286 ANNUAL REPORT. 



ment of home and its surroundings. It teaches the best and 

 most aiJproved methods for the embellishment of both city and 

 rural homes, made pleasing and attractive by the propagation, 

 culture and care of fruit, shade and ornamental trees, shrubs, 

 plants, vines, and flowers. In short, it embraces a wide field for 

 investigation, study and labor, and affords its votaries ample and 

 lasting reward for all well directed etfort. Horticultural work 

 is at once pleasing, elevating and delightful, and the possibilities 

 to be accomplished almost unlimited. 



The Minnesota State Horticultural Society, as its name implies, 

 is comprehensive in its objects, plans and purposes. The objects 

 of the society are aptly set forth in its constitution as being "to 

 improve the condition of pomology, horticulture and arboricul- 

 ture, by collecting and disseminating correct information con- 

 cerning the culture of such fruits, flowers, trees, and other pro- 

 ductions in horticulture as are adapted to the soil and climate of 

 Minnesota." 



Originally designed and organized as a fruit growers' associa- 

 tion, we find upon examining the record of its early work and 

 history, that the organization has since greatly widened its 

 scope and general character; that it has measureably extended its 

 power and influence; that its roll of membership has steadily in- 

 creased from year to year in numbers; and the organization now 

 includes within its ranks very many of the most thoroughly effi- 

 cient, active, and earnest workers to be found in the varied 

 branches of horticultural labor within the limits of the State 

 and in the ISTorthwest. It will be apparent to the most casual 

 observer that the society has made this encouraging growth and 

 progress, that it occupies an advanced and meritorious position 

 as an organization, and that it aims to benefit not only the fruit 

 growers of the land, but to seek out, foster and encourage the 

 best and most advantageous methods to be followed in all depart- 

 ments of horticulture. That such should be its mission no one 

 will gainsay or deny. Its officers and members recognize the 

 obligations which seem almost imperatively imposed; most cheer- 

 fully, too, would they discharge their several duties, and seek to 

 place it on a plane of usefulness, where it shall be a means for good, 

 establishing for itself a character which shall give it strength 

 and power, and wield an influence which commands respect and 

 gains the confidence of all. 



The rewards bestowed on well directed horticultural industry 

 and toil are numerous and varied; the mere suggestion carries 



