1891.] ADDRESS. 41 



We have been represented at Horticultural conventions and at 

 those of a kindred nature in other States. We have maintained 

 from time to time courses of lectures from scientists of the higli- 

 est character, as well as discussions among our members. And 

 each annual report of our Secretary has been a valuable contri- 

 bution to horticultural knowledge. 



Our exhibitions began, and for a long time were confined to a 

 single annual one. They then began to be held at more frequent 

 intervals until they merged at last into weekly displays main- 

 tained through all but the winter months. How successful these 

 weekly displays have become, and with what ever-increasing 

 interest they have been attended you well know. We may say 

 of our work what is said upon the tomb of Sir Christopher 

 Wren, the architect of St. Paul's, " Si raonumentum requiris 

 circumspice ! " if you seek a monument look around you. 



And now having reached that point where the- last instalment 

 of the Society's debt has been liquidated, and with an increased 

 annual revenue, we are confronted with the problem, what shall 

 be done with our surplus funds ? What new departure, if any, 

 shall be made. I must confess that, while I can see no reason to 

 abandon the old methods, with such modifications as changed con- 

 ditions may make advisable, there is no new field of enterprise 

 to my mind more promising than an experimental garden after 

 the Chiswick plan. 



This Society is incorporated for the promotion of Horticultural 

 science ; and what is science but exact knowledge, and what is 

 horticultural science but exact knowledge of the structure, 

 growth and life of plants. And how may this exact knowledge 

 be obtained ? Not solely from books or from the analysis of the 

 chemist or from the observations of the meteorologist or the 

 scientist, but as well also from the careful study and investiga- 

 tion of the practical gardener. It is not the scientist pure and 

 simple, who has originated new varieties in Horticulture- It is 

 not the scientist, surely, who has enriched pomological nomen- 

 clature with pears like Earle's Bergamot, Clapp's Favorite, and 

 Dana's Hovey, with grapes like the Concord and Moore's Early. 

 These were all active and enthusiastic members of the Massachu- 

 setts and Worcester County Societies without any pretension to 



