PROCEEDINGS OF THE HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. 607 



the strait jacket system, in wliicli the symmetry of the leaf and flower is 

 lost, ajid only an arrangement of colors preserved. 



Mr. J. W. Barrow one of the Vice Presidents followed : 



I will detain you only a few moments with sOme remarks on a dry sub- 

 ject; one, however, which has a direct interest for a Horticultural Associa- 

 tion, as it is based upon that which is now, unhappily for us all, a purely 

 vegetable production, limited in extent only by the quantity of fibers fit for 

 the manufacture of paper, now known and yet to be discovered. The 

 subject is Finance, its basis Mr. Chase's pets. Greenbacks. 



We are engaged in establishing a societ}^ the objects of which we all 

 appreciate ; the success of which will be useful to the science of which we 

 are all votaries, and creditable to our city, our State, and ourselves. It 

 ought to succeed. We have all the advantages we could desire. If we 

 fail, our failure will be a disgrace to us ; and we must therefore place 

 failure beyond the bounds of possibility. To ensure success, however, 

 something more is wanted besides enthusiasm for the science and a love 

 of the beautiful. 



We desire to found a lasting institution, one which shall outlive our- 

 Belves, and prove a benefit to future generations. We should aim at nothing 

 loss than the collection of the best botanical library on the continent, the 

 ownership of a model garden and glass houses, and the establishment of a 

 society whose approval shall bo a stamp of sterling merit. How is this to 

 be done ? Not by outbursts of spasmodic enthusiasm, but by quiet, con- 

 tinued, prolonged, increasing efforti^ ; by taking such measures as shall 

 ensure us a permanent and increasing income. We must not rely u])on the 

 generosity of individuals, but upon a widespread basis of small subscrip- 

 tions. 



We must increase our numbers to such an extent that the falling away 

 of a few will be more than compensated by the accession of others. We 

 must render ourselves independent, and we shall then merit the public 

 support. All this will require much time, but it can certainly be effected. 

 Look to what has been done at Boston, and then say whether ive ought to 

 fail. I have not the figures before me, but I believe that I understate the 

 case when I say that the Massachusetts Horticultural Society is possessed 

 of real and other property worth not less than $10.0,000. Part of this is 

 certainly the result of liberal donations and bequests, and of judicious 

 investments; but the donations and bequests came after the society had 

 shown itself worthy of liberality. "Heaven helps those who help them- 

 selves." 



Let independence and self-support be the watchword of this Association. 

 We shall have scientific and practical men among us well worthy to vie 

 with IIk)SC of all other cities and countries. They will support the credit 

 of the Association in the fields of scientific botany and practical horticul- 

 ture. Let those among us who have not the same qualifications remember 

 that there is work for us to do, less distinguished, but not less practically 

 useful. It is for us to set the machine going, and to keep it steadily at 

 work, by supplying it with the necessary motive power in the shape of 

 subscriptions. Each one of us can bring in at least one more member. 

 Let him do so, and our numbers will soon increase in a geometrical ratio. 



