8 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



And then, gentlemen, I recollect that you come not simply as repre- 

 sentatives of Horticulture, but as representatives of the Horticultural 

 Society of Illinois, and therefore participants in that loving pride with 

 which we are wont to regard our own great State ; not merely as repre- 

 sentatives of all those who have linked themselves together, in organized 

 bonds, to promote the interests of Horticulture throughout the length 

 and breadth of all our one hundred and two counties, but of those who 

 desire to assist in the promotion of this enterprise, and these interests, 

 that do so much for the promotion of the comfort of our home life, and 

 for the promotion of the blessings of that civilization which we all desire 

 to see growing upon these prairies. 



Your published reports tell us of the market garden and the market 

 orchard, and of the products that will sell in the market, the price they 

 will bring, and the numerous appliances that will aid the laborer in his 

 toil. But, gentlemen, many of you recognize that above all this — above 

 the mere value of a thing in the market, or what it can be sold for in the 

 shambles — there is a whole segment of our hearts — a whole section of our 

 nature — that lies in the realm of the beautiful and good ; and while you 

 are thus laboring in all departments of Agriculture, for money or for 

 whatever purpose, yet you are not forgetful of other interests. You seek 

 to add to these objects those higher and purer things, and these give to 

 man those refinements that are due to man's intellectual, higher and finer 

 nature. , 



We recognize these as among the fundamental aims and purposes of 

 the State Horticultural Society. With such aims, with such purposes — 

 with the redolence of flowers about you, and with the fragrance of ripened 

 fruits, you come to us, and this county extends to you a hearty and 

 warm greeting. Why, gentlemen, as you came it seemed as though the 

 atmosphere itself knew of your coming. It was cold only a few hours 

 ago, and it changed and became as summer time, and now the breath of 

 the air about us is as if the buds were beginning to open in the spring. 

 I should not wonder at all to see some of them bloom before the end of 

 your session. [Applause.] And, gentlemen, while welcoming you on 

 behalf of the County Horticultural Society, I also do it in the name of 

 all the ladies, gentlemen and children of this community, as well as 

 of those students of the University whom you have seen here this morn- 

 ing. Some of them come here to greet you this morning, but you will 

 find them all here before you get through with your session. This same 

 breath of warm air that you sent before you has, perhaps, done its work 

 in keeping some away, because it has thawed out the mud. 



