ANNUAL MEETING, 1899. 491 
The President: We have heard the practical side and now we 
will look for a moment on the poetical side, and I do not know who 
is better able to present it than my old friend, S. M. Owen. 
“Our Poet Friends.” Hon. S. M. Owen, Minneapolis. (See 
index.) 
Discussion. 
Mr. Philips (Wis.): I wish to commend my friend Owen’s pa- 
per and speak a few words for myself. There is hardly a chance to 
say anything after he gets through, because he usually says all there 
is to be said. However, in his beautiful tribute to our great poets 
he has omitted some poets in our own societies, and I wish to 
read a few poems that their authors may receive due recognition. 
Mr. Philips then read poems written by Mr. Dartt, Dr. Loope 
of Eureka, Wis., and by himself. 
“Sweet Pea Culture from a Commercial Standpoint.” Mrs. H. 
K. Eves, Minneapolis. (See index.) 
Discussion. 
“The Flower Garden an Index of Character.” Mrs. Frances 
‘Town, Hewitt. (See index.) 
“Nature Study—What Is It?’ Mrs. Anna B, Underwood, 
Lake City. (See index.) 
Discussion. 
Mr. Philips (Wis.): I think we should teach our children more 
the love of nature. I have read during the past year with great in- 
terest the writings of that gentleman whose poem Mr. Owen read 
here today, and I move that we extend to Mr. Goff a rising vote of 
thanks. 
Mr. Wedge: I am glad to second that motion, especially as 
. Mr. Goff is present with us, and we have an opportunity to express 
our appreciation in his presence. 
Mr. Goff: In the course of men’s lives we do repeatedly wish 
that we were gifted with the power of eloquence, the power of 
speech. I did not expect this compliment; it almost overcomes me. 
What I said came from the heart. I was here in the early times 
when the country was really as I described it, “as sweet as chimes 
of the evening.” Ladies and gentlemen, I sincerely thank you for 
this great compliment you have paid me. 
Mr. Elliot submitted the following list of names of old workers 
in the horticultural society to become life members, and moved 
that they be made honorary life members: J. G. Bass, Hamline; 
‘S. H. Kenney, Morristown; R. Knapheide, St. Paul; O. M. Lord, 
Minnesota City; Wm. Mackintosh, Langdon; Wm. Oxford, Free- 
