66 ANNUAL REPORT 



bative; our only weapon is the amber cane, but when we marshalled 

 our forces and came in sight, and found that you had already hoisted 

 the white flag, we left our Cain behind. ( ~ ). 



But then we have along our reserve force of invincibles, under 

 the command of Brother Wilcox, " Company B," composed of the 

 most ingenious chemical operators who have discovered the rare 

 and valuable secret of enriching themselves without impoverishing 

 others; who extract the most delicious sweets from every fragrant 

 herb, without wounding its substance or diminishing its odors, and 

 at the same time distributing and miugliDg the fruitful pollen so 

 as to generate new varieties of fruits, flowers, grains and vegetables. 

 True, these allies of ours are only semi-horticultural or high-breds 

 (hybrids), as my friend, Mr. Gideon, would say, but are, neverthe- 

 less, very excellent in quality and valuable auxiliaries to our work. 

 The moral application here defined would seem to be, success 

 succeeds; but merit surely wins. 



And, now, Mr. President, in your behalf, and in behalf of our 

 visiting members present, and the fraternity at large, again allow 

 me to tender our sincere thanks for the invitation given, and the 

 welcome so cordially bestowed upon us, assuring our worthy 

 Excelsior friends that it is our desire to cultivate the acquaintance 

 so happily begun, that when we leave you as a representative 

 body, we shall individually cherish and hold in our affections the 

 most pleasant memories of the past. 



Note (1). Minneapolis has now a population of over 140.000. 



Note (2). It has been the custom of the Amber Cane Association, herefore, to meet with 

 tis at the annual meeting, but at the present, the Beekeepers Association have taken their 

 place, and will occupy a part of the time in discussing subjects connected with that industry. 



President Elliot then read his annual address : 



PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL ADDRESS. 



Members of the Minnesota Horticultural Society; Ladies and 

 Gentlemen: 



Excelsior, whose people are overflowing with hospitality, //as 

 honored our Society by extending to its members entertainment 

 and a very cordial invitation to hold our 23d annual meeting at this 

 place. This pleasant lake-side town, with its graded streets, 

 hotels, banks, stores, beautiful churches, schools, vine-clad cot- 

 tages, and inviting commons, little resembles the hamlet 

 of half a dozen log and board buildings surrounded by heavy forest 

 growth that I found on my first visit to this place in the fall of 

 1854. Pardon me if I refer to that long dreary ride and its im- 

 pressions, as we wound our tortuous way on a cold December day, 



