1856.] . The Ohio Pomological S)ciety. 91 



long as life endures. Teacli it to your children and your children's chil- 

 dren. I have done something at it, and hope its good effects will he 

 felt, though I may not be here to partake of its fruits. 



Let me not be thought tedious, however, and to have taken up the 

 time that should be devoted to a discussion of the fruits before you. I 

 am sure that, on reflection, the importance of what I have advanced will 

 be felt, and acted upon. It is appropriate that we take a step forward, 

 and not leave chance, unguided, unaided, in her efforts to improve and 

 bring into existence new varieties for us to pass judgment on, and 

 assign them their place in the catalogue. Our work of collating from 

 this source will soon be accomplished. It may not be amiss to remark, 

 that as the art of grafting and budding is now universally adopted — 

 that plantations of fruit trees are no longer permitted to grow and 

 mature fruit on the natural stock — by this innovation, we are depriving 

 chance of accomplishing her accustomed work. It, therefore, is incum- 

 bent on us to be active, and put our knowledge in a shape to produce 

 practical results. Ohio, with a soil unsurpassed, a climate mild and 

 balmy, must not be content to be an indifferent looker-on, or content 

 even as a follower ; she should aim to lead in the noble enterprise. She 

 did so in the forming the first State Pomological Association, from 

 which we have good reason to believe that great benefits have resulted. 

 In conclusion, permit me to return you my sincere thanks for the uni- 

 form kindness that has been extended to me, during the entire time of 

 our organization, and especially for the flattering honor you have con- 

 ferred on me during most of this time, as your presiding officer — a trust 

 which is now about to expire, and from which I shall be happy to be 

 relieved by the selection of some one, more competent than myself, to 

 discharge its important duties. In retiring from this responsible duty, 

 I may be pardoned for saying, that the want of experience has, not 

 unfrequently, been the cause of doing less than might have been done, 

 or doing what was done, not as well as it should have been ; still, the 

 leading motive has been, with an honest zeal, to promote the best 

 interests of our association." 



Minnesota Eice. — The wild rice of the swamps in IMinnesota, has 

 produced an abundant crop this year, and upon this myriads of ducks 

 and geese fattened until the water froze up. The Indians also make 

 great use of wild rice. It has been sown in Connecticut and produces 

 well. 



