MR hyde's address. 89 



crowns the monument of an Empire's greatness, and takes rank among 

 the number, and becomes the most distinguished of tlie fine arts." 



And now, gentlemen, again I have to thank you for the forbearance 

 which you have manifested in the discharge of my duties, and the many 

 tokens of friendship extended to me in my official career. Whatever 

 errors I may have committed have been of the head and not of the lieart. 

 I have endeavored to perform all the duties devolved upon me to the best 

 of my ability. I trast, at least, I have not sacrificed any interests of the 

 Society. 



One single act remains to be performed, and my connection with the 

 Society as President will be terminated. It is to introduce to you my 

 successor, whom you have selected to preside over you. Into his hands 

 I commit all the duties assigned to me, assured he will so conduct the 

 affairs of the Society that its well-earned reputation will be preserved 

 and maintained untarnished to his successors. I tender to you, sir, my 

 kindest regards for your health and prosperity. 



Gentlemen of the Society, I bid you adieu. 



ADDRESS OF MR. HYDE. 



On taking the chair, J. F. C. Hyde, the President elect, addressed 

 the Society as follows: — 



Gentlemen of the Massachusetts HoiiTicuLTtrRAL Society: — 

 It is with great hesitation that I enter upon the duties, and assume the 

 responsibilities of the oflice you have so unanimously chosen me to fill. 

 I remember the many distinguished gentlemen and horticulturists that 

 have occupied this chair; men of culture, wealth and rank; men who 

 devoted their lives to the promotion of the beautiful in nature, who in- 

 augurated rural cemeteries, who built magnificent residences and sur- 

 rounded them with beautiful trees and flowers, who introduced new 

 fruits, who founded this Society, and who gave their time, their talents, 

 and their wealth freely to promote its interests. Some who now look 

 down upon us from the glowing canvas have passed to their reward, 

 leaving behind an honored name; others are yet alive, and some are with 

 us to-day. 



Prominent among the living will stand the name of the retiring Pres- 

 ident. Under his watch and care the rough material has taken on forms 

 of beauty and elegance, rising higher day by day, until at last we are in 

 possession of this beautiful temple, dedicated to the pleasant pursuits 

 over which the Goddesses Ceres, Flora and Pomona, whose statues grace 

 this edifice, are supposed to preside. He has given the Society the ben- 

 efit of his extensive knowledge, excellent judgment, and untiring energy, 



