rSTATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 65 



FEOM washixgto:n^. 



Washington, D. C, Dee. 29. 1886. | 

 U. S. Department of Agriculture, j 



Dimsion of Pomology. 



S. I). Kill man, Secretari/. etc., 



My Dear Sir and Friend : I see by a recent circular from 

 your office, received by this department, that there will be a 

 meeting of the fruit growers of your State, at St. Paul. Jan. 18 

 to 21, 1887. 



It w®uld afford me great pleasure to be prasent on that occa- 

 sion, were it not for the urgencj' of business here. This division, 

 so recently established, has only just sprouted, and if it is to 

 grow into a fruitful tree, it must be tenderly cared for now in its 

 early stages. I shall not be able to leave the office for more than 

 two or three days at a time, until I get things into good working 

 order. But it is my desire to visit your State and personally 

 acquaint myself with your conditions in some degree, and if pos- 

 sible, put this division in*^ living, working relations with youi- 

 -Society and people. 



Anything that we can do will be done with ple:isure. Let me 

 suggest that you mention in your next meeting my earnest desire 

 to receive information concerning new fruits, and specimens of 

 the same whenever possible. Can you not send me a box of speci- 

 mens correctly labeled, and with name of the growers, to study 

 imd compare with those from other states, and to place on the 

 table in this office, to show to visitors as coming from Min- 

 nesota. 



Yours fraternally, 



H. E. Van Deman, 



Chief Pomological Division. 



A letter was also read from Mr. Van Deman relative to 

 •changing the date of annual meetings of this Society, and others, 

 so as not to conflict in that respect. 



FEOM CAXADA. 



Abbottsford, Que., Oct. 25, 1886. 

 ^.S^. D. HiUman, Secretary, etc.: 



Please except my thanks for copy of Minnesota State Horti- 

 cultural Society. As your climate is even more trying than 

 9 



