HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 83 



specialists and their members. Our past history, as an incentive, 

 invites us to greater exertions in promoting the development of 

 these interests; and when it is considered what our record has 

 been in the past and the bright prospects in the future, we trust 

 there will be sufficient inducement to our brother co-workers, to 

 come in and join in adding better and greater facilities for spread- 

 ing knowledge and instruction among our fellow citizens. 



This name of ours — State Horticultural Society — would if con- 

 sidered in its broadest sense, seem to imply that its membership 

 should be composed of all those whose thoughts, tastes and de- 

 sires were inclined towards diligent research for the promotion 

 and development in all the divisions and subdivisions of every 

 kind and nature in the horticultural industry, that depends upon 

 the tillage, cultivation and growing of plants from the soil, 

 either in field, garden or conservatory and should be co-opera- 

 tive. As a general rule this is the case; but I am sorry to say 

 there is a tendency among horticulturists in certain specific 

 lines of work, to devote their time and attention exclusively to 

 their immediate interests and self-culture, and to withhold their 

 counsel and support from every other organization whose inves- 

 tigations do not render special and particular effort to aid or 

 assist them in their especial branch of business. Singleness of 

 purpose and action in an individual is commendable; but would 

 not be expedient or admissible in the guidance or managing of 

 a large body of persons organized for enlarged and combined 

 work. 



Each class of industrial education should be distinctive in its 

 application and impart a genial influence upon all mankind, 

 calling out the finest qualities of perception. In the skillful 

 management of the many varied forms of plant life, considered 

 from an aesthetic standpoint, its teachings should be elevating 

 and refining in all its theory and practice, and call for delicate 

 distinguishing qualities in all its manipulations. The mind that 

 guides the hand and actions of the true horticulturist, should be 

 amply furnished and enriched with all the keenest susceptibilities 

 of intelligent research. 



Experience is the great teacher of mankind; and he who would 

 attain the greatest perfection in his calling, should seek each and 

 every opportunity for improvement. All classes of horticulture 

 in the state, should become associated together in common senti- 

 ment and purpose; all differences of opinion should be overcome 

 and there should be a union of interests for the welfare and 



