8 



Wilder, now prevented from uniting in these ceremonies 

 by long continued illness. It was the only important act 

 of the Society since its foundation in which I have not 

 been present or taken a part; but absence abroad prevent- 

 ed me from witnessing the services on that interesting 

 occasion; and T esteem it a source of the highest gratifi- 

 cation that, through your continued kindness and great 

 confidence, I have now the honor not only to be present 

 with you, but to take so prominent a part in laying the 

 corner-stone of another and more magnificent structure, 

 which will undoubtedly be the home of the Society long 

 after we and many succeeding generations have passed 

 away. 



The Massachusetts Horticultural Society was organized 

 February 24th and incorporated June 12th, 1829, and it 

 is highly gratifying to me, and I doubt not to every mem- 

 ber, to recognize among those who are assembled here to- 

 day, gentlemen whose names are borne upon the charter, 

 and many others who were prominent and active members 

 the first year of its organization. Though thirty-five 

 years have glided away, and age may have lessened their 

 active labors, it has not checked their enthusiasm, dimin- 

 ished their zeal, or lessened their devotion to the interests 

 of a pursuit which, in their younger days, was a source of 

 instructive occupation and pleasure, and which now amuses 

 and solaces their declining years. 



It would scarcely be possible, should I make the at- 

 tempt, in these brief remarks, to recount the progress of 



