206 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



iu turn, and the opportunities it aflTords become yet more exten- 

 sively known. By opening our iialls as we do at the seasons when 

 plants and flowers, vegetables, and fruits are in their best condi- 

 tion, we afford occasions and facilities for the display of the re- 

 sults of the cultivators' skill, and for intelligent study and appre- 

 ciation of thera by the public. Our Library is one of the flnest 

 collections of horticultural works in the world — is very nearly the 

 best ; and it is the privilege of an}' student in horticulture to freely 

 consult its shelves. The Society's prizes are open to all comers, 

 and its readiness to benefit is only limited b}' its opportunities or 

 means to act as occasion arises. 



Is there not some way by which its power for good can be felt 

 more completely throughout this State? Some way of encour- 

 aging everywhere a local horticultural interest, and making more 

 widely known what can be found here at all times ; and the fact 

 that our rooms are open for an exchange of views on Saturdaj's? 

 Such an increase in the field of investigation and practice in hor- 

 ticultural work as might thus be established iu our comparalivel}' 

 small and compact State could not fail of good results ; while it 

 would yet more firmly secure to Massachusetts her present proud 

 position as respects educational advantages. 



We have in our State a varied surface, with a generous propor- 

 tion of rich arable soil, and other that is better suited to use as 

 pasturage or for the growth of trees. In our climate, where the 

 heat of summer tends so powerfully to dry up the short sweet 

 grass of our pasture lands, do not trees shading the surface of 

 such pastures contribute to ward off the effects of drought, to 

 sweeten the green food and lengthen its supply bj' preserving- 

 moisture longer in the soil, and to otherwise enhance the comfort 

 of the animals grazing under the shelter of their branches? 



It is said that animals must be kept out of pastures until the 

 trees are fully established, and this is objected lo as impracticable 

 on the score of economy ; but have we not lands which appear to 

 be deteriorating gradually, where some such radical means are 

 necessary to preserve their quality, and where, later, such a course 

 ma}' greatly enhance their value? Again, have we not good 

 ti'ees that could be planted in pastures, and which animals would 

 avoid, but which would, with a little care as to trimming their 

 limbs, form shelters to animals as well as to the ground, thus be- 

 coming of use in two ways at once ? 



