156 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1898. 



brought into immediate touch with nature, where they studied 

 all the growths of nature, not perhaps as they would today but 

 they got thoroughly into it. They knew about them in a way, 

 they cultivated the powers of observation which are so valuable 

 to us all. 



It is a pleasure to me to be here today in this city which is 

 noted among other characteristics for its exquisite parks, which 

 have been built up by the efforts of its citizens, helped wonder- 

 fully and handsomely by the gifts of individuals who have made 

 themselves remembered by helping the city so. 



Mr. President, as I said, I bring you the best greetings of the 

 Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and long may you live to 

 prosper in every way. 



There is one more thing before 1 sit down. It is my burden 

 at the present time to hold the office of Commissary-General 

 of the State of Massachusetts. I do not speak of that egotisti- 

 cally at all, but perhaps you do not know that under the laws 

 of the State, the Governor is in charge of the army and navy 

 of Massachusetts, and he can also grant a passport, as I have 

 had them from Governor Rice when I went to Cuba at the time 

 of the first trouble there in 1869. Now Massachusetts may go 

 to war with something outside of Massachusetts, therefore, I 

 appeal to you to be prepared if it comes in my time to help me 

 out with plenty of supplies, and I know they will be good ones 

 if the city of Worcester helps to make them. 



The Toastmaster, — I hope General Appleton will excuse 

 me for not giving him his proper title, but the fact is he has so 

 many positions of honor and trust that it would take perhaps as 

 long as a short speech to give them all. 



The General has spoken of putting nature study in our 

 schools, and right here I will call upon Professor Hodge, a 

 member of our school-board, and professor of physiology of 

 Clark University, who is especially interested in introducing 

 nature study in our schools. 



Mr. C. F. Hodge. Mr. President, Ladies and Gentle- 

 men: — I confess that I am rather glad to be called upon on a 



