DIRECTORS' REPORT. 



To the Members of the FrmS Growers' AssociMion of Ontario : 



Gentlemen, — It is with feelings of great pleasux-e that yaiir Directops come before "^ 

 you at the close of their jear's labour and present their repart of the condition of the ' 

 Association. 



During the year tbe membership has increased fully fifty per cent., rising from eleven 

 "hundred and niaety -eight to eighteen hundred and thirty-mine. 



The binding of out annual report is a great improvement, for which we are largely 

 indebted to the deep interest which the Honourable S. 0. Wood, Commissioner of Ao-ri- 

 cultuTe, is tabang in all matters embraced within the operations of this Association, and 

 who feels that the information contained in these reports, is worthy of careful preservation. 



We have acted tupon the suggesti<»n of your Directors of last year and increased the 

 size'of the Canadian Horticulturist, to very nearly double the amount of reading matter 

 and added a coloured illustration to each number, thereby enhancing very materially, both 

 the usefulness, and attractive appearance of our Monthly, We have abundant reason to 

 believe that these changes have met with the cordial approval of our members, and that 

 they have been important means of increasing our membership. It will be for our 

 successors to consider whether further improvements may not be attempted, and particu- 

 larly, whether the popularity and usefulness of our Magazine may not be still further 

 secured. 



The experiment of reporting the discussions of the Winter Meeting by a shorthand 

 reporter, proved to be so successful in securing a full and accurate report of the valuable 

 suggestions and experiences given at those meetings, that your Directors obtained the ser- 

 vices of the same reporter at the Summer Meeting, so that the report for 1882, will be one of 

 the most complete and valuable ever issued. The Midsummer Meeting held at the flour- 

 ishing town of Trenton was a great success. The attendance was remarkably laro-e at 

 that season, and the interest manifested in the discussions was very spirited. The Cor- 

 poration of Trenton entertained the members with a magnificent banquet, at which the 

 interchange of thought and of kindly feeling was continued into the morning hours. 

 Many members availed themselves of the liberality of the Central Ontario Railwav, to 

 make an excursion to Picton and the Sand-banks, and in this way examine the capacities 

 of that famous fruit growing country. 



The planting of fruit and forest trees at the Experimental Farm, Guelph, was not so 

 extensive this year as last, but enough was done to maintain and somewhat extend the 

 work. We are happy to be able to say that the plantations are in a thriving condition 

 and that with care in preserving what has been done, and making each year such additions 

 as may be necessary to meet the requirements of horticultural progress, the institution 

 will soon feel the benefits of this work. 



The financial condition of the Association is very satisfactory. Notwithstandino- the 

 increased expenditure consequent upon the enlargement and illustration of the Canadian 

 Horticulturist, and the reporting of the discussions, we have been able to meet the de- 

 mands upon us, and the year will close with means sufficient to meet all our liabilities. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



