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134 ANNUAL REPORT. 
the attendance and getting of members. Iu this respect none 
would compare with Owatonna. Owatonna is more convenient 
than St. Peter. 
Mr. Eldridge. If we move to St. Peter, we have greater 
expenses. More of us have business here, and hence, this place 
draws larger crowds. And it seems that the interest depends on 
the number of persons. Think St. Peter will be tame. 
Mr. Jordon. Think we ought to make the meetings as inter- 
esting as possible. Would like to see the society at Rochester. 
But here we have the papers, and there are more fruit growers 
immediately around St. Paul and Minneapolis. Will these go to 
those far-off places? And since we have had such a warm wel- 
come, we certainly can pay our little fare and come here. 
Mr. Pearce. Came here a year ago andI am fascinated with 
the place. Am a little acquainted on the other side, not much on 
this side. Mr. Pearce then told how willing the President of the 
University, the Governor, and others, were to entertain or pay 
the boarding bill of some visitors. This gave courage and made me 
think there were lots of live people here. Should like very much 
to have the meeting here next year. This is a central point. 
Mr. Sias. Don’t exactly understand what he means by lots of 
live people being here. 
My. Pearce. I meant there was a great many men who had 
confidence in this society. At other places many thought we 
could spend our time better. 
Mr. Dart. One argument in favor of this place was the 
members here wouldn’t go to Owatonna or St. Peter. If this is 
true, they haven’t as much horticultural stamina as those at 
Owatonna or St. Peter, for they come here. I did the begging at 
Owatonna and will stand good for a good reception this time. 
Have you evidence that the labors of the large number will do 
better than those of the smaller number forming the back-bone 
of the society? This means that we should carry out the idea, 
‘““To him that hath shall be given, and from him that hath not 
shall be taken.’’ I don’t believe in it. You can entertain better 
here, because you have better facilities for it, but Owatonna can 
compete with any other place, St. Paul not excepted. 
Mr. Hollister arose to invite to St. Paul, but being somewhat 
interrupted, after some confusion he was able to say: I was 
going to say we weren’t ashamed to have you come there. 
Dr. Twitchell. Think it is not so much the expense of coming 
here as it is a desire to come here. Four will come here while 
one will go to some other place. 
