102 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



DRAINAGE. 



Another important factor in securing favorable climatic condi- 

 tions for plant ])ro(lnction is drainage. Every area of land holding 

 excess of moisture maintains also a lower temperature, rendering 

 such area unproductive if not untillable. Thousands of acres, both 

 in this country and in Europe, have been redeemed from a barren 

 state to the most productive by proper drainage. Our own State is 

 thoroughly aroused to the importance of tile drainage. The manu- 

 facture of tile has become an important and leading industry in all 

 parts of the State. The most thorough drainage not only raises the 

 temperature, and carries away all excess of water, but also facilitates 

 the access of air and the incorporation of fertilizers into the soil. 



When man, by the study of science and the nature of things, 

 has found out all the essential conditions for the successful propaga- 

 tion of all plants of equanimic nature, he will have received into his 

 hand the key to the highest civilization and human improvement. 



A. G. HUMPHREY. 



The Secretary announced that he was prepared to make out re- 

 turn certificates for those entitled to them, and requested all such to 

 apply at their earliest convenience for their certificates, which would 

 enable them to obtain return tickets at the reduced fare. 



Prof. W. H. Ragan, of Indiana — Before departing for my 

 home I desire to express my pleasure in being permitted, after a lapse 

 of a dozen years or more, to again attend a meeting of this truly 

 valuable association. Although I have had the pleasure of again 

 meeting many old acquaintances, I am reminded that they are no 

 longer young: that the finger of Time has painted the locks of those 

 whom I before knew as in the prime of life and vigor of manhood. 

 That he has also been present with you I am more fully and more 

 painfully convinced by the void that exists in your ranks. I no 

 longer meet the fafJiers here. I miss Bryant, and Huggins, and Dun- 

 lap, and Hull, and Flagg and that good old Father Shepherd. These, 

 and more, have gone since I met with you before. But now I see in 

 their places other grey heads that are jmshing forward the noble 

 work. Meantime I am painfully impressed with the absence of those 

 who should soon be ready to take your places, for ere long they will 

 be to fill, or the work must stop. You are really now an association 

 of veterans. This fact appeared to me as I entered your hall last 

 evening. Where are the young men that you are educating to take 

 your places? I fear that they are not sufficiently encouraged. There 

 are, at least, a few noble exceptions here, for I have already had 



