STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 100 



were built and left entirely destitute of trees, led me at that time 

 to speak to the people on this same subject. 



It seems to me that the influence of this society can not be used 

 to better advantage than to encourage among its members and 

 citizens a live interest in this department of your work. The influ- 

 ence of a few spirited individuals in every town and city would in a 

 few years make a wonderful change, and instead of seeing as we do 

 now only a few trees here and there in some of our streets, (of 

 course there are exceptions) we should see both sides handsomel}^ 

 lined with trees, which would make them attractive to the stranger 

 and pleasanter to ourselves. But how often do we hear people say 

 that it is useless for them to move, while others are perfectly 

 indifferent to any improvement. One of the ver}- best refutations to- 

 this do-nothing doctrine is to be found in the city of New Haven, 

 Conn., known as the ''City of Elms," which be3'ond doubt is the 

 best shaded city in Connecticut, and I am not sure but in the New 

 England States, being known all over the country for the grandeur 

 and magnificence of its trees. And this is all due to a single indi- 

 vidual, as much as if he had planted ever}^ tree himself. What a 

 monument Mr. Hillhouse has erected for himself, and we are glad 

 that it is recorded by Mr. Downing that he lived long enough to see 

 fair and lofty aisles of verdure, where before were only rows of 

 brick and wooden houses ; and we doubt not that he enjoj'ed a purer 

 satisfaction than many great conquerors who have died with the 

 honors of capturing kingdoms and demolishing a hundred cities. 

 Let no individual, therefore, dela^' planting trees himself and per- 

 suading others also to do the same thing. 



I have showed you how one man's example inspired the public 

 spirit which fostered the elms that are the pride of the city and the 

 admiration of the stranger. Whj not enter upon this work with 

 enthusiasm, and you will soon find that your friends and neighbors 

 are being gradually drawn into your sympathies. 



But perhaps some may ask how shall this be done? Let me say^ 

 this very meeting is a step in the right direction, and right here let 

 me call your attention to the influence of a local society whose 

 members met at stated times during the winter months and discussed 

 these very subjects. I will give you one instance of the influence 

 of this society. While on a visit to the city of Newton in the 

 autumn of 1874, in riding around with an esteemed friend we came 

 to one of the school houses, and much to m}^ surprise and greatly to 



