92 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
WOMEN’S AUXILIARY DURING 1900. 
MRS. ANNA B. UNDERWOOD, SEC’Y, LAKE CITY. 
Woman’s interest in all things pertaining to out-door life seems to be 
increasing. We hear of Town Improvement Clubs, Village Improvement 
Clubs, and, strange as it may seem, Country Improvement Clubs. The 
women in rural districts are beginning to realize that with the expenditure 
of a little effort on their part much may be accomplished in the way of 
beautifying their surroundings. 
Many inquiries were received last spring from different parts of the 
state, asking for advice as to the best method of forming a club. Several 
wanted to know how to go to work to get rid of weeds. All the letters 
were answered. In view of the fact that there may be many more inquiries 
during the winter and spring of 1900, the Auxiliary has decided to get up a 
simple form of constitution and by-laws, and also a program for Arbor Day 
observances; these to be printed in pamphlet form for free distribution. 
The Women’s Auxiliary was represented at the Federation of Women’s 
Clubs, by Mrs. Jennie L. Stager. 
The Women’s Auxiliary was represented at the Federation Headquarters 
by a committee consisting of Miss Lucia Danforth, of Carlton College, 
Northfield; Miss Emma V. White, president of the Women’s Auxiliary, 
and Mrs. Anna B. Underwood, secretary of the Women’s Auxiliary. 
Through this committee many of the circular letters printed last spring were 
distributed. 
Interest in nature study seems to be increasing greatly. The city and 
town schools already have incorporated it to a greater or less degree in 
their work, and the rural schools should take steps to arrange themselves 
in line with the movement. 
At the annual meeting of the Women’s Auxiliary, held Dec. 7, 1899, 
it was decided to continue to urge the women to organize Country Improve- 
ment Clubs, and to suggest, as a form to mould public opinion to, the im- 
provement of the school grounds in rural districts, and the introduction of 
nature study into the schools. 
At this meeting, the members considered the suggestion, made in the 
report of the executive committee, that the Women’s Auxiliary have charge 
of one session of the Horticultural Society meeting. The courtesy of the 
executive committee was fully appreciated, and the members decided to ayail 
themselves of the opportunity offered to present a program embodying the 
objects of the Auxiliary. 
The President: I would like to ask if it would not be well to 
have a committee of the women appointed to wait upon the governor 
and ask him if he will not give out his Arbor Day proclamation a 
little earlier than usual and lay a little more stress upon those points 
we have brought out. Coming from the chief magistrate of the state 
and published by all the papers throughout the state, it would be of 
great importance. I think he would be glad to do it. 
Mr. Wedge: I think it is the duty of the society to interest them- 
selves in this movement. I confess I have been more backward than 
any one else. If we are to grow we must enlist the services cf the 
