ADDRESS 



OF 



HON. FRANCIS H. DEWEY, 



PRESIDENT, 

 Delivered on Thursday Evening, Sept. 23d, 1869. 



Ladies and Gentlemen of the Worcester Cotinti/ Horticidtitral Society : 



I am happy to congratulate you on the prosperous condition of our Society, 

 on this its Thirtieth Annual Exhibition. At no period of its existence have its 

 prospects for future usefulness been greater. The number of indivirfuals taking 

 an interest in the objects of the Society has been constantly increasing; and, 

 while great advances have been made in this vicinity in the qualities of the 

 fruit now cultivated, from that produced in the early history of the Society, vs^e 

 feel that this improvement is greatly owing to the information imparted by this 

 Society, and to the interest in the subject which it has aroused. 



The pecuniary condition of the Society is highly satisfactory. It has been 

 constantly improving. Our valuable real estate gives us an annual rental of 

 $3000, after all reservations for our own use. 



The mortgage on the property has been reduced last year $1,3.55, leaving 

 the balance due only $1,650. 



In view of the improving pecuniary ability of the Society, the Trustees last 

 fall increased the amounts offered as premiums at the Annual Exhibition to the 

 sum of $800; and we have now abundant means still further to increase the 

 inducement of premiums if deemed best. While it is not expected that the 

 Society will offer such pecuniary inducements as will lead to the cultivation of 

 fruits, flowers, and vegetables, it is highly proper that our premiums should be 

 such as will afford an adequate compensation for the time and labor expended 

 in the gathering and transportation to the Exhibition. 



