202 TRANSACTIONS OF THE NORTFIERN 



There are many other valuable sorts which are well worthy of cultiva- 

 tion. 



There is a want of information to the public as to the cost of plant- 

 ing and cultivating of forest trees. I do not at this time propose to en- 

 ter upon the details of this subject, but would remark that the cost is 

 comparatively light, as small plants can be purchased at very low rates. 

 The preparation of the ground, and after-culture for a few years, are 

 about the same as for corn ; after which, the trees will require no culti- 

 vation and little further attention. 



Some of our railroads feel an interest on the subject of tree-plant- 

 ing, and will no doubt afford any reasonable facility for distributing 

 information on the subject to the public. In the matter of transporta- 

 tion, they would no doubt reduce the rates of freight on small trees to 

 those who purchase for the purpose of planting. 



I would recommend this Society to appoint a committee, whose 

 duty it shall be to prepare and have printed a circular embodying a sta- 

 tistical statement in regard to the cost of planting, culture, growth, and 

 profit to be derived from timber-growing ; to be distributed for the infor- 

 mation of the people. 



I would also suggest that you take such action as you may deem 

 best adapted to procure the passage by our Legislature of a law to en- 

 courage forest-timber planting. 



Your attention is called to a law passed by our State Legislature 

 last winter, taxing growing nursery stock. It is an unjust discrimination, 

 and the law should be repealed, for nursery stock is as much a growing 

 crop as corn, wheat, or oats, differing only in the time of maturing. 



The passage of an act by the Legislature of the State to create a 

 Department of Horticulture, providing for the election of a Stat« Board 

 of Horticulture in such manner as will be just to each portion of the 

 State, and also for an appropriation for the publishing of the horticul- 

 tural transactions, is important, and should receive tlie united support of 

 all and especially of this Society. 



This Society has heretofore appointed a committee to request our 

 Representatives in Congress to exert their influence in procuring the 

 passage of a bill to repeal part of our revenue laws imposing duties on 

 all imported forest trees, plants, and seeds. 1 would suggest that a 

 committee be appointed at this meeting for the same purpose. 



As your presiding officer, I ask that discussion on all subjects may 

 be concise and brief. Much time in conventions is not unfrequently 

 spent in irrelevant debate,' and 1 trust that I may rely upon your cordial 

 assistance in endeavoring to conduct our meetings so as to transact the 

 largest amount of business in the least possil)le time. 



A committee, consisting of D. \V. Scott and j. S. McCall, was ap- 

 pointed to arrange a programme of the order of business. 

 The report of the Treasurer was received and accepted. 



