66 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1$72. 



Premiums, that the Exhibition is fixed foi* a date altogether too early to 

 allow of their Fruit attaining its proper size and maturity. Here, in the 

 city, we know with what compunctions of conscience we nerve ourselves 

 to cull the better specimens of Beurre d' Anjou, Winter Nelis and Law- 

 rence, when it is scarcely the middle of September. The inspection of a 

 collection of half-grown and unripe Apples and Pears can be of the least 

 imaginable benefit to the community. What they wish to see is precisely 

 what ought to be shown them, — the perfection of every variety, fully de- 

 veloped; its highest capabilities illustrated, and so completely and yet 

 exactly ripened, that the veriest novice may detect its most latent flavor. 



Although your Secretary has elaborated no definite plan in the premises, 

 as indeed the task is not more incumbent upon him than upon any other 

 member, he is nevertheless of opinion that some such scheme as one of 

 which the following is an outline, will before long constrain yoiir appro- 

 bation and acceptance. Have the Exhibition of Roses and Strawberries, 

 as heretofore, late in June. Tr}' the experiment and continue it, if suc- 

 cessful, of holding out inducements for a display of Flowers, together 

 with Sunnner Apples and Pears, during the last week of August or the 

 first week of September. And thereafter, say in the latter part of Octo- 

 ber, let there be a grand Exhibition of Fruits and Vegetables in their 

 prime. It would involve trouble and expense : few things in this world 

 do not. But it would afford a satisfaction which is not, and can never be 

 derived from a system which was perhaps good enough when adopted, 

 but which, in the lapse of time, has become utterly unsuited to our ne- 

 cessities. Should the Society also decide to abolish the moss-grown and 

 absurd method of Classification of Fruits, as elsewhere recommended, it 

 would at once be practicable to hold our Exhibitions, so arranged, in our 

 own Hall. Visitors would then be assured that every article was meri- 

 torious, and contributors Avould feel a just pride over the Premiums won 

 in such a competition." In any event it is advised that you inquire and 

 decide whether 3'ou will continue in a rut merely because you have 

 tugged along in it for thirty years. At present, with much that is price- 

 less, there is also an infinite deal of trash. The abolition of classification 

 will afford summary relief from the intrusion of worthless varieties, too 

 often inti'oduced to swell a collection otherwise meagre; and the advance- 

 ment of our standards of excellence must serve to put a crowning finish 

 upon the good woi'k so well begun. 



Could an Exhibition be arranged to which every portion of the State 

 should contribute, it might prove a most potent agent in developing the 

 science and promoting the practice of Horticulture thoroughout the Com- 

 monwealth. Titularly, there is a Massachusetts Society. But it implies 

 no disrespect to that venerable organization to state the exact truth that, 



