1882.] TRANSACTIONS. 13 



fecundity almost excessive, a quite general adaptation to our 

 climate, and a quality that is unexcelled. What recognition is 

 bestowed upon the Diana ! a native of Massachusetts, of which 

 the old Commonwealth has every reason to be proud ? Why 

 should our countenance be averted from the Rogers Hybrids, — 

 almost universal favorites ; preferred by every one for his indi- 

 vidual consumption ; and capable of being grown with no more 

 difficulty than attends the common mob, which possess not even 

 a vulgar fraction of their merits. Is the oidium your dread 

 and objection ? Meet, and conquer it ! so long as Wall Street 

 does not corner all the sulphur in this world ! Let it never be 

 said, with truth, that there could be no place in your schedule ; 

 because there was no appreciation by the Society ! for the 

 Agawam, or Lindley ; the Massassoit, Merrimac, or Wilder. 

 They have won their own way, so far, by reason of intrinsic 

 merit ; in despite of early prejudice, later sneers, the contempt 

 of pseudo-science, and interested opposition. Our members, — 

 such as can perceive and acknowledge excellence (and who will 

 take his name from that roll?), grow some, or all, of those 

 Rogers Hybrids, for the solid enjoyment to be derived from 

 them when they mature. As that is as much as can be antici- 

 pated or gained, from other fruits ; — why should this fine class 

 of Grapes alone be damned with the faintest praise ; or dis- 

 missed with a shrug of cold shoulder ! 



Floriculture was the greatest sufferer from the character of 

 the season. It has been a source of constant wonder, each week, 

 as our stands and vases presented such a richly furnished appear- 

 ance, whence all the flowers could be derived ? How there 

 could be such continued profusion, when it seemed as if there 

 ought to be absolute dearth ! May your Secretary venture the 

 explanation that it can all be accounted for by the love for 

 flowers implanted in our nature ; which will not suffer itself to be 

 daunted by obstacles; and conquers difficulties interposed to the 

 growth of the plants that we cherish, so long as those difficulties 

 are not insuperable. 



October 5th, A. D. 1881, the cold suddenly became so intense 

 as to destroy utterly, root and branch, all out-door plants. Such 

 an experience was as novel as it was sad : no memory retaining 

 3 



