STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. II7 



The invitation was received from the Franklin County Agri- 

 cultural Society, one of the most successful agricultural societies 

 that we have in the State, and in accordance with the name which 

 it bears of an agricultural society one probably as closely helping 

 the interests which it represents as any other county society in 

 the State. We appreciated the importance of that invitation 

 and what might result from it. In order to make an exhibition 

 or an enterprise of this kind or a similar kind a success in any 

 locality, the people at that point must be interested in it. Very 

 much devolves upon them, however much we outsiders can do, 

 very much devolves upon them to make the occasion a success, 

 and without that aid we could not have made this exhibition and 

 convention what it has been here at this time. The people of 

 Franklin county have given us a cordial reception. They have 

 fulfilled their every duty in connection with their invitation 

 beyond what we have asked or expected of them'. Nothing on 

 their part has been neglected. 



We were criticised somewhat severely for locating this con- 

 vention here at this point. Still the faith was in us that it would 

 be a success and that criticism would be wiped out on the occa- 

 sion of holding the convention, and I am free to say that I have 

 no doubt that that criticism has been silenced and forever. And 

 further than that, our secretary, on whom very much of this 

 work and this arrangement of a program, securing the speakers, 

 etc., has devolved, is a resident of this town, and I want to give 

 him the credit here and now. He has been interested in this 

 meeting and he has done heroic work in the matter of local 

 affairs connected with this institution in so far as our side of 

 the work is considered. Every detail has been attended to, 

 methodically and systematically. Every detail devolving upon 

 the locality has been carefully canvassed and attended to. He 

 and I were designated as a committee of the board of officers 

 to complete this work and so I have known, been thoroughly 

 informed as to every part of it as it has gone along ; so not only 

 your people, not only your agricultural society, but your citi- 

 zen — our secretary, have done all that we could ask of them 

 and could expect, and should receive the large measure of credit 

 for the success which I hope you will all accord to this occasion. 

 We thank you heartily for this attention on your part. We hope 

 that your efforts will be in a measure rewarded. We trust they 



