6 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1889. 



as trne of the hall of Ceres. In our case, as in that of the fabled 

 aspirant for distinction, it may be safely averred that there is 

 plenty of spare room at the top. Let ns then make the most of 

 it ! Let us bring it into actual daily use and occupation ; simul- 

 taneously remedying some evils that are inevitable in the present 

 condition. Tlie Finance Cotnmittee doubt not that the beauty 

 and symmetry of our several halls can be retained, while mate- 

 rially increasing their attractiveness and value as a source of 

 income. It cannot be very long, in the nature of things, before 

 something will have to be done ; then possibly to less advantage 

 or after the alienation of steady and profitable patronage. 



It may be proper to add tliat while the Finance Committee do 

 not reproacii themselves witii or because of tlie appearance of 

 the front, exterior wall, neither do they cherish undue pride on 

 its account. How long i)efore it will become positively discredit- 

 able to the Society? if it falls much short of that now. 



A Society is incorporated, by the General Court of Massachu- 

 setts, for the explicit and declared purpose of advancing the 

 Science and encouraging and improving the Practice of Horticul- 

 ture. It is no violent presumption, arguing from its honorable 

 membership, that the Society has kept that aim steadily in view. 

 Premiums have been offered, and gratuities bestowed without 

 intermission, and in almost a ])rofusion of graciousness, through- 

 out its legal existence and down to the present day. Is it un- 

 tirael}', or at all out of place, to inquii-e vvhethor there is not 

 peril of falling into a rut wherefrom there shall be no extrica- 

 tion ? Is it not possible that a Society, which puts forth as the 

 ostensible reason for its existence, that it determines annually 

 which of a dozen lots of Baldwin Apples, or Barllett Pears, 

 manifests points of superiority, may simply cumber the ground ? 

 Is not Progression an imperative law of nature ? Is not immo- 

 bilit}' the equivalent of stagnation ? wherefrom are in inevitable 

 evolution, dissolution and decay. How many years does it require 

 to ascertain the possibilities of a new variety ; — if a fruit, — its 

 hardiness and fecundity, and whether it may be especially subject 

 to attack from insect enemies! How numerous generations must 

 grow, develop, and exhibit specimens before a final decision shall 



