1896.] TRANSACTIONS. 23 



neglected, because a foot-race, or a slugging match at foot-ball 

 may be arranged for the same day. If we would but be con- 

 tent, not wearying in well-doing, nor waste energy and sub- 

 stance that we may strike an attitude and pose prominently 

 before the public ! We can scarcely avoid holding Exhibitions, 

 since only at such is it possible to note steps in Horticultural 

 progress, assuming always that those steps are in advance and 

 not retrograde. But the presence of a crowd is practically, and 

 ought theoretically, to be matter of entire indifference to us 

 with whom gate-money is matter of supreme unconcern. Our 

 avowed object is to advance the Science and promote the Prac- 

 tice of Horticulture. If a blind generation elect to ride on a 

 political band-wagon, avoiding our apple-cart, we may pity the 

 error of judgment that induces them to lose so much. Yet 

 therein, — because none are so blind as those who unll not see, — 

 is no reason why we should be diverted from our legitimate 

 purpose, whereof the intent is clear as the light of day, and 

 whose way, if narrow, leads only to the noblest results. An 

 ideal life is depicted as spent under a man's own vine and fig- 

 tree. It is not selfishness that shrinks from the constant, obtru- 

 sive itch for publicity which may aid the sale of newspapers but 

 will never construct Eden anew, nor restore the least of its lost 

 flowers or fruits ! Our City has been thronged, of late, with 

 parades which are well enough in their way, so long as that way 

 is not the be-all and end-all of their promoters. Yet possibly 

 as useful in the long run is that steady devotion to duty, for its 

 own sake, which seeks rather attainment than the fuss and 

 feathers that are too often made to denote it ; and whereof 

 Horticulture contributes as much as any other pursuit to the 

 sum of human happiness. 



All which is Respectfully Submitted 



[by] 



EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN, 



Secretary. 



Horticultural Hall, 



Worcester, Worcester County, 

 Massachusetts, November 4, 1896. 



