PRESIDENT Hyde's address. 120 



tined to fully meet the highest expectations of its projectors and ati- 

 vocates. 



Laying aside all jealousy, we have met here from time to time, as 

 friends and neighbors, all inspired with the same love, laboring together 

 for the promotion of one common cause. 



Though some have dropped by they way, others have come forward 

 to fill our ranks, and we move on overcoming the many obstacles that 

 stand in the way to the successful cultivation of the soil, and to the 

 highest development of that love in our natures for the beaulifu! and 

 true that God has so generously implanted. 



Let the good work go on, until not only around all our large cities 

 and towns, but even in the remote districts of our state, yes, our "whole 

 country, the wilderness shall truly blossom as the rose, until poor and 

 rich alike, may enjoy fruits and flowers along the pathway of life. 



When we remember what progress has been made in our favorite sci- 

 ence since the formation of this Society, and compare the exlii1>ition of 

 the past year with the early exhibitions, truly we may exclaim, what a 

 change has been wrought? 



If the past forty years have witnessed such progress, what may not 

 be in store for us yet? All progress will not cease with those who are 

 prominent to day. ISTovelties, hardly dreamed of by the most enthu- 

 siastic, will yet be found seeking admission to our gardens and con- 

 servatories- Eden is to be restored to more than primeval beauty and 

 glory. 



The love for horticulture, we are glad to perceive, is yet in its infancy 

 in our rich and fair domain, stretching as it does from the broad xitlan- 

 tic to the Pacific, and from the Lakes to the Gulf. 



We have heard the onward tramp of the bold pioneer in his westward 

 march to the quiet ocean, followed by the swift rolling wheels of the 

 iron horse with the fruits of civilization, peace and plenty in its train. 

 The far hillside and fertile plains, whose existence were scarcely known 

 when this Society entered upon its career of usefulness, now teem with 

 rich and golden fruits, surpassing in size and beauty the poet's wilde.st 

 dream. 



We have the strongest encouragement to labor on, until our highest 

 ambitions are fully realized and fondest dreams fulfilled. 



We are entering upon a new j^ear which I hope may be a hap])y one 

 to each and all of us, and that our labors may be more fully rewarded 

 in the future, if possible, than they have in the past. 



In closing these brief remarks, I desire to express my thanks to one 

 and all for the kindness which I have received as your Presidful, and 

 the cordial support you have given to my administration. To all ibvf^o 

 who have been associated with me otficially, I express my wannest 

 thanks for the promptness and faithfulness they have manifested in ihe 

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