26 State Horticultural Society. 



having expired, we now extend a welcome to the President of the 

 Society's choice, most fittingly chosen for his long period of help 

 in the work of this Society. In taking my place among the audi- 

 ence I wish to thank the members and officers of the Society for 

 their kindness to him and the many courtesies and countless favors 

 shown him. 



"I do not feel that the Society owes me anything," said Dr. 

 Whitten," but on the contrary, I owe the Society very much ; more 

 then I can put into words at this time. I have been a member 

 many years, having come into it when young. I grew up on a 

 farm, where one of the interesting features was a large orchard. 

 The most I know of fruit growing has come to me through the 

 Missouri State Horticultural Society. You, gentlemen, have been 

 my teachers. This is why I appreciate your help for more than I 

 can express in words. No honor or courtesy that has ever been ex- 

 tended to me in a public way has done me more good, or been more 

 fully appreciated than what you have done for me." 



After further words of praise for his successor, who, he said, 

 did not need any special introduction, having worked long in the 

 harness, and was well known to the members of this Society, he 

 delivered the gavel to Professor Dutcher. 



ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT DUTCHER. 



Fellow Members, Ladies and Gentlemen: 



No matter what impression I may have made upon you at any 

 of the many times I have appeared upon your program, since my 

 first effort at West Plains, June, 1898, I must confess that now 

 you have placed upon me a duty I would gladly shirk; but never 

 having failed "to respond with the best preparation I could make, 

 I cannot afford to fail you now, without, at least, an earnest effort 

 to serve you as your presiding officer, a position to which you 

 called me last December, without a dissenting voice. If I succeed 

 reasonably well, I shall thank you next December — but not now. 

 "Count no man happy till he is dead." 



Glad would I be, if it were possible for our retiring President, 

 Elija like, to place his mantle on my shoulders. Yea, if it were 

 possible, I would, Elisha like, gladly take it up as he now lays it 

 •down, not that I might divide the waters of some Jordan, but that 

 I might preside over the deliberations of this body with somewhat 



