24 
SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE 
tried in Florida ? Very many of the most important sub' 
tropical and tropical plants have never been introduced, 
much less tried here. 
“I would suggest, therefore, that the company send a 
trained agent to various countries and that he collect what¬ 
ever economic plants he can obtain, as well as citrus fruits 
and their allies. The plants thus imported could be placed 
on sale, and would, if judiciously advertised, hardly fail to 
pay expenses, at the very start, and would certainly be a 
most profitable investment in the end,” etc. 
Prof. Swingle explained that the United States Depart¬ 
ment of Agriculture could not undertake such a work, and 
•oncluded as follows: 
“Horticulturists of Florida, by what 1 have said I hope I 
have succeeded in convincing many of you at least that the 
Inauguration of this move would succeed as a business ven¬ 
ture, would eventually place it in the power of every one to 
grow new and better fruits and other crops, and would, in so 
doing, place you ahead of all competitors, foreign or domes¬ 
tic. * * * Is it not high time that Florida’s horticultur¬ 
ists show their abiding faith and interest in the welfare of 
themselves and their prosperity by putting into immediate 
execution some plan for the systematic introduction of econ¬ 
omic plants suited to our climate?” 
The ideas advanced by Prof. Swingle were favorably 
received by the Society, and after considerable discussion the 
following was unanimously passed : 
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the 
President to whom shall be referred that portion of Prof. 
Swingle’s report relating to an organization for the purpose 
of introducing new varieties. It is expected that this com¬ 
mittee will issue a circular letter, calling astention to the 
importance of the matter, and if it meets with sufficient en¬ 
couragement the committee is authorized to perfect suck 
organization. 
The following committee was appointed : S. S. Harvey, 
W. T. Swingle, H. S. Williams, G. L. Taber, G. P. Healy. 
When the Committee on the the Introduction of New 
Fruits and Plants was called at the Jacksonville meeting, 
Chairman Harvey said: 
“The committee has not been able to make much progress. 
The times are too hard and dollars too scarce to bring about 
an investment of this kind. The committee has not thought 
it a propitious time for such a movement. Your committee 
asks to be continued. If this be done and the times improve 
they will take the matter up the coming year.” 
A motion was unanimously passed that the Committee on 
