1882,] TRANSACTIONS. 17 



floriculture and pomology ; may it not be worth considering, at 

 least, if our entire duty is discharged by inaction ? Whether, in 

 short, our efforts should not be directed in aid of, and in 

 co-operation with, those who would lay broad and deep the found- 

 ations of a Massachusetts Terk^cultural Society ! to compre- 

 hend everything as suitable for its Annual Exhibitions that shall 

 appear to enhance the comforl or afford the sustenance of man. 



" Homo sum; humimi nihil a me aliemim puto." 

 TerrcecuUvTol in name ! since room, nor occasion, should be left 

 for cavil that Agriculture, or Horticulture, were not specifically 

 mentioned. No dignity could be compromised by submission to 

 such a primacy ; nor would the susceptibilities of existing societies 

 be wounded ; consulted as they should be about matters of 

 organization and detail. Massachusetts has never possessed a 

 State Agricultural Society, although deriving great benefit from 

 the existence of a vigilant and well-endowed voluntary associa- 

 tion. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society might perhaps, 

 at first thought, object to surrender its Annual Autumnal 

 Exhibitions ; although the saving from their relinquishment ; 

 partially attended, and inadequately supported as they are ; 

 would enable it to extend still wider its usefulness in other fields. 

 Our own Society, having long since found that the game was not 

 worth the candle, is already free to concur in any well-advised 

 and judicious plan to develop and stimulate the cultivation of the 

 earth, to the uttermost perfection whereof it may be found capable. 

 Much that precedes goes upon the assumption that Worcester 

 will be found the most suitable location for Annual Exhibitions 

 by the proposed Society. But yet, one change would be inevi- 

 table. The present Agricultural Park is thoroughly equipped 

 with the necessary sheds for animals ; and its area was just proved 

 sufiicrently capacious for all the absolute requirements of similar 

 occasions. Yet trials of speed between horses of approved, or 

 anticipated merit, have a conceded fascination ; and it is a rule 

 with all successful purveyors for public amusement, or recreation, 

 to get the best. But tlie best cannot be got to peril life and limb 

 around the sharp curves of a half-mile course. The Society of 

 the Future therefore, whether of Worcester County only, or of 

 the whole State, should betake itself to the Peat Meadow, so-called; 



