162 ANNUAL REPORT 



to be under the management of the general government. In Germany 

 forests were maintained at government expense, which had control, 

 also, of private forests. While conditions were different there from 

 those of America, it showed very plainly that some similar system 

 should be pursued. Ten acres of timber for a quarter section of land 

 was insufficient. As a rule, one-fourth of the area of the country 

 should be covered with forests in order that agriculture might be car- 

 ried on successfully. Some definite system should be pursued having 

 reference to varieties grown, character of soil, etc. Farmers as a rule 

 are making poor selections, planting such trees as cottonwood, white 

 willow, and other inferior varieties. Those were better than none to 

 start with on the praii-ies, till such time as more valuable timber could 

 be grown. 



President Elliot stated that Prof. Schotzka had recently issued a 

 valuable little work on the subject of forestry, which he advised those 



interested in this subject to procure. 

 Secretary Hillman stated there had been a mistake on his part with 



regard to the transportation of delegates to and from the meeting, and 



in justice to the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway company, 



he desired to read the following letters : 



letter from mr. warren. 



St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway Co., 



Si. Paul, Minn., Jan. 6, 1888. 

 S. D. Hillman, Secy., Etc. 



Dear Sir :— I am advised concerning the State Horticultural Soci- 

 ety which meets at Minneapolis, Jan. 17th to 20th. 



As no application has been made for reduced rates for this occasion 



via the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway, I will be obliged 



if you will inform me if such will be desired. 



Yours truly, 



C. H. Warren, 



Genl. Passenger Agent. 



On replying to the above stating that reduced rates were desired, the 

 following was received : 



St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway Co., 



St. Paul, Minn., Jan. 10, 1888. 



S. D. Hillman, Secy., Etc. 



Dear Sir: — I am favored with yours of the ninth. In reply would 



