324 TRANSACTIONS OF THE KANKAKEE 



the increasing- interest in our Society's work. For some time past 1 

 have enjoyed special advantages for becoming acquainted with the in- 

 side working of horticultural societies, and it is with a feeling of 

 satisfaction that I realize that the Kankakee Valley Horticultural 

 Society stands second to none in the great state of Illinois. During 

 the past year there has been enrolled the names of over two hundred 

 members. 



We have held eleven regular and one special meetings, at which 

 over twenty valuable and interesting essays and reports have been 

 read. 



Although at least three of our meetings occurred during very 

 bad weather not one has failed to be a success. The fruits, flowers, 

 and other horticultural products exhibited have been of superior 

 quality and in greater numbers than for years past. The display of 

 strawberries and flowers at our June show were excellent, while the 

 fruit exhibited by the Society at the County Fair would have done 

 credit to the tahles in the horticultural ball at the State Fair. 



I believe that much of the interest manifested in our work this 

 year is due to the publication of our reports in book form, and would 

 suggest that this work be continued next year. I wish to say but a 

 word in connection with our library. We now have a safe place to 

 jjut it. A few additions have been made, mostly by donations, and 

 other volumes have been promised. The expenditures for this pur- 

 pose thus far have been confined to express charges and postage. 

 The enterprise of securing a large central library under the care of 

 our Society, it seems to rae, is one worthy of our careful attention. 

 I think we should endeavor to gather a carefully selected list of 

 liooks and publications that can l)e used for reference by any member 

 of our society who may desire to thoroughly investigate any matter 

 connected with horticulture. If rightly managed by our librarian 

 and secretary, a very large proportion of these volumes can be se- 

 cured by the exchange of our transactions. 



Our finances are in a very prosperous condition, which is largely 

 due to the perseverance and economy of our excellent treasurer and 

 finance committee. It is very gratifying to me to know that the 

 work we have accomplished has l:)een accomplished at our own exer- 

 tions and expense, without the aid of state approju'iations. 



I would suggest as a means of raising additional funds, if neces- 

 sary, and also of making our Society a permanency, that we solicit 

 life-mem bershi])s. 



While it is right and proper for us to glory in our present pros- 

 perity let us not forget the future. 



Our meeting to-day is the most important one connected with 

 the success of this association held during the year. 



The officers who have served you in the past have doubtless done 

 their best, and deserve credit for their labors. But this is an age of 

 change and progress; that which was considered superior one hun- 



