4 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



in our published transactions. But notwithstanding this loss our 

 roll of membership is steadily increasing. Our Library has not 

 only been increased by valuable and costly additions, but is also 

 coming into more general use and is attaining recognition as a 

 valuable privilege of membership. Our exhibitions have been 

 vigorous and well-sustained, and the exhaustion of the largely 

 increased appropriations for prizes indicates a constant growth in 

 this direction. The novel exhibition of Rhododendrons on the 

 Common and also the reception of the National Pomological 

 Society in the year 1873, had an undoubted tendency to extend 

 our influence both at home and abroad. 



As a natural sport from the normal type of growth, in our 

 work, we may mark, as most noticeable, the establishment of a 

 standing Committee on Discussions and Publications, and also of 

 an Editor's chair. Here, in my judgment, we have entered upon 

 a rich and most promising field. Here we may with reason expect 

 to bring to light and record the various experience of our skilful 

 cultivators in all departments of our art. But beyond this we 

 surely ought to aim to make this the channel for the publication 

 of the investigations and discoveries of men of science, in all 

 matters pertaining to horticulture, botany, and vegetable physi- 

 ology. In no other way can the society so widely and so per- 

 manently increase its influence and its usefulness as by encourag- 

 ing investigation and stimulating the talent within its ranks. We 

 must not be discouraged if the immediate returns are meagre. 

 The field must be ploughed and enriched, but rest assured the 

 harvest will be an hundred fold. I deem it fortunate that we have 

 secured for the office of editor one who inherits a fitness for his 

 work and who, in the first volume of our published discussions, has 

 given auspicious proof that the work is well begun. Shall we not 

 individually pledge ourselves each to promote this endeavor and so 

 insure the result that all our members shall esteem it an honor 

 and a privilege to be enrolled on our list. 



In this connection, you will allow me to suggest the desirability 

 of bringing our entire membership together on some stated occa- 

 sions, for the purpose of unifying and vivifying the society as a dis- 

 tinct organization. This might be accomplished by an annual 

 festival in our own home, the members being admitted by tickets 

 placed at such a moderate price as would be within the reach of all. 

 The older members, who are present, will recall the notable triennial 



