1878.] Report of the secretary. 39 



tion to more. But the display of Fruit and Vegetables was scarcely- 

 worthy of the occasion ; and certainly could not be claimed as likely 

 or fit to magnify the reputation of iNew England. Our own Society, 

 within its limited province, in years not so long ago, has held Exhi-* 

 bitions of Flowers, Fruit, Plants, and Vegetables, that were superior 

 in every department. Those local Exhibitions were held in Septem- 

 ber, also : and but two weeks later in date. 



A close analysis discloses a lack of that general and wide-spread 

 competition which a Society, embracing within its scope all the New 

 England States, should be able to evoke. With an exception of a few 

 large entries from Connecticut ; and a stray lot or two from New Hamp- 

 shire ; what was there to distinguish it from a Massachusetts, — per- 

 haps even a Worcester County Exhibition ? Of the display of Vege- 

 tables — whence-soever they came, as it is not necessary, so it is not 

 advisable to speak. Suffice it to say that a Hall was hired for them 

 and that they did not crowd out tl>eir Committee. 



It is the deliberate opinion of your Secretary that this Society should 

 consider the matter well before deciding to participate, by active or 

 passive co-operation, in another similar Exhibition held at nearly the 

 same date. If the New England Agricultural Society should deter- 

 mine to repeat its visit to Worcester, as is more than probable ; there 

 can be no doubt that it will be neither courteous nor polite for us to 

 propose an Exhibition in antagonism. Yet the best interests of Horti- 

 culture, in this region, are measurably committed to us ; and we have 

 no right to be recreant to the trust. Wherein, save in the domain of 

 Flora, is not and would not a Horticultural Exhibition, during the first 

 week of September, be premature '■! The late John Milton Earle told 

 me that Apples and Pears developed more, in the last three or four 

 weeks just prior to maturity, than during their entire previous exis- 

 tence. Whose personal observation does not confirm that experience 

 of an honored and valuable life ! Can, — nay ought we to encourage 

 the display of fruits — as specimens, that are but half or two-thirds 

 formed ? 



Might it not be well — should these views meet with your approval, 

 — to suggest to the New England Agricultural Society the propriety 

 of selecting the first week in October for the date of their return to 

 Worcester. Animals exhibited might then be local prize-.takers instead 

 of maidens. A more propitious season could be expected ; — one that 

 would scarcely kill a bull in his tracks. And while no injury could 



