326 TRANSACTIONS OP THE HORTICULTURAL 



Your programme, as published, is very comprehensive and 

 promises to those who may be in attendance a rare treat. The con- 

 sideration of orchards, including their destruction during the past 

 four or five years, the repoi't of the " Old and New in Horticulture," 

 by one so able as Mr. Edwards; "The New Departure in Horticul- 

 ture," by Prof. Budd; "The Growing of Evergreens, Forestry 

 Planting and Care of Ornamental Trees," with the discussions fol- 

 lowing, will surely be interesting and instructive. 



1 sincerely hope that you may be favored with a good attend- 

 ance. Our own people should take an interest in your proceedings 

 and participate in them, as we are all benefited by comparing views 

 and relating experiences. 



Hoping that they may take advantage of this opportunity and 

 be present, and that your annual gathering will be one to be enjoyed 

 and long remembered, I again bid you welcome, and as far as I can 

 do so, tender you the freedom of the city. 



The Chair responded, on behalf of the Society, as follows: 



Ladies and Gentlemen: 



In behalf of the Horticultural Society of Northern Illinois I 

 thank the gentleman who has so kindly greeted and welcomed us to 

 the City of Kankakee. And to the citizens represented by him, who 

 have spoken, we wish to return our thanks, and say we accept this 

 welcome in the spirit in which it is offered, and will endeavor to ap- 

 preciate it at its full value. 



It is said that horticulture makes all mankind akin; now, if this 

 is conceded, you will not think strange if we consider ourselves 

 among brethren while we sojourn in your beautiful city. Although 

 it may remain an open question whether the ties of kinship can or 

 cannot be traced to the calling that is said to mend nature, we do 

 certainly know that horticulture has a humanizing effect upon the 

 human race; elevating, refining, liberalizing and ennobling those 

 who are brought within the circle of its infiuence. And it is the 

 province of horticultural societies to widen and extend this influence 

 until every part of our land is brought to feel its gentle sway, and 

 every individual, from the highest to the lowest, is benefited 

 thereby. 



We are not in the least surprised by this open-hearted generous 

 welcome, for we were invited to meet here by the Kankakee Valley 

 Horticultural Society, and we are well aware that such an organiza- 

 tion cannot long exist in a community without paving the way for 

 just such a reception as we have received. 



Horticultural work at these meetings is mainly for the public 

 benefit, and any community may well give a welcoming word and a 

 " God speed you " to these gatherings. 



We come among you with the very best intentions, and trust a 

 mutual benefit will be the result of our meeting. We will surely try 



