430 ANNUAL REPORT 



a state Society, is true as he tells us. It is also true that this was the 

 first local horticultural society started in the State and the only one 

 that has succeeded in maintaining an existence for any great length 

 of time. Rochester is also historic ground as being the place where 

 the first Farmer's Institute was organized this side of the Mississippi 

 river, and we believe we might safely add this side of Lake Michigan. 

 (I mention this fact because several other points have claimed the 

 honor.) Again, Rochester is historic ground as the birthplace of the 

 Southern Minnesota Fair Association which is far in advance of 

 any other district organization in the State, and by widening our field 

 of labor and drawing help and strength from the unoccupied ter- 

 ritory outside of our county, we can greatly assist our fair association 

 here in making far better exhibits of fruit and garden products, and so 

 become mutual co-workers in one of the grandest of all enterprises. 

 These being well attested facts, as regards Rochester's past history, 

 it gives us great confidence in her ability to start the "Southern Min- 

 nesota Horticultural Society " on her way rejoicing in such a " God- 

 speed " manner that she will never falter or turn back, and at no dis- 

 tant day become an honor to the place that gave her birth, and a 

 blessing to the State at large. 



One object in this new departure is to enable ourselves to render 

 more and better service at our State Society of which we are all so 

 justly proud. Owing to having several years start of local societies in 

 other parts of our State, and perhaps we might add a slight advantage 

 in regard to climatic influence, we should of right become, if we are 

 not already, the most powerful auxiliary of the State Horticultural 

 Society. This new departure should of necessity, providing each 

 member acts well his part, increase the membership and result in 

 more and better papers for the State Society. 



The chief magistrate of Rochester possesses more than ordinary 

 " horse sense," and when consulted as to the propriety of holding our 

 annual meeting in the city hall, he most cheerfully approved of the 

 proposition, and said he would have the council room warmed and re- 

 served for our use on the day selected. The kind remarks made by 

 the mayor on this occasion showed him to be a man of foresight suf- 

 ficiently clear to discern the fact that Rochester could well afford to 

 foster all such industries as the Olmsted County Horticultural Society 

 whenever they see fit to take lodgment in her beautiful city. 



The merchant can easily see that an increase of fruit and garden 

 vegetables, both in quantity and quality, means an increase of busi- 

 ness with him at the store and a more healthy condition of his family 



