72 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



of industry, exploiting new stocks of little known plants, and 

 through the desire for new creations the achievements of certain 

 American horticulturists of more than a generation ago may be 

 repeated. Perhaps, as the bard of Avon wrote. 



We, ignorant of ourselves. 



Beg often our own harms, which the wise powers 



Deny us for our good; so find we profit. 



There is a very evident confusion of two entirely different issues. 

 On the one hand there is the restricted business of those who deal 

 largely in imported novelties and certain other material produced 

 in great quantities by the trade in Europe; and, on the other hand, 

 there is the stimulating effect on those who are anticipating an 

 opportunity to supply the hitherto existing demand with something 

 of a different character or type. The effects of any such action 

 will do much to change the general character of our gardens. Some 

 foresee in this, material aid to an all- American type of ornamental 

 gardening that will be founded upon the available material. It has 

 been openly confessed for a long time past that certain goods pro- 

 duced cheaply in Europe and planted indiscriminately in American 

 gardens have constituted a drag anchor on our progress. 



Of course this is really befogging the main issue of the exclusion 

 problem which would largely prevent us getting many things and 

 would build up a barrier against interchange and progress. If the 

 order remains in effect we shall undoubtedly have to start creating 

 a great deal of the material on which progressive horticulturists 

 have been depending, and it will take time. 



It may be fitting for this society at this time to indulge in inter- 

 changes of ideas on this very pertinent subject of plant exclusion 

 and perhaps to take such action as may seem desirable. 



Organized societies, such as the one under whose auspices we 

 meet to-day, must recognize their share of responsibility in the 

 renaissance. It would be very unfortunate if the present garden- 

 ing interest should wane and die out through inaction here. It 

 seems to me we should make an extra effort to reach the amateur. 

 Societies might offer additional prizes for beginners; perhaps 

 they should hold exliibitions exclusively for those who have never 

 exhibited previously. Prizes should be honor awards of cups and 



