20 WOECESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1883, 



tedious, at best, — the task of rendering an entirely impartial and 

 just award. For our signal measure of success, hitherto, let us 

 be grateful ! 



Seedling Peaches, for which you offer a Standing Premium,, 

 have not been shown in as much variety as of old. Specimens 

 from Mrs. Henry Lovell, of North Ashland Street, in the City 

 of Worcester, attracted the close attention of our faithful Judge ; 

 whose original scepticism was finally set at rest. The similarity 

 of species, much more of varieties, is so strong, that the sharpest 

 and most conscientious observation will frequently prove inade- 

 quate to the detection of a counterfeit. Imposition is however 

 continually attempted : and it is for the vital interest of Pomolo- 

 gists everywhere, that discovery and exposure should be imme- 

 diate and summary. In all these cases of uncertain nomen- 

 clature, or doubtful origin ; the judgment of your Secretary is 

 confirmed, as to the value of a capable and honest judge ; who 

 makes awards by the best lights at his command ; and who does 

 not hesitate to follow and dissipate that treacherous beacon — the 

 ignis fatuus of each new competitor, which indicates that what 

 we most want we ought surely to have. The science of Feach- 

 growing ; how much more of Plums ! is largely that of Paradise 

 Lost. In the good time coming, — whereof Riley is the probable 

 Prophet, — we shall exchange chance for certainty ; trade with 

 West Boylston, and Grafton, rather than Delaware ; and, rev- 

 eling in flavor, feel renewed assurance that the proof of each 

 pudding must be in its eating, whatsoever may have been its 

 pedigree ! 



At the last Annual Meeting of your Trustees, a proposition 

 to create a separate Vegetable Department, with its exclusive 

 and peculiar Committee, failed to secure your approval. At the 

 same time, the first step towards its establishment was taken, by 

 the addition of a specific sum to the General Appropriation, to 

 be applied, as stated, to increase the awards for Vegetables. 

 That money could not have been expended more wisely. To be 

 sure, — if sent to Borriaboola Gha it might have lent its volume 

 to swell the current of Lost River ; and possibly, on its return, 

 " after many days," aided in gaining your exemption from taxa- 

 tion, as a new school of theology. But this Horticultural Society 



