290 Notes and Gleanings. 



sents. He referred to the growing extent of the vine-planting in the United 

 States, and especially in that part covered by the society whose interests he 

 represents. He prophesied that the Mississippi and its tributaries would one 

 day rival the vine-clad borders of the Rhine. 



To all these hospitable and hearty greetings, the President, Hon. Marshall 

 P. Wilder, made a beautiful acknowledgment on behalf of the society; after 

 which he proceeded to the business of the day. Announcing the unavoidable 

 absence of the Secretary, on motion, F. R. Elliott of Cleveland was appointed 

 pro tern. A Committee on Credentials, and one to arrange business, were ap- 

 pointed by the Chair ; when it was announced that the President's Address would 

 be delivered at half-past two o'clock, p.m. ; and the society took a recess until 

 that hour. 



The President's Address was characterized by the elegance and usefulness of 

 all his productions ; for, whether fruits, flowers, or prologues, they are always 

 attractive, beautiful, and useful. He paid a deserved tribute to the horticultural 

 taste and skill of the West ; he presented an historical sketch of the rise and 

 progress of the society, over which he has presided almost ever since its 

 organization. 



Mr. Wilder referred to the importance of encouraging the production of new 

 varieties, and cited Van Mons's injunction, " To sow, to sow again, to resow, to 

 sow perpetually ; " and added this good advice : " Plant the most mature and 

 perfect seeds of the most hardy, vigorous, and valuable varieties ; and as a 

 shorter process, insuring more certain and happy results, cross and hybridize 

 your best fruits." 



The remarks upon the characteristics of a good tree and those of a good fruit 

 were admirable, and are commended to the attention of all pomologists. 



The moral and social influences of horticultural pursuits were pleasantly por- 

 trayed, as by one who had fully reahzed their power. A touching tribute was 

 paid to the departed worthies who had been snatched from among us since the 

 last meeting of the society. 



We give below brief extracts from the President's Address : — 



"The Grape. — In the whole circle of pomological progress, there is no 

 branch which excites so much interest, or gives such favorable promise, as the 

 culture of the grape. At last, the vine, which has been so much neglected or 

 persecuted from fear of producing an intoxicating beverage, is becoming the 

 great object of attraction. From the Lakes to the Gulf, from the Atlantic to 

 the Pacific, large tracts of land are being devoted to its growth. Companies 

 and villages are springing up, wealth and enterprise are on the alert, in the belief 

 that this department of fruit-culture is to be the most protitable. If the same 

 enterprise continues in our land for the next half-century , the words of the 

 P.'f.almist will be realized : ' Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt ; thou pre- 

 paredst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root ; and it filled the 

 land. The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof 

 were like the goodly cedars. She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her 

 branches unto the river.' 



