12 Mississippi Valley Horticultural Society. 



availiihlo iniirkots, and every merchant who has tried to follow intelligently 

 the natural laws of trade in hid season's transactions, has certainly felt a great 

 want of knowledge of a wide circuit of facts upon which his success or fail- 

 ure must dejM'ud. In what way shall we mend this matter? We must in 

 some way have a bureau of horticultural statistics. Tf we have no machinery 

 ready made for accomi)lishing this result, then let us invent some. I ven- 

 ture tlie suggestion, that if there is no more eflcctive way, that this Society 

 can itself organize such a bureau with suHicient completeness to give us 

 great relief from our ignorance. If our secretary could have a salary suffi- 

 cient to enable liim to employ one or more assistants, he could, T think, make 

 ji beginning, at least, of this work, which would demonstrate its great value. 



E.XlIIBITrONS. 



The question of an annual exhibition of fruits, flowers and garden pro- 

 ducts, by our Society, is one that some of you have given much thought to. 

 You are aware that we held such an exhibition in St. Louis, in September, 

 1880, at the time of our organization, which was more attractive and com- 

 plete, T can say with confidence, than any other similar exhibition ever made 

 on this continent. This magnificent collection was gotten together and man- 

 iiged by a provisional committee, to fitly inaugurate the birth of an organiza- 

 tion destined to wield a powerful influence, as we then hoped, and do now 

 hope and feel assured, in molding the industries and the finer culture of 

 human society in the heart of this continent for generations to come. But 

 our experience has justified the belief that no great horticultural exhibition 

 can be made to pay its own way, independently and alone. Such an exhi- 

 bition as we should make, if we attempt any at all, must cost several thou- 

 sand dollars. To secure this money, and to secure a sufficient popular at- 

 tendance to make such a show largely useful, we must, for the present at 

 least, arrange to work in connection with some powerful exposition of other 

 industries. It is for you to decide whether it is desirable to attempt such 

 an exhibition the present year, and also to determine whether in your judg- 

 ment annual or occasional exhibitions should be considered a portion of the 

 legitimate work of this Society. Of the great educational value of horticul- 

 tural, as well as of other fairs, there can be no doubt. Of their special value 

 to the professional horticulturist, you are all assured. I commend this sub- 

 ject to your thoughtful 'consideration. 



GENERAI, SfGGE.STrON8. 



Allow me, in conclusion, to call your attention to two or three considera- 

 tions of a general nature. I desire to have it impressed upon every mind 

 that horticulture is one of the most important agencies for the enhancement 

 of human welfare. Each branch of this profession is useful, dignified and 

 <Minobling. It is altogether worthy of the devotion of the best men of the 

 world. It oilers a field for the linest powers of the best endowed of mankind. 

 Its problems are .suHicient for the best cultivated intellect; its arts will oc- 



