MR. hovey's address. 77 



of " Diamond-cutting." These are given yearly, by our associations for the 

 improvement of the mechanic arts, and the result is apparent in every depart- 

 ment of industrial labor. It is the application of the brain to the inanimate 

 things which are to become almost our necessities, and, as such, demanding 

 our recognition and receiving a just reward. 



If it was not for occupying too much of your time, I should allude to many 

 other duties of the Society. But I shall only mention the importance of aug- 

 menting the prizes just as speedily as the funds of the Society will allow. 

 The time has passed when we should expect our contributors to bring for- 

 ward weekly, the best specimens of their skill without hope of honor or re- 

 ward. If this has been done, as we know it has, it was because of the inter- 

 est taken by the members, and because the Society was not in a condition to 

 do any more than it has already so nobly done. But now that our circum- 

 stances have changed — now that we desire to honor the contributor as he has 

 honored us — as have those of many of its oldest exhibitors, there is no reason 

 why we should expect to call out highly meritorious specimens without a 

 corresponding means of remuneration by at least an honorable competition for 

 liberal prizes. The value of plants has changed — and many persons do not 

 like to incur the risk of injury to rare specimens. The present high standard of 

 plant-culture in Great Britain is entirely due to the offer of liberal premiums ; 

 and not intending to find the least fault with what has been done — and which 

 I am sure has been for the prosperity of the Society, — for the future let us 

 raise the standard of excellence — make the premiums large — and create such 

 emulation as will fill our Hall with magnificent specimens, and render our 

 exhibitions ever fresh, attractive and beautiful. 



Gentlemen : Spring and summer will soon be upon us. In conclusion, I 

 have only to remind you of your duties, and to urge you to redouble your efforts 

 in behalf of our Society. Our tables must be filled with the most beautiful 

 fiowers and the finest fruits. Set about the work in good season, and resolve 

 that no pains shall be spared on your part to render the exhibitions the pres- 

 ent year superior to any that have preceded them. Our building will in 

 itself be attractive ; but yoii desire no outward show without a corresponding 

 adornment within. 



Tendering to you my thanks for your attention, I offer you the congratula- 

 dons of the season. 



