1898.] ESSAYS. 81 



hope, however, that we may continue to devote some earnest 

 consideration to the matter. For some time it has seemed to 

 me that by taking hold of the horticultural education in the 

 schools, the Society might serve the city as it could in no other 

 way. At the same time I can see no surer plan by which to 

 interest the rising generation in the noble purpose to " ' Advance 

 the Science and improve the Practice of Horticulture,' so that 

 each family in the possession of its own homestead should learn 

 how best to cultivate its area, however contracted." A little 

 prize money directed toward encouraging our young people to 

 study a few of the problems of most vital importance to the hor- 

 ticultural interests of Worcester, must bring in returns a hun- 

 dred fold, both practical and educational, not only to the entire 

 city, but to our Society as well. 



