1867.] SECRETARY'S REPORT. 29 



additional and even trivial impediment. The ladies who have so often res- 

 cued this department of the operations of the Society from disgrace, wearied 

 not in their well doing upon this occasion ; and indeed, so brilliant was the 

 display that, by common suggestion and unanimous consent, it was pro- 

 longed throughout the evening of the same, and the whole of the ensuing day. 

 It is however, due to truth to state, that the appreciation by the public of this 

 unprecedented Exhibition, was not such as to encourage its frequent repetition. 

 "Whether this indifference was occasioned by the manifold invisible and impal- 

 pable attractions of the Federal Holiday, scarcely recognized officially and not 

 at all publicly celebrated ; or by the strong repulsion of the exorbitant dues 

 exacted to defray the expenses ; it would be alike difficult and unprofitable to 

 determine. 



The show of Strawberries was unusually extensive, as well as of superior 

 quality. Probably there has been no season, for a long period of years, in 

 which this most delicious fruit has had a fairer opportunity to show of what de- 

 velopement it is capable. The deep, yet light, snows of winter protected the beds 

 with a covering for which the art of man can devise no substitute. With the 

 advent of Spring came timely rains to settle the plants disturbed by alternate 

 frost and thaw. From the date ot blooming, until that of fruition, there was 

 no period in which the Strawberry lacked its most essential and welcome nu- 

 triment, — copious rains. And so on, all through the season of gathering, 

 showers fell precisely when they were wanted to develop the smaller berries and 

 perfect those further advanced. This ample credit belongs to 1867, and it is 

 thus openly put upon record. 



Of the varieties exhibited, the Triomphe de Gand far surpassed its competitors. 

 And, if the experience of those who have grown it for several successive years 

 is of any worth, its adaptation to the climate and soil of Worcester cannot be dis- 

 puted. The Wilson was shown, of a better quality than is customary with that 

 much abused sort, which bears much the same relation to Strawberries in gen- 

 eral, that the Bartlett Pear does to its congeners. Hardy in Illinois as in 

 Massachusetts ; bearing profusely everywhere, and of good quality when ripe ; 

 let those who have only sneers at the mention of its name produce its equal for 

 general cultivation ! There is no variety, however, of which the plantation 

 should be so frequently renewed, as there is no other which, by excessive 

 fecundity, so exhausts its native vigor. And yet it may be doubted, whether with 

 suitable care and culture the actual yield in bulk, (quality of course being disre- 

 garded,) of the Wilson, would exceed that of a bed of the Triomphe of similar 

 extent. 



The display of Raspberries, in their Season,was even more limited than usual. 

 For some inexplicable reason the culture of this fruit, with its great and many 

 excellencies, does not commend itself in this community. Nevertheless it is of 

 as easy growth as the Strawberry, is longer lived, and the product can be 

 gathered with greater facility. Of the kinds that best deserve attention, 

 Brinckle's Orange, which was first exhibited here by your Secretary in 1865, 



5 



