No. 4.] REMARKS OF HON. O. B. IIADWEX. 159 



ciety, which helped out the exhibition to a considerable ex- 

 tent, giving our people something new in relation to apples 

 and pears. They also put in a collection of pictures, which 

 added to the attraction ; and, finally, every one seemed to 

 be quite satisfied in those days with the exhibitions as they 

 witnessed them. 



We have had many distinguished men Avho have been mem- 

 bers of this society. We have had in our membership four 

 Governors of the State. Upon my right, the central picture 

 is that of Governor Lincoln, the Governor of the State nine 

 consecutive years, — something that has never taken place 

 either before or since. He was one of the most courtly 

 men that T have ever seen. He was very fond of agriculture 

 and of horticulture, and accomplished a work in Worcester 

 at that time that no other person ever accomplished. In 

 fact, his place has never been filled, and I am afraid it never 

 will be. 



The next benefactor of this society is Mr. Daniel Waldo, 

 whose picture is at the head on my left. He made a bequest 

 of $3,000 at his death. That proved the nucleus which pur- 

 chased this spot of land. Some few years after his decease 

 a meeting was held by the society and trustees in regard to 

 purchasing a piece of land for a building, and I believe I am 

 the only person living who attended that meeting. The 

 others were advanced in life when I was (juite young. But 

 this piece of land was purchased. In 1852 this building 

 was erected, and has been in the possession of the society 

 ever since. 



This past year we have had twenty-five exhibitions, cover- 

 ing everything in fruits and flowers and vegetables in their 

 respective seasons ; in fact, we have everything in its prime. 

 Our exhibitors being called upon so often, and having such 

 training, wdiich no fair exhibitors can have, become experts. 

 Their selection of fruits and flowers and vegetaljles is un- 

 equalled by the training received from weekly exhibitions. 

 A yearly exhibition cannot begin to do the work. Then, 

 durino; the winter, we have ten ineetinas for discussions and 

 papers upon horticultural subjects. In March w^e have our 

 annual l)anquet, which draws together the whole society in 



