1894.] ADDRESS. 9 



gations which resulted in establishing the doctrine of the cellular 

 animal tissue. 



It is possible that the future may. develop some scheme by 

 which we might co()perate with some other society or institution 

 in such experimental work. It is possible that State or govern- 

 mental aid, which has been rendered with a lavish hand to 

 agriculture, may be extended to a kindred science, which is 

 hardly less a factor in economics. It is possible, that upon the 

 strength of such cooperation, as a condition, an experiment sta- 

 tion might be secured at Worcester. 



At any rate the idea of experimental work is not a new one 

 or original with me. Mr. Wm. G. Strong, ex-president of the 

 Massachusetts Society, says, " the idea of establishing an experi- 

 mental garden had eng-ao-ed the minds of the leaders of this Soci- 

 ety from its organization. The matter came up again when the 

 improvement of the Back Bay lands began. Some thought that 

 available space might be secured there, but before any definite 

 plan could be decided upon, the opportunity passed by. We 

 are occupying too expensive a home for our work and yet have 

 too little room." 



Mr. Francis H. Appleton, of the same Society and in the same 

 discussion, said that " every member should consider seriously 

 whether the Society is using its means to the greatest and best 

 advantage by keeping them locked up in this land and building. 

 If it shall become possible in the future to add experimental 

 gardening to our work, or to join in any practical way with an 

 established garden, he thought it only reasonable to believe that 

 the Commonwealth might be disposed to entrust funds to the 

 Society — whose objects and evident purposes were to be pro- 

 gressive — to directly promote the public good by practical effort 

 to develop horticultural science." 



I believe that sometime the opportunity will be presented for 

 such experimental work, on either a cooperative or independent 

 line. It may be many years before it comes. Till then, we 

 need to keep our enthusiasm alive, and ourselves awake and 

 abreast of the times. Making the best possible use of present 

 means, and ready to grasp and avail ourselves of such oppor- 

 tunity when presented. 



