STATE nOKTiCULTURAL SOCIETY. 43 



published ia the next volume of our transaction. I would like to dwell longer 

 ui)on tl)is subject but .so many others present themselves that I mu.st hasten on. 



It seems to me that the time has arrived when we should be enjoying the most 

 fraternal relations with the State societies, and especially those of Wisconsin and 

 Iowa, whose interests are so nearly identical with our own. I have no doubt that 

 an arrangement may be perfected for the exchange of transactions, by which every 

 member of the three societies shall be supplied with copies of each, and I trust 

 the annijal meeting will provide for sending a delegate to represent us in the annual 

 meetings of those States. Another matter that occurs to me, is that we are leeliug 

 the want of a hand book of fruit culture, adapted to the peculiarities of the soil, 

 climate, etc , of the States of Wisconsin, Northern Iowa, Minnesota and Dakota. 

 It shoidd be something of the style of Downing's "Fruits and Fruit Trees of 

 America." It should describe the fruits, both native and domestic, in successful 

 cultivation here, give accurate descriptions of our wild fruits, their value as articles 

 of human food or commerce, and the best methods of cultivating and improving 

 them, and also accurate descriptions of the new varieties of the old and well known 

 clasfses of fruits. The preparation of soil, planting, pruning and treatment re- 

 quisite to success in the climate should, of course, be a leading characteristic of 

 the book. In order to bring this subject into notice and sooner bring about its con- 

 summation, I would recommend the appointment of a committee to correspond 

 with like committees of those states, to report at a future meeting. 



Since the adjournment of our last annual meeting, the State legislature has 

 granted us an annual appropriation of $1,000. This sum if judiciously used, may 

 prove of great benefit to the society and to the people of the State at large. It re- 

 mains with you at this meeting to say what disposition shall be made of it. See to 

 it that its disposition shall reflect credit upon us. accomplish the object for which it 

 is designed, and secure for us the confidence of the tax- payers of the State. I am 

 in favor of setting aside a portion of the amount to be used only in the payment of 

 premiums to be offered to encourage the growing of fruits from seeds, the offers to 

 be so guarded as to leave no chance for imposition, and I think that we ought, 

 without delay, to create a committee to perfect a premium list and make rules to 

 govern it. I would say $500 for the best long-keeping variety, as hardy as Duchess 

 or Siberians, of good cpialitj', fine appearance, medium to large in size, to keep until 

 May; $400 for second best, same rules to govern ; $300 for third best; $200 for best 

 winter sweet apples; $100 for a grape as hardy as the Concord, as good or better in 

 appearance and quality, two weeks earlier and that will keep well into winter. If 

 any or all of these were now originated, it would require five more years to give 

 them the requisite test and probably $200 per year woold meet the demand. 



I am also in favor of estal)lisliing two or more experimental stations under the di- 

 rect supervision of the society where every new candidate Jor favor ma\' be tested 

 before thrown upon the market or given a place on our fruit lists. I think that we 

 have enterprising meml>ers who would cheerfully manage such grounds if stocks 

 and scions were furnished them free of cost. We have a standing fcedling fruit 

 committee. It should be a part of their duty to visit and examine seedling trees 

 that are reported as promising and secure scions of such as are deemed of value, and 

 their actual expenses ought to be defrayed from our appropriation. 



Our society has now become so large that the duties of the secretary are a heavy 



