1876.] REPORT OP SECRETARY. 67 



utterly destitute of tlavor. That superb variety, the Beurrfe Bosc, proved 

 mealy, rotted at the core, and every slight defect became a source of 

 rapid de< ay. Aud the specimens which turned out so inferior were fully 

 equal to the lot that was honored with your premium at the Autumnal 

 Exhibition. The present promise of the Winter Nelis, similarly dis- 

 tinguished, is little if any better. 



In the judgement of your Secretary, the earth has never entirely recov- 

 ered from the protracted drought which necessitated our first pumping 

 experience in this city of Worcester. Deep snows are invaluable, as 

 compared with every other source of supply, and these have not been 

 vouchsafed There have been sudden and violent storms ; but frost 

 " held the fort " and the floods were compelled to find vent, sweeping 

 before them the dehms of dams and the wreck of reputations. Mean- 

 while evaporation is continuous, and plant and blade and tree absorb at 

 every pore. The " candle buros at both ends." The rootlets will retain 

 every drop that they can intercept ; the air will abstract each particle 

 that can be subjected to the mighty attraction of the Sun. At this pres- 

 ent writing, could we but count with certainly upon a snowy Winter, we 

 might safely rely upon a permanent change for the better. Frost cannot 

 effectually close a soil so loose and porous. The silent flakes cover and 

 melt into the ground, replenishing exhausted nature in her every vein. 

 Let us remember, if we reluct at clearing sidewalks in the crisp morn- 

 ings, or find the drifts deep and hard to break through, that it is, 

 after all, but the principle of gravitation which resumes its suspended be- 

 neficence, and, if slowly, yet surely, brings apples to our grist. 



Some years ago, our late honored associate, John Milton Eaile, called 

 your attention to a seedling, russet Pear, originated by himself which, 

 with his consent, was named Earle's Bergamot. At the late Autumnal 

 Exhibition, Mr. Velette P. Townsend, of Quhisigamond Precinct, by 

 whom it has been assiduously cherished, placed upon our table some 

 superior specimens. Your Secretary would not intrude upon the province 

 of his accomplished friend, the chairman of the Pear Committee. But 

 he cannot refrain from advising a wider dissemination of this new 

 variety, of local origin, that it may be known if it will preserve its 

 conceded excellence under different conditions. Should it do so, this 

 Society may well felicitate itself upon the acquisition of a memorial of 

 our late associate, more tangible, if less impressive than the speaking 

 likeness which now looks dow^n upon our transactions. 



At a meeting of the Trustees, holdenonthe 10th of February, ult., it 

 was voted: "That the Committee on the Library b'e instructed to pro- 

 " cure, if attainable, an accurate likeness of Hon. Daniel Waldo, our 



