16 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



stalwart man back to the old home of its infancy. May it go 

 forward to as great success in the future as it has achieved in the 

 past. 



Mr. Minkler — During the year we have lost two valuable men, 

 Milo Barnard, President of the State Society, and D. W. Scott, Presi- 

 dent of the Northern Society. I move that a committee be appointed 

 to take proper action in relation to their death. 



Motion adopted, and Mr. Minkler and Mr. Mortimer named as 

 the committee. 



Mr. Minkler — I think that Indiana and Ohio are now holding 

 their annual meetings, if so, I move that the greetings of this Society 

 be telegraphed them. Carried. 



SECRETARY'S REPORT. 



BY A. C. HAMMOIvrD, WARSAW. 



It is our pleasure to assemble here, on the banks of the " Father 

 of Waters, " in the goodly city of Alton, noted throughout the land 

 for the superior quality of its fruit, and for having been, and still 

 being, the home of some of the most successful horticulturists of the 

 age, to hold our thirty-third annual meeting. 



We assemble with every assurance that the meeting will be of 

 more than ordinary interest and» the attendance larger than usual. 

 The year has been one of more than ordinary prosperity and we 

 meet to-day under very favorable circumstances, yet we are sadden- 

 ed by the thought that our honored President has gone to the spirit 

 land, that we shall miss his pleasant face and cordial greeting and 

 no more profit by his wise counsel, yet we have special reason to be 

 thankful that his mantle has fallen on one so willing and capable to 

 take up the work and carry it forward. 



Our last volume — No. 21 — was issued more promptly than any 

 previous one. The Secretary by remaining in the office and doing 

 the necessary work there and employing a proof-reader to read proof 

 at the office of publication, was able to put it in the hands of read- 

 ers the tenth of February, fifty days from the close of the meeting. 

 Judging from the numerous commendations received I think this 

 prompt publication very satisfactory to the members of the Society 

 as well as other readers and that it is the universal wish to have the 

 forthcoming volume published just as promptly and I know of no 

 reason why it cannot be done. The Messrs. Franks, as usual, gave 

 us a carefully printed, well bound and handsomely finished book. 



