1887.] TRANSACTIONS. 19 



the Museum of Economic Botany must be rich in the lore of 

 those things that we overlook because under our very feet; and 

 its bare catalogue is suggestive of an object-teaching which, how- 

 ever deserving of praise in itself, gets its worthiest laud from its 

 incitement to emulation in the same walk. Were the value of 

 the privileges accorded in the use of our Library more thoroughly 

 appreciated, this Hall of Flora would never be without its throng 

 of students, in their hours of leisure. It is of little avail, — the 

 mere accumulation of printed pages. Properly used, — they 

 become priceless. It depends upon the members of this Society 

 whether such talents shall remain buried in sheep-skin, or im- 

 mured in boards. 



You have heard, doubtless, of "unearned increment." By 

 that expression is not intended the gain from the apple-crop re- 

 maining to an Orchardist who is too lazy to destroy the Codling 

 Moth or Canker- Worm. But rather that superfluity of wealth 

 which oppresses Corporations like this ; after the Assessors have 

 equalized values, as the Euphemists term the latest turn of the 

 screw; jacking up where there has been a sag; and drawing 

 at foresight upon posterity, whose hindsight will accept the 

 draft ! The General Court, some time since, granted Horticul- 

 ture a qualiticd relief from burdensome taxation. We were to be 

 exempt, in so far as our Hall might be used for our declared pur- 

 poses. We can let the Hall of Pomona ; applying the revenue 

 from Dance or Song, and it shall concern no one. But, — if we 

 lease our stores, devoting the rent gained from them to the very 

 same purpose, tribute must be rendered unto Csesar. So that 

 Valuation and Rate both increasing, in Worcester, the Society 

 finds itself now, where it was when it first sought relief from un- 

 just or invidious discrimination. Of course, — all citizens fare 

 alike in this Earthly Paradise ! The Horticulturists expelled 

 from Eden, because forsooth they would test their apples, — fare 

 the same as the Elect who go it blind ! Still, — What is the mean- 

 ing of the subjoined paragraph from the Daily Spy^ of June 

 17th, A. D. 1887?— 



"There has been a rumor going the rounds for several days to 

 the effect that E. H. Stark & Co, have been storing boot and shoe 

 uppers in the basement of Trinity Church. A Spy reporter 



