58 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1863. 



stocked green-houses early aftbrded lavish contributions. A report which the 

 Secretary, by some happy chance, was inspired to prepare for the press, first 

 attracted public attention, and the visits of those not members, thus induced, 

 grew more constant with the steadily augmenting value of the exhibitions. As 

 he observed the benefit that resulted from publicity, the Secretary has contin- 

 ued, at no slight personal inconvenience, to make weekly reports of the succes- 

 sive displays for insertipn in the columns of the Massachu>ietts Spy. In this 

 way we were enabled to add to the roll of our membership, which had remained 

 stationary for years, if not even retrograding. Of eighteen members, admitted 

 to the Society within the official term of the Secretary, at least two-thirds 

 became such upon the occasion of their presence at these weekly exhibitions. 

 So that, in a pecuniary point of view, the Society has been more than remu- 

 nerated for the cost of re-locating the Library, were such compensation of 

 essential account. 



It may be advisable, if only for future reference, to recapitulate the entries 

 of Flowers, Fruits, &c., which added so much to the interest and value of those 

 weekly reunions : 



The entries of exotic Fruits were 21 ; Strawberries, 29 ; Cherries, Currants, 

 Grapes, Gooseberries, &c, 98 ; Apples, IGO ; Pears, 512 ; Flowers, Plants, &c., 

 632. Total, 1443. 



This large aggregate will appear even more surprising, Avhen it is considered 

 in its proper relation to the fact that the whole number of entries, at our largest 

 Annual Exhibition (that of 1862), was 2172, It is thus made manifest to 

 what a sum the occasional contributions of members may amount, when it is 

 ascertained that they exceed two-thirds of that collection, upon which was 

 expended the whole force of the Society, and the co-operation of every indi- 

 vidual whom that Society has enrolled. 



All which is respectfully submitted. 



EDWARD W. LINCOLN, 



vSecretary and Acting Librarian. 



