1895.] TRANSACTIONS. 25 



the New England Society ; and to this hall does the Bay State 

 Agricultural Society trace its origin. The youngest among 

 you can recall the very recent nativity of the "Massachusetts 

 Fruit Growers," who did us the honor to select for their presi- 

 dent a gentleman in whose expert service as judge of fruits we 

 have had such prolonged and ample cause to rejoice. And now 

 may we not justly pride ourselves upon the fact that Mycology 

 has been deemed not wholly unworthy our attention ; and that 

 such facilities for its study as we possess, or can obtain, are held 

 at the call and service of those who would master this useful, if 

 somewhat humble, knowledge. In return, as sole compensation 

 for the aid thus freely rendered to those who would broaden the 

 province of Horticulture, it is our satisfaction to know that we 

 have never wearied in well-doing; but contributing from our 

 substance to all good works, have been steadily required to pay 

 heavy tribute to Caesar. We submit to what is neither more nor 

 less than exaction; but it is with ill grace. We pay tribute, 

 since we cannot help ourselves ; but reflect the while upon that 

 bold evasion of the Bill of Rights which disregards the equality 

 of every citizen before the law and imposes burdens grievous to 

 be borne upon those whose only motive for existence (corporate !) 

 is an unselfish ambition to foster wholesome science and improve 

 its practice. Whether or no, — we will continue to promote 

 every enterprise, within our scope, that has for its motive the 

 advancement of humanity and, to that end, strive to stimulate 

 the better cultivation of Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables. To 

 all such our hall is thrown wide open, although the assessors 

 lock step with the audience as they enter. Some efibrts may 

 be fruitless, yet they will be a common misfortune and not our 

 especial fault. Some forward steps may be taken in Horticul- 

 tural science and practice ; and for such advance we may pride 

 ourselves as one of those who have found a better use for their 

 talent than burial in a napkin ! 



As I look around upon this audience and note how few of the 

 faces, once so familiar, are left to return my gaze ; as I am 

 reminded by this apparent, if not actual, loneliness, how recent 



