370 KEPOKT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE 



friends of our institution; who, by their efficient services and 

 wise counsels, have contributed to its prosperity, some of 

 •whom are here to-day to rejoice with us in the progress of 

 our science and the perpetuity of our institution. 



Nor would we forget the eminent services and devotion of 

 others of later days, to whom we are under equal obligations 

 for the extension and influence of our Society, whose efforts 

 have brought together the cultivators of fruits from the most 

 distant portions of our country, thus making our institution 

 ■what it was designed by its founders to be, — a truly national 

 association, where the knowledge of one becomes the property 

 of all; an association that should constitute a compendium of 

 experience, and where, without regard to religious creed or 

 sectional prejudice, a community of interest, enterprise, and 

 action might be established for the promotion of a great source 

 of national wealth and human happiness. 



In order to promote the convenience of all, to distribute its 

 favors, and increase its influence, the Society has wisely held its 

 sessions in different and distant States of the Union, New- 

 York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Missouri have 

 extended hospitalities to the Society, and some of these States 

 have been repeatedly favored with the presence of its members, 

 and the privilege of listening to their discussions. And now I 

 congratulate yon most sincerely upon the auspicious circum- 

 stances which enable us to meet in this city, among our South- 

 ern brethren, who have honored us with so cordial a welcome, 

 and so large a representation of her men and her resources, 

 here, in the capital of Virginia, — a State so renowned as the 

 mother of Presidents, and the home of some of the most dis- 

 tinguished patrons of American agriculture, among whom may 

 be named Washington, Jefferson, and others, who will ever be 

 remembered as benefactors of their race. 



I have so often addaessed you on topics connected with the 

 practical labors of our calling, that it can scarcely be anti- 

 cipated that I should have anything new to offer for your con- 

 sideration, especially in the presence of so many whose research 



