ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT WALCOTT. » 



In the opinion of many intelligent observers the lives of these 

 improved varieties are neither long nor certain. We retain still 

 upon our schedules the names of fruits of the highest quality 

 which are not now to be found in this Commonwealth, which 

 would be brought to our exhibitions if they were in existence here. 



It is certainly a wise thing that we should endeavor to obtain 

 improved varieties of fruits and vegetables ; it is proper that we 

 should bestow large rewards upon the skilful horticulturist who 

 produces them, and we may have gained something even if these 

 varieties are found to be only as good as those now in existence, 

 for they will possibly have the better vitality belonging to a new 

 stock, or a closer adaptation to the peculiarities of our climate 

 and soil. 



The production of a new plant or flower adds much to the 

 pleasure of the raiser and is a distinct addition to our means for 

 making our surroundings more attractive, and will never surely 

 be neglected in any condition of civilized society, however much 

 it may be stimulated, from time to time, by prizes and awards. 

 But he who enters upon the task of raising a new and better 

 vegetable or fruit should have all the encouragement possible in 

 his long and patient labors, and should receive at the fortunate 

 conclusion of his work, the larger reward which belongs of right 

 to him who has added not alone to the pleasures of man but to 

 the means of subsistence of the human race. 



Our art dail}' teaches us that in the best garden even, nothing 

 but the useless weed grows without constant care. This Society 

 has been brought to its present condition of success and usefulness 

 by the earnest work of this and preceding generations ; we must 

 continue their unremitting toil if this garden of ours is to remain 

 fair and prosperous in the land, a monument of the patient 

 struggles of the fathers and the well sustained activities of the 

 sons. 



The President, as Chairman of the Executive Committee, 

 reported a recommendation that the Society make the following 

 appropriations : 



For Prizes for the year 1889, S6,000 



For the Library Committee, for the purchase of maga- 

 zines and newspapers, binding of books and incidental 

 expenses of the Committee, ..... 300 



