1892.] FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY. 79 



pear trees, and he was a large contributor to our early exhibitions. 

 Another gentleman also actively interested was Levi Lincoln 

 Newton, one of the first recording secretaries. He was for a 

 brief period cashier of the Worcester Bank, and for some years 

 the popular commander of the Worcester Guards, organized in 

 1840. 



If time would permit, I might allude to other early members 

 who have contributed largely to the present prosperous condition 

 of the Society, but I am afraid your patience may be already 

 exhausted. I will only say in conclusion that the growth and 

 present welfare of the Society is very largely owing to the constant 

 interest and unpaid labor of these early members and founders. 



That the Horticultural Society may become more and more an 

 important factor in the educational interests of the City, and 

 may more widely extend its usefulness, will be by none more 

 earnestly desired than by myself, who unfortunately can do so 

 little to bring about such wished for results. 



President Parkek. — I am admonished by certain pantomimic 

 signs which the "Master of Ceremonies" has been directing 

 towards me for the past fifteen minutes, that the time allotted 

 for these exercises has expired. 



We had hoped to hear from many other townsmen and guests 

 who have honored us with their presence and especially from some 

 of the original members. Only two or three of these have been 

 able to be present, and of these Ex-President Merrifield made 

 an early exit, and Ex-President Hadwen having addressed us this 

 afternoon will not care to speak again ; while our Secretary 

 pleads " autrefois acqiiit^'' because of his somewhat premature 

 call to duty a year since, and claims that he is functus officio on 

 the present occasion. But before closing you will all desire to 

 listen for a few moments to the accomplished Chairman of the 

 Committee of Arrangements to whom we are greatly indebted for 

 the success which has attended this celebration, Mr. James 

 Draper. 



Mr. Draper said, that it was evident from the hour of the even- 

 ing it would be his duty, in the absence of the Rev. Mr. Garver, 

 to pronounce the benediction. But before doing so he would say, 



