PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



Seventeenth Annual 



MEETING, 



HELD AT CENTRAL.IA, 

 DECEMBER 10, 11, 12, 13—1872. 



In response to a call signed by the President and Secretary, the 

 Illinois State Horticultural Society convened in Reeder's Hall at ten 

 o'clock a. m., on Tuesday, Dec. lo, 1872. 



The President, Mr. James E. Starr of Elsa, Jersey Co., in the chair. 



'i'he Rev. Mr. Rankin of the Presbyterian church, opened the 

 meeting with prayer. 



Dr. M. M. Hooton, of Centralia, in behalf of the Local Horticul- 

 tural Society, and citizens of Centralia, then welcomed the State Society 

 in the following address : 



DR. HOOTON 'S ADDRESS. 



Mr. President and Geuilemcn of the State Hortiailtural Society : 



On behalf of the fruit-growers and citizens of Centralia and the 

 vicinity, it becomes my pleasant duty to welcome you to the hospitalities 

 of our hearts and homes. Somewhat depressed by the results of the 

 last fruit season, we cannot fail to have our hearts lightened and our 

 hands strengthened by your discussions, and by the very presence, in 

 our midst, of a Society whose members show by their intelligence, en- 

 thusiasm, and refinement, that Horticulture draws to its service many of 

 the best and ablest men of our country. 



Surrounded as Horticulture is by manv unsolved problems, may we 



not hope that the action of this Society will, to some extent, clear away 



the fog and rubbish that impede us and leave us a purer atmosphere 



OJ and a clearer field, in which to pursue our calling, than we have hereto- 



(^j-) fore enjoyed? We are glad to believe that these hopes will be reali/td. 



" and that while we are benefited, you will have a pleasant visit in our 



' city. Once more \ bid vou welcome. 



CO 





