284 ILLINOIS STATE HOKTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



publish ten thousand copies, and pains taken to distribute them among 

 the owners of the soil of the State, would increase the revenues of the 

 State far more than the amount of the sum expended, besides resulting in 

 the more general health, enjoyment and prosperity of the people. 



D. C. ScoFiELD spoke upon the same points, agreeing with the senti- 

 ments expressed, adding that great good had already been accomplished 

 by the publication of the papers and discussions of these societies upon 

 the subject of tree-planting ; that the eighty millions trees planted in Iowa 

 within the past few years were some of the fruits of the influence of the 

 early efforts, examples and teachings of our own Illinois horticulturists, 

 and of the enthusiasm kindled in our own meetings. 



Mr. Slade. — We can go before the General Assembly and say to 

 them, we want books for the people ; you already publish enough to 

 supply each member of your body and of the horticultural societies, with 

 a few for some of the district school libraries, but we now want them for 

 the farmers of the State, who need information on these matters. I 

 think if the matter is properly presented we can succeed in getting an 

 increased appropriation. 



L. K. ScoFiELD. — I have many applications for these books, but I 

 can't furnish them. Large numbers would go into right hands if we had 

 them at our disposal ; and if they are worth as much as has been claimed 

 here, we should certainly have a supply to put into the hands of those 

 who will be profited by them. Of course great care and discrimination 

 should be exercised in their distribution. We should see they are not 

 used simply to ornament or fill up the shelves of persons who take little 

 or no interest in horticulture. 



Mayor Lord. — I am persuaded these reports would accomplish great 

 good if they could be widely circulated. They are calculated to enlist 

 the thought of the most intelligent among the farmers of the State. Our 

 Legislature should be made to see and realize their importance as aids in 

 developing one of the great resources of National and State wealth and 

 prosperity. The people will read them and be influenced by them if they 

 can get them. 



Judge S. Wilcox. — I disagree with the sentiments expressed by 

 these speakers. It is not the business of the Government to look after 

 and foster these industries. The State has no right to tax the people for 

 such purposes — the principle is wrong. This is no time or place to argue 

 this question ; but I cannot refrain from entering my protest against 

 using the people's money for such purposes. 



