the box was placed the box, with its contents entire, which was taken from beneath the Corner-Stone of the old Hall in School Street.

Both boxes were placed in a cavity in the first vermiculated stone, at the north-west corner of the building, on Tremont Street and Montgomery Place.

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REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE.

At a quarterly meeting of the Society, held January 2, 1864, on motion of C. O. Whitmore, a Committee of Nine, of which the President should be Chairman, was appointed to consider the expediency of erecting a building on the Montgomery House estate, and report the probable cost of the same.

The President,

JosiAH Stickney,

C. O. Whitmore,

M. P. Wilder,

J. S. Cabot,

W. R. Austin,

H. H. Hunnewell,

J. F. C. Hyde, and

L. Wetherell, were nominated and unanimously chosen.

At the meeting of the Society, February 6th, the Building Committee made the following Report :

The Committee to whom was referred the subject of the ex- pediency of erecting a building on the Montgomery House estate, recently purchased by the Society, and the probable expense of the same, have attended to that duty, and submit the following Report :

Your Committee consider the subject referred to them of very great importance to the Society, and they have endeavored to give it the thorough deliberation and investigation its impor- tance demands. A portion of the Committee having previously examined the subject and made a general report, they were desirous that other gentlemen, fresh from the Society, should cooperate with them, and carefully examine the whole question of building, and give such an opinion as Avould enable every member to cast a satisfactory vote when brought before the Society.

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Your Committee believe it is for the permanent interest of the Society to proceed with the erection of a building, if it can be done within its means, or with safety as an investment of its funds. The question of time is one which they have given much attention, and looking at it in all its aspects, they feel assured, with such a plan as they have had prepared, should it meet the wishes and approval of the Society, a building can be erected at a reasonably enhanced price, without detriment to its present interests or future welfare, afford a good income upon the outlay, and, what is of most importance, place the Society in the possession of a hall of its own, where it can accommodate all the exhibitions, weekly or annual — a building that shall be an ornament to our city, "a fitting testimonial of our liberal- ity"— and one which Avill enable us to carry forward the great objects of its founders, viz.: "Encouraging and improving the science of horticulture."

At an early stage of the action of the Society, a committee of five was chosen to purchase a suitable site within certain limits ; and that committee, desirous of serving the interests and forwarding the objects of the Society, which they believed to be to secure a handsome and appropriate building, selected the Montgomery House estate, and had plans and estimates prepared by G. J. F. Bryant, Esq., placed before them and the Society. This plan has been taken as the basis of another, now about to be submitted for your consideration. No vote Avas taken upon it by the old Committee, and its internal arrange- ments were not especially criticised or debated, as the time had not then arrived for such action. It was simply an idea of the style of building, in its architectural proportions and general beauty. Estimates were, however, made, showing that it could have been erected in 1862 for $85,000.

This plan has been materially and essentially altered in its interior arrangements, while its exterior character has been pre- served, and, it is confidently hoped, its architectural proportions improved, its fitness augmented, and its beauty of design much enhanced. It is now jn-esented, with the full belief that, afler much study, it comes as near as possible to the wants and

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requirements of the Soelety, both as regards its own uses and that equally important one of income. It has liad tlie long attention and deliberation of some of the Committee, and is offered with tlie hope and expectation that it will be satisfactory to all.

The plan herewith presented contains a larger and smaller hall ; the former suited to the Opening, Eose, and Annual Ex- hibitions, or any exhibitions the Society may wish to make ; and the latter admirably adapted to its weekly and ordinary shows. On the second floor, the meeting room, library room, and committee rooms connect with the smaller hall, with a rear entrance from Montgomery Place for exhibitors, and a conveni- ent room for preparing plants and fruits for exhibition. The large hall occupies the third floor, and the space of the entire building, accessible by two broad flights of stairs, from the rotunda, and also a rear entrance from Montgomery Place, and the same accommodations for exhibitors as the hall beneath. It will be a lofty and magnificent hall, with a gallery at one end and a stao-e at the other, and will be liohted from the sides and top. Its area will be about 4000 feet. The street floor contains two larire stores on Tremont Street and four on Bromfield Street, with three basement stores beneath.

Your Committee do not think it necessary to enter into any particular description of the exterior design of the building. The various drawings of the front and side facades, as well as the perspective view, now placed before you for your inspection and approval, relieve them of that duty. The style is that now generally adopted in modern Europe, for most of the public edifices of this character, and from its graceftd proportions, har- monious expression, and adaptability to general use, appears best suited to the requirements of the Society, while it affords the best evidence of our appreciation of architectural beauty.

The material selected by your Committee is the Concord white granite, which, for its tone of color and durability, pre- eminently fit it for the style and purpose of such a structure. The best example of this material, of recent erection, is the new City Hall, and one of much earlier date, the house of David

S4

Sears, Esq., on Beacon Street, the latter best illustrating its wear and appearance after the lapse of nearly half a century.

The entire cost of the erection of the buildino-, according^ to the estimates of Mr. Bryant, made to your Committee and pro- cured from responsible parties, and since revised, will not ex- ceed 'f 102,500, and when the offers are open to competition he believes it will be reduced. When your Committee take into consideration the greatly enhanced value of its stocks, over that of 1862, this excess over the estimates of the first plan is far more favorable than they were led to anticipate.

The income of the building, according to the best judgment of your Committee, and obtained by careful enquiry of the income of property in the immediate vicinity, will be fully equal to six per centum per annum on the entire cost of the invest- ment.

To meet the cost of the erection of the building, your Com- mittee herewith annex a statement of the assets of the Society available for that purpose, very carefully and accurately pre- pared by your Treasurer, and believed to be correct, amounting to 1100,054 on the 23d January last.

To meet the payment of the mortgages upon the estate, pay- able in twenty years from September 1, 1863, it is proposed by your Committee to recommend to the Society, immediately upon the completion of the building, the creation of a sinking fund, which shall meet its liabilities in 1883. This proposition is to lay aside every year ^3500 from the income of Mount Auburn, Avhich will, with interest, amount in sixteen years to 198,745.

The deep interest which will be created by the erection of a new building, it is believed by your Committee, will greatly increase the number of members ; and the income fi'om this source and its exhibitions will probably be sufficient to pay the ordinary expenses of the Society ; and should this hope be real- ized, a larger sum can be added to the sinking flmd, should the Society so direct, which will enable it, should the opportunity offer, which it is thought possible it may, to pay off some of the mortgages (being made to six parties) before the period of their

25

expiration, or leave to tlie Society a much larger sum to en- courage the objects to which it is especially devoted.

Your Committee cannot here omit to contrast the present condition of the Society with its condition in 1843, when it decided to purchase the old Latin Schoolhouse in School Street, for the sum of 118,000. With only 115,000 of available fiinds for the purpose, it then almost unanimously voted to erect a building upon the site, which, with the land, would cost about $10,000. If the attempt to build now can be termed a hazard- ous enterprise, with its increased means, much larger number of members, and the far greater general public taste for horticult- ure and rural art, what must the action of the Society have been deemed in 1843 ? Its prospective income could not then be considered, at the outside, at more than $2500, and the income from the building less than five per centum ; and to carry for- ward the work it was necessary to execute a mortgage for^ $15,000, besides the use of all the income from Mt. Auburn for four years. Yet it went on prosperously, meeting all its lia- bilities promptly, distributing very liberally of its means for the encouragement of Horticulture and Pomological Science, and, thanks t'^o those who labored so faithfrdly, we are now receiving the benefits of the sound judgment and foresight, united with the zeal and energy of those who laid the foundation of our success, and gave to the Society extended influence and the means of fiir greater usefulness.

In conclusion, your Conmiittee would advise the immediate erection of a building worthy of that art and science which is henceforth to be its home, and spread therefrom its benign influ- ence throughout the land.

Who that treads the shady paths and winding avenues, or reclines beneath the sacred groves of that garden of graves, the inception of the founders of the Society— or surveys the broad expanse of cultivated country now reaching to the Pacific, teeming with rich fruits and beautiful flowers, would wish, with the means at our command, and the known public spirit, to erect a lesser monument to the triumphs of civilization.

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How consoling tlie reflection that, when we have finished our earthly work, and our ashes repose beneath the green turf and leafy bowers of Mt. Auburn, this elegant building shall be the enduring memento of the intelligence and wisdom which formed that sacred garden of the dead, aAvay from the busy haunts of the living. In this temple, dedicated to the elegant art of hor- ticulture we shall transmit to our successors a record of our earnest labors to accomplish the two-fold task of decorating and beautifying our homes while living, and of adorning and conse- crating; our homes in death.

Entertaining these views your Committee would recommend the passage of the following Resolutions :

Resolved^ That the present Committee be constituted a Build- ing Committee, and that they be, and are hereby authorized and directed to proceed with the erection of a building on the Montgomery House estate, recently purchased by the Society, according to the plans, specifications, and estimates, prepared by Gridley J. F. Bryant, Esq., approved by the Committee, and now submitted to the Society, and that they have full power to enter into and make all contracts and agreements, in the name of the Society, necessary for the erection and comple- tion of said building.

Resolved, That the Committee now having in charge the Montgomery House estate be authorized and directed to termi- nate the present lease on the first of May next.

C. M. HOVEY,

JosiAii Stickxey, Marshall P. Wilder,

C. O. WlIITMORE,

Wm. R. Austin, h. ii. hunxewell, James F. C. Hyde, Leander Wetherell, JosERii S. Cabot,

Committee on Building. Boston, Feb. 6th, 1864.

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Mr. X. Matthews moved as a su])stitute. In the place of the Committee's resolutions, the following, which was unanimously adopted :

That the whole matter of crectinir a hiiildlii''' he retei-rcd to the Committee, with full }»()wer to make such aheratioiis In the plans and specifications as may suggest themselves, under the superintendence of the architect, Mr. G. J. F. Ih-yant, and at a cost not exceeding the sum of 8105,000.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING.

The new Hall of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society occupies a central and commanding position on Tremont Street, between Bromfield Street and ^lontgomery Place. A cellar story, partially finished into apartments as a basement, covers the wdiole area of the estate, and includes also, all the area beneath the sidewalks, in front of the several facades of the building. This story is sub-divided into six apartments, two of w^hich are cellars beneath, and connected with the two front stores on Tremont Street. Three others are designed for stores or mechanical workshops, while the sixth apartment is appropriated as an engine and boiler room for the heating ap- paratus, and with ample accommodations for the necessary fuel. An easy staircase in the north-east corner of this story, com- municates with the stories above, as well as with the entrance doorway on that side, from Montgomery Place. Beneath the sidewalk pavement, on this side, are located the lavatoi-ies, water closets, and urinals, for the use of the occupants of the basement, and of the stores above. All the apartments of the basement are entered from the Bromfield Street front, by flights of steps, and all are amply lighted by upright w^indows in the external walls, and by Hyatt lights, to be located in the side- walks of aU the streets.

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The first, or street story, is sub-divided into tlie same nnmber of compartments as those above described In the basement, and consists entirely of shops or stores, two of which front on Tre- mont Street, with light on the front, and on one side of each store, while the remaining four all entered from Bromfield Street, and are lighted both In front and rear of each. The staircase, commenced in the basement, Is continued up through this story, and Is accessible from the Montgomery Place side of the building. The front or main staircase, 10 feet in width, Is carried uj^ between the two stores on Tremont Street.

The second story contains one of the Exhibition Halls, span- ning the width of the estate, and lighted by three large w^indows in each of its two sides. Besides this hall, there are four apartments to the west of it, receiving light from the three sides of the building, and communicating with each other, and with a square lobby, containing three noble flights of stairs. One of these flights leads up from the principal front entrance on Tre- mont Street, and the two others are for connection with the third story, w^hich contains the principal hall of the building. Of the four apartments on the front of this story, the two which extend across the whole of the Tremont Street front, are for the purposes of a Library, and of Superintendent's and Treasurer's office, and are connected by wide folding doors, so as to be thrown into one, when necessary. Connected with these two front rooms, are the two smaller rooms, located between the front rooms and the Hall, and occupying all the remaining space of this floor not devoted to lobby and staircases. From one of these smaller rooms, opens a water-closet and lavatory, Intended for the use of the officers of the Society. To the east of the Hall on this second story, and placed between it and the ex- treme cast wall of the estate, on the Bromfield Street side, there is an a})artment of suitable size to be used as an ante-room, and corres]:)onding in area with the staircase hall on the other side, through w hich runs up the continuation of the staircases of the two stories beneath, and accessible from Montgomery Place. Between these two is formed a recess for the stage or platform at the upper end of the hall, and a passageway in the rear of

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this recess connects the ante-room witli the private staircase just described. All the apartments on this story are abundantly lio-hted, in the three exterior walls, by windows of liljeral di- mensions and pleasing proportion.

The third or upper story is mainly devoted to a principal Exhibition Hdl, extending over nearly its whole area, inasmuch as it not only spans the whole width of the estate, but occupies, with its lobby entrances and stair landings, the whole length of the entire property — with the exception of an ante-room, private staircase, and passageway of communication in the rear, the same as those already described on the story underneath. On account of the greater height on this floor, this arrangement of stairway, passage and ante-room is also duplicated m a secondary or half story, introduced above the one just named ; the two occupying together, only the height of the larger Hall. The lobby entrances and stair landings at the front or west end of the building, as well as that portion of the area of the large hall lying between these lobbies, are constructed so as to be ten feet in height, and over them all is a Gallery of the whole width of the Hall, and entered from one of the landings by a flight of Gallery stairs, placed in the south-west corner of the building.

Each of the two halls, in the second and third stories, con- tains a stage at its eastern end, accessible from the ante-rooms, and from the rear or private staircase at that end of the Hall. The amount of interior area and accommodation afforded by the several floors of the building, will perhaps be better under- stood by the following schedule of the number, designation, and dimensions of the halls, apartments, &c., to wit:

BASEMENT STORY.

Store No. 1 is 18.4 in width by 50.0 in length. '^ " 2 " 18.4 " " " 50.9 " " " " 3 " 18.4 " " " 51.2 " "

Cellar " 1 " 25.0 - " " 41.3 " *' " " 2 " 25.0 '' " " 44.0 " "

Eno-ine and Boiler Room 14.G by 36.8.

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These stores vary in height, conforming to the grade of Bromfiekl Street.

FIRST OR STREET STORY.

Store No. 4 is 25.0 in width by 41.9 in length.

" " 6 '' 18.4 " " " 50.6 " "

'^ " 8 " 18.4 " " " 50.3 " " Room for Storage 15.0 by 36.9. These stores also vary in height, from 14 feet, least, to 18J feet, fji'eatest heio-ht, accordino; to the s^rade.

SECOND STORY.

Hall, 51 feet by 57 feet.

Ante-Eoom, 12.0 " '' 13.9 " Stage Recess, 9.9 " " 23.9 ''

Two Rooms for officers of the Association, 18.6 x 20.6 and 20.9 X 30.6, respectively.

The heio'ht of these rooms is 17 feet in the clear.

THIRD STORY.

Large Hall, 50.6 by 77.9, height 26 feet.

Stage Recess, 9.9 " 23.9

Lobby, 11.0 " 25.0

Ante-room in rear of Hall, 12.0 x 13.9, with another room of corresponding dimensions in the half story above.

The interior of the two halls is of a style of finish and deco- ration which accords with the external character of the edifice in every respect. The lower or smaller hall is finislied with [)ilaHters of the Ionic order, sustaining beams on the ceiling, by wliich it is divided into panelled C()ini)artments, — the walls being decorated also with panelling, disposed in suitable divi- sions. The upper hall has a graceful coved ceiling, resting on a deep Ionic cornice with modillions, — the face of the pilasters carrying the same being enriched with Arabesque festoons, modelled in higli relief. The Avails are dadoed up as high as

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the sills of the windows, and the doorways leading to ante- rooms and staircase are ornamented with rich architraves with pedimented heads. The panels between the cross-beams on tlu- ceilings, arc ornamented with bold mcmldings, and with droi)s at the intersections. The eficct of the whole when completed will be rich and attractive, and the hall will doubtless be ffreatlv in request for concerts, lectures, and other public occasions re(piir- ing a central and convenient locality.

The external style and appearance of the building are of a dignified and monumental character, and well calculated for imposing effect. The front extends 55 feet, on Tremont Street, and is divided into three general divisions, or bays. The centre of these is decorated with an order of coupled columns, re- peated in pilasters, behind, and carried through the three stories — Doric in the lowest, Ionic in the second, and Corinth- ian in the third or upper story. A rich composed cornice crowns the whole fii^ade, surmounted by a central attic, as a pedestal for a superb figure of Ceres, cut in white granite, from the celebrated antique in the Vatican, as given in the 3Iuseo Pio Clementino^ p. 27. The angles of the front are decorated wdth projecting piers, cut with rich, vermiculated quoins, and forming bases at the top of the entrance story for two other figures, one of Pomona, and one of Flora, the latter copied from the renowned Flora Farnese at Naples. These elegant w^orks of art form, it is believed, the first examples of statuary of a high order of excellence ever placed in similar positions in this country.

The style displayed in this costly and elegant design is one which, it is believed, accords well with the character and requirements of such a structure. It will at once be recognized by all those conversant with such matters, as the prevailing method of modern Europe; a style, which the taste of the present Emperor of France, in particular, has so largely illus- trated in most of the modern works of the French capital. From its great intrinsic beauty, not less than from its extreme readiness of adaptation to the wants and uses of the present dav, it has attained, under the general title of the Renaissance,

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universal popularity in Europe, and in the chief cities of our ,own country. Derived originally from Italian sources, and par- ticularly from the later edifices of the Venetian Republic, it has now been so successfully naturalized elsewhere as to have become the prevailing manner for most of those important pub- lic edifices, which are destined to be regarded as the best archi- tectural records of our time, by posterity. A situation so prominent as that of the Horticultural Hall, certainly demands a graceful and harmonious style of design, and it is hoped that the building now in process of erection will stand as a fair memorial of our present advancement in architectural knowledge and taste.

Messrs. G. J. F. Bryant and Arthur Oilman, architects, and superintendents of the erection of the building, are so well known, as gentlemen of experience and taste, that any commen- dation would be superfluous. They have made all the internal arrangements, agreeably to the views and requirements of the Committee, and the external character of the edifice will show their taste in harmony of details, beauty of proportion, and general expression of design.