PRESIDENT HYDE's ADDRESS. 97 



of Massachusetts, and in such a season, fruits sucli as are rarely equalled. 

 If such results are obtained in an unfavorable season, what may we not 

 reasonably exi^ect in a more favorable one? 



The amount appropriated for prizes for next year, is larger than has 

 ever before been ofiered, and we hope this liberality on the part of the 

 Society, may be the means of inducing our members to make, if possi- 

 ble, greater eftbrts than they have hitherto. This is a step in the right 

 direction, and as soon as our floating debt is paid, we hope still larger 

 sums may be offei'ed for prizes and gratuities. We know that the sums 

 that have been given in some cases for plants, have scarcely paid for the 

 trouble of bringing them to the Hall, to say nothing of the great expense 

 attending their production. 



While exhibitors cannot and should not expect to realize a profit di- 

 rectly from the exhibition they make in our rooms, yet they have aright 

 to expect from a Society as old and well established as this, that the 

 expenses incurred in making the display should be fully paid. It be- 

 comes the Society then, to be as liberal as other obligations will permit. 

 One of our number, whose name will long be remembered, realizing the 

 importance of liberal prizes to encourage the production of fine roses, 

 beautiful lawns, and well kept grounds, has, by his generous contribu- 

 tions, enabled the Society to oiler some prizes that would not otherwise 

 have been offered. We allude, of course, to our friend H. H. Hunne- 

 well, Esq., to whom the thanks of this Society are due. Others of our 

 number, moved by his generosity, should go, or rather come, and do 

 likewise. Of late years we have had magnificent displays of variegated 

 leaf, and other plants, at our annual exhibitions, from the extensive 

 houses of Messrs. Hovey & Co., H. H. Hunnewell, W. C. Harding and 

 others, which have excited a great deal of interest, and have been among 

 the most attractive features of the show. All who have contributed in 

 this direction, are- entitled to our thanks, for the efforts and sacrifices 

 they have made for our enjoyment, for it often happens that a valuable 

 plant is nearly or quite ruined, and all more or less injured, in course of 

 transportation, and by the close air of the exhibition-rooms. 



In every department, whether of fruits, flowers or vegetables, fine 

 displays have been made by our indefatigable members, who, year after 

 year, with highly commendable zeal, cover our tables with the finest 

 products of field, orchard and garden. 



It appears from the excellent report of our Superintendent, that the 

 membership of the Society is not much larger than it was a year ago; 

 but, while this is true, it is pleasant to know that those members we 

 now have are paying, and many of them active ones, so that if we have 

 •not gained much in numbers, we have gained in that which is of greater 

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