86 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL, SOCIETY. 



The results of a short advertisement carried the past year for a few 

 issues in some forty of the country papers of the state, was a large number 

 of calls for reports, enclosing postage, and the accession of quite a number 

 to the ranks of the society. A possible means of helping on this cause 

 might be found in the selection of some state paper, which is strictly 

 agricultural in its character, and making it the official organ of the 

 society, through the columns of which notices of any character could be 

 sent to the members of the society as well as given to the public, and any 

 horticultural material of value in the possession of the society placed 

 before its readers. The semi-official character of such a publication would 

 enhance its value and to a certain extent serve the end of the society. 

 Other local journals devoted to kindred interests might be used as a 

 medium of scattering abroad the information this society is accumulat- 

 ing. The formation of local societies, or, as is done in at least one state, 

 the formation of small boards of horticultural directors in each county 

 as centers of information and activity are other means to this end. There 

 are plenty of other ways in which this society might carry forward its 

 work if the means absolutely necessary were provided, and it is hoped 

 that the time is not distant when the lawgivers of our state, who have 

 ever displayed a friendly interest in our work, will still further empha- 

 size their appreciation of it by increasing the annual appropriation which 

 enables it to go forward. Another thousand dollars yearly added to that 

 now allowed would permit the adoption of many important facilities in 

 doing our work, 



EXPERIMENT STATIONS. 



The systematic effort inaugurated two years since is ably seconded by 

 the faithful efforts of the superintendents,whose detailed reports indicate 

 the interest they are taking in their work. The central superintendent 

 undoubtedly feels a satisfaction in the working of the system, but is 

 hampered somewhat in his efforts by lack of the necessary means. Here is 

 a good use to which a portion of an additional appropriation could be put, 

 aiding the superintendent and his assistants in the very important field 

 of experimental horticulture. 



COMMITIEES. 



Considerable change has been made the past year in the division of 

 work amongst the committees. Some new committees have been created, 

 others stricken out and still others consolidated or subdivided with the 

 view of somewhat simplifying the work. The membership of the com- 

 mittees was also almost entirely changed, and a plan adopted providing 

 for as far as possible a complete annual change in these committees, so 

 that more of the members and all portions of the state may be in time 

 represented in the various branches of the work. Nearly all the members 

 appointed on these committees signified their willingness to accept the 

 responsibilities of the positions. Society stationery, with the name of 

 the committee and the name and residence of the committeeman, was 

 offered to each member of these committees as well as to the officers of 

 the society, and in many cases was accepted. The expense of this was 

 small and probably not beyond the value of the advantage .received. If 

 any suggestion were to be offered at this time in connection with the 

 committee work, it would be that the committees be decreased in size 

 and no members appointed except those who signify a willingness to give 

 the necessary attention and prepare written reports. 



