STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 253 



liot beds, cold frames and forcing pits, or the capital to enable 

 him to have them, is placed at a great disadvantage, and if there 

 is much competition in the business, had better engage in some 

 other calling, or locate in some place where there will be no com- 

 petition, or his market gardening will not be a paying business. 

 In the vicinity of large cities and good markets, it often pays 

 the gardener better to make a si^ecialty of some particular varie- 

 ties for which his soil and skill are best adapted, and by growing 

 them in the best manner and placing them on sale in the best 

 possible condition, his products will gain a reputation and be 

 eagerly sought for. The gardener whose soil is rather sandy 

 may safely make a specialty of melons, cucumbers and radishes, 

 while if he attempts to grow celery, cauliflower or late cabbage, 

 he may make a failure of them or at best only a partial success 

 and he will very likely lose money in the operation. Finally, it 

 is of great advantage to all gardeners to study well the litera- 

 trare that pertains to their calling, and associate themselves to- 

 gether and frequently discuss the various matters and methods 

 pertaining to their business. There can be no better association 

 for the purpose than a well organized and conducted horticul- 

 tural society. Such a society affords the gardeners an oppor- 

 tunity for meeting together and comparing notes, and receiving 

 and imparting information in regard to the best varieties of fruits 

 and vegetables, methods of propagation and cultivation, getting 

 them into market; association lightens the hours of toil and im- 

 proves their social condition, 



I have written this paper from the standpoint of a lifelong ex- 

 perience, and am somewhat familiar with every branch of horti- 

 culture. If I have done anyone any good, I am thankful. If 

 you desire to hear any more upon the subject at some future 

 time, I am yours to command. 



ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 



President Smith announced that the next business in order 

 was the election of officers for the ensuing year. 

 The following list of officers were then elected: 



President — Truman M. Smith, St. Paul. 



Vice Presidents — Messrs. A. W. Sias, Rochester; F. G. Gould, 

 Excelsior; M. Cutler, Excelsior; G. W. Fuller, Litchfield; and 

 E. H. S. Dartt, Owatonna. 



