252 ANNUAL EEPORT. 



hundred miles farther northward than it has ever gone on this continent heretofore. 

 ' — Dr. Hoskins in Vermont Watchman. 



In the general distribution of reports we have been subject largely to the direc- 

 tion of the Executive Committee. We have endeavored to supply each member of 

 the Society with at least one bound copy of the transactions, and with extra copies in 

 paper covers when requested. 



Exchanges have been made with the societies of the following states, to -wit: 

 Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, 

 (Western) New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey; also with the horticultural 

 societies of Dakota and Montreal, Canada. 



In this connection we suggest the propriety of having a larger number of copies 

 of our reports bound in cloth. Five hundred copies are barely sufficient to supply 

 our own members and to make the necessary exchanges. It seems to us we ought 

 to have at least one-half the entire edition bound. Tlie value of the work would 

 then be more fully recognized by those receiving it, and it would find its place 

 upon the library shelf where it would be preserved for years to come* to be referred 

 to conveniently whenever necessary. 



The volumes issued by the Society for a number of years past have beeu credit- 

 able productions, and we trust the interest manifested on the part of members in 

 this respect will not flag and that there may be still further improvement made in 

 the character of succeeding numbers. 



THE CORRESPONDENCE 



"Which your secretary has conducted during the past year is indicative of an increas- 

 ing interest wliicli is being taken in horticultural matters generally in this State as 

 well as elsewhere. Extensive correspondence has been had and almost daily letters 

 are received and answered concerning some department of our work. Of course 

 this work requires considerable time to be eijiployed but it is still a pleasing duty 

 to perform. We cannot publisli all our lengthy correspondence and yet we ought 

 not to omit what may be deemed of public interest, although our space is somewhat 

 limited. Among the numerous letters which are constantly received are many 

 which should find a place in our transactions. Of these a number will be read or 

 be referred to appropriate committees. One takes peculiar pleasure in perusing 

 letters like the following, received from tliat eminent and venerable pomologist, 

 the Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, in his own peculiar chirographv: 



"Boston, July 28, 1885. 

 My Dear Sir: Many thanks for the report of the Minnesota Horticultural Soci- 

 ety. Like its predecessors it is full of interesting information. Your State has 

 made rapid progress in fruit culture and has become widely renowned for its enter- 

 prize and success in this important branch of American Husbandry. It has become 

 an important ally in the labors of the American Pomelogical Society, and we count 

 largely on its exhibition of fruits at the forth-coming meeting at Grand Rapids, 

 Sept 9th, when the East will come on to shake hands with the Great West. Please 

 send us a full delegation of your noble men. 



Yours as ever, 



Marshalt, p. Wilder. 

 S. D. HiLLACAX, Secretary etc. 



