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WORCESTER COUNT! HORTICULTURAL SOCIET!,

FOR 1865.

COMPRISING THE ADDRESS OF PRESIDEXT HILL, TOGETHER WITH THE RE-
PORTS OF THE COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY, AND THE ANNUAL
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN.

-Also,

A CATALOGUE OF ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY : A ROLL OF THE ACCESSIONS

TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SOCIETY : AND A REVISED LIST

OF FRUITS RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL CULTURE.

From EDWARD W. LINCOLN, Secretary.

WORCESTER
18 6 6.

U^iiVERSlffoF
iiinSSACHUSETTS

AMHERSIJWASS.

?6s-'67

A. D D R E S S

OF

J. HENRY HILL, President,

At the Tic f nil/sixth Annual Exhibition, in Review of the Condition
of the Society. Delimred on Thursday Evening, September 21,
at 8 o'clock.

Ladies and Gsntlemen of the Worcester County Horticultural Society:

We have for some time past looked forward to this our Twenty-Sixth An-
nual Exhibition, with alternations of hope and fear. And while we are con-
strained to admit that our fears have been to some extent realized, our hopes,
on the other hand, have been, to an eminent degree, fulfilled. Although our
■exhibition has not been attended v/ith that decided success which we could
have wished, and which has marked some of those in former years, still
no one can look over the fine collection of Pears upon your tables, and the
abundance of Grapes and Vegetables in their respective rooms, and feel dis-
posed to so much as hint at failure. The Apple crop which has hitherto fur-
nished one of the most attractive features of our exhibitions, we all knew had
entirely failed ; and the display of that fruit, meagre as it is, comparatively, is
a subject of universal, but agreeable surprise. The Pear family, notwithstand-
ing the unfavorable character of the season, has come nobly to the rescue, and
furnishes us with far more than an average show : indeed, we have very rarely had
a larger number of plates of remarkably fine Pears upon our tables than at the
present time. The withdrawal of the premium for the largest and best collec-
tion has, unquestionably, had the effect to very much reduce the number of en-
tries. The question of restoring it in future, is one worthy of vour considera-
tion. The departments of Grapes and other Fruits, and of Flowers, are con-
siderably in advance of many previous years, and that of Vegetables fully up
to the average of former Exhibitions. Taking all things into consideration,
therefore, your present Exhibition, in many of its features, may justly be re-
garded as a remarkable one.

By the following tabular statement, it will be seen that while there are not so

4 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865.

many contributors this year, the whole number of entries, is slightly increased
from that of last year.

1864.

1865.

Contributors.

Entries.

Contributors.

Entries,

44
72
49
23
40

593
6(i2
178
163
413

1958

Apples

30
71
50
18
38

205

Pears,

660

(".rapes it other Fruits,..

Grapes & other Fruits,
Flowers,

181
476

Vegetables,

Vegetables,

492

228

207

2014

The financial condition of the Society remains much the same as one year
since. While our expenses, some of them have been of an extraordinary
character, the sources of our income have remained substantially the same.
The rental of the Hall has been slightly increased, while that of the stores un-
der it could not be, from the fact that they were occupied under leases for a
term of years.

The present permanent debt of the Society, secured by a mortgage upon its
real estate, is seven thousand nine hundred dollars. The floating debt is large
enough, with our current expenses, to absorb, at least, all the remaining in-
come to accrue during the present year.

The addition of members to the Society, during the present year, has been
unusually large, numbering nearly one hundred. This large increase only de-
monstrates what may be done by a little personal, active exertion. Many peo-
ple in the community only need an invitation, to induce them to join our ranks.
The Secretary and two or three other gentlemen constituted themselves a com-
mittee to extend such invitation, and their efforts in the work have been attended
with these gratifying results. Will not the experiment bear a repetition ?

By far the largest item in the current expenditures of the present year, is the
one for printing. By a vote of the Corporation at its last annual meeting, in
January, the Committee of Publication were directed to collect, arrange, and
publish the transactions of the Society, from the year eighteen hundred and
fifty-seven to the year eighteen hundred and sixty-four, inclusive, together with
the by-laws, a list of the members, and any other matter which might be neces-
sary to complete the general history of the Society from the date of its last
publication, in eighteen hundred and fifty-six. The Committee gave this work
into the charge of the Secretary, who has executed the commission with his
usual fidelity and pains-taking, giving to the members of the Society a hand-
somely printed, and conveniently arranged volume of one hundred and thirty
pages, which I think will be found to be a valuable addition to our permanent
history as a Society, as well as a pleasant and profitable manual of refer-
ence for our members. The work of collecting and arranging the matter was
attended with no little difficulty : the custom of publishing our transactions
annually, had been so long neglected, that the reports of committees in later

1865.] president's address. 5

years had not been preserved with very scrupulous care. In many instances,
the Chairman of the Committees had never written out their reports, under the
impression, doubtless, that the only valuable part of" a report, or the one gen-
erally regarded as valuable, was the one which announced the several premiums ;
and that any further labors of theirs would be wholly unappreciated, and serve
only to lumber the files of the Secretary. In other cases, probably, the reports
were drawn up, but after having been read, were retained by their authors, and'
in this way lost to the Society. It will be noticed, therefore, that in some years,
but a very meagre account of our doings have been given — nothing was to be
found, indeed, excepting what could be gleaned from the annual premium lists,
or from the newspaper items of the day.

I took occasion, a year since, very briefly, to urge the importance of resuming
the former custom of publishing our transactions annually, and of making that
custom a permanent one. Subsequent observation, and the effect produced by
the appearance of this volume, have only served to strengthen and deepen the
convictions then expressed. I think it will be found, that the regular annual
publication of our transactions will have a decidedly beneficial effect upon our
operations. The tendency will be to awaken and sustain a new interest in our
present members, and be the means of adding to our numbers, and thus enlarge
the field of our labors. It gives us evidence of a tangible character, which we
can send out to the community, that we are still prosecuting the work which we
have undertaken to do. It gives us a record of different experiences and differ-
ent results which we always have by us for study and instruction. If. it once
becomes a settled policy with us, if it is understood that we invariably publish
our record annually, we can with a far better grace call upon gentlemen whose
experience and training we need, to act upon our several committees, and who
will cheerfully and willingly render us the service of obtaining and embodying
in their reports, the experiences and observations of contributors, and the means
employed by successful competitors in the production of their contributions.
We shall then feel that we have done something more than give the community
an opportunity, for two or three days in a year, of looking upon a fine display of
fruit, by furnishing, in some small degree, the information, which, if acted
upon, will lead them to the same results.

The only objection ever urged, with any degree of force, against this annual
publication of our transactions, or which indeed can be urged, is that of ex-
pense. But one would naturally think that the true question would be, are
these publications valuable to us as a means of creating an interest in our
growth and welfare as a Society, or in diffusing a knowledge and fostering a
love of the cause in which we are engaged — are they the proper vehicles of such
information as will prove of substantial service to those engaged in horticultural
and kindred pursuits — of giving currency to a general, practical knowledge
upon such subjects in the community which comes within the range of our influ-
ence. In other words, is this the best, or one of the best means of arousing
and keeping alive an interest, and attracting and fixing atteiition to the objects
of our organization ? If not, then we may as well consider the question as set-

6 WORCESTER COrXTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865.

tied, once for all, againat the policy. If on the other hand, it is the best, or
one of the best means for doing this work, tluMi the question of expense be-
comes one of a secondary character. And I venture to aliinn now, and with-
out fear of contradiction, that the experiment has been lairly tried ; and with
those who have been intimately acquainted with our history for the last fifteen
years, there will be very little hesitation in pronouncing judgment. From
eighteen hundred fifty-two to eighteen hundred fifty six, inclusive, our transac-
tions were published, with one exception, annually ; and who of our number
that has kept an eye to the progress and growth of the Society, can point to
any other five years of its existence marked with more decided or more rapidly
increasing prosperity than these. There was a vigor and a life manifested du-
ring that period, which we have to a greater or less degree wanted since — a
more general and lively interest, and a more healthy activity than in the years
which immediately followed. In eighteen hundred and fifty-six, for economy's
sake, our transactions were published in a cheap and inferior manner ; and my
own recollection is, — and I was connected with the Society as its Secretary from
1852 to 18G1, inclusive, and had occasion to notice these things, — that from that
time, vague suspicions began to be entertained and expressed, in some quarters,
that we were on the decline — that our inability, as it was called, to publish our
transactions, was evidence that we were not in a very flourishing condition.
And when publication ceased altogether, I can distinctly recollect the look of
disappointment which came over members when told in answer to their inquiries
for the Transactions, that the Society did not publish them "this" or "that"
year. They evidently felt that their membership was shorn of half its value if
the only information they were to derive from it was through the eye, at the an-
nual Exhibitions — by looking at fine fruit without being told how to produce it.
It seemed like taking a step backwards — that after having assumed a position
among associations of a kindred character, of importance enough to warrant
the publication of our proceedings annually, we had voluntarily surrendered. our
rank and withdrawn a positive power from the service in which we had engaged.
But we have now resumed the work of publication, and in the volume of the
present year we have done all that could be done to fill the hiatus in our history
caused by these eight years of neglect : and I think the general satisfaction
with which its appearance has been hailed by the members of the Society, and
the large accessions to our lists during the year, justify the wisdom of the step.
In these later times, when every thing of character, and every principle of
ln>uor, of integrity and of faithfulness to duty, seems to be laid upon the altar
of gain — when every man seems to have an lago at his sidq, whispering in his
ear, " put money in thy purse," — ^' oidi/ put moneij in thy j^urse,^' it is difficult
for most of us to conceive it possible that any man, or any association of men,
should have an existence for any other purpose than the accumulation of wealth-
But let us, as a Society, keep free from the influences of this pi-evailing spirit.
Let us constantly keep in mind that we are not associated together to make
money — to heap up treasure •, but to diffuse information upon the subject we
have in charge, to do a work which will conlribute in some small degree, it is Ic)

1865.] president's address. 7

be hoped, to tlie happiness and comfort of the people in the community which
encourages and sustains us.

But I know it will be pressed home upon us, "we are in debt — we should
save every thing until we have that discharged — then we shall be a power for
good," — a specious argument, and one which if acted upon, is fraught with much
mischief to the well-being of the Society. We might indeed be a power then,
but without a field in which to exercise it. I yield to no man in my dislike of the
responsibilities of debt, in any of its forms — or in my desire to see the one now
resting upon our association diminished, or extinguished altogether. But the
reduction, or extinction of that debt, should not be the paramount object of our
efforts. On the other hand, I would not, for the sake of making the volume of
that debt smaller, by one or two hundred dollars, more or less, annuallv, stran-
gle the Society for all purposes of practical good. Use rather, all the means
at your command to infuse new life into it, to make it stronger, more active,
more efficient, and 3'ou will have done that which will enable you more easily
to control that debt or to throw it off entirely, at a much earlier day, to the re-
lief of those who now regard it as of such huge proportions.

Let us then use the means placed at our disposal with such wisdom as we
may command — spending liberally, but not lavishly, or wastcfully ; — alwavs
practising a true economy, and neglecting no opportunity of making our or-
ganization more efficient and vigorous in its action, proving ourselves, within
the circle of our influence, an instrument of substantial good to such as choose
to avail themselves of our efforts ; thus gaining strength to ourselves while en-
deavoring to impart aid and assistance to others.

The Weekly Exhibitions, which have become for a few years past an estab-
lished feature in the labors of the Society, have been kept up during the sea-
son; and as we have approached our annual festival, the general and active in-
terest in them has very decidedly increased. Their continuance, sustained as it
is by contributions from so many different sources, even by members in some in-
stances from the adjoining towns, renders the fact more obvious than ever, that
they are of incalculable value to those at all interested in the subject of horti-
culture. And to those who are selecting trees, and planting orchards and fruit
yards, no place offers itself where an hour can be more profitably spent, once in
a week, than here. I would venture to suggest, in this connection, whether a
committee might not be appointed, whose duty it should be, by some one of its
members, to note down from week to week, in the form of a brief record, the
appearance, quality and general characteristics of the different varieties of the
several fruits, as they are exhibited in their ripe state, with such occasional
facts and information as they may be able to obtain in relation to the mode of
their culture and the character of the different soils on which they are produced ;
the whole to be embodied in a report for publication with our Transactions. To
those who are engaged in the subject practically, it would furnish something to
which they could refer with confidence, and by which they may be guided in
their selections to suit their tastes and wants, and in the adaptation of their
soil to the growth and production of the different varieties.
10

8 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865.

While congratulating ourselves upon our past success, — and no one will deny
that we have earned the right to exchange congratulations, — we cannot, if we
would, shut our eyes to the field of labor before us. We have but just entered
upon our work. While we can reach back, as it were, with our hand, to the
point from which we started, we have a field of almost illimitable extent stretch-
ing out before us. We have just ascertained, in some measure, the capacity of
our soil and climate for the production of many desirable fruits. We have now
to put that capacity to a practical test, in its various forms, for our enjoyment
and the enjoyment of those around us. We have more luxuries within our
reach, and at our command, than we have many of us hitherto dreamed of.

A twelve month or more ago, a gentleman of no mean attainments in horti-
cultural pursuits, as your own tables for many 3-ears will abundantly testify, said
to me, " the time for Horticultural and Agricultural Societies is past — they were
all very well in their day and have done much good, but their work is accom-
plished." Now how extensively this error may prevail no one knows ; but 'tis
none the less error, and that too, of a very mischievous description ; and the
sooner some corrective is applied the better. Had the assertion been made that
our people had lost their interest in such institutions, it would have been more
plausible. It is sometimes said, that one of our national characteristics,
(and not without some show of justice,) is, that we are eager for results, and
impatient of all plodding and exhaustive research ; — that we jump at conclu-
sions, leaving the surer and more laborious and circuitous modes to fossils and
fogies. As in everything else, so in horticultural pursuits, we take the shortest
route, and adopt the first successful experiment, whether resulting from acci-
dent or chance, as the rule for future action. True, we have countless theories,
in different departments of the science, which upou fair trial have been reject-
ed as worthless ; — we learn nothing from the lesson, but are as devoted to half
developed theories as ever. This is the reason we have so little comparative
skill, generally shown in the culture of fruits. We are very apt at the first suc-
cess to imagine we are in possession of the whole mystery, and straightway make
the claim broad enough to cover every thing — " Eureka" — " We have found
it." But it too often proves to be the case, that echo with her skeptical sneer
" Jbrind it ! ^' comes nearer the truth — that there is more significance in the
echo than in the claim.

"Found it ! " Where is the evidence of the discovery ? Is it with our fruit
dealers with their plates of peaches, placarded thirty cents each, and pears fif-
teen ? There is nothing at all satisfactory in this kind of proof, to the multi-
tude, that fruit culture has arrived at any great degree of perfection, or in which
they take any very high degree of satisfaction. Only a few are able to indulge
in such luxuries. They may feast their eyes upon it, but the culture of fruit has
not become general enough to admit of any thing further. Examine the farms
within your own reach, and see how few of them are supplied with fruit, or have
any promise of it for the future. It will be found that our farmers too often
regard the returns for fruit too far in the future ; that the compensation for their
labor is too much delayed. They demand quicker results and more speedy

1865.] president's address. 9

profits. There never was a more fatal error. Cole says, in his excellent little
Fruit book : " A farmer would not plant an orchard, thinking he should not
live to eat the fruit ; his son had the same views ; but the grandson planted
for posterity, yet his predecessors shared in the fruit also, for the grandfather
drank hogsheads of the cider."

" Found it ! " Is the evidence in the young orchards that we so often see,
and which so often hold out no promise whatever of future good ? In many
instances they have been planted so hastily and carelessly, that it is a miracle
if they lived at all, and they are left thenceforth to take care of themselves.
The farmer thinks his whole duty is performed when once the roots of his
young trees are under the surface of the earth ; and then it they do not thrive
and produce fruit abundantly, he at once comes to the conclusion that his soil
is not adapted to the growth of fruits, abandons his trees, and turns to his corn
and potatoes for more speedy profits. If he serves them as he did his trees, he
will, meet with the same results. Who has not seen these young orchards in
this state of utter neglect, and seeing, has not felt an uncomfortable, choking
sensation as he has watched the struggle going on between the trunks of the
trees and the turf about them, with an overwhelmning conviction that the lat-
ter was to be the victim, and that the trees, and the labor of the farmer in
planting them, were soon to perish together.

Nothing is more needless, than that fruits should command such exhorbitant
prices in our markets. There is capacity enough in our farms and lands to
keep pace, with a proper effort, with our ever increasing population, furnishing
a full supply at reasonable prices to the consumer, and yet remunerative ones
to the produces.

Farmers should learn, that in no way can they possibly realize a surer, or
more abundant reward for their labor, than in the cultivation of fruit. If they
cannot plant and cultivate trees for themselves, let them do it for those who are
to come after them ; and in nine cases out of ten it will prove that they become
partakers of the first fruits themselves.

Let all learn, who would cultivate fruit successfully, that the planting of trees
is not the only thing to be done. The trees must not only be planted, but plant-
ed carefully and skilfully, and when planted, cared for with constant vigilance
and unremitting attention.

All these evils and errors, with a score of others that come crowding upon
one, in taking a hasty glance of the subject, are susceptible of correction , and
there is no work more pertinent to our organization, or which comes more di-
rectly within our sphere than this. We need not yet fold our hands under the
impression that our labors are at an end, or that the objects of our association
have been fully accomplished.

But lest my friend, alluded to, should think that the hints I have thrown out
are insufficient to show that the work of the Society is not finished, I will
very briefly allude to one other matter, (if you will bear with me for a moment
longer,) and one which is likely to engage our attention, and demand our labor,
for some time to come. It probably has not escaped the observation of any

10 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865.

cultivator, iu going over his grounds and making an examination of his fruits,
the present season, that a very large pi'oportion of that fruit is imperfect, in
some instances, almost worthless. He will find upon a closer examination, that
an enemy has been at work, and that his ravages have been universal: an ene-
my insignificant, indeed, iu size — so much so that scores of his kind can rest in
the hollow of the hand : — but what he lacks in size he makes up in numbers
and diligence. His trade mark is unmistakeable — the crescent form of his
signature leaves no room for doubt.

This enemy to which I allude, the Curculio, was formerly somewhat
dainty in his appetite, and the plum seemed the only fruit suited to his
palate ; but that appetite has become more gross, and now no fruit is spared
by him. He is an enemy against which war must be declared and waged
to extermination, if we w^ould realize anything from the trees that have so
long been watched and cared for by lis. Dr. Trimble, the distinguished
entomologist of the State Agricultural Society of New Jersey, and other Asso-
ciations, has just given us a work in which the subject is very thoroughly dis-
cussed ; and although he advances no theory looking to relief fruui the insect,
beyond the mere kiU'uKj of it, he disposes, very summarily, of quite a number
that have been advanced by others. He puts forward the curculio as the great
enemy with which fruit growers will hereafter contend ; as the one against which
all our energies are to be directed, until we find ourselves relieved of his pres-
ence. Forewarned is forearmed : and I simply allude to the subject for the pur-
pose of calling the attention of the Society to it, that we may do whatever we
may be able, to meet and contest the advance, and prevent the further increase
of this destructive, aiid already powerful foe to the horticulturist.

1865.] REPORT ON APPLES. 11

ANNUAL EXHIBITION, 1865.

REPORT ON APPLES.

Stephen S. Foster, Chairman ; Samuel H. Coltox, J. Frank Allex,
Dr. Rufus Woodward, of Worcester ; Newell Wood, of Millbur}- ; and
S. A. Knox, of Grafton.

The Committee to whom was assigned the duty of awarding your premiums
on Apples, have instructed me to submit tlie following report.

The whole number of contributors to this important department of your
Annual Exhibition is twenty-three, — the number of their contributions, of all
sorts, sizes and descriptions, is 192, or less than one-fourth the number of sev-
eral preceding years. In quality, the contrast between the contributions of this
and preceding years, is scarcely less painful. Indeed, much of the fruit upon
your tables is no ornament to the Fair, and in ordinary seasons would be en-
tirely inadmissible. But the meagreness of these contributions must not be
construed into any want of interest among fruit-growers in the object and
efforts of the Society. On the contrary, it is evidently the result of another
failure of the apple crop throughout the entire county, — a failure which has no
parallel in the history of the past. Heretofore, in seasons unproductive of this
invaluable fruit, particular localities have been exempt from the general blight ;
but that this season furnishes no such exemptions is abundantly proved by the
general appearance of the market, as well as by the mournful aspect of this
exhibition. The insects which have hitherto been content to share with us this
indispensable product of .our toil, have at last taken the whole, and left us
nothing but the unsightly, sickening crumbs which fall from their dainty ta-
ble. We have conquered the rebellion, but we have in our midst a foe more
subtle than traitors, and more formidable than armies — a foe whose extirpation
as a public benefaction demands alike the skill of science and the energies of
labor.

In making their award your Committee were greatly embarrassed by the fact
that very few of the contributors had complied with the conditions on which the
premiums were offered. Most of the collections were deficient in the number
of varieties necessary to entitle them to any of the higher premiums ; while
most of the varieties were wanting in the requisite number of specimens to en-
title them to the premiums for single varieties. Under these circumstances the
only course which seemed open to them, injustice to all parties, was to adhere

12 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865.

strictly to the rules of the Society in awarding its premiums, but at the same
time, to recommend an unusual number of gratuities.

They accordingly submit for your faVorable consideration the following list of
premiums and gratuities, with the single explanatory remark that the collection
presented by the Chairman of your Committee, was for exhibition only, and was
not in competition for a premium.

Apples. — For the best collection of not less than six specimens of each varie-
ty, Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, $10 00

For the second best, Adams Foster, of Holden, 8 00

For the third best, S. A. Knox, of Grafton, G 00

For the best twelve varieties, George A. Chamberlain, of Worcester,

(Gratuity,) 5 00

For second best, S. P. Charapney, of Saundersville, (Gratuity,) 3 00

For his collection of five varieties, E. M. Banning, of Worcester,

(Gratuity,) 2 00

For his collection of four varieties, J. Boyden, of Worcester, (Gratuity) 2 00

For his collection, W. W. Keyes, of West Boylston, (Gratuity,) 2 00

For his New York Pippins, Isaac Mills, of Worcester, (Gratuity,) 1 00

For best eight Gravenstein Apples, L. Worcester, of Shrewsbury,... 1 00
For plate of Porter Apples, Mrs. Charles Johnson, of Northboro',

(Gratuity,^ 1 00

For best plate of Hubbardston Nonsuch, J. E.Phelps, of Worcester, 1 00

For plate of Baldwins, D. B. Corains, of Worcester, (Gratuity,)... 1 00

For his collection, Silas Allen, of Shrewsbury, (Gratuity,) 1 00

For Hubbardston Nonsuch, S. H. Burbank, of Worcester, (Gratuity,) 1 00

S. S. FOSTER, Chairman.

REPORT ON FLOWERS, PLANTS, &c.

Charles A. Chase, Chairman ; James L. Burbank, George Chandler,
D. S. Messinger, of Worcester ; and Jona. D. Wheeler, of Grafton.

The department of Plants and Flowers is one of the sufferers in consequence
of the season, and the tables are not so abundantly supplied as your Commit-
tee would wish. But we are duly grateful to the ladies and gentlemen who
have gleaned the choicest treasures from their gardens and green-houses, and
sent them in here, arranged, for the most part, with excellent taste.

We award the following premiums :

Plants. — For the largest and best display of Variegated-leaved Plants, to

Stephen Salisbury, $10 00

No second premium was offered for this class, but from the funds at their
disposal, the Committee award a Gratuity of $5 to Wm. T. Merrifield.

1865.] REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, ETC. 13

Premiums were offered for green-house and stove plants. Some of this class
were included in the collections above mentioned, but there were no distinct
entries. V

No " floral designs " were exhibited.

Cut Flowers. — Best stand, Mrs. Daniel Tainter, 2 00

Second best, Stephen Salisbury, 1 00

Best arranged basket or dish. Miss Frances M. Lincoln, 2 00

Second best, Mrs. Daniel Tainter, 1 00

Bouquets.-!— Best pair, Henry Forney, 2 00

Roses. — Best (and only) display, Jona. Grout, 3 00

Gladiolus. — The only display was made by Mrs. M. B. Green, and to

her we award the second premium of. 2 00

Asters. — Best display, Joseph Lovell, 1 00

Dahlias. — Best display, James T. Pike, 1 00

Verbexas. — Best display, Jonathan Grout, 1 00

Mrs. H. 0. Goodrich contributes a Carnation Pink which was a slip only
three months ago, but is now of great size ; and an Oleander which has grown

as wondrously in months, — results indicative of excellent care on that

lady's part.

Mr. Grout contributes a curious plant, the Tagetes signata pumila, the first
specimen that ever blossomed in this city.

A full-sized Oleander ornaments the Hall, contributed by Mrs. Charles Shute ;
and among the curiosities of the exhibition is to be mentioned a collection of
Cocoons of the silk-worm, furnished by Miss S. E. Chamberlain.

All of which is respectfully submitted for the Committee,

CHARLES A. CHASE, Chairman.

REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, &c., &c.

George Jaques, Chairman; Benjamin Butman, John Milton Earle,
E. S. Stebbins, John C. Ripley, of Worcester; and Paul Whitin, of
Whitinsville.

The Committee on Fruits other than Apples and Pears, were gratified to find
that the department of the Exhibition which they were appointed to examine,
contained a large and beautiful display of green-house and open-air Grapes,
comprising almost all the varieties having an established reputation in this sec-
tion of country.

Of Grapes, grown under glass, the principal contributors were Wm. T. Mer-
rifield, John C. Mason, D. Waldo Lincoln, and Wm. A. Wheeler, all of Wor-
cester. Mr. Merrifield's collection consisted of fourteen varieties ; Mr. Mason's
of thirteen, and the berries in this latter collection were not quite so highly col-

14 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865.

ored as those of Mr. Merrificld. It was very difficult to determine which of
these two beautiful collections rightfully ouglit to receive the first prize ; but
the votes of a majority of the Comailttee finally favored Mr. Merrifield's. In
regard to the comparative merits of the other collections it was not until after
patient examination and consultation that it was possible to arrive at a satisfac-
tory conclusion ; but by off-setting — 'One against another — form and weight of
bunches, and color (as evidence of ripeness; of berries, &c., &c., the result of
the competition came at length to be as I'ecommended in the schedule of pre-
miums hereto annexed.

Some Diana grapes raised under glass by W. IT. Thurston, of Oxford, were
large and fine, but deficient in color, which is deemed an important indication of
perfect development in all fruit, whatever be the mode of cultivation. ChikV.s
Superb, so named in Mr. Thurston's collection, was believed to be something
else, probably some foreign variety.

Of out-door Grapes, there was a large and varied representation, from thirty-
eight contributors. There were, however, but five competitors for the two pri-
zes offered, this year, for " collections of not less than six varieties." The de-
cisions of the Committee will be found below.

Among the grapes especially noticed as being very superior, were magnificent
clusters of the Union Village, also fine Allen's Hybrid and Adirondac, from
George H. Martin, of Xorwich, Conn.

Valuable contributions deserving honorable mention in this department, were
made, also, by George H. Estabrook, Daniel Tdinter, and Wm. A. Wheeler, of
Worcester, by J. C. Lovell, of West Boylston, and by H. W. Thurston, of Oxford.

Aside from the above-named, and from those mentioned in the following list
of the premiums recommended, there were a considerable number of contribu-
tions of grapes, which, though falling below the prize standard of excellence,
would have been made the subject of a critical notice, had there been time to
enter into such details.

The Committee had the gratification of tasting finely ripened specimens of
a delicious new out-door grape raised from the seed of the Diana and named
the lona. If this grape shall prove to be adapted to our climate, it will be a
great acquisition. The specimens — the only ones in the Hall — were contributed
by an agent of Dr. Grant, with whom this grape originated, on the Island of
lona, N. Y. It may be stated here that the lona is the grape to which was re.
cently awarded the one hundred dollar prize, offered by the Hon. Elorace Gree-
ley, for "the best grape adapted to general cultivation in the Middle and East-
ern States.

Several samples of the fruit of wild vines transplanted from the fields and
woods, were noticed on the tables; but the Committee cannot recommend the
cultivation of even the best of this class of grapes, unless possibly it may be in
localities where the excellent varieties — Hartford, Delaware, Concord, and
Diana — recommended by the Society, will none of them mature their fruit.
The truth is, none of these wildlings can, for a moment, maintain a position by
the side of the poorest of our modern improved seedlings.

1865.] RErORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, ETC. If)

A word or two may be allowable, in this place, in regard to the progress of
grape-culture in this vicinity during the quarter of a century since the influence
of our Horticultural Society began to be' felt. Twenty-five years ago, the I.sa.
bella, the Blackstone, and the Fitchburg were sold as popular grapes from our
nurseries. Of these the former rarely, if ever, comes to perfection in our cold
climate ; and the other two, even when ripe, are not worth much. At the
present time, we have among others, at least one variety, ripening here in the
open air, which, for its pure, rich, sugary, vinous flavor, is hardly surpassed by
any grape,, native or foreign, known in the world. After the Delaioare i\iQ
Diana ranks next in quality ; and even the Concord and the Hartford are a
great way in advance of what were here considered good grapes, a quarter of a
century ago. Beside this, we are every year making progress. New varieties,
raised from the seed of excellent kinds, are continually coming into notice,
some of them — as the lona, Israella, Adirondac, &c., — seeming to be more
promising than any that we yet have, the Delaware always excepted.

Thus, in a few years, we have advanced from unripe Isabellas and coarse fox
grapes to varieties of such excellence as to rival the choicest fruits of our cli-
mate ; ^nd we are still on the high road toward other improvements ; so that —
whether for wine or the dessert — the cultivation of hardy out-door grapes may
before long become an important branch of our Northern horticulture.

Of Peaches, there were nine plates, all told. Not a solitary specimen of the
Plum was seen in the Hall, and the contributions of Quinces numbered but eleven
plates. That there exists in this vicinity, and elsewhere, a certain feeling of
discouragement in regard to the cultivation of these last named fruits, and of the
Cherry also, is no longer to be concealed. It is difficult, however, to find a sat-
isfactory cause for this prevalent despondency. Some accuse the soil; others,
the climate, talking learnedly of changes resulting from the cutting off of for-
ests, the drainage of swamps, the electrical influences of loug lines of railways
and telegraphs, the cooling of the earth's surface, &c., &c. But to all this it
may be replied that the peach, the plum and the cherry are still successfully
cultivated in portions of Europe where the more important of these influences
have been operating for many centuries longer than they have been in existence
here. In our older regions, of New England cultivation, it is true, insects have
increased; but that the most formidable ot these enemies of fine fruit can ulti-
mately triumph in any contest with the inventive genius of civilized man, is a
conclusion to which we ought to be very reluctant to submit. The intellectual
achievements of the nineteenth century would have passed, in darker ages of the
world for miracles, and the end is not yet. The wolf and the bear which were
the terror of our fathers, have receded before the mere physical power of civili-
zation, and are now to be seen only among the curiosities of a menagerie. The
curculio and the canker-worm, smitten by the potent wand of science, may, a
few years hence, disappear to an equal extent from among the pests of the
country.

But the occasion precludes a further discussion of these topics, and whatever
encouraging arguments might be urged here to stimulate future experiments in
11

16 WORCESTER COUXTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865.

the cultivation of the peach, the quince, the plum, and the cherry, must be
postponed till the temptation of a more favorable opportunity may call up the
subject again.

The Committee recommend the following award of Premiums :
Grapes — grown under glass. — For the largest and best collection — fourteen

varieties— to Wm. T. Merrifield, of Worcester, $8 00

For the second best collection — thirteen varieties — to John C. Mason,

of Worcester, G 00

For the best two clusters of Black Hamburg Grapes, to Stephen

Salisbury, of Worcester, 2 00

Grapes — grown out-doors. — For the best collection — eight varieties, viz :
Concord, Hartford, Diana, Delaware, Rogers' No. 9 and No. 15,
Adirondac, and Allen's Hybrid — to Wm. T. Merrifield, of Wor-
cester, 0 00

For the second best collection — six varieties — to Franc-is II. Dewey,

of Worcester, 4 00

For the third best collection, — six varieties — the Committee re-
commend a Gratuity to S. V. Stone, of Worcester, of. 2 00

For the best specimens of thorough-ripe Delaware Grapes, to Wm. H.

Thurston, of Oxford, 1 00

For the best specimens of thorough-ripe Isabella Grapes, to Josepli

E. Phelps, of Worcester 1 00

For the best specimens of thorough ripe Concord Grapes, to Horatio

Phelps, of Worcester, I 00

For the best specimens of thorough-ripe Diana Grapes, to S. H. Bur-
bank, of Worcester, 1 00

For the best specimens of thorough-ripe Hartford Prolific Grapes, to

Horatio Phelps, of Worcestei-, 1 00

Peaches. — For the best one variety of twelve specimens — Late Craw-
ford,— to Asa H. Allen, of Shrewsbury, 2 00

For the second best one variety of twelve specimens — Late Craw-
ford,— 10 D. B. Harrington, of Millbury, 1 00

For the other premiums offered for Peaches, there was no competition. No
Plums were exhibited, and of the few Quinces which were on the tables, th?re
were none of sufficient excellence to deserve recommendation for a premium.
Respectfully submitted,

GEORGE JAQUES, Chairman.

1865.] REPOKT ON VEGETABLES. 17

REPORT ON PEARS.

George F. Hoar, Chairman; Hexry Phelps, Edwaru Earle, D. W.
Lincoln, aud F. H. Dewey, of "Worcester.

The Committee on Pears have awarded the following premiums :

For the best twenty varieties of twelve specimens each, the first premium

to Benjamin Batman $10 00

Second best, premium to S. H. Collon 8 00

For the best fifteen varieties, the first premium to Stephen S. Foster,... 8 00

Second best, premium to John C. Mason, (i 00

For the best ten varieties, the first premium to John C. Ripley, G 00

Second best, preminm to Joseph Lovell, 4 00

For the best five varieties, the first premium to George T. Rice, 4 00

Second best, premium to Adams Foster, 2 00

For the best twenty-four Seckel Pears, premium to Marshall Flagg,... 1 00

For the best twelve Bartlett Pears, premium to Loring Goes, 1 00

For the best twelve Duchesse d'Angouleme Pears, premium to Holloway

Harrington, 1 00

For the best twelve Louise Boune de Jersey Pears, premium to

James R. Pierce, 1 00

For the best twelve Lawrence, premium to T. K. Earle, 1 00

For the best twelve Beurre Bosc, premium to Mrs. Charles Johnson,

of Northboro', 1 00

For the best twelve Flemish Beauty, premium to Joseph Boyden, 1 00

For the best twelve Beurre d'Anjou, to George Jaques, 1 00

The committee award Gratuities of §1 each to the following persons :

To J. R. Pierce, for his Duchesse.

Mrs. Charles Johnson for Winter Nelis and Louise Bonne de Jersey.

James F. Allen, for his De Tongres.

N. K. Merriam, of Grafton, for his collection.

Hartley Williams, for Winter Nelis.

D. S. Messiuger, for Urbaniste.

Anthony Chase, for Dix.

Wm. N. Green, for St. Michael.

Wm. T. Moore, for collection.

Edwin Draper, for Dix. GEO. F. HOAR, Chairman.

REPORT ON VEGETABLES.

Edwin Conant, Chairman; Stephen Salisbury, Oliver K. Earle,
ThoiMas R. Norcross, James Green, of Worcester ; Josiah L. Wood-
ward, of Millbury.

The Committee on Vegetables respectfully report, that they find on the Sec-
retary's book 492 entries by thirty-eight contributors this year, against 413

18 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865.

entries by forty contributors last year ; showing an increased entry of seventy-
nine, and a falling off of two contributors. Five of the Committee as originally
appointed have been engaged in the active performance of its duties, and
although their labors have not in all cases been free from difficulty, they have
been unanimous iu their conclusions.

They have endeavored to be governed according to the Rule, by quality,
rather than by the number of varieties, merely, in awarding premiums for
collections, and have assigned for the largest and best collection of vegeta-
bles, for his fifty-one varieties, —

To Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, $8 00

For the second largest and best, thirty varieties, to Daniel Tainter, of

Worcester, 5 00

For the third largest and best, forty-six varieties, to S. P. Champney,

of Sauudersville, H 00

These were all of them collections of such excellence, and in so different
ways that to particularize is almost invidious. The wonderful product of Mr.
Tainter's pumpkins, 306 lbs. from one seed, and his extraordinary water-melons
were unique features of especial note, while many of the vegetables of all three
competitors were of unusual merit.

James T. Pike, of Worcester, exhibited 116 varieties, among which were a
large variety of beans and peas, and forty-two kinds of potatoes, and for this
latter extraordinary assortment, the Committee recommend a gratuity of $3 00,
and another gratuity of $1 00 to Eben F. Champney, of Sauudersville, a lad of
fourteen years old, for his fine assortment of thirty-eight varieties of vegetables.

We award for the best three pure Canada Crook-neck Squashes, to D. Waldo
Lincoln, of Worcester, 1 00

For the best three Marrow Squashes, to Lucius H. Rice, of Worcester, 1 00

For the best three Hubbard Squashes, to S. Allen, of Shrewsbury, I 00

No premium was awarded for best three mammoth squashes, there being no
such parcel sufficiently meritorious.

For the best three Turban Squashes, to Charles Nash, of Worcester,... 1 00

For the the best three Yokohama Squashes, to our Secretary, Edward
W. Lincoln, who exhibited seven of these rather novel vegetables,*
averaging a superior excellence in our local experience, 1 00

M. M. Chaffin, of Worcester, produced three of the variety styled by
him Cracker Squash, and after some doubt as to the comparative merit of
this kind, the premium for the largest squash was awarded to him, 2 00

For the second largest squash, to Elkanah Rich, of Worcester, 1 00

Mr. Rich brought four large Marrows, but apparently not entirely pure.

No sufKcient offerings were made of Celery or of Savoy Cabbages to
call for premiums.

For the best three other Cabbages, we give the premium to Asa H.
Allen, of Shrewsbury, for his Drumheads, 1 00

No Cauliflowers exhibited.

For the best twelve ears of Sweet Corn, to Joseph Lovell of Worcester, 1 00

1865.] REPORT o:sr yegetablesA //>> "-^

\ ^p (y^ ^^%\^

For the best twelve Tomatoes, to James F. Allen, of "V^i^idsl^r, ...6^0 ^j' ^

Should the Committee apparently fall under censure for tS!s^^wi^,^e7 ckn/ / I
only say that a more careful compliance with the 12th Rule, in fuh^^fci^.a list y
of articles to the Secretary, is indispensable for the guidance of Commi!!lS?1fr
awarding premiums.

They also recommend the bestowal of a gratuity of $1 to D. M. Hemenway,
of Millbury, for his five varieties of Squashes, &c. ; of a like sum to Isaac
Mills, of Worcester, for his four varieties of Squashes ; of fifty cents to Hora-
tio Slocumb, of Sutton, for his surpassingly large and beautiful Cranberries ;
and of fifty cents to 0. B. Hadwen, of Worcester, for his Old Colony Corn.

The Commiitee will not be expected to comment upon every article exhibited,
and not included in collections or parcels already referred to. Several varieties
of Potatoes were produced by Edward W. Lincoln ; Marrow Squashes, by
Thomas H. Rice ; Beans from Andersonville seed, by Thomas H. Brooks ;
Hops and Gourd Squash, by Mrs. C. L. Pierce ; pure Turnip Beets, by Edward
A. Pierce ; Lima Beans, by J. Henry Hill ; extraordinary Lester Tomatoes,
by Courtland H. Cross, (who came in close competition with Mr. Allen ;)
Giaut Lester and other fine Tomatoes, by Charles Richardson, a display of high
merit ; mixed Winter Squashes, by Geoi'ge R. Peckham ; Drumhead Cabbages,
by Stephen Salisbury, and Jonathan Grout, all of Worcester : Cranberries, by
J. C. Lovell, of West Boylston ; a Blood Beet, weighing ten pounds, by J. N.
Murdock, of Leicester: seven Marrow Squashes, by C. B. Metcalf; three
Yokohamas, by D. B. Comins ; one can of Tomato, by Miss Nannie
Clark ; varieties of Corn and Beans, by Charles Nash ; Winningstadt Cab-
bages, Mangel- Wurtzel, Turnip Beet, twelve ears of Old Colony Corn, vari-
eties of Potatoes, Onions, Marrow and Hubbard Squashes, by Perry
Thayer ; Pumpkins, Yokohama Squashes and Red Dutch Cabbages, by Jo-
seph Lovell ; Hubbard and Marrow Squashes, Vegetable Eggs, Onions, and
Celery, by C. W. Hamilton ; Seed Cucumbers, by P. S. Piper ; Marrow and
Yokohama Squashes, by 0. B. Hadwen, all of Worcester : Canada Crooknecks^
by S. Allen, of Shrewsbury; a remarkably perfect and beautiful spherical spe-
cimen of Spanish Onion, weighing seventeen ounces, exhibited by James
Green, of Worcester ; a plant of the esculent Hibiscus, or Okra, by a con-
tributor whose name did not come to our knowledge ; and at a very late hour,
eight specimens of a green-colored vegetable called Squashes, by David J. Ba-
ker, of Worcester, from seed raised in Beaufort, N. C, and supposed to be in-
digenous to Califoruia.

Respectfully submitted by the Committee.

EDWIN CONANT. Chairman.

20 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865.

ANXUAL REPORT

EDWARD W. LINCOLN, Secretary and Librarian.

To the Members of the Worcester Countij HorticiiUiircd Society :

In rendering his report for his fifth official year, the Secretary once more takes
occasion to congratulate the Society upon a season of unprecedented prosperity.
It is true that the early promise of the spring was not realized, all hopes of
fruition being literally nipped in the bud. But, in the increase and use of the
library ; iu the wider diffusion of a taste for and knowledge of horticulture in its
various ramifications ; in the unexampled accretion to its membership ; and,
after and despite all, notwithstanding the disfavor of the elements and the rava-
ges of insects, in the goodly yield of the smaller fruits and the passable crop
and fair quality of those later and choicer, like the pear, the corporatiok has
great reason for rejoicing. If history is philosophy teaching by example, how
much more may horticulture be concisely defined as the fruit of exact and
practical experience ? '

The elements, as just stated, have been unpropitious. By reference to his
diary, the Secretary finds the following entry, under the head of May 24 : — " A
clear, cool day, after a long-continued rain. Apprehensions are entertained of
the effect upon seeds already planted, of so much moisture. Cherries, so far
as personal observation extends, do not promise well. Young and green cur-
rants are stripped off by the worm.". And again, on June 2d : — " Yesterday
was the last of fifteen (15) upon which consecutively rain has fallen to a greater
or less degree. Prospects of a good crop of fruit fall off wofully. And now the
canker worm has come in to aid the other destructive agencies." The long
continuance of wet weather above stated, synchronous as it was with the blossom-
ing of the fruit trees, was productive (if the adjective can be used with pro-
priety,) of the most disastrous results. Where the pollen was not washed
away, or its fecundity left unimpaired, bees and other insect agents in its dis-
semination, found their flight impeded if not absolutely prevented. The apple,
cherry, peach and pear, which had exhibited an almost unbroken mass of
bloom disappointed expectation. And when, as it were to fill full the measure

1865.] secretary's report. 21

of calamity, the curculio avenged itself upon man for his craven abandoment
of the culture of the plum by betaking itself to the apple and cherry, as to the
harder pear in a less degree ; and the canker tcorm and caterpiller united their
energies to the utter destruction of foliage ; pomologists might well be pardoned
for regarding with despair their pleasant and useful avocation. Yet, as by the
sweat of his brow man shall earn his bread, so likewise it may be the design of
Providence to teach us that in horticulture, as in all things else, the extremest
diligence and- patience are requisite to attain that reward which, in unequal
measure, but nevertheless in some, is sure to repay the assiduous cultivator.
Upon the first appearance of the canker worm your Secretary took some pains
to note its apparent course and line of devastation. The following memoran-
dum was the result of his observation on the 8th of June : — " On Pleasant
street, from Captain Dana's house to xishland street, a belt of cherry trees is
entirely denuded of foliage. The lindens are somewhat harmed, the elms
scarcely. Upon the old common but few traces of the ravages of the canker
worm are discerned. Cutting of the grass, then unusually tall, commenced on
the 5th inst. The question suggest itself whether the different species of
measuring-worms can propel themselves with the requisite facility where the
grass is yet unmown ? Trumbull street was reasonably exempt, although be-
traying signs of the destructive presence. On Front street the elms were un-
touched ; the lindens were slightly attacked."

The observation of your Secretary, limited as it necessarily was, in the busiest
portion of the year, was mainly restricted to those portions of the city of Wor-
cester in which, as he stated in his report last year, the cherry usually mani-
fests the most luxuriance and vigor : and even in this adverse season he was
surprised to find what a handsome yield there was of this much abused and
greatly underrated fruit. But also, as then noticed, of the lighter colored varie-
ties, since the Black Tartarian, Black Eagle, &c., were almost wholly and uni-
versally failures. — Has color, as heretofore asked, aught to do with this?

The direction of your Secretary, as already mentioned, was guided and sub-
stantially limited by the Hue of development of the cherry. But the fact was
too patent not to obtrude itself plainly upon his attention, that the path of the
canker-worm is evidently governed by fixed laws ; what these are remains to be
determined. No agency appears so well adapted to this end, whether from pro-
fession or practice, as Horticultural Societies, fostered by the encouragement of
the State. Generous bounties, wisely offered and discreetly bestowed, may possi-
bly, nay probably, arrest the career of an "insect-enemy of man," whose rava-
ges are to be computed only by the estimate which may be placed upon the fruit
crop of the Commonwealth. One of your Vice-Presidents, and an accomplished
and learned member of our Society, has expressed the opinion to the Secretary
that the worm in question travels from the northeast. There can be little or no
doubt that he has done his worst in Middlesex county, which goes so far to con-
firm that theory. But, in this city, from their first appearance on Pleasant
street, they moved toward and not from the north, scarcely reaching Cedar
street before the time for their final disappearance. This and kindred questions.

22 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865.

whereof the importance cannot be overrated, should awaken public concern and
enlist otHcial and scientific investigation.

The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, which has accomplished so much
for Pomoloory in its long and useful career, and which bids fair, under its pre-
sent administration, to exceed whatever it may have achieved in the past,
proposes to memorialize the General Court for a suitable act to facilitate the
destruction of this pest. May it not become this Society, not the youngest in
years of its compeers, and likely not the least useful, lo co-operate in an effort
that appeals to all our sympathies as horliculturists, and, failing the success
of which, all our hopes and labors must apparently prove vain !

The Secretary would state, in this connection, that he has received a printed
circular announcing that " The publication committee of the Entomological Socie-
ty of Philadelphia purpose to publish, and issue gratuitously, an occasional bulle-
tin, under the title of the ' Practical Entomologist,'' in which papers on the in
sects injurious and beneficial to vegetation will be given for the benefit of the
American farming interest."

The committee add that " It is not with any intention of prescribing nostrums
that we undertake the publication of this bulletin ; we cannot cure where we
do not understand the diagnosis of the case ; we recommend neither foolish ob-
structions around the trunks of trees which winged insects can surmount, and
their larvte have neither the desire nor the necessity to pass : nor expensive
decociions. which hurt the plant and which the insect survives, — we simply de-
sire, by means of original papers, to bring out the true history of each and all
of our obnoxious insects ; and it is believed that, this attained, simple means
will suggest themselves by which the evil may be subsided — in certain cases
such easy remedies as burning the stubble and vigorous fall plowing.

The sole aid which the committee solicit is, that all who feel interested in their
design will give them, from time to time, by letter or otherwise, such informa-
tion as may result from daily observation, and forward alcholic phials contain-
ing such specimens of the noxious insects in any vicinity as may be collected,
for determination and study, to the secretary of the Entomological Society, at
No. 518 South Thirteenth street, Philadelphia."

The Massachusetts Horticultural Society has also initiated action, upon a
subject to which many of your members are painfully alive, by appointing a
committee to consider and report upon the " Ravages of Birds.''' In the opin-
ion of your Secretary, and of many closer observers than himself, it is not
asserting too much to deny the possibility of raising the small fruits, or even
the grape, if the robin and cat-bird are suffered to multiply, as of late, under
the safeguard of law. The former bird may be a fitting theme for sentiment
but his true place is in a Pie. Like the wild Indian, the world would be better
without him. No one ever saw him pick up a worm or insect of any kind when
any variety of fruit could be obtained. The common hen. if allowed to run,
would do more good and steal infinitely less. In a timely and vigorous commu-
nication to the Gardener's Monthly, Mr. W. C. Strong, of Brighton, Mass.,
declares that his name should be spelled with two o'.y. He adds that " he will

1865.] secretary's report. 23

not touch the caterpillar ; he has no relish for the canker-worm ; he is of no
service whatever against the curculio, his little work might be done with a
thousandth part of the expense in other ways. He is a confirmed robber and
spoiler. Wherefore, my verdict is that he be banished from all our fruit gar-
dens. Fruit-growers have only to protect the bird, and allow him to multiply,
to learn that the evil grows to be intolerable." That this question of the
" Savages of Birds" deserves more careful attention than it has hitherto re-
ceived is made clearly apparent from au incident that recently transpired in
England. At the last meeting of the British Association for the Advancement
of Science, almost synchronous with your Annual Autumnal Exhibition, the
learned and venerable Dr. Crisp is reported to have shown that " sparrows were
not, as so generally thought, friends of the farmer, but destroyed several pounds
of wheat to one worm ; whereas the hornets, against which there is so much
enmity, destroy maggots and other hurtful things." Several gentlemen arose
to defend the sparrow, but Dr. Crisp " showed several hundred sparrow-gizzards,
which revealed grains of wheat, but no worms at all ! " And yet this sparrow
is now recommended to be imported into our own country, in which we are
already afflicted with the robin, alike saucy and useless, and the cat-bird — con-
gener of everything that is, or ought to be inside of the Baton Rouge, or other
penitentiary.

On Thursday, May 4th, your Secretary received, for distribution, from the
Commissioner of Agriculture at Washington, four (4) bags of potato oats, con-
taining one (1) quart each. On the 17th of September ult., four (4) bags of
wheat, of like quantity, came to hand from the same munificent source. These,
with some small packages of onion, lettuce and turnip seeds, represent the bene-
fit of said department, for the current year, to this Society. Of what advan-
tage it is likely to be in future can be judged from the fact that the only gentle-
man of enterprise or sagacity officially connected with it has just been dismissed
by the Commissioner.

The Summer Exhibitions have been maintained with marked success. Not-
withstanding the unpropitious character of the season, of which it may well
be doubted whether the rains of spring or the drought of autumn was the
worst, the number of entries, thanks to the enterprise of our florists, developes
a great increase over 1864. And undoubtedly to this attraction is attributable
the remarkable and gratifying augmentation in our list of members, more espe-
cially of the fairer portion of the community. Where it requires so little effort
and time to adorn our library room and fill our stands ; knowing, as they must,
the signal advantage of such displays to the Society, ever increasing since the
initiation of these exhibitions, and simultaneously enlarging our membership ;
is it too much to ask or hope for a continuance of that co-operation, if not for
its more earnest development in this most beautiful and fascinating portion of
our province ?

A tabular statement of the entries, or number of articles of each variety ex-
hibited during the present official year, exclusive of the display at the Annual
Autumnal Exhibition, is herewith presented. That period was covered by
12

24

WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

[1865.

the elaborate and exhaustive address of the President. In contrasting the va-
rious years comprised in this table, it must be borne in mind that two months
less are embraced in ISOri than in anj- of its predecessors, owing to the change
in the time of holding the annual meeting.

Anno Domini.

1862
1SG3
1864
1865

29
44
36

48

S .2

i- rA ro C

^=«

•S S « § O

u

S-2

M o tS S o

"S.

o n

ce

1^ J3 i- S O

p.

o

PS O O U CS

<

Ph

632

H

98

160

512

1443

83

366

374

616

1488

79

140

184

1008

1507

104

41

161

1643

2002

45

19

405

Strawberries show a slight, yet material increase. The wet weather in the
spring of the year tended essentially to aid in forcing forward the plants, while
the greater attention bestowed upon the culture of this most delicious fruit aug-
mented the number of exhibitors and the quality of their contributions. As
usual, since its first introduction, the Triomphe de Gaud bore off the palm of
excellence. For four successive years, as in 1864, was it shown by the same
gentleman who, in that year, illustrated the final perseverance of this saint
among berries. Under proper culture, in this locality at least, there can remain
sligbt doubt that it is one of the most valuable varieties for general purposes
that has yet been introduced. Of the new and highly lauded Agriculturist,
nothing can yet be said. It has been too lately introduced for its character and
value to be sufficiently tested. Apprehensions are, however, entertained of its
sexuality, and also of its hardihood.

But little can be said of Raspbkrries, Currants, Gooseberries, &c. Of
the former, your Secretary exhibited Brinckle's Orange, which were much
commended, as they were ever elsewhere, for superior appearance and flavor.
Very fine specimens of Doolittle's Black Cap, grown by one of our most skill-
ful cultivators and valuable trustees, 0. B. Hadwen, elicited merited praise, more
particularly as the product of the fii-st season. What they may become, to in-
fer from their development of wood, the present season, your Secretary, being
neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, ventures not to predict. The cur-
rants of Mr. Ripley, to whose generous contributions and intelligent interest the
Society may ascribe a great share of the success which has attended its weekly
exhibitions, were remarkable for excellence, as likewise were those of Mr. Grout
for variety. The latter gentleman, it should be remarked by the way, having
deserted us, poor rustics, and gone abroad to disport himself in the " bosky dells"
of England and her more artificial attraction — Kew Gardens. It is gratifying
to be able to record, as your Secretary does with mingled surprise and pleasure,
that after being privileged to inspect the celebrated Black Hamburg- vine of
those fairy regions, he returns with his faith in the Concord augmented almost
to frenzy.

1865.] secretary's report. 25

Of Gooseberries, sound and healthy specimens were presented by the Judge
of the Worcester Police Court, and, conformably to his own practice, officially,
they were immediately " seized and condemned." Later, Mr. Gideon Harris,
of Northville, displayed a collection of varieties that evinced either singular
good fortune or admirable tact in culture. Still, it continues questionable if the
fruit, except to a comparatively few palates, is worth the trouble and uncertainty
of its culture. Whether, in fact, the rapidly swelling host of insect enemies to
the currant do not more imperiously require our attention to the preservation of
a fruit of which we shall not appreciate one-half the value until, by inattention
or indolence, it is irrevocably lost.

Of Grapes, the display at the annual autumnal exhibition was unprecedented
in the history of the Society. Varieties were then and there contributed, of
handsome appearance, novel origin, and good promise, as respects both the
quality of the fruit and the hardihood of the vine. As this is an official report,
and not a medium for advertisements, the names, and fancied or assured merits
of those vai-ieties, may be left to the trumpet of their originators which, in Sep-
tember last, to the personal knowledge of your Secretary, " gave no uncertain
sound." Since our autumnal exhibition, nothing of consequence, as the pro-
duct of the vine, has been shown, if exception is made of a few Rogers' Hy-
brids, No. 4, in good condition and quality ; and fewer still of No. 15, badly
mildewed, from Mi*. J. C. Lovell, of West Boylston. As regards other varieties,
in this immediate vicinity, of what the mildew spared, the cat-bird and robin
can make the fullest report.

The causes of the lamentable failure in the crop of Apples and Pears are
well known. To allude to them here, much more to recite them, would be a
work of supererogation. Suffice it to repeat, once for all, that if the Pomolo-
gists of this great agricultural and horticultural county do not intend to sur-
render the cultivation and use of the apple, they must take immediate, effective
and thorough measures to rid themselves, and their trees alike, of the canker
worm, the caterpillar, the coddling moth, and the curculio. No holiday task,
certainly ; but neither was that of our ancestors, if different in degree and na-
ture. Yet they went doggedly and sturdily to work. How effectually they ac-
complished what they set themselves to do, and extirpated their foes, let him
tell who would fain discover a lingering Pequot or Wampanoag within our bor-
ders. With " Thorough'''' for our motto in this good, as once before in an evil
cause, and we may hope to assure the permanence of that most valuable ot
fruits, failing which pies would miss their relish ; Thanksgiving be shorn of one-
half its glory; and the long evenings of winter, confined exclusively to whist
and shagbarks, lose a chiefest attraction.

But few Vegetables have been laid upon our tables at the weekly exhibi-
tions, and of these the most noteworthy were the sweet potatoes, raised by Mr. 0.
B. Hadwen. Owing to the favorable season for its especial genus, the Yoko-
hama Squash, exhibited for the first time at the last annual exhibition, was de-
veloped in greater perfection. Your Secretary found his own doubled in size
and advanced, in far greater proportion, as to quality. Mr. Isaac Mills, whose

26

WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

[1865.

profuse entries crowd the columns of our vegetable book, states that it is one of
the most delicious varieties that he ever ate. He adds that, for fecundity, he
never met with its equal. Your Secretary grew the weight of two hundred and
fifty pounds (250 lbs.) upon a patch of ground, by measurement, once and a
half times the area ot this room. For pies, — nothing equals it but a robin, —
scarcely a vegetable. But it still continues an unsettled question to what ex-
tent, if at all, it will supplant other and favorite varieties. This is certain, that
no one need undertake its culture, with the least hope of success, who is not pi'e-
pared to stail the young plants in the house. When longer acclimated, a change
of habit may render this precaution unnecessary.

The accession to our list of .MiiMiiKiis, during the ten months which constitute
this otlicial year, has been unprecedentedly large. While it would be too much
to expect a continuance of such fortune in future, it is scarcely hazardous to
assert that a display of energy and mutual co-operation, similar to that of which
the results are before you, will at least merit, should it foil to achieve, a corres-
ponding reward. The usual comparative table is appended :

In 1861 1

In 1S62 19

In 1S63 42

In 1864 49

In 1865 106

The " Traasactioas''' of tlie Society from 1857 to 1864, inclusive, so far as
any record of them could be found, have been published, under your instructions.
The cost of publication was enhanced by the increased price of paper and the
unexpectedly large store of material exhumed from the files of the local news-
papers. But it IS believed that the Society will not have cause to regret the
issue from the satisfaction expressed by all who have become possessed of it,
and the additional fact that many who have lately joined our ranks admitted that
a chief inducement for them to do so was derived from the assurance of thereby
obtaining this publication. Its absolute value is not so much the positive
knowledge therein contained, as the pregnant hints towards its attainment. The
grateful acknowledgments of the Society are due to Messrs. Grout & Bigelow,
of the city of Worcester, who kindly volunteered to take charge of the distribu-
tion, and have discharged their self-imposed task with equal patience and en-
ergy.

The Library is in good condition. Its increase is unavoidably moderate, but
it is believed to keep pace with the requirements of the Society. The volumes,
although much circulated and consulted, attest that careful use which might be
predicated of horticulturists. A law of the United States exempts from duty
all books and periodicals that ai-e designed to be placed in public libraries. This
provision has been availed of by your Librarian, who has been enabled, through
the courtesy of Mr. Baker, of the Free City Library, to import the few French
and English works that we require, at a material saving.

According to custom, a comparative statement is herewith furnished of the
number ot volumes taken out of the library during the two (2) years imme-
diately preceding its transfer to its present location ; the three (3) years that

1865.]

SECRETARY S REPORT,

27

succeeded ; and the ten (10) months of IS'io to this day. Premising, of course,
that this is exclusive of the number of books and periodicals that are consulted
by members on the days when the library is accessible. Number of volumes
taken out :

In 1S60 72

In 1861 64

In 1862 114

In 1863 133

In 1SI54 179

Jan. 1, 1865, to Nov. 1, 1865..315

The following complete catalogue of the Additions to the Library during the
current official year demands a simple explanation. It must be borne in mind
that our volume of " Transactions " was issued in May. Prior thereto some
most valuable acquisitions, numbered in the list annexed from one (1) to six-
teen (1(3) inclusive, were received in season to be entered in the general cata-
logue appended to that publication, as follows :

1. Horticulturist, 1 vol. 8vo. Bound. Vol. 19 of series.

2. Hovey's Magazine, 1 vol. 8 vo. Bound. Vol. 30 of series.
.3. Gardeners' Monthly, 1 vol. 8vo. Bound. Vol. 6 of series.

4. Planter's Guide, 1 vol. Boards. Presented by Grout & Bigelow.

5. Agriculture of Massachusetts, 18G3, second series, 1 vol. 8vo. Pre-
sented by G. L. Flint, Secretary of the Board of Agriculture.

6. Agricultural Reports, Ohio, 1862, second series, 1 vol 8vo. C. L. Flint.
Y. Agricultural Reports, Ohio, 18G2, third series, 1 vol. 8vo. C. L. Flint.
8. Transactions of New York State Agricultural Society, 18G1, 1 vol. 8vo.

C. L. Flint.

1). Ti-ansactions of New York State Agricultural Society, 18G2, 1 vol. 8vo.
C. L. Flint.

10. Transactions of the American Institute, 1861, 1 vol. 8vo. C. L. Flint.

11. Transactions of the American Institute, 1862, 1 vol. 8vo. C. L. Flint.
Ten Acres Enough : 1 vol. 12mo. Purchased.
My Farm at Edgewood ; by Ik Marvel; 1 vol. 12mo. Purchased.
Wet Days at Edgewood; by Ik Marvel; 1 vol 12mo. Purchased.
Poulterer's Companion; by C. N. Bement ; 1 vol. 12mo. Purchased.
Poultry Yard ; by Brown; Appendix by Allen; 1 vol. r2mo. Pur-

12.
18.
14.
15.
16.
chased

All which are duly catalogued in the " Transactions." The following are
supplementary :

17. Vegetables of America ; by F. Burr; second and revised edition ; 1vol.
8vo. Purchased.

18. Treatise on the Insect Enemies of Fruit and Fruit Trees ; by Isaac P.
Trimble, State Entomologist of New Jersey. Part 1, vol. 1., quarto. The
Curculio, and Apple or Coddling Moth. Purchased.

19. The Same ; presented by Edward Earle.

20. Transactions of the Illinois Horticultural Society, 1861, 1862; 8vo.,
pamphlet ; from W. C. Flagg, Secretary, in exchange for " Transactions."

28 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865.

21. Transactions of the Illinois Horticultural Society, 1863; 8vo. ; from
W. C. Flagg, Secretary, in exchange for " Transactions."

22. Dean's New England Farmer, or Geological Dictionary ; 1 vol. 8vo. ;
boards ; from Jolin Milton Earlc ; printed at ^V' orcester, by Isaiah Thomas, in
1797. (Duplicate.)

23. Revue Horticole, 18G4 ; 1 vol. 8vo. Imported.

24. Saunders' Domestic Poultry ; 12mo. ; pamphlet. Purchased.

25. Sixteenth Annual Report of the Commissioners of New York Central
Park; Hon. \Vm. N. Green.

26. Seventh Annual Report of the Commissioners of New York Central
Park; Hon. Wm. N. Green.

27. Eighth Annual Report of the Commissioners of New York Central
Park ; Hon. Wm. N. Green.

28. Florist and Pomologist, 1864 ; 1 vol. 8vo. Imported.

29. Journal of Horticulture, 1864 ; 1 vol. 8vo. Imported.

30. Journal of Horticulture, 1864; 1 vol. 8vo. Imported.

As respects the total increment, the opinion of your Librarian is, that both
in form and substance it is superior to that of any preceding year, whereof re-
cord has been preserved.

The Librarian once more invites your attention to a liberality, heretofore well
attested, and depicted on our walls : Mr. Edward Earle, to whom the Society
has been so much indebted for an interest, that it is to be hoped he will not
allow the board ot Alien Commissioners wholly to alien-ate from us, generous-
ly donated, a copy of the costly, elaborate and valuable work of Dr. Trimble ;
the Librarian is thereby enabled to retain one copy for consultation by mem-
bers, while another is released for circulation.

Judge Wm. N. Green has also enriched us by the gift of the three latest re-
ports of the Commissioners of the Central Park of New York, of which publi-
cation it is to be regretted that we possess but desultory numbers. Let us trust
that the Comptroller of that board of Commissioners, to whose ability and taste
that Park owes so much of its accredited development will not forget that he
may attribute some of his horticultural education, as well as of his faculty for
landscape development to the thorough culture of his native county and to the
charming scenery in which he was " to the manner born."

The Commonwealth professes great concern for the morals of its inhabitants.
To secure ihein from depravement, it organizes a cohort of veterans and expends
sums of money, — untold, — yet to be counted by-and-by. But meanwhile it
overlooks the depredations to which the property of its citizens is subjected,
who, — more especially the members of this Society, — find not even the reputed
ashes of the Dead Sea left of their apples. Squashes have been robbed (not
rob{b)in\l,) throughout the city of Worcester. If grapes and pears suffered,
consult Dr. S. P. Miller, — as sound upon that theme as upon the teeth which
are essential to their mastication. Mr. Charles Richardson early and seasona-
bly reported the considerate kindness of his friends who left him three (3)

1865.] secretary's report. 29

peaches out of a half bushel which he had cultivated with his wonted industry
and watched with unusual hope.

Ought a Society, strong as is this, to suffer a longer continuance of such
things, without at least attempting a remedy ? We are often, and wisely, exhorted
to plant for posterity : but at least let posterity and not our contemporaries
gather the fruit of our labors.

IN MEMOIIIAM.

In concluding this report, which must have exhausted your patience and time
in somewhat unequal proportion, the inexorable fate of antiquity, — the sub-
lime HOPE of Christian revelation, — compel us, not reluctant, to linger yet
awhile in view of the faded, but indestructible chaplets of the past. One of our
original members,* — a founder of this Society, — its first Pi-esident, — who watch-
ed over its infancy, as he had so often and so tenderly done in more private rela-
tions, sleeps the sleep of the just, and the falling leaves of the forest softly be-
strew his grave. For four (4) successive yeai-s were you indebted to his faith-
ful and vigilant supervision. The residence of your Secretary, in a distant
portion of the republic, precluded his personal observation of that couscientious
devotion, so characteristic of our late deceased associate in everything which he
undertook, to the objects of this association. His biography should, as it doubt-
less will, do him justice in this respect, as in all others. But your Secretary
can bear individual and willing testimony to the interest that he ever manifested
in the prosperity of this corporation, since his own accession to the office with
which he has for years been honored ; and to his frequent inquiries after its
welfare, in minute particulars that might easily be supposed to have escaped the
failing memory of one, whose years far exceeded the limits of the Psalmist, and
whose active participation in the direction of our affairs terminated almost a
quarter of a century ago, While our " Transactions" were in course of publi-
cation, he repeatedly expressed regret that the sequence was ever interrupted :
and also his desire to inspect the new issue, remarking that, apart from his in-
terest in the subject matter, he should be influenced materially, by the appear-
ance and style of the volume, in undertaking, what he had never left out of
sight, — the printing of a catalogue of that library which ewes its origin to him,
and by which the recollection of his name and noble benefaction will be forever
perpetuated. But in the language of the old French proverb —

L' Homme propose, main Dieu dispose ;" —
our poor human intentions do not always accord with the will of God.

Other and abler pens will do him completer justice. Yet a single trait has
been recalled, so characteristic of that modesty which was not less his personal
than professional illustration, that it merits to be recited in this connection ;
especially as it occurred during the term of his official relation to our Society.

One of his nearest relatives states that the duties of a presiding officer were
so repugnant to him ; that he was so diffident of public expression, aHhough

* The late Dr. John Green.

30 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865.

transparent and even affluent in private converse, as to make him insist npoii
the near presence by his side, at any important meeting of this corporation, of
one whose early enlistment in its organization, equally with his amenity of man-
ner and mellifluous eloquence, are themes of delightful as of personal and pub-
lic reminiscence. To propose the "yeas and nays" was not an insurmounta-
ble task for our late lamented associate ; but, to respond to a complimentary
sentiment, or to welcome an invited guest, " Hie labor, hoc ojms est.,^' and for
that, — who fitter or more willing than William Lincoln to come to the assist-
ance of a friend !

The love of Flora shed a bloom and fragrance over their lives. Reposing in
the same beautiful home of the dead, to procure and adorn which so much in-
terest was manifested by either, she carefully covers the graves of both with her
fast fiiding foliage. In the sere autumn, ripe in years and in honor, and at-
tended by "troops of friends," we have borne onr jjhi/.sician, onv president, our
associate, to that rest which he awaited so patiently, and for which he was so
well prepared by the " daily beauty of his life." Vale !

EDWARD W. LINCOLN,

Secretary and Liln-arian.

HoRTi(;uLTURAL Hall, Worcester, Nov. 1, 1865.

1865. ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY. 31

1862.

1 vol.,

8vo.

1863.

1 vol..

8vo.

1864.

1 vol.

, 8vo,

ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY.

Transactions of the Indiana Horticultural Society, 1865. Pphlt. 8vo.
Transactions of the Illinois Horticultural Society, 1861-2. Pphlt. 8vo.
Transactions of the Illinois Horticultural Society, 1863. Pphlt. 8vo.
Grape Culturist. By A. S. Fuller. 1 vol. 12mo. (Duplicate.)
Commerce and Navigation of the United States.
Commerce and Navigation of the United States.
Commerce and Navigation of the United States.
Finance Report. 1864. ] vol., 8vo.

Report of Commissioner of Internal Revenue. 1864. 1 vol., 8vo.
Report of Smithsonian Institute. 1863. 1 vol., 8vo.
Report of Smithsonian Institute. 1864. 1 vol., 8vo.
Rivers' Miniature Fruit Garden. 1 vol., 12mo.
Agricultural Department, Report of. 1864. 1 vol., Svo.
Hovey's Magazine. 1865. Vol.31, Svo.
Horticulturist. 1865. Vol. 20, 8vo.
Gardener's Monthly. 1865. Vol. 7, 8vo.
American Agriculturist. 1865. Vol. 24, quarto.
Woodward's Country Homes. 1 vol., 12mo.
Woodward's Graperies. 1 vol., 12mo.

Transactions of Worcester County Agricultural Society. 1865. Pphlt. Svo.
Country Life : By R. Morris Copeland. 5th edition. Pp. 912. 1 vol., Svo.
Working Farmer. Vols. 15, 16. Quarto.
Working Farmer. Vol. 17. Quarto.
The Book of Roses. By Francis Parkman.
Cultivation of the Grape. By W. C. Strong.
Garden Flowers. By Edward S. Rand, Jr.
High Farming Without Manure. By M. George Ville.
Soiling Of Cattle. By Josiah Quincy.
New Book Of Flowers. By Joseph Breck.
Rural Register. 1864-5-6. 1 vol., 12mo.
Country Gentleman. Vols. 25, 26. 1 vol, quarto.
13

32

WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1865.

MEMBERS ADMITTED SINCE MAY 11, A. D. 18G5 *

Nhmes.

Residence.
Worcester,

Luther H. Bigelow,
Charles M. Bent,

George A. Brown, "
Everett W. Bigelow, West Boylston.
Mrs. George G. Burbank, Worcester.

Miss Carrie A. Burbank, '•

Mrs. Daniel S. Burgess, "

Elbridge Boyden, "

Miss Caroline Barnard, "

Mrs. Mary M. liancroft, "

fMrs. John E. Bacon, "

W. W. Cook, "

Mrs. Joseph Curtis, "

Mrs. Simeon Clapp, "

Frank Loring R. Coes, "

Charles A. Chase, "

Mrs. Charles A. Chase, "

Frederick A. Clapp, "

Mrs. Calvin Dyer, "

Miss Hattie L. Dyer, "

Daniel F. Estabrook, "

Miss Sarah F. Earle, "

Miss Ann Eliza Farnum, "

Miss Mary J. Farnum "

Miss Annie R. S. Fox, "

Mrs. Edward R. Fiske, ''

Arthur A. Goodell, "

Dorrance S. Goddard, "

William L. Gray, "
Miss Elizabeth Grey Gordon, "

Christopher Gunderson, "

Miss Lizzie Grout, "

Mrs. Charles W. Gilbert, "

Henry Glazier, "

Moses D. Garfield, Sutton.

Church Howe, Holdcii.
Addison A. Hunt, Shrewsbury.
Daniel M. Hemenway, Milllniry.

John E. Harrington, "
Alba Houghton, Jr., Worcester.

Holloway Harrington, Jr., "

Edwin Haven, "

Mrs. C. WiUard Hamilton, "

Willard Jones, "

Names. Residence.

Mrs. Sarah A. Kim])all, Worcester.

Dr. Francis H. Kelley, *'

Thomas M. Lamb, "

Benjamin Lewis, "

Lewis Lewisson, "

Mrs. Lucy A. Merrifield, "

Charles H. Morgan, "

Charles Madows, "

Miss Susie S. Messinger, "

Henry Marble, ' Millbury.
Mrs Jas. H. Newton, Holyoke P. O, Ms.

Mrs. D. H. Paine, Worcester.

Mrs. Sumner Pratt, "

Miss. Emma A. Pratt, "

Frederick S. Pratt, '*

Edward R. Pratt, "

James, R. Piei-ce, "

George R. Peckham, "

Mrs. Sallie Phelps, "

Miss Sarah D. Phelps, "

Miss Mary R. Phelps, "

Miss Deborah Phelps, "

Miss Helen E. Phelps, "

Miss Sarah E. Read, "

Israel M. Rogers, "

Mrs. Charles Richardson, ''

Mrs. David Scott, "

Mrs. George Sumner, "

George Sumuer, "

Miss Harriet A. Smith, "

J. Sargent Smith, Leicester.

W. A. S. Smyth, Worcester.

Lyman J. Taft, "

Mrs. Lyman J. Taft, "

Henry G. Taft, " .

Edward C. Taft, "

Mrs. Peter J. Turner, "

Benjamin Thayer, "

Miss Addie L. Tower, **

Miss Mary G. B. Wheeler, "

Mrs George W. Wheeler, "

Miss H. F. Williams, "

Miss Mary E. Williams, "

••'■ Date of last publication of " Transactions."
f Since deceased.

1865.] SELECT FRUITS RECOMMENDED BY THE SOCIETY. 33

SELECT FRUITS RECOMMENDED BY THE SOCIETY.

APPLES.

Early. — Red Astracban, Sweet Bough, Ducliess of Oldenburg, Williams'
Early Red, Worcester Spy*, Summer Pippin.*

Autumn. — Motber, Gravenstein, Porter, Sbepard's Sweeting*, Leland's
Spice*, Fameuse*, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Holden Pippin.

Winter and Spring. — Rhode Island Greening, Yellow Belleflowerf, Jew-
ett's Redf, Baldwin, Washington Royalf, Ladies" Sweeting*, Tallman Sweet-
ing, Northern Spy, Roxbury Russet.

PEARS.

Amateur Culture. — Doyenne d'Ete, Rostiezer, Dearborn's Seedling, St.
Ghislain, Washington, Belle Lucrative, Flemish Beauty, Henry IV, St. Michael
Archange, Beurre Superfin, Glout Morceau.

General, or Market Culture. — Beurre Giffard, Bartlett, Paradise d'Au-
tomne, Seckel, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Marie Louise, Fulton, Sheldon, Swan's
Orange, Doyenne Bonssock, Beurre Bosc, Urbaniste, Beurre d'Anjou, Duch-
esse d'Angouleme (on Q.,) Winter Nelis, Lawrence (on P.,) Doyenne du
Cornice, Vicar of Winkfield.

CHERRIES.

Amateur. — May Duke, Knight's Early Black, Black Tartarian, American
Amber, Downer's Late, Black Eagle.

GRAPES.

Amateur. — Delaware, Diana. General. — Hartford, Prolific, Concord.

STRAWBERRIES.

Amateur. — Hovey's Seedling, Jenney's Seedling, Jenny Lind, Triomphe de
Gand. General. — Wilson's Albany Seedling ; Russell's Prolific — on trial.

■■■-" Varieties recommended as " promising well."

t Varieties recommended for " Amateur cultivation."

T R A i\ S A C T IONS

WORCESTER COUHI! HORTICULTURAL SOCIET!,

For the Year 1866,

COMPRISING THE ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT HILL ; THE REPORTS OF THE COMMIT-
TEES OF THE SOCIETY ; AND THE ANNUAL REPOPT OF THE SECRETARY
AND LIBRARIAN FOR 1866.

-Also,-

ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY; A ROLL OF THE ACCESSIONS TO THE SOCIETY
AND A LIST OF THE SELECT FRUITS AS REVISED AND
RECOMMENDED BY THE SOCIETY.

From EDWAED W. LINCOLN, Secretary

WORCESTER, MASS. :

PRINTED BY EDWARD R. FISKE,

Opposite Foster Street Depot.

1867.

P^R E F A C E .

At the Annual Meeting of the Worcester County Horticultural Society,
holden on Wednesday, the seventh day of November, A. D. 18GG, on motion of
Hon. Stephen Salisbury, it was unanimously voted : —

That the Transactions of the Society, comprising the Address of the President
and the Reports of the several Committees at the Annual Autumnal Exhibition^
with the Report of the Secretary and Librarian just delivered, be printed for the
use of members, under the supervision of the Standing Committee on Publica-
tion.

The brevity of some of the Reports is greatly to be regretted. Whether this
was caused by lack of time or paucity of material, in either case the effect is the
same. The Society would derive much benefit, to be shared in an almost equal
degree by the general community, if the accomplished members whom it details
to their necessary, if irksome task, in addition to a bare statement of the awards
of Premiums, would give, at greater length and with more precision, the chief
and moving inducements to their action. The publication of the Transactions
having been resumed as a settled policy, it is to be hoped that this suggestion
may bear fruit worthy of the Pomologists to whom it is addressed.

Horticultural Hall,
Worcester, Mass., March, A. D. 1867.

GENERAL INDEX.

Preface, 3

Address of J. Henry Hill, President. (Sept. 20, 186G) .6

Report on Apples, 1S66, 9

" " Flowers, Plants, Jfcc., 1866 11

" " Grapes, Peaches, <te., 1866, 12

" " Pears, 1866, U

" " Vegetables, 186C U

Annual Report of Edward W. Lincoln, Secretary and Librarian, (Nov. 7. ISOG) 19

Additions to the Library, 36

Accessions to the Society, 37

Select Fruits Recommended by the Society, 38

Officers of the Society for 1867 39

OF

J. HENRY HILL, President,

At the Twenty-Seventh Annual Exhibition of the Society. Delivered
on Thursday Evening, September 20, at 8 o'clock.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Worcester County Horticultural Society :

I fully recognize the danger I incur of being charged with repetition, yet I
cannot deny myself the pleasure of congratulating you upon the eminent success
of your present exhibition — a pleasure all the greater, in that the success comes
at a time when we have least expected it, and when its presence is all the more
grateful. The Society are under great obligations to those of our friends who
have labored so diligently, and contributed so generously to ensure that success.

The month of May, with its buds and heavy bloom, seemed to warrant us in
expecting an abundant harvest for the autumn. But instead of the generous
fruition which we then so confidently looked to, we have but a limited amount
of fruit of any kind, while with some varieties, the crop has almost entirely
failed. Numerous theories as to the cause are put forward, and urged with
various degrees of confidence, but as yet none seem altogether satisfactory.
We have now the fact before us, and the subject is certainly worthy of our
patient investigation that we may, if possible, discover a remedy, and apply it in
the future. For this present, we certainly should be content, inasmuch as
Pomona has done all, and more than we had reason to expect, and Flora has
fairly out-done herself, gracefully coming to the rescue when her services were
most needed, and her presence most welcome.

It will be seen by comparison, of the entries of this year, with those of
former exhibitions, that the contributions, while they have improved in the
apple department, slightly, from last year, have, in all other fruits, sadly fallen
off. And in passing along the tables, the commendable effort of the con-
tributors, to produce their best specimens, is plainly noticeable, while each
contributor is ready to excuse the absence of the usual excellence in his
collection. But each one seems to have done all he could, which is all we have
any right to expect. We can only hope that another year will be sufficiently
favorable for the growth of the various fruits, to restore us to our former
position.

2

6 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

The examination and comparison of the several lists of fruit, contributed at
our different annual exhibitions, from the earliest days of our history to the
present time, would prove a curious, and not altogether profitless, study. It
would disclose to us many facts which, if we ever knew, we shall find we have
entirely forgotten. It would show us that of the names contained in the meagre
catalogue of pears, for instance, in our earlier years, a great proportion have
become quite obsolete — have been dropped out of sight altogether — and the
fruit which they represented, once enjoying an enviable reputation, for excel-
lence, has been discarded as unworthy of cultivation, and comparatively
worthless, and its place supplied by varieties of more excellent quality. In
those times, too, the general contributor was seldom or never without his offer-
ing of peaches and plums — fruits now rarely seen upon our tables. A dozen
years since, it was by no means an uncommon thing for cultivators to exhibit
from five to ten varieties of the peach, and in some instances, as many as thirty
or more — many of them rivalling, and even excelling, in size and excellence,
the finest fruit of that kind which we now receive from other markets. The
same thing, to a considerable degree, might be said of the plum. Now, when
any of these fruits are placed upon our tables, we look at the contributor in
amazement at his development of skill manifested in their growth and production.

Now all these things should teach the Horticulturist a lesson — which is, that
his work is never finished — that however excellent the fruit may be which he
produces this year, and to whatever degree of success he may consider he has
carried the cultivation of it, there are higher degrees of excellence to be
attained, and more choice varieties yet to be discovered and propagated, by
patient and plodding toil and experiment. Another lesson is taught him, and
that is, never to despair in his attempts to cultivate the more coy and delicate
varieties of fruit — that though the peach and the plum may fail for a year, or a
series of years, even ; still, careful and pains-taking cultivation and persistent
effort will at length be rewarded by an abundant harvest of those kinds of fruit
which many had given up as being beyond their power and skill to produce.

The weekly exhibitions have been kept up through the year ; with what
success and with how much interest, on the part of members of the Society, the
weekly publication of contributions from the accurate pen of your Secretary
will sufficiently attest. The influence which these weekly meetings have, in
connection with the increasing use of your excellent library, is being every year
more sensibly felt. Formerly, the amateur cultivator had it all his own way.
Now he finds rivals springing up on every side, and the contest for the premiums
of the Society is quite as often decided against him as otherwise. In all this, the
community is the gainer, and the work thus commenced will eventually prove of
incalculable benefit to all classes ; and the amateur cultivator will feel rewarded
that so great a good has resulted from his example.

The circle of this influence is plainly extending ; it is demonstrating to some
of us here, that have been slow to realize it, and more in the other towns, who
could not be convinced of it, that our Society is really what its name imports —
a County Institution. Sometimes, heretofore, it has been almost painful to

1866 ] president's address. 7

observe the timidity with which coutributors from other towns have brought in
their fruit — a timidity resulting from a fear, more fancied than real, that the
attempt to compete with amateur cultivators in the city would only result in
disastrous failure. The premium list for this, and a few years past, showing
how many premiums go out of the city, will, it is hoped, have a tendency to
create confidence in this direction, and to interest all cultivators, in whatever
town in the County they may chance to reside, in our efforts, and command
their co-operation. We claim the whole county as within our jurisdiction, and in-
vite all within its limits to join us in our labors. And every local society which
springs up within our borders, we shall welcome as one of the children of this
parent society, and extend to it our most cordial welcome and hearty sympathy.

The financial condition of the Society remains substantially unchanged. The
sources from which the Society derives its income are the same as heretofore.
The stores, from which a very large proportion of it comes, are occupied by
tenants, under leases for a term of years, wherein the rent reserved is very much
less than other stores, of no better accommodations and location, now command.
These leases will expire in April next, when it is confidently expected that a
much larger revenue will be received from them than is now paid.

Meanwhile, the expenses of the Society are no less. Every thing that is in-
cumbent upon us to do, about the property of the Society, is at a very much
increased cost. Even our taxes are increasing to fearful proportions. Our
City Fathers, doubtless desiring to continue in the good graces of their con-
stituents, and at the same time spend money with a profuse liberality, point us
with an apparently triumphant satisfaction to the fact that they have succeeded
in diminishing the rate of taxation ; but thej Jorget to inform us, with what a
charming dexterity they have, at the same time, multiplied the thousands to be
taxed, making the burden more grievous to be borne than before ; a burden
which we cannot well escape, except by resorting to the popular mode, a verv
inconvenient one for us, as a society, to adopt, of disposing of our real estate,
and investing the proceeds in Government securities !

By a vote of the Society, passed at the last annual meeting in November, in
addition to the transactions for the year eighteen hundred and sixty-five, those
from eighteen hundred and forty-seven to eighteen hundred and fifty-one, in-
clusive, have been published in an attractive form, and are now ready for
distribution to members. It will be found that the records, during the period
last mentioned, are far from being complete ; for in compiling them, to use the
language of the first historian of the Society, " The sources of information have
not been easily accessible. ' Tradition's voiqe was sometimes lost in the distance .
The records of the Society were in more than one instance dumb ; and loqua-
cious files of newspapers talked of other things." But barring these deficiencies
which could not, from lapse of time, be supplied, we have now a tolerably con-
nected written history from the commencement of our operations to the present
time.

I cannot but think that the action of the Society, in this respect, will be. here-
after regarded as wise — more wise than to allow so many years to pass without

8 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

any permanent publication of our proceedings, and thereby, as in the present
instance, force all the labor and expense for publishing, which belong to many
years, into one or two. This results, too, in consequence of the delay, in
obtaining, at the best, but an imperfect history of our transactions, for future
use and reference. It has sometimes been suggested, and indeed, I think I may
safely say that it is a favorite plan, of some, that we might dispense with our
annual publication, and furnish our reports to the newspaper press, obtaining
a far more extended hearing. As a matter of immediate economy, this plan
certainly has its merits. But a Society of the importance of our own, should
be able to furnish much and valuable information ; and that information, if
worth anything to the public, is worth preserving in a permanent form. While
the newspaper press is the proper and acknowledged vehicle of information upon
subjects of a transient character, it is the last place for matter intended for
permanent preservation, and to be used for general reference afterwards. And
I half suspect that those having the most generous confidence in this plan,
would have their faith somewhat shaken by service upon a Committee charged
with the duties which have fallen to the lot of your publication Committee for
two years past.

It seems, rather, a more rational, and a far better way, to put our history in
a permanent form as we make it. The labor then is not onerous, the expense
comparatively trifling, and we are far more certain of correctness and authen-
ticity, as well as completeness. When we arrive at the point when our operations,
as a society, are not worthy this treatment, we may fairly consider that the
mission of the association is fulfilled, and its members may safely repose from
their labors in its behalf.

Entertaining these views, I am happy in being able to leave this matter of
publication in its present condition, requiring in future, the publication, in each
year, of the transactions of the Society, for that year only. And I cannot for-
bear repeating my conviction of its importance, and expressing a hope tliat
these annual publications may continue so long as our Society has an active
existence.

Intending, at the next annual meeting of the Society, to retire from the
position which I have held by your favor for the three last years, I avail my-
self of the present opportunity to thank you for the uniform kindness and
courtesy which has been extended to me in all my official relations, and to
express the hope that my successor, although he cannot feel a deeper interest
in the objects and welfare of the society, may bring to the discharge of his duties
more ability and leisure than I have been able to do.

1866.] KEPORT ON APPLES.

REPORTS.

KEPORT ON APPLES.

Samuel H. Colton, Chairman; John C. Ripley, J. Frank Allen, Dr.
RuFus Woodward, Thomas R. Norcross, of Worcester ; Newell Wood, of
Millhury; and S. A. Knox, of Grafton.

The Committee appointed to award the Premiums offered on Apples, beg
leave to report :

That the number of contributors this year, and the varieties, including every
thing of the Apple kind exhibited, show a sad falling off from former exhibitions
— and, to quote from the report made last year, " in quality the contrast between
this and preceding years is scarcely less painful."

It was fondly hoped, that after two or three successive failures in our crop of
Apples, we should be favored this year with a better supply — and the very
abundant blossom last spring seemed to warrant us in the expectation. But
our cherished hopes are again blasted, and we sigh for the by-gone times, when
this most important production of our orchards was in plentiful supply at every
one's door. And, while we all agree that there is a continued scarcity, we are
not united in opinion as to the reason of the failures — and many are the specula-
tions and theories advanced in support of fancied causes. Some attributing
them to high winds, when the trees are in blossom ; others, to cold weather or
heavy rains ; still others, to electricity, and the latest advanced theory is, that
the blossom buds were fatally injured by the severe drouth of last year I To
all which we have only to reply, Yankee fashion, by inquiring — if the causes
named are correct, why it is that some trees, and orchards even, are com-
paratively full of fruit, while others near by have none at all. One of your
Committee has two trees of the Early Sweet Bough variety, standing within
twenty feet of each other, and both alike, as regards age, size, and situation ;
one of which produced a fair crop of fruit this season, while its fellow had not
an apple on it.

But, while we do not feel competent to point out the causes, or recommend a
remedy, we do not wish to be understood as despairing that we shall never again
be blessed with the same bountiful crops as in former years. The fact of the
repeated failures will stimulate us all to investigate the causes, and, if in our

10 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

power, to apply the remedy. In the mean time we must again be mostly de-
pendent on more favored regions for our supply of this, the most valuable of all
our fruit.

The Committee having examined the Apples exhibited, awarded the premiums
as named below ; and they desire to remark, in conclusion, that the exhibition
is a very creditable one, considering the unusual small quantity raised in this
vicinity — some of the specimens being nearly equal in size and appearance to
those of former years.

Apples. — For the best collection, 26 varieties, Josiah L. Woodward,

of Millbury, - $10 00

For the second best .SI varieties, S. A. Knox, of Grafton 8 00

For the third bast 25 varieties, Sylvanus Rears, of Worcester, a copy

of " Harris on Insects."
For the best 20 varieties of 12 specimens each, Stephen S. Foster, of

Worcester, - 8 Oq

For the second best 20 varieties, E. M. Banning, of Worcester, a copy

of '* Harris on Insects."
For the best 12 varieties of 12 specimens each — and the Committee

desire to call especial notice to this collection as a superior one

for this season — to Henry Marble, of Millbury, 8 00

The second premium offered for this class is not awarded, no collection

excepting Mr. Maible's having the requisite number.
For the first best 6 varieties of 12 specimens each, Cyrus White, of

Millbury, 4 00

For the second best, 6 varieties, Wm. Howe, Jr., of Millbury, 2 00

For the best 8 specimens of the Gravenstein, L. Worcester, of

Shrewsbury, 1 00

For the best 8 Porters, D. M. Hemenway, of Millbury, 1 00

For the best 8 Hubbardston Nonesuch, Francis McCracken, of

Millbury, 1 00

For the best 8 Baldwins, Asa Allen, of Shrewsbury, 1 00

For the best 8 Northern Spy, S. A. Knox, of Grafton, 1 00

It may be proper to remark, that these were not included in Mr. K's

premium collection of 31 varieties.

Gratuities. — The Committee also awarded the following gratuities :

For 27 varieties, W. W. Keyes, of West Boylston, 4 00

For 13 varieties, J. C. Lovell, of West Boylston, 3 00

For 11 varieties, Sumner Cook, of Worcester, 2 00

For 11 varieties, O. B. Hadwen, of Worcester, 1 00

For Hubbardston Nonsuch, Porter, Mother and Leland's Spice, Jos.

Boyden, of Worcester, 1 00

For Hubbardston Nonsuch, Mother and Porter, D. B. Comius, of

Worcester, 1 00

For Leland's Spice and Mother, Eli Johnson, of Worcester, 1 00

1866.] REPORT ON FLOWERS. 11

And $1 each to Mrs. H. Wheeler, of Worcester, and Adams Foster,
of Holden, for the Porter and Orange.

All which is respectfully submitted,

S. H. COLTON, Chairman.

REPORT ON FLOWERS.

Dr. George E. Francis, Chairman; Mrs. Calvin Taft, Mrs. Daniel

Tainter, Mrs. Charles L. Pierce, George Chandler, of Worcester ; and

Jona. D. Wheeler, of Grafton.

The Committee on Flowers and Plants, report the following award of Prizes :

For the best 20 variegated leaved plants, W. T. Merrifield, $10 00

For largest and best collection of Stove and Greenhouse Plants, S.

Salisbury, 8 00

For the second best collection, W. T. Merrifield, " Harris on
Insects."

Floral Designs. — For the best, W. T. Merrifield, 5 00

For the second best, Mrs. John C. Ripley, 2 00

Cdt Flowers. — For the largest and best collection, S. Salisbury, 3 00

For the second best collection, Mrs. Daniel Tainter, 2 00

For the best Stand, Mrs. C. W. Hamilton, 2 00

For the second best do., Mrs. A. D. Foster, 1 00

For the best arranged basket or dish. Miss Frances M. Lincoln, 2 00

For the second best, Mrs. C. W. Hamilton, 1 00

Bouquets. — For the best pair, Mrs. A. D. Foster, 2 00

For the second best, W. T. Merrifield, 1 00

Roses. — None exhibited.

Gladiolus. — For the best display, Mrs. Daniel Tainter, 3 00

For the second best, Mrs. A. D. Foster, 2 00

Asters. — For the best display, G. H. Estabrook, 1 00

Dahlias. — For the best display, Mrs. Jonas Brown, of Wilkinsonville, 1 00

Verbenas. — For the best display, Mrs. Daniel Tainter, 1 00

The Committee recommend also that the following Gratuities be given :

Joseph Lovell, for display of Verbenas and Asters, 1 00

James T. Pike, Asters, 1 00

Mrs. Daniel Tainter, Pinks, 1 00

Henry Buehler, Ivy from Heidelberg, 1 00

Mrs. J. C. Ripley, Basket, 1 00

Mrs. Daniel Tainter, Basket and Dishes, 75

Miss Maria Fox, Basket of Phloxes, 75

Miss Mary R. Phelps, Basket, 75

Miss Annie Pox, Sweet Peas, 50

Harvey Tainter, Dishes, 50

Miss Alice Scott, Display, 50

12 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

Mrs. Warren Williams, Bouquet, 50

Mrs. A. C. Boswell, Display, oO

Mrs. Jonas Brown, of Wilkinsonville, Asters, 50

Mrs. Wm. G. Holman, Seedling Verbenas, 50

Miss F. A. Richardson, Dish, 50

Miss Julia Green, Dahlias, 50

Mrs. Laura F. Barnes, of Shrewsbury, Bouquet, 50

Mrs. Samuel Mowry, Bouquets. 50

The Committee found a task of unusual difficulty in assigning the prizes for
collections, of Stove and Green-house plants. If in one display the plants were
of rather larger size, and more in number, in the other were more carefully grown
specimen plants, and a greater number of interesting novelties.

They regret that the funds at their disposal do not allow them to bestow more
liberal gratuities, and that time and space do not permit a more extended and
detailed notice of the various contributions. They desire that honorable men-
tion should be made of the vases of Cardinal Flowers, Fringed Gentians and
Maiden-hair Fern, contributed by the Chairman ; of the Vase of Flowers from
Mrs. Mary G. Murdock, of Winchendon ; of the Feather Grass from F. W.
Paine ; and of the Floral displays from Mrs. J. W. Cummings, and Mrs.
Solomon Parsons, of Worcester ; and of 0. S. Mowry, of Shrewsbury.

For the Committee,

G. E. FRANCIS.

REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES AND OTHER FRUIT.

Francis H. Dewey, Chairman: B. Butmak, D. Waldo Lincoln, Horatio
Phelps, Chas. Richardson, of Worcester ; and Paul Whitin, of Wkitinsville.

The Committee deeply regret that their labors were greatly diminished, owing
to the reduced number of entries.

The severe weather of last winter had been especially injurious to the fruits
coming within their jurisdiction. Of Peaches, not a single specimen was pre-
sented, thus at least, postponing a realization of the hopes indulged last
year, that we were again to welcome the beautiful, luscious peach as one of our
assured fruits. Many members of the Society are so fortunate as to possess
healthy, full grown peach trees ; and we hope that another fall may witness
many good specimens upon our tables.

The exhibition of Grapes was smaller, and specimens inferior to those last
year.

We do not attribute this to any lack of interest in the cultivation of this fine
fruit, but owing mainly to the lateness of the ripening season, and the effects
of mildew.

There were 20 contributors in all. Wm. T. Merrifield, Esq., being much the
largest contributor, exhibiting 15 varieties grown under glass, and 14 varieties
of out door Grapes. No other person exhibited more than three varieties

1866.] REPORT ON PEARS. 1

o

grown under glass ; and the Coramittee made no award of the first premium
for Grapes grown under glass. They awarded the second premium to William
T. Merrifield, " Harris on Insects."

A Gratuity to F. M. Marble, Grafton, $ 1 00

For the best collection of out-door Grapes, of not less than G varieties,

William T. Merrifield, G 00

For the second best collection, S. V. Stone, 4 00

Gratuity, George H. Estabrook, 1 00

For the best specimen of Delawares, Ichabod Washburn, 1 00

For best specimen of Concords, Horatio Phelps, 1 00

For best specimen of Dianas, Harvey S . Tainter, 1 00

For best specimen of Hartford Prolific, Mrs. Charles Johnson, of

Northborough, 1 00

No specimens of Isabella or lona were thought worthy of a premium.
The following gratuities were awarded :

For Northern Muscadine, Horatio Phelps, 1 00

For Creveling, Edward Earle, 1 00

For Native Seedling, S. E. Slocumb, 1 00

For Rebecca, J. E. Harrington, 1 00

Plums. —

There were but three contributors. The Committee awarded for the

best dish of 12 specimens to Joseph Boyden, 2 00

Gratuities, Mrs. Priestly Young, 1 00

Anthony Chase, 1 00

Quinces. — The exhibition of Quinces was small.

For the largest and best collection to C. W. Hamilton, .S 00

Gratuity, Horatio Slocumb, 1 00

Trusting that our successors in the coming year, will have a larger and more

attractive field from which to make their selections, the above Report is

respectfully submitted.

FRANCIS H. DEWEY, Chairman.

REPORT ON PEARS.

Stephen S. Foster, Chairman; John Milton Earle, John C. Newton,
Emory Banister, David S. Messinger, of Worcester; and J. H. Moore, of
Charlton.

The Committee on Pears, respectfully recommend the following award of
premiums and gratuities : —

For the largest and best collection, of not less than three specimens

of each variety, the first premium to John C. Ripley, of Worcester, $10 00
For the best twenty varieties of twelve specimens each, to Stephen

S. Foster, of Worcester, 10 00

14 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

For the second best to Samuel H. Colton, of Worcester, 9 00

For the best fifteen varieties of twelve specimens each, to George T.

Rice, of Worcester, 7 00

For the second best, to Ichabod Washburn, of Worcester, " Harris

on Insects."
For the best ten varieties of twelve specimens each, to Benjamin

Butman, of Worcester, " Harris on Insects."

For second best, to Joseph Lovell, of Worcester, 4 00

For the best five varieties, of two specimens each, to F. M. Marble, of

Grafton, 4 00

For the second best, to Adam Foster, of Holden, 2 00

For the best twenty-four Seckel Pears on one dish, to Mrs. Charles

Johnson, of Northborough , 1 00

For the best twelve Bartletts, to Loring Goes, of Worcester, 1 00

For the best twelve Duchess d'Angouleme, to Timothy R. Green, of

Worcester, 1 00

For the best twelve Louise Bonne de Jersey, to Mrs. Chas. Johnson,

of Northborough, 1 00

For the best Lawrence, to Anthony Chase, of Worcester, 1 00

For the best twelve Sheldons, to Edward Earle, of Worcester, 1 00

For the best twelve Beurre Bosc, to Mrs. Charles Johnson, of North-
borough, 1 00

For the best 12 Flemish Beauty, to Joseph Boyden of Worcester, 1 00

For the best Beurre d'Anjou, to J. F. Allen, Worcester, 1 00

For the best twelve Winter Nelis, to E. W. Lincoln, 1 00

For Doyenne du Cornice, gratuity to E. L. Brigham, 1 00

For Durandeau, gratuity to J. F. Allen, 1 00

For his collection, gratuity to J. C. Lovell, of West Boylston, 2 Oq

For plate of Duchess d'Angouleme, gratuity to George Jaques, 1 00

Worcester,

For his collection, gratuity to S. V. Stone, of Worcester, 1 00

For plate of Duchesse d' Angouleme, gratuity, to Mrs. Henry Wheeler, 50

STEPHEN S. FOSTER, Chairman.

REPORT ON VEGETABLES.

Edwin Coxaxt, Chairman; Charles Belcher, Oliver K. Earle,
Marshall Flagg, James Green, of Worcester ; Josiah L. Woodward, of
Millbury.

The Committee again congratulate themselves and the Society, upon the
importance and merits of the Committee. We continue by the title of our
rank, in the quiet possession of the Upper Chamber, and if some of us seem to
hold office during life, or our own discretion, it is partly because we are not

1866.] REPORT ON VEGETABLES. 15

afflicted with such legions of constituents as the unfortunate members of the
lower House of Commons.

We respectfully report that although, as usual, there was not a full attendance
of our number, but little difficulty was experienced in deciding upon the
premiums and gratuities by the united voice of the members present.

There were forty-one contributors to the Exhibition, and two hundred and
ninety-six parcels exhibited. The quantity and variety of articles was
somewhat less than on some former occasions ; a fact attributable to the
unpleasant weather, but in quality they were well up to the average of previous
occasions.

The three largest and best collections were highly meritorious, and not less
so from the fact that their number of varieties was not remarkably large ; and
we deem it exceedingly desirable thai quality rather than numbers or size
should usually be the prime object of regard with exhibitors.

For the first in merit of these collections, the premium was awarded to

Alden H. Sears, of Worcester, $10 00

For the second to Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, 8 00

For the third, Harris's book on Insects injurious to vegetation, to

Adams Foster, of Holdeii.
There was no attempt to secure the premium on Canada Crook-neck squashes ;
none were exhibited except in collections, and a single one of undoubted
purity by D. M. Hemenway, of Millbury, the growth of 1865.

We award for the three best marrow squashes to Lucius H. Rice,

of Worcester, 1 00

There was some hesitation in coming to this decision, but it was
reached after the most careful examination.

For the three best Hubbard squashes, Peter Rice, of Worcester, 1 00

For the three best Mammoth squashes, Charles Richardson, of

Worcester, 1 00

For the three best Turban squashes, George Sumner, of Worcester,... 1 00

No Yokohamas were offered.

For the largest squash, Valparaiso, weighing 64 lbs., Oliver S. Mowrey,

of Shrewsbury, 2 00

For the second largest, do., an exceedingly rich looking yellow squash,
which seemed a mammoth marrow, weight 43 lbs., Fordyce

Maynard, of Shrewsbury, 1 00

Daniel Tainter's noble roots of celery, by his gardener, W. W. Cook,
would have carried the premium on this article had the number
been sufficient.
For the three best Savoy Cabbages, — for his Drumhead Savoys, 0. B.

Had wen, of Worcester, I 00

For the three best Cabbages of any other variety — for his Stone-
masons, Elisha Kelley, of Worcester, 1 00

For the three best Cauliflowers, Stephen Salisbury, of Worcester, 2 00

16 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

No premium could be more richly deserved, for these noble and
perfect flowers were the observed of all observers. John Ring
is Mr. Salisbury's gardener.

For the best twelve ears of Sweet Corn, Joseph Lovell, of Worcester, 1 00

Some doubt was entertained concerning the premium for the best
twelve tomatoes, but it was finally awarded to Daniel Tainter for
his Tilden Tomatoes, W. W. Cook being the gardener, 1 00

For his fine lot Water-melons, and his Muskmelons, was deemed to

deserve a gratuity, C. Willard Hamilton, of Worcester, 1 00

A gratuity for his excellent Onions, Charles E. Parker, of Worcester, 50

A gratuity for very superior Swedish Turni])s, George R. Peckham,

of Worcester, 50

The Society are under obligations of gratitude to many other contributors, but
it is impossible here, for want of time to particularize all of their various degrees
of merit. T. W. Wellington exhibited thirteen varieties: Mrs. Solomon
Parsons, 15, and Mrs. A. C. Boswell, 15, all of Worcester.

The other contributors are Edward W. Lincoln, Worcester ; Harvey G.
Upham, of Worcester ; (prolific hops) Cyrus White, of Millbury ; Walter J.
Watson, Charles A. Keyes, and J. Henry Hill, of Worcester ; F. R. Hodgman,
of Millbury ; (3 Squashes, I2O5 lbs., from one seed) J. Nelson Jacobs, of
Worcester; S. W. Howe, of Shrewsbury ; L. W. Merrifield, of West Boylston ;
(a Hubbard Squash of 1865) George H. Estabrook, Mrs. James A. Fuller, and
Perry Thayer, of Worcester; Newell Wood, of Millbury ; Stephen S. Foster
and Samuel B. Woodward, aged 13, of Worcester ; Nathan Stone, of Shrews-
bury ; Horatio Slocum, of Sandersville ; James T. Pike and George Weir
(Scotch Kail) of Worcester.

" The Club House Conserves Co.," having their office at 19 West St., Boston,
exhibited cans of " Huckins' Patent Improved Tomato Soup," and invited a
thorough test. This article, though in a sense a manufactured one, and from
without the County, is nevertheless akin to the subjects in which the Society
deals, and judging from the tests already made, is undoubtedly of intrinsic
merit, highly concentrated, nutritious and wholesome, and deserving the fame
it has acquired at the Parker House in Boston, and among the community at
large.

I have been requested by a number of this Committee to suggest, for the ac-
tion of the Society on a future and suitable occasion, the propriety of granting
some authority, if not already existing, to issue medals or other tributes of
honor for deserving articles of fruits and vegetables, artificially preserved for
household use.

If the various garden esculents now so essentially useful in all civilized life,
could be traced from their original wilding types, through all their progress to
their present highly improved state, the history would be replete with interest,
and would probably be found coincident with the advancing steps from savage
life to the highest civilization reached by man.

1866,] REPORT ON VEGETABLES. 17

Thouo-h we cannot now engage in that enquiry, we may be amused for a
moment in the recollection that the great dramatist testifies incidentally to the
gardens of the days of " the good Queen Bess," and enables us to know some-
thing of the green groceries which blessed the house-wives of that age. Indeed
the poet's cuisine was well furnished, as Bardolph's nose afforded fire enough to
cook anything, though it could be tempered down to " do the office of a warming-
pan."

Leeks, garlic and onions were accepted as equally piquant for appetite, and
ready terms to point a jest.

Bottom advises his " most dear actors " at rehearsal, to " eat no onions nor
garlic, for we are to utter sweet breath."

Lafeu says, " mine eyes smell onions, I shall weep anon." Another
character slanders the fair saying : —

" And if the boy have not a woman's gift

To rain a shower of commanded tears,
An onion will do well for such a shift ;

Which in a napkin being close conveyed,
Shall in despite enforce a watery eye."

Enobarbus was '' onion-eyed," at the reverses of his master, Antony. The
dubious tribute was paid to a lover's eyes, that they were "green as leeks."

The Welsh wore leeks in their caps on Saint Davy's day, as an honorable
badge of military service in a French war, and Henry 5th was proud to observe
the custom. For this custom, his Welsh general Fluellen, is insulted by Pistol,
the bully, and the latter comes to grief, being required by Fluellen to eat a leek
because it is repulsive. Fluellen cudgels the rogue for sauce, declares he will
beat his pate four days, and compels him to eat the leek, skin and all ; and
then degrades him to a beggar, by forcing him to accept a groat to heal his pate,
on pain of eating another leek, and being cudgelled again till he is converted
into a small wood merchant.

Bottom attributed to mustard an ironical virtue of paiience, and observed to
master mustard seed that his kindred had made his eyes water. To peas-
blossora he says, " 1 pray you commend me to mistress* squash, your mother,
and to master peas-cod your father."

Viola disguised in man's attire appeared, '' not yet old enough for a man nor
young enough for a boy ; as a squash is before 'tis a peas-cod, or a codling
when 'tis almost an apple."

A Yankee house-wife would hardly use a watery pumpkin, but Mistress Ford
says, however in another sense, " We'll use this unwholesome humidity, this
gross watery pumpion."

Falstaff liked good cabbage better than good words ill spoken. He says, " if
I have not fought with fifty of them I am a bunch of radish."

Bioudello tells the apochryphal story that he " knew a wench married in an
afternoon as she went to the garden for parsley to stuff a rabbit."

*The word squash signified an immature pod of peas.

18 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

The garden was Almanac and Historical Register to Hostess Quickly, for
she had known the fat knight "these twenty-nine years, come peas-cod time."

The fair Perdita ofiFered marjoram and savory as fit for middle-aged men.

Justice Shullow was " for all the world like a forked radish with a head
fantastically carved upon it with a knife ;" and sweet Anne Page declared to
her mother that she " had rather be set quick i' the earth and bowled to death
with turnips '' than to marry the French Doctor.

For the Committee,

EDWIN CONANT.
September 20, 18G6.

1866.] secretary's report. 19

ANNUAL REPORT

EDWARD W. LINCOLN, Secretary and Librarian.

To the Members of the Worcester County Horticultural Society :

At a special meeting of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, duly
convened for that purpose at the room over Mr. Clarendon Harris' book store,
on the 13th day of April, 1842 — Dr. John Green of Worcester, President of the
Society, in the chair — it was voted " that the act to incorporate Messrs. John
Green, Anthony Chase, Frederic W. Paine, George W. Richardson, their
associates and successors, by the name of the ' Worcester County Horticultural
Society,' for the purpose of advancing the .science and encouraging and
improving the practice of Horticulture," be and is hereby accepted. This act,
passed by the General Court of the Commonwealth, and approved by His
Excellency, John Davis, (darum et venerabile nomen) an honored fellow-citizen
and an original member, has ever since endured as the charter of our existence.
With what vicissitudes of good or evil fortune, with what alternations of fruitful
or barren seasons, these twenty-five years have been replete ; it were a waste of
time if not otherwise unprofitable, to relate. SufiBee it here to state that upon
the 13th day of April, in the coming year, a quarter of a century will have
elapsed since the society assumed a corporate form and being. In past years
the members have been in the habit of holding triennial festivals. The
occurrence of flagrant rebellion and the long continuance of a tierce civil war
brought this custom into disuse. But it is respectfully submitted to the mem-
bers of the Society, of whom almost, if not quite one-half of those living have
acceded within the last five years, whether it might not conduce to the im-
mediate benefit of all, to invite a closer acquaintance ; and to their permanent
welfare, to ostablish a more substantial monument of past progress. Our
advance for the half decade just expired, sufficiently justifies the former sug-
gestion. What practical shape shall be given to the latter remains to be
determined upon a full consideration of the reasons hereafter to be adduced.

And the only feasible method within the power of the members, in the opinion
of the Secretary, is to be found in the complete and speedy extinction of the
present debt of the Society. Wisely incurred at the outset for the construction
of our hall, largely reduced at times by close economy and, more than all, by a
noble munificence of which we have had frequent examples from the same

20 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

source, it still continues, at the expiration of fourteen (14) years, to seriously
embarrass our plans and hamper our usefulness. With an adequate rental for
the estate, which we may anticipate with reason in the future, our inducements
to contributors would be so great as to " compel them to come in." In diverse
and many ways would it be in our power to incite to generous rivalry and to
stimulate competition. If the veteran florist achieved, with customary facility,
the Society's plate, not our poverty but calm judgment would prevent his
humbler disciple from gathering a proportionate reward. Who shall say that
the temptation might not prove sufficient, however inadequate in itself, to foster
a habit and love of research into the illimitable and almost neglected domain of
Nature wherefrom a remedy, if not preventive, for the ravages of the ciirculio,
the coddling moth, the canker and currant worms ; and latest, as worst of all,
that potato worm which advices from the west represent as advancing eastward
at the leisurely rate of fifty (50) miles per annum; may at length be discerned.
That something must be done in the premises experience and reflection for the
last six (6) years have fully convinced your Secretary. Of what should be
attempted he is equally persuaded.

It is perhaps a bold recommendation — the increase of debt as a method of
relief from existing obligations. Yet what other issue of escape from embar-
rassment remains to us, failing the plan which was recently so liberally
inaugurated and has since been so feebly prosecuted ? We might dispose of our
Hall, hire a room for our library and the displays of flowers and fruit contingent
and dependent upon its weekly opening, and use Mechanics Hall for our annual
AUTUMNAL EXHIBITION. Then our revenue — minus taxation and the cost of
official administration — would be exclusively applicable to the legitimate
purposes of the Society. Of course the occupation of a hall, large as is that of
the Mechanics Association, would exact of all our members for the success of
the annual autumnal exhibition, their cordial, earnest, and untiring co-operation.
With that, it is possibly not assuming too much to predict enhanced receipts, a
more widely diffused interest, and a progessive development of the principal of
that fund upon which we should have to depend for the construction of our
future Horticultural Hall. Otherwise, continuing as at present, what remains
and is incumbent upon us to do ?

Our accommodations, ample at the time of the erection of the Hall, perhaps
adequate in a series of very unfavorable seasons, are yet entirely too limited for
a society such as this should be, and might easily be made. The aggregate
population of the county, (for it cannot be too constantly repeated, even if our
exoteric members choose by persistent neglect to attempt its dis-proof, that this
is a county society,) may not be perceptibly increased. But the inhabitants of
the city of Worcester, from whom our chief patronage is derived, whether in
receipts for admission, or dues of membership, have swollen from fifteen
thousand (15,000) to thirty-five thousand (35,000.) The recent large and
gratifying addition to our numbers, cliiefly of females, is attributable to the
charming attraction of that very class of contributions for which we should he

1866.] secretary's report. 21

chiefly indebted, and which yet add most to our embaraassment. For it is no
exaggeration to assert, that the space occupied by flowers and plants in 1866,
(and most richly was it deserved,) was two-thirds larger than that required by
any similar display in previous years. Appreciate then your condition, if,
besides the superb floral display of the current autumn, we had been compelled
to find room for the apples, grapes, pears and vegetables of iormer years, not
to speak of peaches and plums, for which we vainly look, but which as surely as
that " seed time and harvest shall not fail," will yet re-appear.

The table appended will repay scrutiny, for it shows that the entries were,

"^■~ 1860. 18G5. 1866.

Apples, 92.5 262

Grapes, 181 92

Pears, 973 445

Vegetables, 492 296

Or, in plain words, if simply the apples and pears of i860, and the grapes
and vegetables of 1865, had been equalled in 1866, as, by the concurrence of
propitious seasons, may be the ease even in the ensuing year, we should be
constrained, allowing space for the flowers and plants of the late autumnal
exhibition, to accommodate upon our tables two thousand five hundred and
seventy-one (2571) plates in lieu of one thousand and ninety-five (1095.) It
was once said of our city, when judicial vacancies were so frequent as almost
to go begging, that " Worcester was equal to the emergency.'" Doubtless, in
the cas'e supposed, the committee of arrangements would do much that is
usually impossible. But might they not also exclaim, in heaviness of heart,
with a late deceased President of the Republic, "My sufferings is intolerable."
To your Secretary the statement carries its own commentary. But, when to it
we add the prospective and possible growth of Worcester, never increasing more
rapidly ; the partial defects in our present edifice, to which particular allusion
is not more expedient than necessary, but of which the frequent and inevitable
consequence should appear in the reports of the Treasurer ; our unfortunate
and insecure proximity to a theatre ; and the fact that no enlargement of the
present building is practicable without an additional outlay for land ; are we not
justified in looking around to see vvherein our condition can be improved?
There can be no dispute that ihe purchase of the present limited location was
wise, in the infancy of the Society. There is grave question whether its perma-
nent retention can be made desirable. But there is least question of all in the
mind of your Secretary, that the taste which we especially seek to develope and
the interest and co-operation that ought above all to be attracted, are not to
be found now, as they assuredly will not be in the future, commorant upon that
one of the streets of Worcester which, above all others, is best fitted for whole-
sale traffic.

We assume and profess to the community our ability to provide adequately
for the contributions of all, not only who are now-, but of those who may
become members. Is it not our imperative duty, then, to look to the possible

4

22 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

requirements of the future? In at least two of the six years since your Secre-
tary has lield office, (and in one of the six there was no exhibition,) when the
crop of apples and pears was only moderate, at least one-half of his own limited
room was exacted for the display of specimens, for which purpose it cannot be
spared and is besides utterly unfit. And there were no plants, of consequence,
to demand such ample space and verge. At the late annual exhibition, three
separate individuals offered to fill with cut flowers every stand in our possession.
If we had owned the additional forty stands where could they have beeu placed.
Ladies from abroad were obliged to return home with their flowers because there
were no stands left in which to display them. Others from the city could not
obtain a moiety even of what they wished. And, to follow an illustrious
example and " swing around the circle," there would be no space available for
them if procured. Shall we be faithful to our trust, if we fail to take timely
warning from the experience of the past? Your Secretary, to whose notice
this subject is continually, and often unpleasantly, presented, has felt that he
should not discharge the obligations resting upon him did he not invoke for it
your seasonable and earnest consideration.

The Library is in good condition, and, as will be seen by the customary
comparative statement, has been very generally used. This increase of readers
is one of the most encouraging signs of continued interest in the aims of the
Society. The attention of those who consult these volumes is more closely
attracted, their knowledge becomes enlarged, and the bread thus cast upon the
waters re-appears, after many days, upon our tables. The whole number of
volumes taken out, without reckoning those consulted in the library room, when
open, was as follows : —

In 1860, . 72 volumes.

In 1861, G4 "

[At this date the library was removed to its present quarters.]

In 1862, 114 "

In 1863, 133 "

In 1864, 179 "

Jan. 1st, 1865, to Nov. 1st, 1865, 318 "

Nov. 1st, 1865, to Oct. 31st, 1866, 387 "

[In 1865 there was an alteration of the official year.]

During the past year the liberality of our friends has placed us under weighty
obligations. A most valuable donation is that of Hon. Andrew H. Green, of
the city of New York, comprising the 2d, 4th, and 9th Reports of the Commis-
sioners of the Central Park, quorum magna pars est, accompanied by a promise
of the numbers still deficient, should it be possible to procure them. Their
value to a society like this is obvious upon the most cursory inspection. We
are also indebted to our esteemed ex-president, George Jaques, for all the copies
that he still retained of his original issue of the " Transactions " of this Society.
By this generosity it is rendered possible to bind together the separate series
into a complete whole, thereby supplying a connected history of the proceedings
of the Society from its early organization to the present day.j

1866.]

SECRETARY S REPORT.

23

The Librarian desires, however, to invite your particular notice to the
magnificent donation, by the late " Worcester Agricultural Library Associa-
tion " of this city, of the whole of their fine collection of books upon agriculture
and its kindred pursuits. For various reasons, needless to be recited here, it
became imperative, as it had long been desirable, to select some place of deposit
for these volumes, which, while it afforded security, should at the same time
leave them accessible for consultation. For this purpose, Horticultural
Hall was considered admirably adapted, at least so long as used for its present
purposes. Your Librarian cheerfully consented to assume any additional labor
that the acceptance of this gift might impose, in consideration of the enhanced
importance thus given to our existing collection. For it so happens that,
although treating upon closely-related branches of the same science — for Horti-
culture is, at the most, but an ofF-shoot of what should in strictness be termed
Terrceculture — yet the two libraries, when united, are found to contain but few
duplicates, forming, in fact, perfect complements of each other. Many of the
works in this last edition are of exceeding value, among which may be particu-
larly mentioned, " The London Quarterly Journal of Agriculture," in 19 vols.,
and "The Prize Essays and Transactions of the Highland Agricultural Society
of Scotland," in 14 vols. The entire collection comprises one hundred and
ninety-six (19G) volumes, as per printed catalogue, many elegantly, and all
substantially bound :

Allen's American Farm Book.

" Diseases of Domestic Animals.
'•■ Treatise on Cultivation of the
Grape.

Allen's Rural Architecture.

Annual of Scientific Discovery, by D. A.
Wells.

Agricultural Reports of Massachusetts —
(gratis.)

American Angler's Guide (illustrated.)

A Tour round my Garden.

Albany Cultivator, 4 vols.

Brown's Field Book of Manures. (D)

Buel's Farmer's Companion.

Buist's Family Kitchen Gardener.

Blake's Farmer at Home.

Breck's Book of Flowers,

Barry's Fruit Garden.

Bridgeman's Young Gardener's Assistant.

Bridgeman's Fruit Cultivator's Manual.

Bigelow's Useful Arts, in connection with
the Application of Science, 2 vols.

Boussingault's Rural Economy.

Bement's Poulterer's Companion.

Buchanan on Grape and Strawberry Cul-
ture.

Buist's Flower Garden Directory.

Blake's Agriculture for Schools.

Baucher on Breaking and Training Horses.

Butler's Philosophy of the Weather.

Brown's American Bird Fancier.

Brocklesby's Views of the Microscopic
World (illustrated.)

Cole's American Fruit Book.

Cole's American Veterinarian.

Chorlton's Grape Grower's Guide.

Coleman's European Agriculture, 2 vols.

Cooley's Book of Useful Knowledge, con-
taining 6000'Practical Receipts.

Cleaveland's Village and Farm Buildings.

Comstock's Mineralogy.

Dadd's American Cattle Doctor. (D)

" Modern Horse Doctor.

Dadd's Anatomy and Physiology of the
Horse.

Dana's Muck Manual. (D)

Downing's Fruit and Fruit Trees (new
edition.) (D)

Downing's Landscape Gardening.

Downing's Cottage Residences.

Downing's Country Houses.

Downing's Rural Essays.

Dixon & Kerr's Poultry Book.

Elliott's Fruit Grower's Guide.

Eastwood on Cranberry Culture.

Emerson's Trees and Shrubs of Massachu-
setts.

Ewbank's Hydraulics and Mechanics.

European Life and Manners (by Coleman)
2 vols.

Fessenden's Complete Farmer and Gar-
dener.

Farmer's Land Measurer.

Farmer's Barn Book.

Farmer's Every Day Book.

Flint's Treatise on Grasses and Forage
Plants.

Fitch's Treatise on Insects.

•24

WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

[1866.

Guenon's Treatise on Milch Cows.

Gray's Botanical Text Book.

Ganlening for Ladies, Ity Mrs. Loudon.

Gardner's Farmers' Dictionary.

Gray's Af^ricultural and Literary Essays.

Gray's ^lanual of Botany (new edition,
illustrated.)

How to choose a good Milch Cow.

Hitchcock's Elements of Geology.

Hovev's Magazine of Horticulture, vols.
1 <t 2.

Hind's Farriery and Stud Book.

Hooker's Icones Plantarum, (4 vols.)

Industry of Massachusetts — (gratis.)

Johnston's Elements of Agricultural Chem-
istry and Geology.

Johnston's Chemistry of Common Life, 2
vols.

Johnston's Lectures on Agricultural Chem-
istry.

.lohnston's Notes on North America, 2 vols.

Johnston's Instructions for the Analysis of
SoiL-i.

•Taques' Practical Treatise on Fruits.

Knowledge is Power, &c., by Chas. Knight.

Kollar on Insects.

Kirby &, Spence's Entomology (new edi-
tion.)

Leuchars on Hot-houses, Graperies, &o.

Tjinsle3''s History of Morgan Horses.

Liebig's Complete Works.

Lindley's Horticulture, by Downing.

Loudon's Encyclopedia of Agriculture
(half calf.)

Low's Domesticated Animals of Great
Britain.

Lj'ell's Elements of Geologj'.

Lyell's Principles of Geology.

Lardner's Lectures on Science and Art, 2
vols.

Lincoln's Botany.

Langstroth on the Honey Bee (new edition,
illustrated.)

Loudon's Encyclopedia of Gardening (half
calf.)

London Quarterly .lournal of Agriculture
half calf, uniform with Prize Essays,
19 vols.

Loudon's Eneyclodedia of Plants (half
calf.)

Munn's Practical Land Drainer.

Miles on the Horse's Foot and IIow to
Keep it Sound.

Mason's Farrier and Stud Book.

Miner's Bee-keeper's Manual.

Mechanics' Own Book.

Nash's Progressive Farmer. (D)

Neill's Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable Gar-
dener's Companion.

JtS^ (D) signifles duplicate.

Nefflin's Method of Increasing the Y'ield of
Milch Cows.

Natural History o! Insects, by Professor
Reunie, 2 vols.

Norton's Scientific and Practical Agricul-
ture.

Porter's Chemistry and its application to
Agriculture and ^he Arts.

Pardee on Strawberry Culture.

Parsons on the Rose.

Principles of Zoology, by Agassiz & Gould.

Prize Essays, and Transactions of the
Highland and Agricultural Society of
Scotland (half calf, 14 vols.)

Quinby's Mysteries of Bee-keeping.

Rodger*' Scientific Agriculture.

Reemelin's Vine Dresser's Manual.

Rural Homes, by G. Wheeler.

Rural Poetry of the English Language.

Robbins' Produce Reckoner.

Stewart's Stable Book.

Stockhardt's Chemical Field Lectures.

Stockhardt's Principles of Chemistry.

Smith's Landscape Gardening.

Stephens' Farmers' Guide, with notes by
Professor Norton, (450 illustrations) 2
vols.

Saxton's Rural Hand-books, 4 vols.

Schenck's Gardeners' Text-book.

Studies in the Field and Forest, by W.
Flagg.

Sorgho and Imphee, the New Sugar Canes.

Thomas's Farm Implements.

Thompson on the Food of Animals.

Thomas's Fruit Culturist.

The Shepber-l's Own Book.

Thaer's Principles of Practical Agriculture.

The American Farmer's Encyclopedia.

The Ladies' Guide, or the Skilful House-
wife.

The Farm and Fireside, (J. L. Blake.)

The American Farmer's New and Universal
Hand-book (iiOO engravings.)

The American Sportsman, containing the
Habits of the Game Birds and Wild
Fowl of America (300 illustrations.)

Ures' Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures,
and Mines, 2 vols.

Waring's Elements of Agriculture,

Wheeler's Homes for the People.

Wells' Year Book of Agriculture.

Wood's Illustrated Natural History.

Wells' Familiar Science (illustrated.)

Youman's Hand-book of Household Sci-
ence (illustrated.)

Youatt on the Hog.

Y'ouatt on the Horse.

Youatt & Martin on Cattle. (D)

Y'ouatt on the Dog (30 illustrations.)

1866.] secretary's report. 25

A catalogue is appended of the additions to the Horticultural Library proper,
whether accruing from donation or purchase : —

Transactions of the Indiana Horticultural Society, ISfiS ; from I. D. G. Nelson, Presi-
dent ; pamph.

Transactions of the Illinois Horticultural Society, 1865 ; from W. C. Flagg, Cor. Sec. ;
pamph.

Transactions of the Worcester Co. Agricultural Society, 1865 ; C. M. Miles, Sec. ;
pamph.

Fuller's Grape Culturist ; 12mo. duplicate : soc.

Commerce and Navigation of U. S. for 1862, 1863, 1864,- 1 vol. 8vo. each ; from Hon.
J. D. Baldwin.

Finance Report for 1864; 1 vol. 8vo.; Hon. J. D. Baldwin.

Report of Commissioners of Int. Rev. : 1 vol. 8vo. ; Hon. J. D. Baldwin.

Report of Smithsonian Institute for 1863 and 1864 ; ] vol. 8vo. each ; Hon. J. D,
Baldwin.

Report of Com. of Agriculture ; 1 vol. 8vo. (quintupled) ; Hon. J. D. Baldwin.

Rivers' Miniature Fruit Garden ; 1 vol. 8vo ; soc.

Hovey's Magazine — Vol. 31, 1865; 1 vol. Svo. ; soc.

Horticulturist — " 20, " " " soc.

Gardener's Monthly — " 7, " " " soc.

Country Gentleman — Vols. 25 and 26, 1865 ; 1 vol. quarto ; soc.

American Agriculturist — Vol. 24, 1865; 1 vol. quarto; soc.

Woodward's Country Homes; 1 vol. 12mo. ; soc.
" Graperies, " " "

Country Life, hy R. M. Copeland ; 1 vol Svo. ; soc.

Indian Corn, hy Edw. Enfield, " " "

Book of Roses, by Francis Parkman ; 1 vol. Svo.

Cultivation of the Grape, by W . C. Strong; 1 vol. Svo. ; society.

Garden Flowers, by Ed. S. Rand, Jr. ; 1 vol. Svo. ; society.

High Farming without Manure, by M. Ville ; pamph. ; soc.

Rural Register, 1864-5-6 ; 1 vol. i2mo. ; soc.

Working Farmer, 1865, vol. 17 ; soc.

New Book of Flowers, by Joseph Breck, 1866 ; 1 vol. Svo. ; soc.

The Farm, revised edition, 1866, by D. H. Jaques ; 1 vol. 12mo. ; society.

Domestic Animals, 1866, by D. H. Jaques; 1 vol. 12mo. ; society.

The Garden, 1866, by D. H. Jaques, 1 vol. 12mo. ; society.

The Native Grape, its Cultivation, Wine, &c., by George Husmann, 1866; 1 vol. 12mo ;
society.

Florist and Pomologist, London ; 1 vol. Svo. ; society.

Journal of Horticulture, London, vol. 8 ; 1 vol. Svo. ; society.
.( u 9 « « «

Second Annual Report of Committee of New York Central Park ; pamphlet, Svo. ; Hon.

Andrew H. Green.
Fourth do.
Ninth do.

New England Farmer (old), vols. 1, 2, 5, 8. 9, 10, 13, 15 ; quarto, bd. fromF. W. Paine.
Ohio Agricultural Report, Svo. 2d series, 1864 ; from Jas. A. Smith.
Rural Annual, 1864-5-6; 1vol. 12mo. ; society.
Transactions of the Alton (111.) Horticultural Society, from 1853 to 1864; pamphlet,

12mo. ; from W. C. Flagg, Secretary.

As will be observed, the Society is under especial obligations to Hon. John
D. Baldwin for many valuable works, which find their appropriate place upon
our shelves.

From our Treasurer, F. W. Paine, Esq., we have received eight (8) odd
volumes of the (old) New England Farmer. It is to be regretted that we have
not a complete series of this publication, to which many modern writers are in-
debted for their whole stock of ideas, and which has never been surpassed, if
even equalled, in its peculiar field.

26 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [186G.

The Premiums that have been offered at the Summer Exhibitioxs of the
Society have been paid, when chiimed, out of a fund contributed by a number
of public-spirited members. It was not anticipated that the entire sum,
amounting to nearly one hundred and fitly dollars ($150.00) would exceed the
demands of a couple of seasons. But, by judicious management, and still
more, by the generosity of contributors to the exhibitions, who either declined to
take their premiums, or applied them to defray the admission fee of their
friends, it has been possible to protract the system of pecuniary encouragement
throughout four (4) successive years. The fund is now exhausted. It there-
fore devolves upon the Society to determine whether an attempt shall be made
to continue the Summer Exhibitions without the stimulus of monetary induce-
ments, the fate of which attempts can safely be predicted ; or whether these
exhibitions themselves shall be abandoned, thereby incurring a serious risk of
perilling all the advantage heretofore derived from an ability to command that
constant attention of the public which is indispensable to candidates for the
popular favor. Of course, resort can be had to the treasury of the Society, if it
is deemed expedient to subject it to new burdens, as, perhaps, in this case, it
may be. Some decision, however, is required, that proper action may be taken
at the right season.

Among the matters of minor importance that demand your attention, with a
view to their remedy before another general exhibition, the most urgent by far
is the provision of suitable bottles or vials for the arrangement and display of
cut flowers — of a much larger supply of them — and, also, of an ample number
of stands on which they may be disposed. The late lamented chairman of the
Committee of Arrangements was painfully alive to this deficiency. Our present
vials are almost worthless, besides being utterly insufficient for any but the most
ordinary occasions.

The supply of plates for the array of fruit is equally inadequate. Every year
we are compellod to hire a large lot of crockery, paying a high rate for^its use,
and incurring all the risk of fracture and loss. Most of the plates in our pos-
session are too small, holding conveniently about four Seckel pears. For this
reason they are seldom or never used. The Society may elect to hire, rather
than to own, the necessary table furniture. If not, and a new assortment shall
be procured, which cannot be greatly in advance of the necessity for it, it should
be an absolute condition that the form should be quadrilateral or oblong. Much
tabular space will thus be saved, which is now wasted by the present invariable
circular shape.

The Committee of Arrangements, and all the officers of the Society who have
had anything to do with the conduct of the Annual Autumnal Exhibitions,
are clear in the conviction that some method must be devised and enfoi'ced of
distinguishing members from those who are so unfortunate as not to enjoy that
privilege. The number upon our roll is altogether too large for any personi
beholding them but once in the year, to be able to discriminate between the
true and the false — the genuine and the impostor. To send a ticket of adniis-

1866.] secretary's report 27

sion to each member would cost more in postage than the probable amount of
saving. Members might be required to produce their certificates at the door;
but, in that case, there would be sure dissatisfaction among those who had
wholly lost them or who had forgotten to bring them. Besides which, it is
probable that a majority of the recent certificates would have to be re-issued in
a reduced form, as their present size is too great for convenient carriage. That
something should be done cannot be doubted. What ? is the problem that
puzzles the Committee of Arrangements.

A material saving to the Society might be realized would members but take
the slight trouble, at the close of each Exhibition, to preserve the cards im-
printed with their names. This style of card was originally adopted to avoid as
much as possible the expense of extra clerical aid. If that object fails of attain-
ment, it may well be that the method whereby its accomplishment was sought
should cease to meet with favor.

The session of the American Pomological Congress, which was summoned
to meet in St. Louis during the current autumn, has been postponed to the fall
of 18G7. By the terms of the call, this Society, in common with others, is in-
vited to send delegates to the congress. Each local organization is also
requested to furnish a list of those varieties of fruit which have been approved
as most worthy of cultivation in that particular vicinage. Should you desire to
be represented, your instructions to that effect will doubtless meet with the
ready acquiescence of your Trustees.

The " Transactions of the Society " from 1848 to 1851 inclusive, and also from
18G5, have been published under your vote, passed at the annual exhibition in
1865. As to the policy and utility of this and the previous issue, nothing re-
mains to be added to the able and lucid explanation in the recent annual
address of the President. It is greatly to be desired, however, that some more
effective and thorough method of distribution be devised.

Our obligations to the Commissioner of Agriculture during the past year have
been onerous as usual. A few bags of winter wheat for seed arrived in
December, and two packages of vegetable seeds on the lYth of January Not
even a copy of his Annual Report has been vouchsafed by him. In fact, since
his grand discovery of the principle of gravitation, the labors of the Commis-
sioner appear to have been aimless and of little general utility. It is true that
there are some who deny the identity of the Commissioner with the illustrious
philosopher who commands the admiration of mankind. But there ha,ve been
skeptics in all ages, and the breed is not yet extinct. Nature could not produce
two Isaac Newtons !

" Nature despairing e'er to make the like,"

Brake suddenly the mould in which 'twas fashioned."

Were there any lingering doubt of this identity in your minds, it would be
simply necessary to remind you, as pomologists, that Isaac Newton is Com-
missioner of Agriculture, and that it was by meditation upon the fall of an
apple that he evolved his theory of gravitation.

28 AVORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

A valuable and quite extensive assortment of vegetable seeds was seasonably
received from Hon. John D. Baldwin, and widely distributed among the mem-
bers of the society. Should new or choice varieties be discovered among these,
it is hoped that information of the fact will be communicated to the Secretary.
It is believed that the Newington Wonder Bean may fairly claim a high rank
in its own class, although the experience of another year should be awaited
before a positive decision.

By a communication from the Secretary of the Board of Agriculture, sub-
sequent to the last annual meeting, your Secretary was informed that ten (10)
copies of " Harris on Insects" would be subject to the disposition of the society,
to be awarded as premiums. Such awards have been made and the volumes are
received and will be distributed in accordance with your order.

Sevei-al years have now elapsed since, by authority of the trustees, public
notice was given that a gentleman of the city of Worcester had empowered the
Worcester Horticultural Society to offer a premium of $30 for the best essay
upon shade and fruit trees — the most valuable kinds and the most suitable for
culture. A widely extended circulation was given to this offer. Quite a num-
ber of essays were received in response, which were delivered to a committee,
suggested by the liberal donor, consisting of Samuel F. Haven, Esq., Hons.
J. Milton Earle, and D. Waldo Lincoln. From that time to this the commit-
tee have given but an "uncertain sound.'' It is understood that no award was
made, no one of the essays precisely meeting the requisitions of the donor in
his original proposition. But it would seem that the competitors are at least
entitled to know what was the decision, if any. Certainly the society owes
something to its own good name, having held out inducements, far and near,
through its officers, which those ignorant of the facts, may wrongly imagine that
it now desires to disclaim or repudiate.

At the last session of the general court, a proposition was introduced to pur-
chase a number of copies of a work by Mr. E. A. Samuels, upon the '' Birds of
Massachusetts," for distribution, through the agency of the agricultural and
horticultural societies of the commonwealth. Of the value of that particular
work your Secretary entertains no individual or precise estimate. But he can-
not too strongly express his conviction of the imperative necessity for the diffu-
sion, throughout the community, of a more correct and exact knowledge of the
character and habits of our birds. Anything — it matters little what — that will
thoroughly cure the existing sickly sentimentality about the American robin.
Your Secretary, in vindication of his position heretofore assumed, has spent
much time, and lost some Christian grace that he could illy spare, in watching
this feathered nuisance. In the absence of strawberries with which to tickle its
dainty palate, it gorged itself upon cherries. When that fruit, so rare and un-
wonted, was gone, the black-cap raspberry was not disdained. But to measure
the full capacity of an appetite almost insatiate, the despairing cultivator must
observe its ravages among pears. Nothing less than the Bartlett, Belle Lucra-
tive, and Seckel will serve its fastidious taste. The fabled rush of the Harpies
to their gluttonous feasts was as nothing compared to the flocking of these birds

1866.] secretary's report. 29

of ill-omen to their pomological banquet. Remaining with us so long as any-
thing was left upon our trees, they have now migrated, we'' fattened and plump,
to stuff' the pot-pies of a wiser people.

"Donee lassata, needum aati'ata, recegsit."

It is urged that, at times — before fruit is ripe enough for their excellencies —
this robin of ours eats a few earthworms. Possibly he may, if the ground is
previously dug up for him ; for he is too proud to work, and to scratch he is
ashamed. But the poor worm is harmless, and, therefore, to ensure his de-
struction, this worse than useless pest is protected by law ! Let us pray, if we
have no other resource, that he may die of a surfeit !

If the past year has been one of continued prosperity' to the Society in its
corporate capacity, it has aff'orded but chequered success to the members in
their character of pomologists. The sudden and extreme changes of tempera-
ture which distinguish our climate were never more marked than during the last
winter. The secretary finds, upon reference to his diary, the following entry,
under date of January 9th :

"This A. M., at 9 o'clock, closed a period of intense cold, during which, for 120
hours, i. e., from Friday, the 5th inst., until now, the mercury in the thermometer has
nowhere, and at no time, not even in the sun at meridian, indicated so high a tempera-
ture as 10 deg. above 0."

And again, under date of January 15th :

" The extremes of temperature are most remarkable and trying. On the morning of
Monday, the 8th inst., the mercury indicated 18 deg. below 0. On Saturday, the 13th,
at 12 o'clock, meridian, it marked 60 deg. above 0, a change of nearly 80 deg. And on
Mondaj', the 13th, it had again fallen to 2 deg. below 0."

And all this time, as throughout almost the entire winter, the ground was
bare of snow, and left exposed to the influences of alternate frost and thaw.
Heavy rains from the south prevailed throughout the whole of February, while
March was unusually blustering and cold, even for that most disagreeable month.
It is no wonder, then, that the buds of the peach were blasted, and even the hardy
strawberry succumbed. Of this latter delicious fruit, which adds so much of
beauty, fragrance, and relish to our summer exhibitions, the yield has been
most meagre. Few of our members had any for their own use, still less for our
tables or the market. Attention has been called, by the popular press, to the
fact that some beds were prolific which had been carefully covered. But this
argument would prove too much, since, if protection alone is essential to the
vitality of the strawberry plant, why should it not retain its virtue in all cases ?
And yet it is matter of notoriety that it failed in the great majority. Is it not
more likely that the causes of fatality are to be sought in the excessive drought
of the summer and autumn of 1865, which first parched a plant so excessively
fond of moisture ; and in the singular absence of snow, by which it was left des-
titute of its closest, moistest, and most effectual winter covering. A confirma-
tion of this theory — that it is the character of the covering, rather than the
covering at all, which is important — may perhaps be deduced from the fact,
within the personal knowledge of your Secretary, that of two (2) plantations of
raspberries, one covered by pine boughs, and another, but a few yards distant,
5

30 AVORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

and in a bleaker position, but protected by earth, the canes of the former were
killed to the ground, while those of the latter were never raised in better con-
dition or proved themselves more abundantly fruitful.

And of the last-named fruit — the Raspberry — indigenous to our soil in some
of its species — alien to other countries in varieties — the latest product of semi •^
nation, or, as in Canada, of hybridization, where the experiment, though prom-
ising everything, is yet too recent to insure success — the inquiry may well be
put, why is its culture so universally neglected? For five (5) successive weeks
your Secretary exhibited, this year as last, specimens of his own growth and of
the same species. The Rev. Dr. Hill, of this city, states that he picked an
abundance of berries from his canes for seveii continuous weeks. Can a pro-
longed yield like this be predicated of the strawberry, with its almost unlimited
modern development, whose name is legion, and whereof, in most instances, no
man can detect the excellence? You may possibly, by judicious and extreme
care, produce one or the other of innumerable varieties of strawberries for fottr
weeks in succession. But any person, who has studied the nature and habits of
the raspberry, knows well, from individual experience, that it is unrivalled for
extent and duration of fecundity ; that, in public estimation, it is but slightly,
if at all, inferior to the strawberry ; that it is the hardier of the two, only requir-
ing to be covered lightly with earth in the late autumn ; and that the gathering
of the fruit, instead of demanding a painful "crooking of the pregnant hinges
of the knee," can be accomplished uprightly and with ease. As yet attacked
by no insects strange to our poor methods of prevention, why should it not re-
ceive more notice from the pomologists of a society, in which every new straw-
berry is welcomed at the countless perils of drought, frost, and last — inevitable
g,nd most destructive — the Robin, only to culminate in the ultimate delight of a
precarious crop, picked wearily and by the sweat of the brow, beneath the final
sweltering suns of June.

The cherry, strange to relate, as if desirous to vindicate itself from ihe official
condemnation of our Society, in declining to recommend its culture, blossomed
and fruited with pristine luxuriance. The predictions of our wisest pomologists
were signally yet pleasantly falsified. Even aged trees appeared to revive from
the almost mortal injury occasioned by the terrific cold hurricane of 1861, and
strove to atone for repeated deficiencies. The canker-worm forbore its ravages
to a great extent, confining itself in the main to the barren, though stately,
maple. It is truly gratifying to be able once more to cherish a hope of the
permanent recovery of this palatable, convenient, and useful fruit.

The usual comparative statement of the entries, or number of articles of each
variety exhibited during the past official year, exclusive of the display at the
annual autumnal exhibition, is herewith presented : —

1866.]

SECRETARY S REPORT

31

a

i .2

*!^ ., riT C

^"^

Anno Domini.

-Q

-S'E i i'S-y

c5

rt

» ffl t, ce o r

&

d

fe c

c«

^

^ -5

o

OJ

a5oo;r 0=^

<;

Pm

;i<OH

H

1862

29

98

160

512

632

1443

1803

44
36

83
79

366
140

374
184

616
1008

1488

1864

1507

1865

48
23

104
151

41
38

161

292

1643
811

2002

1866

1313

It will be observed that, while the aggregate is largely diminished, an excess
over some previous years is shown in the columns assigned to Cherries,
Grapes, &c., and to Pears. This increase is due to the zeal of a very few of
our members, who have never allowed themselves to be diverted from the work
to which they were pledged at the commencement of our weekly exhibitions.
How long they will continue to uphold the interests of the Society, unaided,
cannot be foretold. It must certainly be discouraging to them to pass from our
tables, with their meagre display, and behold the windows of every petty
huckster upon the street crowded to repletion with noble specimens from the
largest and most skilful cultivators in our ranks. Your Secretary claims, for
himself, that he has spared neither time nor labor, whenever he imagined that
the devotion of either could contribute to the welfare of the Society. Yet, even
he confesses to a feeling of lassitude, if not of absolute repulsion at times, when
reflecting upon the indifference of those whom an onerous superfluity of means
and leisure should make most prominent in our behalf. The sympathy which
wishes well at a distance, like the cordiality that keeps you at arm's length,
may be well enough in its way ; but it is not the active and zealous co-opera-
tion required in a Society like ours.

The display of Roses at the summer exhibition was very fine. The thanks
of the Society are due to those ladies whose interest has been so generously
manifested, for three successive years, by the contributions of such large and
splendid collections of this favorite flower. Laboring from the pure love of
Floriculture, it is due to them, at the very least, to be assured that their unsel-
fish efforts are appreciated.

The Trustees, upon your reference of the whole matter to them, at their last
meeting appointed a Committee on the subject of " depredations in gardens and
orchards." That Committee offered a reward for the detection and conviction
of any person found stealing flowers, fruits, or vegetables. Two cases have
occurred since the publication of that offer, in each of which punishment was
properly inflicted by the court. No money, however, has been required from
the treasury, the amount that might have been claimed being applied to new
memberships. It is believed that the lesson thus administered upon the rights
of property in fruit has not been lost. And it is submitted that the Secretary
might well be authorized to renew the offer of that or a similar reward, should
circumstances hereafter seem to render it expedient.

32 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

In compliance with a promise made to the worthy Chairman of the Committee
on Pears, your Secretary desires to invite your attention to the subject of race,
without reference to hybridization. The Chairman has experienced an access
of tender sensibility. His gentle soul has moved within him since the discovery
that '' any white male person may become a Member of the Society upon the
payment of three dollars." He has no wish to be a " come-outer " from our
midst ; his choice is rather to " cry aloud and spare not " where he is. He
has no insuperable aversion to the whites as a race, in their place. " Not that
he loves Caisar less but Rome more." He misses his cherished and fevorite
associations. While his bodily presence is with his pears, his heart wanders to
his absent peers.

" For he can be happy with neither,

When the other dear charmer's away.

" With his fine eyes fixed on Africa," mindful of his official duty, he aims to
develop the neglected pomology of " Borraboola Gha." With this obnoxious
second article amended, he promises that the " Black Pear of Worcester " shall
become the pet of the pomologist everywhere, as it now is of the Chairman.
Having thus fulfilled his pledge, is it exacting too much in return, to ask of the
Chairman, when he resumes his official duties, a more elaborate and creditable
report? Or, at least, that he shall not shirk a task, imposed upon him because
of his presumed and conceded fitness in those very respects, wherein from indif-
ference or neglect he did most injustice to the Society and to his own reputation.

No sound reason can be urged against an amendment of the second article
of the by-laws, as desired. Originally in consonance with the tone of legislation
and public sentiment throughout the commonwealth, it accords at this day with
neither.

Contrary to gener: ■ expectation, less injury was experienced from the canker
worm than for the year previous. Whether this was due to the peculiar charac-
ter of the winter, in the absence of snow, subjecting the earth to alternate frost
and thaw, and in its rapid and extreme changes of temperature similarly afFect-
inw the eggs, cannot, of course, be determined. Yet it is certain that, during
the constant rains of the later spring, when they should have been committing
their worst ravages upon the foliage of the apple and cherry, they remained
comparatively torpid. That moisture is disagreeable to them is not an extrav-
ao-ant deduction, from the fact that many insects, proof against everything else,
succumb quickly to oils. All the patented protectors so far tried have been
found useless. Of those not patented, the ugliest and most worthless — a band
of tarred paper, secured by wire — is generally discarded. Absorbing the tar as
fast as it could be applied, it was impossible that it should be beneficial ; suf-
fered to remain long enough, the wires were sure to girdle the trees, and thus,
if in no other way, prevent our streets from being permanently disfigured. Tar,
to be useful, must be applied upon some substance that is non-absorbent.

The last season was disagreebly distinguished by the advent of a new insect
enemy. The currant, always prolific, in spite of neglect, abuse, or downright
ill-treatment, is threatened with absolute annihilation. The leaves are devoui-ed

1866.] secretary's report. 33

and the berries blasted ; and the foe — a dirty, ugly-looking worm, which it
makes one crawl all over simply to touch, much more to squash — seems imper-
vious to all appliances for his destruction, with the single exception of whale-oil
soap. They have been thoroughly coated with white hellebore, so strongly rec-
ommended in New York, but without the slightest effect except a momentary
paralysis. Yet their habits are such that it would appear as though, by dili-
gence, their fell career might be terminated. Usually concentrated upon the
lower side of a single leaf, at the base of a bush, they can be found together
and summarily destroyed. And they rmist be not only checked but extermi-
nated. Cherries might possibly be yielded to the canker worm, but the currant
cannot be given up without a straggle ; for an immoderate supply of this inval.
uable fruit,, eaten at all hours of the day in its appropriate season, is the most
grateful, cheapest, and most effectual prophylactic against the summer diseases
of children, if not of adults.

From the western states of the republic come advices of the slow but sure ad-
vance of another fearful pest — DorypJiora decemlineaia, the ten (10) lined
spearman ; a new potatato-bug. This insect is said to be advancing eastward
at the rate of fifty (50) miles a year. It is to be hoped that, before reaching-
our borders, the scientific skill and practical sagacity of our friends at the west
may devise some easier and more speedy method for its destruction than the
only one known thus far, that of picking it off by hand.

In calling your attention, at the last annual meeting of the Society, to the re-
markable accession of members during the year that had then just elapsed
apprehension was felt and expressed that a similar rate of progression could
not be permanently maintained. The result has justified this fear. Yet there
is cause for congratulation in the fact that the number added to our ranks in
1866 largely exceeds the gain in any previous period of correspondino- duration
saving only the exceptional year, 1865. Then many were desirous of procurino-
our "Transactions," for the first time, after a long interval, printed and pub-
lished. Quite an earnest spirit was also generally enlisted in obtainiuo- mem-
bers. The season, too, had, in many important particulars, been very propitious
for the growth of flowers and fruit. " Meek-eyed Peace " blessed the land.
This year, with few or none of these especial auxiliaries, we have been able to
enrol nearly a score more recruits than in 1864, with the sole exception already
noted, our most prosperous season hitherto. A tabular statement is annexed :

In 1864 49

" 18G5 106

" 1866 61

A careful scrutiny of these figures discloses some singular facts. Of the
entire number — two hundred and seventy-eight (278) in all — who have joined
the Society within the last six years, only thirty-six are non-residents of the
City of Worcester. One hundred and nine (109) of the new members are
females, the majority of whom have been attracted within the last two years by
the prominence which the Society has wisely given to the display of flowers and
plants. It would appear, then, that the control of the Society is fast passing

In 1861 1

" 1862 19

" 1863 42

34 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

into the hands of the members from the City of Worcester, and that our women
are disposed to seek their rif/his in the domain of Flora, ever ample and free.
But if the direction and management of the organization is to be wholly aban-
doned to us, by any laches of members from the county, so much the more be-
comes it incumbent that we should faithfully discharge our trust as horticultur-
ists. And this not aloue by the introduction of new fruits, or the excessive
development of old ones ; but also by the diffusion of that culture and taste
wherebv the rough places are made smooth, and the " wilderness " is caused to
" blossom as the rose." Let our example go out to our friends who will not
come to us. Let our streets and broad avenues be everywhere overarched by
the graceful elm, or shaded by the stately maple and sturdy ash ; trained, how-
ever, for their proper purpose, and not suffered to run riot, with branches so low
and trailing as to obstruct the convenience of passage. Let our gardens and
lawns be lefi open to the sunlight, without the deformity of those huge Norway
spruces and frightful Balsam firs, with which a vicious or untutored instinct has
heretofore disfigured the landscape. With the growth of the town, we should
adapt ourselves to new conditions. With the diminished size of lots, trees and
shrubs should be in proportion. The apple and cherry, if cultivated at all,
should be dwarfed. In the fitness of things — the precise adaptation of the
means to the end sought, lies the surest index to correct taste. In many re-
spects, we have no reason to be ashamed of our fair city. Yet shade trees
should be trimmed, not hacked. The Commissioners on Public Grounds should
do something, and have the necessary facilities for doing it. The Common, —
so conspicuous to the eye of the traveller from Boston to New York, — shall it
forever remain a hideous blotch, as at present? If it cannot be adorned and
, beautified, enclose the view of it from the railway with a screen of living verdure.
Better anything than the " abomination of desolation " so obtrusively visible.
As a place of general resort, whither the people of the commonwealth are annu-
ally summoned in conventions, we have no right to neglect the external appear-
ance of our public and private grounds. And to whatever is noted of deficiency
iu this respect, to so much of shortcoming as is evident, this Society would be
false to itself and faithless to the obligations of its existence, were it not, so far
as lies within its power, to uplift its indignant testimony and suggest an adequate
remedy.

Since your last official meeting in this hall, our ranks have been sadly thinned.
Draper, of Worcester ; Potter, of Grafton ; and now last, not least, Champxey,
whom both places might well claim. In an association, united by congenial
tastes, which is constrained to rely upon the sympathy of its members for that
devotion of labor and time,' without the cheerful rendition of which all its efforts
must prove futile, the loss of such men would at any time compel notice. But
how much more forcibly does it arrest attention at a period when the active
energies of the community, absorbed in the lust of gain, spare no moments for
pursuits, of which, in answer to the " Old Bono? " of the materialist, our only
commendation must be, " Si quceris monumentum, circumspice ! " Would you
ask the benefit of my toil ? Look around upon this beautiful city, with its

1866.] secretary's report. 35

stately buildings, its tasteful gardens, its well-kept lawns, and its studiously de-
veloped opulence of flower and fruit ! Behold the county, with its impulse from
the parent society, branching out into new organizations, each reacting upon
and stimulating the old ! W^re the lives of our lamented associates wasted, who
made two blades of grass spring up where but one grew before ? Is not their
reward, for the time devoted to the interests of this Society, in the appreciation
and love of the community, richer than Mammon could furnish ?

Of Mr. Potter, whose concern was manifested in our earlier history, a more
familiar pen should write. But of Samuel P. Champney, who united himself
with its fortunes ft-om its original inception to the day when the hand of dis'
ease was laid too heavily upon him ; whose contributions were in every variety
and in surpassing excellence upon all our tables ; and whose regularity of at-
tendance at all meetings for business might well be accepted as a rebuke by
many far more conveniently located ; shall aught be said but that he was con-
scientious in the discharge of all his duty, and diligent in all the relations which
he bore to the Society? Upon the closing day of our autumnal exhibition, his
spirit ascended to Him who said, " Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb
yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after its kind, whose seed is in
itself upon the earth," and who " saw that it was good."

Does Edwix Draper require a eulogy in this presence ? Which one of you
all is ignorant with what untiring assiduity he applied himself to promote the
growth of this association, and to develop the results of that growth ? How he
toiled, " in season and out of season," to give form and substance to our exhi-
bitions ? How, never sparing himself, he was willing to assume upon his own
overburdened shoulders the tasks of others, too indolent or selfish to emulate an
exemplar so active and disinterested ? Of an energy that proved itself unfail-
ing, of quick perception, but brusque in manner almost to rudeness, he was
often misconceived. Yet, with all his apparent abruptness, he could be patient :
and, though irritable at times, was gentle even to tenderness when he perceived
that no offence was intended. As Chairman of your Committee of Arrange-
ments, he was diligence and punctuality itself. All your exhibitions were timely
planned and thoroughly ordered. There was a place for everything and every-
thing was in its place. As the omission of the statues in the ancient funeral
procession revived the memory of departed heroes, so the absence of the ready
presence, the prompt suggestion, and the kindly word of our lamented friend, at
the recent autumnal exhibition, brought to mind, all too forcibly, the irreparable
loss sustained by the Society. By whomsoever his place may be supplied in the
future, he may well esteem himself fortunate if he can rival, in ever so partial a
measui"e, those excellent qualities of head and heart which so commended the
late Edwin Draper to our judgment and affection.

EDWARD W. LINCOLN,

Secretary and Librarian.
Horticultural Hall,
Worcester, Mass., Nov. 7th, 1866.

36 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY.

The Farm. By D. H. Jacques. 1866. 1 vol. 12mo.

The Garden. ' " " " " '•

The Bani-yard. '' " " " "

Indian Corn. By Edward Enfield. " " •'

The Native Grape. Its Cultivation. Wine. By George Husmann. 1866.

1 vol. 12mo.

Florist and Pomologist. Illustrated. Loudon. 1865. 1 vol. 8vo.

Journal of Horticulture. Illustrated. Vol. 8. London. 1 vol. 8vo.
u u ii i( q a ii a

Ninth Annual Report Comm. Central Park, New York. Pphlt. 8vo.

Second " " " " " " " "

Fourth " " " " " " " "

Transactions of the Alton (111.) Horticultural Society, from 1853 to 1864, incl.
Pphlt.

New England Farmer. (Old Series.) Bound. Quarto. Vols. 1, 2, 5, 8, 9,
10, 13, 15.

Ohio Agricultural Reports. 1864. 2nd Series. 1 vol. 8vo.

Rural Annual. 1864-5-6. 1 vol. Timo.

Forest Tree CuUurist. By A. S. Fuller. 1 vol. 12mo.

Harris on Insects. Illustrated. 1 vol. 8vo. (Duplicate.)

Annual of Architecture and Landscape Gardening. By G. E. & F. W. Wood-
ward. 12nio. Pphlt.

Agricultural Department, Report of 1865. 1 vol- 8vo.

Gardening for Profit. By Peter Henderson. 1 vol. 12mo.

Horticultural Annual. 0. Judd &. Co. 1 vol. 12mo.

New England Fruit Trees. By George Jaques. 1 yol. 12mo.

The Gardener's Text Book. By Peter A. Schenck. 1 vol. 12mo.

American Fruit Garden Companion. By E. Sayers. 1 vol. 12mo.
" Flower " " " " " "

N. E. Fruit Book. By Robert Manning. 2nd edition, by John W. Ives.
1 vol. 12mo.

Manual of the Mulberry Tree and Silk Culture. By J. H. Cobb. 1 vol. 12rao.

Transactions of the Ohio Pomological Society. 8th Session, 1857. Pphlt.

1866.]

MEMBERS ADMITTED.

37

MEMBERS ADMITTED SINCE NOVEMBER 1, A. D, 1865.

Karnes.

Residence.

Worcester.

George A. Adams,
Mrs. Charles L. Allen,

Mrs. Sarah F. Bennet, "

Mrs. Annie E. Boswell, "

A. Herbert Barrows, "

Charles Belcher, "

Silas J. Brimhall, "

Jacob Baker, Dudley.

Mrs. Jacob Baker, " "

James Bennett, Leominster.
Charles 0. Bachelor, Northbridge.
Mrs. Charles 0. Bachelor,
Miss Josie E. Brown, Wilkinsonville.

Mrs. Benjamin J. Dodge, Worcester.

Mrs. Isaac Davis, "

Miss Alice Davis, "

Dennis Driscoll, "

j\Iiss Emma Eastman, "

Stephen C. Earle, "

Miss Alia AV. Foster, "

Miss Lydia C. Fiske, "

Mrs. James A. Fuller, ''

Rufus Fiske, "

George E. Francis, "

Miss Maria Fox, "

Miss Mary E. Gorham, •'

George Geer, "

Mrs. Geer, "

Miss Mary Ann Hoyle, Milll)ury.
Mrs. Henrietta A. Holman, Worcester.

William D. Holbrook, "

Karnes.

Residence.

Mrs. William D. Holbrook, Worcester.
Mrs. William Y. Holman,

Charles A Keyes, "

John D. Lovell, "

Frank Langdon Messinger, "

Mrs. Charles P. Nichols, "
J. M. Onthank,

Mrs. Solomon Parsons, ''

James Robinson, *'

Mrs. James Robinson, ''

Miss S. Elizabeth Rice, "

L. R. S. Reed, "

Miss Alice Scott, '"

Mrs. John B. Shaw, "

Sidney Smith, "

James A. Smith, '*

Alden H. Sears, "
Horace Thayer,
Mrs. Horace Thayer,
E. C. Tainter,

Harvey G. Upham, "

Timothy W. Wellington, "
Mrs. Timothy W. Wellington,
Fred. \V. Wellington,

Miss Mary F. Whiting, "

Melvin 0. Whittier. "

Mrs. William Workman, "

j\[rs. Francis Winn, "

Miss Nancy Wheeler, "

John D. Warren, "

38 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1866.

SELECT FRUITS RECOMMENDED BY THE SOCIETY.
APPLES.

Early. — Red Astrachan, Sweet Bough, Duchess of Oldenburg, Williams'
Early Red, Worcester Sp}*, Summer Pippin.*

Autumn. — iMother, Gravenstein, Porter, Shepard's Sweeting,* Lelaud's
Spice*, Fameuse*, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Holden Pippin.

Winter and Spring. — Rhode Island Greening, Yellow Bcllcllowert, Jew-
ett's Redf, Baldwin, Washington Royalf, Ladies" Sweeting*, Tallnuui Sweet-
ing, Northern Spy, Roxbury Russett.

PEARS.

Amateur Culture. — Doyenne d'Eto, Rostiezer, Dearborn's Seedling, St.
Ghislain, Washington, Belle Lucrative, Flemish' Beauty, Henry IV., St.
Michael Archange, Beurre Superfin, Glout Morceau.

General or Market Culture. — Beurre Giffard, Bartlett, Paradise d'Au-
tomne, Seckel. Louise Bonne de Jersey, Marie Louise, Fulton, Sheldon, Swan's
Orange, Doyenne Boussock, Beurre Bosc, Urbaniste, Beurre D'Anjou, Duch-
esse d'Angouleme (on Q.,) Winter Nelis, Lawrence (on P..) Doyenne du
Cornice, Vicar of Winkfield.

CHERRIES.

Amateur. — May Duke, Knight's Early Black. Black Tartarian, American
Amber, Downer's Late, Black Eagle.

GRAPES.

Amateur. — Delaware, Diana. General. — Hartford, Prolific, Concord.
S T R A W BERRIES.

Amateur. — Hovey's Seedling, Jenney's Seedling, Jenny Lind, Triomphe de
Gand. General. — Wilson's Albany Seedling; Russell's Prolific — on trial.

•■■Varieties recommended as "promising well."

f Varieties recommended for '• Amateur cultivation."

OFFICERS AND STAN"DING COMMITTEES

OF — ■

The Worcester County Horticultural Society,

FOR 1867'.

WILLIAM N.

PRESIDENT :

FRANCIS H. DEWEY, of Worcester.

VICE-PRESIDENTS :

GREEN, of Worcester; JONATHAN D. WHEELER, of
Grafton ; J. HENRY HILL, of Worcester.

SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN :

EDWARD W. LINCOLN, of Worcester.

TREASURER :

FREDERICK W. PAINE, of Worcester.

TRUSTEES

Stephen Salisbury,
William T. Mernfield,
D. Waldo Lincoln,
William Workman,
Edward Earle,
John C. Riplej',
Ivers Phillips,
Obadiah B. Hadwen,
J. Frank Allen,
Stephen Salisbury, Jr.,
Calvin Taft,
Benjamin Butman,

Worcester.

John Milton Earle,
George Jaques,
Samuel H. Colton,
Jonathan Grout,
Emory Banister,
Horatio Phelps,
Samuel V. Stone,
Paul Whitin,
Josiah L. Woodward,
Newell Wood,
Harvey Dodge,
George F. Daniels,

Worcester.

Whitinsville.
Millbury.

u

Wilkiusonville.
Oxford

AUDITORS :

SAMUEL H. COLTON, EMORY BANISTER, Worcester.
^TA^ISTHISG COIVTMllTTEES :

On Horiiculiurul Hall. — D. Waldo Lincoln, Emory Banister, 0. B. Hadwen.

On Librari/ and Publication. — Edward W. Lincoln, Francis H. Dewey,
George Jaques.

On Synonyvies. — J. Milton Earle, S. H. Colton, D. W. Lincoln, Geo. Jaques.

Of Arrani/einents. — President, Secretary, John C. Newton, 0. B. Hadwen,
Dr. Samuel Flagg, Emory Banister, Charles Richardson.

On Apples. — Rufus Woodward, Chairman ; John C. Ripley, J. Frank Allen,
Samuel H. Colton, Thomas R. Norcross, Samuel A. Knox, of Worcester ;
Josiah L. Woodward, of Millbury.

On Pears. — Hartley Williams, Cliairman ; John Milton Earle, Stephen S.
Foster, John C. Newton, Emory Banister, David S. Messinger, of Worcester;
J. H. Moore, of Charlton.

On Grapes, Peaches, dx. — Edwin Conant, Chairman ; Benjamin Butman,
Francis H. Dewey. D. Waldo Lincoln, Horatio Phelps, Charles Richardson, of
Worcester; Paul Whitin, of Whitinsville.

On Flowers, Plants, dx. — George E.Francis, Chairman; Mrs. Calvin Taft,
Mrs. Daniel Tainter, Mrs. Chas. L. Pierce, Mrs. John D. Warren, of Worcester ;
Mrs. Jonas Brown, of Wilkiusonville ; John Milton Earle, Patrick Martin, of
Worcester.

On Vegetables. — Stephen Salisbury, Jr., Chairman : Charles Belcher, Mar-
shall Flagg, James Green, C. K. Hubbard, George Barber, of Worcester;
Newell Wood, of Millbury.

B@„ The Annual Autumnal Exhibition will be held on the 17th, 18th, I'Jtli,
and 20th of September, commencing at G o'clock, v. m., on the 17th.

TRANSACTIONS

Worcester County Horticultural Scciety,

FORTIIEYEARlSe?.

COMPRISING THE ADDRESS OP VICE-PRESIDENT HlLL; THE REPORTS OF THE COM-
MITTEES OF TUB SOCIETY ; AND THE ANNUAL REPORT Of THE SECRETARY
AND LIBRARIAN FOR 1SC7.

ALSO

A ROLL OF THE ACCESSIOi^S OF MEMBERS TO THE SOCIETY.

From EDWARD W. LINCOLN, Secretary.

WORCESTER:

PRINTED BY EDWARD R. FISKE & SON,
18 0 8.

GE^EKAL INDEX.

Page.

Preface 3

Address of J. Henry Hill, Vice-President, (Sept. 19, 1867), 5

Report on Apples, 1867, 9

" " Flowers, Plants, Ac, 1867, 13

" " Grapes, Peaches, Ac, 1867, 15

" " Pears, 1867, 16

« " Vegetables, 1867, 19

Annaal Report of Edward W. Lincoln, Secretary and Librarian, (Nov. 6, 1867), 20

Accessions to the Society, 41

OflScers of the Society for 1868, 42

PREFACE.

At the Annual Meeting of the Worcester County Horticultural Society,
holden on Wednesday, the thirteenth day of November, A. D. 1867, ou
motion of Hon. John Milton Earle, it was unanimously voted : —

"That the Transactions of the Society, comprising the Address of the Vice-
President and the Reports of the several Committees at the Annual Autumnal
Exhibition, with the Report of the Secretary and Librarian, just delivered, be
printed for the use of Members, under the supervision of the Standing Com-
mittee on Publication."

The only essential variation in the form of this volume of transactions, from
its predecessors, consists in the omission of the List of Additions to the Library;
which, being already stated in the Report of the Librarian, would gain little
more publicity from repetition.

Horticultural Hall,
Worcester, Mass., February, A. D. 1868.

A D D E E S S

OF

J. HENRY HILL, Vice-Pie8iclent.

At ike Twenty- Eighth Annual Exhibition of the Society. Delivered
on Thursday Evening, September 19, 1867.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Worcester Count;/ Horticultural Society.

There could scarcely be a more forcible ilUi.stration of the old maxim that
" a bad penny is soon returned," than the one you have now before you. My
leave-taking of you, one year since, I supposed final ; and it can be a matter
of no greater surprise to any of you than it is to me, to find myself back again
in the old place upon the present occasion.

We are, all of us, at one time or another, in the course of our lives the sport
of accident. Now this is my present experience ; for my successor had no
sooner become fairly settled in his seat, than upon the strength of his newly
acquired honors, apparently, he resolved upon a course of foreign travel ; for
the ostensible purpose, perhaps, of qualifying himself for the better perform-
ance of his new official duties ; but really, 1 more than half suspect, for his
own gratification and amusement. In any other times than these, it would
have been regarded as certainly a very extraordinary step for a President, the
moment he was elected, to abandon his own territory and jurisdiction, for
foreign lands, leaving the duties and responsibilities of his position to be borne
by his subordinates in rank ; and as my companions in the line of vice have
seen fit to neglect their duties, likewise, I am thrown into a position which,
while it is unfortunate enough tor me, is far more so, in its consequences, for
you. And in consideration of this accident, which the freaks and wanderings

6 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1867.

of your President have brought upou his predecessor, and its unpleasant
results, I think you will bear me out in the opinion, that he can do nothing
less than to pass over the pay and emoluments of the office to those who bear
its burdens and discharge its duties ; since he can, at the same time, preserve
the honors of it intact, to himself.

But these misfortunes rarely come without some redeeming feature to relieve
them, and the present one is no exception to the rule. The occasion affords
me an opportunity of performing a most agreeable duty, which I am happy to
avail m3-self of; that of announcing to you the flattering and greatly improved
condition of the financial affairs of your Society ; a duty, all the more agree-
able, in that we find in these days, so rarely the opportunity of making
such announcements. The tendency is rather towards the increase of debt,
than the liquidation of it — rather to see how much we can possibly stagger
nnder, than to see how clear and free we can keep fi'om it.

Something more than "a year since, a gentleman who has been connected
with the Society, as one of its most active and most useful members, from the
first, and who has, from time to time, during its history, given evidence of his
interest in its welfare by substantial tokens of his munificence, made, with his
well-known tact and modesty, a proposition of great liberality, having for its
object an early extinguishment of the Society's debt. The proposition was
met in the same liberal spirit by a few gentlemen of the Society who appreciated
its generosity, and the terms of it were promptly acceded to. In consequence
of these acts, the debt of the Society, which one year ago, was about eight
thousand dollars, has been reduced to a sum less than four thousand. In addi.
tion to this, the rental of the stores has been doubled, taking effect on the first of
April last. The Society has been placed in a position, therefore, by which, with
the exercise of the same degree of care and prudence that has marked its past
management, it will be enabled, very soon, to extinguish its permanent debt
altogether. The effect will be to increase its means of usefuluess to a very
great degree, and if proportionate beneficial results are not hereafter perceptible,
it certainly will be no fault of those gentlemen* who have so generously con-
tributed of their means to place the Society in its present desirable position.

Of your present Exhibition, there seems but very little need for me to speak.
It is before, you and speaks for itself. In quantity and quality it exceeds any-
thing we have had since eighteen hundred and sixty-four. In the Apple
department, particularly, is this true. The number of entries is almost double
that of any year since then, and the whole appearance of the display furnishes
very gratifying evidence, that we arc about returning to a more abutidant sup-
ply of this staple and almost indispensable fruit, promising pleasure and com-
fort to tne housekeeper, while it affords very little consolation to speculators.
The Peach, also, with its delicately pencilled cheek and delicious flavor, seems
to be throwing off, in some measure, its late coyness, and to be coming to your
tables with something approaching its old profusion. In(.leed, so fine a display
has not graced your Exhibitions for many years ; and I am quite sure that
there is no fruit whose return will be welcomed with greater or more hcarUclt

1867.]

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.

'delight. Its re-appearance will serve to verifj' tlie wisdom of those who have
been accustomed to plant a few trees of this fruit every year, in the faith that
the failure in the crop was but a temporary one. And this practice of frequent
planting and its promised good results furnishes a lesson that horticulturists
will do well to heed.

Other fruits have not, perhaps, quite come up, in some respects, to the
standard of former years. Indeed, one might almost imagine a sort of con-
ventional courtesy established among the different fruits. They very rarely all
come up to the same degree of excellence, or abound in equal profusion, at one
and the same time. If the Apple promises a larger display than usual, the
Pear seems instinctively to retire, partially, for the time, and to leave the field
comparatively free, declining to offer any obstacle to the success of the Apple
by way of competition. If the Peach exhibits any signs of renewing its strength,
or of resuming its old position among its kindred fruits, others of its class
gracefully yield their claims, for the nonce, and allow her to become the centre
of attraction.

But, as a whole, the Society and its friends have reasonable cause to look
upon the present Exhibition as a success.

The few past years have been trying ones to those engaged in the culture of
fruits, whether as amateurs, or for the market. A great many obstacles have
arisen for them to encounter, and a great many foes, scarcely known before,
have intruded themselves upon the cultivator, and baffled, to a greater or less
extent, his efforts. They have come in almost every form, and under almost
every guise. If he stop the ravages of one enemy and plume himself upon his
victory, it is only oftentimes to find another of a different, and, perhaps, more
formidable character in another direction. His life thus becomes one of con-
stant vigilance and unwearied perseverance. If he would have abundant crops
he must not count upon a life of indolent ease, or an entire freedom from care.
If in the spring he finds his trees free from the canker-worm and the caterpillar,
he need not at once jump at the conclusion that his crop is secure. A great
many other contingencies may intervene to frustrate his hopes. Perhaps those
whom he has heretofore regarded as his best friends, and whom he has petted
and cherished with the most tender care, will this year declare themselves his
enemies, and plunder him of his choicest fruits.

The music and the warble of the spring birds have furnished the theme for
many a rhapsody. The lover and the poet, from time immemorial, have
gone " clean mad " over the sentiment which the feathered songsters have
given birth to; and one who manifests indifference or insensibility upon
that subject is set down as devoid of sentiment, or even the commonest traits
of human feeling and human emotion. But this, like every other malady of
the kind has, in some sort, its cure ; and like every other pleasure, our spring
music has its cost, and sometimes pretty heavy at that. Now, if any of you
doubt this, turn horticulturist, and you will soon be brought to reason. By the
time these charming thieves have robbed you for two or three years of your
entire crop of Strawberries, of Raspberries, of Peas, of early Pears and

8 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [18G8.

Peaches even, the product of your patient toil and watchful care, your sen-
timent will have received a terrible shock ; and before you are aware of it,
you will have committed it to other hands for safe-keeping. Nay, more ; your
consideration of these matters will gradually assume a practical turn, and you
will not be long in coming to the conclusion, that the aggregate wisdom of
your legislators can be more profitably employed than in enacting laws for the
protection of the feathered race.

18G7.] REPORT ON APPLES.

REPORTS.

REPORT ON APPLES.

Dr/Rufus Woodward, Chairman; John C. Ripley, J. Frank At.len,
Stephen S. Foster, Thomas R. Norcrcss, and S. A. Kxox, of Worcester ;
JosiAH L. Woodward, of Millbury.

The Committee on Apples having attended to the duty assigned them,
respectfully beg leave to report :

First, that the show in this department of the Annual Exhibition is creditable,
considering the exceeding unfavorableness of the season, and the almost utter
failure of the crop for the two or three seasons past. A wet and cold summer
has proved this year as unfavorable, as a hot and dry one formerly did for the
growth and perfection of the Apple. And, although the selected specimens
on your tables are, for the most part, fair in size, perfection and color, the
general character of the crop, is poor in size, imperfect fin form, and sadly
deficient in flavor. This, for the most part, is not, your Committee think, from
any lack of good cultivation and care, for the specimens presented by some- of
our best and most careful cultivators, average badly, and are creditable only
as showing a desire on the part of these gentlemen to help on the Exhibition,
by faithfully bringing in what they have, even if it happen to be, from a bad
season, greatly below what they desired, and what they usually are able to
furnish.

Your Committee notice with regret, that not one single new variety of acknowl-
edged excfeUeuce has been presented to their observation this year. This is
not as it should be, in a community where fruit culture takes such a high
stand. It is not to our credit, that year after year, the same old varieties are
presented upon ^our tables, and that we go out of this eternal round, only to
find that the vast hodge podge of nameless, and generally worthless varieties
only, has increased, while fruits which have received the unqualified commen-
dation of competent committees, at our best pomological conventions, are as

10 AVORCESTER COUNTY nORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1867.

yet entirely untried among us. It costs no more to raise the Decatur, the
Marigold, the Melon, the Kelsey, Dodge's Crimson, the Golden Ball and the
Progress, than it does to raise the Big Gal Sweet, or the Stone Wall Sour, or
the Mudpuddle Pippin, or a hundred other nameless varieties, or worthless
varieties with absurd names. In the good old cider days, long gone by, these
blots upon fair cultivation, were consigned unregretted and unwept to their
only appropriate place, the'' hopper ; but now, each and all are dignified with
sounding appellations, and sent, year after year, to the Exhibition, with no
other object than to swell the number of the Exhibition plates, and make a
large count in varieties. Actually, there are but few sweet Apples that are
worth cultivation at all, and when a farmer or horticulturist has four or five
of the best of these, he has all he can cultivate with credit or profit. If any
one has really a good Apple, which has not been named, let him send it to the
Society, at its prime for trial, and if it receives commendation, then let him
name it, or request the Society to do so ; and ever after hold it true to that
name. This may seem to some to be a needless trouble ; but we tell them that
the community have learned to buy Apples by name. If you do not believe it,
come in and try to sell a load of your nameless sweets or sours, beside the
Greenings, and Baldwins, and Spitzenbergs of our market ; and you will soon be
convinced of it. I venture to say, that the Apple, called by our Society, the
Worcester Spy, has by this means become so well known, that it will always
command a ready sale and a good price ; because, beyond its good looks and
fine quality, its keeping properties, its productiveness, hardiness, time of ripe-
ning, growth and general fairness, have been reported upon and made public,
and whoever buys it, knows exactly what he is buying, and fears imposition no
more than if he was buying Baldwins or Porters. If, then, any cultivator
wishes to extend the number of his varieties, let himi extend it in the right
direction, and not by a multiplication of this farrago of trash. Again, your
Committee notice, that exhibitors are prone to display, worthless or uncreditable
specimens of really good varieties. This is cot right or proper, and if advice
comes with any authority from your Committee, we advise you henceforth to
leave them out. They injure the general aspect and character of your collec-
tion ; they are a libel on your taste and judgment, and worse than both, they
throw discredit upon the Exhibition, and greatly embarrass the Committee.
All varieties cannot be equally perfect every year, and if your Baldwins which
you think should stand at the head of your list, are small, knobbed, pale and
tasteless, you had better leave them out, and make a perfect exhibition with
one or more less varieties. Committees are rarely deceived, either by worth-
less varieties, or poor specimens. Apples grow scraggy and deteriorated, as the
human race does, from wet feet, cold habitation, and scanty food. Give them
a dry, warm soil, good culture and encouragement, and they will improve, as
children will who are removed from wet, and filth, and want, to decent, sunny
apartments, warm clothing and proper food. Wet feet, particularly, both in
the tree and in the child, must be avoided, or you have no health or growth.
This means, underdrain cold and wet soils before you venture to plant them

1867.] REPORT ON APPLES.! ^ G/? > _ "V>' '

y -

to orchards, stir the soil, remove the moisture, let iiWh^fhir and tW's^^ith-'of
heaven, or you might as well plant your orchards on tQ^rai^ao£ the seafeki^, ,
and expect them to flourish and bear fruit. ^*****»«.ij '^- _^^'^

Bear also this in mind, that all varieties do not flourish equaTty'wetrtpon
the same soil ; and if, under the best care you can give them, your Russetts
are not as large and fair as your neighbors, don't fret, perhaps your Baldwins or
Tallman Sweetings are better than his. Mr. Pell, of the Belham Farm, upon
the North River, ascertained that his soil was peculiarly adapted to the growth
of the Newtown Pippin ; but did not suit some other favorite varieties ; acting
upon this knowledge, he extended the culture of this one variety, until his
annual product could be counted by thousands of barrels, and his income by
corresponding tens of thousands of dollars. In the spring of 1858, I, myself,
saw Pelham Farm Apples selling readily in Liverpool Market for fifteen dollars
a barrel.

But you may say how are all these new varieties to' be obtained. I answer,
by exchange with your friends, by purchase from good reliable nurseries ;
and hope I may add, by direct action of this Society. This Society has, o'^
should have, for its object, the general advancement of Horticulture. It should
include in its scope the general interest of all its members. It does but half
its duty, if it rests contented with a few weekly and one yearly Exhibition. It
should actively, not passively, advance Horticulture. It should collect and dis-
tribute plants, and trees, and seeds, and scions. Do you doubt that invoices
of jtrees, ordered by the Society, would sell at remunerative prices ? Look at the
piles of worthless, uni-eliable trash, which our citizens purchase every year
from irresponsible agents. Do you doubt that our members would set scions
of new varieties, or find room to try new seeds or plants ? The eagerness with
which they buy everything that is offered, answer the doubt. No, the com-
munity, and our members especially, are ready to take hold, whenever the
Society shall see fit to give them anything to take hold of. I rejoice in this
opportunity to give the Society a ^lykick. It has gone to sleep in its own Horti-
cultural Hall ; it needs to be aroused and set agoing again. We want lectures,
we want public talks ; we want trees, and plants, and scions, and seeds, and
books, and papers ; and more than all, we want life and energy.

The Committee would also call the attention of exhibitors to the necessity of
complying with the Regulations more closely, in regard to the number of speci-
mens of each variety presented. Twelve is the number for the larger premi-
ums, and eight for the smaller. The Committee think it a pity that some
really fine collections on the tables, should be debarred from competition, by
this small neglect. When a premium is ofl'ered for twelve specimens, it cannot
be given to eight ; and when for eight, it cannot be for six, and of this the mem-
bers should be fully aware before they place their specimens in the Hall.

Many exhibitors are, no doubt, disappointed that the Committee are not able
to name valuable specimens presented to them for a name. Many of these are
seedlings, and can be named just as well by the cultivator as by the Committee ;
others are from scions sent by friends from abroad, and though the variety may

12 WORCESTER COUNTr HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1868.

have a local name whence it came, it becomes lost or is inappropriate here.
Others having a good name at home, have it so corrupted by the time it reaches
us, that its indentity is lost; as, for instance, the Cayuga Red Streak, of
Western New York, is here called the Lima; in other places the Twenty-
ounce Ajiplc, or the Twenty-ounce Pippin. The Committee of the Society are
generally familiar with the names of the common varieties, and of the new
varieties that have received public notice and commendation ; but no Commit-
tee can be familiar with local or arbitrary names. It is the duty of the exhib-
itor to help the Committee, as far as possible, by ascertaining from friends the
names of varieties sent from abroad, and by adhering to the true name, if any
has been given.

The Committee award the premiums placed at their disposal as follows : —

Apples. — For the best collection of not less than six specimens of each

variety, S. S. Foster, of Worcester, $10 00

For the second best, Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, 8 00

For the third bes:., W. W. Keyes, West Boylston, G 00

For the best twenty varieties of twelve specimens each, Isaac IMills,

Worcester, 8 00

For the second best, Adams Foster, Holden, (! 00

For the best twelve varieties of twelve specimens each, E. M. Ban-
ning, Worcester, C> 00

For the second best, Alden H. Sears, Worcester, 4 00

For the best six varieties of twelve specimens each, C. L. Hartshorn,

Worcester, 4 00

For the second best, Mrs. Geo. A. Chamberlain, Worcester, 2 00

For the best eight Gravenstein Apples, Addison Lovell, West Boyl-
ston, •! 00

For the best eight Porter, D. B. Comins, AVorcester, 1 00

For the best eight Hubbardston Nonsuch, Jos. Boyden, Worcester,... 1 00

For the best eight Northern Spy, E. F. Champney, Gi-afton, 1 00

For the best eight Baldwin, D. B. Comins, Worcester, 1 00

And ten dollars are placed at the disposal of the Committee on Apples,
to be awarded at their discretion.

GRATUITIES.

Joel Knapp, Sutton, Collection, Gratuity, $1 OC

Harvey Dodge, Sutton, Collection, Gratuity, 1 00

Henry Marble, Millbury, Collection, Gratuity, 1 00

Mrs. Chas. Johnson, Northboro', Porter, Gratuity, 1 00

Cyrus White, Millbury, Collection, Gratuity, 1 00

James Draper, Worcester, Collection, Gratuity 1 00

J, C. Lovell, West Boylston, Collection, Gratuity, 2 00

RUFUS WOODWARD,

C'hainiMii, fur the Committee.

18G7.] REPORT ON FLOWERS. .13

REPORT ON FLOWERS.

Dr. George E. Francis, Chairman; John Milton Earle, Patrick
Martin, Mrs. Calvin Taft, Mrs. Daniel Tainter, Mrs. Charles L.
Pierce, Mrs. John D. Warren, of Worcester; and Mrs. Jonas Brown,
of Wilkinsonville.

The Committee on Plants and Flowers have awarded Prizes as follows : —

Plants, Flowers, &c. — For the best twenty variegated leaved Plants,

to William T. Merrifield, of Worcester, $15 00

For largest and best collection of greenhouse and stove plants, to

William T. Merrifield, of Worcester, 10 00

For the second best, to Stephen Salisbury, of Worcester, 6 00

Designs. — For the best Floral design, (no award)

For the second best, to Mrs. Daniel Tainter, of Worcester, 2 00

Cut Flowers. — For the largest and best collection, to Mrs. Daniel

Tainter, of Worcester, 6 00

For the second best, to Stephen Salisbury, of Worcester, 4 00

For the third best, to William T. Merrifield, of Worcester, 2 00

For the best Stand, to Mrs. Alfred D. Foster, of Worcester, 2 00

For the second best, to Mrs. William Sherman, of Worcester, 1 00

For the best arranged basket or dish, to Miss Frances M. Lincoln, of

Worcester, 2 00

For the second best, to Mrs. Daniel Tainter, of Worcester, 1 00

Bouquets. — For the best pair, to Mrs. Alfred D. Foster, of Worcester 2 00
For the second best, to Mrs. William Y. Holman, of Worcester,. ... 1 00

Roses. — For the best display, (no award)

For the second best, (no award)

Gladiolus. — For the best display, (no aWard)

For the second best, (no award)

Asters. — For the best display, to Mrs. George H. Estabrook, of Wor-
cester, 2 00

Dahlias. — For the best display, to Stephen Salisbury, of Worcester,.. 2 00

Verbenas. — For the best display, (no award)

3

14 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1SG7.

They also recommend the following gratuities : —

Mrs. H. D. Tainter, Display, $2 00

Mrs. Jonas Brown, Wilkinsonville, Dahlias, 1 50

Miss R. N. Kinnicutt, Baskets of Wild Flowers and Berries, 1 00

Miss Alice Davis, Basket, 1 00

Mrs. L. F. Barnes, Bouquet, 1 00

Mrs. Sandford Mowry, Display, 1 00

Mrs. Wm. Sherman, Display, 1 00

Mrs. xV. D. Foster, Japan Lilies, 1 00

Jos. Lovell, Asters, 1 00

Mrs. Canfield, Bouquet, 1 00

Mrs. Wm. Y. Holman, Bouquet and Petunias, 1 00

Mrs. E. F. Parker, Preserved Natural Flowers, 1 00

Mrs. Hartley Williams, Bouquet, I 00

Mrs. Warren Williams, Bouquet 1 00

Mrs. G. H. Estabrook, Zinnias, 0 50

Miss F. A. Richardson, Pansies and Phloxes, 0 50

J. L. Tarbox, Wax Flowers, 0 50

The members of this Committee found confronting them, a task of unusual
mao-nitude and difficulty. The Contributions of Flowers were numerous and
excellent, while the display of Ornamental Plants was really superb. A liberal
assio-nment of space had been given to this department, by the energetic
Committee of Arrangements, who provided a special platform for plants in the
centre of the whole length of the Hall. This arrangement amply satisfied the
wants of the Exhibitors of large and choice plants ; since abundance of space
was afforded ; each plant could be seen on all sides ; while a special^romin-
ence was given by its location to what was felt by all to be one of the most
attractive features of the Exhibition.

It will be noticed that the most liberal Premium was offered for " the
best twenty variegated leaved plants." Very few Florists in this vicinity have
hot houses of sufficient size to produce any where near twenty first rate speci-
mens of this class. But in any of the smaller greenhouses, care and zeal may
bring to very high perfection one or two plants of the choicest species ; and
the Committee would recommend that besides, or instead of, the large prem.
iums for great collections, two or three prizes worth competing for, be offered
for "single specimen plants."

The Committee desire that honorable mention be made of the following
Contributions : —

From Mrs. R. W. Taylor, Grafton,' Sweet Peas ; Miss Mary R. Phelps, Dish
and Basket of Flowers ; Mrs. Paine, Wax Fruit and Flowers ; Miss Olive S.
Mowry, Shrewsbury, Petunias ; Mrs. Wm. S. Hall, Northbridge, Dahlias ; Mrs.
F. A. Collier, Dahlias ; Mrs. . C. L. Pierce, Cut Flowers ; F. W. Paine, Cut
Flowers ; Mrs. A. D. Foster, Bouquet and Dishes of Flowers.

G. E. FRANCIS, Chairman.

1867.] KEPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, <tc. 15

REPORT ON GRAPES, PEACHES, QUINCES, &c.

Edwin Conant, Chairman; B. Butmax, D. Waldo Lixcolx, Francis H.
Dewey, Horatio Phelps, Charles Richardson, of Worcester; and Paul
Whitin, of Whitinsville.

The Committee on Peaches, Grapes and other Small Fruits, submit the
following report : —

A superb display of Peaches that -v^ould have done credit to the Society in
former years, when this delicious Fruit constituted the most common, as well
as the most valuable of all the products of our gardens, was a marked feature
in this year's Exhibition ; and we may hope was an earnest of the " good
time coming," when it can again be cultivated with profit and success. The
old stock of diseased trees has fortunately died out. . A different cultivation
and a rotation of crops for a series of years have now prepared the ground for
the new trees. No cultivator of experience can have failed to observe that, a
young Pear or Apple tree cannot be made to thrive in the spot from which
another tree of the same kind had been removed, without thoroughly changing
the soil. For years the Peach was the most common fruit of our gardens,
exhausting all the constituents of the soil which were essential to its growth
and development. By the lapse of time and a change of cultivation, these
constituents should now be restored, and it is not unreasonable to expect that
the Peach can be, now again, for a series of years, cultivated with success in
Massachusetts.

The specimens exhibited by Mr. Allen, of Shrewsbury ; by Col. Phillips and
Mr. Foster, of Worcester, and by other exhibitors were of unusual beauty and
excellence.

For the best collection, of six varieties, of not less than ten specimens each,
the premium of six dollars was awarded to Asa H. Allen, of Shrewsbury.

For the best two varieties, of twelve specimen each, the first premium of
three dollars was awarded to Col. Ivers Phillips, of Worcester.

For the second best, the second premium of two dollars, to Gideon Harris.

For the third best, the third premium of one dollar, to Stephen S. Foster,
both of Worcester.

For the best variety, of twelve specimens, the first premium, two dollars, to
John Claflin, of Worcester.

For the second best, the second premium, to Samuel Smith, of Worcester.

The Committee recommend the payment of a gratuity of one dollar each to
William S. Lincoln, of Worcester ; Newell Wood, of Milbury ; S. H. Coltou
and Sylvanus Sears, of Worcester, for their collections of Peaches ; to .Tohn B.
Pratt, of Worcester, for his fine plate of Crawford's Late, and to Francis
McCracken, of Millbury, for his handsome Cooledge's Favorite peaches.

16 ^VORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL ^SOCIETY. [1867.

The Exhibition of Grapes was not equal to that of many former years.
Owing to an unpropitious season, not a single specimen of thoroughl)- ripened
out-door Grapes was exhibited. With a soil and a location which combine to
make vegetation in the City of Worcester and its neighborhood, from a week to
ten days later in the spring, than it is fifty miles East, West or South of us ;
and with frosts as much earlier in the fall, we need varieties of Grapes still
earlier in their time of ripening than any we yet possess. With the exception
of the Hartford Prolific and Delaware varieties, both of which failed this year,
it is rare to see, at our Exhibitions, on the third week of September, thoroughly
ripened specimens of any good out-door Grapes.

Only two collections of Grapes grown under glass were offered.

For these, the first premium of six dollars, was given to P. L. Moen, of
Worcester; and the second, of four dollars, to Wm. T. Merrifield, of Worces-
ter. The premium of two dollars for the best two clusters of Black Ham-
burgs was awarded to Stephen Salisbury, of Worcester.

For out door grapes, no premiums were awarded, the rules of the Society
properly requiring that they should be ripe, but inasmuch as the contributors
could not control the seasons, the Committee recommend the payment of a
gratuity of one dollar each to Mrs. Charles Johnson, of Northboro, and Horatio
Phelps of Worcester, for their well grown specimens of Hartford Prolific grapes;
to S. H. Burbank, of Worcester, for his Delawares ; to Horatio Phelps, of Wor-
cester, for his Concords ; and to S. V. Stone, and Ivers Phillips, for their collec-
tions of native grapes.

For the best dish of twelve specimens of Plums ; a premium of two dollars,
was awarded to Stephen S. Foster of Worcester.

For the largest and best collection of Quinces, the first Premium of three
dollars, was given to Mrs. George A. Chamberlain.

For the second best collection, a premium of one dollar to E. F. Champney,
of Grafton.

For the Committee,

D. WALDO LINCOLN.

Note. — In consequence of tlie regretted absence of Mr. Conant, enforced by illness,
Ms place as Chairman, was filled by D. Waldo Lincoln, Esq., by whom the above
report was prepared. [e. w. l.]

REPORT ON PEARS.
Hartley Williams, Chairman; John Miltox Earle, Henry Phelps,
John C. Newton, Emory Banister, David S. Messinger, of Worcester;
and J. H. Moore, of Charlton.

The Committee on Pears having considered tlie matter specially assigned to
them, beg leave to submit the following Report : —

1867.] REPORT ON PEARS. 17

Before proceeding to the more important duty committed to tbeir charge, that
of awarding premiums, your Committee take occasion to congratulate the So-
ciety upon the undiminished interest manifested by those engaged in the cul-
ture of Pears, in its annual exhibitions.

When we take into consideration the very un propitious weather for fruit
growing for which the past season has been so remarkable, and the fears which
at one time were entertained by many, that the pear crop would prove a failure,
it is with peculiar satisfaction that your Committee are able formally to declare
what must have already come under the observation of those who have inspected
the tables ; that in variety, extent and excellence of fruit, the display of pears
this year would compare favorably with the exhibitions of former years.

The whole number of contributors is sixty three, and the number of speci-
mens six hundred and fourteen. This is an increase over last year, of eleven
in the number of coutributors,'aud of one hundred and sixty-nine in the num-
ber of specimens.

In the opinion of your Committee, the increased interest in the exhibition of
the present year, indicated by the above comparison is largely due to the influ-
ence of the weekly meetings of the members, keeping alive that spirit of emula-
tion, local pride, and public enterprise, so essential to the permanent success of
the important work in which your^society is engaged.

The untiring efforts and self-sacrificing labors of your faithful Secretary, have
done much to encourage and sustain these meetings.

It would be but a repetition of what has often been urged upon your attention
if we should in this connection speak of the great importance and value of the
pear culture. That it is a source of luxury ; none will deny, that it is also a
source of pecuniary profit, when pursued with care and skill, is also susceptible
of the clearest demonstration.

It is to be hoped that all the Members of the Society will be stimulated by
the example of their associates, whose contributions to this department have
done so much to give character and interest to the present fair, and that the
return of another Anniversary will show a large increase in the number of Con-
tributors to this important feature of our Horticultural Exhibition.

Your Committee recommend the award of the following premiums :

For the largest and best collection, of not less than three specimens

of each variety, the first premium to D.Waldo Lincoln, SlO 00

For the best twenty varieties of twelve specimens each, to Benjamin

Butman, 10 00

For the second best, to Stephen S. Foster, 9 00

For the best fifteen varieties of twelve specimens each, to J. C.

Ripley, 8 00

For the second best, to Samuel V.Stone, 6 00

For the best ten varieties of twelve specimens each, to CTCorge T.

Rice, 6 00

For the second best, to Geo. Jaques, 4 00

18 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY- [1867.

For the best five varieties of twelve specimens each, to Jos.E. Phelps, 4 00

For the second best, to Win. N. Green, | ! 2 00

For the best twenty-four Sockel Pears on one dish, to Adams Foster, 1 00

For the best twelve Bartlelt, to William Y. Holman, 1 00

" " '< " Duch d'Angouleme, to William Howe 1 00

<* " " <■' Louise Bonne de Jersey, to James Draper 1 00

" '' " " Lawrence, to George F. Hoar, 1 00

" " " " Beurre Bosc, to David S. Messinger, 100

" " " " Flemish Beauty, to Asa H. Allen, 1 00

" " " " Beurre d' Anjou, to Loring Goes, 1 00

» <' " " Winter Nelis, to Edward W. Lincoln, 100

There were no specimens of ^the 5/te?c?on pear, which],the Committee con-
sidered worthy of a premium.

The Committee also recommend the award of the following gratuities : —

To Samuel H. Colton, for his collection of thirty-five varieties, $2 00

To Hartley Williams, for his collection of sixteen varieties, 2 00

To J. C. Loveil, for his collection of twenty -seven varieties, 1 00

To James F. Allen, for his collection of ten varieties, 1 00

To Mrs. Edwin Draper, for her collection of five varieties, 1 00

To N. K. Richardson, for his collection of twenty varieties, 1 00

To Edward L. Brigham, for one plate of Doyenne du Comice 1 00

Several of the collections above named embraced specimens of rare excel:
lence, and in some instances the difference in merit between them, and those
for which premiums were awarded, was°so slight as to render the task of your
Committee a very delicate and difficult one.

The single plate of Doyenne du Comice, exhibited by Edward L. Brigham,
were remarkable for their size, beauty and perfection. This pear has fully met
the anticipations of its friends, and has already taken rank amongst our very
best varieties.

The fruit is of excellent quality : the tree is hardy and vigorous, and
produces a regular and abundant crop. The senior member of your Com-
mittee, who was one of the first officers of this Society, and whose active partic-
ipation in its doings since that time, enables him to " speak from the record,"
remarked, when examining this specimen, that it was the finest of its variety
ever exhibited before this society.

There were many other collections on exhibition, which were entitled to high
commendation, and but for the rules of the Society, and the limited means at
your Committee's disposal, would have received a more substantial token of
approbation than a mere complimentary notice.

It is to be hoped that the couiributons of these collections, will not be dis-
heartened by their failure to win in the competition for a premium on this
occasion, for their efforts if continued, cannot fail of ultimate success.

Respectfully Submitted,

HARTLEY WJLLLUIS, Chairman.

1867.] REPORT ON VEGETABLES- 19

REPORT ON VEGETABLES.

Stephen Salisbury, Chairman; Charles Belcher, Marshall Flagg,
James Green, George Barber, Cyrus K. Hubbard, of Worcester; and
Newell Wood, of MiUburi/.

The labors of the Committee were more easily discharged this year, than was
anticipated from the large collections, and still larger number of contributors of
past years. The small number of entries is no doubt owing to the fact that the
season has been unfavorable to the growth and perfection of specimens, and
for that reason, more credit is due to those who presented such worthy represen-
tatives to our exhibition. While enough is as good' as a feast, we barely
escaped no feast in this department this year. The number of entries was
two hundred and fifty-five, made by eighteen contributors; while the eutries of
last year were two hundred and ninety -six, from forty-one contributors. Five
members of the Committee made examination and awarded the following pre-
miums and gratuities :

For the largest and best collection of seventy-five varieties to Alden

H. Sears, $10 00

For the second best sixty-three'varieties, to Sylvanus Sears, 8 00

For the third best, to Geo. A. Adams, 4 00

For the best three pure Canada Crook-neck squashes, to Elisha Kelly, 1 00

For the best three Marrow squashes, to Alden H. Sears, 1 00

For the best three Yokohama squashes, to Edward W. Lincoln, 1 00

For the best three Cabbages, to Charles Nash, 1 00

For the best three Cauliflowers, to Stephen Salisbury, 2 00

For the best twelve ears of Sweet Corn, to Charles Richardson, 1 00

For the best twelve Tomatoes, to Stephen Salisbury, 1 00

The Committee would award $2 00 to William Coe, and $1 00 to 0. S.
Mowry, of Shrewsbury as gratuities for their collections, also to Stephen Salis.
bury fifty cents for a plate of early Tomatoes. To Geo. A. Adams Si 00 for
his Turban Squashes, which did not receive a premium from doubts as to their
purity ; and to Perry Thayer, $1 00 for his Marrow Squashes, which failed of a
premium for the same reason.

Mr. John B. Pratt contributed a plate of very superior Tilden Tomatoes.
Mrs. S. Parsons, a Turban Squash of 1866 ; Mr. James Draper, a plate of fine
Tomatoes; Mr. Wm. Y. Holman, Squashes; Frank Adams, five years of
age, Ornamental Gourds ; Mrs. Warren Williams, a fine Marrow Squash of
1866 ; Mr. Charles Nash, a fine specimen of Scotch Kale. The Committee
noticed two fine Water Melons as worthy of commendation.

For the Committee,

STEPHEN SALISBURY, Jr.

20

WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

[1867

ANNUAL REPORT

OF

EDWARD W. LINCOLN, Secretary and Librarian.

To the Members of the Worcester County Horticultural Society :

The number of contributors and of the entries made by them at the Annual
Autumnal Exhibition in 1837, is herewith submitted for information and
record, in connection with a similar comparative statement for the two years
preceding: —

18G7.

H

18G6.

O

W

18G5.

O

W

Apples,

Pears,

Grapes, Peaches, &:c.
Flowers, Plants, &c..
Vegetables,

51
65
50
32

18

21 6 2511

568
621
138
929
255

27
52
34
32
41

186

262
445
92
214
296

1309

30

71
50
18
38

207

205
660
181
476
492

2014

The gross receipts at the Annual Autumnal Exhibition, were in

Admission.

Sales of Fruit.

Memberships.

1867.

$451 23

$36 15

$98 00

1866.

290 40

23 85

90 00

The official year that has just elapsed was one of unexampled prosperity.
Whether we take into consideration the accession of Members, the constant
use of the Library, or the popularity of our Exhibitions, as manifested by the
patronage bestowed upon them ; there can be no question that, in each and all of
those departments which come within the province of the Society, the success of
its operations is unprecedented in its history. Details that properly constitute
no part of this Report are necessarily embraced within its scope upon the pre-
sent occasion. In the unforeseen and pi'olonged absence of the President, a
portion of his duties have devolved upon others. Not the least important or
interesting of these will be that of explaining the actual financial position of
the Spciety ; a labor all the more cheerfully assumed, in that, the burthen
which has heretofore oppressed the Corporation has been so sensibly alleviated.

1867.] SECRETARY'S REPORT. 21

'No startling discoveries have been made during the past year, within the
wide domains of that Science to which the Society is devoted. Yet investiga-
tion has been steadily prosecuted, and new and clearer light thrown upon many
problems that have hitlierto perplexed the pomologist. There can scarcely be
a member of this Society, for instance, who has not had his hopes highly ex-
cited by the exceeding profusion of bloom upon his trees in the early Spring.
To a most remarkable extent was this the case, the present year. Yet how
keen the disappointment to find so few of those blossoms fecundated 1 How
much inferior the actual fruition to the original promise I An examina-
tion of some of these flowers, of the Duchesse more particularly, under the
microscope, by Mr. Thomas P. James, Botanist of the Pennsylvania Horticul-
tural Society, disclosed the fact that " they were very weak in their organiza-
tion ; although apparently perfectly hermaphrodite ; that the stamens were
evidently feeble, the pollen limited in quantity, and the entire flowers in a low
state of vitality." Professor Horatio C. Wood, Lecturer on Botany in the
University of Pennsylvania, after a similar examination, concluded that the
" female organs are defectively organized, and that the pollen grains are not
well developed." He deems it " highly probable that the appreciable want of
strength is associated with a similar, but less apparent, degradation as regards
quality ; and that there is a consequent want of power in the germinal matter,
both of the pollen and ovary, which is the real cause of the sterility." He
then inquires if it " is not probable that the source of the trouble is to be
found in the excessive production of blossoms? Of all the various life-func-
tious of the plant, the process of seed-producing is, par excellence, the exhaus-
tive one. It is well known how it often cripples or even kills a previously vig-
orous tree. Further, the period in the reproductive process, the worst for the
plant, in which it eats up its life-capital fastest, is that in which the blossoms
are perfected, the pollen shed and the ovule impregnated." And sums up with
the conclusion that " if, as seems most probable, weakness of the sexual organs
is the cause of sterility, and this weakness is dependent upon excessive blossom-
ing, the remedy would appear to be found in some check to that excess." Of
the best practical method of applying such check, he adds that it is not within
his province, neither is he competent to judge. But it may be pertinent to
mention here, that Dr. E. S. Hull, of Alton, one of the most skilful pomolo-
gists of Illinois, finds it for his interest to thin out the clusters of buds, after
formation ; without sufferin? them to continue the process of exhaustion.
And this minute and apparently toilsome task he performs, not for amusement,
nor to a small extent, but to his great profit, and upon hundreds of trees. Imi-
tators of his industrious example would doubtless derive equal advantage from
the practice.

The Pear-Blight is, perhaps, the most grievous curse inflicted upon the pomo-
logist. No satisfactory explanation ever accounted for it : no remedy for it waa
ever discovered. Under these circumstances, the theory of Mr. Berkmans, ap-
proved, as he asserts, by the assured test of success, and certainly supported by

4

22 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1867.

the weight of his great uanie, may merit your notice. He states that the micro-
scope reveals the fact that the " cellular tissue of plants is composed of utri-
cules, of different forms, but attached to each other and continuous, having com-
munication with each other by invisible pores, and filled with a liquid com-
monly called sap.''^ This sap mjxy flow too freely, thus over-feeding ; or, if the
reverse is the case, starvation -ensues. In the event of a too free flow of the
vegetable blood, i. e. sap, the utricules are filled with a greater supply than
they can contain. This produces rupture and inward extravasation, and is a
hoemorhage which at once brings death to the plant, or part of the plant where
the accident happens. He adds : " Blight, as already remarked, cannot be
cured ; but it may be modified, or its further progress arrested. If we ex-
amine closely the affected trees, we (will !) find that many of their branches
are of a uniform thickness for a considerable length, and often thicker at the
upper end than at the base. This is owing to what, in gardener's language, is
known as hark-hound, and those are the places where Blight will, in most
cases, appear. The cellular tissue in those places is compressed and inade-
quate to contain and transmit the sap necessary to the normal functions of the
tree. Now, to prevent Blight in those places, give a longitudinal cut, so as to
divide the bark of the limb of the tree ; this at once remedies the evil, the
utricules are relieved of compression, and can perform their functions at ease."
Mr. Berkmans adds that he first published this theory in 18G0, and that his
practice subseqently, by its results, has convinced him of its correctness. It
only remains here, to be enforced upon your notice that he recommends Inci-
sion, as a method oi prevention, and not of cure. His exalted reputation as a
Pomologist should command attention for even his least suggestion ; while the
fatal nature of the disease, against which he would thus provide, exacts that
no mode should be neglected that holds out the slightest promise of staying
its ravi

The influences that affect the vitality or fecundity of trees are, as throughout
the natural world, diversified and numerous. The tree, or shrub, which en-
dures without protection, or even shelter, the most vigorous winter in one
section of the Republic, suffers serious injury, if it is not utterly destroyed, in
a lower latitude ; and, as it would appear, a milder climate. The Cydonia
Japonica, that irradiates our gardens with its crimson splendor before the later
snows have melted, is scarcely half-hardy throughout Central and Western New
York. In a hedge of it, grown by your Secretary, the first of the kind in
Worcester, and even yet the sole perfect specimen ; which is forty feet in
length, and at least fifteen years of age, no trace of damage from frost was
ever detected ; although, once at least, within that period, the mercury indi-
cated the almost Arctic temperature of twenty-eight degrees below zero. The
conditions of culture are so various, in different localities, that no arbitrary
rule can be framed or applied. Yet the difficulty of establishing some fixed
law does not absolve us from the obligation of attempting as close an approxi-
mation to one as possible. To that end the experience of all should be con-

18G7,] SECRETARY'S REPORT. 23

suited. Pomologists everywhere should disclose the results of their observa-
tion, that the wisdom may be gained which is promised from a multitude of
counsellors. As a partial contribution to this object, your Secretary prepared
a series of tables, which are now submitted for your examination, illustrative
of the extent to which the " Select List " of Pears recommended by the So-
ciety has been exemplified by our most skilful cultivators, and inferentially the
success with which they are grown. These tables comprise a period of four
years, including every variety of temperature and of one season of inordinate
and excessive moisture, so, also, another if extreme and parching drought.

The Society must deduce its own conclusions from these indisputable facts,
which assuredly speak louder than all the words that were uttered in the dis-
cussions of past winters.

Of what value is laudation of the Fulton and Henry Fourth if the practice
of members so emphatically contradicts it ? The Glout Morceau with diffi-
culty holds its own. Take even the Sheldon, with its high repute, and note
that it would have scarcely appeared upon your tables, for the last two years,
had it not been entered ignominiously, as a unit, in a collection of sixty-five
varieties.

24

WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL REPORT.

[1867.

A. D., 1864.

Autumn.

Belle Lucrative

Paradise d'Autorane

Flemish Beauty

Seckel

Louise Bonne de Jersey.

Marie Louise

Fulton

Henry IV

Sheldon

Winter.

1st.

20.

Beurre Bosc

Urbaniste

Beurre d' Anjou

Duchesse d'Angouleme

Winter Nelis

Glout Morceau

2d.
20.

1st. I 2d.
15. 15.

1st.
10.

2d.
10.

1st.
5.

2d.

Total

A. D., 1865.

Autumn.

Belle Lucrative

Paradise d'Automne

Flemish Beauty

Seckel

Louise Bonne

Marie Louise

Fulton ■

Henry IV

Sheldon

Winter.

Beurre Bosc

Urbaniste

Beurre d' Anjou ,,

Duchesse d'Angouleine...,

Winter Nelis

Glout Morceau

ist.

2d.

J St.

2d.

1st.

2d.

1st.

2d.

20.

20.
1

1.3.

1

1

13.

1

1

1

10.

10.

5.
1

5.

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

I

1

1

1867]

SECRETARY'S REPORT-

25

A. D. , 1866.

Autumn.

Belle Lucrative

Paradise d'Automue

Flemish Beauty

Seckel

Louise Bonne de Jersey.

Marie Louise

Fulton

Henry IV

Sheldon

Winter.

Beurre Bose

Urbaniste

Beurre d'Anjou

Duchesse d'Angouleme..

Winter Nelis

Glout Morceau

Best

1st.

2d.

1st.

2d.

1st.

2d.

lat.

2d.

Coll.

20.

20.

15.

15.

10.

10.

5.

5.

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1
1
1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1
1

1
1

1

1

1

1
1

Total.

A. D., 1867.

Autumn.

Belle Lucrative

Paradise d'Automne

Flemish Beauty

Seckel

Louise Bonne

Marie Louise

Fulton

Henry IV^

Sheldon

Winter.

Beurre Bose

Urbaniste

Beurre d'Anjou

Duchesse d'Angouleme...

Winter Nelis

Glout Morceau

Best 1st.
Coll. 20.

T~
1
1

2(1.
20.

1st.
15.

2d.
15.

1st.
10.

Total.

26 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1867.

Many persons who were formerly in the habit of using a solution of Gum
Shellac, as an application to the wounds upon their trees, occasioned by prun-
ing, have been deterred, of late years, by the unconscionable price of that
article. It will be grateful intelligence to all who dislike leads and paints, to
learn that Gas Tar is a convenient and unsurpassed styptic for such wounds.
Composed essentially of Carbon, it contains no element that is noxious, while
its instant and perfect adhesion renders it infinitely superior to Grafting- Wax,
or Shellac. Trees of the Cherry and Pear can be shown, which, after an expo-
sure of three years, display as healthy cicatrices as the most fastidious and
exacting horticultural surgeon could desire.

The Bottles and Stands for Cut Flowers have been more than doubled in
number during the past year. This increase, absolutely unavoidable as it was,
iuvolved considerable expense, which was much diminished by the courteous
generosity of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in the loan of their
moulds or patterns. Mr. John C. Newton, the efficient Chairman of the Com-
mittee of Arrangements, was indefiitigable in this matter, and the gratitude of
the Society is justly his due. Even with these augmented facilities, so great
was the contributions of Flowers at the Annual Autumnal Exhibition, that
there were but few Stands unused. Without the additional supply members
would have felt that their interests had not been properly cared for, and that
by an unwise and untimely parsimony, the Sociciety bad purchased its own
disgrace.

A quantity of Vegetable Seeds was received in Spring from Hon. John D.
Baldwin ; which, when sub-divided, were distributed among the members at the
weekly meetings. Subsequently, the Department of Agriculture forwarded
some packages of Flower-seeds. The latter were assigned to different persons,
chiefly ladies, upon their promises, express or implied to report upon their
value and vitality. In the non-fulfilment of those promises, will be found an
explanation of the inability to decide whether " any good thing " had, at last,
" come out"' of Washington.

A PEST.

The accounts from the Western States of the destruction caused by the
Dorypliora decemlinmta, or Ten-Lined Spearman, to the existence of which
Insect your attention was invited in the Report for 1866, are well calculated
to awaken increased alarm among cultivators of the potato. It is astonishing,
and would be disgraceful, were we authorized from their past history to
expect anything better, that our State Societies and Boards of Agricul-
ture should await, with such stolid indifference, the steady approach of
this pest. Its origin and history are alike obscure. It is reported to have
had its origin in the vicinity of the Pi,ocky Mountains, to which lovely region we
are said to be indebted for the Currant- Worm. Like that interesting creature,
and the Cotton, or Army Worm, it appears from the most precise accounts, to
propagate without ceasing. A new brood is ready to succeed the old one when

1867.] SECKETARY'S REPORT. 27

that has " fed fat its ancient grudge." Surely those vvitliin whose especial prov-
ince it lies would be well employed in devising means to stay the invasion of
this fearful scourge !

The great improvement in quality of the Squash, daring our seasons of
excessive humidity, over its condition in similar periods of drought, is worthy
of attention. Why should this most excellent vegetable be dryer and of higher
flavor, when grown in long continued rains, than under the influence of warm
and uninterrupted sunshine ? For that such is the fact, the experience of
many cultivators, in different localities, concurs to determine.

RESTORE THE FORESTS.

A proposition was introduced into the Senate of the United States, at its
last session, by Senator Cole of California, to grant a certain amount of public
lands to the States, the proceeds of sales of which should be employed for the
encouragement of the growth of Forest Trees. It is respectfully submitted
for your consideration, whether it may not be advisable to authorize the Officers
of this Society to memorialize Congress in aid of the measure. The evil which
Senator Cole desires to check and remedy is of alarming proportions. Our
climate is deteriorating, while our resources diminish and our very means of or-
dinary livelihood are sensibly affected for the worse by the reckless and improvi-
dent de-foresting of the State. Many a hillside has been laid bare that once
sheltered the valley smiling at its feet. The uses of large bodies of woods,
in tempering too fierce a blast ; or in retaining upon a level vast masses of
snow, keeping them alike from impassible drifts or from too sudden liquefaction,
cannot be too highly appreciated. Thousands of acres are now lying worse
than useless, not worth the taxes for which they are annually assessed, that
might and ought to be made a source of advantage to the community and profit
to the owner. If they can only be planted under the stimulus of a bounty, who
shall say that such bounty was not well bestowed ? Restore our Forests and
with them will come back a more equable temperature, fewer extremes of
drought and flood, and a reasonable prospect of a reward for his industry to
him who sets out and tends the Peach-tree and the Vine.

28

WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

[1867.

THE WEEKLY EXHIBITIONS.

The Weekly Exhibitions that were originated at the same time with the re-
moval of the Library, have been continued throughout the past year. For six
years, in succession, have these displays been held, without a single omission
on account of inadvertence or sickness. That they have been productive of
benefit to the Society, must be obvious to the most superficial observer. That
great good has resulted to the community is evident from personal observation,
as well . as from the admissions of those who have been induced to become
members. The usual comparative statement of the entries, or number of
articles, of each variety exhibited during the past official year, exclusive of
the Annual Autumnal Exhibition, is herewith submitted : —

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT.

Auno Domini.

1

Raspberries,
Cherries,
Currants,
Gooseberries,
Grapes, <fcc.,

p-

<

Oh

CO ..

^ rn

i

bo

bO
bo

<

18()2

29
44
36
48
23
43

98
. 83

79
104
151
112

160

366

140

41

38

51

512
374
184
161
292
264

632

616

1008

1643

811

1716

1431

1863

1483

1864

1865

1447
1997

1866

1315

1867

2186

It will be noticed that the total number of entries in 1867, exceeds those of
the year previous considerably more than the entries of that year fell short of
those in 1865. Weather prophets, or the men who " told you so," may compare
analogies, or reason from effect to cause as, by a system of logic somewhat
peculiar to our good old Commonwealth, is so often done. But accurate ob-
servers, those who keep watch of the Thermometer and are not oblivious that
the Rain-fall can be measured, know well that in sudden and extraordinary
changes of temperature, in lavish moisture or parching drought, are to be
found the inexplicable but adverse conditions that regulate if they do not
govern all pomological development.

The Annual Exhibition of Roses was held under some disadvantages. The
continual rains, which were so favorable to the cultivation of the smaller Fruits,
were less genial in their influence upon the development of the Queen of
Flowers. Nevertheless, there are some whom storms cannot daunt and who
regard in that, which to others would present an insuperable obstacle, only an

1867.] SECRETARY'S REPORT. 29

additional and even trivial impediment. The ladies who have so often res-
cued this department of the operations of the Society from disgrace, wearied
not in their well doing upon this occasion ; and indeed, so brilliant was the
display that, by common suggestion and unanimous consent, it was pro-
longed throughout the evening of the same, and the whole of the ensuing day.
It is however, due to truth to state, that the appreciation by the public of this
unprecedented Exhibition, was not such as to encourage its frequent repetition.
"Whether this indifference was occasioned by the manifold invisible and impal-
pable attractions of the Federal Holiday, scarcely recognized officially and not
at all publicly celebrated ; or by the strong repulsion of the exorbitant dues
exacted to defray the expenses ; it would be alike difficult and unprofitable to
determine.

The show of Strawberries was unusually extensive, as well as of superior
quality. Probably there has been no season, for a long period of years, in
which this most delicious fruit has had a fairer opportunity to show of what de-
velopement it is capable. The deep, yet light, snows of winter protected the beds
with a covering for which the art of man can devise no substitute. With the
advent of Spring came timely rains to settle the plants disturbed by alternate
frost and thaw. From the date ot blooming, until that of fruition, there was
no period in which the Strawberry lacked its most essential and welcome nu-
triment,— copious rains. And so on, all through the season of gathering,
showers fell precisely when they were wanted to develop the smaller berries and
perfect those further advanced. This ample credit belongs to 1867, and it is
thus openly put upon record.

Of the varieties exhibited, the Triomphe de Gand far surpassed its competitors.
And, if the experience of those who have grown it for several successive years
is of any worth, its adaptation to the climate and soil of Worcester cannot be dis-
puted. The Wilson was shown, of a better quality than is customary with that
much abused sort, which bears much the same relation to Strawberries in gen-
eral, that the Bartlett Pear does to its congeners. Hardy in Illinois as in
Massachusetts ; bearing profusely everywhere, and of good quality when ripe ;
let those who have only sneers at the mention of its name produce its equal for
general cultivation ! There is no variety, however, of which the plantation
should be so frequently renewed, as there is no other which, by excessive
fecundity, so exhausts its native vigor. And yet it may be doubted, whether with
suitable care and culture the actual yield in bulk, (quality of course being disre-
garded,) of the Wilson, would exceed that of a bed of the Triomphe of similar
extent.

The display of Raspberries, in their Season,was even more limited than usual.
For some inexplicable reason the culture of this fruit, with its great and many
excellencies, does not commend itself in this community. Nevertheless it is of
as easy growth as the Strawberry, is longer lived, and the product can be
gathered with greater facility. Of the kinds that best deserve attention,
Brinckle's Orange, which was first exhibited here by your Secretary in 1865,

5

30

WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1867.

stands unrivalled for quality. The eaues, however, like those of all plants bear-
ing light-colored fruit, are unusually tender. Knevett's Giant, a superb variety
exhibited by Mr, 0. B. Hadwen during the past season, is highly praised in
the vicinity of Boston as also by our esteemed associate, Hon. Jona. Forbush of
Bolton. Of the absolute or even relative merits of the Philadelphia, which l^as
been so loudly vaunted and so widely dispersed, your Secretary does not feel,
after three years of patient experiment, that he can speak with decision. It was
originally advertised as perfectly hardy, having endured without injury a tempe-
rature of eighteen degrees below zero (18-0.) New canes in the immediate
vicinity of Oak street in the city of Worcester, that were purposely left exposed
throughout the winter of 1865-6, where they were not even protected by snow,
suffered no harm. But canes that were similarly exposed during the past
winter, although shielded by snow almost to their tips, were seriously injured.
The Society will doubtless share the surprise of the Secretary upon learning
from Dr. Joseph Draper, the accurate observer for the Smithsonian Institute
at the State Lunatic Hospital, that " the coldest day of the winter was the
19th of January, on which day the Thermometer stood at zero at 7 o'clock
A. M ; at 9 degrees above at 2 P. M ; and at 4 degrees above at 9. P. M. It
did not fall below zero at any time of observation during the winter."

If the Philadelphia Raspberry cannot endure such a tempered severity of
climate, its popularity in this region will be of brief duration.

" Alas! since I so soon was done for,
I wonder what I was begun for."

It will be allowed one more trial to effectually test its hardiness, when, if it
fails it will cease to cumber the ground.

A few Currants upon our tables afforded melancholy testimony to the capa-
city for destruction of the Insect-Pest which has recently attacked that
almost indispensable fruit. What shall be done to check, if not to prevent, the
ravages of the Currant Worm? It seems almost ludicrous to us, in Massachu-
setts, who consider from fifty to one hundred large bushes none too many for
the adequate supply of a family, as we listen to Pomologists in New York
urging the application of costly and scarce drugs. Even were powdered
White Hellebore more accessible and cheaper than it is, how would its use be
possible for a whole summer ? And yet from the first of June, when the
earliest perforations in the young leaves were observed, until the last atom of
foliage was devoured, did these ravenous Insects continue their career of devas-
tation. The process of generation goes on without intermission. When you
flatter yourself that, by a laborious and painful process of picking off the
worms by hand, they are all destroyed, a slight inspection of the foliage, as yet
intact, will disclose the results of that untiring industry by which the female
fly has essayed to make the "last state of that :nan worse than his first."
Stripping'the leaves simply anticipates the work of the worm. Efforts to crush
the eggs upon the leaves, suffering the latter to remain upon the bushes, afford

1867.] SECRETARY'S REPORT. 31

a "gay and festive " occupation for those who like it. It has been suggested
that the State Constabulary might employ the spare moments of their fascinat-
ing and lucrative profession, in this work of genuine, even if not ostentatious,
philanthropy. But to this it is objected that the Currant Worm is a nuisance
conceded by all ; and that to engage in a business which would provoke neither
controversy nor ill-feeling, would be alike uncongenial to their tastes and foreign
to their nature. The American Robin, secure in its statutory panoply, with its
bill profoundly inserted in a superb strawberry, cocks his eye impudently and
would be pleased to know of what benefit he was ever yet found that he, a
vegetarian I '^ Natus consumere Jruges,^^ should be expected to make a meal
off such disgusting objects ! No I what we want, and must obtain, if we
would have Currants, is a material of cheap purchase and easy application ;
that will at the same time do its appointed work. Whale-Oil Soap is beneficial
to the bush, kills many of the young worms, and is also innocuous to the fruit,
which some have doubted. But its use is not pleasant, nor is it sufficiently
thorough. A limited ^experiment by your Secretary, sustained, as it is, by the
practice, on a large scale, of Pomologists in New York and elsewhere, induces
hope and almost warrants a belief that the required panacea for this alHiction
will be found in Air-Slaked Lime. If the Worms can survive an application
of such caustic properties, if not administered by itself, after a previous asper-
siou with Whale-Oil Soap, it will be safe to conclude that the impenetrable
cuticle of the Rhinoceros is but the diaphanous panoply of the Black Crook, in
comparison with the vermicular epidermis. For the benefit of those who would
make trial of the Lime another season, it should be stated that it is an article
seldom kept on hand by dealers, but one which all can easily prepare for them-
selves, if they attend to it in time.

The injury to Fruit of all sorts, as well as to some kinds of vegetables, by
the Birds whieh the Great and General Court has taken under its sagacious
protection, proved even more extensive during the late season than ever before.
Some may have thought that too much consequence was given to this matter,
in these Reports. On the contrary, not a tenth part of the annoyance and
damage to Pomologists, occasioned by these " chartered libertines," has ever
been narrated. Yet all remonstrance is met with the coolest indifference. We
are asked if we are unwilling to spare a few Cherries in return for the countless !
benefits conferred by the Birds? Were it a question of Cherries, simply, but
little interest would be felt in the subject. But in 1867, as in every year preced-
ing, the Triomphe de Gand among Strawberries, the Franconia and Brinckle's
Orange among Raspberries, the Bartlett among Pears, and the Diana and
Delaware among Grapes did " daintily furnish forth " the feasts of our modern
Harpies. During the present year. Peas have been neatly extracted from their
pods, and the kernels stripped from ears of sweet corn, as a sort of variety in
feathered larceny. And of all the birds, thus protected and thus destructive
no species is so hurtful, because no other is so active or numerous, as the
Tardus Migratorius — the American, or pseudo Robin.

32 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1867.

Mr. E. W. Samuels, in his recent elaborate compilation upon the Ornith-
ology of New England, constitutes himself the especial champion of the pseudo
Robin. He enlarges upon his consumption of angle-worms, and even enters
into a minute computation of the numbers that he can and will devour in a
state of confinement and deprivation of all other food. And he puts a
clincher upon his argument in behalf of his client, by the cool assertion that
the work of the Robin is not appreciated, because it is all done before people
are astir in the morning I How strange, that only the swift witnesses to the
good qualities of this bird should arise with the lark I

Now, for a reply : — Your Secretary does not depend upon his individual
observation, direct and positive though that be. True — he has seen the
Robin " come down like the wolf on the fold," upon his choicest fruits, and
destroy in a few moments, the labor of months and years. He has beheld the
very finest specimens of the Strawberry and Raspberry, in the development and
exhibition of which he anticipated more pleasure than from their consumption,
disappear down the insatiate maw of these statutory pets. Quite recently,
before sunrise, when they ought to have been diligently occupied in Mr.
Samuels' works of matutinal usefulness, he has startled them, in the great
flocks into which they gather before migration, from his Bartlett Pears, where
they had been presenting their bills and impressing their private stamp
■without Federal or proprietary license. But he prefers rather to rely upon the
evidence of his Excellency the Governor, the Commander-in-Chief of an Army
and Navy that yet was inadequate to save his pears. Upon the testimony of
Ex-Governor Lincoln, whose Strawberries were sedulously tended and, when
ripening, summarily stripped. Upon Messrs. John C. Ripley, George' Jaques,
0. B. Hadwen, and J. Henry Hill, gentlemen deservedly high in your confi-
dence and in that of the public, who all concur in the opinion that the Robin
is an incorrigible thief and an unmitigated nuisance. Gentlemen are they,
also, of refined sensibilities, to whom the song of birds is as joyous as to those
whose exquisite tenderness is wounded by the proposed outlawry of a single
variety of the feathered race. Members of this Society are constantly testing
new discoveries in Pomology, as much for the public benefit as for their private
enjoyment. Their labor will be utterly nugatory, if its fruit is to be subject to
legalized depredation. Your Secretary would advise that the Society address a
memorial to the General Court, asking for a repeal of all laws that protect the
American Robin ; or their amendment, so far at least, as to allow individuals
to shoot them upon their own premises.

The Library is in its customary good condition. Too many of the books are
in cloth binding, a fact which should be considered in their use. It has not
been deemed advisable to incur much expense in re-binding, at present. Great
inconvenience is occasioned by the limited accommodations provided for the
volumes which are surely and not so very slowly increasing in number. Should
it be the policy of the Society to retain its Hall in its present location, the Li-
brarian would recommend the erection of cases upon the entire western side

1867.] SECRETARY'S REPORT. 33

of the Library room. It will cost but little more to construct the whole series of
shelves at once, than to do it by piecemeal, while the space at the base of the
cases would soon be required for the storage of the printed Transactions, un-
bound pamphlets, and newspapers. Should it be in contemplation to alter the
location of the Hall at a period not very distant, it mi|:^ht be better to bear with
immediate inconveniences, so long as they do not become actually unendur"
able. In a new Library Room, the cases or shelves would constitute a portion
of the work of construction, and be fashioned upon one general and convenient
plan. Shelves shounld be adapted to receive books. Books cannot be razeed to
fit shelves.

The usual tabular statement is appended, showing the use which has been
made of the Library during the past and preceding years. It will be observed
that the same gratifying increase is denoted, to which the Librarian has been
privileged to invite your attention upon former occasions. Members do wisely
and well to consult these volumes, which have been collected without regard to
cost, but with reference solely to their adaptation to the pursuits of the Horti-
culturist.

In 1860 72 volumes.

" 1861 • 64 "

At this date the Library was removed to the Hall.

In 1862 114 volumes.

" 1863 133 "

" 1864 179 "

January 1st, 1865, to Nov. 1st, 1865, 318 volumes. (The Official
year was altered.)

Nov, 1st, 1865, to Oct. 31st, 1866 387 volumes.

" " 1866 " " 1867 470 "

A Catalogue is also submitted of additions to the Library of the Society, dur-
ing the past Official year, whether accruing from donation or purchase.

The Forest-Tree Culturist, by A. S. Fuller ; Society.
New England Fruit Trees, by George Jacques ; J. M. Earle.

Gardener's Text-Book, by P. A. Schenck ; " " "

American Fruit Garden Companion, by E. Sayers ; " " "

" Flower " " " " " " ** "

New England Fruit Book, by Robt. Manning ; " *' "

" " " " second edition, by John M.Ives;" " "

Mulberry Tree and Silk Culture, by J. H. Cobb ; " " "

Transactions of Ohio Pomological Society, 8th session ; " " "
Harris on Insects, rev. ed. colored illustrations ; Hon. S. Salisbury.
Manual of Architecture and Landscape Gardening, by G. E. & F. W. Wood,
ward ; society.

34 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL REPORT. [1867.

Agricultural Department, Report of, 1865 ; Hon. J. D. Baldwin.

Gardening for Profit, by Peter Henderson ; society.

Horticultural Annual, 1867 ; society.

A2ricultural Annual, 1867 ; "

Transactions of Mass. Horticultural Society, 1866 ; Mass. Society.

" " Wor. Co. Mecli. Association, 1866 ; Mech. Ass'n.

" " The Illinois Horticultural Society, 1866 ; W. C. Flagg.

American Fruit Culturist, revised edition, 1866, J. J. Thomas ; society.
American Agriculturist, Vol. 25 ; society.
Country Gentleman, Vols, 27 & 28 ; society.
Hovey's Magazine, Vol. 32 ; "

Horticulturist, Vol. 21 ; "

Gardener's Monthly, Vol. 8 ; "

Agriculture of Massachusetts, 2d series : 1866-7 ; C. L. Flint.
Catalogue of Library of Mass. Hort, Society ; Mass. Society.
Squashes, and How to Grow Them, by J. J. H. Gregory ; society.
Small Fruit Culturist, by A. S. Fuller ; society.

American Grape Culture and Wine Making, by P. B. Mead ; society.
New England Farmer. Series : Vol. 3, F. W. Paine.

t( (< U (I ^ l( u it

U « (( (( g l( (( <(

U U it It >T (I tt tl

(( (< It It Y\ << << "

i< It it tt ^2 " " <<

(( (1 a a Y4: '* '' ''

Tl\e Pig, by Sam'j Youatt, revised edition, London ; society.

" Birds of New England and Adjacent States, by E. A. Samuels ; society.

" Poultry Book, by W. B. Tegetmeior, London ; society.
Record of Horticulture for 1866, by A. S. Fuller; society.
American Pomology ; Apples ; by John A. Warder; society.
The Poultry Yard, by Miss E. Watts, London ; society.

" Kitchen Garden, by E. S. Delamer ; society.
Geyelin's Poultry Breeding, Ed. by C. L. Flint; society.
Bee Keeping, by M. Quimby, revised edition, 1866 ; society.
Draining for Profit and for Health, by Geo. E. Waring, Jr. ; society.
Chemistry of the Farm and The Sea, by J. R. Nichols ; society.
10th Annnual Report, Board of Comrs. of N. Y. Central Park; A. H. Green.
The Flower Garden, by E. S. Delamer, London ; society.
Illustrated Strawberry Culturist, by A. S. Fuller ; society.
British Ferns and Their Allies, by Thos. Moore, London ; society.
Butterflies, by Theodore Coleman, London, 1867 ; society.
Cordon Training of Fruit Trees, by T. Collings Bribaut ; society.

with Supplement, by C. M. Hovey ; society.

1867] SECRETARY'S REPORT. 35

Death, the grim Reaper, in gathering his annual harvest, has borne heavily
upon the Federal Department of Agriculture. These Reports, in strict justice
to the interests of the Horticulturist everywhere, have dwelt, in the estimation
of some, perhaps too heavily upon trivial short-comings and venial faults.
The honest motive of the citizen, must be the sufficient excuse of the official.
But lifting up a corner of the pall we behold a light, hitherto unduly obscured
that can be kindled into illumination. The learned Entomologist of that De-
partment, whose fame in other lands aptly illustrates the proverb that "a man is
not without honor, save in his own country," sparing no toil and utilizing- all
leisure, is understood to have prepared and to have almost in a state of readi-
ness for the press, a most exhaustive and thorough treatise upon the Insects of
the United States. Let merit be encouraged ! Let justice be done to virtue
even where further censure is arrested by that inexorable hand to which high
and low alike must bow in helpless submission. The result of the indeflitigable
labors of Mr. Glover has been anticipated with impatience by all who, aware of
their necessity, at the same time had not forgotten that ''patient waiters are no
losers." If the attention of Congress cannot otherwise be diverted from the
lucrative task of "making their own calling and election sure, " it may be
■worth your while to consider whether a memorial of this Society would be ill.
timed or impertinent, which should solicit some slight encouragement for the la.
bors of a public servant whose sole aim, in a subordinate position, has been to
advance public prosperity and promote the general welfare.

A strong desire has been expressed by many of the oldest and most influen-
tial members of the Society, that the Premiums offered by it should be largely
increased. Should this be done, the Secretary would earnestly recommend an
entire revision, or reconstruction of the existing schedule. A division of the
fruit into distinct classes, with an inflexible rule that the entry of a given num-
ber of varieties, under a specific head, shall restrict those varieties to that
particular competition. It might not be unwise to propose Premiums for
Seedling Flowers, or Fruits, of a future year, to allow time for their develop-
ment. Who can tell that the desired Strawberry, — more prolific than the
Wilson, better flavored than the Triomphe, may not be educed from the
spirit of emulation thus awakened by the hope of winning the Society's Cuy ?
For it may be worth considering whether, in the oflPer of new and additional
Premiums, a more enduring and wiser form should not be given to our bounty,
by the substitution of Plate, in some instances, for money. The Duchesse
Goblet, the Crawford Spoons, or the Diana Salver, would not discourage the
growth of Pear, Peach, or Grape, while they would remain in speciosissima
re, — '^A thing of beauty and a joy forever.''''

A wider dissemination of the Premium-List appears, however, to the Secre-
tary, absolutely indispensable. As distributed now, by separate address through
the mail, the Annual Autumnal schedule reaches only those who are already
members of the Society. It is a serious question, whether its best interests
would not be promoted and the contributions to its Exhibition largely aug-

36 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1867.

meuted, by the adoption of some method of publishing to the xcliole community
the inducements offered for their co-operation. Whether, in Saxon, that ought
to be intelligible to all but a Corporation Treasurer, Jonathan Forbush, or Jona.
D. Wheeler, should be exacted to pay freight upon their contributions, gener-
ously collated for competition upon terms of equality with the members resident
\n\\\Q Shire f Our excentric friends are granted, by their concentric agents,
the Trustees, a grace of a few half hours. Would it materially prejudice the
best interests of the Society, to allow, in meritorious cases, per diem and mile-
age? Your further attention, in connection with the entire subject, is invited
to the policy of a longer retention of the rule by which a discount is reserved
upon all premiums awarded to persons not " Members of the Society." What-
ever its advantages in practice, it is believed to be consistently disregarded.
Does it " improve the practice, or promote the knowledge of Horticulture," for
this Society to occupy itself in shaving its own promises to pay the modern
money f

The task of finding gentlemen competent and willing to serve upon the Com-
mittees of the Society at its Annual Autumnal Exhibition, is becoming, with
each successive year, one of increasing and greater difficulty- The labor of a
Chairman, especially, of one of these committees, exacts time and involves
much annoyance and perplexity. Superadded to these, he supplies in his own
person, a most conspicuous target for the shafts of disappointed competitors,
who fancy themselves the victims of intentional injustice. Even Horticultural
Societies are not exempt from such ill-conditioned creatures. In return for all
these discomforts, what do the poor Chairmen get ? Pecuniarily, not one mill.
They are required to be content with the self-consciousness of earnest endeavor
and good intention ; with the knowledge that their disinterested labors are ap-
preciated by the more thoughtful, and finally, that the matured result of their
conclusions will find "fit audience, though few," in the published Transactions
of the Society. Anything that can be done with propriety, to .induce gentle,
men of culture to co-operate in this especial field of usefulness, should be the
earnest care of your Trustees. But, after all, your main dependence must be
placed upon that generous public spirit, unfailing in the past, and upon which,

"If Rome hath not lost her breed of noble bloods,"
you can confidently rely for the future.

At the late Annual Autumnal Exhibition, two members of the Society delib-
erately removed from your tables and stands, in wanton violation of the Rules and
in open defiance of the explicit orders of the Chairman of the Committee of Ar.
rangements, the articles which they had entered for exhibition and for Premium.
Motives of the meanest character, such as pique at the action and ultimate de-
termination of your Committee, was the pretence and excuse for this gross im.
propriety. Respect for the gentler sex of one of these offenders precludes any
mention of the names of either. But, unless expressly instructed to the con-
trary, the Committee of Arrangements will feel constrained to protect their au-
thority from contempt, by excluding from future competition persons who man-

1867.] SECRETAKY'S REPORT. 37

ifest themselves either oblivious or unconscious of the obligations which they
assume upon admission within the unaccustomed society of gentlemen and la-
dies.

The members of this Society who reside in the City of Worcester, are to be
felicitated upon the inexhaustibility of the Municipal resources. So rich is
the soil that it rejects manure. In this "Heart of the Commonwealth," we
behold uo weary or over-burthened traveller tempted by the Japanese invitation
to pause by the wayside for relief! On the contrary, Society is so cold,
— its formalities so polished, — its exigencies so rigidly observed, — that th e
very demands of Nature would be subjected to State ''search," or Federal "li-
cense," unless endorsed by the Original Gardener. Hence it happens that all
filth is so readily discerned. For this reason it is that the least speck of dirt is
at once avoided as an obstacle by our heavily-imposed and evilly disposed guar-
dians of the Peace. Therefore, and for that reason solely is it, that the Sew-
erage of one half of the Municipality is to be concentrated into a single chan-
nel and thenceforth ejected to fertilize the valley of the Upper Blackstone.
The Tax-payers can perhaps determine, by reference to their assessments, the
actual cost to them in money, of this system of terrene devastation. But the
Agriculturist to a partial extent, and the Horticulturist in every branch of his
profession, can but realize in all stages of their practice, the reckless and
wasteful deprivation to which they are subjected. The aesthetic man is well
enough in his way. But the Pomologist is aesthetic naturally and by ac-
quirement ; and he confesses to an honest need of plant-food, by whatever eu-
phuism it may be characterised. May it not be found that, with the Ordure
of Worcester will disappear its Verdure ? How long can a Bank endure the
simultaneous withdrawal of its capital and discharge of its liabilities ? Can
you burn a candle at both ends to advantage ?

The number of Members admitted to the Society, during the official incum-
bency of your present Secretary, recounts as follows :

In 1861; - - - 1. In 1864, ... 49.

" 1862, - - - 19. " 1865, - - - 106.

" 1862, . - - 42. " 1866, - - - 61.

In 1867, - - . - 82.

The conditions of membership of the Society, have remained substantially
unaltered throdghout its entire existence. During that period, the advantages
of such Membership have been enhanced beyond measure. At the first exhibi-
tions there could be no premiums, for there were no funds out of which to pay
them. Now, the Real Estate of the Corporation is valued for the purpose
of assessments, at tens of thousands of dollars, while the Library supplies
an inexhaustible and ever growing source of instruction. Its published
Transactions, embodying the experience of a long series of years, and the pa-
tient observation of a large number of skillful Florists and Pomologists are of
incalculable local worth. This is all shared by the new members upon like

6

88 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1867.

terms with the old. Has not the time arrived when we should put a higher es-
timate upon our possessions, and rate a participation in them at a price some-
what more closely approximating that which they bear in the public judgment ?
Should it be your decision, after full deliberation, to augment the cost of
membership, the further question will be presented of the expediency of retain-
ing the existing discrimination between the sexes. It may well be a right of
Woman to pay the fair value of admission to our Society. The Secretary
would be the last, knowing how much is due to her zealons co-operation in our
pursuits, to recommend or justify any invidious distinction. The whole subject
is urged upon your attention as one that demands prompt action, and with no
purpose of discouraging or impeding accessions to the Society, of which it is
hoped that the Rolls may yet embrace the names of every man, woman and
child in the community.

The Financial Situation of the Society is as follows :
Loan of Worcester Co. Institution for Savings, Nov, 1, 1866, $7,800 00

Minus payments from Fund for Reduction of Debt, $3,795 00
Other Funds, - : - - 100 00

5,895 00

Leaving Amount of Debt due Nov, 1, 1867, - - $3,985 00

Two Hundred Dollars ($200 00) of the Fund for the Reduction of the Debt stil
remain due and unpaid. This sum will be applicable to its further liquidation.

The Gross Rental of the Real Estate on Front Street, belonging to
the Society, amounts to - - - - $2,750 00

The Insurance upon the property of the Society has been increased in
obedience to a vote of the Trustees, passed at their last Annual Meeting, so
that the outstanding Policies rate according to the annexed table.
On Horticultural Hall.

Policy W. Co. M. F. Ins. Co., expires Dec, 1, 1871, - $5,000 00

" Mer. and Farmers, " Feb. 1, 1869, - 2,000 00

« " "■ " " " « - 1,000 00

" Fitchburg, " • Jan. 1, 1869, - 1,000 00

" " Jan. 1, 1869, - 1,000 00

Total on Hall, - - ■ $10,000 00

On Library, Furniture, &c., &c.

Policy, Fitchburg Ins. Co., Expires Jan. 1, 1869, $1,000 00

" « .( u u u u gQo 00

" Mer. and Farmers, " Feb. 1, 1876, 700 00

« Holyoke, " Jan. 1, 1869, 500 00

Total, $3,000 00

1867] SECRETARY'S REPORT. 39

It may seem ungracious to Invite your attention once more to the inadequacy
of the present accommodations of the Society, in view of the munificence of
■which it was so recently the object, and which was so appropriately announced
to you by the acting President, at the Annual Autumnal Exhibition. Yet thfi
bed of a Secretary, even of a Horticultural Society, is not always of Roses,
Besides, — Roses have their thorns. The condition of the Corporation, how-
ever, whether actual or prospective, must be laid before you ; and, in the
absence of the President, the duty devolves upon one who has themes enough
of another and varied nature, upon which to exhaust your patience.

It must be obvious to all who have had ought to do with the Arrangements
for the Annual Autumnal Exhibition, that the space at their command was
cramped. Not — that there is insufficient room to contain all the contributions
which have been offered of late years : but that, by reason of the inadequacy
of the Hall, no opportunity is afforded for congenial or tasteful grouping. It
would be simply impossible to arrange Flowers and Fruits into distinctive
classes, without the employment of so many tables as to necessitate the exclu-
sion of the spectators. Of course, an Exhibition, with nobody to view
it, does not enter into your purposes. And yet it will be indispensable, to
insure justice in the awards of your Committees, that such classification should
be made, and that the articles entered by contributors for a specific competi-
tion, should no longer be lost to general observation, in a common indistin-
guishable mass. Premiums are proposed for collections of so many varieties
of Apples, or Pears, and also special Premiums for separate varieties deter-
mined by name. At present, not one, even of the Committees, can tell,
•without careful and tedious inquisition, to what objects their attention should be
addressed. And, in the growing difficulty of finding gentlemen competent and
willing to serve upon those Committees, any measure that may tend to abridge
or alleviate their labors, which, at the same time, promotes the aims of the
Society, ought not to be regarded with indifference.

At the recent Annual Autumnal Exhibition, the arrangement of the Tables,
and the general distribution of the Contributions, which had continued essen-
tially unchanged from the earliest occupation of the Hall, were totally altered.
The benefits thereby attained were obvious to the most unaccustomed eye.
Beauty of expression, if the term may be employed, united with economy of
space, in its commendation. Paradoxical as it may appear, while more room
was occupied by the Tables, they also left more for aisles and passage-
ways. But it taxed our accommodations to the utmost. And the warning con-
veyed iu the unwonted profusion of Apples was intensified by the reflection, that
even that superb display scarcely equalled a moiety of the quantity which had
been exhibited in former years of plenty. Almost the entire space allotted to
hardy Grapes was usurped by a most strange, but welcome guest — the Peach.
Had the season been propitious for Grapes, it would be difficult to assign limits
to the excess of room required over that at command.

40 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1867.

The conviction of your Secretary, formed and strengthened by seven years
of official experience, is, that the present Hall will very speedily prove, if it is not
already, unsuitable for the purposes of the Society. In addition to the reasons
tlrged in his report of 1866, the advancing price of Real Estate, in all acces-
sible portions of the City, would seem to render some decisive action alike
proper and timely. If it is the deliberate policy of the Society to hold Real
Property as the most eligible investment of their funds, it would appear that
the period has arrived when it must be determined whether to remain in the
present location ; and, if so, how long such continuance will be possible.
Whether, all the while, the price of land upon Main street and to the
■westward, will not be constantly increasing : — an increment that could it be
made to enure to the benefit of the Society, might possibly weigh heavily in favor
of a change of situation. One estate, at least, has come upon the mttrket
since this Report was commenced, which unites all requirements and would
fulfil every need. In the construction of a building thereon, taste could preside
at its foundation and convenience dictate its every arrangement. Fashion —
which so long and persistently upheld Brinley Hall, and which still reverts
with regret to its acoustic advantages and symmetrical proportions, would hail
with rapture the dedication of a substitute for existing ill-arranged, inadequate,
and unattractive structures. The value of the Hall, or Halls, strictly so
termed, in our building, to ourselves or to our tenants, must depend largely, if
not wholly, upon their popularity as places of resort. That popularity is influ-
enced, and, to a great degree, controlled, by considerations of accessibility,
adaptation to purposes of amusement or recreation ; and, if last, not least,
beauty. Fashion is seldom capricious in these exactions. When once she has
obtained them all, she continues faithful in her attachment. Washburn
Hall, despite the influence of a powerful Association, was never popular. The
doors of the Theatre may, at any moment, be closed forever upon the Graces :
the Muses be denied access to its auditorium. It remains for this Society to
decide whether a want does not exist in the community, which a prudent fore-
cast of its own best interests should lead the Corporation to supply ? To
determine if the opportunity of others will not be found in our omission ? If
there is not a " tide in the affairs " of Societies, as well as of individuals, which,
once suffered to ebb is lost forever ?

For these reasons, in connection with those adduced in his last Report,
which are most strongly re-afiirmed and again commended to your notice ;
not less than for others that it is not deemed consistent with your interests to
state thus publicly ; your Secretary renewedly solicits your serious attention to
the subject of a suitable and permanent location for HoriicuUiiral Hall.

All which is respectfully submitted :

EDWARD W. LINCOLN,

Secretary and Librarian.
Horticultural Hall,
Worcester, Mass., Nov. 6th, A. D. 1867.

1867.]

MEMBERS ADMITTED.

41

MEMBERS ADMITTED SINCE NOVEMBER 7, A. D. 18(i7.

Names. Residence.

John C. Adams, Worcester.

Miss Ella A. Armsby, "

Geo. F. Armsby, *'

John E. Bacon, "

John S. Ballard, "

Mrs. M. L. K. Barton, "

Mrs. Osgood Bradley, "'

Mrs. L. Baker, "

Mrs. Luther H. Bigelow, "

Mrs. Geo. A. Chamberlain, "

Joseph Chase, "

Josiah H. Clarke, "

John Claflin, "

Mrs. Edwin Draper, "

Mrs. James Draper, "

James Draper, '"

Mrs. Geo. H. Estabrook, "

Thomas B. Eaton, "

Mrs. Charlotte M. Eaton, "

Mrs. Jason Emerson, Millbiiry.

Samuel T. Field, Worcester.

Albert A. Gordon, "

Mrs. A. A. Gordon, "

Miss Julia E. Green, "

Joseph H. Gleason, Holden.

Jonathan R. Gleason, Worcester.

Mrs. D. S. Goddard, "

Gerry Hutchinson, "

Mrs. Gerry Hutchinson, "

Mrs. Stephen Harrington, "

Frank W, Harrington, "

L. R. Hapgood, "

Mrs. John Hillard, "

Mrs. Gideon Harris, "

D. W. Haskins, "

Frederick Hancock, ''

O. L. Hatch, "

Mrs. 0. L. Hatch, "

Isaac B. Hartwell, Oxford.

Ida W. Johnson, Worcester,

Karnes.

John F. Johnson,

Wm. H. Johnson,

Rev. J. D. E. Jones,

Frank J. Kinney,

Mrs. W. P. Kinney,

Michael Kraft,

Mrs. T. M. Lamb,

Mrs. John Lyman,

Mrs. Mason H. Morse,

Mrs. CD. Morse,

Mrs. Maria S. G. Moen,

Mrs. Elizabeth W. McPherson

Miss Mary W. Martin,

Oliver S. Mowry,

Mrs. J. C. Newton,

Mrs. Ann M. Newell,

John E. Phelps,

Mrs. Josiah Pickett,

Mrs. Samuel B. Parsons,

Chas. L. Pierce,

Mrs. Aaron Parker,

Geo. M. Piper,

Henry L. Parker,

Mrs. Geo. R. Peckham,

Mrs. J. Marcus Rice,

Mrs. Ezra B. Rice,

Mrs. Sarah M. Smith,

John P. Streeter,

Mrs. Lottie J. Stone,

Miss Mary A. Stone,

Miss Lizzie Stone,

Master Geo. H. Stone,

Miss L. Jennie Stone,

Mrs. Harvey Sturtevant,

Mrs. F. J. Trask,

Ephraim C. Tainter,

Erastus S. Wheeler,

Mrs. Hartley Williams,

Mrs. Asa D. Whitteraore,

Miss Mary E. Willard,

Residence.
Northborough.

Worcester.

Leicester.
Worcester.

Millbury.
Worcester.

Shrewsbury.
Worcester.

Leicester.

Worcester.

Berlin.

Worcester.

OFFICERS AND STANDING COMMITTEES

OF THE

Worcester County Horticultural Society.

FOR 186S.

PRESIDENT:

FRANCIS H. DEWEY, Worcester.

VICE-PRESIDENTS :

J. HEXRY HILL, of Worcester; 0. B. HADWEN, of Worcester;
CALVIN TAFT, of Worcester.

SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN.

EDWARD W. LINCOLN, of Worcester.

TREASURER :

FREDERICK Wm. PAINE, of Worcester.

TRUSTEES :

Stephen Salisbury, Worcester.

D. Waldo Lincoln, "

Isaac Davis, "

Edward Earle, "

Benjamin Butman, "

John C. Ripley, "

John C. Newton, ''

J. Frank Allen, "

Stephen Salisbury, Jr., "

William T. Merriti.-ld, "

John Milton Earle, "

George Jaques, "

AUDITORS :

Samuel H. Colton, of Worcester. Emory Banister, of Worcester

Samuel H. Colton, Worcester.

Loring Coes, "

Emory Banister, "

Jonathan Grout, "

Horatio Phelps, "

Samuel V. Stone, "

Edward L. Davis, "

Francis B. Rice, "

Paul Whitin, Whitinsville.

Jonathan D. Wheeler, Grafton.

Josiah L. Woodward, Millbury.

Newell Wood, "

Standing Coimnittees.

Committee on Exhibitions. — President, Secretaiy, John C. Newton, 0. B. Hadwen,
Dr. Samuel Flagg, Emory Banister, Charles Richardson.

Apples. — Edwin Conant, Chairman ; S. U. Colton, 0. B. Hadwen, J. Frank Allen,
John S. Ballard, S. A. Knox, George A. Adams, of Worcester; D. M. Hemenway, of
Millbury, and Isaac B. Hartwell, of Ox/ijrd.

Flowers, Plants, <fec. — John Milton Earle, Chairman; George E. Francis, Charles
Richardson, David S. Messinger. J. M. C. Armsby, Henry Woodward.

Grapes, 1'eaches, Ac. — Rufus Woodward, Chairman; B. Butman, D. Waldo Lin-
coln, .John C. Rijdey, Francis H. Dewey, Horatio Phelps, of Worcester, Paul Whitin,
of WhitinsviUe, and F. M. Marble, of Grafton.

Pears. — Hartley Williams, Chairman ; J. Henry Hill, Henry Phelps, Stephen S.
Foster, John C. Newton, Emory Banister, .James Draper, John Green, of Worcester,
and .John F. Johnson of Northh(irou<jh.

Vegetables. — Henry Chapin, Chairman; Marshall Flagg, Charles Belcher, George
G. Burbank, J. D. Lovell, S. Harrison Knox, of Worcester, and Josiah L. Woodward,
of Millbury.

On HoRTicuLTnRAL Hall. — Emory Banister, 0. B. Hadwen and John C. Ripley.

On Library and Publication. — Edward W. Lincoln, Francis H. Dewey, George
Jaques.

On Svnonvms. — John Milton Earle, Samuel H. Colton, George Jaques.

'^^ The ANNUAL AUTUMNAL EXIIIHITION will be held ou the 15th, 16th, ITtli ami IStliof
September, coimnenciiig at 6 o'clock, l*. .M., ou tlie luth.

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