•1 IViscoxsix State IIokticultueal Society. 



the citizens take sufficient interest in horticultural matters to make the neces- 

 sary arrangements. 



"While the work of the society is much the same from year to year, and the 

 subjects presented and discussed at its meetings are largely tuch as have 

 been considered time and again, the experience of each season gives new 

 light on these old questions, which is of much practical value to all. In 

 addition to this, each season brings out new facts in regard to methods 

 and results, new lessons in experience, which duly considered will 

 prove valuable in advancing the interests of horticulture. Through a larger 

 attendance at our regular meetings, and the greater numbers reached at the 

 meetings held with local societies, and the more extended circulation of our 

 Reports, the work of the society reaches each year many new comers and 

 even old settlers, who are in need of information on these points, and to 

 whom what may seem trite and commonplace to those longest in the field is 

 new, and of much practical value. The members of the society are encour- 

 aged to believe that in this and other ways the beneficial influence of their 

 labors is steadily increasing, and that it will contribute much, not only to the 

 financial prosperity of the state, but also to the happiness and contentment 

 of its citizens by increasing the attractiveness and comfort of their homes. 



The value of the sanitary, aesthetic, educational and social influence of 

 horticulture in its various branches has been largely overlooked, and it has 

 been ju 'ged as a pursuit solely by the immediate pecuniary results derived 

 from it. This is truly an important consideration, and it has been, and still 

 is, the desire and aim of the society, as far as it is in its power, to so develop 

 the horticultural interests of the state as to make them a source of revenue 

 which will add material wealth to those engaged in them ; but we feel that 

 ttere are other important considerations which should be taken into the ac- 

 count; other benefits to be derived from horticulture, of greater value even 

 than those represented by dollars and cents; that the fruit of the strawberry 

 bed and of the orchard consumed in the producer's family, not to the extent 

 of necessity alone, but to the fullest desire, gives better returns than when 

 embodied in coin or greenbacks; that money judiciously expended in beau- 

 tifying the door-yard, the farm and public grounds, in a 'orning the home sur- 

 roundings and adding to the attraction and comforts of the home life, is a 

 safer and better investment than when risked in business speculation or put 

 into bank deposits. On account of this conviction, more than the usual 

 amount of space has been given in this volume to the consideration of ques- 

 tions calculated to draw attention to this subject, thus, we hope, addiDg to its 

 interest and practical value. We trust that in this, and in all its labors, the 

 society will continue to meet with your approval and will have your co- 

 operation, and that of all who are interested in horticulture and the gen- 

 eral prosperity of the State. 



llespeclf lly submitted in behalf of the Sxiety. 



F. W. CASE, Secretary. 



