BANQUET TO GARDENERS. 65 
honoring the memory of its founder; but it is impossible for me to at- 
tend, and I can only send my regrets. 
I believe there has been no year since the foundation of the Massa- 
chusetts Horticultural Society in 1829, when either the society, or its 
committee of arrangements for the annual exhibition, with invited guests, 
has failed to sit down to a dinner together, and I can bear witness to the 
fact that these gatherings have had a most excellent effect in promoting 
a feeling of brotherhood and harmony among all who have participated 
in them, and I do not know that I can send you any better wish for the 
occasion to which you have so kindly invited me than that it may be the 
first of a long series which shall have as beneficial an effect as our own 
similar gatherings, and shall exert a wider influence for good. 
Yours truly, 
ROBERT MANNING. 
FROM THE CHIEF OF THE FORESTRY DIVISION, UNITED STATES DEPART- 
MENT OF AGRICULTURE, 
WASHINGTON, D. C., Oct. 4, 1890. 
My Dear Sir—I regret that the disposition of my time for the present 
month is such as to prevent me from attending the pleasant meeting to 
which I have your kind invitation. 
In my official position I have a special need and desire to cultivate the 
good-fellowship of just the men that are to be gathered at your banquet. 
It is through them that at least the extension of our forest areas can 
receive an impetus, and, as florists, nurserymen and gardeners are, like 
myself, engaged in studying the practical application of biological facts, 
I should have promised myself much profit from such an intercourse with 
them. 
May this first of a series of banquets be so full of pleasure and profit to 
all present that it will justify their institution by the generous founder, 
and let me hope that one of its sequels will find me in position to take a 
seat at your table. 
Very truly yours, 
B. E. FERNow. 
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 
Boston, October Ist, 1890. 
Dear Sir — Your kind invitation to attend the banquet on October 
18th duly received, and for which accept my sincere thanks. As I prom- 
ised to act as one of the judges here at the Chrysanthemum show on the 
same date, and have one other engagement the same week, I will not be 
able to join you onthat occasion. And I regret very much that there are 
not more public-spirited citizens like the late Mr. Henry Shaw, of your 
city, to remember the florists and gardeners in sucha kindly manner. 
I remain, yours truly, 
M. H. Norton. 
ey s- org e ee ee 
