100 Mississippi Valley Horticultural Society. 



Around Denver there are over one tliousand acres in market gardens, but they fall 

 far short of supplying the markets. Last summer as many as one hundred car 

 loads of fruit were received in Denver in a week from abroad. The alkali taken 

 into the system in the water we drink requires the acid of fruits to counteract its 

 effect; hence, we will have fruit, let it cost what it may. 



When I read the list of papers booked for your meeting, the temptation to attend 

 is almost greater than I can bear, but the press of business says no, and I must 

 submit this time, but you may look for me next time. Wishing you every succe.'^s. 



I remain truly yours, 



D. S. Gkimes. 



My friends, my pile of letters is a pretty large one, and very in- 

 teresting ; and they come from representative horticulturists from 

 all sections of the country, and all of them are full of the most cor- 

 dial sympathy for our Society and our meeting. I must read you 

 two or three more. 



Here is one from that able horticultural writer and experimenter, 

 Mr. D, Redmond, editor of the Florida Dispatch: 



Jacksonville, Fla., November 29, 1882. 

 Jly Dear Sir : 



I regret that severe illness has prevented me from replying earlier to your kind 

 favor. If it were at all possible for me to do so, it would give me very great pleas- 

 ure to prepare the paper you suggest, and also to attend the meeting in New Or- 

 leans in February ; but my duties and engagements here are so pressing that I am 

 very regretfully obliged to forego the gratification which a visit to old scenes and 

 a reunion with old friends could not fail to afford me. If I live until your next 

 annual meeting, I shall certainly try to be with you. 



Thanking you very cordially for the kind and courteous manner in which your 

 invitation was tendered, and trusting that your coming meeting may be a grand 

 and influential one — a success in every way, I remain. Most truly yours, 



D. Redmond. 



Mr. Earle continued : Knowing full well that a meeting, where 

 small fruit culture was to receive great attention, could not be a 

 complete success without some voice from New Jersey, the greatest 

 small fruit State in the whole world, I endeavored to secure two 

 papers from distinguished gentlemen in that State concerning that 

 interest. I succeeded so far as to get a promise of attendance and 

 a paper from Mr. Jno. T. Lovett, which .severe illness in his family 

 has prevented him from keeping* ; and I have also this kindly letter 



*Sinee writing this we have been favored by a valuable paper by Mr. Lovett, which may t'C 

 found in the body of this report. [Sec' v.] 



