1884.] TRANSACTIONS. 23 



Mr. Salisbury was elected Vice-President upon the first forma- 

 tion of the Society and, from that time until the day of his 

 death, was with scarcely an intermission in your official service. 

 He was diligent and punctual as in every thing else that he 

 undertook; always preparing a written report when acting as 

 Chairman of what others might deem an unimportant Committee. 

 He was President from 1851 to 1857, when he declined a re- 

 election. In an Address to the Society, A. D., 1853, after his 

 return from a European tour ; he reviewed, in detail, the condi- 

 tion of the Society, stating matters concerning its origin not 

 elsewhere recorded, but of incalculable value to our future histo- 

 rian. The hope of securing for preservation, beyond a living 

 memory, any further facts that might be within his recollection, 

 prompted the following correspondence : — 



" Worcester County Horticultural Society. 

 Hall of Flora. May 25, 1881. 



Hon. Stephen Salisbury: 

 My Dear Sir. — 



Once, in conversation, you remarked to ine tliat William Lincoln 

 did more to found and build 'up the Horticultural Society than any 

 other person. I have paid mortuary tribute, where I thought it due, 

 as occasion served or required. 



Would it be imposing too great a task upon a life-long devotion to 

 ask and expect you to note down your recollections of the first organi- 

 zation of our Society? No one but yourself is familiar with all the 

 facts. Were I capable, otherwise, my long absence in Illinois inter- 

 rupted my knowledge of local history. And I think that you will 

 agree with me that the Horticultural Society has been no inconsid- 

 erable factor in the growth and development of Worcester. 



I re-iterate : no one but yourself can do this. Ought you not ? 



Believe me very truly and sincerely, 



Edward W. Lincoln." 



" Worcester, May 28, 1881. 

 Edward W. Lincoln, Esq. : 



My Dear Sir. — • 



I regret and I ought to be ashamed that I am not able to give you 

 any paiticulars of the organization and first movements of the Horti- 

 cultural Society. It is a proof that I had little share in that good 

 work. I can confidently repeat the remark, you say I once made, that 



