264 ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 



variety of small-fruits as possible. There is a great and lasting work 

 here before us, and one that will continue to grow on our hands as popu- 

 lation and wealth increase. Following fast upon the heels of garden 

 culture comes floriculture and landscape gardening. These we may now 

 consider as demanding our special attention. We must also continue 

 from year to year our experimental work, in originating and selecting 

 varieties of fruits, shrubs and flowers adapted to our soil and climate. 

 Ah, again that word soil ! That opens up a big work. One great 

 integer is composition, and the changes most feasible to render it better 

 adapted to the wants of the horticulturist. Yes, I hear you say drainage. 

 That is one of the first necessities, to free the soil from stagnant 

 moisture; to take out its liability to puff up and heave; to render it more 

 solid. But there is much else to be considered besides drainage, so I 

 guess our mission will indeed grow upon us, rather than that we shall 

 soon have closed our mission. No, our mission will never be closed, so 

 long as we and our friends and neighbors like good things to eat, and 

 the beautiful in nature to admire. 



One other constant labor occurs to me : Experimental work in 

 varieties adapted to our climate and covering the different seasons of 

 ripening, and with a view to their more general adoption. To this end 

 there undoubtedly should be experimental stations in at least three 

 districts of the State, under the direction of practical men, with a view 

 not only of fostering horticulture, but embracing the whole category of 

 agricultural arts. If the horticulturists of Illinois can accomplish this 

 work, it will constitute another noble work. And properly and carefully 

 organized, it need not cost the State an onerous sum. 



There is another direction in which it would seem that the time 

 might be now ripe for this Society to use increased exertion. This is 

 in floriculture, ornamental planting and landscape work. As wealth 

 increases, the mind of man naturally turns to display. In our cities this 

 runs to style in dress, elegant mansions, fine carriages and retinues of 

 servants. In the country it as naturally turns to the adornment of the 

 home. In the lessons we have taught in this direction we have not been 

 derelict. The printed transactions from year to year amply show our 

 labors in this work ; but we had first to satisfy the practical every-day 

 requirements of life, and the beautiful in our art of course must take the 

 second place. Nevertheless, there is hardly one of our members but 

 whose home will show that while he was dealing in the practical the 

 beautiful has not been neglected. Wherever we find a lawn and orna- 

 mental trees and shrubs about a home we know the master is something 

 better than a mere husbandman. Where we find a window-garden in 

 winter, however small, we may be pretty well assured that the housewife 

 has grown beyond the mere drudgery of stolid toil ; that however 

 exacting may be the daily routine of labor, there is still time left for the 

 beautiful in art. 



Herein lies the true majesty of our calling and of country life. Not 

 even the luxury of the city can compensate for the true enjoyment that 

 may be experienced at the home, when a few trees are casting their 



