HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 73 



"Say what is honor? Tis the finest sense 



Of justice which the human mind can frame, 

 Intent each lurking frailty to disclaim, 



And guard the way of life from all offense 

 Suffered and done." 



Then the one filling the position should feel a personal necessity 

 of imparting whatever valuable information he possesses to the 

 members of our society, and through our reports to the people 

 of the state. I know of no other way of deriving benefit from com- 

 mittees except through their prepared reports, and as there is no 

 possible way of obtaining this knowledge and experience intui- 

 tively, we must seek it through their personal exertions. 



Practical instruction for the masses in horticulture should be 

 the greatest purpose and desire of all the members of this Society, 

 and if we would meet with any degree of progress, we must dili- 

 gently improve every opportunity for developing the educational 

 facilities in this particular line of industry, and this can only be 

 attained by continuous, persistent, industrious endeavor on the 

 part of all connected with this organization. 



We are taught, "It is line upon line and precept upon precept," 

 followed according to right and thoughtful instruction, that makes 

 us proficient in any calling. I would therefore recommend that a 

 suitable committee of three be appointed to consider and decide 

 what course of action would be advisible in the revision of the list 

 of standing committees and their appointment. 



CENTKAL EXPEEIMENT STATION. 



There are some matters connected with this Station of great in- 

 terest and importance to the members of this Society and the peo- 

 ple of our State that need our special attention. 



If it be true that there is a feeling with certain persons that the 

 horticultural experiment work is not called for — is too expensive 

 for the benefits derived from this class of investigation, and is de- 

 void of much value — whoever they are, or wherever this opposition 

 comes from, we pity their shallow perceptions and want of fore- 

 sight. In no other department is there greater need of efficient 

 and extended experiment. If there is any State in these United 

 States, that has a growing necessity for horticultural development, 

 it is Minnesota. Everything that is most beneficial and useful in 

 tree, plant, fruit, or vegetable, does not grow spontaneously in this 

 climate but needs constant, persevering, fostering care to bring to 

 perfection. And we need all the aid and help that science and art 

 can give to assist in developing its horticultural resources, that 

 our people may derive the benefits from this class of instruction, 

 that those more favorably located, receive from these experimental 

 Stations. 



The time is coming, and not far in the future, when it will not 

 be all wheat; wheat; or all cattle, horses and hog, that attract the 

 attention of our people and lead in the volume of our productions, 

 but a greater diversity of crops will be the necessity, then the de- 



