86 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1906 



out as we advance in the light of more complete investigation 

 and knowledge, which the forces of nature are yearly to unfold. 



This society should not weary in well doing. Our Horticul- 

 cultural hall with its fifty-four years, standing in the very heart 

 of our city, with its simplicity and convenience, is not surpassed 

 by any horticultural building in the country, yields an ample 

 revenue for the society and is of great advantage to many soci- 

 ety gatherings during the year. Our hall of Flora, possibly 

 unsurpassed in its exquisite s}Tiimetry and its artistic propor- 

 tions, can there be any adornment to its walls more satisfactory 

 than the portraits of the early founders and members of this 

 society? To the foresight of our founders may we largely 

 attribute much of the prosperity of our city. To-day Worcester 

 is more prosperous, more beautiful and more enlightened be- 

 cause of their energies. 



This society has also on its roll of membership many ladies 

 who do honor to our association by contributing to its most 

 useful purposes. 



We have to-night many distmguished guests and it gives me 

 great pleasure to present his Honor Mayor Duggan. 



Mayok Duggax : I want to thank the president of the 

 committee for the invitation to be present and I wish to extend 

 to the guests all the rights and privileges of the city while they 

 are with us, and will assure them that all courtesy will be 

 extended them if they will visit us at the city hall. 



This horticultural hall is one of the landmarks of the city of 

 Worcester, built, I believe, m 1852, before you and I were 

 born, especially before any of the ladies were born, it has been 

 a landmark in the city of Worcester, and the Society itself was 

 in existence before the incorporation of the city. It is a build- 

 ing that is endeared to the city of Worcester because in its 

 lower hall nearly all the mayors of this city have held up their 

 hand and taken the oath to preserve the integrity of the city. 



There is physical, ethical and moral good that comes through 

 this society and it is an aid in improving the moral tone of the 

 community. So I would say, "May this society long live, may 

 its membership be increased, may its good work prosper." 



