WINTER MEETING AT LEBANON. 179 



verbial among- the horticulturists whose good fortune it was to partake 

 of it. 



The opera house was tastefully decorated; the stage was banked 

 on either side by a choice collection of rare foliage and flowering 

 plants, and suspended from above, on a pendant back-ground, was the 

 word " Welcome," the large letters being formed of bright red apples 

 of a uniform size. In front of the stage and through the main aisle 

 were arranged the fruit tables, which contained an unusually fine selec- 

 tion of the products of Missouri. It was a pretty sight, and the en- 

 comiums bestowed upon the ladies of Lebanon for this display of their 

 handiwork were well deserved. The towns-people crowded the house 

 to its utmost capacity during the evening sessions, and were well 

 pleased with the entertainment afforded. No more delightful weather 

 could have been desired ; the December sun shone clear and bright. 



TUESDAY EVENING. 



President Evans called the meeting to order, and prayer was offered 

 by Kev. Albert Jump. 



The address of welcome was delivered by Hon. G. TV. Bradfield, 

 who won the plaudits of his listeners for his eloquent discourse. Treas- 

 urer Holman, of Springfield, responded in timely and well-chosen re- 

 marks. 



Then occurred one of the most pleasant features of the entire ses- 

 sion — the presentation of a handsome gavel to the worthy President, 

 Maj. J. C. Evans, by Miss May Johnson, the youngest member of the 

 Laclede County society, on behalf of her co-workers. It was not on 

 the printed program, and President Evans was taken unawares, but the 

 charming little lady was in her element and acquitted herself in a man- 

 ner highly creditable. The presiding officer, not unused to such occa- 

 sions, was in this instance nonplused, but when equilibrium was re- 

 stored he responded in his usual happy manner. 



Prof. E. M. Shepherd, of Springfield, read an interesting paper, 

 " Utility plus Beauty," following which was a recitation by Prof. T. L. 

 Ruby, of Lebanon. 



WEDNESDAY MORNING. 



Upon the call of the president the assembly came to order, and 

 listened to prayer by Rev. C. W. Dunn. Greetings were received from 

 Kansas, Michigan and Indiana State societies in convention assembled, 

 and returned by Missouri society. 



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