162 ANNUAL REPORT 



On motion the report was accepted and approved. 



ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 



The Association proceeded to the annual election of officers 

 for the ensuing year with the following result: 



President — Russell Blakeley, St. Paul. 



Vice President — Ditus Day, Farmington. 



Secretary and Treasurer — Edward D. Porter, State University. 



Executive Oommi^ee— Eussell Blakeley, Ditus Day, Edward D. 

 Porter, Seth H. Keuney, J. F. Porter. 



The president appointed as a committee on samples Messrs. 

 Smith, Stubbs and Busse. 



Mr. Elliot called attention to the matter of exhibits at the 

 state fair. Last year sugars, pickles, preserves, etc., were 

 placed under the charge of the State Horticultural Society. He 

 suggested that some one be appointed to look after the amber 

 cane interest. 



On motion. Prof. Porter was named as a committee of one to 

 take charge of the amber cane exhibits at state fair. 



Prof. Porter called attention to the importance of having 

 something arranged in advance for making a creditable exhibit. 

 He urged the importance of making preparations at once by se- 

 lecting samples of syrups, sugars, etc., for exhibit and display 

 at the state fair, and not leave the matter until a few days be- 

 fore the fair opens, when it will be too late to accomplish any- 

 thing. 



COMMUNICATIONS. 



The secretary read the following communication : 



U. S. Department of Agriculture, '\ 



Commissioner'-s Office, > 



Washington, D. C, Jan. 5, 1887. ) 



Edward D. Porter, Secretary, etc., St. Anthony Park, Minn., 



My Dear Sir : Your kind letter of December 6th only came 

 to my desk a few days ago, and since then I have given it careful 

 consideration. My inclination is strongly in favor of an accept- 

 ance of your invitation; but my public duties at this stage of a 

 short session of Congress are pressing, and can not be omitted 

 even for a few days. I should be again happy to meet and greet 

 the members of your joint convention; but I shall have to forego 

 the pleasure. Very respectfully, 



Norman J. Colman, 

 Commissioner of Agriculture. 



