STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 397 



SECRETARY'S PORTFOLIO. 



DEFERRED PAPERS, REPORTS, NOTES, EXTRACTS, ETC. 



Introductory Note by the Secretary. 



The space which necessarily has been given to the routine report of 

 the Society's transactions, to the discussions had at its annual meetings^ 

 and to the' publication of all the varied information there presented, 

 has greatly limited the number of the pages which otherwise would be 

 available for the insertion of editiorial clipings, extracts and certain 

 items of more or less importance, which very naturally and properly, 

 perhaps, should find a place in this department of the work. 



We here would call attention to the numerous papers read, and to 

 the interesting reports presented, concerning horticultural work, as 

 set forth in foregoing pages. We do not doubt the officers and mem- 

 bers of the Society will feel both pride and satisfaction at the interest 

 taken upon the part of those who have so generously contributed, and 

 thus have shown their willingness to aid in the advancement of the 

 worthy cause of the Society. Those who peruse the pages thus devoted 

 to the various subjects treated, will find we trust some indications of 

 the zeal and the progressive spirit that animates the earnest workers 

 in our ranks in this and other states. 



The topics treated may embrace a wider scope, or range, perhaps, 

 than usual; but still, we think, not more than cirsumstances fully 

 justify. The quite phenomenal experience of horticulturists within 

 the year, has surely called for sober thought, and has made necessary 

 deep investigation, to find if possible the cause of certain changes 

 which have taken place, in order to elicit information with regard ta 

 best and wisest means and methods to be used, to profit by the many 

 lessons learned. 



One pleasing feature which we may refer to here — as characteristic 

 of the present volume — is the elucidation of such newer facts and 



