128 STATE HOKTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



For two years past the society, innitily tliroui^b its Secrct.ivy, has been 

 engiiged in tlie work of promoting the formation of auxiliary societies — a work 

 whici), jii'igiiig from results so far. may be expected to greatly increase its 

 influence for good in our own State, while it has received the hearty commen- 

 dation of the horticulturists of other States. 



Iloiticnlture imposes upon its devotees otlier duties than that of watching 

 over and admiring flowers and fruits, and those even of less attractive charac- 

 tcr; less likely, therefore, to become '*' labors of love. Whether for this, or 

 for some otiier cause inciderit to our nature, evei" since Adam betrayed his 

 primal horticultural trust, and our second fatlier — Noaii — applied the pomonal 

 product of his garden to a questionable, if not forbidden, use, even tiie 

 devotees of horticulture seem inclined to forget its attractions, and especially 

 to ignore the past, that their interest in their chosen pursuit can be greatly 

 strengthened by association; while from this, in common with all other pur 

 suits, they may derive more economical and effective processes, increased 

 knowledge, and even a wider influence of the entire class. 



That these are truths to-day, is manifest from the fact that, of the auxilia- 

 ries already organized, some, at least, are far less efficient than they should be; 

 while others are even liable to the suspicion that they are in danger of 

 forgetting the liabilities tlioy have assumed. There are also many localities in 

 which there are abundant reasons for the assumption that an organisation of 

 this character, once effected, would become the instrument of great good ; but 

 where, without an extraneous influence to communicate the primal impulse, 

 the present apathy may be expected to continue indefinitely. 



In view of these circumstances, therefore, we venture the suggestion that 



the society consider the possibility, and the propriety, of providing for the 



expense of a visiting agent, or agents, on a more extensive scale than was 



possible wiiile the matter rested in the hands of the Secretary, hampered as he 



'is, with a multiplicity of other duties. 



In connection with this subject we suggest that even the Upper Peninsula is 

 by no jneans without horticultural capacity, to say nothing of its actual needs 

 in this respect. We suggest, therefore, tluit measures be taken to i)romote 

 the organization of auxiliaries in that region, and the attendance at our meet- 

 ings of delegations qualified to represent them, so far as their capacities and 

 needs are concerned. 



In tlie conduct of the departments ol the State Fair, committed to our 

 society, the principal, if not the sole, motive urged upon exhibitors, has been 

 tiie argumentum ad cruvienam, and so far as our exhibits nt other rneetitjgs 

 are concerned, we iiave recently mainly appealed to the same inducotnent. 



Eecently, in the course of correspondence with the President of the Georgia 

 Horticultural Society — P. J. Berckinans — he takes occasion to state that hia 

 society had practiced this; but, having become dissatisfied with it, has 

 reorganized, and among other changes, had provided that no higher premium 

 than the I'eport and commendation of a conuniltee, shall in any case, be 

 offered or Awarded. 



We havo had occasion during our connection with such exhibitions, to 

 observe some specially objectionable outgrowths of this system of money 

 awards, and we are confiiiunt that if the desiied exhibits can be otherwise 

 secured, especially at our quarterly meetings, a desirable j)oint will bo gained. 

 Wo recommend that :i careful consideraciou be given to the subject. 



The Annual State Fair, at whicli our large>t exhibition is held, is fixed, 

 both as to place and time, by the State Agricultural Society, with reference to 



