80 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1892. 



that while heartily appreciating the words of commendation of 

 the President, the spirit of co-operation that had animated his 

 associates on the committee, and the liberal action of the Society 

 in placing ample means at their command, were the most import- 

 ant factors in this work. 



It may be in keeping with the occasion, to make mention 

 briefly of a little incident that occurred, in connection with the 

 preparations I was making for this event. While in search for 

 some little sentiments to use in connection with the Souvenir of 

 this occasion, I unearthed a membership card issued by this 

 Society to my father, Wm. A. Draper, in the year 1842, fifty 

 years ago, and by a singular coincidence, that year also, marked 

 my advent into this world. It is evident that my father intended 

 to commence my horticultural training at an early age. Twenty- 

 five years later I became enrolled as a member of the Society 

 myself, and have consequently enjoyed its privileges for one half 

 the period of its existence — and they have been privileges 

 indeed. To sit in counsel with your Jaques, and listen to his 

 enthusiastic description of some new fruit and his experiments in 

 fruit culture ; to walk with your Colton, and your J. Milton 

 Earle, through this hall, again and again, and listen to their 

 words of commendation or criticism at the specimens of fruit or 

 flower on the tables, and in my early career as a nurseryman, to 

 stroll with your D. Waldo Lincoln among the trees, shrubs and 

 flowers, and gather from his lips the rich experience of years 

 with the varieties most suited to our New England climate; — have 

 left impressions stamped upon my memory that can never be 

 efi'aced. 



From the historical address of this afternoon, we are forcibly 

 reminded that of the founders of this Society fifty years ago, 

 not one is present to witness these ceremonies. Of the workers 

 in the first twenty-five years of its life and activity, hardly a 

 score are enrolled among the living. Upon us then, who have 

 succeeded them in the varied lines of work in this Society, rests 

 a great responsibility. Let us see to it, that no act of ours, or 

 neglect of duty, whenever or wherever called, shall prevent the 

 full attainment of that standard of Horticultural taste and 

 improvement, that inspired its founders fifty years ago. 



