FLORIDA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
21 
the “square deal.’' I take it, that this 
is our platform. What we can best do 
for the good of all, and the “square 
deal” between man and man. 
I am authorized to say on behalf of 
the president, officers and members of 
this Society, that we accept your dec¬ 
laration of fealty and appreciation of 
our efforts, with all their heartiness 
and fullness. They are a stimulant to 
a higher plane of usefulness and great¬ 
er devotion to duty. 
Horticulture as a business ranks second 
to none. It came forth in the morning 
when the sun first kissed the footstool 
of the Creator as the waters receded, 
and in splendor brought it into life. 
This, ladies and gentlemen, is our her¬ 
itage. It is no gewgaw, or a second 
handed article. It comes as the free 
winds of heaven, unheralded, unbound¬ 
ed, chaste. Thus, we lead the proces¬ 
sion of all other callings. 
I say unto you who are not members, 
come with us, and we will do you good. 
