210 ANNUAL REPORT, 



each side is more reliable data for the guidance of the people 

 than to leave them to judge by reading the remarks of individ- 

 uals. For it is a melancholy fact that some men, the world over, 

 have vastly more lip than sense. Their mouths are always ojjen, 

 and they talk so much that those more modest are ashamed to 

 say anything. But if we take a vote we get the views of the 

 wiser heads who think more and talk less; and besides we make 

 a record that may save the necessity of lighting the same battle 

 o'er and o'er year after year. If we can thus establish a 

 few landmarks, even though we might have to right up the 

 lines the next year, it will secure more substantial progress 

 than to stick no stakes and attempt a new survey of the entire 

 field each year. 



Good generalship is, perhaps, as essential in running a horti- 

 cultural meeting as in managing a farm; and a farmer who 

 plans twice the amount of work he is able to perform is unwise, 

 and if in addition to this he indulges in story-telling in the field, 

 all the worse. With a program just broad enough to cover 

 essential points thoroughly discussed under a five minute rule, to 

 hold in check our nice talkers, who frequently edify more than 

 they instruct, and a clear and succinct record of these discus- 

 sions, we may reasonably hope to bestow upon the people of our 

 state those benefits which they have a right to require at our 

 hands. 



On motion of Mr. Harris it was ordered that the report be 

 embodied in the transactions. 



Mr. Pearce called up the matter of the prize essays which had 

 been offered at the meeting last year, and a discussion was had 

 as to the manner in which the committee had made the award. 

 The discussion was at some length and quite animated; but 

 pending action the matter was laid upon the table. 



ANNUAL EEPOET OF THE SECEETAEY OF THE 

 STATE HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 



New Orleans, La., Jan. 12, 1885. 



Mr. Fresident and Members of the Society : 



My duties as commissioner to represent Minnesota at the 

 World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition at New 

 Orleans have prevented me from giving that constant personal 

 attention to the horticultural interests of the State which here- 

 tofore, since I have acted as secretary of our society, it has been 



