110 ANNUAL REPORT. 



Market Gardeners Association, in order that it might receive the benefits arising 

 from the funds set aside by the Slate. And it was not until the share to which the 

 Society was entitled had been applied for, that it was discovered, that owing to 

 improper organization, it was debarred from securing the amount to which it ■vras 

 justly entitled. Steps are now being taken to remedy the difficulty, and it is to be 

 earnestly hoped that before the next meeting of your Society, it may be rightly 

 adjusted. 



Despite the unfortunate termination financially, the fair was a grand success. 

 The exhibition on a whole elicited on all sides, expressions of surprise, not only 

 from visitors from abroad, but from citizens of our own County and State, to whom 

 the exhibit was a revelation. It is an undeniable fact, that the showing ol such a 

 collection of fruits and vegetables does more to attract the attention of people look- 

 ing for western homes than any other means that could be used. This fact alone, 

 and the reflection that good is being done, not only in benefitting our State by 

 developing its resources, but humanity at large by each new fact drawn out — of 

 value— should be the reward of those who sacrifice their time and interests in this 

 grand work. 



The year 1886 opened with bright prospects. The meetings are held on Saturday 

 of each week, at the rooms of the Northwestern College of Commerce, Prof. Asire 

 principal, and thus far have been well attended. 



At the annual meeting held Dec. 26, 1885, the following officers were elected: 



President. J. S. Gray; Vice-President, G. H Roberts; Secretary, J. E. Northrup; 

 Treasurer, Prof. L. Asire. 



Believing that the record of last year will be surpassed by that of the coming, I 



am sir, 



Yours Respectfully, 



J. E. NORTHETJP, 



Secretary of Hennepin County Horticultural Society and Market Gardeners 

 Association. 



Mr. Pearce said the financial condition of the Hennepin County 

 Society was by no means bad, though individual members had occa- 

 sionally to come to its relief. Liberal premiums had been given, fifty 

 per cent of which had been paid, and the balance would be paid with- 

 in a month. The expenses for premiums, etc., amounted to about 

 $400. 



The report of M. J. Hoag, Secretary of the Olmsted County Horti- 

 cultural Society was then read. 



OLMSTED COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY:'. 



To the Secretary of the State Horticultural Society. 



In compliance with regulations in the interest of Horticulture embodied in an act 

 Gf Legislature approved Feb. 28, 1883, I herewith submit the annual report of the 

 Olmsted County Horticultural Society, its receipts and disbursements and abstract 

 of its proceedings for the year ending December 26, 1885. 



