1875.] REPOKT OF SECRETARY. \^,^3 ''r/y. 



steadily and surely waned. And the latest was also the most signal illus- 

 tration of this fact. Unt^uestionably, this result is brought about by 

 many independent cnuses. The i-anks of contributors are recruited, but 

 slowly ; and their number is restricted each year more closely to those in 

 the immediate vicinity of the city of Worcester. The Agricultural Soci- 

 ety, which voted, long ago, upon motion by D. Waldo Lincoln and its 

 second by O. B. Hadwen to relinquish an unprotitable rivalry, has, with- 

 out a repeal of that vote, resumed its heterogeneous shows of third-rate 

 Fruits and Flowers. And, although no useful purpose is thereby sub- 

 served, the attention of the community is distracted by a demand for its 

 patronage, that is none the less pertinacious because wholly without 

 merit. Adjoining towns bestir themselves vigorously in behalf of their 

 local exhibitions ; striving to atti-act the support of the city which they 

 reproach with appropriating to itself the control of this Society, in appar- 

 ent oblivion of the fact that it had been first deserted or abandoned by 

 themselves. The newspaper press, that never fails to take gratuitous and 

 full note of the i)ettiest side show in the County, affects to ignore the 

 finest Iforticultural display ever made in Worcester. These, and similar, 

 are the buffets that we have to meet and repel. 



What then should be the future policy of the Society y Your Secretary, 

 after serious and mature reflection, hesitates not to advise a discontinu- 

 ance, at least temporarily, of the Annual Autumnal Exhibition. If 

 people are tired of an elegant Floral display, withhold it from their 

 wearied vision. If they are careless, or indifferent to the practical test 

 of Peach, Plum, or Grape culture, among us, there is no law compelling 

 us to interrupt their musical frenzies, or prevent their mild, mental dissi- 

 pation in the evening lecture. We are incorporated to "advance the 

 science and encourage and improve the practice of Horticulture." 

 It is not our privilege to indulge in the retrospect of a centuiy 

 spent in this our favorite pursuit or recreation. But, without undue 

 boasting, this Society can point to the developemfut of Fruit and Flower, 

 of Plant and Shrub, in Urban garden and Eural door-yard, claiming it as, 

 in large measure, the outgrowth of its instruction, the matured and pre- 

 cious results of tuition by example. Accepting witli gratitude and respect 

 the kindly compliments and condescending pats-on-the-back of those 

 who are our seniors in the fleld, it is nevertheless our right to assert that all 

 the praise bestowed upon us has been unquestionably and worthily earned. 



Should it be your decision, through your Trustees, to discontinue the 

 Annual Autumnal Exhibitions, you can still reserve the benefit and 

 pleasure of the weekly meetings in this Hall of Flora. At our last general 



