ADDRESS OF MR. BRECK. 115 



that, with this high commendation lavished upon me as I am about to enter 

 this new relation with the Society, I may not be able to meet the expecta- 

 tions of success which he so charitably anticipates in my administration. 



As I enter upon the duties and responsibilities of the office to which you 

 have elected me, I must confess that I have some misgivings, and feeling 

 of diffidence, as I remember the talent, energy, and enthusiasm of those 

 who have, with so much credit and honor, presided over the Society from 

 the commencement of its organization. Depending, however, upon the 

 same cooperation, kindness, and support which I have experienced from 

 you, in various relations and offices connected with this Society for nearly 

 thirty years, I have more confidence to hope that I shall be able to dis- 

 charge the duties which devolve upon me in such a manner that the interests 

 of the Society will be advanced, and its honor maintained. 



For many years we have been making steady progress in the advance- 

 ment of horticultural knowledge, not only among ourselves, and in our own 

 community, but our experience, influence, and example has been of great 

 benefit to other societies and individuals throughout the country. We 

 have been more successful than the most sanguine and enthusiastic could 

 have anticipated, in the earlier stages of our existence as a Society. 



Although we have not yet reached the period when it would be con- 

 sidered prudent to set about the establishment of the experimental garden, 

 so long desired, and once prematurely commenced but fortunately aban- 

 doned, yet I believe the time is not far distant, when, by the increase of our 

 capital from funds invested, from our income from Mount Auburn, and from 

 liberal donations which we may expect for an object so desirable, this So- 

 ciety may be enabled to carry into execution its original and favorite 

 design. 



While I do not think it for the interest of the Society to recede from its 

 accustomed liberality in the appropriations, any expenditure not in accord- 

 ance with the strictest economy, and the necessities of the Society, should 

 be carefully avoided. We have been entrusted with funds which should 

 be held sacred, not only for the benefit of the present generation, but for 

 those who are to come after us. 



I have but little to suggest in relation to the operations of the Society 

 for the year on which we have entered. The programme for the season 

 has already beerl arranged in general details. Our organization is com- 

 plete ; our rules and regulations as near perfection as we can expect ; our 

 committees are composed of experienced and efficient members, and there 

 does not appear to be any obstacle in the way to prevent our continued 

 prosperity and usefulness, unless it be a lack of interest on the part of 

 contributors, or a want of punctuality on the part of committees and 

 officers. 



For the honor of our Society, and that its high reputation may be sus- 

 tained, I respectfully invite the members to be present or send, when they 

 have anything worthy of exhibition, on every day the Hall is open to the 

 public, whether premiums are to be awarded or not, when not inconsistent 

 with other engagements. 



