30 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 



few 3'ears make a wonderful change, and instead of seeing as we 

 do now, in many of our towns and cities, only a few trees here and 

 there on the various streets, we should see both sides of the thor- 

 oughfares handsomely lined with trees, which would make them 

 attractive to the stranger and pleasanter to ourselves. But how 

 often do we hear people say that it is useless for them to move 

 while others are perfectl}'' indifferent to any improvement. One of 

 the best refutations of this do-nothing doctrine is to be found in 

 New Haven, known as the " City of Elms." Beyond a doubt it 

 is the best shaded city in Connecticut, and I am not sure but 

 the best in the New England States, being known all over the 

 country for the grandeur and magnificence of its trees. And this 

 is all due to a single individual, as much as if he had planted every 

 tree himself. The example of one man inspired the public spirit 

 which has planted and fostered the elms that are the pride of the 

 city and the admiration of the stranger. Now let us enter upon 

 this work with enthusiasm, and we shall soon find that our neigh- 

 bors are being gradually drawn into our sympathies. 



But perhaps some will ask. How shall this be done? I would 

 answer that we need no better example than that given by the 

 Newton Horticultural Society whose members meet during the 

 winter months, on stated evenings at the residences of the members, 

 and discuss these very subjects. Let me allude to just one in- 

 stance of the influence of this society. While on a visit last au- 

 tumn to Newton with our esteemed friend, Mr. Ross, in riding 

 through the city we came to one of the school-houses, and much 

 to my surprise and greatl}' to my gratification, the grounds in front 

 were neatly arranged with beds of flowers, and their appearance 

 showed that they had received good care. Upon expressing great 

 pleasure at this beautiful and unexpected sight, Mr. Ross said, 

 "That is through the influence of our Horticultural Society." 

 Now who can tell what happy influence these flowers have on the 

 minds of the youth who daily meet there in pursuit of knowledge. 

 If we contrast that beautiful school garden, with its handsome 

 trees and lovely flowers, with the surroundings of many of our 

 school-houses, which in winter are skating-ponds, in spring mud- 

 holes, and in summer dust-beds, with not a tree any where near, — 

 I am sure you will exclaim with me, as 1 in heart said, " God bless 

 the Newton Horticultural Society." Let us all do what we can to 

 get up local societies. It is not necessary to have exhibitions 



