lU STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Look upon those flowers I No human artist ever mixed such colors; no 

 brush has ever equaled that delicate blending; no canvas has ever revealed 

 Buch effect of light and shade. Are you a lover of nature? Seek her then, 

 in that department where she displays her rarest beauties — amid gay flowers 

 and clambering vines and graceful plants. 



And now gentlemen of our society, in conclusion let me say we have much 

 reason to be encouraged, in view of our efforts being largely crowned with 

 success during the short time we have existed as an organization. Let us 

 remember what a large field of research and promise is open before us. Not 

 only are we to furnish the luscious fruit of earth for future generations, but 

 also, by the calling and profession which we represent, we seek to raise 

 man to the highest grade of Christian civilization. Truly a noble work — a 

 grand mission ! 



Let us then be active in fulfilling it, and let us be encouraged by the thought 

 that long after we have passed away from earth, the results of our labors, like 

 the dews of heaven which continue to refresh the earth, shall be gratefully 

 remembered by the many thousands that shall rise up all over this beautiful 

 land and call us benefactors of our race. Work on, then, my brothers, work 

 on. Let us persevere to the end. And as surely as the sun shall shine and 

 the rain descend so surely shall your labors be crowned with a noble success. 

 Let us be true to the profession in which we are engaged. Let us remember, 

 "United we stand — divided we fall." Let us, then, be firmly united by the 

 common bonds of friendship; united by the common memories of the past; 

 united by the common interests of the present; united by the common hopes 

 of the future — a friendship that will burn on the altar of our hearts, bright 

 and pure — a friendship that will stand the test of time — a friendship that will 

 finally unite us together in that beautiful world where Nature stands revealed 

 in all her glory. 



Joseph Lannin of South Haven then moved that a special committee be 

 appointed to report upon the president's address, to report at this meeting, 

 which was carried. 



A rising vote of thanks was tendered the chair. Major Safford made a neat 

 and appropriate respone. 



Wednesday Morning Session. 



After prayer by the Rev. Mr. Gibbs, the standing committees were appointed, 

 new officers elected, and some official reports made. A brief discussion of 

 packages ensued, all speakers contending for uniformity and full measure, at 

 the close of which Mr. J. Lannin pertinently nMnarked that resolutions of 

 this sort usually fall to the ground when the meeting adjourns, each member 

 going away firm in the belief that his own judgment in th matter is sufficient. 



PROSPECTS OF COMMERCIAL FRUIT GROWING. 

 BY W. A. SMITH OF BENTON HARBOR. 



Our close ])roximity to this large body of open water, our high altitude, and 

 generally wai m and well drained soil, have in times past established the reputa- 



