44 ANNUAL KEPORT 



draft upon his time, and he should receive :i salary. It is also important that the 

 executive committee hold one or two mcetini^s between our annual sessions, and in 

 order to secure their attendance it will be necessary to defray their traveling ex- 

 penses or elect hll of our officers near one central locality. I trust tliat tliese matters 

 will receive your careful attention before our linal adjournment. 



There is one otlier matter, already too long delayed, which I wish to present to 

 your notice. The legislature of 1873 passed an act providing for the publication of 

 the transactions of the annual meeting of that year, and a condensed history of the 

 societ}^ from the date of its organization Tlie society at tlie time was virtually 

 bankrupt, and the act made no provision for collecting together the statistics and re- 

 writing the whole matter and getting it ready for the State printer. Hon R. J. 

 Mendenhall and Wyman Elliott advanced for the purpose $100 eacli. Nine years 

 have since passed; they have never spoken of the transaction, and I have no knowl- 

 edge that they have ever received in return even a vote of thanks from this society. 

 It is high time tliat they should receive some testimonial of respect from us, and 

 that some action be taken for liquidating the debt. I do not think we have a legal 

 right to use any portion of our state appropriation for the purpose, but we can set 

 aside our receipts for annual dues and appropriate what money remains in the treas- 

 ury for its settlement. Some of the essays published in our transactions would be 

 much more useful if illustrated. I would recommend you to authorize $2.) to $50 to 

 be expended in providing cuts for that purpose. 



In conclusion, gentlemen, permit me to tender my sincere thanks for the great 

 honor you conferied upon me in electing me to the high position of president of the 

 Minnesota State Horticultural Society. I am full}' conscious that I have not the 

 ability to till the position as it ought to Ijc tilled. However, in this, I think you will 

 bear me witness that in the past, I have done what I could for its prosperitj'. This 

 I will ask of you, that you will believe me when I say that I have faith in Minnesota 

 and in this society. As far as possible, overlook my shortcomings and cover my 

 faults with the broad mantle of charity. Maj'- the society become as a light-house 

 set upon a high hill, sending its bright rays over the prairies of Minnesota and 

 Dakota, growing stronger and brighter until the fruits of our orchards and vine- 

 yards shall be shipped by car loads, and until lieautj^ and comfort shall rest in every 

 home May all your meetings be harmonious, and every member re' urn to his home 

 better fitted and ready to grapple with the difficult questions that may arise, and 

 while my life is spared my earnest prayer will be for the perpetuation of our society 

 and the diffusion of its blessings upon all mankind. 



At th'e close of the President's address, the following committees on. 

 current meeting were appointed : 



ON president's address. 



U. S. Holllister. " S. M. Emery. 



J. H. Stevens. 



COMMITTEE OF AWARDS — (fRUIT.) 



J. F. Grimes. F. G. Gonld. 



M. Pearce. 



