CHAPTER X. 



GENERAL REVIEW OF THE WORK AND INFLUENCE OF THE 



SOCIETY 



HAVING recorded the principal facts in the history of 

 the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, let us look 

 back, and take a condensed yet comprehensive view of 

 the whole work accomplished by it. 



The first important influence exerted by the Society, 

 which we would notice here, is that which has led to 

 the formation of other horticultural societies. When 

 it came into existence, in 1829, there were but four 

 such institutions in the whole country, and these were 

 young, with but little influence, and were all located 

 beyond the limits of New England. This Society was 

 the pioneer of all similar associations in the Eastern 

 States, and has had a direct tendency by its example to 

 cause their establishment, and to lead to the success 

 they have attained. And its example has been felt 

 beyond New England, not only in causing new societies 

 to spring up throughout the land, but in putting new 

 life into older societies by the generous spirit of emu- 

 lation awakened. The benefit of its experience has 

 been sought both for the foundation and conduct of new 

 societies. The number of horticultural societies in the 

 United States is probably now more than one hundred ; 

 while the agricultural societies, all of which, to a greater 

 or less extent, embrace horticulture within their scope, 



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