STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 29 



ing in the direction of the Falls] and an old mill. Contrast that with 

 what we see to-day, and behold the difference. Look at what has been 

 •done within that short space of time. At that time we were told that 

 we cculd not even grow corn in Minnesota and we never would be 

 able to grow fruit, and nothing of that sort could be expected in this 

 climate. But look at the mills and manufactories of Minneapolis and 

 St. Paul to-day, and then see the kinds and vast quantities of fiuits 

 constantly brought to market. It has been estimated that as many as 

 sixteen thousand quarts of strawberries are daily brought to market at 

 St. Paul and by 9 o'clock they are all cleaned off. This shows that 

 population is rapidly increasing and it reminds us that we have a work 

 to do. We must educate the people to grow those fruits and flowers 

 that can be grown most successfully and prepare the way for future 

 generations. It is a work of responsibility and there are few who 

 realize the responsibility more than I do and their incapacity for the 

 task that lies before us, I tell you that we must grow our own fruits 

 and have a surplus to ship away, and not be dependent upon countries 

 below to supply our wants in this regard, thus draining us of all our 

 spare funds to purchase a few of the luxuries of life. And if we could 

 interest the people and they would turn out en masse to our meetings 

 and see our exhibits and learn how to plant and cultivate these fruits, 

 flowers and vegetables, what a benefit it would be to the State and to 

 tie city as well. Minneapolis I must say has always given us an en- 

 <jouraging hand; they have always been ready to welcome us. There 

 is no city or town in the state that has been more ready to welcome 

 horticulture and horticulturists than Minneapolis. Thanking the citi- 

 zens of Minneapolis on behalf of the Society for their hospitality I will 

 not occupy your time further. 



COMMUNICATIONS. 



The following communications were then read by the secretary: 



FROM A, L, HATCH, ITHICA, WIS. 



Mr. A. L Hatch of Ithica, Wis., under date of May 9, 1885, writes: 

 '*S. D. Hillman, Secretary, etc., 



D£!arSir: Your invitation of April 30bh has awaited an answer 

 because I have been too busy to reply sooner. I regret exceedingly my 

 inability to comply with your request. Besides my ordinary farm and 

 nursery cares, now so much behind on account of such extraordinary 



