ANNUAL REPORT, CHAIRMAN EXECUTIVE BOARD. 2J 



rieties, some of which possessed rare excellence. A p.-^rt of these 

 were put in cold storage and are now on exhibition in the fruit- 

 room below. 



We are pleased to note the increasing- interest of our citizens 

 in the development of better fruit for this and adjoining states 

 and the great confidence manifested in the workings of this 

 society. 



While we, as officers of one of the most progressive horti- 

 cultural societies in these United States, are bending every en- 

 ergy toward the development of better frr.its, with the means sup- 

 plied by our state legislature, we find, as the work progresses, there 

 is increasing need of more adequate means for experimental work 

 in the growing of seedling apples and other fruits. The development 

 of our ever increasing fall exhibition of fruits, at the state fair, 

 forces upon our attention the great need of better facilities for 

 setting before the public eye the splendid products of our orchards, 

 gardens and greenhouses ; if we are to niake a credicable display 

 of our fruit and flower products we must have better facilities 

 afforded by the State Agricultural Society. We need a modern, 

 attractive horticultural building, surrounded by ornamental grounds 

 embellished by shrubs, trees and flowers in a manner that will be 

 of educational value to the vast throngs who make their annual 

 pilgrimage to our state fair. These two things should receive the 

 undivided attention of our members and officers present at this 

 meeting and some method be suggested whereby we may accomplish 

 the objects desired. 



At a meeting of the executive board held Dec. 3rd the secre- 

 tary's and treasurer's books, and vouchers accompanying the same 

 for the past six months, were audited by a committee consisting of 

 Messrs. Moyer and Underwood, and pronounced correct. After 

 this the financial status of the society was discussed, and, as there 

 was means available for further extension of our investigations 

 for new fruits, it was thought wise to rccjuest the vice-presidents 

 in each congressional district to start a canvass or systematic effort 

 to secure information regarding any new seedling apples or other 

 fruits of promise and value in their districts. Two hundred dol- 

 lars or as much thereof as could be used to advantage was desig- 

 nated for this purpose. 



We have been frequently reminded, the past year, that our ranks 

 are being depleted, that not a few of our beioved members are pass- 

 ing over the "great divide," from whence no friendly greeting re- 

 turns, but we have the encouraging thought that our loss is their 

 gain. 



