92 Wisconsin State Horticultural Society. 



better acquainted with our foes by seeing them before us, I applied 

 to Dr. P. H. Hoy, of Racine, a gentleman well known as an en- 

 thusiast in the study of the entomology and natural history of our 

 state, to secure a few specimens of our most destructive enemies, to 

 place on exhibition in these rooms. To this he very kindly con- 

 sented, and said that with the exception of a very few specimens, 

 which were the only ones of the kind he had in his collection, he 

 would present those sent to the society. He also stated that if 

 some place could be provided where it could be well cared for, and 

 where the public could have the benefit of it, he would furnish a 

 large collection of the beneficial and injurious insects of our 

 state. I trust that our society will be able to comply with these 

 conditions and secure this valuable collection. It would be a great 

 benefit to the public and a credit to our society. Dr. Hoy said 

 further, as we have no state entomologist whose duty it is to at- 

 tend to the work, that, if members of our society and others would 

 send him specimens of worms and insects, which were not gener- 

 ally known, and with whose history and habits it was desirable to 

 become familiar, he would give us what light and information he 

 could in relation to them. The thanks of the society are due the 

 doctor for this kind offer, and we should avail ourselves of this 

 privilege. 



Society Library. — A few weeks since, a letter directed to the 

 secretary of the State Horticultural Society was received from 

 Miss C. Ford, of Geneva, informing me that her father, Mr. Ford, 

 recently deceased, had bequeathed a number of books to the so- 

 ciety; " said books to be kept in the society's rooms, for the use of 

 members and all who wished to consult them." I replied to this 

 letter, stating that we would endeavor to carry out the wishes of 

 the donor. With a little effort, this might be made the nucleus of a 

 valuable aid in our work; a horticultural library. In the present 

 condition of our finances, we cannot spend funds to purchase books, 

 but there are many valuable reports on horticulture and entomol- 

 ogy that could be obtained for the transportation charges; and by 

 judicious solicitation, editors and publishers of miscellaneousbooks 

 on horticulture might be induced to favor us with their works. 



Facts and Statistics. — We have found by experience that it 

 is not safe to lay down, definitely, even general rules. Our great 



