Minutes. 89 



table garden, the growing of trees, useful and ornamental, 

 the beautifying of homes, and the general improvement of 

 the rural landscape. 



Of course we have met with many discouragements; and 

 it is not an uncommon occurrence, as you all know, that 

 after we have witnessed the growth and fruitage of a val- 

 ued tree with high hopes, to be called upon to mourn its 

 death. The icy blasts of winter sometimes play havoc with 

 our fruitful trees. But the majority of our Wisconsin horti- 

 culturists possess an enthusiasm that the colds of winter 

 cannot kill or the heats of summer overcome; and I may 

 add also that this enthusiasm not only keeps them warm in 

 winter time at our winter meetings, but until summer comes 

 clad in her garments of warmth and beauty. I will say, 

 however, if any class of men need enthusiasm I think it is 

 those who have experienced the mildness and severity of 

 forty-one winters in Wisconsin. If there is any class of 

 of men who need enthusiasm, patience, zeal, faith, and 

 some other of the Christian virtues, it is the fruit growers of 

 the northwest. But they have got it; and if the theory be 

 true that where the wild crab and the wild plum are found, 

 native to the soil, there, ultimately, the patience and skill 

 of civilized man will bring foreh improved varieties that 

 will endure; there is hope for the northwest. In the mean- 

 time our impatient population will do well to plant an 

 abundance of small fruits that will thrive in our soil and 

 bear the changeable climate. 



The reception that has been given us here gives the 

 strongest assurance that our meeting will be profitable and 

 pleasant, and that a remembrance of the sessions and the 

 social interchange of thought will go with us to our homes. 



Again thanking you personally and the people of Wau- 

 kesha you represent, I bid you all welcome to our daily ses- 

 sions and a participation in our deliberations. 



President J. M. Smith — The next thing is the president's 

 address, but I think the society will not suffer if it is not read. 

 To tell the plain truth it is not here and we will omit it and 

 call upon the secretary, who seems to have more papers 

 than he knows what to do with. 



