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trees, and ornamental trees and shrubs increased, and 

 Salem became, as it were, a centre for horticultural oper- 

 ations, and the exhibitions at the metropolis were largely 

 indebted to the Salem gardens for the requisite proportion 

 of fruits and flowers. 



This city and vicinity had a goodly array of enthusiastic 

 and successful cultivators of the choicest productions of 

 Flora and Pomona ; among them the name of Robert Man- 

 ning stands prominent, as a pioneer in the cultivation of 

 fruit, especially that of the pear. The garden of Mr. J. 

 F. Allen exhibited for several seasons a fine display of that 

 gorgeous lily "Victoria Regia," and his excellent treatise 

 on that flower, with illustrations, finds a place in every 

 public library. It was also noted for the great variety of 

 grapes and other fruits grown under glass. The gardens 

 and grounds of the Messrs. Putnam, Lee, Cabot, Emmer- 

 ton, Upton, Ives, Bertram, Hoffman, Phippens, Ropes, 

 Bosson, and others, may be mentioned in this connection. 



The guiding principles that actuated the Natural His- 

 tory Society were engrafted upon the new organization, 

 and to these what little success it has had may be justly 

 attributed. 



For an institution to succeed it is necessary to interest 

 the people in its success, by horticultural and other exhi- 

 bitions, permanent display of works of art and natural 

 productions, instructive and at the same time attractive 

 lectures, field and other meetings that will combine amuse- 

 ment with instruction, so far as not to compromise its dig- 

 nity and standing, having always in view, however, the 

 promotion of the primary and leading objects of its organ- 

 ization. I thank you for your attention to this brief 

 recital of a few thoughts suggested by the occasion. 



At the conclusion of his address, the President re- 



