TRANSACTIONS 
OF THE 
MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL 
SOCIETY. 
ANNUAL MEETING HELD AT MINNEAPOLIS, JANUARY 20, 21, 22 AND 23, 1874. 
Pursuant to notice given through the Farmer’s Union of 
Minneapolis, and the principal periodicals throughout the 
State, and in accordance with provisions of the Constitution, 
the members and friends of the State Horticultural Society 
met in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, at Minneapolis, 
at 10 a. M., January 20. 
There was quite a large attendance, and an unusual interest 
shown in the cause of horticulture, and a strong desire to learn 
how to avoid a repetition of the disasters of last winter 
(1872 and 1873.) 
A table was set up in the hall upon which was spread col- 
lections of fruits, flowering plants, seeds for distribution, and 
samples of wines, jellies and preserved fruits, &c. But the 
display, though better than we expected, was much inferior to 
that shown at the annual meeting in this city two years since, 
and told plainly that misfortunes had overtaken us and dashed 
many bright hopes to the earth, but like truth, which, “crushed 
to earth, will rise again,” so is horticulture destined to be- 
come a grand success in our noble State. Severe winters 
may visit us, and corrupt and ignorant Legislators may defraud 
us of our rights, and rings may cripple us for a time, but the 
fruit-growers of Minnesota are “ iron-hearted men,” and they 
are searching for “iron-clad” trees. They have nailed the 
flag to the mast, and their battle cry is: “ Fruit for ourselves ; 
fruit for the millions that will soon people our State ; fruit to 
load our railroad cars and steamboats and send to other 
Jands. We will have fruit or perish in the attempt.” 
The meeting was called to order by the President, Truman 
M. Smith, of St. Paul; and the Secretary, J. 8. Harris, of La 
