196 Mississippi Valley Horticultural Society. 



Lord Eacons maxim, " that man will ever build stately, sooner than to gar- 

 den finely, as though the latter were the greatest perfection." But what a 

 field have we not in horticultural pursuits for mental and moral stimulus; 

 work must be done well and in season, or profitable results will not be ours. 

 Then, too, in no profession, unless it be that of medicine, are constant obser- 

 vation, quick perception, a cultivated eye, and ready resource, more impor- 

 tant than here. Our success will depend on our ability to adapt ourselves to 

 surrounding circumstances, and to decide quickly and readily on the exi- 

 gencies of the hour. The horticulturist, too, must love his profession, and 

 between himself and his living charge there mu.st be an understanding that 

 can come only from familiar acquaintance. 



DISCUSSION ON THE PAPER. 



Tlie Secretary — I have been thinking, especially during the read- 

 ing of the last two papers, of a letter I received fi'om a man who 

 did not know much about our Society, in which he wished to know 

 if it was to be captured by business interests. I tried to assure him 

 to the contrary. This gentleman is here now. He will certainly 

 see that it is for the interest of horticulture in general, and not for 

 personal interests. We have had several most excellent papers, such 

 as those by Prof. Forbes, Prof Robson, Prof. Burrill, Prof Cas- 

 sidy, and Mrs. Tryon. These would have graced any lecture 

 course. I wish to compliment our Society in thus bringing to- 

 gether such able talent. 



3Ir. Patterson, of Missouri — I did not come here to speak, well 

 knowing I should expose my ignorance if I did ; and I have succeed- 

 ed pretty well so far in keeping quiet, but I can't stand it any longer. 

 I am one who has not had the advantage of training, but I am will- 

 ing to learn, and acknowledge I have received much benefit here. 

 I acknowledge I have been paid for coming to hear Prof. Burrill's 

 paper alone, although I could have gotten it in the Proceedings. 



Mr. Day, of Nebraska, suggested that the name of G. P. Peifer 

 be included in the list spoken of by the Secretary. 



The President — I am myself greatly delighted at the success of 

 the Society, not only here but at New Orleans, in bringing together 

 such papers and the men who have read them. 1 think such a vol- 

 ume as we have the material for will be appreciated. T hope we 

 will go on and hold other meetings as good as this. 1 solicit your 

 co-operation in its welfare. It occurs to me that the Committee on 



