8 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866. 



any permanent publication of our proceedings, and thereby, as in the present 

 instance, force all the labor and expense for publishing, which belong to many 

 years, into one or two. This results, too, in consequence of the delay, in 

 obtaining, at the best, but an imperfect history of our transactions, for future 

 use and reference. It has sometimes been suggested, and indeed, I think I may 

 safely say that it is a favorite plan, of some, that we might dispense with our 

 annual publication, and furnish our reports to the newspaper press, obtaining 

 a far more extended hearing. As a matter of immediate economy, this plan 

 certainly has its merits. But a Society of the importance of our own, should 

 be able to furnish much and valuable information ; and that information, if 

 worth anything to the public, is worth preserving in a permanent form. While 

 the newspaper press is the proper and acknowledged vehicle of information upon 

 subjects of a transient character, it is the last place for matter intended for 

 permanent preservation, and to be used for general reference afterwards. And 

 I half suspect that those having the most generous confidence in this plan, 

 would have their faith somewhat shaken by service upon a Committee charged 

 with the duties which have fallen to the lot of your publication Committee for 

 two years past. 



It seems, rather, a more rational, and a far better way, to put our history in 

 a permanent form as we make it. The labor then is not onerous, the expense 

 comparatively trifling, and we are far more certain of correctness and authen- 

 ticity, as well as completeness. When we arrive at the point when our operations, 

 as a society, are not worthy this treatment, we may fairly consider that the 

 mission of the association is fulfilled, and its members may safely repose from 

 their labors in its behalf. 



Entertaining these views, I am happy in being able to leave this matter of 

 publication in its present condition, requiring in future, the publication, in each 

 year, of the transactions of the Society, for that year only. And I cannot for- 

 bear repeating my conviction of its importance, and expressing a hope tliat 

 these annual publications may continue so long as our Society has an active 

 existence. 



Intending, at the next annual meeting of the Society, to retire from the 

 position which I have held by your favor for the three last years, I avail my- 

 self of the present opportunity to thank you for the uniform kindness and 

 courtesy which has been extended to me in all my official relations, and to 

 express the hope that my successor, although he cannot feel a deeper interest 

 in the objects and welfare of the society, may bring to the discharge of his duties 

 more ability and leisure than I have been able to do. 



