I.")! MASSACHUSETTS UOllTK ULTUHAL HOCIFTY. 



to the numerous examples of complete triumph over all these forces 

 of evil. We should prove, and continually make public, the fact, 

 that, in our own State, there are numerous interests in horticulture, 

 and in agriculture as well, which will give a larger pecuniary reward 

 than the ordinary returns to a Western cultivator. We sliould be 

 thoroughly persuaded in our own minds, that what is now being 

 done in Old England, after a thousand years of cropping, in steadily 

 advancing the ratio of productiveness, can, with special advantages, 

 be more than i-ealized in New England. It is for us to arrest 

 public attention, and force our convictions upon others. We niu!>t 

 multiply discussions, collect important facts, search out, foster, and 

 make permanent record of experiments which are continual!}' being 

 tried and lost sight of through lack of encouragement. We should 

 welcome and suitably reward all discoveries, well-sustained theo- 

 ries and experiments, wliich increase our iund of knowledge. 



In such various ways as will occur to our new Committee, com- 

 posed as it is of men eminently fitted for the duty, we may expect 

 that a new field for influence will be opened. It will be ajtj)ropri- 

 ate for this Committee to consider the expediency of publishing 

 from time to time such matter as may appear to be worthy of dis- 

 semination. 



In view of the importance of this work, the Society should be 

 ready to make such reasonable appro))riation of money as may be 

 asked by this Committee. 



I am happy to be able to inform you that the material for pre- 

 paring a history of the Society is now in the liands of one of our 

 esteemed members, who has every qualification for the work, and 

 from whom we may, in due time, expect to receive a worthy history 

 of horticulture in our Commonwealth. 



In conclusion, let me say, that, if the energy and skill which char- 

 acterize the membership of this Society were im])arted to all the 

 land-owners of the State, the gain in material prosperity, and in 

 qualities wliich tend to make a people great and good, would be 

 incalculable. It is our duty, as a Society, to diffuse this energy 

 and skill until our land becomes rejuvenated. Yet we are conscious 

 liow very far short we come from perfect culture, and perfect knowl- 

 edge of the best niethods. Let us betake ourselves to the Wink 

 with reuewed courage aod vjgor. 



