WORCESTER COUNTY 



HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



4th January, A. D. 1900. 

 ADDRESS 



BY 



O. B. HADWEN, President. 



Subject: — The Progress of Horticulture. 



While nothing startling has happened during the past year 

 there are several things worthy of notice. 



The weather has been capricious, and the effect on crops of 

 all kinds has been considerable ; but in spite of the drouth 

 the damage has not been heavy. In successful horticulture 

 and gardening, first the soil should be made deep, and then 

 rich by the addition of fertilizers and thorough cultivation. 



Our members are daily improving both in skill of cultiva- 

 tion and selection for propagation and exhibition of flowers, 

 fruits and vegetables. 



Horticulture is an art or science contributing to the comfort 

 of living, and both that art and agriculture tend to help the 

 community in which they are highly developed. 



The peach crop was nearly destroyed by the cold winter, 

 while plums were hardy and plentiful. Pear culture is falling 

 off in Worcester County. Of apples for family use and 

 profit those sorts which originated in Worcester County are 

 coming into special favor. That Worcester County is well 

 adapted to apple culture is admitted. 



At the beginning of a new year we still find that the color, 

 size and general condition of our fruits change with the sea- 



