101 



ship together, how grateful ought we to feel that, in the general wreck and 

 ruin of property, we are in unchecked prosperity; our investments this 

 moment, as a whole, being worth considerably more than their first cost. 

 As our means increase, our progress in horticulture ought to keep pace 

 with them. Those eminent men, with theory and practice to guide them, 

 have already treated the great subjects before us with so much ability that 

 it would be vain in me to trespass upon your patience longer. 



Allow me, however, to suggest one subject as deserving particular atten- 

 tion at this time : I mean Landscape Gardening, an art heretofore almost 

 entirely neglected as a science, and of course imperfectly developed in 

 practice. It may be difficult for us as a Society to do much to promote an 

 improvement so much needed in this particular. That must rather be 

 brought about by individual influence, and the dissemination of a knowledge 

 of the true principles of art and of a correct and chastened taste. As a 

 Society, something may be accomplished by us through the Committee on 

 Gardens, who, in their visits to amateur and other gardens, may direct their 

 attention especially to this subject. 



I look also to the establishment of an Experimental Garden, whenever 

 our means may permit and circumstances favor it, as one of the best and 

 most effective means of promoting the objects of the Society, and one that, 

 should never be lost sight of. 



In conclusion, gentlemen, let us never forget that our future success 

 depends not only upon our own improvements in the science of horticulture, 

 in keeping up with all the important discoveries constantly developing 

 themselves, but more especially in preserving amongst ourselves harmony 

 of feeling, that corner stone, without which our Society must crumble and 

 fall, and that freedom from prejudices, which is so necessary for our con- 

 tinued progress and complete success. 



On motion of C. M. Hovey, it was 



Voted, That the thanks of the Society be presented to Vice-Presidents 

 B. V. French, Cheever Newhall, Enw. M. Richards, and Josiah 

 Stickney, who have so long filled their respective situations, and rendered 

 their valuable services for the best interests of the Society. 



