22 Nebraska State Horticultural Society. 



we have a very fine gavel, presented to the society by the secretary, 

 with which to keep order. The invocation will be given by Reverend 

 Ballard. 



INVOCATION. 



Almighty God, we are grateful to Thee tHiat we are permitted to 

 gather here in health and strength. We are grateful to Thee tor every 

 blessing which has crowned our lives. We ask Thy blessing upon this 

 body of men. Bless the work and cause which this society represents. 

 May wisdom attend the sessions of this meeting. May we remember 

 that Thou art the giver of every good and perfect gift. Oh God, bless 

 our country. May we be kept from entanglementss with other nations. 

 May we be patriotic citizens. Help us t© faithfully do our work here, 

 and receive us at last, we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, 

 Amen. 



ADDRESS OF'^A^LCOME. 



By Mayor M. Sovereign. 



Mr. President, Members of the Society, Ladies and Gentlemen: It 



affords me much pleasure indeed to extend, on behalf of the City of 

 York, a hearty welcome to you. 



The cause that you gentlemen represent is one of the most Inter- 

 esting vocations that man has ever engaged in. It is also one of the- 

 oldest. This subject of landscape gardening was practiced by Nebu- 

 chadnezzar three thousand years ago. And I don't suppose we have 

 anything at the present time that will compare with what he did then 

 in order to please his wife. 



We people of York are rather proud of what we have done along 

 the line of landscape gardening. We have beautiful shade trees, large, 

 well kept lawns, etc. We have a public park that contains over seventy 

 •liffer'^nt varieties and kinds of trees. 



We are glad to welcome you among us. We think that your meet- 

 ing here will be a benefit not only to you yourselves, but also to the 

 people of York, and we therefore welcome you most heartily. Your 

 work has a tendency to elevate the human race, and anything that tends 

 to elevate humanity is good. Men engaged in your vocation are not 

 bad men, you know. They are men to be praised. Again I extend to 

 you a hearty welcome, and I hope your stay in our city may be profita- 

 ble. Thank you. (Applause.) 



RESPONSE. 

 By President Christy. 

 Hon. Mayor and Citizens of York: In behalf of the members of 



