368 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE 



we liave not the luxuriant soil of the "West, nor the warm, 

 genial, sunny clime of the South. But, sir, Ave have hearts as 

 warm as yours; and although granite and ice enter largely 

 into our exports, they are no evidence of the hardness of our 

 hearts or the coldness of our affections. I assure you, sir, we 

 are most happy to be here to meet our Southern brethren on 

 Southern soil, to concert measures for the promotion of the 

 object of our Society, — the extension of fruit culture through- 

 out the length and breadth of our land. With the natural 

 advantages which the South possesses, and especially your own 

 Virginia, upon which the North depends so largely for early 

 fruits, the time is not far distant when fruit culture will con- 

 stitute a source of revenue scarcely second to any product of 

 the soil. Our Society is now in session ; our time is very 

 precious, and with the hope that you and your Board will 

 honor us with your presence at our meetings, I beg you will 

 allow us to retire." 



Colonel Wilder was frequently interrupted by applause. 

 When he concluded, he shook hands with Mayor Keiley, and 

 Mr. Gilley of Boston arose and proposed " Three cheers for 

 Massachusetts and Virginia shaking hands." The cheers were 

 given with a vim. An enthusiastic delegate then demanded a 

 "tiger," and that was given likewise. 



The delegates then dispersed, and spent an hour or two in 

 strolling over the Capitol and park, and viewing other points 

 of interest in the city. 



BIEN"25"IAL ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT. 



At 3 o'clock p. M., the Society being in session at the 

 Exchange Hotel, President Wilder delivered his biennial 

 address. 



