Address delivered at the semi-centennial anniversary of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, September 12, 1879

UMASS/AMHERST

312066 0333 2796 2

llilder, ^larshall Pinckney, 1798-1386.

Address delivered at the semi-centennial anniversary
of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.

SPECIAL

COLLECTIONS

S

1879

ADDRESS

DErjVERKP AT

THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

MASSACHUSETTS

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY,

SEPTEMBER 12, 1879.

MAESHALL P. WILDER,

EX-rilESIIIENT OF THE SOCIKTY.

BOSTON :

FRANKLIN rRP:SS : RAND, AVERY, & CO.,

1879.

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
AT AMHERST

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Special Collections & Rare Books

ADDRESS.

Members and Friends of the Massachusetts Horti-
CULTURAE Society.

Ladies and Gentlemen^ — Assembled as we are under
the auspices of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society,
and in its own temple, to commemorate the completion
of its first half-century, it is natural to take a glance at
the way over which we have travelled.

From the days when Peregrine White planted the first
apple-tree, and Gov. Endicott the first pear-tree, within
the limits of our State ; from the time when Gov. Win-
throp planted his garden on Governor's Island, or Black-
stone his orchard in Boston, — Massachusetts has been
famous for her gardens. But the progress of horticul-
ture was for a long time slow and feeble. It is eminently
one of the arts of peace ; and we find, that, after the close
of the Revolution, the first organized attempt in this
country to advance the progress of agriculture (which
includes hoi:ticulture) was made by the formation of the
Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture, which
was soon followed by the formation of the jNIassachu-
setts Society for Promoting Agriculture. In like man-
ner, the close of the last war with England was followed,
in 1818, by the organization of the first horticultural
society in the country, — that of New York. The next
society, that of Pennsylvania, was organized in Novem-
ber, 1827, and is therefore the oldest society in the
country which has had a continued existence to the
present day.

The progress and improvement of horticulture since
the beginning of the present century had been more
rapid than before ; and it was doubtless a perception of
this fact, in connection with the belief that its advance-
ment might be made still more rapid, and the example
of other societies, which led to the formation of the
Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The subject had
been much discussed among lovers of horticulture ; and
on the 24th of February, 1829, a bitterly cold clay, when
the streets were piled with snow, a meeting of sixteen
gentlemen convened at the office of Zebedee Cook, jun.,
71 Congress Street, for the purpose of instituting a hor-
ticultural society. The Hon. John Lowell, who stood at
the head of the horticulturists of the State, was chosen
to preside ; and Mr. Cook was secretary. Besides these,
there were present H. A. S. Dearborn, Samuel Downer,
John B. Russell, Enoch Bartlett, Cheever Newhall, Rob-
ert Manning, John M. Ives, Andrews Breed, and Henry
A. Breed. The names of the other five are unknown.
On the 17th of March the constitution and by-laws,
drawn up by Gen. Dearborn, were adopted, and officers
were chosen. On the 12th of June it was "enacted
by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, that
Zebedee Cook, jun., Robert L. Emmons, William Worth-
ington, B. V. French, John B. Russell, J. R. Newell,
Cheever Newhall, and Thomas G. Fessenden, their
associates and successors, be, and they hereby are. in-
corporated under the name and by the description of
the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, for the pur-
pose of encouraging and improving the science and
practice of horticulture, and promoting the amelioration
of the various species of trees, fruits, plants, and vege-
tables, and the introduction of new species and varie-
ties." Thus, like the morning suu, whose rays, sendiug
forth their healthful and benign influences, light up the

landscape w th crystal dews, floral gems, luscious fruits,
and golden harvests, there arose a new era in the science
of American horticulture, which has not only extended
its influences all over our own continent, hut has reached,
enriched, beautified, and energized other portions of the
world. Although not so early in its inception by more
than a year as the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society,
it was the first incorporated horticultural society on this
continent, with the exception of the New- York society
before mentioned. Its first premium list was issued in
June, 1829 ; while the first list of the Pennsylvania
society was adopted in January, 1830.

Of the eleven persons who are known as having at-
tended the meeting on the 21th of February, 1829, foiir

— Messrs. Pussell and Ives and the two Messrs. Breed

— are still living ; while Mr. Russell is the only survivor
of the eight named in the charter.

From its first president down to the present time, the
society has been fortunate in securing gentlemen to fill
the chair, all of whom have been cultivators of the
soil, and lovers of rural art. Dearborn, Cook, Vose,
Walker, Cabot, Breck, and Stickney have gone before
us ; but their works do follow them ; while, thanks to
a kind Providence ! Hovey, Hyde, Strong, Parkman,
Gray, and he who now addressOvS you, are still spared to
labor in carrying out the beneficent designs of its noble
founders. And permit me, without detracting from the
enterprise and ability of other pioneers, to say that to
Henry Alexander Scammel Dearborn, — the first presi-
dent, whose name will ever be held in grateful remem-
brance, — more than to any other man, are we indebted
for the prestige and popularity of the society, at home
and abroad, in its eaily history. Others there are
whose names will be gratefully remembered, and cher-
ished as co-laborers and benefactors of the society,
among whom Robert Manning of Salem, — the great

6

leader and reformer in American pomology, who during
his lifetime collected nearly two thousand varieties of
fruits, — Downer at Dorchester, ever alert on the search
for new native fruits, Kenrick of Newton, the Winships
at Brighton, John Prince, Enoch Bartlett, Elias Phinney,
George W. Pratt, B. V. French, Aaron D. Weld, Aaron
D. Williams, and David Haggerston, may be mentioned
as ]3re-eminent.

The society immediately entered upon the work for
which it was established, by opening a correspondence
with leading European horticulturists, by laying the
foundation of a library, and in every other way which
the active mind of President Dearborn, who was fore-
most in every good work, could devise. And be it ever
remembered that to this society the community is
indebted for the foundation and consecration of Mount
Auburn Cemetery, — the first rural cemetery in the
country. This was combined with an Experimental Gar-
den, some of whose products were shown at the exhi-
bitions of the society. Although it was found expedient
to relinquish the control of the cemetery to another
corporation, its establishment has proved of the highest
advantage to the society, in ways not anticipated when
it was founded, which was but about two years from the
incorporation of the society.

But the method which the society has ever found
most advantageous for the promotion of its objects is
the exhibition of the products of the garden in its
various departments ; and a glance at these exhibitions
will be both appropriate and interesting.

The first exhibition of which we have any record
was on the 20th of June, 1829, when there were about
thirty varieties of roses on the tables. As the season
advanced, the exhibitions increased in extent and
beauty ; that of August 1 surpassing, we are told, any
preceding show. August 29, Samuel 11. Johnson brought

Washington plums measuring six inches and a quarter
in circumference, and weighing nearly three ounces
each. The Annual Exhibition was confined to the fruits
and flowers displayed on the table at the Exchange
Coffee House, where the anniversary dinner was pro-
vided ; but it is said " the show of fruits and flowers
generally was probably never surpassed in New Eng-
land." The Bloodgood and Urbaniste pears, with others
once highly prized, but which have now been super-
seded, were shown for the first time. No prizes were
awarded this year; but on the 15th of May, 1830, A.
Aspinwall received the prize for the best six tulips ; and
George W. Pratt, the prize for the best six Rammculns
Asiaticus^ — the first premiums ever awarded by the
society. July 24, E. Phinney sent Moorpark apricots
six inches in circumference, which received the pre-
mium. The Williams, Benoni, Porter, Hubbardston
Nonsuch, and Gravenstein apples, made their appear-
ance for the first time. A single specimen of the
Duchesse d'Angouleme pear was produced by Samuel
G. Perkins, and pronounced superior to the St.
Michael. Fruit was at this time a more prominent
object than flowers. The only flowers of which any
considerable variety was exhibited were the geranium,
rose, and chrysanthemum. Forced vegetables were
shown by Mrs. Gore's gardener. Capt. Smith of
Quincy presented " a kind of manure from Peru, called
by the Spaniards guano.''

The exhibitions of flowers, which had been largely
of hardy herbaceous plants, began in 1831 to show a
decided increase in green-house plants, such as camel-
lias, Musa coccinea, Hoya caniosa, Maranta zehrina, Sec.
The Dearborns Seedling pear was shown from the
original tree. June 15, 1833, Messrs. Winships con-
tributed a hundred and thirty varieties of roses.

The Annual Exhibition in 1834 was held in Faneuil

8

Hall, and was the first on the plan which has every
year since been continued, and fulfilled the high expec-
tations which had been formed. The Gladiolus Natalen-
sis, or psittacinus, was shown by Samuel Sweetser, and
the marrow squash by John ]M. Ives. March 7, 1835,
the first Indian azaleas were presented by Thomas
Mason of the Charlestown Vineyard. July 2, 1836,
Marshall P. Wilder exhibited Gladiolus floribundus. The
Belle Lucrative and Beurre Bosc pears were shown by
Robert Manning at the Annual Exhibition. In 1837
the first orchid mentioned, Oncidium jlexuosum^ with
ninety-seven expanded blooms, came from Marshall P.
AVilder. The Large Yellow Bough apple, and the
Rostiezer and Louise Bonne of Jersey pears, were
shown for the first time. The FMox Drummondi was
first seen this year. June 9, 1838, W. Kenrick showed
Wistaria Consequana, which had just been ascertained
to be hardy. The Verbena Tweediana was extensively
cultivated and greatly admired. The rhubarb and
tomato were coming into general cultivation at this
time. Hovey's Seedling strawberry was first shown
June 29, 1839. The dahlia had been growing in
popularity ; and on the 23d of September, 1840, the
first grand Dahlia Show commenced, and continued
four days. Nearly three thousand blooms were dis-
played, besides asters and other flowers. August 11,
1841, Lilium lancifolium was shown by Marshall P.
Wilder, and pronounced by the committee " a superb
plant ; " but its hardiness was not known until some
years later.

In 1842, cidtivators having learned from Mr. Plag-
gerston's discovery, to which he was stimulated by a
premium of one hundred dollars offered by the- society,
how to prevent the ravages of the rose-slug, the exhibi-
tion of roses was finer than ever. The Elizabeth pear
was shown by II. Manning, and the Tyson by A\'illiam

9

Oliver. In this year the anniversary of the society was
celebrated by the first Triennial Festival. It was held
at Concert Hall, which on this occasion presented a
scene of unsurpassed beauty. The question of admit-
ting ladies to the tables had been discussed ; and objec-
tions were made on the ground, that, if we had the
ladies, we could not have wine : but the better judgment
prevailed, the wine being cast out, and women being-
kept in. And here I am reminded that when, in 1830,
" women's rights" were incidentally discussed on a prop-
osition to elect as honorary members Mrs. Gov. Gore,
Mrs. Dix, and Mrs. Griffith of New Jersey, all known for
their zeal in forwarding the objects of the society, some
thought it of doubtful expediency, because a Avoman in
the garden made great trouble as long ago as the days
of Adam. Gen. Dearborn, however, silenced all cavil-
lers, and the candidates were admitted ; and now ladies
are elected, not merely honorary, but immediate mem-
bers ; and not only are our discussions and other meet-
ings graced by their presence, but their contributions to
the exhibitions are among * the most beautiful and
attractive in the halls. The Bon Silene rose was first
exhibited May 20, 18J:3. The Lawrence and Doyenne
Boussock pears, and the Mother, Ladies' Sweet, and
Northern Spy apples, were first brought before the so-
ciety in the same year. August 24, 184:1:, sixteen dishes
of Washington plums were shown by as many contrib-
utors. Some of the largest specimens averaged three
ounces and One-eighth in weight. The next week there
were seventy dishes of plums, in thirty varieties. The
Beurre d'Anjou pear was shown by Marshall P. Wilder
at the annual exhibition.

This brings us to an epoch in the history of the
society, — the erection of the first horticultural hall,
— which suggests a brief review of what may be called
the first era in the history of the society. It was espe-

10

cially noted for zeal in the cultivation of fruit, and most
of all of the pear. The leading cultivators sought to
bring together in theu' collections all known varieties, to
test their qualities and their adaptation to our climate.
The fruit-growers of our day have but a faint idea of
the vast amount of care, time, labor, and money, spent
in making the collections from which has been obtained
the information, now so easily accessible to all, as to
the most desirable varieties for cultivation. And not
only Avere the best varieties unknown, but there was
much confusion and perplexity in the nomenclature of
fruits. To clear up this confusion by careful compari-
son was another object in making large collections of
fruit. This work, in its various branches, was so dili-
gently begun and pursued during this first era of the
society, as to form its most prominent feature. It was
an era of collections.

The lovers of flowers were hardly less diligent in col-
lecting every novelty in their branch of horticulture.
The enthusiasm in the cultivation of the dahlia eclipsed
even the love for the rose. Every new variety an-
nounced in European catalogues was imported, some-
times at enormous cost ; and special shows were held for
the display of the finest specimens. The number of
varieties of roses had increased so that those who could
remember when there were but from six to ten Aarie-
ties, limited in their time of flowering to the month of
June, could count them by hundreds ; and. some of them
were in bloom nearly the whole year. Next in impor-
tance to the dahlia and the rose as a floral gem in the
open air, came the hyacinth. The tulip was much more
largely grown than it is now ; and beds containing thou-
sands of bulbs, and protected by houses built to screen
them from the sun and bad weather, were shown in per-
fection. Among green-house plants, the collections
were particularly rich in camellias. It was during this

11

era that ocean steam-navigation was established, giving
a powerful impetus to horticulture by the facilities
which it afForclecl for the interchange and concentration
of the fruits and flowers of every climate, many of which
found a place in the orchards and gardens of New Eng-
land. And not only in NeAv England, but in distant
States, might be seen fruits and flowers whose existence
could be traced to the influence of the Massachusetts
Horticultural Society.

I have thus briefly summed up some of the principal
events in the history of the first era of the society.
Prosperous and progressive as it had been during its
first fifteen years, we come now to an event which
marks an epoch, and introduces a new era in its his-
tory,— the erection of the first horticultural hall, which
was, so far as is known, the first building ever erected
for the use of any horticultural society in the world.

The corner-stone was laid on the 14th of September,

1844, with appropriate services, in the presence of a
large assembly, on the site of the old Latin schoolhonse,
now covered by the east end of the Parker House. He
who now addresses you performed the service of de-
positing the leaden casket of coins and documents, and
pronouncing a brief address on the rise and progress of
the society to that day. Of the fifteen members of the
building committee, only Mr. C. M. Hovey and myself
still live. The hall was dedicated on the 15th of May,

1845, with an address by Hon. George Lunt, and was
formally opened to the public at the exhibition on the
31st of the same month. In the words of Mr. ECovey,
in his address on laying the corner-stone of the present
edifice in 1864, " From that time, the progress of the
society has been more rapid, and the influence felt
throughout the entire country. New life and fresh
vitality were infused into the society. It had the sym-
pathy, as it had the substantial aid, of the public. It

12

was appreciated as its founders intended it should be.
Its objects seemed all at once to become apparent."
The possession of a home of its own made it a perma-
nent institution in the community. The increased taste
for horticulture, which had led to the erection of a hall,
was, in its turn, stimulated by the possession of this
beautiful building. The amount of money appropriated
for prizes — which was in 1829 only $188, and had been
gradually increased to |46() in 1844 — was in 1845 raised
to f 1,200 ; and the exhibitions became so extensive,
that it is difficult to select the objects most worthy of
notice. Bouquets were exhibited in great profusion.
There were on the 21st of June, 1845, no less than
thirty-three, from eight contributors, and in a multi-
plicity of forms, — round and flat vase-bouquets, round
and flat hand-bouquets, doubled-faced flat hand-bou-
quets, circular bouquets, &c. At the Annual Exhi-
bition, prizes were offered for the best designs ; and a
floral temple, a Gothic monument, and a Chinese pa-
goda, each from fifteen to eighteen feet high, were
exhibited, besides smaller designs, such as a harp, a
plough, an eagle, and a Newfoundland dog, covered
with pressed black hollyhocks and gray moss, and carry-
ing a basket of flowers. The Stephanotis floribwida. " a
very rare and elegant hot-house climber," Avas shown
by J. M. Thorburn & Co. of New York.

The beginning of the next year (1846) was signal-
ized by awards, of the value of fifty dollars each, for
the production of the seedling camellias of Mr. Wilder,
the Queen of the Prairies rose of Samuel Feast of
Baltimore, and the Hovey's Seedling strawberry. The
]..a Reine and Souvenir de Malmaison roses were shown.
The exhibitions of fruit were stimulated by the offer of
special prizes by John P. Cushing. In 1847 the Pro-
spective Prizes were established, and medals w^ere pro-
cured to be awarded as premiums. At this time, and for

13

some years previous, there was a general enthusiasm in
regard to the hybridization of plants, particularly the
came'lia and dahlia, and also in regard to the intro-
duction of new varieties. As an illustration of this
enthusiasm, we may mention that two hundred and fifty
dollars was paid for a plant of Camellia Floyii^ and ten
guineas for a plant of the Dahlia Hope. The displays
of camellias were very extensive : on the 12th of Feb-
ruary, 1848, Marshall P. AVilder exhibited ihirty-three
varieties; Hovey & Co., sixteen varieties; and J. L.
L. F. Warren, twelve varieties. The new hall of the
society having been found too small for the iVnnual
Exhibition, it was held in Faneuil Hall. Marshall P.
Wilder exhibited two hundred varieties of pears ; Robert
Manning, two hundred and sixty varieties of pears, and
one hundred and eighteen of apples ; John Fisk Allen,
thirty-three varieties of foreign grapes ; and Samuel
W. Cole, one hundred varieties of potatoes. The first
special Pose Show was held in June, 1849. The next
year the Garden Committee was established. Hovey &
Co. made the first of those beautiful shows of azaleas
and rhododendrons which have been so much admired.
John P. Cushing exhibited magnificent specimens of
pears from walls and under glass. At the Annual Show
the collection of one hundred and forty-one finely
grown varieties of apples from B. V. French was an
exhibition of itself. In 1851 the Weigelia rosea was
introduced by Marshall P. Wilder, and the Champion
of England pea by Azell Bowditch ; the -Jenny Lind
strawberry was shown by the originator ; John P.
Cushing exhibited a collection of thirty-three varieties
of strawberries ; Andre Leroy of Angers, France, sent
a collection of one hundred and sixteen varieties of
pears, including the Doyenne du Comice, besides other
fruit. In 1852 Messrs. Winship exhibited the Dielj/tra
spectahilis. The Annual Exhibition was, in this and

14

the two succeeding years, held under a tent m the
Pubhc Garden or the Common, givmg ample space for
a grand disphiy. The year 1853 was made memorable
by the exhibition by John Fisk Allen, of that extraor-
dinary plant, the Victoria regia. The Concord grape,
and the Dana's Hovey and the Beurre Superfin pears,
were fii-st shown ; and the first Prospective Prize was
awarded to Hovey & Co for their seedling cherry.
The interest in native plants revived under the exten-
sive exhibitions of Dennis Murray and others. Igna-
tius Sargent sent several bunches of Black Hamburg
grapes, weighing upwards of four pounds each, and one
of seven pounds and a half. The first hybrid grape,
originated by J. F. Allen, and bearing his name, was
shown by him in 1854. From this time we may date
the interest in the improvement of native grapes, which
has resulted in adding so many new kinds to our cata-
logues. This year also was marked by the exhibition,
from Marshall P. Wilder, of the Cissus discolor^ one of
the harbingers of the endless variety of ornamental-foli-
aged plants now so generally cultivated and admired.
The American Pomological Society, in the formation of
which our society had been primarily instrumental, met
in Horticultural Hall ; and the members contributed
largely to the exhibition of fruits in the pavilion on the
Common. The Music Hall, being completed the next
year, commended itself as a most desirable place for
the Annual Exhibition, which was held there for three
successive years, and frequently since. In 1856 the
Clematis Jackmanni^ and other varieties, were shown
by Edward S. Rand, jun. May 2, 1857, the Deutzia
gracilis was shown by T. G. Whytal for the first time,
though it had been introduced several years before.
The Versaillaise currant was exhibited by W. C. Strong.
Messrs. Gracff" of New York sent to the Annual Exhibi-
tion the first Wardian cases. The society returned to

15

the old custom of an address at the Annual Show, which
was delivered by Rev. Henry Ward Beecher.

The exhibitions through the season of 1858 were
held monthly, instead of weekly, as before. Hovey &
Co. exhibited at one time twenty-five varieties of sum-
mer pears, and, at another, one hundred and twenty-five
varieties of verbenas. At the Annual Exhibition this
year were seen the first indications of the taste for ferns
and lycopods, the beautiful forms of which are now
found in every green-house.

In 1859 the Wilson's Albany strawberry was shown ;
the committee remarking that " the specimens did not,
on trial, commend themselves for their quality." Au-
gust 20, Hovey & Co. displayed a hundred and thirty
varieties of annuals, and, at the Annual Exhibition, the
first extensive collection of variegated-leaved plants, and
also of coniferous plants. Orchard-house culture was
gradually becoming more general. This year was the
last in the hall which had been the home of the society
for fifteen years ; the estate having been sold to Mr.
Parker. The weekly shows were kept up at Amory
Hall the next season with much interest. The hybrid
perpetual roses showed the results of increased atten-
tion. June 30, Oliver Bennet exhibited fifty Crawford's
Late peaches, some of which measured more than a foot
in circumference. The Clapp's Favorite pear was
shown for the first time. A special prize for Bartlett
pears at the Annual Exhibition brought out fifty-five
competitors. This year witnessed the culmination of
the great collections of pears, Marshall P. Wilder and
Hovey & Co., each exhibiting three hundred dishes, — a
larger number than has since been shown. The dahlia
was slowly going out of favor ; but at the Annual
Exhibition there were a " number of neat, pretty little
baskets of flowers, showing in what dainty contrasts

16

flowers could be arranged, aiid what pretty effects could
be produced by skilful fingers."

The season of 1861 was one of the most unfavorable
ever known both for fruits and flowers ; yet at the Rose
Show bushels of flow^ers were taken away for want of
room to show them. The Rogers's hybrid grapes were
first shown. The Eucharis Amazonica, Lapageria rosea,
and Caladium argyrites, were among the notabilities
in plants. 1862 was as favorable for an abundance of
fruits and flowers as the preceding year had been un-
propitious, and was noted for the appearance of the
Lillum auratiim, and for the ninth session of the Ameri-
can Pomological Society. The next year came the
Coleus Verschaffeiti, and the first of those beautiful dis-
plays of seedling gladioli which now form so attractive
a portion of our exhibitions. In 1864 the hybrid per-
petual roses were recorded as very large and perfect.
At the Annual Show there were eighteen or twenty
baskets of flowers (some arranged with exquisite taste),
a collection of twenty-five varieties of native grapes, and
one of a hundred and two varieties of beans.

This closes what we have designated the second era
in the history of the society. It will be seen, that, as
respects the pear, the work of coUections during this era
culminated, and the work of selection had well pro-
gressed. It was during this period that two of our
most valuable native pears, the Dana's Hovey and
Clapp's Favorite, were originated by members of the
society, and first made known through its exhibitions.
A great number of varieties of strawberries had been
tested, including all the European kinds of high
repute, most of which had proved not to be adapted
to this climate. We have noted the commencement of
the excitement in regard to native grapes, and the
advent of the Concord, the Allen's Hybrid, and other
improved varieties, and the share of our society in the

17

establishment of the American Pomological Society, two
of whose meetings and exhibitions were held under the
auspices of the former in this era.

In the flower department we have noted the intro-
duction of the deutzias, the weigelia, the dielytra, and
the Lillum auratum. A period which includes the
introduction of such beautiful and popular plants must
be deemed a most important one ; yet we might add
the names of hundreds more only less conspicuous than
these. Among green-house plants perhaps the most
extraordinary acquisition Avas the Victoria regia ; and,
though not now cultivated here, such is not the case
with the multitudes of variegated-leaved plants, the
introduction of which took place at about the same
time with the flowering of the Victoria, and the taste
for which has been continually increasing. Among
flowering plants we can only allude to the improvement
in the azalea, the fuchsia, the gloxinia and other
green-house plants. In the garden we notice the mul-
tiplication of beautiful roses, and especially the advent
and improvement of the hybrid perpetual class. Next
to the rose, the gladiolus showed most advance, but
hardly more than that in hardy rhododendrons and aza-
leas, in tree and herbaceous pi^eonies, in the phlox, the
astor, the petunia, and the hollyhock ; while the taste
for the dahlia — once next to the rose in popularity —
was on the decline. Nor would we overlook the revival
of interest in the exhibition of native plants. In new
seedlings originated here, the greatest advance was
shown in the gladiolus ; but the phlox continued to be
a favorite subject of improvement ; and the hardy rho-
dodendrons, Japan lilies, petunias, and many others on
a smaller scale, were the subjects of successful experi-
ments.

Closely connected with the cultivation of flowers is the
growth of a better taste in regard to their arrangement

18

in bouquets, baskets, and other designs ; for which we
are largely indebted to the lady members of the soci-
ety. The large designs which show the skill of the
architect rather than the taste of the florist are justly
banished from our halls. The establishment of the
Committee on Gardens marks the progress, not only of
improvement in the culture of fruit, flower, and vege-
table gardens, but in the laying-out of ornamental and
pleasure grounds with artistic effect. It was during
this era that the Hunnewell Triennial Premiums were
established by the generous patron of horticulture whose
name they bear, to promote the application of science,
skill, and taste to landscape-gardening.

In the kitchen-garden we have noticed the zeal of
cultivators in testing large collections of potatoes, beans,
squashes, and turnips, and the improved varieties intro-
duced ; while the specimens exhibited showed a marked
improvement in cultivation. The tomato, in its change
from a soft and wrinkled state to the smooth and solid
varieties now exclusively grown, is a most striking
example of improvement.

Tliis era was especially noted for its brilliant festivals
in Faneuil Hall, graced by large assemblages of ladies
and gentlemen. Among those who thus met to do
honor to the society were many of the most distin-
guished persons in our land, of whom we may re-
member Daniel Webster, Edward Everett, William H.
Seward, Andrew Jackson Downing, Caleb Cushing,
Robert C. Winthrop, Morton JNIcMichael, and Madam
Alexander Hamilton. These festivals gave great pop-
ularity to the society, and assisted in bringing to its
treasury increased donations, the interest of which was
to be distributed in prizes to promote the objects of the
society. The mention of these generous gifts at once
recalls to your minds the honored names of Appleton,
Lowell, Lyman, Bradlee, Hunnewell, and French.

19

The twenty year.s of this era were years of prosper-
ity to the society ; and, though they include several of
the most inauspicious seasons known since its founda-
tion, the number of contributors to the show^ was so
large, that a contribution of a comparatively small por-
tion of the products of each garden and green-house
afforded, even in the most unfavorable years, an inter-
esting and instructive exhibition. iVnd if, in such a
year, there was the appearance of retrogression, it was
but temporary ; and the return of a more genial season
restored all that had been lost, and added much more.

And now we come to what I have termed the third
or present era in our history.

The growth of the society, and its influence both at
home and abroad, had been constantly increasing, so
that the want of a larger and more commodious build-
ing was year by year more strongly felt. Ihis need
resulted in the purchase of the present site, and the
erection of this beautiful structure, the corner-stone of
which was laid on the 18th of August, 1864, the build-
ing being dedicated on the 16th of September, 1865.
Appropriate addresses were delivered on both these
occasions by President Charles M. Hovey, who, through
all the stages of the project, had been its firm and con-
stant friend. The erection of this building seemed to
be the crowning glory in the history of the society ; but
few are aware of the difficulties encountered in bring-
ing the plan to a successful issue. The incurring of a
large debt was, in the minds of some of our best
friends, of doubtful expediency; but, thanks to an in-
domitable and immutable friend, Charles O. Whitmore,
this objection was overcome, and to him more than
to any other man are we indebted for this temple of hor-
ticulture.- Not only did he adhere with firmness and
perseverance to the plan of the committee, until all its
members signed the report in favor of erecting the new

20

hall ; but he also, with Mr. Hunnewell and Mr. Cheney,
presented the statues which adorn its walls.

In this third era we see the result and development
— the flower and fruit — of the good seed sown
through all the previous history of the society ; a result
so rich, that we can hut glance at it : and indeed we
have less need for detail here than in the earlier
years, for it is within the recollection of even the
younger members of the society, and, moreover, it
will be found fully related in the history of the society,
soon to be published.

In this era occurred the Rhododendron Show on the
Common, the most successful horticultural exhibition
ever held in Boston. Who that saw it does not still
retain the remembrance of its surpassing- beauty I And
for those who saw it, as well as for those who had not that
privilege, we have a memorial in the fund which accrued
from it, and which was presented to the society by the
generous friend, Mr. Hunnewell, who conceived and
carried out the plan to encourage the cultivation of his
favorite flower.

In this era, too, occurred the gift of ex-President
Stickney, for the increase and benefit of the library,
which has resulted in placing within reach of every
member of the society the most valuable collection of
books on horticulture and kindred subjects, to be found
in this country, if, indeed, it can be equalled in the
world. Nor must we omit in this connection the be-
quest of the valuable horticultural and botanical library
by which that long-tried friend of the society, John
Lewis Russell, who had served it so many years as pro-
fessor of botany, testified his remembrance and regard.

Here, also, we may appropriately refer to the work of
the society in collecting and disseminating horticultural
information by the lectures and discussions inaugurated
during this era, under the presidency of Mr. Strong, to

21

whom we are most indebted for the success attamed ;
and by the pubUcations of the society, which, though
beginning with its foundation, have of late attained an
importance, which, excepting the period from 184:7 to
1852, they did not possess in any previous era. And
this leads me to speak of the growth, in our country
generally, of horticuhural Kterature, which, at the organ-
ization of the society, could hardly be said to exist. In
the formation of this literature the members of this
society, and especially ex-President Hovey, to whose
long series of volumes we point with pride, may claim
to have had their full share.

To come more directly to gardening : the era which
we speak of was noted for the development of carpet
and ribbon gardening, which gave to our gardens a bril-
liancv and richness unknown before. This was rendered
possible by the introduction of numbers of new varie-
ties of pelargoniums, coleus, a^hyranthes, centaurea, and
of other species before unknown, and at the same time
stimulated the introduction and production of plants
suited to the effects at which it aims. With it came
sub-tropical gardening, imparting to our lawns and
pleasure-grounds, by the use of palms, tree-ferns, agaves,
musas, drac?enas, caladiums, and similar plants, an air of
refinement and distinction before unknown. It appears
to me that the introduction of these and the miiltitude
of ornamental-foliaged plants, both hardy and tender,
which now enrich our gardens, is the most characteristic
feature of the present era in horticulture. Our wealth
in the rich forms of tropical foliage, and the skill of our
cultivators, were revealed in the exhibitions of 18 To,
1874, and 1875, when the spacious Music Hall appeared
transformed into a tropical garden. The names of half
the species which have been introduced would extend
this address beyond all reasonable limits, 'ihe mention
of Bougainvillea, Cyanophyllum, Anthurium, Allamanda,

22

Sanchezia, Dalechampia, Medinilla, Dracaena, Alocasia,
Croton, Pandanus, Phormium, Phyllotirnium, and Be-
gonia, calls up at once the recollection of hundreds of
others, rich in flower and foliage beyond any thing
dreamed of when this society was formed. The same
may be said of the curious and delicate forms of green-
house ferns ; yet these are rivalled by the species from
our own woods, which have been during this era so
thoroughly studied, and brought into cultivation. Hot-
house orchids were hardly known here half a century
ago ; yet at almost every exhibition now they surprise
and delight us by some new and wonderful form, or
gorgeous color. In the out-door garden, the develop-
ment of the hybrid perpetual roses, in their endless varie-
ties of form and color, would alone have signalized this
era ; yet we have seen equal improvement in the Rho-
dodendron, while the new Deutzias, Hydrangeas, Vibur-
nums, the Azalea mollis, and the Aquilegias, are repre-
sentatives of plants which are destined to find a place in
every garden. That our cultivators have not merely in-
troduced, but originated new plants, is witnessed by the
magnificent Lilies of Mr. Hovey and Mr. Parkman, the
DraCcPuas of Mr. Butler and Mr. Harris, the Ptponies of
Mr. Richardson and Dr. Kirtland, the Carnations and
Gladioli of Messrs. Hyde, Richards, Crafts, and others,
and the numerous seedling Lilies, Coleus, Lis, Phloxes,
Delphiniums, Pelargoniums, and other flowers almost
weekly presented.

The extent of the cultivation and improvement of
])articular flowers is testified by the special exhibitions
to which the Rose, the Rhododendron, the Pelargo-
nium, the Lidian Azalea, and the Chrysanthemum have
given their names. The winter exhibitions, especially
of roses, have of late grown in extent and beauty ; the
exhibitions and discussions having exerted a mutually
beneficial eft'ect.

23

It is to be noticed as another prominent characteristic
of the horticulture of this era, that the enjoyment of
flowers is not confined to those who cultivate them as
luxuries of the green-house and conservatory. The
yearly increasing market for flowers evidences a wide-
spread taste for them in the community ; while the
multiplication of cheap glass structures for their pro-
duction strikes every one who makes the slightest in-
quiry into the progress of horticulture. Equally striking
is the fact that large quantities of forced roses, and other
green-house flowers produced by the skill of our florists,
are sent by them to distant parts of the country, whose
natural advantages are far superior to ours. But we
believe that the disadvantages under which we labor are
more than counterbalanced by the stimulus which they
have given to cultivators ; for it is conceded that hor-
ticulture as an art is carried to higher pefection in
Massachusetts than in any other part of our country.

"■ But ever on the bleakest rock

AVe bid the brightest beacon glow,
And still upon the thorniest slock
The sweetest roses love to blow.

So, on our rude and wintr}' soil
We feed the kindling flame of art,

And steal the tropic's blushing spoil
To bloom on Nature's ic}' heart."

In the fruit department we seem to have approached
more nearly to the limit of improvement, and our culti-
vators are exacting in their requirements of a new can-
didate for a place in their gardens or orchards ; yet we
must not omit that extraordinary pear, the Souvenir du
CongTeS, the seedlings of Messrs. Clapp (particularly the
fine variety named in memory of Frederick Clapp), the
many seedlings by Dr. Shurtleff, Mr. Dana, and others,
Mr. Fenno's Norfolk cherry ; the new strawberries and

24

grapes originated by zealous cultivators,, and the many
raspberries, gooseberries, blackberries, and other small
fruits introduced. The fame of the society has attracted
from distant places collections of fruit to be submitted to
the judgment of its committees and members, and we
have had the satisfaction of examining the productions
of orchards from Nova Scotia to Nebraska and Cali-
fornia. By the exhibition and meeting of the American
Pomological Society, held under the auspices of our
society during the era of which we speak, and by the
part taken in the pomological department of the Cen-
tennial Exposition, we may claim a share in the advance-
ment of fruit-growing throughout the country. The
advance and extension of fruit-culture are shown in the
enormous and yearly increasing quantities sold in our
markets, and not less is the improvement in the quality
and varieties of vegetables. The exportation of fruit
has also attained such proportions that I must not omit
an allusion to it here, as largely due to the influence of
this society.

But horticulture includes more than the finest fruits
or flowers, or the neatest and most skilful cultivation.
In its application to landscape-gardening it becomes a
fine art. To use the words of Mr. Winthrop, "It is in
its most comprehensive sense emphatically the Fine Art
of common life. It is eminently a Republican Fine Art.
It distributes its productions with equal hand to the rich
and the poor. Its implements may be wielded by every
arm, and its results appreciated by every eye. It deco-
rates the dwelling of the humblest laborer with undoubted
originals by the oldest masters, and places within his
daily view fruit-pieces such as Ynxi Iluysum never
painted, and landscapes such as Poussin could only
copy." It was intended by the founders of the Garden
and Cemetery at Mount Auburn that these grounds
should ultimately offer an example of the best style of

9n

landscape or picturesque gardening. This design has
been realized not only in Mount Auburn and other
cemeteries, but in such private grounds as those of
Messrs. Hunnewell, Payson, Sargent, Gray, and Hayes,
which as the finest specimens of art, with their beautiful
lawns, and rare trees and plants, are among the strongest
attractions either to our own residents, or to visitors from
abroad.

And now, my friends, permit me in conclusion to say,
that, among the various invitations which I have received
to address my fellow-citizens, I have never been honored
with one which I more readily accepted, or more highly
appreciated, than the invitation to address you on this
occasion, coming as it does from those with whom I
have labored for so many years. Never have 1 more
heartily joined with you than I do now in commemorat-
ing the fiftieth anniversary of our society ; and I am
quite .^ure there is no one here who does not rejoice
sincerely in this occasion.

1 have summed up briefly, and as well as impaired
health would admit, a sketch of the results of a half-
century's work. To do justice to tlie subject would
extend this address far beyond the limits of your pa-
tience ; but I trust I have given you some idea of the
work accomplished by this society. This is the harvest
we have reaped. These are the fruits we have gathered.
But many are the seeds which we have sown which have
not yet germinated, and which will bless the world long-
after we have passed away from it. With many of us
the sun is fast sinking behind the horizon of life ; but
the fruits of your labors will continue to enrich with
golden hues and, spicy odors the tables of posterity for
ages after we have dropped, like the fruits of autumn,
to rise no more.

One after another of us will pass away. Few of those
present will attend the anniversary of this society at the

26

close of the half-century upon which we have entered ;
but our society shall still live on and prosper. Others
will rise up, and carry on the good work ; and as they
come with fruits and flowers — the results of their labors
— to adorn these halls, they will remember those who
have jj^one before. Thus from generation to generation
may this temple continue to stand, and honor the names
of those who erected it.

Commemorating as we do by this celebration the com-
pletion of the first half-century of the existence of our
society, it is natural to look forward to the future of its
history. When we reflect upon what has already been
accomplished, how from its small beginnings it has risen
to its present usefulness and renown, who does not feel
that its future is yet to be equally prosperous and glo-
rious ]

The seed which has been sown,

" Thougli it long lies buried in the dust,
Shall not deceive our hope,"

but will continue to spring up for years to come. Much as
has been accomplished, still greater results are in store for
posterity ; and as time advances, still richer acquisitions
in fruit and flower will gladden the eyes, and charm the
senses ; and, as you and your posterity shall come up to
these altars with your votive off"erings, let all remember
with gratitude those who laid the foundations of this
society, and those who have so actively co-operated with
us to advance the objects of our institution, and have
brought it forward to its present prosperous condition.
As the members from time to time congregate in these
halls, think you not, that, if these portraits could speak
from the canvas, they would bless you for your works 1
Methinks they now speak to us, and rejoice with us in
the good which this institution has bestowed on the
world.

27

And now, remembering those who have gone before,
let us extend a hearty welcome to those who are to suc-
ceed us.

Welcome to our homes, and the beautiful grounds
which we have made and planted for your happiness !
Welcome to our fruitful orchards, smiling gardens, and
charming landscapes, which we shall leave to you !
Welcome to these halls, whose walls have resounded so
often with cordial greetings and friendly salutations ;
where thousands shall minister in the future at the al-
tars of nature and of art, until perfection shall crown
our tables, and gladden our sight, and we shall have
exchanged the cultivation of the soil for the culture of
the soul !

Welcome to its libraries and to all its privileges and
pleasures ! and when at last we shall relinquish our
labors on earth, may we fall into the lap of mother-
earth, like the ripened fruits of summer, then to be
welcomed to those celestial fields, and to that richer
inheritance in the better land where the flower shall
never fade, the leaf never wither, the fruit never perish;
to the rewards of a well-spent life on earth, that we may
partake of the tree which bears immortal fruit, — its
bloom on earth, its fruit in heaven.