ADDRESSES OF PRESIDENTS STRONG AND PARKMAN. 5 



festivals held in Faneuil Hall and elsewhere, at which the whole 

 membership and distinguished invited guests were accustomed to 

 assemble. We might make in our new place a more modest yearly 

 harvest-home gathering, which would in an eminent degree con- 

 duce to good fellowship and to awaken public interest in our work. 



It is true that annual festivals have been heretofore provided 

 for those of the society who have carried the laboring oar. The 

 society ever has been and should be read^' to recognize and 

 reward service, and beyond this it is clear that these festivities 

 are joyous and useful occasions. But it cannot be denied that 

 they are open to the charge of exclusiveness — a charge from 

 which we suffer more than most of us are aware. Add to this the 

 fact that these festivities are an increasing and a very considerable 

 expense to the society, and it becomes a question in which we are 

 alike concerned, whether the best interests of the society require 

 some modification of our present custom. It is not my province 

 to indicate future action, yet I am confident that every suggestion 

 which is prompted by the desire for the increased influence and 

 the welfare of our society will meet a favorable consideration. 



And now, fellow members, in leaving m}^ ofiicial position, once 

 more to join the ranks and to compete with you for the prize of 

 excellence and combine with you to advance our standard, it is 

 with peculiar pleasure that I yield this chair to a personal friend, 

 one who has so successfull}^ and repeatedly distanced me at your 

 exhibitions, who, having won wreaths of laurel all along the field 

 of literature, can give us happy assurance that he will add fresh 

 garlands in this field of Nature. That the interests of the society 

 may abundantly prosper in his hands, let us see to it that our part 

 is well done. 



Mr. Strong then introduced to the Society the President elect, 

 Francis Parkman, who, on taking the chair, delivered the 

 annual address, as follows : 



Address of President Francis Parkman. 



Ladies and Gentlemen of the Horticultural Society : — 



In entering upon the duties to which you have done me the 

 honor to call me, I feel that I am fortunate not only in the 

 expression of your confidence, but also in the nature of 



