182 _ THE CANADIAN HORTICULTURIST. 



ADDEESS DELIVERED BY THE HO:NrORABLE MARSHALL 

 P. WILDER, AT THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY 

 OF THE MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 

 SEPTEMBER 12, 1879. 



BY R. BURNET, LONDON. 



The honorable and venerable President of the American Pomo- 

 logical Society delivered the semi-centennial address before the members 

 ■of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Like all the productions 

 ■of his pen, this address is fraught with important information and 

 with many items highly instructive to the members of tlie Fruit 

 Growers' Association of Ontario. We deem a few brief extracts 

 suitable to your columns, only regretting that your space will not 

 allow of the publication of the entire address. 



It was told us by an eye-witness that the ex-President of the 

 Society appeared to deliver his charge, supported by two of his friend&. 

 The accident which befell the lecturer in the spring rendering such 

 aid agreeable and necessary. It will gratify all the friends of President 

 Wilder to learn that he is gradually recovering his health and strength. 

 Under the blessing of the Almighty we trust to see him long spared to 

 bless and benefit his fellow-citizens and the world at large. The Holy 

 Book says that the memory of the just is blessed. This sentiment 

 seems to have its due weight with Mr. Wilder. He is never weary of 

 recounting the benevolent deeds of those who have gone before him, 

 and wlio have cherished his favorite culture. 



He tells us in the opening remarks that Peregrine White planted 

 the first apple tree, and Gov. Endicott the first pear tree in Massa- 

 chusetts. From what small beginnings has the horticulture of Massa- 

 chusetts arisen! After the close of the Revolution the Philadelphia 

 Society for the Promotion of Agriculture' was formed, which was soon 

 followed by the organization of the Massachusetts Society of Agricul- 

 ture. In 1818 the Horticultural Society of New York came into 

 existence ; and that of Pennsylvania in 1827, wliich has continued to 

 the present day. The 24tli of February, 1829, was the cold and 

 unlikely birthday of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, a society 

 which has exercised a marvellous power for good, not only in America 

 but throughout the world. Dearborn, Cook, Manning, Ives, Strong, 



