242 ANNUAL EEPORT 



now and then encountered. Some method will be found to over- 

 come the gravest difficulties, and often a comparison of views 

 may aid the inexperienced member in seeking out the best and 

 wisest plan to be iDursued. 



The local horticultural societies within our State are mainly- 

 doing prosperous work. Some new societies have been estab- 

 lished in the year and there is'room for many more. In this re- 

 gard the work begun should be continued, and members of our 

 own Society may often render valuable assistance to help along 

 this worthy cause. Our objects being so reciprocal there should 

 be mutual interest manifested upon the part of all. 



EXPERIMENT STATIONS. 



We note with pleasure what is being done for the advance- 

 ment of horticultural work, to which attention was directed in 

 our last report. The agricultural and horticultural stations in 

 the land are rapidly increasing, and the importance of these 

 useful agencies for gathering accurate information concerning 

 means and methods to be used are certainly becoming better and 

 more generally known and recognized. Our sister states are spe- 

 cially active in this work, and horticulturists there are moving 

 in the right direction. 



Our State, embracing as it does a large expanse of territory, 

 some two hundred and fifty miles in width by three hundred 

 and fifty miles in length, covering many degrees of longitude and 

 latitude, and larger in area than all the New England states, 

 must of necessity present some marked characteristics in variety 

 of soil, climate, exposure, etc., etc. 



The work accomplished in experimental lines within our State, 

 though not as far advanced as could be wished, is making rapid 

 progress, and certainly the outlook for the future is encourag- 

 ing. For more specific data as to what has been accomplished 

 we would refer to the reports that have been handed in and else- 

 where will appear in proper place. 



It scarcely need be stated here that the assistance rendered by 

 the State for the encouragement of horticultural work has proved 

 of much advantage and that the money thus expended has 

 yielded fair returns. Results thus far secured would seem to 

 indicate that such investments are surely wise and proper to be 

 made. I^o doubt the need of work upon this line is still as great 

 as heretofore and in the future there will be as large a field for 



