peesident's address. 175 



somewhat regularly, have practical essays presented to us, together 

 with the comments of practical men, — their careful observations, 

 notes, and queries, — and that, in the hands of a competent editor, 

 all this may be digested, and that wliich is of permanent interest 

 may be preserved in our published transactions ? 



Since the bleak December day of the landing of the Pilgrims up 

 to the present time, it has been customary to speak of our " stern 

 and rock-bound coast," and of our granite and ice as distinguishing 

 products. Is this a true picture? Other States may boast of a 

 sunnier clime, or more spontaneous growth. But when we consider 

 our capabilities, and the abundance of our products, have we not 

 reason to be more than content, — yes, profoundly thankful? At 

 the Pomological Exhibition in September, we had opportunities for 

 comparison with all parts of the nation. We saw Apples of mon- 

 strous growth, yet not fairer or of better quality than our own. 

 Indeed, it may be doubted if there is a section of the Union better 

 adapted to the production of this most valuable of all fruits, in its 

 highest perfection, than is our own Commonwealth. We have proved 

 that, with a reasonable degree of energy and skill, all the diseases 

 known to the apple may be controlled. With quite as much, pos- 

 sibly with more, emphasis may we affirm that the Pear is a Massa- 

 chusetts fruit. It is doubtful if our exhibitions of this fruit during 

 the past autumn, have ever been equalled in extent and quality in 

 any country. Even the Grape, which in our State verges upon its 

 northernmost limit, so that we must reject some varieties, is so 

 productive that it is regarded as a profitable field crop, notwith- 

 standing the low prices ruling this season. 



If now we consider the small fruits, of which the Strawberry and 

 Currant are justly regarded as most important, we shall not be 

 willing to yield the palm for these to any section of the country. 

 And passing to the department of Floriculture, do not our exhibi- 

 tions, do not the parterres, lawns, and landscape-gardens in our 

 midst, well compare with those of the most favored lands. Nature 

 has, indeed, dealt liberally with us. We have somewhat more to 

 do, it is true, than " tickle her with a hoe that she may laugh with 

 a harvest." But she has given us, withal, an invigorating climate, 

 and intelligence sufficient to comprehend her necessities, so that 

 reasonable diligence is rewarded with the hes^t results. We may 

 not be able to say that she is prodigal in her products, neither can 

 we justly charge her with parsimony. Indeed, we have just that 



