STATK IKJKTlCLl/n RAI, SOCIKTV 41 



Voii can take hold of the subject, and perfect a plan of oi)erations 

 somewhat similar to that projjosed, varied and changed to adopt it to 

 what you, by experience, know to be true in reference to horticultural 

 operations. All may not agree as to any one point, but the opinion of 

 the majority can be ascertained, and this is not apt to be far wrong. If 

 vou can not agree among yourselves, then, as a matter of course, there is 

 but little hope of obtaining general co-operation. 



In order to be more specific and directly practical, 1 suggest that you 

 appoint a committee, of at least three of your members, to take this 

 matter into consideration. As the entomological side should also be re- 

 presented, I propose, if agreeable to you, to meet with that committee, 

 at such time and place as may be agreed upon, in order to discuss and ar- 

 range the plan, item by item, in a concise and systematic form, thus 

 bringing in the entomological and horticultural elements. P'inally, 1 

 would also suggest that Professor Burrill be requested to act with us in 

 reference to injurious fungus-growths, and Professor Forbes on ornithol- 

 ogy. 



To do this work juoperly, would require a sitting or sittings of some 

 length, but the importance of the subject demands it. 



After comjjleting our labors, your committee can report the result to 

 you at your ne.xt meeting, for your adoption or rejection ; or you may 

 authorize your Executive Board to receive it and act upon it. But, be 

 this as it may, after the plan is agreed upon, and put in as condensed a 

 form as possible consistent with utility, it should then be published in a 

 cheap form for distribution. Perhaps it would be well to ask the Legis- 

 lature to publish it, and with it a report which 1 will prepare to accom- 

 pany it, on such insects as affect horticultural ojjerations, the plan of 

 which 1 will submit to you or to the committee. 



After it is published, its distribution should be through your officers, 

 anil it ought, if possible, be jilaced in the hands of every man in Illinois, 

 who has an orchard, nursery, or vineyard ; and its adoption, in jjractice. 

 urged upon them. The various horticultural societies in the State, the 

 granges, clubs, etc., should, as far as possible, be enlisted and urged to 

 |>ress it upon their members. 



There never has been a time in the history of American agriculture, 

 when such a movement as this could be put on foot with as great a pros- 

 ])ect of success as now. It is, therefore, wise to seize upon the o]iportune 

 moment, and utilize the mtluences which you can control, and lift not 

 only your branch, but agriculture as a whole, a stej) higher toward per- 

 fection. There are other important (piestions staring you in the face, but 

 this is the most pressing now, and calls for action first. 



As a matter of course, there will be numerous extraordinary cases 

 which the plan submitted will fail to meet ; but if I have succeeded in 

 making myself understood, you will ])erceive my i)resent object has l)een 

 to call attention to general i)reventive and remedial measures, especiall) 

 those ajjpertaining to the method off ullure; and. if I have said an> thing 

 to interest you, and whi( li may pro\e of an) value to )-ou. I am amply 

 repaid. 



