XVI 
to supply members, and others interested in the vast fund of 
information each copy would contain. 
This is not a matter of interest to our membership merely,, 
but its importance to the state at large will be appreciated 
by every public spirited citizen. Such a publication would 
be eagerly sought, and everywhere accepted as a disinterested 
account of our resources and advantages, and an authentic 
record of the methods and progress of our horticultural in¬ 
dustry. In no other way could such information be so ac¬ 
ceptable and effectively put forth. It is important to the 
growth and prosperity of our state, that this work be distrib¬ 
uted throughout the states, and in foreign countries, and it 
should be issued in a form to command respect. 
Nearly all the states have made provision for the publica¬ 
tion of the proceedings of their horticultural societies; in 
some, all the expenses of these organizations are defrayed 
from the public funds; in one state no less than $30,000 is 
annually appropriated for these purposes, and several have 
erected substantial buildings as permanent homes for their 
societies. In contributing of their time, means and ability to 
accumulate and bring together this valuable knowledge, the 
members do their part. Publication and distribution should 
devolve upon the state. 
