STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 391 



Hke the indulgence of the Society for a moment to say a word as to 

 the future status of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society. Prof. 

 Porter's remarks very forcibly called to my mind some facts which 

 some of the members present may know to be true. When he was 

 describing the advantages and resources of our State agricultural col- 

 lege at the university and university farm, and the chances for boys 

 to learn, the paraphernalia for studying the whole thing out, it called 

 to mind the time when I was first appointed by this Society to visit 

 the State University, and to make a report upon their proceedings there. 

 Gentlemen, you would be astonished when I tell you the facts. I went 

 there some thirteen or fourteen years ago. The professor was instuct- 

 ing a class in botany by lines drawn upon the blackboard; Col. D. A. 

 Robertson was the professor. He called upon me for a little speech. 

 I told them I didn't know how to commence; I found myself in a very 

 awkward dilemma; I felt that I was about the only green thing about 

 the institution. I felt that I might make a very proper "subject" for 

 the study of botany. [Laughter ] Look at the contrast to-day ; 

 observe the change in our society ! And who has helped to bring 

 about some of the marked changes and has stood shoulder to shoulder 

 with his part of the work to keep alive the interest and advance the 

 progress of the Society? Wyman Elliot of Minneapolis, the one whom 

 you have chosen to act as your President for the coming year. I feel 

 that with his energy, his perseverence, his knowledge of horticulture, 

 as your President, with the help of able assistants, he will been abled 

 to accomplish much for the cause of horticulture. But, gentleman, if 

 you expect him to take this Society upon his shoulders and carry it 

 alone you will be disappointed. Let every member give him that aid 

 and encouragement that he has always given to the State Horticul- 

 tural Society and then you will make a grand success of your efforts in 

 the future. 



Mr. Gould. Before President Smith leaves the chair I want to 

 move a vote of thanks to our late President for his earnest efforts and 

 the faithful and able manner in which he has discharged the duties of 

 the position. 



The motion was adopted. 



Mr. Harris. I wish to endorse what President Smith has said in 

 behalf of Wyman Elliot, for I believe he has not exaggerated his work 

 for the Societ}', in the least. And if I have been enabled to do any- 

 thing for the Society in the past it has been very largely due to the 

 assistance he has given me. 



