16 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



and expense. This must necessarily be unsatisfactory in many cases, 

 as the time, means and facilities for its proper consummation were 

 lacking. 



To accomplish the best results and bring them into practical 

 use, this '' art that does mend nature " must call in the aid of science 

 to help solve many of the problems that are constantly presenting 

 themselves- before her. 



The attention of the members of this Society has been called at 

 different times to the necessity of horticultural Experimental Sta- 

 tions to carry out this work. No one will deny that we have need 

 of some place where carefully conducted expei'iments may be carried 

 on with all necessary mechanical and chemical appliances at hand. 



It would seem to be time that we as a State were taking some 

 decided action in this matter. Several of the adjoining States are 

 far ahead of us in this respect. And we — one of the largest and 

 richest States in the Union, who have always claimed precedence in 

 horticultural matters — in accomplishing this end, cannot afford to 

 be lagging behind for want of a little energy and push. Heretofore 

 there has been a good deal of talk en this subject, but as yet it has 

 resulted in nothing. 



I am not now prepai'ed to recommend any special plan or mode of 

 procedure. There seems to be a general feeling that some definite ac- 

 tion should be taken. If we can indicate what we want, and show 

 good reasons for what we ask; make the people and our Representatives 

 see the necessity of this work, and the great advantages to be de- 

 rived from it, I think we shall have no difficulty in inducing our 

 Executive and Representatives to assist us in any reasonable way. 



A bill for the purpose of establishing " Experimental Agricul- 

 tural Stations," in connection with our Agricultural Colleges, is be- 

 fore the present Congress. This subject seems to be exciting a great 

 deal of interest in many places, and is, evidently, a step in the right 

 direction. One good feature of this measure is, that the experiments 

 in the different stations will most likely be conducted on the same 

 general plan; allowing a systematic cooperation between the different 

 stations, thus making their work mutually beneficial. Whether it 

 is best for us to wait for the general Government to provide the 

 ways and means in this matter, or take hold of it as a State work, is 

 for you to consider and decide. 



I would recommend that some special time be set apart for the 

 consideration of this subject, with a view to taking definite action in 

 the matter. 



In former meetings we were wont to recount the profits and 

 successes, which we were liable to realize from fruit-growing; and 

 much of our time was given to indicate the varieties of fruit for 

 market and the best methods of growing it. The day for specula- 

 tion in fruit-growing has gone by. In this business, as in most 

 others, the making of a fortune in a few years is a thing of the past. 



