UMASS/AMHERST ♦ \ 31,2Dt,tiDDS3T7Sm «.♦ DDDDaDDDDDDDDDnDDDaDnDDDnDDDDnna UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY D — Q □ D DDDDDnnnDnDnnDDnnDDnDnDDaaDDDDnD ^ M^ss^f^ttrnttu. WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, FROM EDWARD W. LINCOLN SECRETAEY, Nos. S Oak and 18 Front Streets. 1877, Press of Franklin Printing House. SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE WORCESTER COUNTY Horticultural Society, FOR THE Year 1877. I^^The attention of Exhibitors is partionlarly called to the Rnles and Eegnlations, Q^eneral and Special. WORCESTER, MASS. r PKINTED BY EDWAJID K. FISKE, MECHANIC STREET. 1877. CHAPEL INDEX Page. Committees, 5 Exhibitions, — Summer — Floral &-7 Exhibitions, — Summer — Pomological, 8-12 .Rules and Regulations,— General, 13-15 -Autumnal Exhibition. Premiums for Apples, . . . 16-18 " " '' " Grapes, Peaches, &c., 18-20 " '' " Pears, .... 20-22 " " *' " Plants, Flowers, &c., 23-25 « " " "■ Vegetables, . . 25-28 ^Vernal Exhibition, (a d. 1878,) 29 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES FOR 1876.— Apples, 32-36 Grapes, Peaches. &c., 37-39 Plants, Floavers, &c., 39-42 Pears, 42-45 Vegetables 46^9 Report of the Librarian, •'^O-Sl Heport of the Secretary, •'''^-'^^ COMMITTEE OF ARRAN( EM LIBRARY UNIVERS'TY C-F MASSACHUSETTS AUHERSLbMASS. John C. Xeavton, Chairman Henky Phelps, Geohoe E. Francis, William H. Earle, Samuel Flagg, Henry L. Parker, James Draper, Wm. T. Merrifield, President. P'dwart) W. Lincoln, Secretary, Nos. 5 Oak and l.S Frciut Streets, Worcester, The Autumnal Exhibition commences on Wednesday, September 19th, at 6 P. M , and closes on Friday, September 2lst, at 8.30 P. M. COMMITTEES OF AAVARD. APPLES.— William T. PIap.low, C hair man ; James F. Allen, Samuel A. Knox, Kiifus Woodward, of Worcester ; and John L. Brown, of Lunenburg. GRAPES, PEACHES, &c.— William H. Earle, Chairman ; T. M. Lamb, Charles Goodwin, of Worcester ; George Cruickshanks, of Whitinsville ; and F. M. Marble, of Grafton. PEARS. — Henry L. Parker, Chairman; Henry Phelps, John C. Newton, James Draper, of Worcester ; and Newell Wood, of Mill- bury. PLANTS, FLOWERS, &c.— Samuel Flagg, Chairman; George E. Francis, Clarendon Harris,!) S. Messinger, and Henry L. Shumway, of Worcester. VEGETABLES.— xiLEXANDER Marsh, Chairman; Thomas R. Nor- cross, J. D. Lovell, Charles ]:>elcher, and William H. Hackett, of Worcester. ^^'The Committees will meet at 9 o'clock on the morning of Thursday, September 20th, to determine the awards.' B 5 SUMMER EXHIBITIONS. The Opening Exhibition of the Summer Season will be held in the Hall of Flora, on Thursday, the 14th day of June, from 3 to 5 o'clock P. M. SPECIAL NOTICE: The Rules and Regulations require that correct and legible names shall be attached to each and every plant or flower entered in a class of named varieties; and that written lists of the same shall be given to the Sec- retary. Strict compliance with the Rules and Regulations, to be found on pages 11-13, is required on the part of Contributors and Committees. On THURSDAY, June 14th. HARDY PLANTS AND SHRUBS. For the best display of cut flowers, varieties with names attached. .$5 00 For the second best 3 00 For the third best 2 00 On THURSDAY P. M., June 21 st. CUT FLOWERS. For the best display $2 00 For the second best 1 00 ROSE EXHIBITION. The Annual Rose Exhibition will be held in the Hall of Flora, on Thursday, the 28th day of June, commencing at 3 P. M., and closing at .5 P. M. All articles for competition must be entered with the Secretary, and be placed on the tables, before 1 o'clock P. M. 6 1877.] SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS. 7 GARDEN HOSES. For the best general display of varieties with names attached So 00 For the second best 3 00 For the third best 2(0 For the best arranged vase 2 00 For the second best 1 00 CUT FLOWERS. For the best collection 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the third best ... 1 00 TO FLORISTS. On Thursday, July 5th, and on each successive Thursday, viz. : July llth, August 9th, September 6th, July 19th, August 16th, September 13th, July 26th, August 23d, August 2d, August 30th, Premiums of two dollars ($2.00) and one dollar (.$1.00) respectively, will be offered for the best, and next best One Stand of Cut Flowers. All Exhibitors limited to one stand. Premiums for rare and new plants to be awarded only to those exhib- ited for the first time in Worcester. PREMIUMS FOR FRUITS DURING THE SEASON. g^The Season is understood to extend from the opening in June to the Autumnal Exhibition in September, during which there will be an Exhibition every Thursday, and premiums will be awarded as enumerated in the Schedule ISTo person can compete for more than one premium with the same spe- cies of Berry or variety of Fruit. All Small Fruits must be displayed in quart boxes. STRAWBERRIES. ji^^'Entries must be made with the Secretary, and the articles be upon the tables before 1 o'clock P. M. PKEMIUMS. For the best quart of Boydeu No. 30 S 1 00 For the best quart of Charles Downing 2 00 For the second best quart of Charles Downing 1 00 For the third best quart of Charles Downing 50 For the best quart of Col. Cheney 1 00 For the best quart of Monarch of the West 2 00 For the second best quart of Monarch of the West .1 00 For the best quart of Jucunda 2 00 For the second best quart of Jucunda 1 00 For the third best quart of Jucunda • 50 For the best quart of Kentucky 1 00 For^the best quart of Lady of the Lake 1 00 For the best quart of Triomphe de Gaud 1 00 For the second best quart of Triomphe de Gand 50 For the best quart of Wilson 2 00 For the second best quart of Wilson 1 00 For the third best quart of ^\'ilson 50 For the best quart of any other variety 1 00 For the best two quarts in the Exhibition 2 00 8 1877.] SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS. 9 The sum of S6.00, placed in hands of the Committee, may be awarded for varieties not in the Schedule. m^A premium of |2.00 is offered by Mr. O. B. Hadwen for the best fifty berries (tiat) of any variety. On THURSDAY, JULY 5th. CHERRIES. For the best two quarts of Black Tartarian i^ 2 00 For the second best two quarts of Black Tartarian 1 00 For the best two quarts of any other named Black variety 1 00 For the best two qiiarts of any named White vaiiety 2 00 For the second best two quarts of anv named White variety. . 1 00 For the best two quarts of any named Red variety 2 00 For the second best two quarts of any named Red variety 1 00 On THURSDAY, JULY 12th. CURRANTS. For the best two quarts of La Yersaillaise S 2 00 For the best one quart of La Yersaillaise 1 00 For the best quart of Red Dutch 1 00 For the second best quart of Red Dutch 50 For the best quart of Dana's Transparent 1 00 For the best quart of White Gondouin 1 00 For the best two quarts of White Grape 2 00 For the best one quart of White Grape 1 00 On THURSDAY, JULY 19th. RASPBERRIES. For the best two quarts each of three named varieties $ 3 00 For the best two quarts of Brinckle's Orange 2 00 For the second best two quarts of Brinckle's Orange 1 00 For the best two quarts of Northumberland 2 00 For the second best two quarts of Northumberland 1 00 For the best two quarts of Hudson River Antwerp 2 00 For the second best two quarts of Hudson River Antwerp. ... 1 00 For the best quart of Clarke 1 00 For the best quart of Franconia 1 00 For the best quart of Knevett's Giant 1 00 For the best quart of Philadelphia 1 00 10 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1877. BLACK CAPS. For the best quart of Davison's Thornless 1 00 For the second best quart of Davison's Thornless 50 For the best quart of Doolittle 1 00 For the second best quart of Doolittle 50 For the best quart of Mammoth Cluster 1 00 For the second best quart of Mammoth Cluster 50 On THURSDAY, JULY 26th. RASPBERRIES. For the best two quarts of any named variety $ 2 00 For the second best 1 00 BLACKBERRIES. For the best quart of Kittatinny 1 00 For the second best quart of Kittatinny 50 For the best quart of Wachusett 1 00 For the second best quart of Wachusett. 50 On THURSDAY, AUGUST 2nd. PEARS. For the best ten specimens of Doyennd d 'Ete $ 1 00 For the best ten of any other variety 1 00 POTATOES. P'or the best peck (new) 1 00 TOMATOES. For the best twelve specimens (open culture) 2 00 For the second best (open culture) 1 00 On THURSDAY, AUGUST 9th. APPLES. For the best ten specimens of any named variety $ 2 00 For the second best ten specimens of any named variety 1 00 PEARS. For the best ten specimens of Beurre Giffard 2 10 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten of any other named variety 1 00 1877.] SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS. 11 On THURSDAY, AUGUST 16th. APPLES. For the best ten specimens of Early Sweet Bough $ 1 00 For the best ten specimens of Williams' Early Red 1 00 For the best ten specimens of Red Astrachan 2 00 For the second best ten specimens of Red Astrachan 1 00 PEARS. For the best ten Rostiezer 1 00 For the best ten of any other named variety 1 00 On THURSDAY, AUGUST 23rd. APPLES. For the best ten specimens of any named variety $ 1 00 For the best ten of any other named variety 1 00 PEARS. For the best ten specimens of any named variety 1 00 For the best ten of auy other named variety 1 00 On THURSDAY, AUGUST 30th. APPLES. For the best ten specimens of any named variety $ 1 00 For the best ten specimens of any other named variety 1 00 PEARS. For the best ten specimens of Clapp's Favorite 1 00 For the best ten specimens of any other named variety I 00 PEACHES. For the best ten specimens of Crawford's Early 2 00 VEaETABLES. For the best twelve Tomatoes 2 00 For the second best 1 00 On THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th. APPLES. For the best ten specimens of any named variety $ 2 00 For the best ten specimens of any other named variety 1 00 12 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [187t. PEARS. For the best ten specimens of Clapp's Favorite 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten specimens of Bartlett '2 00 For the second best 1 00 PEACHES. For the best dish of ten specimens 2 00 For the second best 1 f 0 On THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1:5tii. APPLES. For the best ten specimens of Red Astrachan $ 1 00 For the best ten specimens of Early WilHams 1 00 For the best ten specimens of Early .Sweet Bough 1 00 For the best ten specimens of Duchess of Oldenburg 1 00 PEARS. For the best ten specimens of Dearborn's Seedling 1 00 For 'ohe best ten specimens of Beurre de '1 Assompiion 1 00 For the best ten specimens of Flemish Beauty 1 00 For the best ten specimens of Belle Lucrative 1 00 PEACHES. For the best ten specimens of a named variety 2 00 For the second best ten specimens 1 00 VEGETABLES. For the best twelve Tomatoes 2 00 For the second best twelve Tomatoes 1 00 At these Summer Exhibitions the Standing Committee on Flowers, Plants, &c., &c., will serve. The Committee on Fruits, &c., &c., will consist of Messrs. Ileury Phelps, .Tames Draper, .John C. Xewton, George Cruickshanks, of Whit- insville, and the Secretary. In order to afford the Committees an opportunity to examine and report on the articles exhibited, no other person can be admitted to, or remain in the Hall, between the hours of one (1) and three (8) o'clock on the days of the Exhibitions. AUTUMNAL EXHIBITION, The Society will hold its Annual Autumnal Exhibition, A. D. 1877, in its own Halls, on Front Street, in the City of Worcester. The Exhibition will commence on Wednesday, September 19th at 6 o'clock P. M., and close on Friday, September 21st, at 8^ o'clock P. M. g^^" Exhibitors are notitied that strict conformity to the Regulations and Eules will be expected and required, for their own benefit as well as for the ccnvenience of the Officers of the Society. 1^° Particular attention is called to the Rules and Regulations on pp. 11-13, and especially to Nos. 1 and 17, respectively ; the one defining the limit of time for entries of Vegatables, and the other requiring lists of all entries to be filed with the Secretary. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1. Articles offered for premium at the Autumnal Exhibition must be in the Halls and entered with the Secretary before four (4) o'clock P. M., of the opening day of the Exhibition; provided, that all entries of Vegetables for the Exhibition must be made with the Secretary before 6 o'clock P. M., on the 15th day of September. 2. Competition for premiums is open to ail ; but a discount of one- third of the amount will be made from awards to persons who are not Members of the Society; and it is strictly required that all specimens offered for premium shall have been grown by the competitors, within the County of Worcester. 3. After the articles are arranged they will be under the exclusive charge of the Committees, and not even the owners will have liberty to remove them, until the Exhibition is closed, when they will be delivered as the contributors may direct. 4. No person shall be entitled to receive more than one premium for the same specimen, and no article for which a premium has been once awarded can receive another during the season, c 13 14 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1877. 0. No cards of a business nature will be allowed in any Exhibition. 6. Where a certain number or quantity of Plants, Flowers, Fruits, or Vegetables, is designated in the schedule, there must be neither more nor less than that number or quantity of specimens shown; and in no case can any other varieties than those named in the schedule be substi- tuted. 7. It will be the duty of the Committees to exclude from exhihition all inferior specimens. Also, all such Designs as, in their opinion, evince an incorrect taste. 8. The Committees have power to change the time of exhibition for any article, if an earlier or later season renders such change necessary, by giving seasonable notice thereof. 9. All articles offered for premiums must be correctly named. Indefi- nite appellations, such as " Pippin," " Sweeting," " Greening," etc., will not be considered as names. Any person exhibiting the same variety of Fruit or Vegetables under different names ; or exhibiting, as grown by himself. Fruit or Vegetables grown by another, thereby violating the objects and rules of the Society ; shall bp debarred from competing for the Society's premiums until rc-instated. 10. No Flowers, Plants, Fruits or Vegetables will be entitled to a pre- mium unless they possess points of superiority ; and the Committees are strictly required to withhold premiums if, in their opinion, the articles exhibited do not merit them. 11. Competitors will be required to furnish information as to their mode of cultivation, and to present specimens for trial and examination, if requested. 12. No member of any of the Committees for awarding premiums or gratuities shall, in any case, vote or decide respecting an award for which such member may be a competitor, or therein have an interest ; but in such case such member shall temporarily vacate his place upon the Com- mittee, the vacancy for the time being to be supplied by the remaining members of the Committee 13. All premiums that are not claimed within three months after the Autumnal Exhibition shall be forfeited to the Society. 14. The awards of the premiums will be made known as soon as the premium cards can be filled out and placed upon the tables. 15. Admission to the Autumnal Exhibition, for those who are not members of the Society, 15 cents ; children under sixteen years of age, 10 cents ; packages of five (5) tickets, 50 cents. 16. All Fruits and other articles to be designated at the time of entry, if they are to be reserved; and all fruits and other articles not so re- 1877.] RULES AND REGULATIONS. l5 served at the time of entry, will be arranged by the Committee on Friday evening at the close of the Exhibition, at 8.30 o'clock, and sold at auction for the benefit of the Society. 17. Contributors will be required to furnish the Secretary with a list of their articles. 18. " Dovvning's Fruits of America," revised edition, will guide the Committees in their decisions upon matters at issue. ^==Special Notice.— The several Committees will meet at 9 o'clock A. M., Thursday, to make their awards. Keports of the several Committees on Premiums are to be made in the Hall, on Thursday evening at 8 o'clock, and the premium cards will be placed upon articles receiving premiums immediately thereafter. 16 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1877. PREMIUMS. ^UTUMN^L EXHIBITION. APPLES. Committee. — Will. T. Harlovv, Chairman; James F. Allen, Ruf us Woodward, Samuel A. Knox, of Worcester; and John L. Brown, of Lunenhurg. i^^The Committee will meet at 9 o'clock on Thursday morning, Sep- tember 20th, to determine the awards. For the best ten Astrachan (Red) $ 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Baldwin 2(0 For the second best 1 oO For the third best. 1 00 For the best ten. Cogswell 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Duchess of Oldenburg 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best Foundling 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Golden Sweet ' 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 1877.] SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS. 17 For the best ten Gravenstein 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Holden Pippin 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Hubbardston Nonesuch 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Leicester Sweet 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Lyscom 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best. 1 00 For the best ten Maiden's Blush 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten McClellan 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Mother 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Northern Spy 2 00 For the second best 1 60 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Peck's Pleasant 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Porter 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 100 For the best ten Rhode Island G-reening 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Roxbury Russet 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Sweet Bough (Early) 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 l8 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [187T. For the best ten Sutton Beauty 2 00 For the second best *• 1 00 For the best ten Taliman's Sweet 2 (>0 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Twenty Ounce 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Washington Royal 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Washington Strawberry 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Williams' Early Red 2 00 For the second best 1 50 For the third best 1 00 The sum of $10.00 is placed at the disposal of the Committee for Gratuities for varieties not named in the list, under the same restrictions as limit Gratuities for Pears. GRAPES, PEACHES, &c. Committee— WilUam H. Earle, Chairman; Thomas M. Lamb, Chas. Goodwin, of Worcester; George Cruickshanks, of Whitinsville; and F. M. Marble, of Grafton. ^= The Committee will meet at 9 o'clock on Thursday morning, Sep- tember 20th, to determine the awards. GRAPES. For the best collection of not less than six named varieties grown under glass, two clusters of each variety SIO 00 For the second best 7 00 For the third best 5 00 Open Air.— For the best four clusters of Concord 2 00 For the best four clusters of Delaware 2 00 For the best four clusters of Diana 2 00 For the best four clusters of Hartford ProUfic 1 00 1877.] SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS. 19 For the best four clusters of lona 2 00 For the best four clusters of Rogers No. 3, (Massasoit) 2 00 For the best four clusters of Rogers No. 4, (Wilder) 2 00 For the best four clusters of Rogers No. 9, (Lindley) 2 00 For the best four clusters of Rogers No. 15, (Agawam) 2 00 For the best four clusters of Rogers No. 19, (Merrimac) 2 00 For the best four clusters of Salem 2 00 For the best four clusters of VVorden 2 00 For the best four clusters of Martha 2 00 For the best four clusters of any other named variety 2 00 For the second best four clusters of any other named variety 1 00 PEACHES. For the best collection of six named varieties, not less than ten specimens each 6 00 For the second best 4 00 For the third best 2 00 For the best three named varieties of ten specimens each 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the best one named variety of ten specimens 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten specimens of any other named variety 1 00 PLUMS. For the best collection of not less than four named varieties 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the best three varieties 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best single plate 2 00 For the second best 1 00 QUINCES. For the best ten Orange Quinces 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the best ten Quinces of any other kind 2 00 A sum not exceeding S6.00 is placed at the disposal of the Committee for Gratuities for varieties not named in the list, with the same restric- tions as on Pears. 20 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [18T7. CRAB APPLES. For the best display $ 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the best dish of twenty-four specimens of any named variety. 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best 24 Hyslop 2 00 For the best 24 Transcendent ; 2 00 PEARS. Committee — Henry L. Parker, Chairman; Henry Phelps, John C. Newton, James Draper, of Worcester; and Newell Wood, of Millhury. •^f The Committee will meet at 9 o'clock on Thursday morning, Sep- tember 20th, to determine the awards. ]^== All plates of Pears will contain ten, instead of twelve as last year. CLASS 1.— For the best ten Bartlett $ 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Belle Lucrative 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Beurre Bosc 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Beurre Clairgeau 1 00 For the best ten Beurre d'Anjou 3 (JO For the second best 2 00 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Beurre Diel 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Beurre Hardy 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Beurre Langelier 2 UO For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Beurre Superfin 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the third best 1 00 1877.] SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS. 21 For the best ten Dix 1 00 For the best ten Doyenn^ Boussoc 2 00 For the second best 1 CO For the best ten Doyennd du Cornice 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Duchesse d'Angouleme .' 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Durandeau 2 00 For the second best • 1 00 For the best ten Flemish Beauty 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Goodale 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Glou Morceau 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Howell 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Josephine de Malines 2 00 For the best ten Lawrence 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Louise Bonne de Jersey 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten Mt. Yernon 2 00 For the second best 1 OO For the best ten Marie Louise 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Onondaga 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Paradis d' Automne 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Seckel 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the third best 1 oO For the best ten Sheldon 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the third best 1 00 For the best ten St. Ghislain . 2 00 For the second best 100 22 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1877. For the best ten St. Michel 1 00 For the best ten St. Michel Archange 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Urbaniste 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best ten Vicar of Winkfield 2 00 For the second best • . 1 00 For the best ten Washington 2 00 For the second best .1 00 For the best ten Winter Nelis 3 00 For the second best. 2 00 For the third best 1(0 CLASS 2. (New Pears.) For the best ten Beurre de 1' Assomption 1 00 For the best ten Souvenir du Congr^s . . . • 1 00 For the best ten Duchesse de Bordeaux 1 00 For the best ten Dr. Reeder 1 00 For the best ten Helene Gregoire 1 OU For the best ten Huyshe's Prince Consort. 1 00 For the best ten Rutter 1 00 For the best ten Emile d' Heyst 1 00 For the best ten Doyenne Hovey 1 00 For the best ten Souvenir d' Esperen 1 00 For the best ten Gen. Todleben. 1 00 For the best ten Due de Bordeaux 1 00 For the best ten Beurre Delaunoy 1 00 A premium of $10.00 is offered for the best 15 varieties of Pears, and of S5.00 for the second best 15 varieties, by Messrs James Draper and Wm. H. Earle. The sum of $10.00 is placed at the disposal of the Committee to be used in Gratuities for varieties not mentioned in the above list, if in their judgment, the varieties are entitled to it; but in no case shall a gratuity be given to a variety named in the list, which was entered for premium and failed to get an^award. 1877.] SCHEDULE OP PREMIUMS. 23 PLANTS, FLOWERS, &c. Committee. — Samuel Flagg, Chairman ; George E. Francis, Claren- don Harris, David S. Messinger, and Henry L. Shumwa}^, of Worcester, g^="The Committee will meet at 7 o'clock on the evening of Wednes- day, September 19th, being the opening evening of the Exhibition, to determine the awards. [Rule : All Pot-Plants shall have been grown in the Pots in which they are exhibited.] ASTERS.— For the best display (one stand) S 4 00 For the second best 3 00 For the third best 2 00 For the fourth best 1 00 BASKET.— (Hanging)— For the best, grown at least one month in the basket 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the third best 1 00 BOUQUETS.— (Hand)— For the best pair. 3 00 For the second best 2 00 BOUQUETS.— (Parlor)— For the best pair 3 00 For the second best 2 00 DAHLIAS — For the best twelve named varieties 2 00 DESIGN.— (Floral)— For the best 4 00 For the second best 2 00 FLOWERS. — (Cut) — [Variety and arrangement will be consid- ered as well as rarity and quantity. For the best Collection, and best kept during the Exhibition, not exceeding three stands 6 00 For the second best 4 00 For the third best 2 CO For the best Stand 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the third best 1 00 24 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1877. For the bestarranged Baskeror Dish. 3 00 For the second best 2 00 GLADIOLUS.— For the best Collection, named or unnamed varieties 5 00 For the second]best 3 00 For the best ten named varieties 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the best specimen spike 1 00 For the best seedhng 1 00 PANSIES.— For the best display 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the third best 1 00 PINKS.— (China)— For the best display 2 00 For the second best 1 00 PETUNIAS.— For the best display 2 00 For the second best 1 00 A ERBENAS.— For the best display 3 00 For theTsecond best 2 00 For the third best 1 00 For the best display of seedUngs 2 00 STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS. PLANTS WITH ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE — For the best twelve $15 00 For the second best 8 00 For the best six 5 00 For the second best 3 00 For the best single 3 00 For the second best 1 00 PLANTS IN BLOOM.— For the best four 5 00 For the second best 3 00 For the best single 3 00 For the second best 1 00 1877.] SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS. 25 BARE AND NEW PLANTS.— For the best collection 6 00 For the second best. 4 00 FERNS AND LYCOPODS.— For the best collection 6 00 For the second best 4 00 PARLOR PLANTS IN POTS— (From Amateurs)— For the best collection, not exceeding twelve varieties 5 00 Forthe second best 3 00 For the best single Plant 2 00 For the second best 1 00 FERNERY OR WARDIAN CASE, from any source.— For the best 3 00 For the second best 1 00 VEGETABLES. Committee. — Alexander Marsh, Chairman ; Thomas R. Nurcross, J. D. Lovell, Charles Belcher, and William H. Hackett, of Worcester. g@=*All entries in this Department must be made with the Secretary before 6 o'clock P. M., on the loth day of September. And all Vegetables exhibited for premium must be in the Hall of Ceres by 4 o'clock P. M., on Wednesday, the 19th day of September. Jl^^The Committee will meet at 9 o'clock on Thursday morning, Sep- tember 20th, or sooner, if they choose, to determine the awards. BEANS.— For the best four named varieties % 1 00 BEETS.— For the best six Egyptian 1 00 For the best six Sugar 1 00 For the best six Turnip 1 00 CABBAGES.— For the best two Large Flat Brunswick 2 00 For the best single specimen 1 00 For the best two Drumhead • 2 00 26 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1877. For the second best 1 For the best two Drumhead Savoy 2 For. the best single specimen 1 For the best two early ^weinfurth 1 For the best two Red 2 For the best single specimen 1 For the best two Savoy 2 For the best single specimen 1 CARROTS.— For the^best six Early Horn or Short Scarlet 1 00 For the best six Long Orange 1 00 For the best six Intermediate 1 00 CAULIFLOWERS.— For the best three specimens 2 00 For the, best^single specimen 1 00 CELERY.— For the best six roots 3 00 For the second best 2 00 CORN.— For the^best Darling's Early Sweet For the second best For the best Stowell's Evergreen For the second best For the best Early Minnesota For the second best For the best Moore's Early Concord For the second best For the best of any other named variety For the second best CRANBERRIES.— For the best peck 1 00 CUCUMBERS.— For the best half peck for pickling 2 00 EGG PLANT — For the best three specimens 1 00 HORSE RADISH.— For the best six roots 1 00 six ears , 2 1 2 1 " 2 1 2 1 2 1 1877.] SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS. 27 MELONS.— For the best two Water 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best Green Flesh, three specimens 2 00 For the best Yellow Flesh, three specimens 2 00 ONIONS.— For the best half peck of Ked 1 00 For the best half peck of Silver Skin 1 00 For the best half peck of Yellow Danvers 1 00 For the best half peck of any other named variety 1 00 PARSNEPS.— For the best six Guernsey 1 OO For the best six Hollow Crown 1 00 POTATOES.— For the best half peck Early Rose 2 00 For the second best 1 qO For the best half peck Snowflake 2 00 For the second best 1 00 For the best half peck Dm-gin's SeedHng 2 00 For the second best 1 qO For the best half peck Extra Early Vt 2 00 For the second best 1 qO For the best half peck of any other named variety 2 00 PUMPKINS.— For the best three 2 00 For the second best 1 qo PEPPERS.— Forthe best half peck i 00 SALSIFY.— For the best six specimens 1 00 SQUASHES.— For the best three pure Crookneck , 1 oo For the best three pure Canada Crookneck. 1 oO For the best three pure Hubbard 2 00 For the best three pure Marblehead 2 00 For the best three pure Marrow. 2 00 28 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1877. For the best three pure Turban 2 00 For the best three pure Butman 2 00 TOMATOES.— For the best Canada Victor 1 00 For the best Boston Market 1 00 For the best twelve Tilden 1 00 For the best twelve of any other named variety 1 00 TURNIPS.— For the best six English or Flat, white or yellow 1 00 For the best six White Swedes 1 00 For the best twelve Yellow Swedes 1 00 1877.] SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS. 29 A. D., 1878-MARCH, SPECIAL EXHIBITION OF CHINESE AND OTHER PRIMROSES, CYCLAMENS, HYACINTHS, AND OTHER SPRING-BLOOMING PLANTS. PLANTS IN BLOOM.— For the best general display $ 5 00 For the second best general display 3 00 PRIMROSES.— For the best six in bloom 3 00 For the second best 2 00 For the best single plant 2 00 For the second best single plant 1 00 CYCLAMENS.— For the best six in bloom 3 00 For the second best six in bloom 2 00 For the best single plant 2 00 For the second best single plant 1 00 HYACINTHS.— For the best six in pots 3 00 I'or the best three in pots 1 00 For the best single specimen 1 00 ^^All articles offered for premium must remain within the Hall, dur- ing the hours of exhibition, unless special permission for their removal shall be granted by the Committee on Exhibitions, &c. E TRANSACTIONS OF THE Worcester County Horticultural Society, FOR THE YEAR 1876: COMPRISING THE REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEES AT THE ANNUAL EXHI- BITION ; THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY FOR THE YEAR 1876. 32 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. REPORTS. REPORT ON APPLES. Committee. — Wm. T. Harlow, Chairman ; James F. Allen, Rufus Woodward, Samuel A. Knox, of Worcester ; and John L. Brown, of Lunenhurg. Conspicuous among the abundant crops of the Centennial year is that of Apples. In this County this year existed the material to have made an Annual Exhibition at least the equal of that of any former year. And as regards quality, probably the apples exhibited would have borne favor- able comparison with any ever exhibited in Worcester or elsewhere. But the number of exhibitors were few, and the quantity meagre indeed, con- sidering the possibilities offered by the plenitude of the harvest. As the result of some reflection upon the neglect of apple growers of the County to exhibit their fruit at the show of this Society, your Com- mittee desire to take this opportunity to say that, in their judgment, there is a deeper reason for such neglect than has been commonly sup- posed. In view of the uncertainty of the apple crop, and the general low price of apples, the New England grower thereof hath been for some years last past rather dubiously turning over in his mind the question : What doth it profit a man to grow apples ? No New England crop is subject to such variations as that of apples — variation both of production and of market. In odd years only a nominal crop is to be expected, and to the rule that assigns an abundant yield to some years, there are such exceptions as almost to discredit the rule. And when, after many years of patient waiting (equal at least to a generation of men) for his orchard 1876.] REPORT ON APPLES. 33 to grow, at last, in alternate years, provided neither frost, nor drouth, nor insects, nor other cause patent or latent, interferes to prevent a good yield, fills his cellar and storehouses to overflowing with fruit for which there is but little market ; what wonder that the patient waiter should seriously ask himself, cui bono ? In the flush times of money and business, five to fifteen years ago, there was not a single abundant crop of apples in the 'New England States. In any one of the ten years referred to, without doubt, almost any quantity of apples might have been marketed at good prices. The crops of 1872, 1874 and 1876 have all been extraordinary large and good. That of 1872, being one year before the beginning of the general com- mercial depression that still prevails in the country, was sold at a fair profit to the grower. The crops of 1874 and 1876 have been a drug in the market. Great quantities of excellent apples, that in the fall of 1874 were offered in vain for SI per barrel, were in the spring following fed to cattle or made into cider. Commonly regarded as a luxury, rather than a necessity of life, apples are not, from motives of economy, purchased or used by many families, who would not think of retrenching at all in laying in a winter's supply of such an article as potatoes. Your Committee challenge the economy as false and unsound that treats or views apples as a mere luxury. One dollar per barrel for ajjples is forty cents a bushel, and ten cents a peck. What equivalent of food to a peck of apples can be bought for ten cents ? They are nutritious and wholesome for the young and the old, the sick an : the well. They furnish a fresh vegetable acid much needed in the economy of the human system, at a season of the year when it is obtainable Irom no other source. It is not necessary to make them into pies, sauces or dumplings, nor even that thev be baked, roasted, boiled or fried. The art of cooking, as applied to the best apples, that is, such as are large, fair, fully ripe, and neither too sour nor too sweet, is time, labor and fuel wasted. There is an old saw about apples being gold in the morning, silver at noon and lead at night, intended, doubtless, to convey the notion that it is better to eat apples a good while before going to bed. And a most false and groundless notion it is. There is no better time to eat apples, or any thing else that is fit to eat, than just before retiring to rest — pro- vided you are hungry and need to eat. It is Nature's way, and therefore the best way. All animals — and all men, too, not corrupted with the usages, traditions and crotchets of civilization — lie down and go to sleep upon a full stomach. And, unless you have so abused your digestive or- gan with artificial and unnatural cooking that its operation, even upon simple, natural and healthful food has become a painful process, and will 34 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. keep you awake or turn your sleep into a horrid nightmare, apples are to you gold at night as well as in the morning. It is a popular belief that the apple was the forbi Iden fruit of the pri- meval Eden of Hebrew tradition, and the average Bible reader will strongly maintain that the author of the book of Genesis saj-s so. The apple was, undoubtedly, one of the fruits on which primitive man sub- sisted, and is worthy to have had its origin in — paradise. But that the tirst estate of apples and men was better than their present, and that men became wise by eating them, and thereby feW, we leave to the theologians. Our creed that it is wise to eat apples is not mystical ; though time out of mind apples appear to have had some mystical connection with wis- dom. Theophrastus says apples were the food of ihe ancient sages of India. Hence the names poma sapientium and p>oina paradisiaca (French pomme de paradise,) which the botanists have given to the banana. But if there be a fruit in the world that deserves these fine names, it is the apple — the fruit we mean when we say apple. What shall be done to make growing apples pay ? That the coming man will eat apples we have no doubt. And we have just as little doubt that he will have to pay a remunerative price for them. The advent of the commg man wants for nothing so much as the diffusion of correct notions of economy — domestic as well as political oiconomia — household knowledge. The coming man will know what it is good for him and his family to eat and he and they will eat it. He will return to the primitive instincts and usages of his prehistoric ancestors, and eat food that it is natural and healthful for him to eat — of which apples were and will be at least a part. Will he drink cider ? Well, we don't pretend to know for certain, but rather guess he will — if he can afford to. But when Apples shall come to be fully appreciated as an article of food we have doubts whether it will pay to make them into cider. One of the strong points of the coming man will undoubtedly be a wise economy. To sum up the purpose of our argument we conclude that Apple growing will pay as soon as the v«lue of Apples as food is fully under- stood. Meantime, O, reader, it will certainl}^ pay you to buy apples at SI per barrel and eat them. We have awarded the following premiums : For the best ten Astrachan (Red), no entry $ 2 00 For the second best, no entry 1 .50 For the third best, no entry 1 00 For the best ten Baldwin, S. Putnam 2 00 For the second best, S. Sears 1 50 For the third best, D. B. Comins 1 00 1876.] REPORT ON APPLES. 85 For the best ten Cogswell, S. Sears 2 00 For the second best, A. Moore 1 50 For the third best, S. S. Foster 1 00 For the best ten Duchess of Oldenburg, no entry 2 00 For the second best, O. B. Hadwen 1 50 For the third best, Jos. C. Lovell, West Boylston 1 00 For the best ten Golden Sweet, no entry 2 00 For the second best, S. S. Foster 1 50 For the third best, O. B. Hadwen 1 00 For the best ten Gravenfctein, N. Wood, Millbury 2 00 For the second best, Ashley Moore 1 50 For the third best, S. Sears - 1 00 For the best ten Holden Pippin, O. B. Hadwen 2 00 For the second best, S. S. Foster 1 50 For the third best, D. S. God'lard 1 00 For the best ten Hubbardston Xonesuch, W. Y. Holman 2 00 For the second best, O. B. Hadwen 1 5i) For the third best, Cyrus White, Millbury 1 00 For the best ten Leicester Sweet, Edw. S. Howes 2 00 For the second best, S. Sears 1 50 For the third best, O. B. Hadwen 1 00 For the best ten Lyscom, N. Wood, Millbury 2 00 For the second best, A. Moore 1 50 For the third best, H. Chapin 1 00 For the best ten Maiden's Blush, Jos. Boyden 2 00 For the second best, Jos. C. Lovell, W. Boylston 1 50 For the third best, Geo. J. McCracken 1 00 For the best ten McClellan, no award 2 00 For the second best, O. B. Hadwen 1 00 For the best ten Mother, S. Sears 2 00 For the second best, S. S. Foster 1 50 For the third best, C. White, Millbury 1 00 For the best ten Northern Spy, C. T. Foster of Holden 2 00 For the second best, N. Wood, Millbury 1 50 For the third best, S. Sears 1 00 For the best ten Peck's Pleasant, S. S. Foster 2 00 For the second best, S. Sears 1 50 For the third best, H Marble of Miilbury 1 00 For the best ten Porter, C. T. Foster, Holden 2 00 For the second best, S. P. Hicks 1 50 For the third best, Isaac Mills .• 1 00 36 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. For the best ten Ehode Island Greening, E. Carter, Millbury 2 00 For the second best, A. Moore 1 50 For the third best, S. Putnam 1 00 For the best ten Roxbury Russett, I^. Wood, Millbury 2 00 For the second best, S. E. Fisher 1 50 For the third best, H. Marble, Millbury 1 00 For the best ten Sweet Bough (Early) O. B. Hadwen 2 00 For the second best, no entry 1 50 For the third best, no entry 1 00 For the best ten Tallman's Sweet, A. Davis 2 00 For the second best, N. Wood, Millbury. .• 1 50 For the third best, W. G. Maynard 1 00 For the best ten Twenty Ounce, J. Pratt 2 00 For the second best, O. B. Hadwen 1 50 For the third best, H. Marine, Millbury 1 00 For the best ten Washington Royal, O. B. Hadwen 2 00 For the second best, no award 1 50 For the third best, S. S. Foster. 1 00 For the best ten Washington Strawberry, C. T. Foster, Holden. . . 2 00 For the second best, S. S. Foster -. 1 50 For the third best, no award 1 00 For the best ten Williams' Early Red, S. S. Foster 2 00 For the second best, O. B. Hadwen, 1 50 For the third best, Edw. S. Howes 1 00 GRATUITIES.— N. Wood of Millbury, Beilefleur 1 00 Mrs. S. Shaff of Leicester, Harvey 1 00 J. Duseubury, Fall Pippin • 1 00 S. E. Fisher, Foundling 1 00 WILLIAM T. HARLOW, For the Committee on Apples. 1876.] REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, &C. 37 REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, &c. Committee.— William H. Earle, Chairman ; Thomas M. Lamb, Chas. Goodwin, of Worcester ; George Cruickshanks, of Whitinsville ; and F. M. Marble of Grafton. GKAPES. Undeii Glass. — For the best two clusters of Black Hamburg, P. L. Moen S 3 00 For the second best, W. T. Merrifield 2 00 For the third best, S. Salisbur}^ 1 00 For the best two clusters of any other named Black Grape, P. L. Moen, '' Wilmot." 2 00 For the second best, S. Salisbiny, " Trentham" 1 00 For the best two clusters of White Muscat, no award 2 CO For the second best, P. L Moen 1 00 For the best two clusters of White Frontignan, no entry 2 00 For the second best, no entry 1 00 For the best two clusters of any other named White, S. Salisbury, " White Tokay." 2 00 Fur the second best, P. L. Moen, " Cannon Hall Muscat.". . . 1 00 For the best two clusters of Grizzly Frontignan, P. L. Moen 2 00 For the second best, no award 1 uO Open At r.— For the best four clusters of Concord, F. J. Kinney. • 2 00 For the best four clusters of Delaware, Moses Church 2 00 For the best four clusters of Diana, S. J Brimhall 2 00 For the best four clusters of Hartford Prolific, William H. Earle . . 1 00 r 38 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. For the best four clusters of loua, Iloralio Phelps 2 00 For the best four clusters of Kogers No. 3, (Massasoit), no entry. . 2 00 For the best four clusters of Kogers No. 9, (Lindley), Horatio Phelps 2 00 For the best four clusters of Rogers No. 15, (Agawam), S. J. Brim- hall 2 00 For the best four clusters of Rogers No. 19, (Merrimac), F. J. Kinney 2 00 For the best four clusters of Salem, Horatio Phelps 2 00 For the best four clusters of Worden, Horatio Phelps 2- 00 PEACHES. For the best collection of six named varieties, not less ihaii ten specimens each, no entry 6 00 For the second best, no entry 4 00 For the third best, no entry 2 00 For the best three named varieties of twelve specimens each, no entry 3 00 For the second best, no entry 2 00 For the best one named variety of twelve specimens, Fred- erick Hancock, " Late Crawford " 2 00 For the second best, F. J. Kinney, '• President." 1 00 For the best twelve specimens of any other named variety, Newell Wood, "Old Mixon.". 100 PLUMS. For the best collection of not less than four named varieties, no entry 3 00 For the second best, no entry 2 00 For the best three varieties, no entry. 2 00 For the second best, no entry 1 00 For the best single plate, S. S. Foster 2 00 For the second best, no entry 1 00 QUINCES. For the best collection of not less than three varieties, no entry. . . 5 00 For the second best, no entry 3 00 For the best twelve Orange Quinces, Newell Wood 3 00 For the second best, Charles Nash 2 00 1876.] REPORT ON PLANTS, FLOWERS, LOOM.— For the best four, no award 5 00 For the second best, no award 3 00 For the best single, Mr. P. L. Moen 3 00 For the second best, no award 1 00 RARE AND NEW PLANTS.— For the best collection, Mr. Wra. T. Merrifield 6 00 For the second best, Mr. S. SaUsbury 4 00 FERNS AND LYCOPODS.— For the best collection, Mr. S. Salisbury 6 00 For the second best, Mr. Wm. T. Merrifield 4 00 PARLOR PLANTS IN POTS— (From Amateurs).— For the best collection, not exceeding twelve varieties, Mrs. T. L. Nelson 5 00 For the second best, Mrs. David Scott 3 00 For the best single plant, Mrs, T. L. Nelson 2 ()0 For the second best, Mrs. David Scott 1 00 FERNERY OR WARDIAN CASE, from any source — For the best, Mrs. T. L. Nelson 3 00 For the second best. Mrs. David Scott 1 00 GRATUITIES.— For display of Asters, Petunias, Pinks and Verbenas, Mrs. F.H.Dewey 100 For Parlor Plants and Seedling Geranium, Mrs. S. D. Ward of Shrewsbury 2 00 For Floral Design, Miss Ella Ward, Shrewsbury 1 00 For AVild Flowers, Berries and Floral Design, Miss Anne Pratt, Shrewsbury 1 00 For display of Flowers and Ice Plant, Mrs. Mowrey, Shrewsbury.. 2 00 For Fuchsia in bloom, Mrs C. L. Allen 1 00 42 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. Tor Tritoma in bloom, Mr. F. J. Kinuey 1 00 For stand of superb Zinnias, Mrs. Geo. H. Estabrook 2 00 For dish of Wild Berries and Autumn Leaves, Mrs. M. E. Woodward 1 00 For basket of Dried Ferns and Leaves, Mrs. S. E. Fisher 1 UO For vase of Dried Grasses, Miss Mary Hastings 1 00 For Hanging Basket, Mr. S. Salisbury 2 00 For Anchor of wild berries, Miss Mary Cummings Shrewsbury. 2 00 Owing to the fine display in every class of plants and flowers, the Committee found great difficulty in deciding how to award the premiums satisfactory to all contributors. Trusting, however, that all concerned will concur in our decision, we submit the above report. SAMUEL FLAGG, Chairman. KEPORT ON PEARS. Committee. — Henry L. Parker, Chairman; Henry Phelps, John C. Newton, James Draper, of Worcester ; and Newell Wood, of MUlbury. The Committee on Pears respectfully submit the following report : Although the season has not been particularly propitious, no finer fruit, as a whole, has been shown at our annual exhibitions. The Committee were inclined to attribute this to the single entry system, believing that the effect of that system is to induce more care on the part of contribu- tors in the selection of specimens. The venerable President of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, in his address before the Pomological Convention at Boston, a few years since, advanced the theory that the time was soon coming when cultiva- tors would be compelled to give to our native varieties of Pears the first rank, as being better adapted to our peculiarities of climate and soil. It is noticeable in confiimation of this theory, that at each succeeding exhi- bition our native Pears are coming to the front. It will be seen that upon the Society's list for cultivation the native pears are largely in the 1876.] REPORT ON PEARS. 43 ascendant, and the presumption is that when the revision of that Ust (so sadly needed) shall be made, they will be even more largely represented. Fruit pf rowers are recognizing this truth in regard to other varieties of fruit. Mr. J. B. Moore of Concord, who from his experience can surely speak with authority, in some late remaks upon this subject, before the Slate Board of Agriculture, says, in substance, that all seedling fruits require for their best developement the same characteristics of soil as that in which they originate — that Western seedling Strawberries will not thrive at the East — that an apple original ing in a cold, wet soil, cannot be made to do well in a dry. And, upon the subject of Pears he says that, while thirty years ago, with the exception of the Seckel, we were almost entirely dependent upon foreign varieties, now in selecting a list of fifteen, he can make at least ten of them American varieties It is gratifying, in this connection, to be able to state that this Society has, througli one of its late members, the lamented John Milton Earle, made one really valuable contribution to the list of our native Pears. This I'ear (F]arle's Bergamot) was shown at the Annual Exhibition by V. P. Townsend. It is highly flavored, aromatic, and in quality premiere. We have faith that it will prove to its originator " monumentum aere peremiius.''^ Tlie Committee have made the following award of premiums : CLASS 1.— For the best twelve Bartlett, M. O. Whittier, S 3 00 For the second best, Newell Wood 2 00 For the third best, Alfred Davis 1 00 For the best twelve Beurre Bosc, E. W. Lincoln 3 00 For the second best, Joseph Boyden 2 00 For the third best, William H. Earle 1 00 For the twelve best Beurre Clairgeau, Wm. H. Earle 1 00 For the best twelve Beurre d'Anjou, O. B. Had wen 3 GO For the second best, S. S. Foster 2 00 For the third best, Daniel Kinsley 1 00 For the best twelve Beurre Delaunoy, O. B. Hadwen 2 00 For the second best, no award 1 00 For llie best twelve Buerre Diel, H. L. Parker 2 00 For the second best, J. F. Allen 1 (.0 For the best twelve Beurre Hardy, O. B. Hadwen 1 00 For the best twelve Beurre Langelier, V. P. Townsend 2 00 For the second best, F. G. Stiles, 1 00 44 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. For the best twelve Beurre Siiperfin, Moses Church 3 00 For the second best, S. J. Brimhall 2 00 For the thiid best, James Draper 1 00 For the best twelve Dix, S. S. Foster. 1 00 For the best twelve Doyenne Boussoe, O. B. Hadwen 2 CO For the second best, Newell Wood, Millbmy 1 00 For the best twelve Doyenne du Cornice, S. S. Foster 3 00 For the second best, E. W. Lincoln 2 00 For the third best, P. L. Moen 1 00 For the best twelve Duchesse d' Angonlgme, S. P. Hicks 3 00 For the second best, D. S. Goddard 2 00 For the third best, O. B. Hadwen 1 00 For the best twelve Durandeau, James Draper 2 00 For the second best, Stephen Salisbuiy 1 0*' For the best twelve Flemish Beaut}', Mrs. Marshall Flagg 2 00. For the second best, Joseph Boyden 1 00 For the best twelve Goodale, Joseph C. Lovell, W. Boylston 2 00 For the second best, no award 1 00 For the best twelve Glou Morceau, Newell Wood 8 00 For the second best, S. S. Foster 1 00 For the best twelve Howell, Mrs. G. A. Chamberlain. . . | 2 00 For the second best, Moses Church f 1 00 For the best twelve Josephine de Malines, E. W. Lincoln 3 00 For the second best, no award 1 00 For the best twelve Lawrence, Charles T. Foster 3 00 For the second best. Wm. H. Earle 2(0 For the third best, Alfred Davis 1 00 For the best twelve Louise Bonne de Jersey, Daniel Kinsley. 3 00 For the second best, Moses Church 2 00 For the third best, Mrs. G. A. Chamberlain 1 00 For the best twelve Marie Louise, S. S. Foster 2 00 For the second best, Chas. S. Foster 1 00 For the best twelve Mt. Yernon, O. B. Hadwen 1 GO For the best twelve Onondaga, Joseph Dusenbury 2 00 For the second best, Wm. H. Earle 1 00 For the best twelve Paradis d'Automne, V. P. Townsend 2 00 For the second best, F. M. Marble 1 00 For the best twelve Seckel, Stephen Salisbury 3 00 For the second best, F. M. Marble 2 00 For the third best, Alfred Davis ICO For the best twelve Sheldon, O. B. Hadwen 3 00 1876.] REPORT ON PEARS. 45 For the second best, Wm. G. Maynard 2 00 For the tMrd best, K. K. Crane 1 00 For the best twelve St. Ghislain, Mrs. Geo. A. Chamberlain 2 00 For the second best, Newell Wood 1 00 For the best twelve St. Michel, H. Chapin 2 00 For the second best, Joseph C. Lovell 1 00 For the best twelve St. Michel Archange, Geo. M. Pierce 2 00 For the second best, O. B. Had wen 1 00 For the best twelve Urbaniste, O. 33. Hadwen 2 00 For the second best, Joseph C. Lovell 1 00 For the best twelve Vicar of Winkfield, Y. P. Townsend 2 00 For the second best, Wm. H. Earle 1 00 For the best twelve Washington, E. W. Lincoln 2 00 For the second best, no entry 1 00 For the best twelve Winter Nelis, E. W. Lincoln 3 00 For the second best, James Draper, 2 00 For the third best, Alfred Davis 1 00 For the twelve best specimens of Bem-re Bosc (Special), Wm. H. Earle • 5 00 GRATUITIES.— Joseph Pratt, Dunmore 1 00 y. P. Townsend, Earle's Bergamot 1 00 HENRY L. PARKER, Chairman. a 46 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. REPOKT ON VEGETABLES. Committee.— Alexander Marsh, Chairman ; Thomas R. Norcross, J. D. Lovell, Charles Belcher, and William H. Hackett, of Worcester. The Committee on Yegetables have attended to their duties and report as follows : There has never been a 3'ear when there was so close competition in the different lots as the present. It was almost impossible to tell exactly what we ought to do. Although ilmost unanimous in our opinions on the various lots, yet some might think we did not use our best judgment ; but we will assure you we had no favorites. There were several premiums offered for articles which were not on exhibition. There was not quite sO large a show as some previous years, owing in some measure to the ex- tremely hot weather. We must mention those most delightful Water Melons, the largest and sweetest we ever gave a premium to, and we would recommend to those wishing to improve their Melons to get some of the premium seeds. We do not think the small farmers or gardeners quite understand the present arrangements in the Hall of Ceres. There are no large collections as formerly, but it is so arranged that a person who owns a few rods of land can compete for the premiums as well as the largest farmers, and is as sure of his premiums, if he has the best Beets, Cabbages, Squashes, Onions, Beans, Potatoes, Corn, Tomatoes, or Melons, &c. Your Committee would most earnestly recommend that in future the premiums be offered and given to the best and most perfect specimens, without regard to size ; what we mean is, such as people would be most likely to bur at the market for their own use. The object is to improve the quality, instead of the large, overgrown products, which have to be fed out to the cattle to get rid of them. If an arrangement could be made whereby the articles could be on the tables by four o'clock, the Committee would have time to arrange them before the evening services begin, and very much lighten their evening's work. 1876.] REPORT ON VEGETABLES. 47 BEANS.— For the best four varieties, State Lunatic Hospital $ 1 00 BEETS.— For the best six Long Blood, P. L. Moen 1 00 For the best six Early Bassano, Samuel Putnam 1 00 For the best six Egyptian, Frank J. Kinney 1 00 For the best six Sugar, Samuel Putnam 1 00 For the best six Turnip, Sylvanus Sears 1 00 CABBAGES.— For the best two Large Flat Brunswick, State Lunatic Hospital 2 00 For the best single specimen, Simon E. Fisher 1 00 For the best two Drumhead, Simon E. Fisher 2 00 For the best single specimen Drumhead, weight not less than :]0 lbs , no entry 2 00 For the best two Drumhead Savoy, Simon E. Fisher 2 00 For the best single specimen, no entry 1 00 For the best two Early Sweinfurth, Simon E. Fisher 2 00 For the best single specimen, Simon E. Fisher 1 00 For the best two Red, State Lunatic Hospital 2 00 For the best single specimen. State Lunatic H4)spital 1 00 For the best two Savoy, Joseph Pratt 2 00 For the best single specimen, Simon E. Fisher 1 00 CARROTS.— For the best six Early Horn or Short Scarlet, Samuel Putnam 1 00 For the best six Long Orange, Stephen Salisbury 1 00 For the best six Red, no entry 100 For the best six White, Samuel Putnam 1 00 CAULIFLOWERS.— For the best three specimens, Sylvanus Sears 2 00 For the best single specimen, S. H. Allen, Shrewsbury. . . 1 00 CELERY — For the best six roots, Daniel Tainter 3 00 For the second best, P. W. McDonald 2 00 CORN.— For the best collection of Sweet, not less than five named va- rieties, Alden H. Sears 4 00 For the second best, Frank J. Kinney 3 00 48 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [ISt^. For the best six ears of Sweet, Samuel Putnam 2 00 For the second best, Sylvanus Sears 1 00 For the best Yellow or Field, of twenty ears traced, Mrs. Geo. A. Chamberlain 2 00 For the second best, F. J. Kinney 1 00 CEANBERRIES — For the best peck, no entry . 1 00 CUCUMBERS.— For the best half peck for pickling, Sylvanus Sears 2 00 EGG PLANT.— For the best three specimens, State Lunatic Hospital 1 00 HORSE RADISH.— For the best six roots, Mrs. M. E. Woodward 1 00 MELONS.— For the best two Water, Henry E. Rich 2 00 For the second best, Eben Jewett 1 00 For the best Green Flesh, three specimens, no entry 2 00 For the bestfSTellow Flesh, three specimens, no entry 2 00 ONIONS.— For the best four varieties, a half peck of each, no entry. . 3 00 For the second best, no entry 2 00 For the best half peck of Red, State Lunatic Hospital 1 00 For the best half peck of Silver Skin, P. W. McDonald 1 00 For the best half peck of White Portugal, no entry 1 Ou For the best half peck of Yellow Danvers, State Lunatic Hos- pital 100 PARSNEPS.— For the best six Guernsey, Stephen Salisbury 1 00 For the best six Hollow Crown, Ashley Moore 1 00 For the best six Student, Sylvanus Sears 1 00 For the best six Short, no entry 1 00 POTATOES.— For the best live named varieties, half a peck of each, F. J. Kinney i 6 00 For the second best, Sylvanus Sears 4 00 For the third best, Cyrus White, Millbury 3 00 1876.] REPORT ON VEGETABLES. 49 PUMPKINS.— For the best three, weight not less than 20 lbs. each, Stephen Salisbury 2 00 For the second best, Simon E. Fisher 1 GO PEPPERS.— For the best half peck, State Lunatic Hospital 1 00 SALSIFY.— For the best six specimens, P. L. Moen 1 00 SQUASHES.— For the best three pure Crookneck, no entry 2 00 For the best three pure Canada Crookneck, Simon E. Fisher.. 2 00 For the best three pure Hubbard, Isaac Mills 2 00 For the best three pure Mammoth, P. L. Moen 2 00 For the best three pure Marblehead, Simon E. Fisher 2 00 For the best three pure Marrow, Sylvanus Sears 2 00 For the best three pure Turban, Alden H. Sears 2 00 TOMATOES.— For the best Boston Market, State Lunatic Hospital 1 00 For the best twelve Lester, State Lunatic Hospital 1 00 For the best twelve Tilden, F. J. Kinney 1 00 For the best twelve Trophy, Alden H. Sears 1 00 For the best twelve of any other named variety, " Wilcott," P. L. Moen 1 00 TURNIPS.— For the best six English or Flat, white or yellow, Simon E. Fisher 1 00 For the best six White Swedes, no entry 1 00 For the best twelve Yellow Swedes, Sylvanus Sears 1 00 GRATUITIES — For Flat Dutch Cabbage, State Lunatic Hospital 1 00 For the best three pure Yokohama Squashes (offered by the Secretary), Simon E. Fisher 2 00 ALEXANDER MARSH, Chairman. 50 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN. To the Members of the Worcester County Horticultural Society: The condition of the Library is such that a lengthy report is not needed. The Librarian is sorry to say that the books and publications furnished by the Society have not been as extensively used by the members as they were last year, and he believes it to be the result of the discontinuance of our weekly meetings. It is believed that our efficient Library Committee intend to i)lace such books on our shelves as are of real value, and to furnish such publications as have the best reputation. Additions to the Library during the past official year both by purchase and donation, are as follows: Report of the Commissioner of Educatiou for 1874 ; from elohn Eaton, Commissioner. Gardening for Pleasure ; by Peter Henderson. Society. Natural History of Plants; H. Burlton. Vol. 4. Society. Twelfth Annual Report of the Board of Charity; from Hon. Edward Earle. Transactions of the California State Agricultural Society, 1874; from O. B. Hadwen. Transactions of the New York ^tate Agricultural Society, 1870. Schedule of Prices of Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 1876; from E. W. Buswell, Treasurer. Transactions of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 1875, Part 2d; from E. W. Buswell, Treasurer. Agriculture of Massachusetts, 1875 and 1876, by C. L. Flint; from O. B. Hadwen. Trees and Shrubs of Massachusetts, by George B. Emerson; 2 vols. 8vo. Society. Floral Magazine, 2 vols., 1874 and 1875, bound. Society. Journal of Horticulture, The; Vol. 25, bound; London. Society. Florist and Pomologist ; a Pictorial Monthly Magazine of Flowers, Fruits and Horticulture, conducted by R. Hogg, J. Spencer and T. Moore, 8vo. col. plates; London, 1875, bound. Society. 1876.] REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN. 51 Seventh Annual Report, State Board of Health; from the State Board of Health. Flore des Serres et des Jardins de PEurope Annales G^n^rales d'Horticul- ture. L. Yan Houtte editor and publisher. Tome 20. 8vo. ;many cuts and col. pi.; Gand Belgigur, 1874. (Still publishing.) Country Gentleman, The; Yols. 1 to 6, 1868-1872, L. Tucker & Son and J. S. Thomas, 650 engravings: from Geo. Cruickshanks. Garden, The; an Illustrated Weekly Journal of Gardening in all its branches. Founded and conducted by "Wm. Robinson, London, 1876. (Still Publishing.) Society. Gardener's Chronicle, The; 1876, folio. Society. American Agriculturist, The; Yol. 35, 1876, folio. Society. Country Gentleman. The; Yol. 41, 1876. Society. Agricultural Gazette, The; 1876, London Folio Society. Gardener's Monthly, The; Yol. 18, 8vo. Society. Yilla Gardener. The; 1876, 8vo., London. Society. Massachusetts Ploughman, The; Geo. Noyes proprietor and pubUsher, 1876, from George Noyes. It may be proper to state that the balance of the bill for Curtis' Botanical Magazine, mentioned in the Librarian's report of last year, has been cancelled, as will appear by the Treasurer's Report, $170.80 having been paid from the appropriation of the Library, and yet there is over $100 of the appropriation unexpended. Seven books and three pamphlets only, are now out, and those are in good hands. All of which is respectfully submitted. JOHN C. NEWTON, Librarian. Hall of Flora, Nov. 1st, 1876. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Secretary of the Worcester County Horticultural Society. fo The Members Of The Worcester County Horticultural Society : In his Annual Keport for 1875, your Secretary informed you that 'your co-operation has been solicited by the United States Cen- ' TENNIAL Commission. AVhat precise shape, such co-operation can ' assume, your Secretary is unable, at present, to state. It has occurred ' to him, however, that you might in the event of a discontinuance of the ' Annual Autumnal Exhibition, propose premiums for Fruits that ' have originated within the County, in amount sufficient to compel the ' production of the very best specimens. Those specimens that gained the ' premiums should become the property of the Society, to be exhibited at ' the proper time in Philadelphia. The County need not be ashamed of ' its parentage of the Holden Pippin, the Hubbardston Nonesuch; or, as ' suggested by our President, the Sterling. And, in this presence, may I ' not add also, among pears, Earle's Bergamot ? Should you conclude to ' comply with the request of the Commission, it might be well to act in ' connection with the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. A display by ' ourselves alone would be meagre, even if space could now be secured ; ' but it w^ould, doubtless, in aid of that venerable Society, help achieve ' something for the fame and name of our ancient Commonwealth." H 63 54 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY [1876. At a meeting of the Trustees, held pursuant to a special notice, the whole matter of a proper representation of the Society at the Centennial Exhibition, was referred to a Committee composed of the President, Secretary, and Treasurer, with power to act No immediate steps were taken, as none seemed urgent. But, upon a later notification from the Director-General of the Exhibition that a Pomological Display was defi- nitely assigned for a certain date, the Committee met and approved a proposition from your Secretary, to invite and hold a competitive trial of select specimens of Apples and Pears, on Wednesday, the 6th day of September, ult. ; the varieties, whether of Apples or Pears, being such as were specified in the schedule of the Society. An earnest appeal to the Pomologists of the County was also published in the newspapers of the city of Worcester, soliciting their co-operation and support. The response, although not so general as had been hoped, was, nevertheless, encouraging, and indicative of cordial sympathy. There were eighty- nine (89) plates of Apples offered, from wliich fifty-three (53) were se- lected. For the information of the members of the Society, and espec- ially for the guidance of those who shall be its officers in 1976, a list of the varieties transmitted to Philadelphia is herewith submitted. Alexander, Baldwin, Beauty of Kent, Beauty Mills', Beauty Sutton, Colvert, Chenango Strawberry, Codlin, (Dutch), Cogswell, Drap d'Or, Foundling, Gravenstein, Greening, R. I., " (Nameless), Hamburg, 2 plates, Hawthornden, Hubbardston Nonesuch, Jewett's Fine Red, King of Tompkins County, Leland's Spice, Lovell, Pippin, Holden, 2 plates, " York, " Nash, " Worcester Count}-, " Fall, Pomme Water, Porter, 2 plates , Primate, Russett, Golden, of Mass., " Sweet, 2 plates, " Roxbury, 2 plates, " Singletary, (Millbury), Spy, Northern, Spy, Worcester, (local) Sweet, Pumpkin, 2 plates, " Ramsdell's, " Leicester, (local) " Native, " Tallman, " Stockwell Winter, " Weyer, 1876.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. $5 Maiden's Blush, 2 plates, Seedling, Nash's, from Mother, "N'orthern Spy, Canada, Seedling, Salisbury's, Ounce — Twenty, Williams' Early Red. Native, (of Millbury), There were seventy-one (71) plates of Pears contributed, from which thirly-seven (37) were picked out as of sufficient excellence. With the same laudable intent of enlightening posterity, the varieties of Pears, so chosen, are also placed upon record. Bartlett, Flemish Beauty, Belle Lucrative, Goodale, Beurre d' Amanlis, ITowell, Beurre de P Assomption, Hovey — Dana's, 15eurre Clairgeau, Louise Bcnne de Jersey, 2 pi., lieurre d' Anjou, Mt. Vernon, Beurre — Golden, . Paradis d'Automne, Beurre Hardy, Seckel, Beurre Langelier, Sheldon, Colimibia, 2 plates, St. Ghislain, Des Nonnes, St. Michel, • Dix, Seedling, (Native fn^m West Doyenn^ Boussoc, Boylston), Doyenne du Comice, Washington, Duchesse, Winter Nelis. Durandeau, 2 plates, Of all these varieties of Apples and Pears, how many will be popula^' — possibly even extant — a century hence '? If the publication of these lists shall be of no other use, it may at least enable my successor, at the close of another hundred years, to point a moral, as he traces the survival of the fittest in the Pomology of his day and generation. The Massachusetts Hoeiticultural Society, with characteristic and ready courtesy, tendered us a portion of the space seasonably se- cured for its own use; and the offer was thankfully accepted. And, as it was thought best that our contribution should be sent direct from Wor- cester, Messrs. J. C. Newton and Henry Phelps were put in charge of it, to attend to its safe delivery and proper arrangement. To their energy and promptness is it owing that a gross blunder in transmission was rem- edied, at no greater cost than the personal inconvenience to which Mr. Newton, in an especial manner, subjected himself. Of that Pomological Exhibition it is hardly necessary to speak at length. It was announced as an " Exhibition of Northern Pomological 56 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. Products," but, in juxtaposition to the Apples and Pears from Connecti- cut and Massachusetts, not more than two-thirds grown, were displayed the tropical fruits of California. The great States which have sprung up so rapidly, in the vast plains that stretch from the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains, advertised themselves extensively and well. Through State organizations and Railroad Corporations, no pains were spared to proclaim the fatness of the land, so far as the cull and pick of their Fruit-crop could make the same known to advantage. That our modest contribution should reflect no discredit upon our Pomological knowledge and methods, is cf itself partial praise. That it should reward judicious examination, as was the testimony of some who knew too well to esti- mate a collection solely by its extent, may be a satisfaction to those of you who furnished the specimens, to learn. Upon one feature of this Pomological Exhibition, however, it would be impossible to enlarge in too strong terms of censure. Massachusetts, Ohio and ^ew York were wholly unrepresented upon the Committee of Judges. The exclusion of their statues from funeral processions in the decadence of Ancient Rome, but served to recall to mind even more vividly the patriots Brutus and Cassius. And who of us, in looking through the roll of those who had been selected to adjudicate upon " Noithern Pom- ological Products," could fail to note with amazement the absence of such names as John A. Warder, Patrick Barry, Charles Doavn- IXG, John J. Thomas, and, — darm et venerdbile nomen I — Marshall P. Wilder. Honesty is an indispensable qualification for a Just judge, but should not capacity also be deemed essential ? The American Po3IOlogical Society having accepted an invita- tion to a formal reception, at the hands of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Societ}', on the evening of Friday, September 2.5th, ult., and requested this Societ}' to accredit delegates thereto, the following named gentle- men were duly commissioned under our corporate seal, viz. : President William T. Merrifiekl, and Messrs. Stephen Salisbury, D. Waldo Lin- coln, J. Henry Hill, Francis H. Dewey, Alexander H. Bullock, George W. Richardson, George E. Francis, O. B. Hadwen, Edward W. Lincoln, Edward Earle, Paul Whitin John C. Newton, ]^athaniel Paine, Ste- phen Salisbury Jr., Henry Phelps, Henry L. Parker, William H. Earlo, Xewell Wood, William T. Harlow, George Cruickshanks, William W. Cook, Frank J. Kinney and Thomas M. Lamb. Owing to the occurrence of our own Annual Autumnal Exhibition, so early in the ensuing week, 3^our Secretary could not await this Reception, and has therefore no personal experience of it to relate. Other delegates, however, des- cribe it as quite as successful as could be expected, when the attractions 1876.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. 5? of the Centennial Exhibition and the inevitable fatigue of its visitors are considered. And over and beyond all — creating depression and fore- boding sadness — was the enforced absence of President Wilder, in whose illness was universal sympathy, and without whom any attempt at festivity seemed a cheerless mockery. Criticism of the Horticultural Exhibition in the halls of the Pennsylva- nia Society would be an ungracious return for an act of hospitality. But surprise may well find expression at such a meagre display, from a field so extensive and fertile. Take away the collections of Ellwanger & Barry, and of Marshall P. Wilder, from a distance ; and of two or three large cultivators from the immediate vicinity, and what remained would scarcely compare favorably with the average at our weekly exhibitions. Some fine plants were staged — the property of wealthy amateurs ; but the Floral Designs were in funereal and the worst possible taste. It would be wrong to dismiss this subject, without some acknowledge- ment of the unvarying courtesy experienced by all your delegates to Philadelphia, as attested by their common consent. Countless questions answered with unfailing civility ; direction given to distant objects of interest, at personal inconvenience, by utter strangers ; a cheerful readi- ness to oblige at all times, and everywhere ; these slight but inestimable amenities of casual intercourse could not but impress all of us, who had trusted our lives to that avarice which crowded the Sound Steamers to suffocation and answered natural remonstrance with innate boorishness. To have had even temporary acquaintance with such a people will ever be a source of pleasant memories. Such oases in life's waste are not so numerous that one can be passed without recognition. At a special meeting of the Trustees, on the 20th day of February ultimo, it was voted : " That the use of the Hall and the Library of the Society be tendered to the State Board of Agriculture, during its country meeting, which is to commence on the Fourteenth (14th) day of Novem- ber proximo." Also, voted : " That in the event of an acceptance of this invitation, there be held simultaneously, in one of the Halls of the Society, a Free Exhibition of Flowers and Fruits grown any where within the State." No reply was ever received by your Secretary, to his letter conveying your invitation. He has reason to believe, however, that it was gratefully accepted. It will therefore devolve upon this Society to adopt such measures as may commend themselves, in order to give complete effect to those votes of the Trustees. A public and social Reception, in the evening, suggests itself, whereat delegates and visitors may have an opportunity of becoming better acquainted with each other than would 58 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. be afforded in the restriction of official intercourse. And, upon all accounts, whether for public advantage or the credit of the Society, it is greatly to be desired that we should tolerate nothing, within our power to prevent, which may have even the semblance of a wish to measure or stint our proffered hospitality. These meetings of the State Board of Agriculture are always a benefit ; especially to the localities in which they are held, and which choose to profit by their opportunities for instruction. It is no argument in their disfavor that individuals may attempt their perversion into occasions for personal display : or that bores — of greater or less mitigation — exhaust a reluctant audience by the compilation and utterance of meaningless statistics or duller platitudes. There are said to be places wherein ''Angels fear to tread ; " but they are never solitudes. Let it be our privilege, separating wheat from chnff, to extract its nutriment from the oug and to disperse the other to the four winds. Let us, if we sit at the feet of Gamaliel, gather up his words of wisdom, nor reproach the sage, should his feebler disciples sometimes maunder. The property of the Society, of whatsoever nature, has been kept throughout the past year in an admirable condition. For this pleasant state of affairs, in such marked contrast to what was customary when the hall was suffered to become an object of speculation, our thanks are due to the efficiency and vigilance of our Librarian and Treasurer. Nor should it be forgotten that we have been fortunate in the character of our tenants, the prospective loss of one of whom is looked forward to with regret. It is not unlikely that improvements in Horticultural Hall may soon be required of us, alike in our own interest and in justice to the occupants of the stores upon the first floor. Competition is so active, the relation between supply and demand has become so close, that the owner whose building offers the most conveniences can command the most desirable tenants. This Society has never countenanced extortion, nor desired to take undue advantage of the necessities of those with whom it has so long sustained a pleasant connection. It will doubtless appreciate the effect upon real estate situated like our own, of the occupa- tion of the Union Railway Station, and authorize the Trustees to gratify a request which seems but reasonable, that the first floor should be better adapted to its uses. For several years past the Society has endeavored to stimulate the introduction of new varieties of Pears, by offering premiums for the fruit of specified kinds. The cost of a single tree of a new variety is very considerable, while even of scions it is by no means trifling. Besides, the cultivator is liable to be imposed upon, having palmed off upon him 1876.] REPORT OP SECRETARY. 59 spurious or worthless species. A very valuable contribution to our knowledge of varieties is furnished by that eminent orchardist, Mr. John Scott, of Merriott, Somersetshire, England, in an elaborate tabular anal- ysis of Pears which have ripened with him, upon a light, sandy loam, during the months of September and October, A. D. 1875. He remarks that only those of first-rate quality are given, adding that it was a very unpropitious year for the ripening of hardy fruits, and " Both size and " flavor are much under what they are in the average of years. All the " sorts enumerated were carefully examined, tested, and proved to be true " to name." At the risk of challenging too much of your attention, I have taken pains to collate from that table, feeling sure that, in common with myself, you will value the experience of an observer so competent, nor esteem it less because obtained without cost. Some varieties are retained, with which we are already familiar, because it is interesting to note how they thrive under the climate of England, " in a light, sandy loam." This table for October is as follows : Alexandre Lambre : Second size, rich and delicious, with a fine, honied flavor. Barry : Firstto second size, juice excessive, vinous, sugary, deliciously perfumed. Remarkably fine. Beurr(^ de 1' Assomption : First size, j uice abundant, acidulated, sugary, and highly perfumed. Remarkably fine. Beurre Bosc : Second to first size, juice excessive, refreshing, and highly perfumed. Remarkably fine. Beurre Diel : Second size, sometimes flrst-rate and often second-rate. Beurre Hardy : First size, one of our best large pears, juice abundant. Remarkably fine. Bonne d' Ezee (miscalled Brockworth Park) : First size, juice very abundant, with an exquisite flavor. Dix : First size, very juicy, rich, sugary, vinous, and perfumed. Doyenn^ (white) : Second to first size, very juicy, aromatic, savory, and delicate. Emile d' Heyst : Second size, very juicy, acidulated, and refreshing. Fondante du Comice : First size, very melting and deliciously per- fumed. Remarkably fine. Gen. Todleben : First size, a delicious, melting, and highly perfumed sort. Remarkably fine. Hovey : First size, melting, sugary, acidulated, juicy, and savory. Marechal de la Cour : First size, a delicious pear when grown on the Quince. Marie Louise : Second to first size, well known to be especially fine from a Quince double-worked. Remarkably fine. 60 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. *Orpheline d' Enghien (Glou Morceau) : Second size, very melting, juicy, siigaiy, and delicately perfumed. Eemarkably fine. Pratt : First size, melting and very delicious here. It is not so in all soils. St. Michel Archange : First size, very melting, very juicy, perfumed and sugary. Remarkably fine. Souvenir du Congr^s Pomologique : Second to first size, melting, juicy, sugary, rich, and delicious. Sheldon : Second size, very melting, juice most abundant, sugary, aromatic and delicate. Remarkably fine. Seckel : Third size, nearly, if not the most delicious of all Pears. Thompson : Second size, one of the finest Autumn Pears, delicious. Remarkably fine. Tongrds : First size, a noble and truly delicious, beautiful fruit. Re- markably fine. Mr. Scott says that the " Early Pears should have preceded the above, " but I had not proved them sufficientl}^ as they ripened. The thought " struck me after I had housed all my fruit and arranged them numeri- " cally. On looking at them I thought I might never have such another " chance of proving them : having before my eyes over 800 sorts, I at " once determined to test every one of them, and the fist sent is the best, " or what are considered the superior sorts. I tested many others, but " considered them inferior, and determined to admit only the best. I " know, however, that they will not all be best, in every kind of soil ; " and that many of those I have rejected would prove superior to some " of those enumerated." This table for November is reproduced in very limited measure : Althorpe Crassane : Second size, a delicious, hardy, English pear, that bears enormously. Belle de Noel : Second size, a delicious sort, ripe from October to January, Bezi Esperen : Second to first size, melting, very juicy, sugary and aromatic. Beurr^ Berckmans : Second size, juice excessive, with a delicious and refreshing flavor. Beurr^ Delaunoy : First size, melting and delicious, juice plentiful, with a very exquisite flavor. Beurrd Gendron : First size, melting and delicious, ripe from October to June, and resembling Chaumontel in everything but flavor. [*This Pear would be at least six weeks later in Worcester. But as the Blight bids fair to extermi- nate the variety, the date of its maturity cannot much matter.— E. W, L.] 1876.] REPORT OP SECRETARY. 61 Beurre Langelier : Second size, flesh melting, juice abundant and savory. Beurrd Phillippe Delfosse : Second size, very melting, very juicy and sugary, and highly perfumed. Doyenne du Cornice : First size. This is, in my estimation, the finest of all Pears, more especially when grown on the quince stock. Hebd : First size to very large, flesh fine and very melting, juice abun- dant, sugary, and very acidulated. I imported this splendid Pear from America in 1870. It was a seedling between Beurre Easter and Duch- esse d'Angouleme. Marshall P. Wilder : First size, flesh very melting and flne, juice ex- cessive, sugary, and deliciously perfumed. Onondaga : First size, melting, juicy and sugary, but of no great flavor. Soldat Laboureur : First size, flesh melting, juice excessive and de- liciously perfumed. Yan Mons. Leon Le Clerc : First size. One of the finest Pears in cul- tivation. Mr. Scott says that he was given "a very carefully selected list of all '* the finest November Penrs. I have many others that I felt tempted to " give a place in the list, but, having set out with a determination to " eliminate all that did not fully reach the highest grade in quality, I re- " luctantly withheld some kinds that were, by comparison, only a little " lower in the scale than those just named " He also remarks that some, in each of his fists, " will be found to ripen in the month preceding and " succeeding the periods assigned ; i. e., some of the early October sorts " will be ripe in the end of September, and some of the later kinds will " run into November." Mr. Scott has also furnished a condensed list of the choicest December Pears, as they approve themselves to him after test, upon which, in his judgment, growers may rely with confidence. Among them are the fol- lowing, more or less familiar to the members of this Society from actual experience or accredited reputation : Alexandre Lambrd : described in November list, but good also for December. Bergamotte Esperen : Second to first size, very melting, very juicy and delicious. This is, if not the best, at least one of the best Winter Pears. B^zi d'Esperen is often sold for it, but it does not keep so long. Beurrd Bachelier : First size, melting, juice excessive, sugary, deli- cate, and perfumed. Beurrd Berckmans : First size, very melting, juice excessive, refreshing and delieate. z 62 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. Beurr^ Defay : First size, melting, very juicy, sugary, vinous and delicate. Cadet de Vaux : First size meltiuir, juice excessive, rich and savory. Continues from December to March and sometimes to May. Comte de Flandres : First size extremely juicy, rich, aromatic, and exquisite. Doyenne d' AlenOon : Second size, very melting, very juicy, sugary, and aromatic. Duchesse de Bordeaux : First size, melting, very juicy, refreshing and delicate. Figue d' AlenCon : First to second size, juicy, buttery, and highly flavored. This delicious Pear requires a warm soil to bring it to per- fection. Graslin : First to second size, very meltmg, juice excessive, sugary, delicate, and perfumed. M. Decaisue says that this and B. Supertin are the same : but they are entirely different. One ripe in October, the other in December. Josephine de Malines : Second to third size, flesh very flne and melting, juice excessive, acidulated, and perfumed. A valuable Pear. Mariette de Millepieds : First size, flesh very tine and melting, juice excessive, sugary, acidulated and exquisitely flavored, in eating from December to April. A valuable Winter Pear. Passe Colmar : First to second size, flesh melting and odorif(3rous, juice excessive, very sugary, vinous and perfumed. Supreme Coloma ; First size, flesh fine and melting, juice excessive, sugary and delicate. Ripe in November and also delicious in December. These comprise but a fraction of Mr. Scott's extended list ; but they are are all regarded by him as his " best December Pears." He says that " He always deemed the late Autumn and Winter Pears to be the " most delicious ; they are richer and more aromatic than the early kinds, " which have often nothing to recommend them but their juiciness and " sweetness, although there are a good many exceptions." Mr. Scott was the first to expose and denounce the attempted fraud of the Brockworth Park. And, although it is doubtful if the tendency among ourselves to limit the list of Pears, whose culture is desirable, can or should be checked, there can be no dispute about the value of an expeiience based upon the test of a thousand varieties. It is quite likely that none of us may care to try any of the kinds just described, in a " fight sandy loam," or upon a hard clay subsoil ; but it is absolutely certain that the sum of our knowledge is just so much augmented by the volume and thorough precision of his practical observations. With each 1876.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. 153 passing year we are taught, more and more forcibly, liovv slight is the amount of our positive information. It is but a twelve-month since I confidently asked if any one had ever known the Seckel to be affected by the Blight. Individual experience has already enabled me to answer my own question in the affirmative. If then there is no variety which can be regarded as proof against disease, the main argument in favor of restricting ourselves to the kinds heretofore cultivated loses its whole force. For, in that event there is every inducement to experiment, by cross-fertilization or seedling, until all hope is destroyed; or something is obtained, whose healthy and hardy nature shall prove perfectly satisfac- tory. If the Seckel, and its like, prove untrustworthy, gone is the theory of Col. Wilder, in favor of depending hereafter upon native varieties. Nature supplies no analogy to warrant a belief in the continued immunity of a species, simply because of its nativity. During the present epideniic in Savannah the black race has not maintained its usual average exemp- tion. Are we not absolutely compelled lo fall back upon natural selection, and confessing our own helplessness, to found all our future hopes upon the survival of the fittest ? Over and beyond that are the experiments of Mr. Scott, to show what one man has accomplished, and to indicate a path in which others may profitably follow. The ravages of the Blight during the past season have been general and excessive. As already stated, the Seckel, hitherto considered invul- nerable, has succumbed, partially at least, to the attacks of this inexpli- cable disease. The Louise Bonne de .Jersey, one of the hardiest varieties under cultivation, has failed of its usual immunity. Kinds less frequently met with, because of more recent introduction, (the Beurre Superfin for example), have been, in too many instances, literally destroyed. For that is destruction which leaves but an unsightly limb or fruitless stump, after long and weary years of patient culture and hope. In the extension or communication of this disease to the Apple, strange as it will seem, may lie our only prospect of discovering a remedy. When the Orchards of the State are in vital danger, the men who have stoutly upheld the supremacy of cider, refusing to mortify the flesh of Massachusetts, may contrive to overcome the inertia of the General Court. Commissions were created, and the medical faculty seriously exercised in an effort, fortunately successful, to stamp out of existence the plague of Pleuro- pneumonia The loss of the Fruit trees alone, m the Commonwealth, would not be an insignificant item in the aggregate of its resources. But that loss would be infinitesimal when compared witn and weighed against the inappreciable value of the Fruit itself to the enjoyment and actual health of the people. The optimist will say that there is no danger ; 64 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. pointing to the enormous apple crop of the present year to support his cheerful view. But such crops are terribly exhaustive. Few young orchards are planted, and the complaint is universal that they fail to re- pay the original cost. Too often are they set out in soil from which every element essential to scrowth and fecundity was long since eliminated. Oftener than not do they betray some fatal taint of inherited disease, fatal to themselves and infecting all in immediate contiguity : and in the majority of instances they are left to struggle as best they may, without fertilization, their trunks moss-bound and swarming with insects, and with roots either water-logged or parched from careless neglect of mulch- ing. We cannot explain the mystery of their bearing fruit at all. But still less can we account for the persistency with which they yield their harvest, in defiance of such manifold obstacles. Even should the Fruit- crop never totally fail, it cannot be denied that it might be made more perfect. Kor can it be doubted that Science, assured of suitable remun- eration for its investigations, could solve most of the problems that now puzzle us, supplying remedies for disease and methods of prevention from insects. Would not such a consummation be of as great benefit to the community as the attempt, hitherto fruitless and always painful to behold, of veteran politicians to be born again ! The disappearance of the Quince from the Exhibitions of our Horti- cultural Societies grows more sadly evident with each recurring year. Some time since it was hoped that its failure might be accounted for b}'- the intense frost that heretofore swept the Cherry from existence. But young bushes succeed no better, apparently lacking vigor to endure even a moderate winter. The cherry trees have been replaced and, when let alone by the Aphlis, return a bountiful crop. But there seems to be but little constitutional vigor remaining in the Quince. It is rarely seen, save at some old farmstead, where, among weeds and under neglect, it maintains the arduous struggle for an unprofitable existence. Yet it is a fruit of exceeding value for domestic uses, aud its cultivation would doubtless repay its successful grower. At present the poorest specimens command Five Dollars per bushel. They must be Apples of unusual ex- cellence which will bring in to their ownei One Dollar per barrel. Diver- sity in the pomological harvest is as indispensable as in the other branches of Terraeculture. The planter who raised nothing but cotton became rap- idly impoverished. The orchardist, who grows apples onl}', has himself to thank for a glutted market and an empty purse. The Horticulturist has been compelled to wage fierce battle, through- out the past season, with old and new insect foes. The Canker- Worm was quite prevalent and proved constant in his devotion to the 1876.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. 6b apple aud cherry. The inhabitants of cities are personally concerned in this matter; since, in default of the cherry-tree, the Canker-Worm is evi- dently persuaded that he might go further and fair worse than upon the elm and maple. Could the General Court be induced to grant the peti- tion of the Dedham Eruit-Growers' Association; seconded and enforced as it was by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society; there might be some hope that our orchards would not annually look as though ravaged by fire. The watchful care and intervention of a competent forester, or ranger, clothed with authority to abate, upon private property, that public nuisance to whose existence the owner was indifferent; and at the expense of such owner; would supply a speedy and effectual remedy for a growing evil. But, so long as Rusticus is soothed in a morning lullaby, to a lingering nap, by the strident note of the Turdus Migratorius; fancying it the strain of an American jSTightingale ; just so long and with like reason will he tolerate or prolong all other animated existence that IS equally useless and destructive. The average Yankee will have his common school. But no law — human or divine, makes it imperative upon him to cultivate common sense: — more s the pity! In his Annual Report for 1866, your Secretary announced the slow "but " sure advance from the Western States of the Republic, of another "fearful ^tsi—Doryphora decemlincata — the ten (10) lined spearman; a " new potato-bug. This insect is said to be advancing eastward at the rate " of fifty (50) miles a year." And a hope was expressed that before it reacned our border, some easier and quicker method for its destruction might be deviled by the scientific skill and practical sagacity of our friends at the West than that of picking off by hand. And again, in 1867: — "The account from the V\^estern States of the destruction caused " by the Dorypthora decemlinacata, or ten-lined spearman, to the existence " of which insect your attention was invited in the Report of 1866, are " well calculated to awaken increased alarm among cultivators of the " potato. It is astonishing, and would be disgraceful were we authorized " from their past history to expect anything better, that our State So- " cieties and Boards of Agriculture should await, with such stolid indif- " ference, the steady appearance of this pest." These citations, if show- ing nothing else, at least demonstrate that some of the sentinels upon the watch tower of Horticulture are vigilant and keen to espy the enemy while he is yet afar off. But the Colorado Beetle has arrived, at last, although for the present calendar year only in skirmisbiug order. During the past season he was apparently occupied in surveying our defences, and strengthening his own forces, which last he has a wonderful faculty and facility for doing. And still, all that we are permitted to 66 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. hear from our institutions of learning, or men of science, when such imminent danger threatens an important interest of the Commonwealth, is that " State Entomologist (!) Packard discourages the application of " Paris Green, on the ground that it is an expensive and dangerous " poison." The entire State is excited, watching with kindly interest, or pitying curiosity, the frenzied efforts of i)olitical parties for reform within themselves. But when the material welfare of the Common- wealth is imperilled, a solitary voice is heard warning the gardener and farmer against the use of a safeguard which has approved itself efficient and innocuous. Universal experience from the Mississippi to the Hudson is contemptubusly ignored; and conceited science, as so often before — exclaims in self-complacent serenity — "So much the worse for the facts!" ** The man recovered from the hite. " The dog it was that died. " ■ The employment of White Hellebore against the Currant-Worm, Ahraxis grossulariata, was similarly discouraged. Yet man has con- tinued to dust it over his bushes; and life, not death, has been in the breath of his nostrils. Caution is demanded of us in every work of life But we cannot refrain from walking, because we might stumble and fall. Kor should we reject an experience founded upon thousands of actual tests and thoroughly justified by them all. The extreme and, if tradition can be trusted. Centennial heat to which Massachusetts was subjected during the Summer of 1876, seriously affected the products of our Gardens and Orchards. The season of early fruit was hastened by at least a week, although frequent showers in June measurably promoted and sustained the fecundity of the Strawberry. Of this, plantations had been much winter-killed, owing to the sparseness of snow ; yet a propitious Spring renovated the stools and aiforded a crop which was perhaps a fair average. But the Drought was extreme at the proper time for the Raspberry to ripen ; and some (not wholly unskilled) growers had to content themselves with pints instead of their accustomed pecks. There can be no doubt that the cultivation of the Blackberry by our members has almost wholly ceased, although the discontinuance of our Weekly Exhibitions prevents any positive test of the fact. But the competition with the peach is too much for it ; and a temperature of 106° in the shade is oppressive to the man who can only look for a ninepence pur quart. A curious fact, corroborating the observations of a few years ago, when the season was very similar, is the effect of such torrid heat upon the Pear. Some of the choicer, thinner-skinned varieties, have proved, when thoroughly matured, to be 1876.] REPORT OP SECRETARY. 67 utterly destitute of tlavor. That superb variety, the Beurrfe Bosc, proved mealy, rotted at the core, and every slight defect became a source of rapid de< ay. Aud the specimens which turned out so inferior were fully equal to the lot that was honored with your premium at the Autumnal Exhibition. The present promise of the Winter Nelis, similarly dis- tinguished, is little if any better. In the judgement of your Secretary, the earth has never entirely recov- ered from the protracted drought which necessitated our first pumping experience in this city of Worcester. Deep snows are invaluable, as compared with every other source of supply, and these have not been vouchsafed There have been sudden and violent storms ; but frost " held the fort " and the floods were compelled to find vent, sweeping before them the dehms of dams and the wreck of reputations. Mean- while evaporation is continuous, and plant and blade and tree absorb at every pore. The " candle buros at both ends." The rootlets will retain every drop that they can intercept ; the air will abstract each particle that can be subjected to the mighty attraction of the Sun. At this pres- ent writing, could we but count with certainly upon a snowy Winter, we might safely rely upon a permanent change for the better. Frost cannot effectually close a soil so loose and porous. The silent flakes cover and melt into the ground, replenishing exhausted nature in her every vein. Let us remember, if we reluct at clearing sidewalks in the crisp morn- ings, or find the drifts deep and hard to break through, that it is, after all, but the principle of gravitation which resumes its suspended be- neficence, and, if slowly, yet surely, brings apples to our grist. Some years ago, our late honored associate, John Milton Eaile, called your attention to a seedling, russet Pear, originated by himself which, with his consent, was named Earle's Bergamot. At the late Autumnal Exhibition, Mr. Velette P. Townsend, of Quhisigamond Precinct, by whom it has been assiduously cherished, placed upon our table some superior specimens. Your Secretary would not intrude upon the province of his accomplished friend, the chairman of the Pear Committee. But he cannot refrain from advising a wider dissemination of this new variety, of local origin, that it may be known if it will preserve its conceded excellence under different conditions. Should it do so, this Society may well felicitate itself upon the acquisition of a memorial of our late associate, more tangible, if less impressive than the speaking likeness which now looks dow^n upon our transactions. At a meeting of the Trustees, holdenonthe 10th of February, ult., it was voted: "That the Committee on the Library b'e instructed to pro- " cure, if attainable, an accurate likeness of Hon. Daniel Waldo, our 68 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. " earliest benefactor, and suspend the same in Horticultural Hall." Through the kindness of Mrs. Hester Wetherell, the Committee were enabled to make use of a portrait of Mr. Waldo, in her possession, which, if not all that might be desired by those familiar with the benign features of the deceased philanthropist, served as a sufficient groundwork for the very satisfactory work of art that you now behold. Many of you reahze that, but for his generous gift, you would scarcely have pos- sessed this valuable property, this Horticultural Library, Hall, and the Furniture indispensable to the use of the latter. For it was bestowed in the infancy of the Society, when a friend in need was a friend indeed. But few of you know, possibly, that he took a deep interest in the formation of the Society, recommending it when others hesitated, and affording a hearty cooperation in aid of the first timid steps. His portrait could no- where be more at home than here iu this Hall of Flora. It is my earnest trust that you will continue the practice of perpetu- ating the memory of our benefactors, so happily inaugurated Our first President would fitly grace a vacant panel with his marked lineaments. Nor let us object, should any of those who have followed him, in course, anticipate the action of the Trustees ; and, of their own accord and mu- nificence, assume their proper representation upon these walls. At a meeting of the Trustees, upon the 12th day of February, A. D., 1862, it was voted to remove the Library from the place where it had been so long accommodated, and to locate it permanentl}^ in Horticul- tural Hall. In his Annual Report for the year, dated January 8th, A. D., 1863, your Secretary made the following statement : '^ Simultaneous with the removal of the Library and its permanent lo- " cation in the Hall of the Society, a system of voluntary Weekly Exhibi- " tions of Flowers and Fruits was commenced, which has been continued " with marked success to the present day. These Exhibitions, dating " from the 27th day of February, 1862, sometimes rendered instructive "by discussions and by the statement of matured experience, were " almost invariably illustrated by the display and actual trial of a great *' variety of Fruits, whether of the better-known sorts, or of the newer " and rarer species. Our larger cultivators, from their well-stocked green- *' houses, early afforded lavish exhibitions. A Report which the Secre- *' tary, by some happy chance, was inspired to prepare for the press, first " attracted public attention ; and the visits of those not members, thus *' induced, grew more constant with the steadily augmenting value of the " Exhibitions." The interest thus* awakened was never suffered to subside. For a peri- od of fifteen years, upon each recurring Thursday, were the members of 1876.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. 69 the Society, and others inclined to Horticulture, wont to meet together in this Hall. Here, upon well-filled tables, could they find, with invari- able assurance, the thoroughly ripened specimens of our larger cultivators heaped up in bounteous profusion. Hither came Earle and Colton, Grant and Eipley, with D. Waldo and Levi Lincoln, to discuss the comparative or positive merits of varieties, and to impart the conclu- sions drawn from wide and life-long experience. At these Exhibitions did that skillful orchardist and dilligent seeker after novelties, John C. Ripley, first solicit your attention to such Pears as the Gen. Todleben and Josephine de Malines, with many others of unequal merit. And thus too were you first made acquainted with the Doyenne du Comice and Earle's Bergamot, — the latter, by the way, fast winning for itself a first- class reputation. Hither, too, came Eames, with his Worcester Spy, and Newell Wood with the Red Russett and Stockwell Winter Sweet, — each and all Apples of merit, whose introduction under 3'our auspices tended to fullfil the purposes for which your Charter was obtained, — to wit : *' Of advancing the Science, and encouraging and improving the Practice " of Horticulture." And when, in later years, the storm and passions of war had drifted, leaving tlie hamaner nature to return to that cultivation of the Earth wherefrom CincmnuLus and Washington were wrested, and to which they so gladly returned, — saviors of nascent and heroic Repub- lics,— it soon became plain that the amenities of life were not absolutely tasteless to those whose more recent walks had been among the wastes of the Cotton-plant and the Rice-field. But cities had enlarged, and towns were grown to cities. The garden and small orchard, surrendered to the carpenter and mason, yielded no longer the usual returns of Triomphe de Gand and Bartlett. Yet, in lieu of them, uprose the con- servatory and window garden ; and from the limited Eden thereby ob- tained, 1 he modern Eve, fearless of temptation and exempt from sin, culls as she likes, and as she culls, enjoys. So does the Florist succeed the Pomologist. It may well be doubted if the voluntary display of Fruit within the last few years, had sensibly diminished. But there can be no dispute that the Floral Exhibitions were augmented, to the dullest per- ception, bv the zealous contributions of ladies who were unconsciously instructing themselves in Botany, and developing its rudiments in others. To all who had the welfare of this Society at heart, no more encouraging spectacle could be offered. Frequently something served to provoke in- vestigation,— almost always a rich collection of the useful and beautiful in Nature, to challenge the attention of passing visitors. For many suc- cessive years, with monetary rewards too scanty to be considered, were these Floral Displays maintained. And the latest were the most success- ful, if we are to count for anything the multiplicity of contributors, — of whom a number exhibited a collection or design, for the first time. J 70 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. All this, — regard it as you choose, either as a school of instruction or a harmless and healthy method of enjoyment, — the Society has deliber- ately and wantonly forfeited. At an adjourned meeting of the Trustees, on the 2d of December ult., it was decided to substitute for those weekly meetings Two Monthly Exhibitions, in July and August ; a schedule of Premiums being arranged for each and admission to both being free. This plan was carried out but partially, as you are all aware. The July Exhibition was precipitated into June, to secure Strawberries and Flowers — the most desirable of which latter, Roses, were even then past redemp- tion. In August there was absolutely nothing left to exhibit. The torrid heat of an unusual Summer had parched foliage and bloom, withering alike germ and fruit. The Raspberry was an utter failure, as a crop, and itg scanty yield would have supplied but a meagre basis for a public exhibi- tion. The fact is that there are not enough persons engaged in Horticul- tural pursuits, in the vicinity of Worcester, to sustain in a proper manner an elaborate monthly exhibition. No schedule of premiums can be framed which will adapt itself to the varying scmsous. At the weekly meetings this difficulty could be effectually obviated by authorizing and directing committees to make allowance for specimens of either Flower, or Fruit, that should have been forced into premature development owing to some peculiarity of location and exposure. For two years past the inflexibility of the Rules has worked injustice. The best display of Strawberries, in several varieties, has been excluded from premium because ripened before the absolute date of the exhibition. This was especially notice- able of the Triomphe de Gand, most excellent collections of which superior berry were early developed under conditions that have been deemed wholly unfavorable. In his Report for the year 1871, Secretary Francis commented upon the error of making the whole interest of the public centre upon a single exhibition. He tersely remarks that " the unavoidable result is a certain " sameness and an old story year after year." " Can we escape the evil of monotony by changing the season of " the Annual Exhibition ? I think not ; for during no other week in " the 3'ear are the productions of our gardens and orchards so numerous " and varied. The true remedy is to magnify the other Exhibitions " during the year. I am convinced that the horticultural resources of "this vicinity would support, in a highly creditable manner, a series o*f " weekly Exhibitions on a much larger scale than now, during a " large part of the year, if only sufficient inducements were held to con- " tributors and visitors by a liberal but judicious offer of premiums, by " convenient arrangements in a pleasant room in a suitable location and " by the presence of those known to be able and willing to give infer-' 1876.] REPORT OP SECRETARY. 71 " mation upon subjects counccted with that art which our society is " organized to foster. These frequently recurring exhibitions have many " recommendations which are obvious upon the shghtest reflection ; one " of them only will be alluded to here, namely, that the Annual Exhibi- " tion would naturally be compared, not with its fac simile of the previous " year, but with the smaller and varied displays during the season." These opinions found acceptance, and for some years thereafter the policy of the Society was in accordance with them The premiums were augmented, as the means of the Society permitted, and suitable accom- modations were provided for all who chose to exhibit, in this Hall of Flora. Your Secretary does not propor^e to weary your patience by en- laigiug upon this topic. His la^^t Annual Report dwelt at length upon the advantages of the Weekly Exhibiti(ms. The positive loss enuring to the Society, as a whole, and to its individual members, from the ex- periment of their discontinuance, contirms his views. He does not be- lieve that the Schedule of 1875 can be uialerially improved, except as the increase of resources shall permit you to offer greater inducements to con- tributors. And he w*»uld earnestly recommend the adoption of that Schedule of Exhibitions and Premiums, for the Summer of 1S77, with only the necessary change of dates. In this way you may revive the inter- est of cultivators who have been alienated by a sudden, and, as they think, causeless reversal of a time-honored and prosperous policy. Thus, and thereby alone, can you regain the cooperation of ladies, whose zeal and taste, in the i)ast, have contributed so essentially to your success. The benefits of restoring and renewing the mutual intercourse between Town and County, so hardly established and so easily broken, must be plainly evident to all of you by wdiom they^were valued of yore, and to whom their loss has been a source of constant regret during the past year. The opportunity for the exhibition of new Fruits was not the least of their recommendations. Several kinds, not alone of what are technically known as "Small Fruits," but also of the larger and perhaps choicer gen- era, could have been shown in their season. Your Secretary might have learned that the Aquilegia Chrysantha, which he had purchased, was, in fact, the Aquilegia Cerulea ; and Mr. Salisbury, to whom the latter spe- cies was a novelty, would have so much sooner experienced the pleasure of beholding a handsomer variety than the Chrysantha. If there is a time for all things, what can there be better than the right time ? And of the exact date, each person must be his own judge, carefully watching development and realizing maturity, so that the obvious lesson to him- self may be fraught with precious instruction to others. The true hor- ticulturist seeks no concealment ; his ways, whether of tentation or 72 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICtJLTtJRAL SOCIETY. [1876- ichievement, are plain to all. He asks not for caveat, he solicits no patent. Strangely enough for an American, heis indifferent whether protection shall protect. But do you not owe it to him, within your own limited sphere, to aid him in every possible mode of " advancing the " science and improving the practice of Horticulture ?' Of which methods the gratuitous dissemination of precise knowledge is by no means the least. The indications of a sounder taste in matters of out-door decoration are heartily welcome. How often have we heard a sigh of regret that the English Ivy is not hardy enough to endure our climate, and that therefore^ the home-porch, or church-wall must be deprived of delicate greenery or grateful shade. Yet all the while, by every corner ancl nook, and over all our stone fences, trailed a vine incomparably its superior. That this fact is appreciated, at last, is obvious to all who chance to pass by the edifices more recently erected for public worship in this City of Worcester. England, whose zealous and skilled Florists have so devel- oped the latent possibilities of our Azalea and Rhododendron, has not found this American Climber too insigniticant to notice. The attention of all who are interested in the more perf t ct adornment of the sanctuary and the home, is invited to the following concise summar}^ of its merits : " Ampelopsis Hederacea (Virginia Creeper) : This, which is found wild " over a large portion of Canada and the United States, is a vigorous "deciduous climber — reaching sometimes heighls of from forty to fifty " feet. With large digitate leaves of a warm, green color, in early Sum- " mer, but changing in the approach of Autumn to a bright red, giving *' the plant at that season a peculiarly grand appearance, amply compen- " sating for its small, inconspicuous flowers, which, beiog of greenish *' w'hite, are not of themselves attractive. This shrub is one of the most " ornamental of hardy climbers, unrivalled for covering walls and houses, " to which it clings closel}^ and firmly with no other aid than that of its " tendrils ; and that few plants withstand the dust and smoke of " towns so well is proved by the frequency with which it is to be seen " growing and even thriving, on windows and balconies in the most " crowded thoroughfares, with no other soil than that afforded by a " shallow box, or moderate sized flower pot In order to keep it tidy, it " should be trimmed or pruned annually, the best time for the operation "being in Spring, before it begins to grow." This last suggestion of the Garden can be fully endorsed by your Secretary, from his personal observation and trial. Xo one who has not tested it can have any idea of the advantages of close pruning. Whether it would be as beneficial to the newly introduced varieties from Japan — to the Ampelopsis Veitchii — can only be learned from actual experience. But, at any rate, let us hope that this graceful and thrifty climber may shortly be made to 1876.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. 7^ conceal the myriad rocks and stumps which, far from disfiguring, would then beautify the landscape. Your Secretary is happy to congratulate you upon the success of the late Annual Autumnal Exhibition. The display was of unusual ex- cellence in many departments, and in but few was inferiority unpleas- antly evident. The arrangement of the Plants was in the happiest taste, being charmingly adapted to the form of the Hall of Pomona, and at the same time suiting the convenience of visitors. And these latter, by the way, were especially numerous. Prominent among them was His Excel- lency Gov. Rice, who was profuse of compliment, lemarking with evi- dent sincerity that he was wholly unaware that Worcester County could hold such an exhibition, and that he should have been sorry indeed had he failed to see it. Mr. A W. Cheever of the N. E Farmer, writes con- cerning it, that '• Having an hour to spare on Thursday evening, we took " a look at the bountiful collection of fruits and vegetables, and the " beautiful display of flowers and green-house plants. Of the latter,^^,the " President, Mr. Merritield, had a large collection on the tables, including " man}^ that are both rare and beautiful. The arrangement of ihe fruits " on the tables is a new one to us, but we believe is being adopted by " other Societies. Xo premiums are offered for best collections, but each " variety of fruit or flower is shown by itself, where the eye can, at a " glance, see which are the most superior. This gives the visitor a much " better opportunity to study varieties, than when they are scattered all " over the Hall. " The show of Apples is said to be one of the finest ever made by the " Society. There are some two hundred plates shown by about forty ex- " hibitors. Of Pears, tbere were three hundred plates, from over fifty " exhibitors, but of Quinces, there were but four plates shown. This " Fruit, which was formerly as cheap as Apples, seems yearly to grow " more and more difficult to cultivate successfully, and the few bushels " which are now found m our markets, bring quite extravagant prices. " The exhibition of flowers was beautiful, but far beyond our power of " description. " The Horticultural Society during its long perio . of existence, has *' done a vast amount of good to the people of Worcester and the sur- " rounding towns, by creating or stimulating a taste for improving and " beautifying the homesteads and public grounds in and around the City, " It has also encouraged the culture of Fruit and Flowers to an incalcu- " lable degree, but there is still work enough ahead, to require its influ- " ence for many a year yet to come. The great mass of people have " hardly, as yet, begun to realize the value of choice Fruits as a constant " accompaniment to the family table, or of the refining influence which 74 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTtCULTtJRAL SOCIETlT. [1876. " Flowers exert upon the mind and character, both of the young and old." The mention by Mr. Cheever of bur "system of arrangement" renders it not improper to state that the system, so happily approved by us, has commended itself to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, aud has, within the last year, been adopted by that venerable but wide-awake or- ganization. That Society has also viewed, with favor, our method of designating varieties, and compliments us by requesting specimens to be used as models. In these facts may be found some slight excuse, for those of us who, acknowledging our provincialism, yet fail to envy others of superior leisure or better fortune, whose natural rusticity has taken such dazzling lustre from a casual metropolitan intercourse. If our light was not set upon a hill, neither has our talent been hidden in a napki and buried in the ground. The imperative need of greater precisiim in Nomenclature is constant- ly claiming attention. Species are often displayed upon our tables, — not infrequently by the same grower, — which have no points of dissimilarity save the name. Among the Small Fruits, by which designation Berries of all kinds are understood to be included, this has been a source of seri- ous trouble. In his Report for 1873, your Secretary remarked upon one feature of a Summer Exhibition, that — "Too many of the lots of Currants were untrue to the accredited traits of " the alleged varieties. Thus La Versaillaise, which has no especial charac- " teristic, if not its long clusters, was misrepresented by stems bearing ''at least but five or six berries. The most experienced cultivators in- " cline strongly to the opinion that the distinction between the Cherry " and La Versaillaise is without a difference. But what if growers are '• not even careful to maintain a distinction ? So, too, of the White vari- " eties. There were displayed during the past Summer, boxes of White " Dutch, White Gondouin, and White Grape ; of very great similarity in " appearance •, and between which it would not be desirable to preserve " any line of demarcation, unless elements of superiority are more obvi "ous than was the case on the 17th of July. It is noteworthy that one " noble box of Red Dutch surpassed in size its fashionable and modern " rivals, as it notoriously does in flavor whenever and wheresoever put in " competition." Among the manifold services rendered to mankind by the Royal xlor- ticultural Society of England, in whose recent unmerited misfortunes all Horticulturists can but feel profound sympathy ; none are greater, if some have been more conspicuous, than the Experimental Trials of va- rieties of Vegetables and Fruits, instituted and carried out under its aus- pices. At one time every known kind of Potato has been collected from far and near, from the continents of Europe and America, and from the 1876. J REPORT OF SECRETARY. 75 isles of the sea, and subjected to cultivation, side by side, under the daily and close inspection of the appointed officers of the Society. Again, the different sorts of Peas, of which vegetable the fecundity in England seems something astonishing in its Protean shapes, are compelled to sub- mit to a similar ciucial test. Of course it is not expected that results thus obtained would be the same under different treatment and in dissimilar soils. But imposture is detected, and the Parity of Varieties maintained for the benefit and protection of honest gardeners. Mr. A. r. Barron, in his Report upon the Red and White Currants, fruited at Chiswick, in the Gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society, A. D. 1875, demonstrates the soundness of the position so early assumed and invariably upheld by your Secretary in his annual reports. " Names," he says, '' exist in plentiful variety, but the fruits of all the kinds are very " similar, so that it has been impossible to distinguish them. The varie- " ties may vary to some extent, as to the size of the bunches, berries, " their color, cropping qualities, &c., but as these are considerably affected "by cultivation, situation, &c., their comparative and distinctive " merits can only be ascertained when all the varieties are grown to- " gether under the same conditions, as in the present instance. The " collection, consisting of forty-five (45) reputed distinct varieties, was " got together from various quarters, and represents most of the names " to be met vvith in English nurseries, and a few of the French. Altogether " there exist about sixty (60) distinct names as applied to the Red Currant " and about fifteen to the White, so that the remainder have to be col- " lected and described." Basing the classification chiefly on the " appear- " ance of the plants, their foliage, habit of growth, &c.. which is very de- "cided, distinct, and easily to be recognized," he concludes that there" is " no means of distinguishing any of the varieties by their fruit alone." At Chiswick the Gloire des Sablons proved the same as the Gondouin. The Red Cherry turned out to be identical with La Versaillaise, as your Secretary always contended was the fact. But the neatest example of the havoc which continued and exact experiment can make with pomo- logical imposture is submitted, without abridgement, as follows : "Red Dutch: — (Synonyms — Fertile, Fertile d'Angleterre, Fertile " dTalluau, Fertile de Berlin, La Hative, Hative de Bertin, Bertin No. " 9, Belle de St. Gilles, Chenonceaux, Grosse Rouge de Bologne, Queen " Victoria, Red Grape.") "This is one of the best varieties in cultivation — a most abundant "bearer and ripening eaily. The bunches are long and the berries large, " full and juicy, of a bright red color. The plant is of a dwarf and some- '• what slender habit of growth, never attaining a large size. The leaves "broad and flat, deep green, having a sort of metallous glaucous hue, 76 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1876. " which renders it in appearance quite distinct. The synonyms here given " are all referrable to this one variety, and which is the one generally *• grown, and known in this country as the Red Dutch." How many of our own growers have been robbed of money and time by this disguise of an old favorite variety under a new and sonorous name ! The official position which he now occupies, has been held by your Secretary, with scarcely an intermission, for half a generation. Within that period the Society has undergone many changes Few remain of the familiar faces that he was accustomed to see at the Annual or Week- ly Meetings. Many have fallen like the leaves of Autumn, while others were snatched prematurely away from a happy and useful existence. Some have ceased to feel the interest in Horticulture that they experi- enced in more youthful days, leaving it to those of us, who regard it as the bounden duty of some one, to bear the burden that has been lifted from their shoulders. And, even to us the task may, at times, appear monotonous. But so is all duty, which, nevertheless, must be discharged. We can only do what lies in our power, feeling assured that no well- meant effort for the benefit of our kind is ever losi, and finding consola- tion, amid neglect or indifference, in the knowledge that no selfish or corrupt ambition has inspired or directed our labors. What aim thosQ labors should take has been suggested, even to wearisomeness, in these Reports. Their proper direction, as apparent to others, was never more clearly set forth than in the Gardener'' s Chronicle.— so long the mouth- piece and organ of the lamented Lindley :— " But apart from mere trade interests, what the Horticulturists want, " and what a Horticultural Society should supply them with, is a central " association which should promote the introduction and displa}' of new, " and of improved varieties of old Plants, whether useful or ornamental, " which should carry on independent experimental trials to test the value " of new introductions, which should undertake experimental observa- " tions in Vegetable Physiology, and other branches of Science of cardi- " nal importance to the interests of Horticulture, but which are of such a " nature that no private individual, and especially no one who has his " commercial interests to consider, could do for himself. It should keep " before the public the dignity of Horticultural pursuits, demonstrate " their importance as a branch" of experimental science, and bring home " to those who only look at matters from a £ s. d. point of view, the im-' " mense national and financial importance of Horticultural Science, when " properly directed and applied to the relief of man's estate and the en- " hancement of his nobler faculties." Which is all respectfully submitted, by EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN, HoRTicuLTUKAL. Hall, November 1, a., d., 1876. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES OF THE Worcester County Horticultural Society, FOR THE FEAR 1877. PRESIDENT. WILLIAM T. MERRIFIELD, of Worcester. VICE PRESIDENTS. STEPHEN SALISBURY, of Worcester; PHILIP L. MOEN, of Worcester ; O. B. HAD WEN, of Worcester. SECRETARY. EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN, of Worcester. LIBRARIAN AND TREASURER. JOHN CALVIN NEWTON, of Worcester. TRUSTEES (BY ELECTION). George W. Richardson, Worcester I Alexander H. Bullock, Worcester Isaac Davis, " I D. Waldo Lincoln, " George E Francis, " ' Edward Earle, " James F. Allen, " Henry Phelps, " Henr}' Woodward, " . Nathaniel Paine, Charles Richardson, Thomas A. Dawson. William T. Harlow, " | J. Henry Hill, James Draper, Edwin Conant, Samuel A. Knox, Francis H. Dewey, Stephen Salisbury, Jr. Samuel Flagg, Horatio Phelps, Stephen S. Foster, Henry L. Parker, " WiUiam H. Earle, William W. Cook, " Calvin L. Hartshorn, " Paul Whitin, Whitinsville George Cruickshanks, " Thomas M. Lamb, " Jonathan Forbush, Bolton Frank J. Kinney, " Newell Wood, Millbury Alfred Davis, " | F. M. Marble, Grafton Emory Banister. " I Jos. C. Lovell, WeM Boylston STANDING COMMITTEES. ON FINANCE. James Draper, Stephen Sahsbury, Jr., Henry Phelps. ON LIBRARY AND PUBLICATION. Edward W. Lincoln, George E. Francis, William T. Harlow. ON NOMENCLATURE. ' James F. Allen, Henry Phelps, George E. Francis, ON ARRANGEMENTS AND EXHIBITIONS. J. C. Newton, Chairman, Samuel Flagg, William H. Earle, George E. Francis, James Draper, William T. Merrifield, f*?'es. Henry L. Parker, Henry Phelps, Edward W. Lincoln, Sec^y, Nos. 5 Oak and ]« Front Streets. ^= The Autumnal Exhibition will oneiL at^ft^o'clock P. M., on Wednesday, September ^. . ^, ^optember 21st, at 8.30 o'clock P. M.