43 



van ce of the culture more care was taken in the nomenclature of 

 the fruit and in raising distinct and now kinds. Among the new 

 contributions was the '•Roxbury russet," whicli is one of the best 

 kind of apples, and is known and valued throughout tlie countr}'. 

 But let me say to you, and I rejoice to state the Hxct, that I have 

 livod to see that grand assemblage of our fruits :.t the national 

 exhibition in Boston two weeks since, and to speak of the great 

 progress which it marked. Wh}', sir, in the State of Nebraska 

 where a few years ago there was not a fruit raised, two j'cars ago 

 at Richir.ond she carried olf the 8100 prize, and here in Boston she 

 again carried otf other prizes. And it has all cmcnated from this 

 centre, — from the etlbrts made by the Massachusetts Horticul- 

 tural Societ}', to which Norfolk County contributed so largely. 

 For more than twenty years Norfolk supplied Presidents for 

 that Society. (Applause.) Allow me now in closing to congrat- 

 ulate 3'ou, my friends, on this beautiful, excellent exhibition. You 

 are now on the right track. I hope this Society may live on 

 prospering and to prosper, rising higher and higher in its excel- 

 lence, and having better and better exhibitions, and may I not say. 

 I hope to be here and witness it. (Warm applause.) 



After music by the band, the following hymn, written b}' a lady 

 of Dedham, was sung : — 



Once more, dear friends, the season's round 



Our annual feast hath brought; 

 Again with thankful hearts we own 



A year with blessings fraught. 



Full many a time hath seed been sown. 



And harvests p.athered in. 

 Since here went forth the brave and true, 



Their country's peace to win. 



And 'mid the scenes that echoed tlien 



To sound of martial strife, 

 We bring the fair fruits of the land 



For which they gave their life. 



To Him whose loving kindness gives 



The husbandman's reward, 

 We offer now our grateful thanks 



For homes with plenty stored. 



For all a nation's tlirift ami wcaltii, 



And for the year's hi(;rea.-<e. 

 For freedom from the pestilence, 



And for a land at peace. 



And when shall send the harvest's Lord 



To bid his reapers come, 

 Bearing our slieaves may' we go hence 



To Heavenly Harvest-Home. 



