Societies and Organization. 217 



thj poor culled out. This one feature alone would make the cooperation worth 

 attempting. Besides, the Department of Agriculture could most consistently 

 step forward and easily lift from the Union its greatest burden, the publishing 

 of reports, being well prepared to do such work at the least expense to the 

 country, and at the same time most effectually in the matter of illustrations, uni- 

 formity of good work from year to year and extensive circulation, and all the time 

 working :n its legitimate sphere, that of collecting and publishing useful informa- 

 tion. Then, instead of regarding the work of the general government as that of 

 ofBceseekers, and a mass of formalities and "red tape" without usefulness, a real 

 burden, we would feel that this arm, at least, of the government is '" of and for the 

 people." 



Our national societies generally, I am led to think, are ready and anxious for 

 cooperation, if only the simple and feasible plan, which will bring success, can be 

 devised. 



After communicating the above plan to various of our leading horticulturists, 

 I received a number of similar responses to the following : 



" Westport, Mo., December 20, 1887. 

 '• I am glad to learn your plan. I thought of it in that way, but did not dare 

 to mention it. Such a union as that would control enough and have influence 

 enough to ask what it would and it would be granted. 



" I am with you in that plan. Make your report in that way. 



"L. A. Goodman." 



" Waban, Newton Highlands, Mass., December 28, 1887. 

 " My Dear Sir : You have an admirable, a most comprehensive, a grand plan 

 for the union of all our national societies connected with terra-culture. Such 

 union should bring strength and create an interest which would bring together the 

 able men in each department at least biennially, if not annually. I doubt not 

 your suggestions will receive the hearty indorsement of the Society, and I trust 

 some steps will be taken to bring them to practical results. 



" Very truly yours, Wm. 0. Strong." 



But, Mr. President, suppose that, after all, we fail to engage our national 

 societies in a cooperative union. It will then become necessary to organize this 

 Society into divisions, if we would be a great and lasting institution. Novelty 

 nnd exciting excursions can not always secure the continued services of our best 

 workers. Great students, discoverers and authors can not be retained by such 

 chaff. We must have the thorough and systematic organization founded upon 

 the principles of cooperation of the different fields of horticulture with judicious 

 division of labor. Such an institution only will attract and retain the ablest 

 talent and extensive support, and will command the respsct of the whole country. 

 Thus, I conceive, we must have cooperative divisions- within our own Society, if not 

 obtainable by union with others, to be eminently useful and permanent. 



My heart and hand shall ever be ready and enthusiastic in the sacred work 

 of cooperation. 

 15 



