1879] REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 21 



Those Vernal Exhibitions were happily exempt from the 

 fierce vicissitudes of temperature that have heretofore bhghted 

 the articles, alike with the hopes, of contributors. The afternoon 

 of the next Exhibition, however, April 17th, was signalized by 

 a cold N. E. wind, with sleet and snow towards the morning of 

 Friday, thus alternating until Saturday night. The storm was 

 one of the severest, and the volume of mingled snow, sleet, and 

 rain as great as in the most violent storms of winter. How 

 much this change of temperature had to do with the admitted 

 reduction in the yield of many Small Fniits is a problem for 

 any one to solve. Possibly, like most others, it will be decided 

 according to the pre conceived theory or prejudice of individu- 

 als. " But, sir ! the facts conflict with your theory ! " " So 

 much the worse for the facts! " is the flippant retort of the man 

 who is never wise save in his own conceit. 



The Annual Exhibition of Roses in 1879, was held, for the 

 first time in a long while, at a date distinct from that assigned 

 for Strawberries. The display may be characterized as fairly 

 good. And yet, years since, a number of close competitors, by 

 their keen rivalry, argued a more general interest than now, 

 when all the premiums are awarded, if deservedly, yet by sheer 

 necessity, to a single individual. Does it not seem as though 

 florists might be found among the numerous members of this 

 Society, elsewhere than in Whitinsville, zealous and able to 

 develop the Rose into something like the perfection that it is 

 made to attain in other parts of the Commonwealth .'* No one 

 will contend, for a moment, that floricultural patience and skill are 

 limited to Concord, Massachusetts. But what kind of ambition 

 is that which contents itself with the growth of Geranium or 

 Petunia ; or is satisfied with some faint illusion of new shade 

 in Aquilegia cerulea hyhrida ! A Society maintaining the rank 

 that this deservedly does, abroad, should lay no unworthy offer- 

 ings upon the shrine of Flora. Let its members elect, rather, 

 by all honorable effort, to magnify their office ! 



The Annual Exhibition of Strawberries had been appointed 

 for a week later than usual, or than long experience had sug- 



