HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 153 



virtually it was originated, as we believe, with our friends Ken- 

 ney and Miller, of this state. I may not live to see the cane 

 syrups the universal consumption of the state, but I firmly be- 

 lieve that many of you will live to see it. And not only that 

 you will have your syrups grown at home, but the glucose, if 

 you choose to make it, from the Amber cane or the early orange 

 cane made in the future. 

 I am very much obliged for your kind attention. 



Prof. Porter then addressed the Association. He said: 

 EEMARKS BY PROF. PORTER. 



Mr. Chairman: As was remarked by Mr. Kenney, the father 

 of the Amber cane industry in the Northwest, this industry has 

 passed beyond the experimental stage. Seven years ago there 

 was not a room in this city which could be secured, that was 

 large enough to accommodate all the people and farmers of the 

 state who were interested in this subject, — this Amber Cane in- 

 dustry. In 1864 I met with a convention of sorghum growers 

 from all parts of the United States, at Washington, and the del- 

 gates present numbered about four hundred of as intelligent and 

 enthusiastic set of men as I have ever seen brought together. 

 And now why is it, when we call for memberships in this Associa- 

 tion we have only three names handed in I Is it because this in- 

 dustry has been proved to be a failure ? By no means; it has, I 

 say, pavssed beyond the experimental stage. 



Many years ago it was proved that this was one of the most 

 profitable industries that the farmer could engage in, in Ameri- 

 can agriculture. That was found out long years ago. It was at 

 that time only prosecuted for the sprup. The question of sugar 

 making had not at that time assumed any prominence. But the 

 sugar question has long since been solved. 



I remember at the meeting held here seven years ago, at just 

 about this time in the month, at a hall just across the street, that 

 Mr. John F. Porter, of Red Wing, a gentleman who had never 

 seen a single pound of sugar swung out in his life, was present; 

 he had never made a pound of sugar at that time. He was a 

 tanner by trade; that was his business. But he become inter- 

 ested in the Amber cane business. And after that in a single 



Vol. IV— 20. 



