WORCESTER COUNTY 



HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



8th January, A.D. 1891. 



ADDRESS 



BY 



Hon. henry L. PARKER, President. 

 Subject: — The Injluence and Benefits of Horticultural Societies. 



The year 1891 is marked by two notable events in the history 

 of this Society — the closing of the first half-century of its ex- 

 istence, and the extinction of its debt. 



There is a certain worthy body of Christian worshippers, who, 

 on the annual recurrence of New Year's eve, take that occasion 

 to review the misdeeds and short-comings of the past, and to 

 strengthen themselves for a renewed struggle with "the world, 

 the flesh and the devil." In imitation of them, might not this 

 secular body, devotees of Ceres, Flora and Pomona, with some 

 advantage make this coming year a watch-night for a review of 

 former work, and a careful consideration of the question, 

 whetlier tiie methods of fifty years have truly advanced the 

 science of Horticulture and accomplished thus far the objects of 

 the Society's foundation. 



Our veteran Secretary, like a sentry upon the wall, has 

 sounded from time to time the note of warning, and the horta- 

 tory strain of his last annual report gives ample proof that he 

 has not slept at his post. If intended as a whip and spur to 

 greater vigilance and greater effort, it cannot be other than well 



