MR. hovey's address. 71 



Believing that in the progress of Pomology, some alterations in our premi- 

 ums would be attended with beneficial results, I offered some suggestions 

 last year to attain the object. It is pleasing to know their adoption has proved 

 highly satisfactory, and accomplished a good purpose. Further alterations, I 

 understand, of a similar character, have been introduced into the schedule of 

 premiums for this year, which the Committee believe will result in a decided 

 benefit to Pomological science. The Flower Committee have also rearranged 

 their list, which, for a few years back, has been in a confused and unsatis- 

 factory state. I doubt not their labors will meet with a corresponding im- 

 provement in the weekly exhibitions. 



I am glad to learn that the Prospective Prizes for superior seedling fruits 

 and flowers, which were struck from the list a few years ago, have been — or 

 a portion of them — restored. This is an important and timely move in the 

 right direction. I shall not detain you with the train of reflections which a 

 consideration of this subject suggests, but would merely remark, that if there 

 is anything which the members of the Society may look back upon with pride, 

 it is the deep interest which has been everywhere awakened for the produc- 

 tion of seedlings, and particularly in the immediate sphere of our association ; 

 and it is due in an eminent degree to the liberal premiums which were oflTered 

 by the Society for that object. 



The production of new varieties of fruits and flowers by seeds is just in its 

 infancy, and is yearly becoming of more and more importance. Too long have 

 we overlooked the treasures to be obtained from this source, and too long have 

 we relied upon foreign cultivators for everything new. With a climate more 

 favorable than most of Europe affords, only a few enthusiastic men have 

 ventured upon the experiment of raising new seedlings ; but the success 

 which has attended these few efforts has induced others to follow, and en- 

 couragement by liberal premiums is only needed to enrich our collections with 

 fruits and flowers excelled by no other clime. A mere mention of the addi- 

 tions which have been made since these premiums were first offered by the 

 Society would exceed the limits of my remarks; a few were named last year, 

 and the others your own information will readily supply.. 



During the past year a Committee was appointed to consider the propriety 

 of awarding Certificates of Merit. The Committee made a favorable report, 

 with estimates of the cost of procuring suitable certificates. Tiieir report 

 was accepted, and they were authorized to have the certificates executed, and 

 ready for use the present year. There can be no doubt of the benefit result- 

 ing from the awarding of these certificates, which are to be independent of 

 the ordinary premiums. They will be only given for the exhibition of new, 

 rare and beautiful plants and flowers, new fruits and vegetables, for seedlings 

 of unusual merit, and for superior skill displayed in cultivation. The Royal 

 Horticultural and Royal Botanic Societies of London long ago adopted the 

 practice of awarding such certificates, and in the case of seedlings it has pre- 

 vented amateurs and lovers of flowers from purchasing many inferior things 



