46 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



mon good, as representatives of an industry that would supply 

 you with the noblest of the fruits of the earth. 



We do not come with the proud satisfaction of those who have 

 achieved success. The horticulturists of Minnesota have been 

 and still are a band of prophets, but we announce today that our 

 vision is clearer, our faith stronger, our hope brighter "than at 

 any former time, and we declare with confidence that the child 

 • is born that will see this market abundantly supplied with 

 berries from our gardens, grapes from our vineyards, and ap- 

 ples from our orchards. 



"All things come to him who waits." We have waited, we 

 have experimented, we have hoped, we have despaired, some of 

 us for a third of a century, and the foundation of northwestern 

 horticulture has been laid. Yes, it has been light work. In 

 laying this foundation many have grown old, some have grown 

 tired, and some warm noble hearts have ceased to beat. But 

 it has been with the effort, and the vision before us is still in- 

 spiring. 



The neat farm house nestled among the warm, embracing 

 evergreens, orchards bending neath the weight of luscious red 

 cheeked apples, vineyards on the hillsides ripening their sweet 

 juices in our blazing August sun, groves and gardens, flowers 

 and vines and all the choice arboreal gifts of God, clustering 

 about the Minnesota homestead — this is the vision that has 

 led us, cheered us, and for the realization of which we labor. 



And so, with thanks to you who have so kindly welcomed us. 

 with hearty appreciation of the comforts of your city, we meet 

 again, join hands and plans, and labor for the good time com- 

 ing. 



President Elliot: I would say, ladies and gentlemen, that 

 what I have to say may not seem to you all that should come in 

 a president's address. Some of it is statistical and some of it 

 is matter that pertains to our work, but such as it is I give it to 

 you. 



PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL ADDRESS. 



Ladies and Gentlemen and Fellow Members of the Minnesota State 

 Horticultural Society: 



We meet once more to examine, debate and interchange ideas, 

 after the fruitage and ingathering of the year, and, if possible, 

 prepare for riper judgment in all our future plans or methods 



