The following papers and discussions have been circulated to some extent in the form of slips reprinted from the reports made by the Secretary of the Society in the Boston Transcript. As here presented, the papers are printed in full, and the discussions are not only much fuller than in the weekly reports, but, where it appeared necessary, have been carefully revised by the speakers. The Committee on Publication and Discussion take this opportunity to repeat what they have before stated, that the Society is not to be held responsible for the certainty of the statements, the correctness of the opinions, or the accuracy of the nomenclature in the papers and discussions now or heretofore published, all of which must rest on the credit or judgment of the respective writers or speakers, the Society undertaking only to present these papers and discussions, or the substance of them, correctly. TRANSACTIONS OF THE Massachusetts Horticultural Society. BUSINESS MEETING. SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1886. A duly notified stated meeting of the Society was holden at 11 o'clock, the chair being taken by the retiring President, JOHN B. MOORE, who delivered the following address: ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT MOORE. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society : It has been the custom of the retiring President to say a few words to you in relation to the condition of the Society, and its past work. I may congratulate the Society upon its prosperity, and in no year has it been more marked than in the year 1885. With the means at command, with their large and valuable library for instruction and reference, with the improved and perhaps more scientific methods of culture adopted by the members, they ought to have made and certainly have made a great advance in horticulture from the time of founding this Society. This can be observed in the character and beauty of our exhibitions. Among the causes of this prosperity are the lectures, essays, and discussions conducted by the Society; which have been of a high order, and have given new ideas to our members, and to the public, who have free admission to the lectures and may take part in all the discussions. The character and ability of these papers and discussions have given the Society a high standing, both at home and abroad. Much credit is justly due to the Committee on Publication and Discussion for their efficiency in this work. The finances of the Society were never in a more prosperous condition. Although the amount appropriated for prizes in 1885 was $1,800 more than in 1884, and notwithstanding extraordinary expenditures for improvements in the building, and for insurance we have, after allowing for the payment of the prizes now due, invested in bonds nearly $20,000; and there is something more which has already been earned that may be added. This prosperity is due among other causes to the good judgment and care of the Finance Committee and the Treasurer; and also to the Committee of Arrangements, who have successfully directed the exhibitions for which admission fees are taken. The building is in better condition than a year ago; the reports of the various committees are all in; and, with the aid afforded to the Secretary, the TRANSACTIONS, which were much delayed, are now published up to the present time, and bear upon their face that correct and perfect finish for which our Secretary has so long been distinguished. Ladies and Gentlemen,-With my best wishes for the continued prosperity of this Society, I have the honor to introduce to you the President elect, Dr. Henry P. Walcott. President WALCOTT, on taking the chair, delivered the following inaugural address: ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT HENRY P. WALCOTT. Ladies and Gentlemen: At this first meeting of the new year, in obedience to an honored custom, it becomes my duty as your official representative to briefly recall some of the events of the past year, to invite your attention again to the more important recommendations of the standing committees, and to add the few suggestions that occur to me as to our future policy. Of our former associates who have died in the past year, three at least should be named,- Mr. P. B. Hovey, who joined this Society in 1829, and was for some years a Vice-President and Chairman of one of our most important committees; Mr. Hervey Davis, for four years Chairman of the Fruit Committee, and a constant exhibitor; and Mr. Charles O. Whitmore, who freely |