98 "WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865. 



A. D. I860. 



ANNUAL REPORT 



EDWARD W. LINCOLN, Secretary and Librarian. 



In presenting his Annual Report of the operations of the Society, and of the 

 condition of its Library, during his fourth official yeai', the Secretary and Libi-a- 

 rian has the pleasure of congratulating the members upon the sure and steady 

 growth of the Corporation. Its property, real and personal, is well cared for, 

 and is perhaps in a better state of repair than for many years past. Its mem- 

 bership has largely increased, under the stimulus of individual solicitation, 

 thereby indicating what benefits, in this way, might accrue to the Society by 

 the enlistment of the personal and persistent co-operation of each member. 

 Its facilities for the examination, comparison and test of Flowers and Fruit 

 have been largely and freely extended to the public. It cannot be doubted 

 that much has been accomplished to disseminate correct information, and to 

 inspire the community with a stronger and more profound capacity for the 

 enjoyment of the ennobling and refining pursuits of horticulture and pomology. 



The question is respectfully submitted to the members whether the first 

 Wednesday in January is the fittest period for holding the Annual Meeting of 

 the Society. Not that the snowy mantle which covers the frozen earth renders 

 the time inappropriate, for the horticulturist is well aware of what priceless 

 advantage ever is that wintry covering. But it so chances that many public 

 bodies convene at or about this precise date, which distract the attention of our 

 members, even if they are not compelled to withhold their presence entirely. 

 The assembling of the General Court and the requirements of public service 

 deprive us to-day, as in the year past, of two, at least, to whose efficient ser- 

 vices for a long series of years the Society owes a debt of gratitude that no 

 mere form of words can adequately express. Making no specific suggestion, 

 the Secretary submits to the sound judgment of the members, the expediency 

 and practicability of designating some day, in a more congenial season, of 

 greater convenience to all interested in promoting the welfare of the Society. 



The Library has been much more generally used the past year than ever 

 before. The steady progression in the number of volumes taken out is the 

 best commentary upon the wisdom which promoted a change of location that 



