318 ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



golds, pansies, zenias, four-o' clocks, and balsams, fighting for life, in the 

 only place on the farm protected from the hens and turkeys. These are 

 the homes that have never heard of the gospel of trees and grass. We 

 must preach, and not ignore the little, bright things called flowers. We 

 need them, as the painters say, just "to hang a little warm color on; " 

 nor the shrubs that, once set, do their duty year after year almost without 

 our care. Do you want a list? I can give it. Let all the Society sug- 

 gest, and if the Secretary will note it down, you'll have a good one, per- 

 haps better than I can give. One word and I am done. Do something; 

 plant a tree, a shrub, a flower, a plat of grass, and care for it, and do it 

 without thought of any return of money, and you are then in the riglit 

 way. 



THE APRIL MEETING. 



The April meeting of the Alton Horticultural Society was held on 

 the 6th inst., in Crowe's Hall, Alton. 



The first business, in the regular order, was a report from the Com- 

 mittee on 



ORCHARDS. 



A singular sadness fell upon our hearts as we were reminded that the 

 familiar voice of this Committee will never again be heard in our horticul- 

 tural councils; and, while each in his own mind was meditating on the 

 mysterious Providence that calls away suddenly the most useful and hope- 

 ful among us, and leaves behind those who could, seemingly, be spared. 

 President Starr formally announced the death of Jonathan Huggins, 

 of Woodburn. He said: It becomes my painful duty to announce to 

 you the fact that death has again entered our circle, etc., for the fourth 

 time in twelve months, taking from us a most active and gifted member of 

 our horticultural organization. 



It seems needless for me, at this time, to enter into any lengthy 

 statement of the virtues and noble qualities that recommend and endear 

 to us our friend, Mr. Huggins. We all know his zeal and devotion in 

 horticulture. He seemed in the full vigor of manhood, with hopes and 

 promises of usefulness not yet filled up. He met with us regularly, or at 

 brief intervals, for very many years. No one amongst us has traveled 

 further, or overcome greater difficulties, to sustain our meetings, than our 

 lamented friend, Jonathan Huggins. But he has gone from us. It is 

 not my purpose to make further remarks at this time. It is remarkable 

 that we should be called upon to mourn the loss of four such prominent 

 workers as Mr. and Mrs. Hull, and Messrs. Starr and Huggins, and all 



