20 ; ANNUAL REPORT. 
had a population of 4,322 in 1697, and with all her advantages had 
been over 100 years in growing as much as St. Paul or Minneapolis 
has within the last 25 years, and that the State of Minnesota had in 
1870, by the United States census, 100,000 more people than the 
Empire State had in 1790, only 80 years before, and which popula- 
tion it has nearly doubled in, the last five years—we as horticultur- 
ists may look for the good time coming. In view of these facts it 
shows our State is fast growing in wealth, education, and refine- 
ment, and when we take into consideration that horticulture is only 
appreciated among the civilized and enlightened portions of the 
globe, and that it is one of the chief ornaments and necessities of an 
highly educated, wealthy and prosperous community, may we not 
hope in the not far distant future to find horticulture in all its 
branches recognized and supported by the wealth and intelligence of 
Minnesota. 
ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES RECOMMENDED. 
In view of this fact I must urge upon this Society the im- 
portance of organizing and sustaining, in every town and city of 
our State, local horticultural societies, and keeping up a constant 
series of weekly and monthly meetings, at regular stated periods, 
in which the fruits, and flowers, and vegetables of the locality can 
be discussed, and then the experience gained by each local society 
brought to the winter meeting of this society, and the best fruits and 
flowers of each brought in competition at our State Fairs. In this 
way we could gain knowledge, and knowledge is power and capital, 
and would enable us to succeed where we now fail. Now, let us be 
up and doing, and keep up with the times and age of industry and 
improvements, and not lag in the race. Let us be worthy of our 
most noble and most ancient and honorable of all occupations that 
man was ever called upon to perform on this earth, and not forget- 
ting our Great Author and co-worker in all our efforts at horticul- 
ture. And in conclusion, let me sincerely thank you for the kind- 
ness and attention you have shown me, and honored me with your 
confidence and esteem, by twice electing me unsolicited on my 
part, to be your President. Hoping you will with much charity 
forgive my shortcomings and imperfections, and believe me ever 
your humble servant. and co-worker in the great and glorious cause 
of Horticulture in Minnesota. 
On motion of Judge Baker, the address was received and ordered 
printed. 
COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS. 
Messrs. Jewell, Baker and Moulton were appointed a committee 
on the nomination of officers. 
During the absence of the committee Mr. Scott, who was present, 
made an interesting report of what had been done in horticultural 
operations at the University farm. Some of the statements elicited 
some comment from the members, but the results may be somewhat 
varied another year, or in other hands. 
