INCEPTION OF THE CONGRESS. 



The Congress had its conception in a desire upon the part of the 

 California State Floral Society to extend its sphere of usefulness. 



To advance the art of ornamental horticulture. To promote ac- 

 quaintance and interchange of ideas. To impart to the public a definite 

 knowledge of the beauties and utilities of nature and of " the art which 

 doth mend nature." 



DELEGATES. 



The territorial scope of the Congress included Oregon, Washington, 

 Nevada, Arizona, and California. All florists, seedsmen, botanists, hor- 

 ticultural writers and teachers, amateur floriculturists, landscape and 

 private gardeners, and members of horticultural societies, were entitled 

 to seats. t 



Normal and public school-teachers and all lovers of nature were 

 welcome. 



PROGRAM. 



About thirty talented speakers and essayists accepted places upon 

 the program. The general divisions were Department of Literature, 

 Department of Botany, Department of Landscape Gardening, Depart- 

 ment of Practise Sections One, Two, Three, and Four. A question- 

 box was also opened. California speakers were limited to thirty min- 

 utes; speakers from other states, to forty-five minutes. The opening 

 session began at 10 o'clock the morning of May 14, and the seventh ses- 

 sion closed at 4 the afternoon of the 16th. 



All the sessions were opened with prayer and music. 



A collation was served by the entertainment committee at the close 

 of the two opening sessions. 



About one hundred delegates' cards were filed with the secretary. 

 The audiences were excellent, and the interest at all times enthusiastic. 



