President's Message - 1955

I AM DEEPLY-appreciative of the honour of election to the Society's highest post, especially in the wake of a series of distinguished and capable predecessors but I am happy to accept this responsibility for I feel that the Society is making a very definite contribution to the beauty of our City by our stimulation of gardening in all its forms and by spreading the knowledge of gardening to as many as are desirous of learning the secrets of this ancient culture.

At various stages in the Society's long history we have had to battle against other diversions in the living habits of Ottawa citizens-the arrival of the automobile age-the frenzy of radio-the upsets of two World Wars, and the fascination of television. The first ones we have survived and depending on our approach to the latest one, we hope we can survive it also.

Throughout all these diversions, the interested horticulturists have made great developments in their fields and the beauties of horticulture have never ceased to be marveled at. To disseminate this newly acquired knowledge and floral developments, your society holds social and educational evenings and various flower shows throughout the year, where you can bring along your friends and neighbours who may be interested in this field of activity.

Our membership in 1954 was not up to that of the previous years and if your Officers and Directors hope to carry on we must have the continued support of a large membership and to this end we have prepared a very excellent program which we trust -will satisfy the many tastes of those interested.

It is my sincere hope that at the end of 1955 we can look back on a year which was a successful and progressive one in the annals of the Ottawa Horticultural Society.

JOHN H. COWAN, President.

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