44 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



cated and brought up under the most sacred influences within 

 the family circle, and trained to all that is noble, true and 

 good. 



And I know that the work which you have already accom- 

 plished has done much to influence our people in this direc- 

 tion, more perhaps, than we, on first reflection, would be 

 willing to allow. 



When I look upon my old venerable friend, Col. Stevens, 

 who was a horticulturist from the beginning, and who also is 

 the founder of this city, built the first house and established 

 the first home therein, I need not tell you that he has always 

 been with us and with you, to direct, encourage and assist in 

 the pursuit of horticultural knowledge, and in its application. 

 There are other worthy disciples of Flora and Pomona among 

 us whom I should here delight to name, and whose footprints 

 are everywhere found throughout the length and breadth of the 

 city, within our lawns and private grounds, our parks and 

 cemeteries, along our boulevards, lake-shores and river-sides, 

 and even down (I had almost said) into the lap of our loving 

 twin . 



How much is due to you ladies and gentlemen for the part 

 which you have taken in our development can never be known. 



Long before the state had encircled you within her protective 

 embrace, and without material aid from any source you strug- 

 gled on alone! Was such perseverance ever known to fail? 

 We trust that your deliberations may be profitable alike to 

 yourselves and to those whom you represent, and the noble 

 work in which you are engaged may still be advanced, as the 

 light of experience and knowledge shall teach. 



And when like the song birds that have been swept away by 

 the cold winds that come from the north, but soon to return 

 again with sunshine and flowers, to the same enchanted spot; 

 to the same friends; to the same sheltered bough; to build 

 their nests again and rear their young to fly; so likewise, as 

 the years roll on, and you meet in concourse together, to re- 

 pair the breach which time has made, and build your hopes 

 anew, you will return to us again, and we shall be glad to re- 

 ceive you, and extend unto you a still more hearty welcome. 



