72 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



ADDRESS OF THE PEESIDE^^T, JAMES F. C. HYDE, 



At the Axxual Meeting, January 4, 18G8. 



Gentlemen: — 



Another year has been added to the long roll of time, and we stand 

 upon the threshold of a new year. We meet as is our custom on the 

 first Saturday of each year to pledge ourselves anew to the cause we 

 love, to briefly review the past and form new plans and resolutions for 

 the future. Each year has its peculiarities, and the past one has been 

 no exception to the rule, the weather has been cold and wet, very unfa- 

 vorable for the fullest development and ripening of the fruits. Whe^e 

 we have gathered rich and luscious Grapes in years past, the last Au- 

 tumn, behold, there were only sour grapes. Through our skill and en- 

 terprise we have been able to overcome many of the obstacles whether 

 of heat or cold, flood or drought, blasting wind or biting frost, and have 

 on the whole secured a fair compensation for all our labor. The exhi- 

 bitions have been very creditable both to the contributor and the Society. 

 Our Annual Exhibition was in every respect a success, and we doubt if 

 there has ever been a better or more pleasing display made during the 

 whole history of the Society. The public at large manifested in various 

 ways their appreciation and enjoyment of it, and strangers who visited 

 us expressed themselves in terms of high commendation. While the 

 display of fruits, with the exception of Grapes, was not a whit behind 

 that of previous years, that of variegated leaf and other plants was far 

 superior to anything we have ever witnessed in our halls. Most of these 

 plants, so beautiful and attractive, were contributed by two or three of 

 our members, who are deserving of our warmest thanks for the pleasure 

 they afforded, both us and the public, by their rich displays. We hope 

 others may follow in their footsteps, and that erelong we shall be able 

 to make our exhibition in this, as in other departments, unsurpassed by 

 any Society in the world. The vegetable department should not be 

 l)assed by without a word of praise, for it has never been excelled in 

 quality, if in quantity. We doubt if the market gardeners of any part 

 ■ of our country can make a better show than was seen on our tables at 

 the Annual Exhibition. As we thus call to mind briefly the results of 

 last year's efforts and labors, achieved under adverse circumstances, may 

 we not reasonably look forward with hope and confidence to the season 

 that will soon open upon us. 



No field of labor offers so great opportunities for the enjoyment of 

 sound health, and the highest happiness, as the pursuit of horticulture. 



