282 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



fruit trees are set, exert over their growth and productiveness a marked influence. 

 The altitude or elevation of the site, together with proper ditching and mulching, must 

 not be lost sight of; yet these are important topics for the members of this society to 

 discuss and decide upon. 



Therefore I pass to another, viz. : That of protection by means of artificial groves, 

 which answer the two-fold purpose of utility and ornament. In what manner and at 

 ■what time should groves of elm, maple and other indigenous trees, found so plentifully 

 in our forests, be set ? They would add greatly to the beauty and wealth of our broad, 

 rich acres, that in a few years this grand prairie of the north would rival the fair savan- 

 nas of the South ; but in order to this, Flora, the goddess of flowers must not be driven 

 from our gardens by grass and weeds, but treated kindly; her acquaintance cultivated, 

 and her presence properly appreciated. For that man or woman who cannot trace out 

 the indelible hand-writing of the Creator, as it is seen manifesting itself in the gentle 

 tinting of the petaled flower — unfolding in all its variegated beauty and glory — must be 

 laboring under an obtuseness of the moral senses well calculated to fit either, or both, 

 for companions of the man " who has no music in his soul." But is there any one who 

 does not love to linger 



" Where opening roses breathing sweets diffuse, 

 And soft carnations shower their balmy dews." 



I pass now to notice what I consider three great wants, viz. : First, we want trees 

 raised and grafted upon our own soil, so that when they are transplanted there is neither 

 change of soil or climate. Second, we want reliable and honorable men to do this work 

 for us — not the predatory fruit tree vendor. Third, we want every fanner, orchardist, 

 florist, gardener — every lover of good fruit or fine flowers, to become working members 

 — not drones — of this society — that by a united effort, an interchange of views and a 

 rehearsal of experience, we may be enabled to properly advance the science and the art 

 of horticulture ; keeping in view the fact that all good that can be derived from thought 

 or theory must come through action and practical labor 



When these wants are supplied, then and and not until then, may we expect good 

 stock, good fruit and good prices, in less time, with less labor and less cost. 



Ladies and Gentlemen, I have addressed you to-day, under embarrassments, of which 

 I need not speak, as they are known to most of you. Allow me, however, to congratu- 

 late you upon the successful establishment of a Horticultural Society in Douglas county> 

 and the favorable auspices surrounding us, I think, are guarantees of future prosperity. 

 But, in order for this society to benefit its members, all must feel an individual interest 

 in sustaining it, by promptly attending all its meetings and assisting in accomplishing 

 the objects for which it was instituted. And now, expressing the hope that your very 

 commendable efforts will receive the attention and success they so richly merit, and 

 returning you my thanks for the honor conferred upon me and for the kind attention 

 given me to-day, I close Dy requesting the privilege of being a private member of your 

 society. 



There was quite a fine display of fruits and flowers at this meeting, which were 

 examined by a committee, after which the following officers were elected to serve until 

 the next annual meeting: Michael Noel, President ; Willis Jones, Vice President ; E. 

 Daggy, Secretary; James A. Smith, Treasurer; Martin Bice, Member of Ex-Com- 

 mittee. 



There is an increasing interest iu this county, in the cultivation of fruits, yet we are 

 only tyros in the business. Respectfully, E. DAGGY. 



