6 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1896. 



either distinctively Ornamental, or of Special Rare Foliage, — 

 was augmented by natural increase or judicious purchase, our 

 local field became too contracted for his ambition, which could 

 not content itself within the restricted compass of a "pent up 

 Utica." For years his collection was represented in the Exhibi- 

 tions of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and the occa- 

 sions were few indeed when first awards did not fall to his lot. 

 It was the good fortune of Mr. Merrifield to be aided by the 

 service of Mr. James Comley who, in that early employment, 

 first gave evidence of the professional skill and individual good 

 taste which has since become so conspicuously manifest in 

 Green-House and Garden at Lexington. It must not be sup- 

 posed that his honors came to Mr. Merrifield without a struggle ; 

 for in President Salisbury he found an antagonist who was not 

 to be regarded lightly. But it was an honorable contest for 

 preeminence; — a rivalry always dubious upon its merits, yet 

 ever conducted amicably and whereof the decision was accepted 

 without murmur or repining. Mr. Merrifield kept up his interest 

 in that special culture until the difficulty of obtaining suitable 

 professional skill, combined with the burden of years, induced 

 him to relinquish what had been a mingled pleasure and responsi- 

 bility. When, because of advancing years, the proper oversight 

 of his choice collection of Plants exacted more attention and 

 time than he could well bestow, he offered the whole to the 

 Commission of Public Grounds of Worcester, in free and unre- 

 stricted gift. That it was declined, with cordial gratitude for 

 the generous proffer, was due to no lack of appreciation, but to 

 the fact that the Commission at the time possessed no facilities 

 for the custody and care of specimens so tenacious in their 

 requirements of steady temperature and continuous supervision. 

 Since he parted with his pets his name has not appeared upon 

 the role of our exhibitors. But his interest in the management 

 of our afl^jiirs never failed to be displayed; and he was always 

 ready to co-operate by word or deed at any apparent crisis in 

 our business. He was of essential assistance when our Hall 

 was originally planned and constructed, his practical experience 

 being of unusual value at a time when the reputation of our 



