UMASS/AMHERST 312Dt.bD0S3T744fl r .;4 ^^ -^^.Vi,'^*' ^ q-L-r LIBRARY DATE DUE 1 1 UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SB 1 W9 1 857-64 TRANSACTIONS OF THE WORCESTER COUNT! HORTICULTURAL SOCIETI, FOR THE YEARS 1857 -'8,-9 -I860,- 61,-62 -'63 and 1864. EMBRACING ADDRESSES OF EX-PRESIDEXTS LIXCOLX AXD JAQUES, ALSO OF PRESIDEXT HILL, TOGETHER WITH THE REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEES OF -THE SOCIETY, AND THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE SEC- RETARY AND LIBRARIAN FOR 1862, '63 AND '64. ■ Also, • A CATALOGUE OF THE LIBRARY, A ROLL OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY, THE BY-LAWS, AND A LIST OF FRUITS RECOM- MENDED FOR LOCAL CULTURE. From EDWARD W. LmCOLN", Secretary WORCESTER: PRINTED BY EDWARD R. FISKE, Opposite Foster Street Depot. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSEnS AMHERST, MASS. 6 3 2.. 6 4 OFFICERS AND STANDING COMMITTEES The Worcester County Horticultural Society, FOR I 8 65 - PRESIDENT : J. HENRY HILL, of Worcester. VICE PRESIDENTS : PAUL WHITIN, of Whitinsville ; JOHN MILTON EARLE, of Worcester FRANCIS H. DEWEY, of Worcester. SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN: EDWARD W. LINCOLN, of Worcester. TREASURER : FREDERICK W. PAINE, of Worcester. TRUSTEES: Worcester. Samuel P. Champney, Stephen Salisbury, George Jaques, Wtn. T. Merrifield, Edwin Draper, Samuel H. Colton, Emory Banister, John C. Ripley, Edward C. Stebbins, Henry Woodward, Ivers Phillips, Thomas W. Ward, Jonathan D. Wheeler Saundersville. Worcester. D. Waldo Lincoln, Edward Earle, " Benjamin Butman, " William N. Green, " William Workman, " Jonathan Grout, " Obadiah B. Hadwen, *' Henry Phelps, " George A. Chamberlain, " Shrewsbury. J. Frank. Allen, " Grafton. Harvey Dodge, Wilkinsonville. Josiah L. Woodward, Millbury. auditors: SAMUEL H. COLTON, EMORY BANISTER, Worcester. STAivDiivG c:o3im;ittedes. On Horticultural Hall. — D. Waldo Lincoln, Edwin Draper, 0. B. Hadwen. On Publication and Liljrarii. — President, J. Henz-y Hill ; Secretary and Librarian, Edward W. Lincoln ; Jonathan Grout. On Synonymes. — John Milton Earle, Samuel H. Colton, D. Waldo Lincoln. OJ" Arrangements. — Edwin Draper, Chairman ; The President and Secretary, ex-officio ; Henry Phelps, Jonathan Grout, 0. B. Hadwen, Emory Banister, Joseph Lovell. On Apples. — Stephen S. Foster, Chairman ; Samuel H. Colton, J. Frank. Allen, Rufus Woodward, of Worcester; Newell Wood, of Millbury; Samuel A. Knox, of Grafton. On Flowers. Plants, d'r. — Charles A. Chase, Chairman ; James L. Burbank, George Chandler, D. S. Messenger, of Worcester; and Jonathan D. Wheeler, of Grafton. On Grapes, Peaches, d'c. — George Jaques, Chairman ; John Milton Earle. Benjamin Butman, Edward S. Stebbins, John C. Ripley, of VA'orcester; and Paul Whitin, of Whitinsville. On Pears. — George F. Hoar, Chairman ; Henry Phelps, F. H. Dewey, Edward Earle, and D. Waldo Lincoln, of Worcester. On Vegetables. — Edwin Conant, Chairman ; Stephen Salisbury ; Oliver K. Earle, Thomas R. Norcross, James Green, Josiah L. Woodward, of Worcester. S^^The Annual Autumnal Exhibition will be held on the 19th, 20th, '21st and 22d of September, commencing at 6 P. M., on the 19th. PREFACE At tlie Annual Meeting of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, holdeu on the fourth day of January, A. D. 1865, the Committee on Publication were instructed to collect and publish the Transactions of the Society from the year 1857 to the date of the meeting. This task, delegated by the Committee to the Secretary, does not appear to require an elaborate Introduction or Preface. All that it would seem indispensable to state is, that owing to the lapse of time and the indifference of Chairmen of Committees, and, quite possibly, other causes now inexplicable, many Reports are wholly lost. Such is the case unfortunately, with the entire series for 1858. All that remained to be done, to remedy this misfoi'tune, so far as practicable, was to transcribe the lists of Premiums awarded, from the columns of the daily press, in which they had happily been preserved. The courtesy of the proprietors of the Spy and Transcript is cordially acknowledged. But the fact that the Society is indebted to the files of newspapers, to complete a gap in the issue of its Transactions, is of itself conclusive evidence that the action at the Annual Meeting was neither inexpedient nor premature. That the publication involves considerable expense is an objection which would be urged with equal force against the very existence of the Society. The aim of the Society, as approved by the Committee, has been to include all the matter that bore directly upon the professed design of the Society. It is believed that nothing has been excluded from these transactions that could tend, however remotely, to increase the knowledge and promote the science of Horticulture within the County of Worcester, so far as the written contribu- tions of our Members rendered such end attainable. Horticultural Hall, February 1865. GENERAL INDEX. Page. OflScers of the Society for 1865, 2 Preface, 3 Report on Apples, for 1857, 5 " " Flowers, &c., for 1857, 7 " " Peaches, &c., for 1857, 8 " " Pears, for 1857, 9 " " Vegetables, for 1857, 13 " " Apples, for 1858, 14 " " Flowers, &c., for 1858, 14 " " (irapes. Peaches, &c., for 1858, 15 " " Pears, for 1858, 16 " " Vegetables, for 1868, 17 Address of D. Waldo Lincoln, President, 1859, 18 Report on Apples, for 1859, 21 " " Flowers, &o., for 1859, 22 " " Grapes, Peaches, 00 For the third best, to Timothy K. Earle, of Worcester, 2 00 For the best six varieties of not less than five specimens each, to Jonathan Grout, of Worcester, .'{ 00 For the second best, to George M. Rice, of Worcester, 2 00 For the third best, to George T. Rice, of Worcester, 1 00 For the best eight specimens of Autumn Pears of one variety, to Stephen Salisbury, of Worcester, 2 00 For the second best, to Charles C. Coleman, of Worcester, 1 50 For the third best, to Martin Stowe, of Worcester, 1 00 For the best eight specimens of Winter Pears of one variety, to James F. Allen, of Worcester, 2 00 For the second best, to Charles Johnson, of Westborough, 1 50 For the third best, to F. A. Eldred, of Worcester, 1 00 There were but two lots on exhibition, the extent and variety of which would entitle them to consideration for the premiums for the largest and best collec- tions. Of these, one of fifty-four varieties, large and well-grown, belonged to the President of the Society, (D. Waldo Lincoln), and the other, of sixty-two varieties, to the Chairman of the Committee on Pears, (J. Milton Earle). Owing to these official positions, both these gentlemen declined to be compet- itors for premiums, which were therefore withheld. 1858.] REPORT ON VEGETABLES. 17 REPORT ON VEGETABLES. Levi Lixcolx, Chairman: F. H. Dewey, Darius Rice, Johx S. Ballard, Marshall Flagg, William M. Chase, Worcester. Vegetables. — For the largest and best collection, to Samuel P. Champ- ney, of Worcestei", SG 00 For the second best, to William M. Chase, of Worcester, 5 00 For the third best, to Samuel H. Colton, of Worcester, 4 00 For the fourth best, to Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, .3 00 For the best collection of Potatoes, to Joel Knapp, of Sutton, 3 00 For the second best, to Samuel P. Champney of Worcester, 2 00 For the third best, to S. M. Lovering, of Worcester, 1 00 For the best three pure Canada Crook-neck Squashes, no award,... 2 00 For the best three Marrow Squashes, to George G. Burbank, of Worcester, 2 00 For the best three Hubbard Squashes, to S. G. Osgood, of Whitins- ville, 2 00 For the best three mammoth Squashes, James Green, of Worceste'", 2 00 For the best Winter Squashes of any other variety, to Jonathan Grout, of Worcester, 1 00 Celery. — For the best three roots of Celery, no award, 1 00 Cabbages. — For the best three Savoy Cabbages, to Isaac Mills, of Wor- cester, 1 00 For the best three heads of any other variety, to Ashley Moore, of Worcester, 1 00 Cauliflowers. — For the best three Cauliflowers, no award, 2 00 PuMPKixs. — For the best three Pumpkins, no award, 1 00 Turnips. — For the best collection of Turnips, no award, 1 00 Beets. — For the best table Beets not less than one peck, to George G. Burbank, of Worcester, 1 00 Sweet Corn. — For the best Sweet Corn not less than twelve ears, to Isaac Mills, of Worcester, 1 00 18 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1859. A-DDRESS OF D. WALDO LINCOLN, President. Delivered at the Annual Exhibition., 1859 ; in Review of his Official Term, and in farther Notification of his Intention to Retire from the Presidency of the Society. — Wdh a List of Pears by him recommended for Culture. Ladies and Gextlemex of the Worcester County Horticultural Society : I liave the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success which has attended another of your exhibitions. Although, in some of the depart- ments, owing, in part, to an unfavorable season, and partly to the severe gale which took place a few weeks ago, and which destroyed so much of our best fruit, the exhibition falls below the standard of former years, taken as a whole, it quite equals any former exhibition of the Society. One feature of the exhi- bition must strike every visitor. And, although it may be somewhat flattering to our local pride, no one can regard it otherwise than as unfavorable to the interest of the Society, and the cause of pomology in our county. In reading the accounts of some of the town exhibitions, we see that fifty and more varieties of Apples are frequently shown by a single individual, a number equal to that exhibited by our most extensive orchardists. This Society should offer premiums sufficient to induce cultivators in every part of the county to bring their choicest fruit here. The labor of collecting specimens from large orchards, the expense attending its conveyance, and the additional fact that most of this fruit is given to the Society and sold for its benefit, often realizing an amount greater than the premiums bestowed upon it, are reasons why special encouragement should be given to this, our most valuable fruit. The Pears, like the fast horses in the Agricultural Society, will take care of them- selves. I recommend to the Trustees to consider whether it is not for the interest of the Society that, in addition to the premiums for apples now offered, premiums liberal in amount and number, should be given to competitors within the county, but not belonging to the city of Worcester. In this connection, I 1850.] president's address. 19 have pleasure in stating what may not be generally known, that by a resolve of the Legislature, the sum of !|ii8,000 has been appropriated for the republication of the very valuable work ou "Insects Injurious to Vegetation," by the late Dr. Harris ; and that fifteen copies of the work are to be given to each incor- porated Agricultural and Horticultural Society in the State, to be distributed in premiums. The work will be beautifully illustrated, with colored engrav- ings, and will probably be printed in season to be distributed at our next Annual Exhibition. The cost of the work will be three dollars a copy. The financial condition of the Society has much improved during' the year. The Treasurer has been able lo pay, during the last six months, out of our income from rents, the sum of four hundred dollars towards the debt of the Society, and will be able to pay a like sum before the expiration of the present financial year. The debt of the Society is $10,080. Its property is this Hall, the large amount of furniture contained in it, and the very valuable library of the Society. Within the year, the hall has been leased to the Worcester Light Infantry for an armory for the sum of five hundred dollars a year, an arrange- ment which it is hoped and expected will be beneficial to both parties. The building is now fully occupied by permanent and responsible tenants, and will not probably require any large expenditure in repairs for a long time. In taking leave of the Society, at the present time, as its presiding officer, agree- ably to that principle of rotation which should be observed at proper periods, in all public associations, I take the opportunity, which I may not have again in so favorable a manner, to state in a very few words the results alike of my observations here, and of my experience of many years, in that particular branch of horticulture to which I have paid more particular attention. Three years ago, my own orchard contained upwards of two hundred varie- ties of pears, most of which at various times have fruited. One hundred of these have since that time been swept off my grounds, leaving fifty more to follow as soon as the process of regrafting can be conveniently accomplished. Below this number, I do not deem it expedient, in a large collection, to fall, and beyond it no one can go, with any hope of an adequate return. Fortunately, there are individuals enough, who, from public spirit, or the love of the thing, are desirous to test all the new kinds that may from time to time appear. They should certainly receive every reasonable encouragement from societies like this. But it is not a practice that can be generally recommended. About ten years ago, the then most distinguished pomologist in the Massachusetts Horticultural Society read to me an extract from a letter from the celebrated Mr. Rivers, of England, recommending, in the strongest manner, the cultiva- tion of a particular pear as one that would supplant every other ni the market. I had never tasted the fruit, but, following such adviee, I cut off the heads of my Fultons, Bonne de Jersey, and other good pears, and grafted with the new variety. Since then I have had to re-engraft every tree, and have been com- pelled to discard the Colmar d'Areraberg as entirely unworthy of cultivation. Many such instances could be given in the experience of every extensive cultivator. Many things are to be considered in selecting the varieties of pears, 20 AVORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1850. if the cultivator would not be disappointed. Beauty, size, productiveness, ease of ripening, of keeping, hardiness of the tree, are each of almost equal importance with the quality of the fruit. And while tliere are so many varie- ties that combine in themselves all or nearly ail these merits, he is very unwise who is satisfied with those which possess only a portion of them, and especially, as it is very often the case, with such as have only a single good quality. In preparing the ground for a pear orchard, the only truly economical method is to thoroughly trench the whole soil to a depth of two feet, under- draining where necessary, manuring liberally, and planting close together, with a view to thin out, by transplanting or cutting away hereafter. The importance of shelter, not merely to keep the fruit from being blown off by the wind, but for the protection and encouragement of the tree through the winter and spring months is not at all appreciated. Where the grounds are exposed to the northwest winds they should be effectually sheltered from them by. the erection of fences, buildings, or by planting belts and hedges of hardy evergreens. Of stimulants, nothing I have ever used has produced such results, according to the cost, as the superphosphate of lime. It should be stated, however, that before applying it, I ascertained by a chemical analysis of my soil, that it was deficient in those ingredients in which this manure is particularly rich. But any manure will answer, provided you use enough of it. With such preparation of the soil, and with a judicious selection of varieties, the pear will succeed as well or better on the Quince, as upon its own stock, and upou either will be one of the most profitable ci-ops that can be grown. These suggestions I make, not as the things I do, but rather as the lessons that after twenty years' experience I have learned. If it will not be considered as overstepping the proprieties of my position, I will venture to name twelve varieties of pears, which are of such excellence, of such easy culture, so sure to ripen, in short that combine so many of the proper- ties that are essential to a perfect fruit, that no person who feels interest enough to plant the tree, can well fail of a satisfactory return in the fruit. There are undoubtedly a very i'ew of the newer varieties equal to those in the list, but they have not yet been proved beyond a doubt in this vicinity. Many other varieties of excellent quality have some faults ; are late in coming into bearing, difficult to ripen, liable to crack, ordinary in appearance, feeble growers, or, ripening at the same time, are inferior in quality to the kinds enumerated. The following are twelve varieties I should recommend. Beginning with these there will be no failure or disappointment, and the list can be extended at pleasure: Rostiezer, Belle Lucrative, Fulton, Beurre Bosc, Doyenne Bous- sock, L. B. de Jersey, Bartlett, Flemish Beauty, Seckel, Winter Nelis, Beurre d'Aujou, Duchcsse. 1859.] REPORT ON APPLES. 21 REPORT ON APPLES. Georoe Chandler, Worcester, Chairman; George A. Chamberlain, Worcester; T. R. Norcross, Shrewsbury; Edward Earle, D. S. Messen- ger, Worcester. To the President and Memhers of the Worcester County Horticultural So- ciety. The Committee on Apples respectfully report, that they have attended to their duty as well as the time and their other duties would allow. The Chair- man first received notice of his appointment at the close of the second day of the Exhibition. This must be his apology for any seeming neglect to notice the contributions of any one. The season has been unusually unfavorable to the growth and perfection of the apple in this County, and, indeed, throughout New England. The flower- ing was scanty in the spring, and the apples that set were badly attacked by insects, and stinted in their growth by the drought in the summer. These truths are too plainly manifest in the market, if not on our tables, although we have some specimens here that show the bounty of Heaven and the skill of their cultivators, notwithstanding all untoward circumstances. The number of con- tributors, as entered on the books, is only thirty-four, and the number of plates of apples three hundred and six, against ninety-two contributors with their nine hundred and sixteen plates last year. Since the organization of this Society, whether as a result of its operations, I would not say, but the fact is nevertheless ti'ue, that the price of the apple has increased, the demand has increased, the quality has increased and the quantity has increased. The Committee award " for the largest and best collection :" The first premium, for his 46 plates of Apples, to Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, SO 00 The second, for his 15 plates of Apples — specimens that would any year be pronounced excellent — to S. S. Foster, of Worcester,.... 5 00 They were the best, but not the largest of the large collections. The third premium is awarded to L. B. Hapgood, of Shrewsbury,... 4 00 And the fourth for his, the largest collection, 50 plates of Apples, thereby manifesting his most laudable desire to gratify your wishes by adding of his abundance to the show, to George A. Chamber- lain, of Worcester, 3 00 For the premiums for the best six varieties of not less than eight specimens each, the Committee, with no little distrust in their decision, award the first to Joseph Allen, of Northborough, 3 00 The second to Samuel D. Ward, of Shrewsbury, 2 00 And the third to Isaac Mills, of Worcester, 1 00 Of the premiums " for the eight best specimens of Autumn Apples of one variety, the first was by acclamation awarded, for his boun- tiful plate of large, fair, translucent Porters, to Charles Johnson, of Northborough, 2 00 4 22 AVORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1851t. The second to Benjamin F. Spoff'onl, of" AVorcestor, for his Hiih- bardston Nonsuch, 1 50 And the third, for his " Pomme Royale," to George A. Trumbull, of Worcester, 1 00 The Committee did not see any one specimen of Winter Apples so much preferable to several others of the same variety -and of such quality " as to merit the bounty of the Society " as to induce them to make any awards under the fourth class of Apples. But to Mr. Joseph Lovell, Jr., of Worcester, they recommend a gratuity of $1.00 for his plates of Leland Spice and for his plate of Hubbardston Nonsuch. There are other contributors who have added greatly to the success of the Exhibition, and the Committee desire to make most honorable mention of them and of their fruits. J. L. Woodward, of Millbury, has on our tables nine plates of Apples, very fair for this unpropitiousyear; L. Winter, of Millbury, contributed six plates of fruit; Oliver S. Kendall, of Boylston, one plate of Porters ; and, from Worcester, Jonas Hartshorn sent in eight plates of good Apples ; William B. Fox, twenty- one plates ; George Jaques, three plates ; Joel Knapp, thirteen plates ; Mrs. H. Wheeler, five plates; E. Conant, seven plates of good specimens; S. Salis- bury, some good and handsome varieties ; Hon. Levi Lincoln contributed some choice kinds ; William S. Lincoln, four plates ; D. B. Comins, two plates ; E. Dorr, two plates, and there were several others of our citizens who con- tributed one plate each of Apples from their store. Among them was Edward Earle, who sent in a plate of large striped apples — the Michigan Apple — one of the very best, in his opinion, for cooking. As he is one of this Committee, this notice is taken of his apple to pay him for his services rendered on the Committee. For the Committee, GEORGE CHANDLER. Worcester, September 29, 1859. REPORT ON FLOWERS, &c., &c. John D. Washburx, Worcester, Chairman; James L. Burbank, William M. Chase, Sai-em Copeland, Worcester; George F. Chandler, Lancaster. The Committee on Flowers awarded the following list of premiums : Cut Flowers. — For largest and best display, to Mrs. A. D. Foster, $.3 00 For second best, to Miss Fanny M. Lincoln, 2 00 For third best, to Mr. W. B. Fox, 1 00 Green House Plants. — For best display, to AVm. T. Merrlfield, 5 00 For second best, to W. A. Wheeler, 2 00 Bouquets. — For best display, to Arba Pierce, 2 00 For second best, to W. A. Wheeler, 1 00 Gratuity to Miss H. H. Warren, of Grafton, 1 00 1859.] IIEPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, ETC. 23 Floral Desigxs. — For best display, to Mrs. S. D. Ward, of Shrewsbury, 4 00 Gratuity to Dr. S. Flagg, 1 00 Dahlias. — For best display, to H. Stoddard, of Upton, 1 00 Asters. — To James L. Burbank, 1 00 Roses. — For best display, to W. A. Wheeler, 1 00 Gratuities. — For basket of Flowers, to Mrs. Edwin Morse, 1 00 For two large Bouquets, to Miss Mary Fitch, 1 00 For Cut Flowers, to Mrs. E. Earle, 1 00 For Gladiolus and others, to Mrs. M. B. Green, 1 00 For Roses and Stocks, to Jonathan Grout, 1 00 For Asters and Dahlias, to Mrs. B. S. Tainter, 1 00 For Wax Flowers, to Miss Angelina Phillips, of Shrewsbury, 1 00 For Basket, to Mrs. C. E. Brooks, 50 For Flowers, to Miss H. Wheeler, .50 JOHN D. WASHBURN, Chairman. REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, &c. Francis H. Dewey, Worcester, Chairman; William Workman, John C. Ripley, Worcester; Asa H. Waters, Millbury; Jonathan Grout, Wor- cester. This Committee has usually been styled the Committee on Peaches and other Fruits, undoubtedly because Peaches were regarded as the leading fruit for the examination of this Committee, but alas for the change that has come, over us. In 1852 there were fifty different contributors of Peaches ; this year the Committee looked and wished in vain for a single peach whereon to feast their eyes. They would have promised not to taste, had any fortunate pos- sessor ventured it on the table. The cold weather of last winter had done its work, and not one survived to tell the tale ; but let us not be discouraged, though the yellows kill our trees and the cold destroys our fruit-buds, we cannot give up our peaches — the beautiful, luscious peach — though it be as coy of its crimson cheeks, as the blushing maiden, we must persevere until we gain the prize, seven of which this year remain uncalled for in the Society's Treasury. (Of course we mean the premiums — not the maidens.) And next we sought the Plum, the smooth-faced sister of the Peach ; but, oh ! what a falling off was there. In 1852, J. M. Earle, Esq., exhibited twenty-one varieties, besides numerous other contributors of a less number. This year Coe's Golden Drop stood forth in solitary grandeur, and to Timothy R. Green, of Worcester, for the largest, best and only collection the Commit- tee-awarded $2.00. Though we sorrowed at our loss of the Peaches and Plums, yet with our sorrow, mingled joy as we turned and contemplated the large and attractive offerings of Grapes, and the pleasures of the arduous duty of tasting and thus testing their comparative excellence. 24 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1850. John C. Whitin, of Xorthbridge, exhibited fifteen varieties of Grapes grown under glass, and to him was awarded the first premium for the largest and best collection, S4.00. F. W. Hunt, of East Douglas, a new contributor, exhibited seven varieties, two clusters of which attracted great attention, the Palestine and Muscat Zunal, on account of the enormous size of the clusters. The Committee think Mr. Hunt has reason to be proud of his success and hope to hear from him again. The Committee awarded to him the second premium. George M. Rice, of Worcester, exhibited five varieties of Grapes grown under glass. Three of the varieties were raised in pots, a mode of cultivation which might be advantageously extended, as but small space is occupied, and the appearance of the vine and fruit is ornamental, at the same time the pleas- ure of a good crop is secured. The Committee awarded to him the premium for the third best collection, $2.00. Hon. B. F. Thomas, of Worcester, exhibited some very superior bunches of Black Hamburg, for which the Committee recommend a gratuity of $2.00. The Committee would hope another year to see a large number of contribu- tors of Grapes raised under glass. The exhibition of Native Grapes was confined to the Diana, Concord, Isa. bella, Hartford Prolific, and Northern Muscadine, together with two or three Seedlings, not equal to any of the above-named. The only Diana was from John C. Whitin. The bunches were full and fruit ripe, and flavor superior to the other varieties. The excellence of this grape should lead to its more extensive cultivation. Isabellas were exhibited by T. K. Earle, Edwin Draper and Isaac Davis. The fruit was well ripened. Of the Concord Grape there were ten contributors, showing that more atten- tion has been paid in this vicinity to its cultivation than to the other new varie- ties. The bunches were large, the grapes of good size and well ripened. As to its quality, compared with the other native varieties, there was a difference of opinion among the Committee. The Hartford Prolific were exhibited by Ichabod Washburn and Jonathan Grout. Those exhibited by Mr. Grout were very superior, and would have, as well as his Concord, been fairly entitled to a premium, in the opinion of the Committee, but he modestly entered them only for exhibition. The Northern Muscadine were exhibited by Henry Phelps, S. V. Stone and Joseph Lovell, Jr. The new seedlings exhibited were not, in the opinion of the Committee, worthy of cultivation, in comparison with the kinds above named. The Committee awarded the premiums as follows : For best specimens of Isabella or Diana Grapes, to John C. Whitin, for his Diana, !3^2 00 For second best, T. K. Earle, (Isabella), 1 50 For third best, to Edwin Draper, (Isabella), 1 00 For best specimen of other Native Grapes, to Geo. W. Estabrook. of.43rafton, (Concord), 2 00 1859.] REPORT ON PEARS. 25 To Joseph Lovell, Jr., (Concord), gratuity, 1 00 E. L. Brigham, for Concord, gratuity, 1 00 Gratuity to Henry Phelps', for his Northern Muscadine, 1 00 QuiycES. — For the best collection, to W. B. Fox, 2 00 Second best, to Benjamin Butman, .^..'.. 1 00 Among the articles examined by the Committee was some Cherry Wine, exhibited by Edward Earle, of the vintage of 1852-'53-'58, which, being duly tested, was highly commended. The Committee learned that some of the other Committees on Fruit had acted upon the idea that this did not come within their jurisdiction — a most erroneous opinion, certainly; for, tracing it to its source, all the Wines are the prerogative of this Committee, leaving to our friends of the Apple Committee, their Cider. Sylvanus Sears exhibited some Grape Wine, not equal to Mr. Earle's Cherry. Considering that a large quantity of pure Wine is now manufactured from our native grapes in this County, the Committee regretted the Society was not favored with further specimens, as they would with pleasui-e have commended its use in preference to that of foreign adulterations. ^Vith the other native varieties there was a difference of opinion among the Committee. A basket of Wax Fruit, exhibited by Mrs. Goddard seemed so excellent an imitation of the original that the Committee recommend a gratuity of $1.00. FRANCIS H. DEWEY, Chairman. REPORT ON PEARS. Alexander H. Bullock, Worcester, Chairman; Benjamin Botman, Henry Phelps, Worcester; Jonathan D. Wheeler, Grafton; Emory Banister, Worcester. The displav of Pears, at all times a most important feature in the exhibi- tions of this Society, occupies at this time, perhaps, a disproportionately large share of our tables, by reason of the entire absence of Peaches and a marked deficiency of Apples. The Committee have collected from the Society's books the following facts, showing the number of contributors of Pears, and the number of plates con- tributed, in a term of seven years : Year. No. OF Contributors. 96 No. OF Plates. 1863 604 1854 81 824 1855 115 925 1856 71 685 1857 85 800 1858 76 528 1859 57 777 26 -WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1850. It will be perceived that while the number of plates contributed for the present show is handsomely above the average of the seven years, the number of contributors is considerably below that average, being the smallest recorded in the period designated. The Committee deem this circumstance a cause of regret, worthy of mention, and demanding the attention of all the members of the Society who cultivate this fruit. As some of the larger growers increase their varieties, it is to be hoped that those, who. for any reason, have but few varieties, will not fall away from our exhibitions. The owner of a single tree mjiy be as useful to the public by his single specimen, as the contributor of twenty varieties of inferior cultivation. Upon the tables of this exhibition, in several instances, the very best illustrations of quality and cultivation have been found in the contributions of those who had but one or two plates to offer. The Committee earnestly appeal to all who cultivate the Pear, to an extent however limited, not to be deterred from offering their fruit at the annual exhi- bitions by any considerations having reference to the probabilities or improba- bilities of commanding a premium. Of the fifty-seven contributors at this year's show, thirty in number, or more than one-half, have brought in more than ten varieties each. This proportion should be changed. Let the larger growers come in, each year, witli their extended catalogues ; but we desire to see, also, a greater number of those who can present only one or three or five specimens. It is by such practice and such observance that the benefits of Pear culture are to be most widely diffused. The market demand for the Pear never presented a higher stimulant to increase and improve cultivation than it now does. Experience and observa- tion demonstrate that the supply of luxurious fruits is not likely for the next ten or twenty years, if ever, to correspond to the demand. The demand rests upon tastes, which, the more frequently they are gratified, the more frequently clamor. Probably there is no cultivation in this community which can be made to bring back such large pecuniary reward as that of good varieties of Pears. A member of this Society states that he was solicited by a fruit-seller in New York to furnish a barrel of one of our varieties, and to receive thirty dollars in return — the interest of five hundred dollars. Another member sent a bushel, not one of the best varieties, to Boston, expecting to be paid in lump or gross, and found his return computed at the rate of six cents for each pear ; upon which the retail dealer probably doubled, at least, for his own profit. And it may be doubted whether this consideration of compensation should be addressed solely to the sterner sex. There is not a woman, capable of super- intending a pansy or a violet, who may not, within the next five years, by petting and cherishing from one to five dwarf Pears, receive a largely disproportionate pecuniary reward ; not having, in the meantime, suffered any detriment to her lungs, or complexion, or sensiljilities. If, going beyond the inducements of the market, we regard fruit culture in its relations to social progress and individual taste, there is so much that might be said — and yet all so obvious — that the Committee refrain from the attempt. The better argument is the annual illustration which our exhibitions present of 1859.] REPORT ON PEARS. 27 study and enthusiasm in this department. The Committee could only wish, further than this, and in the same connection, that others might have witnessed, as they did, the intensity of the Pear sentiment, as displayed yesterday by a veteran member of the Society, when expatiating upon the virtues and the charms of one of the finest of modern historical Pears— the Doyenne' du Cornice. And he was right. Every department in the value of labor has its own stimulants ; and there is as truly good sense in spending time and thought to bring out a new Pear as for the recovery of the track of a lost star, or the discovery of a new one ; the Committee, however, leaving the question of degree to be adjusted between the astronomer and the contributor of more than an hundred varieties of Pears to our tables. Before proceeding to award the premiums, the Committee deem it an act of justice to the President of the Society, Mr. D. W. Lincoln, to allude to the large collection of eighty-one varieties contributed by him for exhibition, but not for premium, comprising the choicest kinds and specimens of very superior quality and growth. They must have commanded the attention of all visitors to the Hall. The following list of premiums, adjudged by the Committee, contains the final result of their labors : For the largest and best collection of not less than three specimens each, the first premium, to John Milton Earle, $5 00 For the second largest do., do., the second premium, to Jonathan Grout, 4 00 For the twenty best varieties of not less than five specimens each, the first premium to George T. Rice, 5 00 For the second best twenty do., do., the next premium, to Ichabod Washburn, 4 00 For the best ten varieties of not less than five specimens each, the first premium, to Benjamin Butman, 4 00 For the second best do., do., do., the next premium, to Timothy K. Earle, 3 00 For the third best do., do., the third premium, to Edward Earle,.... 2 00 For the best six varieties of not less than five specimens each, the first premium, to Edwin Draper, 3 00 For the second best six do., do., the next premium, to Geo. M. Rice, 2 00 For the third best six do., do., the third premium, to Stephen Taft, 1 00 For the best eight specimens of Autumn Pears of one variety, the first premium, to F. M. Marble, of Grafton, (Flemish Beauty,)... 2 00 For the second best eight do., do., the next premium, to E. L. Brigham, (Beurre Bosc), 1 50 For the third best eight do., do., the third premium, to John C. Whitin, of Northbridge, (Beurre d'Anjou), 1 00 For the best eight specimens of Winter Pears of one variety, the first premium, to Alex. Marsh, (Easter Beurre), 2 00 For the second best eight do., do., the next premium, to E. S. Steb- bins, (Winter Nelis), 1 50 28 "WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1859. For the third best eight do., do., the third premium, to S. P. MiUer, ((iiout Morceau), 1 00 The Committee ask leave to make special mention of the i'oHowing contribu- tions to the tables of very superior specimens : B. F. Thomas, the Dix and Bosc; S. H. Colton, the Andrews; 0. B. Hadwen, the St. Michael; Isaac Mills, the Seckel ; Henry Phelps, the St. Michael ; Fitzroy Willard, the Brown Beurre; Stephen S. Foster, the Beurre Clairgeau. All which is respectfully submitted, per order of the Committee, A. H. BULLOCK, Chairman. Worcester, September 29, 1859. REPORT ON VEGETABLES. Thomas H. Gage, Worcester, Chairman; Horace Leland, Sutton ; Marshall Flagg, Joseph Lovell, Jr., Darius Rice, Worcester. Your Committee having attended to the duty assigned them, and having examined thoroughly the specimens on exhibition in the department of Veg- etables, take occasion to congratulate the Society upon the renewed evidence of Horticultural interest and improvement which the present exhibition affords ; nothing unworthy of favorable mention has been offered ; and it has been found no easy task to decide the question of relative merit, where everything has seemed so nearly the " best of its kind." While fewer than usual of what may be called " fancy " products of the garden have been presented, the display of the staple and substantial has been fully equal to that of any previous year. No one who has attentively watched from year to year the progressive improve- ment in the culture of vegetables, as evinced by these exhibitions, or the effort made to try, develop, and perfect new varieties, can fail to see how much that is useful is to be attributed to the spirit of emulation and generous rivalry which is stimulated by a judicious distribution of premiums. And yet, we may suggest that it is by no means in this aspect of economy alone that the action of your Society, in awarding its bounty, and encouraging these autumnal fairs, commends itself to our favorable notice ; for incidental to this, and not among the least of its benefits, is the opportunity thus afforded the confined inhabitants of the city to refresh, from time to time, their knowledge of the country, and witness, in their primitive beauty and excellence, the products of the soil. To the exliibition of the present year three hundred and eight contributions are made, by thirty-seven different individuals ; and your Committee recom- mend the award of premiums, as follows : Vegetables. — For the largest and best collection, to S. P. Champney, of Grafton, $6 00 For next largest and best, to William B. Fox, of Worcester, 5 00 1859.] REPORT ON VEGETABLES. 29 For second largest and best, to Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, 4 00 For third largest and best, to S. H. Colton, of Worcester, 3 00 Potatoes. — For the largest and best collection, to C. W. Gleason, of Holden, ?, 00 For second largest and best, to S. P. Chanipney, of Grafton, 2 00 For third largest and best, to Joel Knapp, of Sutton, 1 00 Squashes. — For Canada Crook-neck Squashes we recommend no award, as the only specimen e.xhibited is deemed unworthy of the premium offered. For three best Marrow Squashes, to Geo. G. Burbank, of Worcester, 2 00 For three best Hubbard do., to Jona. Warren, of Grafton, 2 00 For three best mammoth do., to Jas. Green, of Worcester, 2 00 For three best Winter Squashes of any other variety, to Henry B. Osgood, of Whitinsville, for his specimen of the Honolulu Squash, raised from Sandwich Island seed, 1 00 Celery. ^For the best three roots of Celery, to James Apperson, of Worcester, 1 00 Cabbages. — For the three best Savoy Cabbages we propose no j)remium, as the only specimens on exhibition have already received the considera- tion to which they are entitled, as parts of the second and third largest and best general collections. For the thi-ee best heads of any other variety, we recommend that the premium be awarded, to Charles Nash, of Worcester, for his specimens of the Winningstadt Cabbage, 1 00 Cauliflowers. — For three best Cauliflowers, to John C. Whitin, of Whitinsville, 2 00 Pumpkin's. — For the three best Pumpkins, to Isaac Mills, of Worcester, 1 00 Turnips. — For the best collection of Turnips, to Isaac Mills, of Wor- cester, 1 00 Beets. — For best table Beets, to Charles Nash, of Worcester, 1 00 Sweet Corx. — For best Sweet Corn, to Joseph Lovell, Jr., of Worces- ter, 1 00 We recommend that the following gratuities be awarded : For specimens of the Chinese Yam, to Ichabod Washburn, of Wor- cester, 1 00 For one Mammoth Squash, weighing one hundred and fiftv-six pounds, to A. Peaslee, of Worcester, 1 00 Your Committee regret that they are unable to do more than make favorable mention of many other contributions to the exhibition, but as their action in awarding premiums is limited, it only remains for them to bestow a word of commendation upon a few, at least, of the many specimens which are not included in the premium list. A very fine specimen of Spring Wheat, perfectly clean, and of plump, handsome kernel, is presented by F. M. Inman, of Milford ; the crop from which it was taken averaging thirty-six and four-sevenths bushels to the acre. 5 30 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, [1859. Several specimens of the Kohl Rabi are on exhibition, and that offered l)y James Apperson, of Worcester, seems entitled to especial notice. The Onions presented by Darius Rice, of Worcester, are perhaps the best among many excellent specimens. Of Tomatoes, Carrots, and Parsnips, there are many specimens, all of them of great excellence, and among the first we notice more particularly, for their perfection, the contributions of William B. Fox, of Worcester. D. B. Harrington, of Millbury, presents a stalk of the Tobacco plant, which, by its luxuriant growth, would certainly indicate that the "weed'' "takes kindly" to our soil. Respectfully submitted, THOMAS H. GAGE, Chairman. I860,] KEPORT ON APPLES. 31 ANNUAL EXHIBITION, 1860. REPORT ON APPLES. RuFUs Woodward, Chairman ; Edwin Coxant, George X. Chamberlain, 0. E. Hadwen, of Worcester: T. A. Norcross, of Shrewsbury. The Report of the Committee on Apples ciinnot be found. But the l^py of Oct. 5, 1860, states that it was read by the Chairman, Dr. Rufus Woodward, who called attention to the superiority of the display of Apples that year, remarking- that it was the largest and finest ever exhibited upon the tables of the Society, especially superior to the display of 1858 in point of culture. " There are now a number of fine new varieties, and the number of plates is 930, while in 1858 there were but 916 plates, of kinds chiefly old.'" The fol- lowing are the awards : Apples. — For the largest and best collection, to Josiah L. Woodward, of Millbury, who had 39 valuable varieties, $6 00 For the second best, to William B. Fox, of Worcester, who had 34 varieties, 5 00 For the third best, to Josiah G. Stone, of Shrewsbury, who had 26 varieties, 4 00 For the fourth best, to Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, who had 23 varieties, Harris' Report. For the best six varieties of not less than eight specimens each, to 0. B. Hadwen, of Worcester, Harris' Report. For the second best, to Stephen S. Foster, of Worcester, 2 00 For the third best, to George A. Chamberlain, of Worcester, 1 00 For the eight best specimens of Autumn Apples of one variety, to Isaac Mills, of Worcester, (Gravenstein), Harris' Report. For the second best, to Timothy K. Earle, of Worcester, (Porter), 1 50 For the third best, to D. B. Comins, of Worcester, (Mother), 1 00 For the best specimen of Winter Apples of one variety, to Jonas Hartshorn, of Worcester, (Baldwin), 2 00 For the second best, to H. K. Potter, of Grafton, (R. I. Greening), 1 50 For the third best, to George H. Rich, of Worcester, (Roxbury Rus- set), 1 00 Gratuities. — For Tompkins* County King, to Jonas Hartshorn, of Worcester, 1 00 For Lelaud's Spice, to Joseph Lovell, Jr., of Worcester, I 00 For Northern Spy, to F. M. Marble, of Grafton, 1 00 32 WORCESTER COU^'TY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [18G0. REPORT OX FLOWERS, &c., &r. PiCKtRiXG Dodge, Worcester, Ckairinan ; Asa H. Watkks, Millhnrv ; J. E. BcKBAXK, R. L. Hawes, S. Copei,axi), Worcester. The Committee, to whom was assigned the duty of awarding premiums on Flowers, &c., at the Annual PLxhibition, submit the following report: In consequence of the severe frost on thi'ee consecutive mornings, the 20th and 30th of September, and the Ist of the present month, when the thormom- eter indicated 25°, and in one locality 22° of Fahrenheit, the exhibition of Garden Flowers, in comparison with former seasons, was very limited. Mr. W. T. Merrifield contributed a very beautiful and very interesting collec- tion of Green House Plants, numbering sixty-four varieties, comprising Bego- nias, Lycopodiums, Cissus discolor, &c. ; Mr. S. Salisbury contributed twenty -five pots of Green House Plants, comprising Begonias, Jessamins, Fuschias, &c. ; Mrs. F. Douglas, a potted Scarlet Lily, beautifully in blossom ; Mi;. William A. Wheeler, a potted plant of the Hoya, generally called Wax Plant ; a vase of Gladioli was presented by Mrs. M. B. Green ; a vase of Asters, by Mr. H. S. Tainter ; baskets and vases of Cut Flowers, by Mi's. S. D. Ward, of Shrews- bury; by Mrs. W. S. Wood, by Misses Fox, Messenger, Lincoln, Hadwen, and Allen, also by Messrs. Wheeler, Pierce and Tainter. Mr. D. Waldo Lincoln exhibited the leaf and bud of the Victoria Regia lily. The only artistically arranged ornamental decoration for the tables was fur- nished by Mrs. S. D. Ward, of Shrewsbury, a very appropriately modeled and very chaste flower-wreathed " Temple of Flora," which did not fail to attract the attention and command the admiration of all who have an eye for the beautiful and effective in the combination of art and nature. In enumerating the contributions, your Committee advert, with much pleas- ure and gratification, to the ornamental decorations of the hall, consisting of wreaths festooned, and garlands, for which we are indebted to the good taste and industry of our fellow-citizen, Mr. Arba Pierce. In accordance with the list of premir.nis proposed by the Society, your Com- mittee would award them, as follows : Cut Flowers. — For the largest and best display, to Miss Fox,... Harris' Report. For the second best, to Miss Fanny Lincoln, i?2 00 For the third best, to Miss Nellie Messenger, 1 00 Green House Plants. — For the best display, to Mr. \V. T. Merrifield, 5 00 For the second best, to Mr. S. Salisbury, Harris' Report. Bouquets. — For the best ])uir, suitable for the parlor, to Mr. Arba Pierce, 2 00 F^or the second best, to Miss Lizzie Allen, 1 00 Floral Design. — For the best, to Mrs. S. D. Ward, of Shrewsbury,.... 4 00 Asters. — For the best display, to Mr. H. S. Tainter, 1 00 PICKERING DODGE, Chairman. Woiiueste;i, October 4, I8ij0. I860.] REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, ETC. 33 REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, &c., &c. Stephen Salisbury, Chairman ; William Workman, Benjamin Butman, George T. Rice, Worcester; Asa H. Allen. Shrewsbury. The Committee on Grapes, Peaches and " other fruits," respectfully report, that in this class the number of contributors is 47, and the number of varie- ties is 148. Of Peaches there are 19 offerings ; of Plums, 15 •, of Grapes, 94 ; of Quinces, 1 1 ; and of other fruits, 9. It is the melancholy duty of the Committee to ask the particular attention of the Society to the specimens presented of the most delicious of all fruits, the Peach ; and first, thanks must be offered to the contributors, who, under the discouragements of an unpropitious season, with extraordinary public spirit, have offered the Peaches on your tables, which, as in case of some other far- mers' families, are more excellent in their pedigree than in themselves. In justice to the skillful cultivators and as a guide to others, the names of the vari- eties to which premiums are given will be mentioned. In the past summer the prevalence of rains and the infrequency of sunshine, which injured the flavor of other fruits, have been generally ruinous to the Peach. The disease called the Yellows has continued its destructive course, and it is still a mystery to the most skillful observers of vegetable life. The late Dr. Thaddeus Harris and Miss Morris of Germantown, Pa., two of the best authorities on the subject, concur in the opinion that the Yellows is a disorder of the circulation, and not the injury of insects. Miss Morris says that the disease may be produced by insects, as by any any other cause which impairs the health of a tree ; but when she imputed it to particular insects, as the Tomicus liminaris, Dr. Harris replied that he had seen the disease where that insect was not found. It will not probably be doubted that in vegetable, as in animal life, noxious parasites are always more abundant when health decays, and it may be observed that the treatment commonly adopted lor the removal of the Yellows is the same that is i-ecommeuded for the mysterious and terrible disease with the terrible name, the Pleuropneumonia Epizootica, the actually cutting off. For human subjects, this practice has the authority of some of our Aborigines and of some of the old nations ; but it is hoped that the Medical Commissioners will not introduce it into our homes. Miss Morris recommends steeping the soil with mineral salts, as alum, nitre and common salt, as a means of promoting the health of Peach trees, because in the vicinity of Baltimore, where these salts abound in the soil, the Peach is cultivated with great success. That the soil of Baltimore has no exemption from the Yellows is proved by accounts of cutting down trees there for its removal. It is known that the application of these salts is useful for Peaches and Plums, and it is used in Western New York for the cure and prevention of this disease. The Comn^.ittee award : Peaches. — For the largest and best collection, to H. K. Potter, of Graf- ton, for his seven varieties, viz : Late Crawford, Yellow Malaco- ton. Red Cheek Malacoton, Coolidge's Favorite, Seedling, Craw- ford, Jaques' Rareripe, the first premium, .^4 00 34 WOIlCESTEll COl•^■TY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1860. For the second largest do., do., the second premium, to Josiali G. Stone, of Shrewsbury, for his two varieties, viz : Late Crawford and Oldinixon, Harris' Report. For the third largest do., do., tlic third premium, to 0. B. Iladwen, of Worcester, for his four varieties, viz : Seedling, Late Craw- ford, MoiTis White and Late Rareripe, 2 00 For the fourth largest do., do., the fourth premium, to Lyman Pierce, of West Boylston, for his two varieties, viz : Late Crawford and Seedling Blood Peach, 1 00 The Committee decided that no dish having twelve specimens of one variety of Peaches deserved a premium, but they consider a dish of six Peaches, not named, pre.sented by Henry W. Miller, of Worcester, and a dish of six Peaches, without name, presented by E. C. Simmons, of Worcester, are worthy of com- mendation. The Plum requires the climate, soil and culture most favorable to the Peach, and it has experienced the injurious effect of the past season. The specimens of Plums offered are not of the best character. Plums. — For the largest and best collection, the first premium, to Wm. N. Green, of Worcester, for his six varieties, viz : Coe's Golden Drop. Green Gage, Purple Gage, Bruce's Imperial Gage, Royal Native and JeS'erson Plum, 2 00 For the best dish of twelve specimens of one variety, to Anthony Chase, of Woi'cester, the second premium, for his Coe's Golden Drop Plums, 1 50 For the second best dish of twelve specimens of one variety, pre- mium to Miss Rockwood, of Worcester, for her Coe's Golden Drop, 1 00 Quinces. — For the best collection, to Benjamin Butman, of Worcester, for his Orange Quinces, 2 00 For the second best collection, to William B. Fox, for his Orange Quinces and Pear Quinces, 1 00 And the Committee consider that the thin skinned and well-ripened Orange Quinces presented by Charles Brigbain, of Grafton, are worthy of commenda- tion. Grapes. — For the largest and best collection grown under glass, to D. Waldo Lincoln, for his fourteen vaiMCties, viz : Black Hamburgh, lilack Prince, Zinfindal, Black Frontignac, Grisly Frontignac, White Frontignac, White Chasselas, Muscat of Alexandria, Royal Muscadine, Golden Chasselas, Wilmot's Black Hamburgh, Chas- selas Muscadine, Victoria Hamburgh, Chasselas du BacSurAube, $4 00 For second best, to George M. Rice, for his twelve varieties, viz ; Black Hamburgh, Wilmot's No. 15, Black St. Peters, Zinfindal, Grisly Frontignac, Escolata Muscat, Golden Chasselas, Sweet Water, Chasselas of Fontainbleau, Ro^-al Muscadine, Early White, and Chasselas Bac Sur Aube, Harris' Report. I860.] REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, ETC. 35 For third largest and best, to Win. A. Wheeler, for his seven varie- ties, viz : Black Hamburgh, A'ietoria Hamburgh, Wilmot's Black Hamburgh, Royal Muscadine, Chasselas Mosque, Syrian, Grisly Front ignac, 2 00 William B. Fox offered, under this class, four excellent plates, viz : Muscat of Alexandria, Black Hamburgh, Grisly Frontignac and Sweet Water, which deserve honorable mention. For best specimens of Isabella or Diana Grapes, to John C. Whitin, of Whitinsville, for his Diana, Harris" Report. For second best, to Wm. H. Thurston, of Oxford, (Isabella), I 50 For third best, to E. D. Batchelder, of North Brookfield, (Isabella), 1 00 For best specimen of Native Grape, Concord Grape, Hartford Pro- lific, or any other variety not inferior to the foregoing, to S. V. Stone, of Worcester, for bis Northern Muscadine, 2 00 The Committee make honorable mention of a large dish of Concord Grapes, and a large dish of Hartford Prolific Grapes, presented by Jonathan Grout, of Worcester, and a large dish of Hartford Prolific Grapes, by John C. Ripley, of Worcester. The variety on your tables is enlarged by the exhibition of a jar of preserved Lawton Blackberries, by I. S. Pike, and specimens of the rare fruit of the Pyrus Japonica, by Edward Earle, of Worcester. Believing that ornament is the highest ntility of this beautiful shrub, vour Committee recommend its use in an ornamental hedge in a warm sheltered exposure. A single specimen of a new Melon, called Anderson's Pine Apple Melon, was exhibited, but it was over-ripe, and not a fair specimen. This Melon is desir- able for is delicacy and flavor, and especially for its freedom from the enduring taste in the mouth, which in some Melons, as in Cabbage, and some other lux- uries, remind us unpleasantly of the beautiful sentiment of the poet: "Joy's recollection is not always joy." To those who look sadly at the transitory character of the luxuries on 3'our tables it must be agreeable to take notice that A. F. Hall, of Feltonville, ex- hibited four jars, containing severally. Apples, Pears, Peaches and Green Corn, preserved in a fluid, certified by Dr. Charles T. Jackson to be "effectual in preventing fermentation or decay," which Mr. Hall is ready to sell. And finally, to make perfect your supply of all that can tempt the appetite or gratify the taste, Mrs. Charles E. Simmons exhibited two jars of choice Sweet Pickles. All which is respectfully submitted by direction of the Committee, S. SALISBURY, Chairman. 30 WOllCESTER COUN'TY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [18(30. REPORT OX PEARS. Georgk Jaques, Chairman; Joiix Milton Earle, D.Waldo Lincoln, John C. Ripley, Jonathan Grout. In respectfully submitting their report, the Committee would congratulate the Society on the extent and excellence of" the display of fruit which it was their especial province to examine. Compared with that of any of the twenty preceding years, the Pear Department of the Annual Exhibition of 1860, was larger in the number of the contributions, choicer in the value of the varieties, and richer in the size and beauty of the specimens. What is still more grat- ifying, is the fact that this, the finest and most select show of Pears ever seen in New England outside of Boston, was entirely the product of this city and of nine or ten towns in the immediate vicinity. The following Httlc tabular comparison, extending back eight years, will give an idea of the progress which has been made hereabouts in tlie cultiva- tion of this amateur fruit of the Northern States : Year. No. OF Contributors. <)0 No. OF Plates. 1863 604 1854 81 826 1855 115 925 1856 71 685 1857 85 800 1858 76 528 1859 57 777 1860 79 1002 The average for the eight years is 82 contributors and 768 contributions. The size of the best single.specimen of each of the leading vai'ieties, at the recent exhibition, as compared with the size of such specimens last year, is shown in the following table, which was carefully prepared by Mr. Lincoln, a member of the Committee : Wciijht in 1859. '60. 07.. 07,. Andrews, 6A 7i Beurre d' Anjou, 10 11^ " Clairgeau 12i 14i " Gris d' Hiver, 7A 10 " Montgeron, 5 6J " Bosc, 8 9V " Diet, lli 15 " Langelier, 5 SJ Belle Lucrative, 8 lOA Buffuiu, 5 5J Doyenne du Cornice, 6i llj " Boussock, 9 14 Weujht in 1859. '60. 07,. OZ. Duchesse, 12 13i Easter Beurre, 7 10 Fulton 4 5 Flemish Beauty, 12 13 Gansel's Bergamot, 5 7i Glout Morceau, 9 12i Henry IV 41 5 Paradise d'Automne, 5 6i Seckel, ;U 4f St. Michael, 6 6| Urbaniste, 9 10 Winter Nelis, 5i 5J Three varieties, only, of acknowledged merit, were exhibited this year, that were inferior to the specimens in 1859, viz : Duchesse of Orleans, Sheldon and Zephyrin Gregoire. The following is the weight of a few other leading varieties, exhibited this year, of which no specimens were shown in 1859 worthy of particular notice. Several of them have probably seldom, if ever, been surpassed : I860,] REPORT ON PEARS. 3T Bartlett, 12 oz. Beurre Nantais, 8J oz. Beiirre Snperfin 13^ oz. Dix, 9 Lawrence, 6i oz. Marie Louise, 8j oz. Swan's Orange, 14i oz. Sieulle, 9J oz. St. Michael Arehange, 7^ oz. This certainly very remarkable increase in weight — an average of two ounces apiece in twenty-four specimens of as many varieties — is chiefly to'^be attributed, no doubt, to a very favorable season ; still, much also must be claimed for a gradual improvement in the modes of cultivation, of which we every year have new evidences. Our limits permitting, it would thus be easy to show how these exhibitions have served as a horticultural school, to diffuse in the short period of twenty years, a greater amount of valuable information on fruit culture, than would proba- bly have been obtained from other sources in a century. The Committee having had considerable experience in the cultivation of the Pear, it will not be deemed inappropriate for them to mention, in a general way, what they consider to be essential to the production of fine specimens of this noble fruit. These are : 1st. Deep, generous tillage; by which is meant a trenching and manuring of the soil from one and a half to three feet deep. In other countries, where labor is cheaper and fruit dearer than they are here, this work is often extended to a depth of four feet, receiving a profitable return, even from so small a fruit-bearing plant as the strawberry. It is from a want of such cultivation that the finest pear trees taken from our nurseries often die or come to nothing. They have " no deepness of earth," — " no root " — and, as a natural conse- quence, they share the fate of the wasted seed of the parable. As to the particular soils best suited to particular varieties of the fruit under consideration, our present limits do not admit of any specifications. 2d. Cultivation or Mulching of the surface, around the trees, for a distance equal, at least, to the drip of their branches. But especial care should be taken to avoid the slightest bruising of the roots, and the mulch must not be so thick and heavy as to smother them. 3d. Under-drainage, wherever the sub-soil is of a retentive nature. But all covered drains, whether of tiles or stones, should not be less than three feet deep, nor less than six or eight feet distant from the trunks of the trees ; for many a fine tree set out directly above a shallow underground conduit has been poisoned to death by the foul air therein contained. 4th. Thinning of the fruit, especially of the class of trees known as " great bearers." Pruning may be performed at any season of the year ; but the best time is believed to be about the longest days of summer, while the worst effects that happen arise from using the saw or knife during the full flow of sap in the spring. An exception, however, must be made in cases where it is considered necessary to head in a newly planted tree. Before proceeding further the Committee ought, in justice, to remark that they were themselves largely represented where they were expected to recommend a 6 38 WORCESTER COUXTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1860. distribution of prizes, their united contributions amounting to nearly a third part of the entire exhibition of Pears. Thus, while no individual outside the Comnnt- tee exhibited above thirty-five varieties, the collections of two members alone of the Committee each exceeded one hundred varieties ! That these two gentlemen should stand aside, while the other three members should divide between them the two prizes " for the largest and best collection," appeared to be the only rational thing to do ; and accordingly this was done. The same course was pursued when the fruit of other members of the Committee entered into the com- petition. Although five premiums were thus disposed of, with greater justice than apparent modesty, the Committee can hardly be expected to apologize for flxithfully discharging the duties imposed upon them by a unanimous vote of the Trustees of the Society. After a long and patient examination, therefore, of the thousand samples representing not less than a hundred and fifty varie- ties of the Pyrus communis, the Committee recommended, and the Society sub- sequently accepted, by their vote, the following award of premiums : Pears. — For the largest and best collection of not less than three speci- mens each, to D. Waldo Lincoln, $5 00 For the second largest do., do., do., to John Milton Earle, 4 00 For the twenty best varieties of not less than five specimens each, to Benjamin Butman, 5 00 For the second best twenty do., do., to John C. Ripley, 4 00 For the best ten varieties of not less than five specimens each, to T. K. Earle, 4 00 For the second best six do., do., to Jonathan Grout, Harris' Report. For the third best do., do., to Ichabod Washburn, 2 00 For the best six varieties of not less than five specimens each, to F. T. Merrick, Harris' Report. For the second best do., do., to Draper Ruggles, 2 00 For the third best, do., do., to George T. Rice, 1 00 For the best eight specimens of Autumn Pears of one variety, to Jonathan Grout, (Beurre Superfin), Harris' Report. For the second best eight do., do., to Charles Johnson, of North- rough, (Beurre Bosc), 1 50 For the third best eight do., do., to F. A. Eldred, (L. B. de Jersey,) 1 00 For the best eight specimens of Winter Pears of one variety, to E. D. Batchelder, of North Brookfield, (Winter Nelis),... Harris' Report. For the second best eight do., do., to Fitzroy Willard, (Beurre Gris d'Hiver,) 1 .50 For the third best eight do., do., to Henry Phelps, (Beurre Gris d' Hiver), 1 00 Gratuities. — To L. Cheney, of Southbridge, 1 00 To E. L. Brigham, 1 00 To F. M. Marble, of Grafton, 2 00 For a plate of six fine Flemish Beauty Pears, to Lewis Smith, 1 00 For a fine collection, including a magnificent plate of the Beurre Bosc, to Edwin Draper, 1 00 I860.] REPORT ON PEARS. 39 LIST OF COXTRIBUTORS IN PART. Benjamin Batman, twenty-one varieties, for the following twenty of which he received a premium, viz : Beurre Diel, Beurre Bosc, Beurre Gris d'Hiver, Beurre d'Anjou, Beurre Nantais, Jalousie de Fontenay Vendee, L. B. de Jer- sey, Onondaga, Easter Beurre, Winter Nelis, Urbaniste, Glout Morceau, Duchesse, Triomphe de Jodoigne, Flemish Beauty, St. Michael, Comptesse d'Alost, Lawrence, Seckel, Bergamotte d'Esperen. This was one of the most elegant collections ever seen on the tables of the Society. Ichabod Washburn, thirty-five varieties, among them the following, for which he took a premium : Bartlett, Beurre Diel, Beurre Clairgeau, Duchesse, Easter Beurre, L. B. de Jersey, Paradise d'Automne, St. Michael, Seckel, Urbaniste. His L. B. de Jerseys were finely colored — an excellence which addresses itself to the palate as well as to the eye. Draper Buggies, twelve varieties, of which the Seckel, Duchesse, Boussock, Beurre Diel, Beurre d'Anjou, and Glout Morceau, took a premium. D. Waldo Lincoln, one hundred and three varieties, for one hundred and one of which he received the first premium. Compared with Mr. Earle's, this col- lection contained a larger number of varieties "of three specimens each," and the fruits, generally, were better grown. In other respects, the two collections were of about equal rank. John C. Ripley, thirty-two varieties, of which the Bartlett, Belle Lucrative, L. B. de Jersey, Flemish Beauty, Paradise d'Automne, Seckel, Marie Louise, Thompson, Duchesse, Fulton, Beurre d'Anjou, Boussock, Beurre Diel, Doyenne Defais, Dumas, Glout Morceau, Beurre Langelier, Winter Nelis, Sieulle and Easter Beurre took a premium. F. M. Marble, Grafton, fourteen varieties, including very fine Seckel, Flem- ish Beauty, &c. See list of gratuities. George T. Rice, twenty varieties, of which the Beurre Bosc, Duchesse, Flemish Beauty, Glout Morceau, Seckel, and Sieulle took a premium. Edward Earle, twenty-four varieties, among them beautiful Beurre Nantais, Glout Morceau and Buffum. The latter were from a tree of which the yield for the last nine years — estimated by disinterested persons at the fair market price for each year — has amounted to not less than two hundred dollars — or an average of over twenty-two dollars a year 1 T. K. Earle, thirty-one varieties. Of these, the Bartlett, Beurre d'Anjou, Dix, Duchesse, Flemish Beauty, Lawrence, Marie Louise, Sieulle, Urbaniste and Winter Nelis took a premium. Jonathan Grout, twenty-five varieties, ten of which — Beurre Clairgeau, Belle Lucrative, General Lamoriciere, Gansel's Bergamotte, Duchesse, Marie Louise, L. B. de Jersey, Seckel, Beurre Montgeron, Glout Morceau — took a premium — and one of which, as a single variety, took another premium. William B. Fox, one splendid plate of St. Michael, very large and fair, grown on the top of an old tree on pear roots. Henry Phelps, twenty-one varieties, of which the Beurre Gris d'Hiver Nou- veau took a premium. 40 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1860. F. T. Merrick, nine varieties. Of these, six — the Beurre Bosc, Duchesse, Flemish Beauty, Lawrence, Passe Colmar and Seckel — took a premium. Charles Johnson, of Northborough, six varieties, of which a plate of Beurre Bosc took a premium. E. D. Batchelder, of North Brookfield, thirteen varieties, of which one plate of Winter Nelis took a premium. John Milton Earle, about one hundred and twenty varieties. Of these only ninety-four, consisting of "three specimens each," entered into competition for the premium which was offered for the largest and best collection. This fine collection contained representatives of the most valuable, and some of the worthless Pears, known in this section of the country. In conclusion, the Committee would express their regret that, owing to the great length of their report, so many of the fine Pears of a truly splendid exhibition have, of necessity passed unnoticed. GEORGE JAQUES, Chairman. Worcester, Oct. 13, 1860. REPORT ON VEGETABLES, SAMtJEL H. CoLTox, Worccstcr, Chairman; S. P. Chajipnet, Grafton; Charles Paine, Marshall Flagg, Charles Belcher, Worcester. It gives the Committee great pleasure to report that the large and fine show of Vegetable Productions this year affords abundant evidence that the growing of them is not retrograding ; and the pleasure manifested by the numerous and delighted visitors evinces the continued interest felt for the success of this most important department of our exhibition. The untowardness of the season has, in some respects, diminished the usual variety and quality of Vegetables, notwithstanding many fine specimens were exhibited. The Committee have not the time, nor, perhaps, will it be expected that they should particularize many of the articles exhibited, however worthy of enco- mium ; but they cannot forbear calling attention to the large and fine display of Potatoes made by C. W. Gleason, of Holden, consisting of fifty-six varieties, and thirty-six varieties by S. P. Champney, of Grafton, many of them good old sorts, and others new kinds, the merits of which are unknown to the Com- mittee ; but it is to be hoped that some of them may prove valuable acquisi- sitions to the present diminished list of really good Potatoes. Several very good specimens of the " Hubbard Squash " were shown. This most excellent variety has recently made its appearance among us as a neio kind ; but it was cultivated here more than twenty years ago, and was shown at our exhibition in 1842, by the writer of this report. It is a valuable sort, and wor- thy of extensive cultivation. I860.] REPORT ON VEGETABLES. 41 The premiums recommended by tlie Committee are as follows : Vegetables. — For the largest and best collection, to S. P. Champney, of Grafton, (29 varieties), §6 00 For the second best, to Harvey Dodge, of Sutton, 5 00 For the third best, to William B. Fox, of Worcester, Harris' Report. The fourth premium was not awarded, there being no collection worthy of it. Potatoes. — For best collection, to C. W. Gleason, of Holden,... Harris' Report. For the second best, to S. P. Champuey of Grafton, 2 00 No award was made for the third premium. Squashes. — For the best three pure Canada Crook-neck Squashes, to Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, 2 00 For best three Marrrow Squashes, to George G. Burbank, of Wor- cester, 2 00 For the best three Hubbard Squashes, to George H. Rich, of Wor- cester, 2 00 For the best three Mammoth Squashes, to Amasa Wood, of Web- ster, 2 00 For the best Winter Squashes of other varieties, to Silas Allen, of Shrewsbury, 1 00 Celery. — For the best three roots, to James Apperson, of Worcester,... 1 00 Cabbages. — No premium was awarded for Savoy Cabbage, none of that vari- ety being exhibited. For the three best heads of any other sort, to Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, for the Winningstadt variety, 1 00 No awards were made for Cauliflowers or Turnips. PcMPKixs. — 'For the best three, to Isaac Mills, of Worcester, 1 00 Beets — For the best table Beets, to Charles Nash, of Worcester, 1 00 Sweet Corn.— For the best, to Joseph Lovell, Jr., of Worcester, 1 00 Gratuites. — To N. B. Chace, of Sutton, for his superior Cabbages,.... 1 00 To S. D> Waite, of Worcester, for a variety of fine Squashes, 1 00 To William B. Fox, of Worcester, for Cauliflowers, 1 00 To C. W. Gleason, of Holden, for his Hubbard Squashes, twenty fine ones of which were grown from one seed, 1 00 To E. F. Champney, of Grafton, a lad of nine years, for very good samples of Sweet Corn, raised by himself, 1 00 To John B. Pratt, for his gigantic Cabbages,... 1 00 Honorable mention should be made of the well-grown Squashes, Cabbages, &c., exhibited by Isaac Mills, Silas Bailey, Draper Ruggles, Joseph Fuller, Thomas H. Rice, D. K. Fitch, of Worcester ; Charles Johnson, of North- borough ; S. H. Benson, of Blackstone ; Sylvester Prescott, of West Boylston, and no doubt many others, had the Committee time to note them. All of which is respectfuUly submitted. SAMUEL H. COLTON, Chairman. 42 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1861. A. 1). 1861, MERGER OF THE AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. At the Annual Meeting of the Society, on the 2d of January, 1861, it was Voted, That a Committee of three (3) be chosen, by nomination, to confer with the Worcester County Agricultural Society, upon the matter of a joint exhibition of the two Societies, with instructions to report at the next meeting of the Trustees. And Messrs. "William Workman, 0. B. Hadwen and George Jaques were nominated and confirmed such Committee. And subsequently, to wit : at a meeting of the Trustees, holden on Wednes- day, the 6th of March, Dr. Workman submitted the following unanimous Re- port, from the Committee of which he was Chairman : REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES. ' At the Annual Meeting of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, holden in January last, a Committee was appointed to meet a Committee of the Agricultural Society for the purpose of considering a proposition made by that Society, for a Union Exhibition of the two Societies, and said Committee were instructed to report to the Trustees of our Society. Your Committee have attended to the duty assigned, and submit the follow- ing as their Report : The Committee of the Agricultural Society stated that the interest in the show of Fruits and Vegetables had very much declined in their Society since the organization of our Society, and for the purpose of reviving that interest and of rendering their shows more attractive, they invited us to unite our exhibi- bitions with theirs, to hold them at their Hall and under their auspices. They manifested their purpose, if we should decline the proposed union, to offer generous premiums for the exhibition of Fruits, Flowers and Vegetables, and intimated their fears that such competition might be injurious to the wel- fare of our Society. We freely and frankly conceded to them a perfect right to offer any encour- agement to increase the interest of their shows which their wisdom might dic- tate, and at the same time expressed our conviction that no injury would result to our Society from the threatened competition ; but, on the contrary, we were persuaded that it would operate rather as a salutary stimulus to our members to make greater exertions to improve the excellence of our own shows. Why should we fear the competition ? 1861.] REPORT OF CONFERENCE COMMITTEE. 43 The Agricultural Society had the whole field to themselves for twenty or more years before the existence of the Horticultural Society, and what results have they to show for their labors so far as the cultivation of Fruits and Flowers was concerned? At the time of the organization of the Horticultural Society, twenty years ago, a small supply of tolerably good Winter Apples might be obtained by applying in season to the farmers. Very few appeared in the streets for sale, and the market was as bare of the finer kinds of Summer and Fall Apples as the ground is of snow in June. Not a peck of Pears could be purchased during the whole season which anybody now would think fit for any animal but the pigs. Mazzard Cherries were offered in the market, and the red Canada Plums were tolerably plenty, but not a cultivated Strawberry, or Raspberry, or Blackberry, or a Grape fit to be eaten could be had for love or money. And as to Peaches, some of us will remember, at the first exhibi- tion of our Society, that some half a dozen plates of the most miseralily woolly Frost Peaches were all that Worcester could produce in that line. And, more- over, we were dependent almost entirely upon foreign contributors and wild Flowers for a very passable show in our Floral Department. What a change you have wTought in the last twenty years, through the efforts of your Society we need not describe. It is familiar to you all. The superabundance of the most luscious fruits which load our tables and crowd our market, and the profusion of beautiful flowers which ornament our gar- dens and dwellings, all testify to the success which has crowned your labors. You have done a great, a noble work, not only in supplying the wants but in cultivating and greatly improving the taste of the whole community. We have no reason to fear any competition of our respected and venerable neighbor, the Agricultural Society ; we would rather bid them God speed in their ambition to rouse up the farmers to a higher and better cultivation of the luxurious and ornamental. Theirs is the farmer's institution, designed specially for this useful and hon- ored class. Let them bring in their Apples and Vegetables, and if they have any of the finer Fruits and Flowers, worthy of a premium, as some of them undoubtedly have, let them exhibit them also and take the awards of their own Society. They fairly and honestly belong to them ; and their success need be no disparagement to the progress of our own Society. We have accomplished much in our line, and without vanity or boasting, may congratulate ourselves and the community on what we have already achieved. But our work is not yet done. There is a vast field for improve- ment yet open before us ; let us not cease from our labors till we have attained higher and more fruitful results. The continued prosperity and usefulness of our Society must depend, of course, upon the exertions and fidelity of its own members. The honor of taking the premiums of our Society should be esteemed vastly higher than that of taking them from the institution of our neighbors, whose efforts are directed almost exclusively to the coarser productions of the farm, and only secondarily to the finer products of the garden. Common courtesy, ever, as well as profes- 44 .WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1861. sion and prestige, would seem to forbid the professed horticulturist from entering the lists with the farmers, to take from them, as he certainly would, the induce- ments offered by their Society for improving their orchards and their gardens. From the above and various other considerations, your Committee are unan- imously and decidedly of the opinion that it would not promote the interest or the welfare of our Society to unite our exhibitions with the Agricultural Society at their Hall. We believe it would be repugnant to the feelings and tastes of most of those who have contributed most constantly and freely to our shows, and of those, also, who have graced them by their presence during our seasons of exhibition, to abandon our own beautiful, and commodious, and easily acces- sible Halls, and transfer our shows to a place wanting in all those facilities and attractions with which we are now so highly favored. It would deprive us of all those social and happy reunions which have been so highly prized, and have never failed to add pleasure to instruction. We appeal, therefore, to the members of this Society to maintain the high character it has attained, and trust that no inducement, certainly not the offer of a few more pieces of silver, will cause them to withhold their best contribu- tions from our tables at our Autumnal Exhibitions. The Committee propose to the Trustees the adoption of the following resolution : Resolved^ That the Worcester County Horticultural Society continue to hold their Annual Exhibitions, as heretofore, at their own Halls. WILLIAM WORKMAN, Chairman. WoRCKSTER, March G, 186L The question arising upon the acceptance of this Report, a discussion ensued as to the general policy of the Society, in which Messrs. D. Waldo Lincoln, Francis H. Dewey, 0. B. Hadwen, Benjamin Butman, Samuel H. Colton, Dr. William Workman, Emory Banister and George Jaques (Chairman) partici- pated. Whereafter it was, upon motion of Francis H. Dewey, Esq., unanimoiisly Voted, That the Worcester County Horticultural Society continue to hold their Annual Exhibitions, as heretofore, at their own Hall. AUTUMNAL EXHIBITION. At a Special Meeting of the Trustees, holden August 9th, A. D. 1861, upon motion of Frederick William Paine, Esq., it was unanimously Voted, " That, in consequence of the extreme lightness of the crop of Fruit, of every species, it is deemed advisable to discontinue the Annual Autumnal Exhibition already announced. 1862.] LOCATION OF THE LIBRARY A. D. 1862. LOCATION OF THE LIBRARY OF THE SOCIETY. At the Annual Meeting of tbe Society, on the 1st day (Wednesday) of Jan- uary, 1862, the subject of removal of the Library to the Hall of the Society was introduced, whereupon a Committee, consisting of Messrs. D. Waldo Lin- coln, Emory Banister and Samuel H. Colton, was appointed with authority to consider and act upon the whole subject, with final reference to the Trustees, if deemed indispensable. At a meeting of the Trustees, on the 29th January, 1862, the Committee aforesaid, through their Chairman, D. Waldo Lincoln, Esq., submitted the following report : REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE. The Committee appointed to consider the subject of the location of the Library, as well as the expediency of removing the same to Horticultural Hall, and also of requiring it to be kept there hereafter, have attended to their duty, and report : That they were impressed and surprised with the completeness and great value of the Library, now containing many hundred volumes, among which are works of the most rare and costly description, and which could scarcely be replaced if lost. For this collection, so extensive and in such perfect condition, the Society are under especial obligation to the Conamittee on the Library, but more par- ticularly to your present Librarian, Clarendon Harris, Esq., under whose faith- ful care and judicious management it has grown to its present importance. In addition to his services as Librarian, Mr. Harris has furuished a room for safe- guard, free of rent and open at all times to the members of the Society. Thus much for the Library. Relative to its use, the sole purpose for which books are for any value, the Committee cannot speak so favorably. A few of the members consult the books in the Library Room, and occasionally take them away ; but to the great mass of the members it is not of the slightest value. That its removal to this Hall would tend to increase its value and general utility cannot admit of doubt, in the opinion of your Committee. They are unanimously of opinion that the system, so long and satisfactorily tested by the Massachusetts Hoi-ticultural Society, can be safely adopted by us without undue risk to the security of the Library, and with very manifest advantage to the interests, high-standing and progress of thii^ Society. 7 46 WORCESTER COUNTY nORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1862. One considoration of general policy, not affecting the Library, deserves attention. This building constitutes the whole property of the Society, from which its revenue is derived. The value of this Hall, as a place of public assemblage and patronage depends, in some measure, upon the manner in which and the purposes for which it is used. The valuable Library of the Society, deposited here, if bringing with it weekly, or even casual, meetings of the members, could not fail to influence in some degree the general estimation of this property by the public. The Committee therefore recommend that the Library of the Society be removed to the Eastern Ante-room in Horticultural Hall ; that it be placed and kept in cases, to be securely locked and screened from view at all times when not in use ; that the tenants of the Hall be required to keep the Library- room locked at all times when the same is not used in connection with the Hall, and that the Librarian be required to be in attendance at the Library on Sat- urday of each week, not less than two [2] hours at such time in the day as shall be determined by the Committee on the Library, when there are no weekly exhibitions on that day, and when there are weekly exhibitions on Saturday, during the time for holding the same, for the purpose of delivering and receiv- ing books, &c., to and from members of the Society ; that the rules now in force, relating to the use of the Library, continue until altered, and that the Committee on the Library have power to make all needful regulations for the safe keeping and use of the books, subject at all times to the action of the Trustees. All which, for the Committee, is unanimously submitted. (Signed) D. WALDO LINCOLN, SAMUEL H. COLTON, EMORY BANISTER. Worcester, January 25, 1862. This report was considered at two successive meetings of the Trustees, by whom its recommendation of a transfer of the Library to Horticultural Hall was finally adopted on the 12th of February of the same year. The day for opening the Library, as suggested, was, however, changed ; Thursday being substituted for Saturday. The removal was consummated by the 27th of the same month, since which period its use has steadily increased, and the benefit of its new location made apparent in many ways not originally anticipated. 1862.] REPORT ON APPLES. 47 ANNUAL EXHIBITION, 1862. REPORT ON APPLES. Dr. RuFUS Woodward, CJiairman ; S. H. Allex, Shrewsbury ; J. Emouy Phelps, Josiau Woodward, Millbury ; D. S. Messinger. Ai'PLES. — For the largest aud best collection, to Josiah L. Woodward, of Millbury, : §10 00 For the second best, to J. W. Keyes, of West Boylston, 8 00 For the third best, to Charles W. Gleason, of Holden, 6 00 For the fourth best, to Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, 4 00 For the best six varieties of not less than eight specimens each, to 0. B. Hadwen, of Worcester, •i 00 For the second best, to Josiah 0. Stone, of Shrewsbury, 3 00 For the third best, to Samuel Worcester, of Shrewsbury, 2 00 For the best eight Gravensteiu Apples, to John C. Ripley, of Wor- cester, 1 00 For the best eight Porter Apples, to H. K. Potter, of Grafton....... 1 00 For the best eight Hubbardston Nonsuch Apples, to Samuel A. Knox, of Grafton, 1 00 For the best eight Baldwin Apples to Asa H. Allen, of Shrewsbury, 1 0.0 For the best eight Autumn Sweet Apples, to Addison Lovell, of West Boylston, 1 00 For the best eight Winter Sweet Apples, to Harvey Dodge, of Sut- ton, 1 00 For the best -eight specimens of any other variety, to D. B. Comins, of Worcester, (Mother), 1 00 For the second best, to Charles Johnson of Northborough, 1 00 For the third best, to William Fames, of Worcester, 1 00 [The incessant demand upon his professional services prevented the devotion by the Chairman of that time to the preparation of an elaborate report which he had intended. A mere abstract of the premiums awarded inust therefore suffice. E. W. L., Sec] REPORT ON FLOWERS, &c., &c. George Jaques, Chairman ; T. K. Earle, James L. Burbaxk, Worcester; Joxathax D. Wheeler, Grafton; George F. Chandler, Lancaster. The Committee respectfully report : That the number of entries in this attractive department of the Exhibition was larger than it had been for several preceding years. There were twenty- 48 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1862. two contributors, and tibout two hundred and forty articles contributed. Still, but for the commendable zeal of Messrs. Merrifield, Salisbury, and Grout — whose united collections comprised about five-sixths of the whole, and whose plants, some two hundred in all, added so very much to the attractions of the Exhibition — the Floral Department would have been less interesting than it used to be when the Society was in its infancy. Indeed, considering that the season has been as favorable as one could wish for out-door cultivation, the dis- play of Cut Flowers, Bouquets, &c., though excellent in the quality and taste- ful arrangement of most of the articles, was, nevertheless, by no means so full and rich as many visitors had anticipated that it would be. In the absence of any apparent occasion for this deficiency, the Committee would be very reluc- tant to believe that a taste for horticulture is gradually becoming less promi- nent among the evidences of the high civilization of our favored section of the country. No extensive decoration of the Hall was attempted, but the continuous festoon of the beautiful indigenous evergreen — called the ground pine — sus- pended from the cornice, and the wreaths and stars of the same material upon the walls of the room, afforded to the weary eye a chaste and grateful relief, of which the absence would have been severely felt. The contributors to this department, as copied from the Book of Entries for Flowers, were Mrs. Eider, Mrs. Charles E. Brooks, lehabod Washburn, Mrs. Edwin Morae, Mrs. M. H. Wheeler, Mrs. Edward Earle, Stephen Salisbury, Jonathan Grout, Miss Fanny M. Lincoln, Miss Maria Fox, J. G. Warren, Miss Fox, Mrs. J. C. Ripley. Mrs. J. Fawcett, William T. Merrifield, Mrs. J. H. Winch, Arba Pierce, William xi. Wheeler, all of Worcester ; Mrs. S. D. Ward, of Shrewsbury ; E. M. Howe, of Sterling, and Mrs. Jonas Brown, of Wilkin- sonville. Of the three collections of Green House Plants, that of Mr. AVilliam T. Merrifield — seventy-six plants, comprising seventy-five varieties — was a truly magnificent exhibition. Among many other rare and valuable exotics, his collection contained the Croton Pictum, Croton Yariegata, Hoya Picta, Pavetta Borbonica, Ficus Elasticus (India Rubber plant), Sago Palm, Ananesia Strieta, &c. Mr. Salisbury's collection— sixty-five plants — contained many of the same that were in Mr. Merrifield's ; also, several superb Fuschias, Geraniums, Bego- nias, four varieties of Caladium, the curious Pitcher plant, a plant of the famous Sea Island Cotton, &c. Among the fifty-eight plants in pots, exhibited by Jonathan Grout, were twenty-four varieties of Verbenas, nineteen Fuschias, six Begonias, &c. What few Cut Flowers were exhibited, were in general tastefully arranged, although not always in accordance with that harmony of colors which is so easily destroyed by the too near proximity of discordant, tints. There were only one or two Bouquets, except those which received a premium. Two tastefully arranged Floral Designs, sent in by Mrs. S. D. Ward, of Shrewsbury, representing the one an urn, the other a shield of the United 1862.] REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, ETC. 49 States, were the only specimens of this work in the Exhibition. The thanks of the Society are due to Mrs. Ward for both of these beautiful compositions which, for their design and ingenious execution, elicited much deserved com- mendation. Fifteen sinule specimens of as many different varieties of beautiful roses were exhibited by Jonathan Grout ; but there were hardly any other representa- tives in the hall of that garden queen, which still as of yore, "Return the sweets, by nature given, In softest incense bacli to Heaven." Of Asters, fine stands were exhibited by William A. Wheeler and Mrs. Edward Earle. Dahlias in many varieties, among them several of the pretty dwarf species, were shown by different contributors. Many very fine Verbenas were also noticed among the different collections. After carefully examining and comparing the merits of the several articles exhibited in the Floral Department, the Committee unanimously agreed to recommend the following award of premiums : Plants. — For the largest and best display, to William T. Merrifield,....i?10 00 For the second best, to Stephen Salisbury, 5 00 For the third best, to Jonathan Grout, 2 00 Cut Flowers. — For the largest and best display, to Mrs. John C. Ripley, 3 00 For the second best, to Mrs. A. D. Foster, 2 00 For the third best, to Miss Fanny M. Lincoln, 1 00 Bouquets. — For the best pair, to Miss Fanny M. Lincoln, 2 00 For the second best, to Arba Pierce, 1 00 Floral Desigx. — For the best, to Mrs. S. D. Ward, of Shrewsbury,.... 8 00 Roses. — For the best display, to Jonathan Grout, 2 00 Asters. — For the best display, to Ichabod Washburn, 1 00 Dahlias. — For the best display, to Mrs. Jonas Brown, 1 00 Verbenas.— For the best display, to Jonathan Grout, 1 00 GEORGE JAQUES, Chairmau. REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, &c., &c. Edwin Conant, Chairman; Jonathan Grout, E. S. Stebbixs, of Wor- cester; F. M. Marble, of Grafton ; J. H. Moore, of Charlton. The Committee on Grapes and other articles not specially assigned to other committees, have attended to their duties, and respectively report that they found upon the Society's tables seventy-nine parcels of the delightful fruit of the vine, from twenty-four contributors. They had no difficulty iu the assignment of the three largest premiums offered by the Society, whether as concerning the comparative or absolute merits of 50 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [18G2. the competing collections ; foi- the quality of these fruits was of such char- acter that the number of varieties in the several instances was decisive. They awarded, for the largest and best collection grown under glass, the premium of §8.00 to Mr. "William T. Merrifield, of Worcester, for his collection of fourteen varieties, consisting of Hamburg Victoria, Black Hamburg, Golden Chasselas, Tokay, Syrian, White Nice, White Sweetwater, Wilmarth's Ham- burg, New Black , Grizzly Frontignac, Early While Malvasia, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat Blanc Hatif and Constantia of Zante. To particularize the merits of these varieties might be invidious, not only aa between competitors, but also as between the varieties themselves. For it is difficult to avoid attributing Mhat almost amounts to a personality, in their excellence, to the different fruits of this class, produced by their several exhibitors. To Mrs. A. D. Foster of Worcester, was awarded the premium of $6.00, for the second best collection grown under glass, consisting of Black Hamburg, Wilmarth's No. 16, Royal Muscadine, Victoria Hamburg, and Gras Bleu. The premium of $3.00 was assigned to John C. Mason, Esq., of Worcester, for the third best collection grown under glass, brought forward by his gardner, Mr. William Morgan, and consisting of Syrian and a noble profusion ot Black Hamburg. As regards the Worcester cultivators of all classes of Grapes, it may be proper to observe that the disastrous hail-storm in August was fatal to the hopes and labors of several of them, injurious to many others, and has probably effected a considerable reduction of the number of contributors. The specific premiums for Native Grapes were awarded as follows : Grapes. — For the best specimens of well-ripened Isabella, to Mr. E. D. Batchelder, of North Brookfield, $2 00 For Concord, do., to Edward Earle, of Worcester, '2 00 For Diana, do., to J. C. Whitin, of Whitinsville, 2 00 For Hartford Prolific, do., to S. H. Colton, of Worcester, 2 00 A large variety of other Native Grapes were exhibited, one of which, the Blackstone, is reputed as of decided merit for making wine. It was exhibited by Messrs. Edwin Draper, of Worcester, and Charles Johnson of Northborough. Another large and handsome grape, exhibited by Mrs. M. H. Wheeler, of Worcester, is noticeable as being the product of a vine at least one hundred years old. The enormous size of the main trunk of this vine is the wonder of its neighborhood. The premium of S2.00 for the best Native Grape worthy of cultivation, was awarded to F. H. Dewey, Esq., of Worcester, for the Delaware, and that of Si. 00 for the second best, to Mr. Joseph Lovell, of Worcester, for the Early Northern Muscadine. In assigning the premium to the Delaware, the Committee felt justified in assuming that the question of its nativity is substantially settled by pomolo- gists, while its intrinsic merits are not disputed, and its character for produc- tiveness, hardiness and eai'ly ripening seemed sufficiently established to warrant the award of the Committee. 1862.] REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, ETC. 51 There were forty-one parcels of Peaches from fourteen contributors. Several of these fruits were of I'are excellence. The premiums were assigned as follows : Peaches. — For the largest and best collection, consisting of Sugar Rare- ripe, Lemon Freestone, Late Crawford, Early Crawford, Yellow Rareripe, Norcross Seedling, Large Clingstone, Rareripe, Mary- land Seedling and Seedling, to Mr. Asa H. Allen, of Shrewsbury, $4 00 For his Crawford's Early, (being the best twelve specimens of one variety), to 0. B. Hadwen, of Worcester, 3 00 For his Seedling, being the second best, to Samuel P. Harrington, of Worcester, 2 00 For his Crawford's Early, third best, to Josiah G. Stone, of Shrews- bury, 1 00 Seven dishes of Plums were otiered by four exhibitors. Some of these were valuable and well-known varieties. Others were styled Seedlings. The Com- mittee found no premium in the printed list offered for this class of fruits, and they have not ventured to i-ecommend gratuities. Only one dish of Quinces was exhibited. Certainly this fruit is still in high repute, the annual demand for it is large, and the Committee express the hope that cultivators will not abandon it. It is supposed that the stock of trees in the gardens is nearly worn out, aud that new ones are required. The market this year affords scarcely any, and a renewed supply could hardly fail to afford a profit. Mrs. C. Goddard, of Worcester, exhibited very beautiful accurate colored Wax Models of pears, jaeaches, grapes, itc, exhibiting remarkable skill in this beautiful art of copying the choice products of cultivation. In conclusion, it is proper to remark that in the necessary absence of two of this Committee, the work was performed by the remaining majority, and that they were vinanimous in all the conclusions set forth in this report. On Thursday, the 18th iust., the Committee found upon the tables a choice and beautiful assortment of Peaches, most generously presented to the Society by Mr. Charles H. May, of Woodstock, Conn., and consisting of Crawford's Early, Grosse Mignoune, Teton de Venus, Coolidge's Favorite, George IV., Red Rareripe, Early York, Red Velvet, Crawford's Late, Snow Peach, Mala- coton. Seedling, Late Rareripe and Nutmeg Peach. The Committee recommend that the thanks of the Society be presented to Mr. May for his very valuable present of Peaches, and further that a gratuity of $2.00 be paid to him for the same. Mr. S. P. Harrington, of Worcester, presented two bottles of choice Wine, five years old, one of Native Grape and one of Elderberry. If the Society do not find these bottles full, the Committee can vouch that they (the bottles, not the Committee,) have been so. All of which is respectfully submitted. EDWIN CONANT, Chairman. Worcester, September 2G, 18G2. 52 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1862. REPORT ON PEARS. F. 11. Dewey, Chairman; Henry Phei.ps, O. R. Hadwex, Emory Banis- ter, of AVorcester ; E. F. Daniels, of Oxford. The Committee on Pears respectfully submit the following report : The exhibitions of the Worcester County Horticultural Society have for years justly been a source of pride to its members. The Pears have ever been a feature in the exhibition. An examination of the offerings of the present year aff'ords ample evidence that the interest in the cultivation of this valuable fruit is unabated. The number of contril)utors was large, and the specimens of many varieties showed a marked improvement over former years. The Committee, before examining the claims of the different competitors, decided to adopt what they believed to be the true rule, that the largest collection is not necessarily the best, but that that should be regarded as the best collection which contains the finest specimens of the largest number of approved varieties ; for while nurse- rymen and large cultivators will continue to introduce new varieties, the number is already so large that it seems more desirable that the Society should aid in the selection and encourage the cultivation of well tested and approved fruit. The Committee awarded the premiums as follows : Pears. — For the largest and best collection of not less than three speci- mens each, 110 varieties, to D. Waldo Lincoln, of Worcester,.... $10 00 For the second largest do., do., to S. H. Colton, of Worcester, 8 00 For the best twenty varieties of not less than five specimens each, to John C. Ripley, of Worcester, 8 00 For the second best do., to Benjamin Batman, of Worcester, G GO For the best ten varieties of not less than five specimens each, to E. S. Stebbins, of Worcester, G 00 For the second best, to T. K. Earle, of Worcester, 4 00 For the best six varieties of not less than five specimens each, to Jonathan Grout, of Worcester, 4 00 For the second best do., do., to Charles Johnson, of Northborough, 2 00 For the best twenty-four Seckel Pears, to John S. Clark, of Wor- cester, 2 00 For the best twelve Bartlett, not offered for a special premium, to Benjamin Butman, of Worcester, 2 00 For the best twelve Beurre Bosc, to Edwin Draper, of Worcester,... 2 00 For the best twelve Flemish Beauty, to S. D. Hall, of Grafton, 2 00 For the best twelve Beurre d'Aiijou, to E. D. Batchelder, of North Brookfield, 2 00 For the best twelve Louise Bonne de Jersey, to (Jeorge M. Rice, of Worcester, 2 00 For the best twelve Beurre Montgeron, to S. V. Stone, of Worcester, 2 00 Gratuities. — For his Sheldon Pears, to .John Milton Earle, of Worces- ter, 1 00 For his Seckel Pears, to Josiah (J. Stone, of Shrewsbury, 1 00 1862.] REPORT ON PEARS. 53 There were numerous competitors whose contributions were specially worthy of commendation, if the limits of this report admitted. The collection of John M. Earle is entitled to notice on account of containing the largest number of varieties. It should be stated that, by the rule no separate premium could be awarded for any plate of Pears, when the collection of which it was a part, had received a premium. In several cases the premiums for separate varieties were awarded when the specimens were not equal to those in premium collec- tions. Having discharged, to the best of their ability, the ordinary duty of the Committee, in attempting to discriminate where the difTerence is slight, we find by the liberality of the Trustees, the extraordinary duty of awarding the special premium of twenty-five dollars offered for the twelve best Bartlett Pears grown by the contributor in the County of Worcester. There were 12 entries made for the premium, the names of the competitors then unknown to the Committee. An attractive collection it was, showing how much high cultiva- tion can do. The Bartlett, always popular, pleasant to the eye and taste, encouraging the new beginner by bearing early and full, seemed to have become aroused by the preference shown in the offering of this special pre- mium as its award, and not satisfied with an unusual swell, enlarging his rotundity, had also elongated himself to an unheard of extent. All the entries for this pi'emium were deserving of praise, but there were two plates, numbered 16 and 20, between which the contest evidently lay. They each presented strong points; they were evidently both of great weight. No. 16 contained four Pears superior in size to any of No. 20. The twelve Pears of No. 16 weighed 8 pounds and 1 ounce. The twelve Pears of No. 20 weighed 7 pounds and 12 ounces. While no single Pears of this plate were equal in size to some of No. 16, yet they were of more uniform size and superior in fairness and color. Had there been a great difference in the weight, the Committee would have been governed by that, but the difference of only five ounces in one hundred and twenty-nine ounces, we thought was balanced by the greater uniformity and fairness of the others ; and after much consideration, the Com- mittee being unable to arrive at a, satisfactory result as to the superior merits of either, decided to recommend the division of the premium : $12.50 to John C. Ripley, No. 16 ; $12..50 to E. S. Stebbens, No. 20— with the recommenda- tion that a further trial of their respective merits shall take place at the next Annual Exhibition. It should be added to the report that after the announcement of the premi- ums, Mr. Ripley and Mr. Stebbens, with great liberality, relinquished their special premium, in order that it might be competed for by all members at the . next Annual Exhibition. F. H. DEWEY, Chairman. 54 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [18G2. REPORT ON VEGETABLES. Stephen Salisbx^ry, Chairman ; Aloxzo Hill, Hexky R. Keith, Joseph BoYDEx, 0. B. Hadwex. The Committee respectAill}- report : The Society, not less than this Committee, will notice with regret the absence from the service of this Committee of the distinguished cultivator originally designated as the Chairman. John C. Jaques deserves the respectful remem- brance of the Society as an active and judicious promoter of its objects. Though he shrank from public observation, and was averse to personal display, he was known by all his associates as a careful observer, an independent thinker and a useful man. It is sad to consider that this fruitful life was removed at its maturity, just at the period when it had blossomed to brighter hopes and higher satisfactions. The department of Culinary Vegetables is very small, and as a whole, it is not of a superior character. Your Committee can suggest no sufficient reason for this deficiency, at a time when the necessity of enlarging the production of articles of food most important to health and vigor, must be apparent to every man who loves his country or himself. The number of contributors is 12, of specimens 122. In last year's exhibi- tion the contributors were 27, the specimens 22G. The premium of $10.00 is awarded to Mr. S. P. Champney, of Grafton, for the largest and best collection of Vegetables. This contains forty-eight articles, among which most excellent specimens of Hubbard Squash were highly praised. Mr. Champney also exhibited specimens of agricultural Grains, and of tall and perfect plants of Grasses, which were worthy of attention. To Harvey Dodge, of Sutton, is awarded the premium of $8.00 for the second best collection of Vegetables, containing twenty-nine varieties. Jn this was a fine specimen of the Winningstadt Cabbage, which is recommended by one of your Committee as the best Cabbage lor eating in an uncooked state, and nearly as good as Celery. His beautiful Onions of some kinds are from a field of three acres. Mr. Dodge states that his average croj^s of Onions for the last ten years has been four hundred and eighty bushels, and his average crop of Cabbages was eight thousand of Oxheart and Winningstadt, and four thousand of Drumhead. In the opinion of your Committee, no collection of Vegetables deserved the premiums offered for the third best and fourth best. To E. F. Champney, aged eleven years, of Grafton, is awarded the premium of .$2.00 offered for the largest and best collection of Vegetables, grown exclusively by boys not over fifteen years of age. Master Champney 's collection of twenty-one specimens was good. It is pleasant to see a son following the good works of his father, with so much of taste and skill. It is an example worthy of distinguished notice and more frequent imitation. A premium of $2.00 is awarded to George G. Burbank for fine specimens of the Boston Marrow Squash. A premium of $1.00 for the best Winter Squash 1862.] REPORT OX VEGETABLES. • 55 of a variety not named in the premium list is awarded to Stephen Salisbury for his specimens of the English Mammoth Vegetable Marrow. This Squash is early and very prolific, and the pulp is sweet, delicate and light colored, and excellent for pies as well as eating with meats. Charles Hersey brought in long after the time of entry and examination of the Committee, very large specimens named Marrow Squash, which are suspected to be some cross of the Boston Marrow Squash. A premium of Si. 00 is awarded to Asa H. Allen of Shrewsbui'y, for the best three Cabbages. To Joseph Lovell, of AVorcester, is awarded a premium of SI. 00 for the best twelve ears of Sweet Corn. Mr. Lovell's Corn is beautiful, and its full and close rows present so distinctly the idea of indivisible union that the Committee think no one would object to the patriotic I'ed, white and blue with which he adorns it. A premium of Si. 00 for the best twelve Tomatoes was awarded to Stephen Salisbury for his Perfected Tomatoes. This variety has the advantage- of more solid pulp, fewer seeds, and a smooth, round form, than the common Tomatoes. Mr. Salisbury also exhibited Sutton's Tomatoes, resembling the Perfected in all respects except smaller size and earlier ripening. There were presented by C. F. Allen of Worcester, Golden Pumpkins ; by Jonathan Grout, one root of Celery ; by Addison Lovell, of West Boylston, a plate of Meadow Cranberries ; by Charles Richardson, of Worcester, Toma- toes ; and by Stephen Salisbury, Eastham Cabbages and Roman Emperor Cucumbers. Each of these six specimens is recommended to the attention of the Society. The Committee can award no premiums to these contributors. By order of the Committee, S. SALISBURY, Chairman. Worcester, September 20, 1862. 5Q WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1863. REPORT OF EDWARD W. LIXCOLX, Secretary. January 8, A. D. 1863. Tu the Trustees of the Worcester County Horticultural Society : At a meeting of the Trustees, holden upon the 12th day of February, A. D., 1862, it was voted to accept the Report of the Special Committee appointed to consider the expediency of removing the Library of the Society to Horticul- tural Hall, and to empower the " Committee on the Library to effect such removal at their best discretion ;" and, by subsequent action of the Trustees, Messrs. Jonathan Grout, Clarendon Harris, D, Waldo Lincoln and George Jaques, were constituted the " Committee on the Library." By their labors the work of transferring the books and cases was safely and speedily accomplished. The Librarian, Clarendon Harris, Esq., who had discharged the duties of his office for so many years with singular efficiency and fidelity, finding it impossible to continue in that position in the new locality, greatly to the regret of the Board of Trustees, resigned his place. At the request of the Committee, the Secretary consented to assume the office, and by so doing, it has become his duty to submit to the Trustees a report of the present condition of the Library in itself and as affected by its change of location. The condition of the volumes is most satisfactory. Being mostly neatly and strongly bound, it would seem that the most ordinary care should suffice to preserve them from injury. That measure of precaution, coupled with the good taste inseparable from membership of the Society, has amply availed ; and it is believed that few equal collections of books can be shown, which have been gathered together so long, where so little actual damage is visible. But little has been done to augment the collection upon the shelves, beyond the acceptance of such donations as friendship or the sympathy of a congenial taste might proffer. Of those purchased, the entire list may be briefly recited : Journal of Horticulture, 1 vol. quarto ; Florist, 1 vol. 8vo.; Loudon's Encyclo- paedia of Plants, edition of 1855, 1 vol. 8vo.; Revue Horticole, 1861, 1 vol. 8vo.; Open-Air Grape Culture (Phin.), 1862, 1 vol. 12mo. And the following were donations : American Farmer's New and Universal Hand Book, from D. Waldo Lincoln ; Harris on Insects, new and illustrated edition of 1862, from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ; Agricultural Report, Patent office, 1860, from D. P. Holloway, Esq.; Mechanical Report, do., 1860, from Hon. Charles Sumner; Agricultural Report, do., 1861, from D. P. Holloway, Esq. ; Transactions New York State Agricultural Society, 1860, from C. L. Flint, Esq.; Transactions California do., 1859, from J. D. 1863.] secretary's report. 57 Baldwin, Esq. ; Transactions Rhode Island Society for encouraging Domestic Industry, two pamphlets, from Clarendon Harris, Esq. ; Ninth Annual Report Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, 1861, from Charles L. Flint, Esq.; Fifth Annual Report of Commissioners Central Park, N. Y., 1862, from F. W. Paine, Esq. It will be noticed that the Library has but slightly increased in the mere number of volumes. But it must be remembered that the works devoted to any one special subject of human investigation or taste, are quite limited. Most writers upon horticulture, as upon cognate pursuits, publish the fruits of their researches in the periodicals of the day, whose regular issue enables an author to keep his views in all their freshness steadily before the public mind. Of Horticultural Magazines, it is believed that we have a sufiBci- eney. But it is not doubted that much might be done, by the active and cor- dial co-operation of members, to secure by donation many valuable and desir- able accessions to our collection. Beyond such individual aid, the undersigned can only advise a continuance of the present method, by which the permanent development of the Library is certainly, if somewhat slowly, ensured. It is vStill less likely than heretofore that many books will be published which it will be indispensable to procure by purchase. By a comparison of the record for the past year with that of its predeces- sors, it will be found that the advantages of the library have been more gen- erally improved since its transfer to Horticultural Hall. Prior to that event there had been, with the exception of a single year, a steady and progressive diminution in the number of volumes taken out by members. In 1858 the number was 75; in 1859, 42; in 1860, 72; in 1861, 64; and from Feb. 27th, 1862, 114. In addition, the books in the Library have been extensively used for consultation and reference during the weekly meetings. The Committee upon the subject of a re-location of the library, in their report, made use of the following argument : " One consideration of general policy, not aifecting the Library, deserves attention. This building constitutes the whole property of the Society, from which its revenue is derived. The value of this Hall, as a place of public assemblage and patronage depends, in some measure, upon the manner in which and the purpose for which it is used. The valuable Library of the Society deposited here, if bringing with it weekly, or even casual, meetings of the members, could not fail to influence, in some degree, the general estima- tion of this property by the public." These anticipations, it is but simple truth to say, have been more than real- ized. For, simultaneous with the removal of the Library and its permanent location in the Hall of the Society, a system of voluntary weekly exhibitions 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 state- ment 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- 58 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1863. stocked green-houses early aftbrded lavish contributions. A report which the Secretary, 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. As he observed the benefit that resulted from publicity, the Secretary has contin- ued, at no slight personal inconvenience, to make weekly reports of the succes- sive displays for insertipn in the columns of the Massachu>ietts Spy. In this way we were enabled to add to the roll of our membership, which had remained stationary for years, if not even retrograding. Of eighteen members, admitted to the Society within the official term of the Secretary, at least two-thirds became such upon the occasion of their presence at these weekly exhibitions. So that, in a pecuniary point of view, the Society has been more than remu- nerated for the cost of re-locating the Library, were such compensation of essential account. It may be advisable, if only for future reference, to recapitulate the entries of Flowers, Fruits, &c., which added so much to the interest and value of those weekly reunions : The entries of exotic Fruits were 21 ; Strawberries, 29 ; Cherries, Currants, Grapes, Gooseberries, &c, 98 ; Apples, IGO ; Pears, 512 ; Flowers, Plants, &c., 632. Total, 1443. This large aggregate will appear even more surprising, Avhen it is considered in its proper relation to the fact that the whole number of entries, at our largest Annual Exhibition (that of 1862), was 2172, It is thus made manifest to what a sum the occasional contributions of members may amount, when it is ascertained that they exceed two-thirds of that collection, upon which was expended the whole force of the Society, and the co-operation of every indi- vidual whom that Society has enrolled. All which is respectfully submitted. EDWARD W. LINCOLN, vSecretary and Acting Librarian. 1868.] • president's remarks. 59 REMARKS OF GEORGE JAQUES, Esq., President On the occasion of (he Awrirdine/ of the Preniiums of the Wor- cester Countij Horticultural Sociehj, on Thursdajj erodvg, Sept. 17, 1863. Ladies and Gentlemen of ilie Worcester County Hortlcidfural Society : The hour for the reading of the reports of the several Committees has arrived. But before the Chairmen of these Committees make known to you the results of their examinations, I avail myself of the opportunity to congratulate you on the success of the present Annual Exhibition. Were T to pronounce this display of Fruits and Flowers to be one ot the most chaste and beautiful to which the Society has ever invited the public, I should but repeat what I have sevei'al times heard to-da}'. But as a comparison between one of your exhibitions and another is not always easy to be made, I think it better to say that there is now in this Hall a fuller representation of all the most valuable Fruits and Vegeta- bles, with a smaller proportion of the worthless sorts, than there ever was before. That the Floral Department of this Exhibition surpasses what we have had, on any former occasion, is quite beyond dispute. It is now twenty-three years since the preliminary steps were taken toward the formation of this Society. Those who remember the condition of Horti- culture in Central Massachusetts then, in 1840, contrasted with what we may well be proud of now, in 1863, will hardly accuse me of extravagance in assert- ing that the progress which we have made in less than a quarter of a century is greater and of more value than all that horticultural science and industry had previously accomplished here since the wolf and savage prowled over the grounds where all this profusion of beauty around you was grown. Leaving out of the account the Pears and Flowers which were contributed by gentlemen of Boston and its vicinity, the one solitai;y dish of Peaches pre- sented by an enterprising individual, and a very few quite ordinary Vegetables, your first exhibition comprised little else than a meagre but confused collection of Apples and Pears, of which only a very small number were designated correctly by name. Without including the splendid products of green-house cultivation before you, your tables are now laden with most bt-autiful specimens of almost all the valuable varieties of Fruits and Flowers which are known in the world and which our climate or the season of the year will admit of being here. These Pomological and Floral attractions no longer gratify the eye merely ; but, as they are now exhibited, labelled with their true names, any one desiring the 60 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1863. information can ascertain all he wishes to know about thorn, by consulting the publications to be found in your Library or elsewhere. Your first effort, in so far as the articles were contributed from your own resources, was but a meagre and meaningless show ; your more recent Annual Exhibitions have been not only among the most brilliant and interesting entertainments that our beautiful inland city can boast of, but they have come to be horticultural schools, rich in useful instruction, which the stranger carries home with him a hundred miles away. The prize Fruits so much admired upon your tables, are now no longer, as formerly, regarded as special gifts which nature bestows upon her lucky favorites. On the contrary, these beautiful productions, like any other good crop, are the legitimate results of a certain adaptation of means to the desired end. The process has ceased to be a mystery, and our intelligent cultivators, so far from feeling their way in the dark, almost laugh at the possibility of failure. For example, I think I might name half a dozen gentlemen now in the Hall, who would not fear to put themselves under bonds to produce, in a reasonable time, as good specimens as the " best twelve Bartlett Pears " which you honor with a twenty-five dollar premium. Directions how to take such a prize indeed might be written out as clear and straightforward as those which a traveller reads upon a guide-board. What is essential is mostly comprised under the heads of a rich soil, of four or five times the depth of ordinary cultivation ; under-drainage, where the subsoil requires it ; cultivation or mulchiny of the surface; thinning out of the fruit; shelter from the wind, and judicious pruning. That the process smells of money, is not strange ; for a great deal of what is valuable in this world emits the same odor. Since the removal of the Library to one of the ante-rooms of the Hall, in the spring of 1862, we have held here, on the days when the Library was open, informal weekly exhibitions, and we have thus brought under criticism most of the products of our gardens and orchards, which are out of season at the time of our Annual Fair. Combined with these we have two series of pleasant, social conversations on the subject of Fruits. Elaborate reports of the doings of these meetings — thanks to the graceful pen of our accomplished and efficient Secretary — have been ])ublished, both in the daily and weekly editions of the Massachusetts Spy, to the no inconsiderable benefit of the community. It is well-known that there'are a considerable number of cultivated Fruits which succeed well in one section of the country, while proving worthless in other sections, even at no great distance, and in the same latitude. I, therefore, consider the names of the Fruits which have stood the test of your discussions, of sufficient importance to justify their repetition on this occasion : THE WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SELECT LIST OF FRUITS. Apples. Early — Red Astrachan, Sweet Bough, Duchess of Oldenburg, Williams' Early Red, *Worcester Spy, *Summer Pippin. Autumn — Gravenstein, Porter, *Shepard's Sweeting, *Leland's Spice, *Fam- euse, Hubbardston Nonsuch. 1863.] president's remarks. 61 Winter and Spring — Mother, R. I. Greening, fYellow Bellflower, fJewett's Red, Baldwin, ^Washington Royal, *Ladies' Sweeting, ^Northern Spy, Talmaa Sweeting, Roxbury Russet. Pears. Early — Beurre Giffard, Rostiezer, Dearborn's Seedling, Bartlott, St. Ghislain. Autumn — Belle Lucrative, Paradise d'Autorane, Flemish Beauty, Marie Louise, L. B. de Jersey, Seckel, Fulton, Henry IV., Sheldon. Late Autumn and Winter — Beurre Bosc, Urbaniste, Beui-re d'Anjou, Dix, Duehesse d'Arigouleme, Winter Nelis, Lawrence, Glout Morcean. Cherries. May Duke, Knight's Early Black, Black Tartarian, Black Eagle, Downer's Late, American Amber. Grapes. Hartford Prolific, Diana, Concord, Delaware. Strawberries. Hovey's Seedling, Jenney's Seedling, Jenny Lind, Wilson's Albany. In regard to other species of Fruits no decisions have yet been made ; but it is to be hoped that the discussions will be resumed the coming winter, and con- tinued until the merits of the whole circle of our Fruits shall have been thoroughly investigated. The pecuniary condition of our affairs may be briefly stated. In the city valuation for taxes, the Society's Hall is estimated this year at $15,500, which is $2,625 less than the property had cost us when the Hall was first opened in 1852. Our Library of nearly three hundred bound volumes cannot be worth less than .$1,000. Our plates and other furniture may be fairly set down at $1,200 or $1,300 more. The present indebtedness of the Society is $8,700. If, therefore, the real estate be worth to-day what it cost a dozen years ago, the property belonging to this Association, over and above the debt, may be esti- mated at nearly $12,000. W^ere you to deem it advisable to effect the change, it is believed you might dispose of your real estate, pay your entire debt, and, retaining your furniture and Library, have left in your Treasurer's hands some nine or ten thousand dollars. Such a step, however, should not be taken with- out grave deliberation. We are receiving a rent of §1,500 a year for this building, and the uses which we make of it for our Library and Exhibitions cost us nothing at all. There is wisdom in the proverb which teaches to " let well enough alone." Were I to propose any new measures on the present occasion, I would respectfully suggest such a thorough revision of the Society's schedule of pre- miums that encouragement should be offered hereafter only to the cultivation of ichai is, or j)ronuses to he, trxdy valuable. But the great desideratum, at the present time, is to increase the number of the members of the association. The Society has already accomplished a good work ; but of a great deal more remaining to be done, the progress would be much more rapid, as the useful- * Varieties reeommended as "promising well." f Varieties recommended for "amateur cultivation." 62 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1863. ness of the Society would be greatly increased, by the acquisition of even a few more good working members from different parts of the County. Ladies and gentlemen, I am occupying too much of your time. Believing that rotation in office is conducive to the health and vigor of voluntary associ- ations like this, I shall I'etire at the close of the year, from the position which I have now the honor to hold, as your presiding officer. But I should regard it as a misfortune to lose my interest in the objects to which this Society is devoted, and to the promotion of which I hope to be able to contribute in my humble way, something at least, for many years to come. I conclude what I have to say with the simple remark, that some observation of men and things, and twenty years' devotion to horticultural pursuits, have confirmed me in the belief that the cultivation of Fruits and Flowers is among the most fascinating and abiding of human recreations, as the science of hor- ticulture is among the most abstruse that the intellect of man has ever attempted to investigate. 1863.] REPORT ON APPLES. 63 ANNUAL EXHIBITION, 1863. REPORT ON APPLES. J. M. Earle, Worcester, Chairman; S. P. Cham pney, Grafton ; Josiah L. Woodward, Millbury ; Josiah G. Stone, Shrewsbury ; Sylvanus Sears, Worcester. Apples. — For the largest and best collection, to Josiah L. Woodward, of Millbury, .' $10 00 For the second best, to W. W. Keyes, of West Boylston, 8 00 For the third best, to Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, 6 00 For the fourth best, to Samuel P. Champney, of Grafton,.., Harris on Insects. For the best six varieties of not less than eight specimens each, to Stephen S. Foster, of Worcester, Harris on Insects. For the second best, to N. K. Merriam, of New England Village,... 3 00 For the third best, to Samuel A. Knox, of Grafton, 2 00 For the best eight Gravensteiu Apples, to C. L. Hartshorn, of Wor- cester, 1 00 For the best eight Porter Apples, to J. L. Day, of Worcester, 1 00 For the best eight Hubbardston Nonsuch Apples, to William H. Heywood, of Worcester, 1 00 For the best eight Baldwin Apples, to J. C. Ripley, of Worcester,... 1 00 For the best eight Autumn Sweet Apples, to William Fames, of Worcester, (variety : Quince), 1 00 For the best eight Winter Sweet Apples, to 0. B. Hadwen, of Wor- cester, (variety : Leicester,) 1 00 For the best eight specimens of any other variety, to Jonathan Grout, of Worcester, (Roxbury Russet), 1 00 For the second best, to Silas Clapp, of Worcester, (Ribstone Pippin), 1 00 For the third best, to Asa H. Allen, of Shrewsbury, (Early Wil- liams), 1 00 Gratuity to Loren Goes, of Worcester, for the "Somerset," 2 00 [It is the misfortune. of the Society that the Chairman of the Committee on Apples was prevented from completing a duty which he had partially discharged, by recording the conclusions which now find their sole and unsatisfactory state- ment in the abstract as above given. But the public service is somewhat ex- exacting, and a Society which has benefitted so much, as has the Worcester County Horticultural for a quarter of a century past, from the distinguished devotion of John Milton Earle, should be slow to complain that his enforced devotion to official duty had finally enured to his personal and pecuniary advantage. E. W. L.] 64 AVORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1863. REPORT ON FLOWERS, PLANTS, &c. Dr. RuKUS Woodward, C/iainnan ; Jon'atiiax D. Wheeler, Esq., Graf- ton ; James L. Burhaxk, Samuei, H. Coi.ton and D. S. Messixger, Worcester. The Committee on Flowers, Plants, &c., respectfully report that after a care- ful examination of the subject committed to their discretion, they have made the following awards. Plaxts. — For the largest and best display, to James Comley, of Wor- cester, $10 00 For the second best, to Stephen Salisbury, of Worcester,.., Harris on Insects. Cut Flowers. — For the largest and best display, to James Comley, of Worcester, ^5 00 For the second best, to Jonathan Grout, of Worcester, 2 00 For the third best, to Mrs. A. D. Foster, of Worcester, 1 00 Gratuity. — To Mrs. Edward Earle, of Worcester, 1 00 Bouquets. — For the best pair, to James Comley, of Worcester, 2 00 Gratuity. — For a single Bouquet, to Mrs. E. M. Howe, of Sterling,.... 1 00 Floral Desigxs. — For the best, to Mrs. S. D. Ward, of Shrewsbury,.... 3 00 For the second best, William White, of Worcester, 2 00 Roses. — For the best display, to Jonathan Grout, of Worcester, 2 00 Gladiolus. — For the best display, to Mrs. M. B. Green, of Worcester, 2 00 Asters. — For the best display, to Joseph Lovell, of Worcester, 1 00 Dahlias. — For the best display, to Stephen Salisbury, of Worcester,... 1 00 Gratuities. — For a stand of Dahlias, to James T. Pike, of Worcester, (17 years old), 1 00 To Mrs. Jonas Brown, of Wilkinsonville, 1 00 Verbexas. — For the best display, to Jonathan Grout, of Worcester, 1 00 [The professional engagements of Dr. Woodward prevented his making an elaborate report.] REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, &c., &c. D. W. Lixcoi.x, Chairman: Bex.iamix Butmax, E. S. Stebbins, J. C. Ripley, Dr. Geouce Chaxdleu, of Worcester. Grapes. — For the largest and best collection, grown under glass, to James Comley, of Worcester, 8 00 For the second do., to John C. Mason, of Worcester, Harris on Insects. Gratuity. — To Mrs. A. D. Foster, of Worcester, 1 00 For the best specimens of well-ripened Delaware Grapes, to John C. Mason, 2 00 1863.] REPORT ON PEARS. 65 For Concord, do., to Edward Earle, of Worcester, 2 00 For Hartford Prolific, do., to Wm. D. Mascroft, of Northbridge,... 2 00 For Native Grapes, to E. D. Batchelder, of West Brookfield, 1 00 Peaches. — For ^tlie best twelve specimens of one variety, to F. Mc- Cracken, of Millbury, $3 00 For the second best, to Asa H. Allen, of Shrewsbury, 2 00 Gratuity. — For his plate of Peaches, to Gilbert Searles, of Sutton, 1 GO Plums. — Gratuity to Anthony Chase, of Worcester, 1 00 [Note. Mr. Lincoln, the Chairman of the Committee, was also Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements for the Annual Exhibition of the Agricul- tural Society, and Mayor of the city. He explained that he found it perfectly impossible, consistent with his official duties to prepare an extended review of the action and decisions of the Committee. E. W. L.] REPORT ON PEARS. J. Henry Hill, Chairman; Henry Phelps, 0. B. Hadwex, Emory Ban- ister, Worcester; and E. F. Daniels, Oxford. The Committee on Pears, having attended to the duty assigned them, have directed me to submit the following report : The Committee, before passing to the more material parts of their report, cannot refrain from suggesting, that if any evidence were wanting to prove the value of associations like ours, in promoting and encouraging the pursuit of Pomology, we have it, in abundance npoii the tables of this Society, at its annually recurring exhibitions. The Society has just attained its majority ; and nothing could be more profitable or pleasant, had we the time, than to trace its progress from its formation to the present moment. A few words, however, in relation to the department in charge of your Committee, must suffice. Those who witnessed the first exhibition of the Society are the only ones who can fully appreciate the vast improvement made in the culture of the Pear. From the smallest beginnings we have arrived at a degree of excellence which fairly challenges competition. Twenty years ago, few people knew of any varieties other than the "Pound Pear," or the " Button Pear," as they were respectively called ; and whoever was the fortunate possessor of a tree of either variety was the envy of the neighborhood ; nobody knew or dreamed that any one, with a little trouble, could obtain a tree of even like character. Beyond a few professional or amateur growers, the subject of Pear cultivation was never agitated or thought of. The first few exhibitions of this Society, however, conceived and carried out by a few public spirited gentlemen — some of whom 66 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1863. have ever since been, and now are, active members — gave an impulse to Pear culture, which has never abated. And your Committee submit, that there are very few in the community who realize the great obligations they are under to those pioneers in the good work. We have now arrived at a period when a man having the care or being the owner of any land, who pays uo attention to the cultivation of this fruit, forms an exception to the general rule. The nom- enclature of the Pear, so extensive, and once so forbidding, and regarded as beyond the comprehension of ordinary people, has become comparatively familiar with nearly all who have taken any interest in the subject. And who has not? So common now has the cultivation of this desirable fruit become — more desirable still, since the Peach has become so nearly extinct — that always the first question asked in the description of a man's homestead is : " What have you for Pears?" For no man's plot of land is so small but there is room for a Pear tree ; and combining, as that tree does, in an eminent degree, the useful with the ornamental, few are so far wanting in taste and good sense as to neglect the planting of it. To the influences of this Association in its transactions, this universal attention and constant zeal, in the cultivation of this fruit in the community now, is directly traceable ; thus giving to almost every one a luxury, in comparative abundance, which but a few years since was enjoyed only by a few. Nor has the influence of your Society stopped here : seeing the success which has attended your efforts, others have taken up the work, and local soci- eties have sprung up in almost every part of the county, emulating with com- mendable zeal and activity, the example you have set them. In passing along the tables during the examination made by your Committee, they have been gratified to find a decided and very marked improvement in the quality of the fruit submitted to them. A change seems to have been made by some contributors in their collections, by regarding quality as of more importance than quantity ; a change which your Committee cannot but regard as an omen of much good and still further improvement in the future. This they do not say to discourage the bringing in of contributions, but rather for the purpose of increasing contributions, and to excite a laudable emulation in regard to the quality of specimens and varieties. The time has been, and within a few years, when the great aim seemed to be to produce as many varie- ties as possible, without regard to the quality of the kind or excellence of the fruit — a multiplying of names, whether the fruit they represented was valuable or worthless — as if "the largest and best collection" simply meant the longest catalogue of names. It was an evil which perhaps was the result of novelty, and which grew out of a desire to see how far the matter of " different varie- ties" could be carried. Nevertheless it was a heresy, and one which became 80 firmly rooted that the Society found it necessary to adopt a rule instructing Committees in cases of "largest and best collections" to "be governed by quality rather than by the number of varieties merely." The salutary effect of this rule was very soon noticeable. Contributors cut down the number of their varieties, bringing only to the table such as were choice and valuable, or such 1863.] REPORT ON PEARS. 67 as had been tried and found, at least, desirable for culivation ; so that although your collections may not always be so large, numerically, as formerly, the exhi- bitions, as a whole, will prove far more attractive and creditable ; and more than this — the effect will not stop with exhibitions — while it will not prevent the trial of new varieties and the adoption of such as may prove worthy, it will induce cultivators to reject such as have already been found worthless and to substitute other choice and valuable ones, giving a j^ermanent and substantial improvement to the character aud quality of fruit produced iu our community generally. But there is an error on the other hand, into which a certain class of con- tributors are very liable to fall — the result of which is, practically, that they allow their modesty to stand in the way of improvement. They are very apt to assume that their contributions would be inferior, if made, and so neglect to make them at all, lest they should suffer by comparison with others. This is unjust to the Society, and, oftentimes, more unjust to themselves. Let no one be deterred from contributing to the Society's exhibitions. Their contributions maybe inferior to those of others. What then? The very comparison excites, or should excite emulation, and stimulate to an effort for improvement in future attempts with the same fruit — provokes inquiry as to soil, treatment, or any other accident, which may lead to the discovery and correction of errors in the contributor's mode of cultivation which might not otherwise be discovered or corrected. It is the only mode of answering the purposes, objects and aims of the Society — all of which may be summed up in one word — Improvement. The number of entries found in the Secretary's book for this year is eight hundred and twenty-one, or about 6fty less than the average number for the last four exhibitions. But while the number of entries is not so large as in some former years, the quality of the fruit and the evident care taken in the selection of specimens have done much in making the exhibition a success in this department ; and when we take into consideration the fact that the season has been to a considerable degree unfavorable to the production and growth of this fruit, the exhibition has been in all its really valuable features quite up to those preceding it. Your Committee have found no difficulty in coming to a unanimous opinion as to the premiums offered by the Society and to be awarded by them, although in some cases where premiums were awarded for a certain number of varieties, they found it difficult to ' select the number required, the general character of the contributor's fruit from which the selection was to be made was so good. They award the premiums, as follows : Pears. — For the largest and best collection of not less than five speci- mens each, to D. Waldo Lincoln, of Worcester, $10 00 For the second largest and best to Samuel H. Colton, of Worcester, 6 00 For the best twenty varieties of not less than five specimens each, to Jonathan Grout, of Worcester, for his Belle Lucrative, Bart- lett, Beurre d'Anjou, Beurre Montgeron, Beurre Hardy, Beurre 68 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1863. Superfin, Henry IV, Flemish Beauty, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Seckel, Onondaga, Andrews, Duraudeau, Baronne de Mello, Beurre Diel, General Lamoriciere, Noveau Poiteau, Doyenne Gris, Triomphe de Jodoigne, Glout Morceau, 8 00 For the second best twenty varieties, to Benjamin Butman, of Wor- cester, for his Beurre Bosc, Dix, Seckel, Marie Louise, Belle Lu- crative, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Beurre Diel, Triomphe de Jodoigne, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Paradise d'Automne, St. Mich- ael, Doyenne du Cornice, Doyenne Boussock, Beurre Superfin, Beurre Clairgeau, Doyenne Sterkman, Beurre Nantais, Beurre Kennes, Flemish Beauty, Urbaniste, G 00 For the best ten varieties of not less than five specimens each, to John C. Ripley, of Worcester, for his Bartlett, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Beurre Bosc, Doyenne du Comice, Beurre Superfin, Thompson, Dix, Flemish Beauty, Beurre d'Anjou, Sieulle, 6 00 For the second best ten varieties of not less than five specimens each, to Timothy K. Earle, for his Columbia, Duchess d'Angou- leme, Dix, Buffum, Fulton, Lawrence, Belle Lucrative, Flemish Beauty, Louise Bonne de Jersey, and Winter Nelis, Harris on Insects. For the best six varieties of not less than five specimens each, to John Milton Earle, of Worcester, for his Doyenne du Comice, Sheldon, Beurre Clairgeau, Paradise d'Automne, Kingsessing, Marie Louise, Harris on Insects. For the second best six varieties of not less than five specimens each, to George T. Rice, for his Beurre Bosc, Sieulle, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Glout Morceau, Bartlett, Beurre d'Anjou, 2 00 For the best twenty-four Seckel Pears on one dish, to Isaac Mills, of Worcester, '. 2 00 For the best twelve Louise Bonne de Jersey, to Parley Hammond, of Worcester, 2 00 For the best twelve Beurre Bosc Pears, to Charles Johnson, of Northborough, 2 00 For the best twelve Flemish Beauty Pears, to J. H. Osgood, of Worcester, 2 00 For the best twelve Beurre d'Anjou Pears, to E. S. Stebbins, of Worcester, 2 00 For the best twelve specimens of any other variety, to Stephen Salisbury, for his Doyenne Boussock, 2 00 For the second best twelve specimens of any other variety, to A. B. R. Sprague, for his Dix, 2 00 Your Committee do not feel willing to close this part of their report without calliuf attention to some specimens of fine fruit from other contributors, and to express their regret that the list of premiums at their disposal is not more extensive. 1863.] REPORT ON PEARS. 69 The collection of Mr. Loriug Goes is fine, and deserving of especial com- mendation. Among the single plates which require particular mention are the following : Columbia, from Mr. Stebbins, fine ; Flemish Beauty, Mr. Forehand ; Flemish Beauty and Beurre Diel, M. S. Ballard. D. S. Burgess had a plate of Louise Bonne de Jersey, which were good, but lacked in number for a pre- mium. C. Harris presented specimens of the Flemish Beauty, which were very handsome, though smaller than some others. W. C. Barbour exhibited a plate of the Dunmore that were very fine for that variety. The plates of Marie Louise' and Belle Lucrative from Mr. Jaques were fine, as were also the Marie Louise and Beurre Clairgeau from Mr. Lovell. S. P. Champney exhibited some fine specimens of the St. Michael — the best in the Hall — a most valuable variety, but liable to crack in this climate and become worthless. Fine specimens of the Belle Lucrative and of the Beurre d'Amalis were shown by 0. K. Earle ; Buifura, by Joseph Boyden, and Belle Lucrative, by S. V. Stone. A plate of good specimens of the Beurre d'Anjou were presented by Charles Richardson, and Ichabod Washburn has plates of the Beurre d'Arera- berg, and Easter Beurre, which are the best of those varieties in the Hall. Edwin Draper's plate of the Beurre Bosc is fine and the second best dish of twelve of that variety. Charles A. Upton and A. B. R. Sprague each presented a plate of splendid Seckels, and the premium for the best twenty-four speci- mens of this variety lay between Mr. Upton, Mr. Sprague and Mr. Mills. All were very fine, but those of Mr. Mills seemed to your Committee to be superior for the evenness of size and perfect growth. The competition called forth by the special premium of twenty-five dollars for the BEST twelve Bartlett Pears upon one dish was not so general or so spirited as the Society had reason to expect. The premium offered a second time by the generosity of contributors to whom it was awarded last year should have excited a more general effort, and been the means of bringing out a large number of contestants. Indeed, it was generally expected that the contest would be a spirited one, and that it would result in placing upon the Society's tables larger specimens than were then presented. But from some cause or other such a result has not been produced. Only six competitors appeared, and of this six your Committee had no trouble in fixing upon the plate numbered five as the one entitled to the premium. The weight of this collection was eight pounds one and one-fourth ounces, being an excess of only one-fourth of an ounce over the heaviest twelve contributed last year. The only other lot which approached number five was number three, which weighed seven pounds two and three-fourths ounces. For the Committee, J. HENRY HILL, Chairman. 10 70 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1863. REPORT ON VEGETABLES. Edwin Coxant, Chairman; J. Frank Allen, Oliaer K. Earle, of Worcester; Thomas R. Norcross, of Shrewsbury; Samuel A. Knox, of Grafton. The Committen on Vegetables respectfully report, that they find on the books thirty-four contributors and two hundred and sixty-eight entries, against one hundred and twenty-two entries in 1862, showing a gain of one hundred and forty-six entries over the last year, and by all the information the Committee are able to obtain, they believe the exhibition of this year to be as superior in qualitv to that of the last as it is in the number of entries. The number of competitors and of entries has made the labor of this Committee in no sense enviable. Suffice it to say that they have endeavored to be impartial and just. Vegetables. — For the largest and best collection, to S. P. Champney, of Grafton, $8 00 For the second best, to Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, 6 00 For the third best, to Harvey Dodge, of Sutton, Harris on Insects. For the fourth best, to Abram Peaslee, of Shrewsbury, 2 00 For the best three pure Canada Crook-Neck Squashes the Committee award no premium. Of this variety specimens were produced by various contributors, but they are disposed of in this report otherwise than by a specific premium. If the Committee could have been assured that the three noble specimens offered by J. Henry Hill were true, he would have worn the feather for that article, but one of them squinted too much towards a hybrid, and the doubt was sufficient to decide the case. For best three Marrow Squashes, to Charles H. Whiting, of Wor- cester, 1 00 For the best three Hubbard Squashes, to Thomas Kinnicutt, of Worcester, 1 00 For the best three Mammoth Squashes, to James Comley, of Wor- cester, 1 00 For the best Winter Squash of any other variety, the Committee award no premium, but the three fine specimens of " Vegetable Marrow" exhibited by. Stephen Salisbury, of Worcester, engaged the attention of the Committee, and only required sufficient evidence that their quality was equal to their external presentment. No award is made of the premium for the largest Squash — it being already disposed of among the Mammoths. For the best three roots of Celery there was no competition, Mr. Salisbury, of Worcester, being the only exhibitor, and no premium is awarded. Cabbages. — No Savoy Cabbages were offered. For the three best heads of any other variety, to C ideon Harris, of Worcester, for his Early York, .- 1 00 Cauliflowers. — For the best three, to John C. Ripley, of Worcester, 1 00 Sweet Corn. — For the best twelve ears, there is no award, the article having been disposed of among the "collections." 1863.] REPORT ON VEGETABLES. 71 Tomatoes. — For the best twelve, to G. L. Hartshorn, of Worcester, for the variety "Lester," 1 00 In regacd to the special premium for the largest and best colUection of Veg- etables, entirely raised by boys not over sixteen years of age, the Committee had, as in other cases, a difficult duty. They recommend a division of the premium, and award to E. F. Champney, of Grafton, $5.00 ; to Charles Hadwen, Jr., of Worcester, $5.00 ; to Charles Washburn, of Millbury, aged six years, they recommend for his sixteen varieties a gratuity of $1.00. The Committee were surprised to find our friend Anthony Chase, of Worces- ter, consenting to be recorded on our books as of secession proclivities. He exhibited some Corn i-aised from seed from the farm of Ex-Governor Henry A. Wise, of Virginia, planted on the first of June, and measuring twelve feet and four inches. A rebellious growth so astonishing, in a Northern clime and under the fostering care of such a man, can perhaps be justified by Mr. Chase, on the score of independence of private opinion ; but this Society must keep its skirts clear, and can by no possibility be responsible for him. We looked anxiously for Deputy Provost Marshal Stone, but he was otherwise employed. Several other gentlemen exhibited nearly as tall Corn as Mr. Chase's, of broom, sugar and edible varieties, hailing from various localities, in one instance from the far Dacotah, but the Committee could find nothing rebellious in it, though prompted to vigilance by Mr. Chase's wicked example. "Thus ever did rfebellion find rebuke." Had Mr. Chase known that Shakspeare was in close communion with the Committee, possibly he would not have hazarded twelve feet and four inches of a sin that " looks so giant-like." The collection of James T. Pike, of Worcester, seventeen years old, con- sisting of eighteen varieties of Potatoes and twenty varieties of Beans, raised by himself; and that of Silas Clapp, of Worcester, of twenty -three varieties, are entitled to honoraVjle mention, but in their general merits were so nearly alike, that the Committee did not decide between them, and the premiums they were authorized to give were otherwise awarded. Charles Richardson, Charles Nash and Thomas H. Rice, all of Worcester, and L. F. Smith, of Northbridge, exhibited valuable varieties, and other gen- tlemen with a less number of articles. A volunteer friend, Mr. Gerry Valen- tine, of Hammonton, N. J., produced two varieties, large Reds and White Sweet Potatoes. In conclusion, the Committee remark, that in the necessary absence of some of their number, the work has been performed by two of them, with the valu- able aid of a gentleman impressed — Mr. Alexander Marsh, of Worcester ; and that there is no dissentient opinion among them. Respectfully submitted, in behalf of the Committee, EDWIN CONANT, Chairman. WoRCE.STER, September 23, 1863. 72 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [186-t. A. D. 1864. ANIs^UAL REPORT OF EDWARD W. LINCOLN, Serrefary and Librarian. To ihe Members of tlie Worcester County Horticultural Society : By the action of the Trustees in directing the removal of the Library of the Society to its own Hall, followed by the delegation of the duties of the Libra- rian to the Secretary, and by the simultaneou? institution of a series of weekly exhibitions, it became incumbent upon the undersigned to submit to the Society at its annual meeting in January, A. D. 1862, a concise summary of its trans- actions for the year then just expired. Tn the pi-eparation of that narrative, much embarrassment was avoided by an absolute declination to consider where the functions of the Librarian commenced, or those of the Secretary deter- mined. To that precedent, imperative of necessity, it seems all the more proper now to adhere, in view of the approbation of the Society, as evinced in the merger of the two offices, and the subsequent official sanction of the summary by the request of the Trustees for its publication. It is with great gratification, upon this recurrence of the annual meeting that the undersigned is able to felicitate the Society upon its present condition. The past year has been one of eminent prosperity and usefulness. By that correction of errors which is inevitable upon the comparison and interchange of views ; by the circulation of sound information, based materially upon indi» vidual experience ; by frequent displays of Flowers and Fruits ; by the intro- duction and diffusion of new varieties, or if not new, of but local notoriety, and of the greater value for being indigenous ; and by the contribution of liberal premiums for products that have ordinarily received too little attention ; but, above all, by the diligent increase of its membership ; the Society has amply vindicated the wisdom of the Legislature which incorporated it ^^for the purpose of advancing the science and encouraying and imp>roving the practice of horticulture.''' The Library has been freely used, and its advantages are better appreciated. While it cannot compete in popularity with those collections for which stately houses are built ; that swell plethoric catalogues, requiring a legion of servi- tors, and bewildering by their very vastness ; and on whose account we might well pray for a modern Omar; it may yet be doubted if it does not surpass all 1864.] secretary's report. 73 such in genuine utility. Surely, yes — if he is the greatest benefactor of his race who causes two blades of grass to spring where but one grew before. The circulation of the volumes has increased in 186.S, although upon the removal of the Library in 18G2 its shelves presented almost a terra incognifa, at once stimulating and rewarding research. Several valuable works have been added to the catalogue, as will more fully appear in the subjoined list. Many more have been derived from individual donation : than which no more profit- able mode of manifesting liberality and continued interest in the Society could be devised. In this latter class, and especially worthy of mention, is the gift by our retiring President, Mr. Jaques, and by that efficient Trustee, .Jonathan Grout, Esq., of the " Official Transactions of the American Pomological Society," for many years, thus snj)plying an almost unbroken series of a publi- cation incalculably precious to a Library like ours, and wholly unattainable otherwise. Some hopes have been held out l)y one of our Vice Presidents, that the deficient numbers may be found in his collection. But even should the series continue imperfect, the gratitude of the Society is none the less due to Messrs. .Taques and Grout for their almost entire success in making it complete. The members of the Society can scarcely have failed to notice upon the walls of the Library, in startling contrast with those grim pictures of the Crimean war, belonging to the Worcester Light Infantry, a collection of engravings peculiarly appropriate to their location. No pomologist will require a voucher for their singular fidelity to nature, from which of itself he would deduce their superiority as works of art. These pictures have consoled your. Committee on all other Fruits, who, in their vain search for Peaches, Plums and Quinces, have found, if not what they sought, at least its "counterfeit presentment." For the engravings entitled respectively "Summer'' and "Autumn,"' the Soci- ety is indebted to Mr. Edward Earle, whose interest in horticulture continues unabated, but whose time, unfortunately for the Society, has recently been but too closely monopolized by the Commonwealth. Henry Woodward, Esq., is the generous donor of the two fruit pieces without designation, of somewhat more elaborate character, and of at least equal ornament and value as additions to the Library. Annexed is a list of the additions made by donation and purchase to the Library of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, during the year ISG.'i; 1. A Catalogue of Fruits Cultivated in the Garden of the Horticultural Society, London; pamphlet edition, 1842. Presented by Samuel H. Colton. 2. Proceedings of the National Convention of Fruit Growers in 1848. Presented by George Jaques. 3. Proceedings of the National Convention of Fruit Growers in 1849. Presented by George Jaques. 4. Transactions of the Second Session of the American Pomological Society in 1852. Presented by George Jaques. 5. Transactions of the Third Session of the American Pomological Society in 1854. Presented by George Jaques. 74 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1864. (i. Proceedings of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in 1843-4—5-6. Presented hj' George Jaques. 7. Proceedings of the Sixth Session of the American Pomological Society. Presented by Jonathan Grout. 8. Proceedings of the Seventh Session of the American Pomological Society. Presented by Jonathan Grout. 9. Proceedings of the Eighth Session of the American Pomological Society. Presented by Jonathan Grout. 10. Proceedings of the Ninth Session of the American Pomological Society. Presented by Marshall P. Wilder. 11. Transactions of tlio Hiiigham Agricultural and Hni-ticuitural Society, October, 1858, to March, iMIil. Presented by D. ^Yal(lo Lincoln. 12.. Agriculture and Geology of Maine, second series, 1862; 1 vol., 8 vo. Presented by C. L. Flint. IH. Agriculture and Geology of Massachusetts, (duplicate), 18(12 : 1 vol., 8 vo. Presented by C. L. Flint. 14. Report of the Department of Agriculture, 18*j2. Presented by the Commissioner. 15. Report of the Department of Agriculture, 1862. Presented by Hon. J. D. Baldwin. 16. Hoveys Magazine; vol. 28, 1862. Purchased and bound. 17. Horticulturist; vol. 17, 1862. Purchased and bound. 18. Gardeners' Monthly ; vol. 4, 1862. Purchased and bound. 19. Working Farmer; vols. 13 and 14, 1861 and 1862. Purchased and bound. 20. American Agriculturist; vols. 20 and 21, 1861 and 1862. Purchased and bound. 21. Grape Culture, Wine and Wine Making; by A. Haraszthy ; 1 vol., 8 vo. Purchased by the Society. 22. Field and Garden Vegetables of America; by F. Burr. Purchased by the Society. 23. Journal of Horticulture ; vol. 2, 1 vol., quarto. Purchased by the Society. 24. Journal of Horticulture ; vol. 3, 1 vol., quarto. Purchased by the Society. 25. Revue Horticole, 1862 ; 1 vol., 8 vo. Purchased by the Society. 26. Florist, 1862. Purchased by the Society. 27. Parlor and Garden Flowers; by E. S. Rand, Jr. Purchased by the Society. 28. Summer Fruits ; a framed engraving. Presented by Edward Earle. 29. Autumn Fruits ; a framed engraving. Presented by Edward Earle. 30. Fruit Piece ; a framed engraving. Presented by Henry Woodward. :>1. Fruit Piece; a framed engraving. Presented by Henry Woodward. As before mentioned, there has been a steady increase in tiie circulation of the books. A comparative statement for the two years immediately preceding 1864.] secretary's report. 75 the transfer of the Library and for the two that have elapsed succeeding that event, discloses the subjoined state of facts. Number of volumes taken out: In 1860 72 I In 1862 1U In 186) 64 1 In 1863 133 All which, as a general thing, were well cared for and returned in good condition. Since your last annual meeting the Department of Agriculture at Washing- ton has been put -in complete operation, thereby superseding the Agricultural Bureau of the Patent Office with which this Society has long cultivated rela- tions of greater or less reciprocal advantage. That bureau, during its exist- ence, disseminated, among much rubbish, many valuable seeds. For the "Large Hollow-Crowned Parsnip" alone, your Secretary, since its first distri- bution, has been obliged to refuse repeated applications. While it will require longer experience to determine how i'ar the interests of horticulture are to be advanced by the radical change of agencies at the Federal Capital, it may not be wholly unprofitable to take an account of the benefits realized within the year. Late in the winter of 1862-3, your Secretary received from the new Department a "Catalogue of the Plants, Bulbs, Tubers, &c., for Distribution from the United States Propagating Garden." Forwarded under the frank of Commissioner Newton, as it was prepared by his direction, its transmission was construed into an invitation to this Society to specify the " Plants, Bulbs, Tubers, &c.," of which it might desire specimens. Accordingly, with the advice and assistance of Messrs. John Milton Earle and D. Waldo Lincoln, Ex-Presidents — than whom your roll of membership could afford none more competent — a list was completed and mailed to the Department. The receipt of that list was acknowledged by the Department, and assurances were lavished that the Society should be remembered in the spring, when alone transplanta- tion could be safely ventured. In this position the matter rested for months. Although spring came and went, bringing with it neither germ nor sign of life from the Department, no uneasiness was felt until the Secretary chanced to observe in the Gardeners' Monthly, of Philadelphia, a record of action by the Society of " Fruit Growers of Eastern Pennsylvania" in grateful recognition of an extensive and valuable collection of "Plants, Bulbs, Tubers, &c.," received from Commissioner Newton. After consultation with some of your Trustees, a letter was addressed by your Secretary to the Commissioner, citing this instance in Pennsylvania, and suggesting that the climate of Massachu- setts is not so severe but that it will admit of planting before June. A com- munication was received in reply, dated June 22, 1863, signed William Saun- ders, and covering the business card of said Saunders as " Landscape Gardener and Garden Architect," with certificates to his capacity as such, in which com- munication said Saunders, after professions of devotion to the welfare of the Department, proceeds to reconcile us to our disappointment by the assurance that he had ^^ exhausted the ivhole stock oj' plants, dtc.,'' by sending them to others ; that " the stock never was valuable,^' containing " nothing of interest 70 WURCESTEK COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1864. to the coitntri/, at least iiort/i of Vinjinia."' He concluded, however, with the generous proffer of a ^' few thousands of the European Cork Oak," for which he had then neither demand nor use. To all which it was sufficient to reply that, by the issue of " A Catalogue of Plants, Bulbs, &c., for distribution," without other remark, tlic Department authorized the supposition tliat the Plants, &c., were of value. And, if a distribution was to be had, it could only be done equitably in the order of application, pro rata. Certainly the application of this Society might have received attention, since it followed almost immediately upon the receipt of the " Catalogue.'' Moreover, it would seem that the time to disparage the worth of the collection should be prior to its dissemination, and, at any rate, anterior to a vote of thanks for a portion of it by cultivators so skillful as the horticulturists of Eastern Pennsylvania. That there was ^^ nothing of interest to the countr;/, at least north of Virginia" will be some- what refreshing to those of our florists who trace in the " Catalogue" among other items, the following: " (Jladiolus, 3.1 varieties 2000 phints;. Roses, 80 varieties 8000 plants." The letter of .June 22d closed the correspondence. Mr. Saunders, and with him, undoubtedly, the Department, firm in the conviction that they distributed what tbev had ; that it was distributed to whom they pleased ; and that it was not worth distributing at all. Your Secretary as thoroughly persuaded that, in resultant benefits to the community, the little finger of the petty Agricultural Bureau of tlie Patent Office was thicker than the loins of the newer and conse- quential Department. A statement of the gross receipts from the Department of Agriculture during the first year of its existence will illustrate the advantages derived from it by this Society, and fitly close this digression : Five copies Report of the Department. Six quart-bags (jf ^Vheat, sent after neaaon of phintiiif/. Two pounds, more or less, of Vcj^cetable Seeds, viz : Turnip, Beet, oved, your Secretary will be happy and promj)t not only to note the fact, but to engage in its cultivation. In the Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture, recently issued, occurs the following passage : " During the year there have been distributed from the Garden of the Department about 25,750 articles, comprising Vines, Bulbs, Cuttings and Plants. About one-half of these were distributed through mem- bers of Congress ; the remainder has been sent for dissemination by Agricul- tural and other rural Associations." As the Worcester County Horticultural Society was entirely overlooked by the Commissioner in this distribution, although the names of over eight hundred as intelligent horticulturists as exist anywhere can be found upon its roll, it is inferred that the Commissioner regards it as a civic, and not a "rural," Association, whatever the latter may be. The sum of our obligations to the Department of Agriciilture is about the same as during the year preceding — a sum which we shall doubtless be able to liquidate by proper prudence. A new Squash, a native of Japan, called from the port of foreign trade " Yoko?mma,^' has been introduced to the notice of the Society by several members. How far it will fulfill the glowing predictions that were originally made of it can only be determined after longer experience. Your Secretary can vouch for its extreme fecundity, having grown nearly two hundred weight upon a very small plot in a limited garden. Their specific gravity is note- worthy— one of the smallest, of which the development was checked by the drought, exceeding four (4). pounds. Being anxious for a thorough test of their merits, if such could be had, and reluctant at any rate to pin his private faith upon imperfect cookery, your Secretary has distributed them, at times, with a view to a strict and impartial trial of their qualities. The opinion of one lady, to whose judgment the Society would doubtless accord the same deference which it is equally the duty and delight of the Secretary to yield without hesitation, is that the Yokohama may rightfully claim a place in the front rank of Vegetables. Of the specimens before you, the smallest attained its whole growth before the dry weather set in, increasing not an inch there- after. The largest reached its present development in just two weeks, barely escaping the first hard frost, and coloring in-doors. All the seeds have been scrupulously preserved. If members of the Society wish to procure them upon cheaper terms than they cost the Secretary, they can obtain them for nothing, so long as the supply holds out, by applying at the proper season. The peculiar occupation of the Secretary, for some weeks past, induces him, as he closes this too extended summary of the proceedings of the Society for 1864, to invite the attention of his younger and fairer readers to a source of pleasant occupation and of emolument. The custom of decorating our churches is rap- idly becoming better honored in the observance than in the breach. A eon- 1865.] secretary's report. 105 siderable amount of money is annually sent out of the city of Worcester alone, to purchase wreaths and festoons of the Ground Pine and Creeping Jenny, to use names that will at once be comprehended. Much effort, labor and expense are lavished to collect that pride of our forests — Kalmia latifolia or Spoon Wood— of which it is questionable whether the gorgeous splendor of its bloom in summer or the shining verdure of its foliage amid the deep snows of winter are its crowning charm and glory. Is it absolutely necessary to send to the far-off woods of Maine for these appropriate and seasonable adornments ? It would surely seem that the fair hands of the feminine floriculturists, in Holden, Paxton, Leicester and Millbury might be no less agreeably than profit- ably occupied in plaiting together, after the snow has fallen, what had been previously gathered in by themselves or their younger brothers, and kept fresh by exposure to the external air. The market for which they would literally manufacture constantly enlarges. The suggestion of the Secretary costs those to whom it is addressd absolutely nothing. If his advice is followed, he does not expect that Christmas decorations will therefore be provided gratuitously. In concluding this Report, the Secretary takes the opportunity, of which he intended to avail himself last year, but which can never come amiss, to express his profound sense of obligation to Mr. Edwin Draper for his constant kindness and unwearied co-operation. The inappreciable services of this gentleman have been elsewhere the subject of indirect allusion. But so highly are they valued by the Secretary that he desires to impress all the members with his individual estimate of their worth. All which is respectfully submitted. EDWARD W. LINCOLN, Secretary and Librarian. Horticultural Hall, Worcester, Jan. 4, 1BG5. 106 AVORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 13 Y - L A. A\^ S "Worcester County Horticultural Society. ANNUAL MEETING. Article 1. There shall be an Annual Meeting of the Society, to be held on the first Wednesday of November of each year. MEMBERSHIP. Article 2. Any white male person may become a member of the Society on payment of the sum of three dollars ; females, upon the payment of one dollar. Honorary members may be admitted by vote of the Society, or of the Trustees, but shall not have the right to vote at any Business Meeting. OFFICERS. Article 3. The officers of the Society shall consist of a President, three (3) Vice Presidents, a Secretary and Librarian, and a Treasurer — all of whom shall be Trustees ex-officio — and twenty-five additional Trustees. The officers are to be elected by ballot, add to hold their offices until the next annual election, and until others are chosen in their places, and to discharge the duties of such offices respectively. SPECIAL MEETINGS— QUORUM. Article 4. Special meetings of the Society shall be called at any time, on the application of five (5) members therefor ; and, at all meetings of the Society, seven (T) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. NOTICE OF MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY. Article 5. All meetings of the Society shall be called by giving not less than two (2) weeks notice in at least one newspaper published in the city of Worcester. SECRETARY— HIS DUTIES. Article (5. The Secretary shall keep records of all business transacted at the meetings of the Society and of the Trustees, and also of the admission of members, and he shall call and notify meetings of the Society and of the Trus- tees, and shall notify persons chosen to office in the Society of their election and the Committees of their appointment, and shall attend to the correspondence of the Society. BY-LAWS. 107 TREASURER— HIS DUTIES. Article 7. The Treasurer shall, at each Annual Meeting of the Society, make a Report of his Receipts and Expenditures on account of the Society, and the condition of its finances, and exhibit his accounts. And a Committee shall be annually appointed by the Trustees to examine and audit his accounts and to report thereon. The Treasurer shall give bonds to the acceptance of the Trustees of the Society for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office. TRUSTEES— THEIR POWERS. Article 8. The Trustees shall have the general charge and direction of the affairs and business of the Society, its funds and property, so far as not otherwise provided for in the By-Laws or at the meetings of the Society, and may appoint one or more Exhibitions of Flowers, Fruit or Vegetables in each year, and make all arrangements therefor and for conducting the same, includ- ing the appointment of Committees, and may establish Premiums and provide for awarding the same, and shall direct the disposal of all articles of a vegetable growth which may be presented to the Society, including the distribution of Seeds, Scions and Cuttings, Layers and Roots. TRUSTEES— THEIR MEETINGS— QUORUM. Article 9. At all the meetings of the Trustees seven (7) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business ; and a meeting of the Trustees may at any time be called, on the application of three members of the Board to the President of the Society, and all meetings of the Trustees shall be called by the Secretary. There shall be stated meetings of the Trustees to be held once in three (3) months. AMENDMENTS. . Article 10. The By-Laws may be altered or amended at the Annual Meeting of the Society, by a vote of two-thirds (f) of the members present; provided that previous notice shall have been given in the call for the Annual Meeting that the subject of an alteration of the By-Laws is to come before the Society at that meeting. 108 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. SELECT FRUITS RECOMMENDED BY THE SOCIETY. APPLES. Early. — Red Astrachan, Sweet Bough, Duchess of Oldenlnirfrh, Williams' Early Red, Worcester Spy*, Summer Pippin*. Autumn. — Gravenstein, Porter, Shepard's Sweeting*, Leland's Spice*, Fameuse*, Hubbardston Nonsuch. Winter and Spkixu. — Mother, Rhode Island Greening, Yellow Bellcflenrf, Jewett's Redf, Baldwin, Washington Royalf, Ladies' Sweeting*, Northern Spy, Tallman Sweeting, Roxbury Russet. PEARS. Early. — Beurre GifFard, Rostiezer, Bartlett, Dearborn's Seedling, St. Ghislain. Autumn. — Belle Lucrative, Paradise d'Autonine, Flemish Beauty, Seckel, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Marie Louise, Fulton, Heni-y IV, Sheldon. Late Autumn and Winter. — Beurre Bosc, Urbaniste, Beurrg d'Anjou, Duchesse d' Angouleme, Winter Nelis, Glout Morceau. CHERRIES. May Duke, Knight's Early Black, Black Tartarian, American Amber, Downer's Late, Black Eagle. GRAPES. Concord, Hartford Prolific, Diana, Delaware. STRAWBERRIES. Hovey's Seedling, Triomphe de Gand, Jenney's Seedling, Jenny Lind, Wilson's Albany Seedling. * Varieties recommended as "promising well." f Varieties recommended for "amateur cultivation." LIST OF OFFICERS. 109 LIST OF OFFICERS FROM THE ORGANIZATIOiN. PRESIDENTS. Elected- Retired. • Elected. Retired. John Green, LS40 1844 D. Waldo Lincoln, 1857 1860 Isaac Davis, 1844 1848 Alexander H. Bullock, 18(50 1863 John Milton Earle, 1848 1851 George Jaques, 1863 1864 Stephen Salisbury, 1851 1857 J. Henry Hill, 18G4 VICE PRESIDENTS. Elected. Retired. Elected. Retired. Samuel B. Woodward 1840 1841 George T. Rice, 1852 1858 Stephen Salisbury, 1840 1841 John C. Whitin, 1853 1860 Anthony Chase, 1841 1843 William Workman, 1857 1858 Alfred D. Foster, 1841 1842 John Milton Earle, 1858 1863 Isaac Southgate, 1842 1849 Benjamin Butinan, 1858 1862 George B. Slater, 1842 1843 John C. Mason, 1860 1861 Isaac Davis, 1843 1844 George Jaques, 1861 1863 Asa H. Waters, 1843 1847 Jonathan Forbush, 1862 1863 William Workman, 1844 1853 Paul AVhitin, 1863 Thomas Chamberlain, 1847 1849 Wdliam T. Merrifield, 1863 1864 Stephen Salisbury, 1849 1851 Edward Earle, 1863 1864 Charles Thurber, 1849 1850 John Milton Earle, 1864 William T. Merrifield, 1849 1857 Francis H. Dewey, 1864 Edmund F. Dixie, 1851 1852 CORRESPONDI^ FG SECRETARY. Elected. Retired. Elected. Retired. William Lincoln, 1840 1841 John Milton Earle, 1845 1847 Joseph Sargent, 1840 1843 Samuel H. Col ton, 1847 184? Anthony Chase, 1843 1845 In 1849 the office of Corresponding was merged in that o the Recording Secretary. RECORDING SECRETARY. Elected. Retired.- Elected. Retired. Benjamin Hey wood. 1840 1841 George Jaques, 1847 1851 L. Lincoln Newton, 1840 1841 John Grav, Jr., 1851 1852 J. C. B. Davis, 1840 1841 J. Henry Hill, 1852 1861 Samuel F. Haven, 1841 1847 Edward W. Lincoln, 1861 TREASURER. Frederick W. Paine, elected 1841. LIBRARIAN. Elected. Retired. Elected. Retired. Anthony Chase, 1844 1851 Edward W. Lincoln, 1862 Clarendon Harris, 1851 1862 TRUSTEES. Elected. Retired, i Elected. Retired. John Park, 1840 1841 I Silas Allen, 1851 1853 Isaac Davis, 1840 1841 ] Benjamin F. Thomas, 1852 1853 Edmund F. Dixie, 1840 1848 Ansel Lakin, 1852 1857 Samuel D. Spurr, 1840 15 1841 Horatio N. Tower, 1852 1853 110 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Elected. Retired. Thomas Chamberlain, J,^U) IS 11 Nathaniel Stowo, 18 10 IS 11 Alfred D. Foster, 1840 1841 Lewis Chapin, 1840 1841 Joseph G. Kendall, 1840 1841 Emorv Washburn, 1840 1841 Clarendon Harris, 1841 1851 D. Waldo Lincoln, 1841 1847 Geo. W. Richardson, 1841 1842 Joseph Sargent, 1841 1842 Henrv Snow, 1842 1844 Calvin W. Forbush, 1842 1848 Asa H. Waters, 1842 1848 Joseph A. Denny, 1842 1848 Georue Denny, 1842 1843 Edwin Conant, 1842 1848 Tiuiothv W. Bancroft, 1842 1843 Cvrus Holbrook, 1843 1844 William N. Green, 1848 1850 Daniel Tenney, 1843 1847 Edward Earle, 1844 1847 Heury S. Wheatou, 1845 1848 Silas Allen, 1846 1849 Benjamin F. Thomas, 1846 1848 Stephen Salisbury, 1847 1848 Ichabod Washburn, 1847 1848 Charles Thurber, 1848 1849 D. Waldo Lincoln, 1848 1857 Meltiah B. Green, 1848 1850 Joseph A. Gilbert, 1848 1849 William C. Capron, 1848 1849 Asa F. Smith, 1848 1849 Leonard Cheney, 1848 1850 Samuel H. Colton, 1849 Charles Paine, 1849 1858 William M. Bickford, 1849 1859 Job C. Stone, 1849 1850 Calvin W. Forbush, 1849 1850 Samuel Flag^, 1850 1858 Edward Earle, 1850 1858 Edmund F. Di.xie, 1850 1851 William C. Capron, 1850 1852 Charles Brirrham, 1850 1852 George T. Rice, 1851 1852 Ichabod Washburn, ISGO 1862 John C. Ripley, 1861 Joseph Burnett, 1861 1868 Benjamin Butmaii, 1862 William T. Merrifield, 1862 1863 Paul Whitin, 1862 1863 John M. Earle, 1863 1864 Charles Allen, 1868 1864 Harvey Dodge, 1863 James F. Allen, 1863 William T. Merrifield, 1864 Elected. Silas Allen, 1852 John Milton Earle, 1858 Calvin W. Forbush, 1858 Isaac Davis, 1853 William C. Capron, 1858 William Workman, 1853 Joseph A. Deuney, 1858 Leonard Burrage, 1853 George Jaques, 1853 George A. Dresser, 1858 Asa H. Waters, 1853 Harvey Dodge, 1853 Job C. Stone, 1853 Thomas Bond, 1858 Joseph N. Bates, 1858 Emory Banister, 1858 Jonathan Forbush, 1853 Samuel P. Champuey, 1854 John Brooks, 1854 William Greeuleaf, 1855 Joel Knapp, 1855 Asa H. Waters, 1855 Joseph N. Bates, 1856 Stephen Salisbury, 1857 Jonathan D. Wheeler, 1857 Edwin Draper, 1857 Joseph Lovell, Jr., 1857 Francis H. Dewey, 1857 Joshua Porter, Jr., 1857 Francis H. Kinnicutt, 1857 Samuel Flagg, 1857 George T. Rice, 1859 William M. Chase, 1859 J. Frank Allen, 1859 Edward Earle, 1859 Obadiah B. Hadwen, 1859 John C. Mason, 1859 William Workman, 1859 Jonathan Forbush, 1859 Thomas W. Ward, 1860 1). Waldo Lincoln, 1860 Jonathan Grout, 1860 Asa H. Waters, 1860 Henry H. Peters, 1860 Edward S. Stebbins, 1864 Rufus Woodward, 1864 Edward Earle, 1864 Henry Phelps, 1864 Geo. A. Chamberlain, 18(14 Josiah L. Woodward, 1864 George Jaques, 1864 Henry Woodward, 1865 Ivers Phillips, 1865 William N. Green, 1865 Eetired. 1853 1859 1857 1857 1857 1857 1835 1857 1861 1855 1854 1855 1860 1856 1854 1859 1859 1865 1860 1859 1857 1859 1864 1859 1859 1860 1865 1860 1860 1863 1860 1862 1862 1861 1865 CATALOGITE OF LIBRARY. Ill CATALOGUE OF THE LIBRARY. Annals of Horticultnre. London. 5 vols., 8vo. 184(5-50. Abert's Examination of New Mexico. Andrews' Report on Colonial and Lake Trade. 2 vols., 8vo. 1852. Allen's Treatise on the Grape. 12mo. Ayres & Moore's Florist's Guide. 8vo. Allen's Rural Architecture, 12mo. American Agriculturist. Quarto. 1859-60-61-62-68-64. o vols. Agriculture of Massachusetts. 2 vols., 8vo. C. L. Flint. 1862-63. Agriculture of Massachusetts. ] 853-63. 11 vols., 8vo. Agriculture, Department of, Report. 1862-63. 2 vols., 8vo. Acres, Ten Enough. 1 vol., 12nio. Bullock's American Cottage Builder. 12mo. Breck's Book of Flowers. Two copies, 12mo. Bigelow's Plants of Boston. l2mo. Buist's American Flower Garden Directory. 1 vol., 8vo. 1 vol., Timo. Buist's Family Kitchen Garden. 12mo. Barry's Fruit Garden. 12mo. Buel's Albany Cultivator. 1834-59, except 1847-8. Buckmiuster's Cultivator's Almanac. 1840-1. 12nio. Beecher's Fruit, Flowers and Farming. 12mo. Botany, American Medical. "By Jacob Bigelow, M. D. 3 vols., 8vo. Cole's American Fruit Book. 18mo. Cobbett's American Gardener. 12mo. Colman's European Agriculture. 2 vols., Svo. Two copies. Constitution of the United States. 12mo. Cobbett's Cottage Economy. 12rao. Cole's New England Farmer. 1849-60. 12 vols., quarto. Cleveland & Backus' Village and Farm Cottages. Svo. Cottage Gardener. Svo. 1859-60. 4 vols. Cassell's Illustrated Almanac. 1860-61. Covode's Investigations. 1860. 8vo. Centennial Celebration of First Parish, Worcester. 1863. Svo. California, Transactions of Agricultural Society. 1859. 1 vol., Svo. Cultivator. 1838-61. 24 vols., Svo. Downing's Ladies' Companion to the Flower Garden. 12mo. Downing's Fruits of America. Two copies. 12mo. 112 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Downing's Country Houses. 8vo. Downing's Cottage Residences. 8vo. Downing's Landscape Gardening. Two copies. 8vo. Deane's New J]ngland Farmer. 1 vol., Bvo. Dow's Gardener's Dictionary. 4 vols., quarto. Dana's Muck Manual. 12mo. Delamer on the Flower Garden. I'iuio. Delamer on the Cultivation of Flax. ]2mo. Delamer on the Kitchen Garden. I'imo. Doyle's Domestic Poultry. 8vo. Debates and Proceedings, Massachusetts Convention of 17T8. 8vo, Dewey's Report, Herbaceous Plants of Massachusetts. 1840. 8vo. DeWitt on the Industry of Massachusetts. 8vo. Elder's Cottage Garden. 12nio. Eastwood's Cranberry Culture. 12mo. Emerson's Report on the Trees and Shrubs of Massachusetts. 8vo. Emory's New Mexico. 8vo. Ellsworth's American Swine Breeder. 12mo. English Forests and Forest Trees. 1853. 8vo. Edwards' Botanical Register. 10 vols., 8vo. Elliott's Fruit Grower's Guide. 12mo. Emmons' Report on Quadrupeds of Massachusetts. 1840. 8vo. Edgewood, My Farm At. By Ik. Marvel. 12mo. Edgewood, Wet Days At. By Ik. Marvel. l2mo. Foster & Whitney, Report on Geology of Lake Superior. 3 vols., 8vo. Fortune's two Visits to China. 2 vols., l2mo. Fremont's First and Second Expeditions to Rocky ^lountains, Oregon and North California. 1842-3-4. 8vo. Flower Garden, The. l2mo. Flint's Treatise on Milch Cows. 8vo. Florist's Journal and Gardener's Record. 8vo. Flint's Grasses and Forage Plants. 8vo. Fitch's Report on the Noxious Insects of New York. Bvo, Fortune's Tea Countries of China. 8vo. Florist. 18.5 9-6 0-01-62-63. 5 vols., 8vo. Flint's Treatise on Grasses. 8vo. Flora Scotica. 8vo. Farmer's (American) New and Universal Hand Book. 8vo. Farmer, Working. — vols., folio. 1856-64. 16 vols., quarto. Gardener's Farmers' Dictionary. l2mo. Gould, Report on the Invertebratae of Massachusetts. 1841. 8vo, Gilpin on Landscape Gardening. 8vo. Graham's Report on the Mexican Boundary. 8vo. CATALOGUE OF LIBRARY. 113 Gardener's Monthly Volume. 12 vols., l2mo. Gray's Manual of Botany of Northern United States. 8vo. Grav's Genera of Plants of the United States. 8vo. Greenwood and Mount Auburn. Quarto. Gardeners' Chronicle. Folio. Gardeners' Monthly. 6 vols. 18.59-00-1-2-3-4. Grape Culture (Open Air). By John Phiu. 1 vol., 8vo. Grape Culturist. By A. S. Fuller. 1 vol., 8vo. Grape Culture ; Wine and Wine Making. A. Haraszthy. 1 vol., 8vo. Hovey, Magazine. 1835 to 18G-1. 30 vols., 8vo. Horticultural Pamphlets. 8vo. Hooker, Exotic Flora. 3 vols., 8vo. Harris, on the Insects of .New England. 18,52. 1 vol., 8vo. Harris and Agassiz on Insects Injurious to Vegetation. 18(12. 1 vol., 8vo. Hovey, Fruits of America. 2 vols, and -4 Nos. of vol. 3. Hooker's Icones Plantarum. 4 vols., 8vo. Hooker's Journal of Botany. 4 vols., 8vo. Hogg on the Growth and Culture of the Carnation. l2nio. Horticultural Register. 1835-6. 8vo. Horticulture, Journal of. 1 vol., quarto. Horticulture, Journal of. 3 vols. 1861-3. Horticulturist. 184C.-7-64. It) vols., 8vo. Illustrated London Almanac. 1856-8-9-60-1-2. Illinois, Transactions of State Agricultural Society. 1859-60. 1 vol., 8vo. Indiana, Transactions of State Agricultural Society. 1853. 1 vol., 8vo. Johnson & Hogg's Cottage Garden. 8vo. Vol. 22. Jaques, Fruit Trees. 18mo. Johnson's Dictionary of Gardening. l2mo. Johnston's Agricultural Chemistry and Geology. 12mo. Journal of Agriculture. 3 vols., 8vo. Jackson's Geological Survey of Rhode Island. 8vo. Jager's Life of North American Insects. 12mo. Johnson's Flower Garden. l2mo. Johnson's Gardener's Almanac. 1861. l2nio. Kollar on Insects. l2mo. Kennon's Essay on Trees. Royal quarto, Kidder's Guide to Apiarian Science. l2mo. Langstroth's Hive and Honey Bee. l2mo. Leuchar's Treatise on Hot Houses. l2mo. Loudon, Encyclopaedia of Gardening. 2 vols., 8vo. Loudon, Encyclopaedia of Plants. 2 vols., Svo. Loudon, Encyclopanlia of Plants. 1 vol., Svo. Ed. 1855. 114 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Loudon, Encyclopa'dia of A.griculture. 8vo. Loudon, Suburban Horticulture. 8vo. Loudon, Arboretum. 8 vols., 8vo. Loudon, Eucyclopajdia of Cottage Architecture, 8vo. "Loudon, Cemeteries. 8vo. Loudon, Encyclopjedia of Plants. Ed. 1855. Loudon Horticultural Society's Catalogue. 8vo. Loudon Horticultural Society's Reports, 7 vols., quarto. Loudon's Villa Gardener. 8vo. Loudon's, Mrs., Ladies' Flower Garden. 5 vols., quarto. Lindley's Flora Medica. 8vo. Lindley's Horticulture. l2mo. Lindley's Vegetable Kingdom. 8vo. Lindley's British Fruits. 3 vols. Liebig, Complete Chemistry. 8vo. Landreth, Rural Register. 12 mo. 1848-5G. Lang's Highland Cottages. Quarto. Morrell's American Shepherd. 12mo. Mcintosh, Book of the Garden. 2 vols., 8vo. Mcintosh, on the Greenhouse. 1838. 12mo. Mcintosh, on the Orchard. l2mo. Mcintosh, on the Flower Garden. l2mo. Meehan's American Hand-Book of Ornamental Trees. 1853. 12mo. Michaux, North American Sylva. 3 vols., 8vo. Miller, Gardener's Dictionary. 4 vols., folio. Massachusetts, Industry of. 1855. 8vo. Massachusetts Convention. 1788. 8vo. Massachusetts, Agriculture of. Flint. 2 vols., 8vo. Maine, Agriculture and Geology of. Second Series. 18()2. 1 vol., 8vo. Maine, Agriculture and Geology of. 185Y-8-9-60. New England Farmer. 1834-44. 12 vols., quarto. L^nbound. New England Farmer. 1849-60. 12 vols., 8vo. Nash's Progressive Farmer. l2mo. New Orchard and Garden. By F. A. Williams. Reprint of 1626. 8vo. Nature, Man and. By George P. Marsh. 1 vol., 8vo. North American Sylva. (Nuttall). 3 vols., 8vo. New Hampshire, Transactions of Agricultural Society. 1851-9. 8 vols., 8vo. New York, Transactions of State Board of Agriculture. 1841-62. 21 vols., 8vo. Obituary ; Addresses on Henry Clay, 1852. 8vo. Ornithology of Massachusetts. Report by Peabody. 1839. 8vo. Ohio, Agricultural Report. Second Series. 2 vols., 8vo. 1861-2. CATALOGUE OP LIBRARY Patent Office Report. 1843-G:^ 20 vols., 8vo. Patent Office Reports for 1800. (Agriculture.) Patent Office Reports for 18G0. (Mechanical). Pomona Britanuica. 2 vols., quarto. Phillips' History of Vegetables. Phillips' Sylva Florifera. 2 vols., 8vo. Paxton, Magazine of Botany. 16 vols., 8vo. Pardee's Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Companion. 12ino. Parks' North American Flora. 2 vols., 8vo. Pardee's Culture. 12mo. Parsons on the Rose. l2mo. Perry's Japan Expedition. 3 vols., quarto. Phin (John), Open Air Grape Culture. 1 vol., 8vo. Parlor and Garden Flowers. E. S. Rand, Jr. 1 vol., 12mo. Poulterer's Companion, American. C. M. Bement. l2mo. Poultry Yard, The American. By Browne. Appendix by Allen. 1 vol., l2mo. Report, Commerce and Navigation of United States. 18.53-G. 8vo. Rogers' Vegetable Cultivator. 18mo. Ripton on Landscape Gardening. 8vo. Report on Light Houses, 1852. 8vo. Reconnoissances in New Mexico and Texas. 1850. 8vo. Reports on Finances. 1855-6 and 58-9. 8vo. Ronald's Selected Apples. 1831. Folio. Report, Fifth Annual, Central Park Commission. Rand, E. S., Jr. Parlor and Garden Flowers. 1 vol., 8vo. Revue Horticole, 1859-60-1-2-3. (Paris.) 5 vols., 8vo. Rural Register. 1 vol., 18mo, 1861-2-3. Rural Annual. I vol., 18mo. 1856-7-8-9. Rural Annual. 1 vol., 18mo. 1860-1-2-3. Storer's Fishes and Reptiles of Massachusetts. 1839. 8vo. Schenck's Gardener's Text Book. 12 mo. Sinclair, Letters to Washington (George) on Agriculture. Quarto. Stuart's Planter's Guide. 8vo. Stansbury. Great Salt Lake, with Maps. 2 vols., 8vo. Smith's English Flora. 4 vols., 8vo. Sweet on the Geranium. 5 vols., 8vo. Sweet on the Flora Australasia. 8vo. Smith's Landscape Gardening. l2mo. Stockhardt's Agricultural Chemistry. 12 mo. Shepherd, Practical. Randall. 1 vol., 8vo. Thomas. American Fruit Culturist. 12 mo. Thomas' Rural Register. 1855 to 1865. 3 vols., l2mo. Teschemacher's Elements of Horticulture. 18mo, 110 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Tower's Domestic Gardener's Manual. 8vo. Transactions of the Agricultural Societies of Massachusetts. 18tij-.V2-l. 4 vols., 8vo. Transactions of Massachusetts Horticultural Societ}'. 1817-52. 8\o. Transactions of Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 20th Exhibition, 8vo. Transactions of Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 1863. 8vo. Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London, Eng. 7 vols., quarto. Transactions of the Maine Board of Agriculture. 18.)T-G0. 4 vols., 8vo. Transactions of the Ohio Board ot Agriculture. 18jT-S)-. G vols., 8vo. Transactions of the Connecticut Agricultural Society. 18.36-7. 8vo. Transactions of the New Hampshire Agricultural Society. l8jl-9. 8 vols., 8vo. Transactions of the Wisconsin Agricultural Society. 1 8.34-5-3-7. 1 vol., 8vo. Transactions of the Wisconsin Agricultural Society. 1858-D. 1 vol., 8vo. Transactions of the Illinois Agricultural Society. 1859-30. 1 vol., 8vo. ■ Transactions of the New York Agricultural Society. l841-()2. 21 vols., 8vo. Transactions of the California Agricultural Society. 1859. 1 vol., 8vo. Transactions of the Rhode Island Society for Encouragement of Domestic Industry. 1850-7-30-2-3. 8vo. Transactions of the Indiana Agricultural Society. 1853. 8vo. Transactions of the American Institute, New York City. l853-(!2. 10 vols., 8vo. Transactions of Middlesex County, Mass., Agricultural Society. 8vo. Transactions of Norfolk County, Mass., Agricultural Society. 1849-51 . 8vo. Transactions of Worcester County, Mass., Agricultural Society. l8l.";-52, 1852-30. 2 vols., 8vo. Ten Acres Enough. 12mo. United States Annual Reports. 1851-2-3. 2 parts. 8vo. United States Annual Reports. 185.3-4. 3 parts. 8vo. United States Census. 1850. Quarto United States Commercial Relations. 1859. Quarto. Vaux's Villas and Cottages. Svo. Vegetables of America. 18G3. F. Burr. 1 vol., Svo. 1st Ed. Wiggins' American Farmer's Instructor. ' I8l0. 8vo. Weeks' Management of Bees. 12mo. Wheeler's Homes for the People. 12mo. Walden's Soil Culture. 12 mo. Wislizenns' Tour to Northern Mexico. 8vo. Wilson's Rural Cyclopaedia. 4 vols., 8vo. Wilder's Eulogium on A. J. Downing. 8vo. Wilder's Address before Berkshire Agricultural Society. 8v'o. Watson's Home Garden. 12mo. Wells' Year Book of Agriculture. 1855-G. 8vo. ROLL OF MExMBERS. 117 EOLL OF MEMBERS Worcester Coimtv Horticultural Society. By the term " Date," it is meant to comprise all the accessions of members from the original foundation of the Society. Where no numerals appear in that column, it is to be understood that the members, opposite whose names no figures appear, were entered upon the Roll of the Society previous to and coeval with the "List of Members," which was published in the "Transactions of The Worcester County Horticultural Society for the years 1852 and 1858." Those members whose names are marked with a star (*) are deceased. Daie. 1855 << 1856 1859 Name. Residence. R. W. Adams, Barre. Paine Aldrich, Worcester. W. E. Allen, George Allen, " Charles Allen, " Samuel Allen,* " Jas. F. Allen, " J. M. C. Armsby, " R. P. Angier,* " Toledo, 0. Silas Allen, Shrewsbury. L. S. Allen, Worcester. Jonas H. Allen, Shrewsbury. Asa H. Allen, " Jos. Allen, Northboro". Otis Adams,* Grafton. Lewis Armsby, Northbridge. T. P. Allen, " Sterling. Alvan Allen,* Worcester. Mrs. Mary A. Allen, " B. D. Allen, P. Emory Aldrich, " T. W. Bancroft,* " Tobias Boland, " Wm. M. Bickford,* " Lewis Bigelow,* " Osgood Bradley, " Geo. Bowen, Cleveland, 0. S. M. Burnside,* Worcester. Chas. P. Bancroft, Boston. 16 Date. Name. A. H. Bullock, Albert Brown,* Ira M. Barton, Wm. Brown, Wm. C. Barbour, 0. H. Blood,* PJ. L. Barnard,* Jos. Boyden, E. H. Bowen,* Walter Bigelow, Richard Ball. Stephen Bartlett, Wm. Barrows, John G. Burbank, George A. Bates, Charles Bowen, Walter Bigelow,* Moses T. Breck,* Benj. Buffum, Zeljina E. Berry, H. G. Bates, Wm. S. Barton, John Barnard. A. Baylies,* A. J. Brooks, J. L. Burbank, Wm. Barker, Jos. Bond,* Jos. E. Bond, Emory Banister, Residence. Worcester. Auburn. Worcester. Cambridge. Worcester. Prov'ce,R.I. Worcester. N. Y. City. Worcester. Harvard. Worcester. 118 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Date. Name. Residence. Benj. Batman, Worcester. Marv C. Biincroft,* " E. M. Banning, " Jas. B. Blake, " Sarah L. Butman, " Walter R. Bigelow, " Lucius Beach, Joseph Briggs,""*' Worcester. Mrs. D. W. Blood, Charles Bigelow, Grafton. E. L. Brighani, Worcester. Artemas Barnes, Berlin. Dwight Bisco, Leicester. Thos. Bottomlv, " Booth Bottomiy, " Luke Brummett, " Heman M. Burr, " John Brooks,"" Princeton. Thos. S. Banks, Brookline. John Boynton, Templeton. C. D. Bowman,* Oxford. John Boyd,* Shrewsbury. Ellis Burt, Douglas. Elhanan Batcheller, Sutton. Jos. Bowman,* N. Braintree. D. Ball, Spencer. Thos. C. Biscoe, Grafton. Chas. Brigham, " J. N. Bates, Worcester. Pliny H. Babbitt, Barre. Wm. Buckley, Worcester. Thos. Bond," No. Brookfield. Leonard Barrage, Leominster. 1853 Geo. A. Barnard, Worcestei-. " Mary G. Bangs,* " " Merrick Bemis, " 1855 Aaron Billing,* " " J. H. Brooks, '' " John Boyden, " " Geo. W. Beutley, " " Mrs. II Bryant,' " 1856 Geo. C-. Bigelow*, " " Geo. F. Butman,* N.Y.City. 1858 Trumbull Bull, Harvard. 1859 Alzirus Brown, AVorcester. " Phinehas Ball, " 1860 Mrs. E. L. Barnard, " " E. D. Batchelder, No. Brook'd. 1855 G.G. Bnrbauk, Worcester. 1862 Geo. S. Barton, " 1863 Dan"l S. Burgess, " " Mrs. J. Brown, Wilkinsonville. " Miss M. V. Bertody, Leicester. 1864 Miss R. E. Barberj! Worcester. 1864 Jonas Brown, Wilkinsonville. Date. 18G4 1865 1855 1854 1855 a 1856 1857 1858 1862 1863 Name. Besidence. Mrs. C. E. Brooks, Worcester. Miss Emma Banister, " Asa L. Burbank, " Geo. Barber, " ^Irs. Geo. Barber, " Zephaniah Baker, " John F.. Clark,* " George Chandler, " Benj. N. Child, " S. H. Colton, " A. Chase, " Lewis Chapin, " Thos. Chamberlain,* " C. C. Chickering, " H. H. Chamberlain, " Wm. Coe,* " Edwin Conant, " C. P. Chapin,* " Horace Chenery,* " Loring Coes, " D. B. Comins, " T. M. Chaffin, " Tyler P. Curtis, " Henry Chapin, " Mrs. S. H. Colton, " Mrs. A. Chase,* " Mrs. P. S. Canfield, " William Cross, " William C. Clark, " J. S. Culver,* " A. G. Coes, " Albert Curtis, " H. W. Conklin, N. Y. City. S. P. Champney, Saundersville. C. C. Coleman,* Worcester. D. W. Cook, " H. 0. Clark, •' Geo. A. Chamberlain, " Jona. Cutting,* Templeton. John Clapp,* Leicester. Leonard Craig,* " Leoiuird Cheney, Southbridge. Wm. C. Capron, Uxbridge. Rufus Carter, Worcester. Miss P. W. S. Canfield, " Mrs. Elizabeth Conant, " Miss Elizabeth Conant, '' P. A. Champney,* Sutton. S. G. Champney,* '' Susan A. Champney, " Wm. M. Chase, Worcester. I. S. Chapman,* " John S. Clark, " George Crompton, " James Comley, • Boston. ROLL OF MEMBERS. 119 Date 1864 1865 1854 1855 1858 1859 1864 u 1865 Name. Residence. N. B. Chase, Wilkinsonville. Coiirtlaiid H. Cross, Worcester. Hosea Crane, Millbury. Silas Clapp, Worcester. Rev. S. A. Cushing, Shrewsbury. Sumner Cook, Worcester. Augustus N. Currier, " Miss Fanny Chandler, " Susan E. Chamberlain, " Nathaniel H. Cook, " Dr. Calvin Cutter, Warren. John Davis,* Worcester. Wm. A. Draper," " Enos Dorr,* " Loron Darling, New Worcester. Vv"m. Dickinson, Worcester. Isaac Davis, " F. H. Dewey, " J. C. B. Davis, N. Y. City. H. G. Darling, Gt. Britain. Edwin Draper, Worcester. Jonathan Day, " Samuel Davis, " F. H. Daniels,* " Geo. A. Dresser, N. Y. City. Calvin Dyer, Worcester. Rut'us D. Dunbar, Columbus, 0. Alexander DeWitt, Oxford. Horace S. DeWitt,* " Levi A. Dowley,* Newport, R.I. Geo. C. Davis, Noi-thboro'. Nathan Daniels, Leicester. Henry A. Denny, Worcester. Joseph A. Denny, Leicester. Nath'I P. Denny, Norwich, Ct. George Denny,* Westboro". Harvey Dodge, Suttou. S. A. Drake, Sturbridge. R. S. Denny, Boston. Henry G. Davis, Millbury, Chas. A. Denny, Leicester. Leonard Dwinnell, Millbury. John A. Dana, Worcester. George F. Daniels, Oxford. P. W. Dudley, Whitiusville. Pickering Dodge,* Worcester. E. F. Dixie,* Keokuk, Iowa. Wm. E. Desper, Worcester. Appleton Dadmun, '' Mrs. Sarah B. Dewey, " Carrie Clinton Dewey, " Rosebud Dewey, '' Edw. L. Davis, " Thomas H. Dodge, " Edward Earle, " Royalston. Boston. Date. Name. Residence, James Estabrook, Worcester. John Milton Earle, " Mrs. Sarah H. Earle,* '' Mrs. Edward Earle, " Timothy K. Earle, " 0. K. Earle, '' James L. Estey, " Anna B. Earle, Joseph Estabrook, John F. Edwards, 1855 James E. Estabrook, Worcester. 1858 Fred'k A. Eldred, " 1859 G. W. Estabrook, Grafton. 1862 William Fames, Worcester. 1864 Miss Mary R. Fames, " " Emory A. Ellsworth, Barre. 1865 Geo. H. Estabrook, Worcester. Alfred D. Foster,* '^ M. L. Fisher, Farmersburg, Iowa. Lemuel J. Fox,* Worcester. David Flagg,* " Sam'l B. Foster,* " William B. Fox,* " Joel Flagg,* " Hiram French, " Benjamin Flagg, " Elisha Fuller,* " Wm. B. Fox, Jr.,* " Charles W. Freeland, Boston. Dr. Samuel Flagg, Worcester. Marshall Flagg, " John Field,* " Ezra Fitch,* Dwight Foster, Mrs. Dr. Woodward, Montraville Flagg, Nahum Flagg, Calvin W. Forbush, Curtis Forbush, Dana H. Fitch, Abijah Flagg,* Stephen Flagg,* Benj. Flagg, Orrin Fairbanks, Oliver C. Felton, Peter Fay, Jona. Forbush, 1854 Joseph S. Farnum, 1855 Jas. D. Falconer, 1856 Stephen S. Foster, 1857 S. B. Ferguson, 1858 Geo. A. Ferguson, 1859 Henry C. Ferguson, 1863 Abram Firth, " Adams Foster, Boston. Worcester. Boylston. Grafton. Philadelphia. Worcester. Bovlston. ' u Shrewsbury. Westboro'. Brookfield. Southboro'. Bolton. Worcester. Westboro'. Worcester. 120 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Date. Name. Residence. 1863 Mrs. E. H. Flint, Leicester. " J. A. Fa\'er\veather, Westboro'. '' Edward R. Fiske, Worcester. Dr. John Green, " Hiram Gould,* " Fred. W. Greenleaf,* " E. D. Goodeuow,* " Henry Goulding, " Simon S. Gates, Illinois. Erasmns Gould, Worcester. William Greenleaf, " Fred'k W. Gale,* Jos. A. Gilbert, " John Gates, '■ Isaac Goddard,* " S. B. I. Goddard, " James Green, " Wm. N. Green, " Meltiah B. Green, " Peregrine B. Gilbert, " Samuel F. Green, " Chester Gorham, Barre. John Gray, Jr.,* Worcester. Jesse W.Goodrich,* Wilkes Gay, " Jos. E. Gregory,* " Wm. Goss, " Jonathan Grout, " James M. Garside,* " George W. Gill, " Joseph Griggs,* " Sarah L. Greenleaf, " Mrs. M. B. Green, " Mrs. Maria J. Greenleaf, " 1854 Benj. Goddard, " " Daniel Goddard, " 1855 John D. Goddard, Shrewsbury. 1856 Dolly A. Greenleaf. Worcester. " Silas Goddard, ' N. Y. City. 1859 J. W. Grout,* Worcester. 1860 Charles W. Gleason, Holden. 1864 Timothy R. (ireen, Worcester. " Edw. A. Goodnow, " Clarendon Harris, " Nathan Heard, Boston. W m . R . Hooper, Wash ' n , D . C . Daniel Heywood,* Worcester. B. F. Heywood, " Samuel F. Haven, " S. A. Howland, " Samuel Harrington,* " H. J. Howland, " William Hovev,* " Alonzo Hill, " " Chas. A. Hamilton, " Date. Name. Residence. Chas. Hadwen, Worcester. H. P. Howe,* '' John Hammond, " F. Harrington, Jr., " R. L. Hawes, " C. H. Hill, So. Reading. Sani'l D. Harding, Worcester. Enoch Hall, Acton. O. B. Hadwen, Worcester. Ed. H. Hemmenwav,* *' E. E. Hale, " Boston. A. R. Harlow, Michigan. Sam'l Hathaway, N. Y. City. . B. L. Hardon, " Pitt Holmes, Worcester. J. Henry Hill, Geo. F. Hartshorn, " Franklin Hall, " 0. F. Harris, " Geo. F. Hoar, " Jonas Hartshorn, " Calvin L. Hartshorn, " Mrs. Mary R. Hadwen, " Jas. G. Henderson,* " Abner Harlow,* Shrewsbury. Samuel Heard, Leicester. H. G. Henshaw, " Cheney Hatch, " Parley Holman, " Luther Haven, Chicago, III. Aug. G. Hill, Harvard. L. B. Hapgood, Shrewsbury. S. W. Hunt, Cyrus Holbrook, Sterling. Stephen Harrington, Worcester. D. B. Harrington, Millbury. Charles Hall,' Moses Hall, Harvard. William Hall, Sutton. Augustus Heywood, Grafton. C. C. P. Hastings,* Mendon. Washington Hill, Spencer. G. W. Hartwcll, Oxford. Amory Holman, Bolton. R. B. Hubbard, Sunderland. Solon S. Hastings, Princeton. 1854 W. Alfred Hacker, Worcester. " Adam L. Harrington, 1855 Mrs. C. Harris, Worcester. 1856 Mrs. Isab. F. Hartshorn, " 1858 Francis W. Hunt, E. Douglas. 1860 J. W. Hartshorn, Worcester. 1862 Salmon D. Hall, Grafton. " Sam'l R. Heywood, Worcester. " Gideon Harris, " ROLL OF MEMBERS. 121 Date. 1862 1863 1864 1865 1854 1855 1856 Name. Residence. C. G. Harrington, Worcester. Wm. H. Hevwood, " C. W. Hamilton, " Parley Hammond, '' Rev. W. R. Huntington, " Miss Abbv S. Hevwood, " Wm. E. Hadwen, " Chas. Hadwen, Jr., " Michael Healy, Mrs. E. M. Howe, Wm. Howe, Jr., Cyrus K. Hubbard Miss Emma H. Heywood, '' Miss Annie B. Hadwen, " Jefferson Hascall, Shrewsburv Mrs. Sarah B. Hill, George Jaques, Asa T. Johnson,* Dr. H. F. Johnson, E. Johnson, Sterling. Millbury. Worcester. Worcester. Southboro'. Worcester. U. S. A. Worcester. 1854 1857 1858 Horace James, Wm. Johnson, Wm. Jackson,* " Chas. Johnson, Northboro*. Joshua J. Johnson, '' Oliver Johnson, Sterling. John C. Jaques,* Worcester. Darwin E. Jewett, Westboro'. John P. Kettell, Worcester, Thomas Kinnicutt,* " Francis H. Kinnicutt, " Jonathan H. Knights,* " Joseph G. Kendall,* " Timothy Keith,* " Eliza M. Kinnicutt, '' Rebecca N. Kinnicutt, " Eli Kilburn, Sterling. Joel Knapp, Sutton. S. \V. Kent, Worcester. W. W. Keyes, West Boylston. Samuel A. Knox, Grafton. William Lincoln,* Worcester. John W. Lincoln,* " Levi Lincoln, " Ansel Lakin, " Joseph Lovell, Jr., " S. S. Leonard, " Wm. S. Lincoln, " Warren Lazell, N. Y. City. Edward W. Lincoln, Worcester. Wm. C. Lamson,* " Patrick Lonigan, " Mrs. D. W. Lincoln. " Miss G. DeV. Lincoln,* " Miss Mary W. Lincoln, " 17 Date. Name. Residence. A. B. Lovell, Worcester. Josiah Q. Lamb,* Leicester. John Loring, " H. 0. Lamson, W. Brookfield. James Leach, Westboro'. Joshua W. Leland, Grafton. James Longley, Boston. D. Waldo Lincoln, Worcester. Mrs. Mary E. Lovell, " 1854 David Lee,* Barre. " Henry A. Lee, Worcester. " Wm. Lincoln, " 1855 Edward Lamb,* Boston. " Jos. C. Lovell, W. Boylston. " Geo. H. Lee, Barre. 1856 Sam'l F. Lovering, Worcester. '' Levi Lincoln, 2d, " 1859 Horace Leland, Sutton. Miss F. M. Lincoln, Worcester. 1860 Waldo Lincoln, " 1861 Albert A. Lovell, " 186H Addison Lovell, W. Boylston. 1864 John Waldo Lincoln, Worcester. " Annie M. Lincoln, " " Marian V. Lincoln, " " Mrs. Dorcas B. Lee, " 1865 Mrs. Kate VanW. Lincoln, " " Marston Lincoln, " Alpheus Merrifield,* " Francis T. Merrick,* " Henry W. Miller, " D. S. Messinger, " F. N. Merrifield, Ann B. Merrifield,* " Wm. T. Merrifield, " Catharine A. Merrifield,* " L. L. Mason, Providence, R. I. Wm. G. Maynard, Worcester. James C. Morse, "' A. M. Merrifield, " Joseph Mason, " C. M. Miles. Seth P. Miller, " Alexander Mai'sh, " John C. Mason, " Sarah R. Merrick,* " Mrs. Wm. T. Merrifield, " Elizabeth F. Messinger, " Ruth Ann Miller, " Alice M. Miller, " Wm. F. Merrifield, " Thomas Merriam, Auburn. David T. Moore, Royalston. A.Morse, Rochester, N. Y. Sam'l Mav, .Ir,, Svracuse, N. Y, 122 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Date XGinc. J^esi deuce. Joshua Murdock, Jr. Leicester. H. McFarland, F ramingham. J. H. Moore, Charlton. Lsaac S. Merriaiu, Auburn. Jaiiips McLellau, Sutton. Philip L. Moen, AVorcester. 1854 Henry K. Merritield, Blaokstone. (1 Caleb B. Metcali; Worcester. 1855 Ashley Moore, 11 1857 Isaac Mills, a u N. K. Merriam, Grafton. 1859 Maria G. Merrifield, Worcester. IL Harriet Merrifield, (( il F. M. Marble, Grafton. 1862 Edwin Morse, Worcester. 1863 Wm. I). Mascrof't, Northbridge. li Miss M. A. Messinger, Woi'cester 1864 Miss C. C. Mower, li 1865 Henry A. Marsh, a Henry K. Newcomb, li Jonathan Nelson, . a Rejoice Newton, li Charles Nash, 11 J. C. Newton, 11 John Nelson, Leicester. William Newton, Oxford. 1854 Benj. B. Nourse, Westboro'. 1863 Thos. L. Nelson, Worcester. (( Thos. R. Norcross, a 1864 E. W. Nichols, 11 E. H. Oliver,* u 1863 James H. Osgood, Fred. Wm. Paine, li li Henry Paine,* li Charles Paine, u Gardiner Paine',* li Joseph Pratt, a M. D. Phillips,* Boston. John F. Pond, Worcester. J. K. L. Picktbrd, ii Horatio Phelps, n J. W. Paine, 11 iSamiiel Perrv, 11 John Park,* 11 Jotham B. Pratt,* California. Joseph Perkins, Worcester. J. E. Phelps, li Charles G. Prentiss, * 11 F. W. Putnam, 11 Sylvanus Pratt, 11 Henry Prentice, 11 Wm. R. Paine, Brookline. William Piper, Worcester. Charles L. Putnam, 11 Ann E. Paine, 11 Date. JVcane. Residence Mrs. Charles Paine, Worcester Anna C. S. Paine, " Sumner Pratt, " W. W. Pratt, " G. Parker, Dismal Swamp, N.C S. P. Putnam, Philadelphia Jos. L. Partridge, Boston John Patrick, Warren Silas Parmenter, Westboro' Pavson H. Perrin, " Henry R. Phelps, Charles A. Pierce, Hervey K. Potter, " J. Porter, Jr., N. Brookfield Thomas Pierce, Worcester Jonathan A. Pope, Millbury Dexter H. Perrv, Fred'k M. Peck, Nath. R. Parkhurst, Worcester 1854 Nathaniel Paine, " " E. G. Partridge, " " Henry Phelps, " " Edward Proctor, 1855 Miss Alice W. Paine " Miss E. F. Paine, 1856 Abram Peaslee, " Whipple W. Patch, " Dan'l R. Pratt, 1857 Luther Phillips, 1862 Col. Ivers Phillips, " 1863 Lucius W. Pond, " " Charles B. Pratt, " " George E. Phelps, " " James S. Pinkham, " 1864 Miss Marianna Phillips, " •' Jas. T. Pike, " " Mrs. Chas. L. Pierce, " George T. Rice, " Geo. W. Richardson, " Darius Rice, " Geo. W. Russell, " Josiah Rice,* " Thos. H. Rice, " Benj . Reed,* " Sewall Rice, " 0. A. Ramsay, '' John C. Ripley, " E. B. Rice,* " Chas. B. Robbins, " George M. Rice, " Adams Rockwood, Mrs. Geo. T. Rice, Worcester Anna M. Richardson, " P^rancis B. Rice, " A. G. Randall,* " Grafton. Worcester. N. Y. City. Spencer. Worcester. Worcester. ROLL OF MEMBERS. 123 Date. Name. Residence. Date Abbott B. Rice, Northboro'. 1854 Dantbrth Rice, Leicester. ii Edward Rogers,* Webster. ii 1856 Sarah P. T. Ripley, Worcester. 1855 " Draper Rugo-les, u 1856 " George T. Rice, Jr. ii " Mrs. Geo. T. Rice, Jr.,* " a 1862 Jolin Ring, <( 1860 1863 Ciiarles Richardson, u 1855 " Miss F. A. Richard ion, " 1862 Stephen Salisbury, " James Shepard,* u (( Chandler Smith,* ii 1863 David D. Stuwell,* " ii Seth Sweetser, u (( Daniel Stone,* (( (( Elijah Stowe,* " 1864 James Shepard, Jr, Boston. " Aaron Stone, Jr., Worcester. 1865 L. W. Stowell,* u i( Samuel B. Scott,* ii Joseph Sargent, Edward Southwick, ii Leicester. Simeon N. Story, Worcester. Moses Spooner, a E. B. Stoddard, a David Scott, Jr., it Edward S. Stebbins it Lewis Smith, ii Henry Sargent,* ii Mrs. S. Salisbury,* ii Elam Sraalley,* Samuel V. Stone, u ii Lemuel Smith, Westfield. Samuel Smith, Worcester. Samuel H. Selby,* California. Lsaac Southgate,* Leicester. Joseph D. Sargent,* " John Sargent,* ^• Abijah Stone, H. E. Sargent, .i Chicago, 111. George B. Slater,* Webster. Jonas L. Sibley,* Sutton. 1854 Horatio Slocumb, " " Heiu-y Snow,* Shrewsbury. 1855 Job C. Stone,* i. (( J. W. Slocumb, Grafton. 1856 Asa F. Smith, it " William Saufbrd, Worcester. ii Joseph Stone, Westboro'. a Charles Southworth, Northboro'. 1858 D. B. Sibley, Millbui-y. 1859 Sullivan Sumner, Milford. 1860 R. R. Smith, Lynn. 1862 C. T. Symmes, Lancaster. 1863 Name Residence. Sylvanus Sears, Worcester. Larkin Smith, Martin Stowe,* Worcester. Francis Strong, " L. F. Smith, Northbridge. A. B.R. Sprague, Worcester. Francis Stiles, Jr., Clappville. Josiah G. Stone, Shrewsbury. Windsor N. Snow, Worcester. William 0. Swett,' " Timothy S. Stone, " Ezra Sawyer, " Edwin Stearns, Millburv. Wm. C. Struthers, " George F. Slocum, Grafton. Eliott Swan, Worcester. Miss L. A. Searles, Wilkinsonville Stephen Sawyer, Worcester. Stephen Salisbury, Jr., " Jas. M. Scofield,'^ " Benj. F. Thomas, Brookline. Albert Tobuan, Worcester. Nathaniel Tead, Hallowell, Me. P. W. Taft, Worcester. H. N. Tower, George C. Taft, " George A. Trumbull, " Daniel Tainter, " Chas. Thurber, Brooklyn, N. Y. S. Tourtellott, Worcester. Thomas Tucker, Stephen Taft, Worcester. Mrs. B. F. Thomas, Brookline. Miss A. P. Thomas, •' Daniel Tenney, Sutton. Samuel Taylor, " Joseph Thayer, Uxbridge. Bezaleel Taft,* " Samuel D. Torrey, Millbury. Thomas Taylor, Dudley. Lewis S. Taft, L'xbridge. Augustus Tucker,* Worcester. Joseph Thurston,* " P. Dexter Tiffimv,* David C. Thurston,* Mrs. M. F. Thurljcr, Brooklyn. Susan Trumbull, AVorcester. Mrs. H. K. Tiffany, John K. Tiffany, '• Benj. F. Thomas, Jr., Brookline. Wm. C. Thompson, Worcester. S. D. Tourtelott, " Wm. H. Thurston, Oxford. John Trumbull, Worcester. Calvin Taft, '< 124 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Date. Name. Residence, Date. 1860 Harvey S. Tainter, Worcester. 1804: Mrs. Daniel Tainter, " 1864 Alexander Thaver, " " Mrs. Calvin Taft, " 1865 Simeon E. Thompson, " Geortje Upham, Leicester. Baylies Upham, " Orison Underwood, Milford. Austin Underwood, Westboro'. Edward W. Vaill, Worcester. Daniel Waldo,* * " Ichabod Washburn, " Wm. Workman, " Wm. A. Wheeler, " Rufus Woodward, " James White, " Fitzrov Willard, " Charles H. Whiting, Emory Washburn, Cambridge. Wm. A. Williams, Worcester. Charles Whittenaore, New York. Worcester. AY. Newton. Worcester. Charles White, Asa Walker, Benj. Walker, Jos. Walker, Jr., Warren Williams, Artemas Ward,* ' Miss F. W. Wheeler, Geo. W. Wheeler, Wm. F. Wheeler, Daniel Ward, Charles B. ^Vhiting, ' Miss E. J. Whittemore, ' John P. Whitcomb,* Ha S. B. Woodward,* Northampton Asa H. Waters, Millbury. Geo. W. White, Alouzo White, Horace C. Watson, Josephus Woodcock, Lucius Woodcock, vard . Cambridge. Leicestei Charles White, Paul Whitin, John C. Whitin, Hiram Wing, Northbridije. 1854 1855 1856 Name. John W. Work, Jared Weed,* B. D. Whitney, B. G. Whiting, Jona. D. Wheeler, Samuel Wood, Wm. A. Wheelock, Henry S. Wheaton,* Charles A. Wheeler, J. L. Woodward, Benj. F. Whiting, Alvin Waite,'" .Tas.O. Williams,* Henry S. Washburn, Residence. Templeton. Petersham. Boston. Lunenburg. Grafton. Boston. Dudley. California. Worcester. Millbury. Worcester. Boston. 1857 1858 1859 1858 1862 1854 1862 1863 Shrewsbury. Northbridge. Millbury. Worcester. Shrewsbury. Worcester. 1862 1864 1854 1864 S. D. Ward, Chas. V. Whittier, N. D. Whitin, J. G. Wood, Geo. W. Whiting, Hartley Williams, Heury Woodward, T. W. Ward, Sam'l Woodward, Calvin Willurd, Mrs. Fitzrov Willard, " Mrs. Abby Wyman, " Miss Nellie M. Wyman, " Wm. H. Wheeler, Millbury John M. Warren, Worcester Nathan Washburn, " Wm White, W. Boylston Carter Whitcomb, Worcester Rufus C. Warren, Mrs. N. S. Whittier, Henry F. Wing, Newell Wood, Edwin D. Works, Mrs. N. Wheeler, Henry A. Wheeler, Cyrus White, Miss L. J. Workman, Worcester Franklin Whipple, " Loring Young,* Leicester Priestly Young, Worcester Mrs. Priestly Young, " Grafton. Worcester. Grafton. Millbury. Fitchburg. Worcester. Millbury. HONORARY MEMBERS. John A. Kenrick, Newton. William Kenrick, " Samuel Walker,* Roxbury. Marshall P. Wilder, Dorchester. J. L. L. F. Warren, California. Jona. Winship,* Brighton. Francis Winship,* " Joseph Breck, Brighton. Wm. E. Carter, Cambridge. Charles M. Hovey, " A. J. Downing,* Newburg, N.Y. Charles Downing, " Joseph S. Cabot, Salem. Robert Manning,* "