1896.] ADDRESS. 41 



interest. As the debt is diminished the Society is enabled to 

 broaden its scope and encourage its contributions in correspond- 

 ing ratio with increased offers of premiums. 



The winter meetings planned for essays and discussions are 

 proving a wholesome feature of the Society, adding much value 

 to our Transactions with the printed experience of our best 

 cultivators upon an extended variety of subjects, and as they 

 continue will prove a valuable Encyclopedia of Horticulture 

 and its kindred interests. 



The interest in our winter meetings is manifest by an increased 

 attendance of both ladies and gentlemen. The essays and dis- 

 cussions following fully occupy the allotted time. Either full 

 or abstract reports appear in the daily papers, also in our 

 Transactions. But it would seem by the teachings of Nature 

 that the lessons of Horticulture are never to be finished ; the 

 college course of Horticulture is to last while time lasts ; some- 

 thing new and interesting occurs every 3^ear, which nurtures 

 the hope for increasing knowledge and usefulness as sometimes 

 old and discarded plants are rejuvenated and again become new, 

 with the constant interchange going on with all the countries 

 of the earth, and must ever be of encouraging interest. 



The soil of Worcester County is proving itself well adapted 

 to the growth of nearly all the fruits of the temperate zone. 

 By the application of the approved modes of culture, fruits are 

 found upon our tables of rare excellence, not only of good size 

 and beautiful color, but unsurpassed in flavor, and far superior 

 in this respect to those of other sections of this country. 



Flowers are also as finely grown here as anywhere, as our 

 exhibitions annually prove, if we may except the chrysan- 

 themum, in which much yet remains to be accomplished, to 

 bring it up to the highest standard of perfection. It is quite 

 obvious, however, we are on the right course to ultimately 

 attain the desired information which will insure success. 



Perhaps we have something to learn in regard to staging our 

 special exhibitions of flowers to produce the best and most 

 pleasing effect. The many varieties of flowers of more recent 

 introduction from Japan are proving especially well adapted to 

 our soil and climate, and are found among our best hardy flowers, 



