60 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



look back with a degree of satisfaction upon their efforts and 

 those of their fellow co-workers, which have been in a large 

 measure instrumental in the development of the various horti- 

 cultural industries of our state. 



That horticulture may be put upon a more business-like, 

 comprehensive basis and be relieved from the great confusion 

 that now exists in the names of many varieties of fruits, 

 flowers and plants, it is thought wise by those giving this sub- 

 ject closest attention, that there should be established a nation- 

 al register that will give the description, history, etc. of plants 

 and fruits, which shall be official and authoritative, and secure 

 to the originator of new varieties, such protection as will justi- 

 fy him in devoting his time, thought and money to the work. 

 Then there would be more inducement than there is now to the 

 skilled horticulturist to devote more of their time to the secur- 

 ing of better varieties than we now have. These desired im- 

 provements can only be secured by the enactment of necessary 

 laws by the national government, sanctioned by the United 

 States Department of Agriculture at Washington. 



I do not wish to submit any plan, but leave it with you for 

 thoughtful consideration, and would advise the appointment of 

 a committee of three to make some suitable recommendations 

 from this society. 



I also call your attention to an extract from the annual mes- 

 sage of his excellency the governor of our state, referring to 

 the Columbian World's Fair, to be held in Chicago, in 1893, an 

 event of great importance to our society and the state, if we 

 participate. He says, "No means should be omitted to have 

 the various advantages of Minnesota made known to the thou- 

 sands who will visit the greatest exposition of modern times." 

 I consider this of special importance, and trust no means will 

 be omitted to provide for a full and complete exhibit, as the re- 

 sults that will accrue cannot fail to be of lasting benefit, and in 

 his suggestions as to expenditure of surplus revenues in the 

 next two years, he indicates to account of World's Fair, $100, - 

 000; a considerable part of this amount should be divided 

 equitably among the agricultural, horticultural and other in- 

 dustries which are largely dependant upon their productions 

 from the soil. 



Already the people of Minnesota are agitating the question 

 of a fine display at the World's Columbian Exhibition, and the 

 legislature will be called upon to make a liberal appropriation 

 this winter. Minnesota cannot afford to be in the background, 



