PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



FALL MEETING AT LAKE CITY, 



SEPTEMBER 21-22, 1881. 



This, the first Fall Meeting of the State Horticultural Society, en- 

 countered such an unfavorable state of weather as to nearly discourage 

 all interested. The arrangements were all admirably made by the 

 people of Lake City, and in spite of the incessant rain there was a 

 magnificent exhibition, a good attendance and much interest in horti- 

 culture developed. Owing to the unpleasant state of the weather no 

 formal organization was effected the first day, but the time Avas well 

 spent in arranging articles for exhibition, etc., aud in general horticul- 

 tural talk. 



SEPTEMBER 22. 



Meeting called to order by president Harris, at 10 a. m. It was 

 arranged for Gen. McLean of Frontenac, to deliver the address of wel- 

 come, but he being unavoidabl}' absent, Mayor J. M. Underwood, in a 

 few words, tendered to visiting members the hospitality of the city. 



PRESIDENT JOHN S. HARRIS 



Being called upon for his address — as per programme — responded 



as follows : 



Gentlemen of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society , and Visitors and Exhibitors 

 of tJie Fair: I find that I am set down upon the programme for an address. Owing 

 to recent severe illness, the labors and anxieties of attending the late State Fair, and 

 an unusual pressure of business at home, I appear before yon wholl}' unprepared for 

 the occasion, and the few words I shall have to say will be rambling and disconnect- 

 ed. If there is any institution or organization in this State that I love and cherish 

 above all others it is the State Horticultural Societ}-. Our society may not, to the 

 minds of those who believe that the actual necessities of life are of more im- 

 portance than the luxuries, appear to 1)e as essential an institution as the State Ag- 



