ILLINOIS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 307 



if they have it, so tliat there can he no mistake ahout the sort under consideration. In this way I 

 feel that we could soon correct the existing; confusion, in the names of our winter fridts at least. 



Tlie subject of plautiiifr trees, for timber and ornament. Is one in whicli we sliould take more inter- 

 est. Trees for sliclter, timber au<l ornament are one of the great wants of this prairie country. We 

 hope this sul)ject will be fully set forth in an essay from one who is much more competent for the 

 task than I am. The vegetalile garden is a department to which but little attention luis been given 

 iu horticultural meetings. This is a legitimate topic for our consideration in these meetings. The 

 same remark will also apply to the ornamental and floral department; the latter of which we hope 

 also to have set forth in an essay. 



On the sulyect of iusects I know not what to say— except to exhort you all to greater vigilance in 

 observing tlieir habits, and further experiments for their destruction. At the mention of insects, 

 you doubtless anticipate the mention of one who devote<l his life to the study of the habits of the 

 insect creation. At our meeting a year ago his genial voice was heard, and we were cliarmetl with 

 his proticiency iu his favorite and useful department of study, as well as enlivened by Ins wit and 

 humor. But the lamented Walsh has been in our meetings for the last time, and we'must look to 

 otliers for instruction on tlie subject of entomology. His loss will be felt by all wlio appreciate liis 

 scientitic knowledge and high attainments as an entomologist. He was the victim of a railroad 

 casualty while walking on the track near his home, which caused his death last Noveuibcr. Tliis 

 dispensation of an All-wise Providence remimls us that life is passing, and the soleum warning 

 comes to each of us to-day— "Be ye also ready;" and whatever we do must be <lone ipnckly, as 

 death will surely call for us, and perhaps when we least expect it. 



I must be permitted to refer again to the fact tiiat we should call into our meetings our wives and 

 daughters, so as to nuike them co-laborers witli us in this noble work in whicli we are engaged. If 

 mother Eve was placed iu the garden of Eden for a ' ' heli^-meet, ' ' why not now receive the benefit 

 of the superior skill and taste of woman? She can as well enjoy the shady bower, tlie luscious fruits 

 of the orchard, the vegetables from the garden, or the fragrant Howers, as we can. Then wliy not 

 employ her hands, her talents, her taste and skill, in their selection, propagation, arrangement and 

 cultivation? Jlany departments of the work are eminently adapted to her delicate liaiid and exiiui- 

 site taste. If they were not "cumbered with much serving" during our meetings, I think we might 

 safely rely upon them to constitute a large portion of our audiences, and give much interest to our 

 meetings. Some of the strong-minded ones are seeking notoriety in a much more forbidding and 

 uncongenial Held of labor than tliis, and one in wliicli we fear much less good will lie accomplished. 

 In this department I feel that the relining social intiuence of woman would not be compromised, as 

 in the political lield, vvliere rivalry, animosity and bitterness are the rule of contending aspirants. 

 Time would not permit entering into this subject fully; hut I do hope it may lie duly considered in 

 all its bearings in this connection. 



In conclusion, gentlemen, I must urge you to take some definite step toward llic ]iulilication of our 

 transactions. I feel that the usefulness, if not the life, of our society depends u|).)ii this, as the day 

 has come when we must let the people know what we are doing. We show but little interest iu the 

 cause in which we are engaged, if we can afford to meet from year to year and transact business, and 

 not place it iu shape for future reference. All our acts go into history, no matter liow small, and 

 horticultural history may act as a guideboard to warn others of errors and pitfalls— or indicate the 

 road to success. 



I have long felt that in our meetings there is not enougli general participation in the discussion. 

 While all feel a desire to receive instruction, it must also be evident that some must impart it. 

 Please bear tliis in mind, and unburden yourself freely for the benefit of others. Long-spun theo- 

 ries, eloquent addresses, or even finely written essays, should not occupy too niucli of our time. 

 Practical experience, witli attendant results, is what we most need. Let us cultivate that courtesy 

 and mutual friendshii) which horticulture and home adornment indicate to us, ever remembering 

 that we should not live for ourselves only, but for the good of others also: and especially let us bear 

 in mind the solemn fact, that we will soon be called "from labor to reward." 



The Trca.siirer, Mr. J. B. Clark, reportetl that he received the past year, from 

 various sources, $01.00; and paid on orders $10 10; leaving a bahtnce in his hands of 



Report accepted and approved. 



The President then appointed the following special committees : 



Fkuit— .Jno. A. Warder, Cleves, Ohio; H. W. Davis, Decatur, Ills.; and M. C. McLain, Charles- 

 ton, Ills. 

 President's Address— Tyra Montgomery, J. 15. Kieve, J. O. Rudy. 

 Final Resolutions— L. C. Francis, Parker Earle, W. II. Mann. 



Adjourned. 



