44 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



am capable of recounting. Let us take the thought of propagation 

 for a few minutes consideration. Webster says propagating is con- 

 tinuing or multiplying by generation or successive production, to cause 

 to spread or extend, to impel or continue. Two words in this may 

 give us some branches of thought. They are continuing and succes- 

 sive productions. We might, for our subject's sake, say successful 

 production. Then we would have propagation meaning continuing 

 in successful production. And two other words explain the object 

 of this paper and this Society. Spread and extend. And is it not 

 the true intent of all practical horticulturists to get a correct under- 

 standing of desirous results that they may be spread throughout the 

 land for the good of the toiling millions and to extend to the coming 

 generations. And I, for one, have learned much from the horticul- 

 tural societies, of which there are many and doing much good. Yet 

 they come far short of performing their full mission, as I believe 

 the}^ are the medium through which we as individuals may attain to 

 near perfection in the matter of plant propagation. And let me say 

 right here that propagation does not consist merely in the originat- 

 ing of any special object but just as much, and many times a great 

 deal more, in the perpetuation of material when results are con- 

 cerned. For instance, propagation is commenced under many differ- 

 ent conditions and in many different forms, the originating and 

 development of trees and plants is only attained after much essential 

 and carefully guarded attention. From the time the initial step is 

 taken, constant care is required so long as the tree or plant shall live, 

 and each kind differently as concerns their nature and present sur- 

 roundings. Plant life requires food and protection just as much, and 

 repays just as well for the care bestowed, as animal life, and I think 

 horticulturists are beginning to arouse themselves to the plant's 

 necessity and appeal for nature's life-giving properties, and to look 

 in wonder at the constant abuse and robbery everywhere arrayed 

 against them. Witness ! We will again call in the Horticultural 

 Society as a medium of communication. Take the programme of 

 this meeting and you will find it consists of appeals for assistance to 

 plant life, and calls for remedies for the many grievances. 



And it was, I believe, wisely said this morning that the history 

 of this Society is one of continual lamentation. And experience 

 has taught me that many have been lead astray by exhorbitant ideas 

 and enormous estimates of production, founded many times on scien- 

 tific theories instead of scientific facts. Now, so far as mj^ mite 

 shall go in contributing to the records of this society, it will only be 

 a personal experience. Again, if we will take this Society reports, 

 we will see what some of this wailing is about. Let us see ? We 

 find them sending up a cry for the relief of rust, insects blight, rot, 

 winter killing, and summer stowing ; the irrepressible agent of snide 

 varieties, and above all, the unprincipled nurseryman, who will 



