52 



born on the spot where we are now assembled, and with 

 the exception of a few years had resided in this immediate 

 vicinity, always interested in scientific investigations and 

 mechanical industries. He died October 31, 1867. 



Before taking my seat, permit me to allude briefly to 

 the status of the two societies at the time of the union. 

 It required considerable billing and cooing to bring about 

 the desired result, the organization of the two being on 

 an entirely different basis. 



The Historical Society always had a small membership. 

 Members were elected ; an entrance fee was required ; no 

 regular assessment, though occasionally one was levied ; 

 rooms never opened to the public at stated times, though 

 persons could obtain access by calling upon the librarian 

 or some officer who was always courteous and ready to 

 grant any favor. 



The Natural History Society was on an entirely different 

 basis. Any inhabitant of the county could become a mem- 

 ber by signing the constitution and paying the small an- 

 nual assessment. The rooms were always central and 

 accessible ; opened frequently for horticultural and other 

 exhibitions ; its aim to make the rooms attractive, thereby 

 to awaken a public interest in furtherance of its objects. 

 The collections increased in value and importance ; the 

 membership was enlarged ; consequently more available 

 means to extend its operations. The Horticultural Exhi- 

 bitions, though not an original object, became in course 

 of a few years one of the most important features of the 

 society, and at the time of the union were included as one 

 of the departments. For several years exhibitions were 

 held weekly during the summer months, with the annual 

 in September, and increased in interest with each succes- 

 sive season. 



Several nurseries were established, the demand for fruit 



