^24 ANNUAL REPORT 



answer; but I think a committee can arrive at a decision by taking 

 time better than the Society could do from simply hearing them read. 



President Elliot. I am aware that there was delay in awarding the 

 prize on essays at a former meeting; but I think committees can be 

 secured that will act promptly and perform the work with acceptance. 

 The appointment of those committees will be deferred for the present. 



Prof. McLean stated that owing to engagements at the university 

 he would be obliged to retire. He hoped the members of the Society 

 would find time to visit the State University for the purpose of ob- 

 serving the methods pursued in the different departments of that 

 institution, where they would be welcome at any time. 



The resignation of Treasurer Grimes was announced, and, on mo- 

 tion, William H. Brimhall, of Hamline, was appointed Treasurer, 

 pro tempore. The balance of the forenoon was devoted to the arrange- 

 ment of exhibits, etc. 



The meeting adjourned until 2 o'clock p. m. 



AFTERNOON SESSION. 

 Tuesday, Jan. 17, 1888. 



The meeting was called to order by President Elliot at 2 o'clock,?, m. 



The attendance of delegates was much larger than expected, con- 

 sidering the severity of the weather of the preceding week, and the 

 blockaded condition of the railroads and the public highways in the 

 country. The temperature ranged some twenty-five or thirty degrees 

 higher than for several days preceding the meeting. The number of 

 members present at the opening session gave evidence of awakened 

 interest and a successful meeting. 



A large and very fine display of flowers and exotic plants was made 

 by the Mendenhall Grreenhouse. But few other entries were made 

 during the first day's session. 



address of welcome. 



Hon. Isaac Atwater, president of the Minneapolis Board of Trade 

 was introduced and delivered the following Address of Welcome : 



Mr. President and Gentlemen of the State Horticultural and Amber 



Cane Associations: 



I feel especial pleasure in that I have the honor, on behalf of the 

 <jitizens of Minneapolis, to welcome you to our city to hold your de- 



