210 American Horticultural Society. 



Mr. ^[tinson, of Texas, presented the following report : 

 SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATION. 



REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON SAME. 

 (Compiled and presented by the chairman of the committee, T. V. Miinson.) 



Mr. Prf^^ident: In pursuance of your appointment as chairman of this very 

 important committee, I early corresponded with each member ol it, requesting 

 reports upon the number of societies and members in each, in their respective 

 states an(i sections of country at large, giving also the general condition of ami 

 progress in such society work. 



I likewise asked their views concerning cooperation in meetings and work 

 among our national horticultural societies of every character. 



To this last every one responded, as shown in their letters given herewith; but 

 only one definitely concerning his state and local societies, that one being Mr. L. 

 A. Goodman, Secretary of the Missouri State Horticultural Society, who wrote: 



" Westport, Mo., November '21, 1887. 

 " T. V. Munson, Chairman of Committee on Societies: 



" We have now fifteen good societies in our state, all in good working order, 

 helping each other and the state in our work. 



" We organized four societies last summer, and the good work is just begin- 

 ning. Our societies have held shows of fruits and vegetables this fall, and paid 

 good premiums. One of them oftered $400 in premiums, and about three thousand 

 persons attended. A good beginning for horticultural fairs I 



" Our state society is prospering and doing good work, as never before. Our 

 membership and interest are continually growing, and it is our aim to have a well 

 organized society in nearly every county in the state. It takes individual work to 

 accomplish the best results, and to organize local societies. 



" L. A. Goodman, 6ec'y." 



I learn, Mr. President, that the state of Missouri gives her state society from 

 $2,000 to S3,000 annually to publish reports, prosecute society work, and pay an 

 energetic, competent Secretary. There is an example all our states may emulate 

 with great profit. We all know the high character and value of Secretary Good- 

 man's reports. 



COOPERATION of NATIONAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 



Mr. President, this is the main burden of this report, and I quote from a let- 

 ter to me from our good Secretary, written September 26, 1887, as follows, which 

 explains why I enter this part of the report so earnestly, with all candor and kind- 

 ness of feeling not only for our own great society, but as well for all our other na- 

 tional horticultural societies, having good friends in all, and membershi|) in most 

 of them, as also have the other members of the committee, and in fait nearly all 

 our members. 



In that letter Secretary Ragan said, in referring to the idea of cooperation (not 

 consolidation, or obliteration, or loss of identity of any one. mind you), and a 

 name for the cooperation suggested by myself: "'American Horticultural Union. ^ 

 Yes, that is the title. Certainly, no jealousy can arise over that name. 



