437 
secretary’s report. 
some of the shrubbery and all the apples are well mulched for 
the winter. 
Another task undertaken by a portion of the society, and 
which we trust may meet with the hearty support of all its 
members, has been the carrying on of a system of lectures be¬ 
fore the students of the university, or the male members of 
the same. And we would say here by way of parenthesis, 
that we were very sorry to see this discrimination; for we 
believe that as a rule, the subject of horticulture treated of 
in a proper lecture, with a view to its encouragement at home, 
would be of incalculably more benefit to the ladies than to 
gentlemen. They will carry it home, viewing it as a pleasure, 
with a view of beautifying and making home attractive; men 
are too apt to treat it purely financially. “ Will it pay ? ” Of 
lectures. Judge Knapp read two, Messrs. Hobbins and Willey, 
one each. And we trust that thev were received with the same 
%/ 
spirit with which they were given, and were not altogther lost 
for good in the encouragement of horticultural progress, but 
will be followed by other gentlemen, whose light ought to 
shine more frequently than it does. 
The last great task of the season was its annual fair. Un¬ 
like that of 1867, when everv orchard was loaded to its ut- 
most, this season was almost barren of fruit, yet with all this, 
the friends of horticulture responded nobly, and floral hall was 
well filled with choice specimens of fruits and flowers. We 
will not discriminate, for where all did so well, ’twould be 
folly to make the attempt. The fact that the choicest of ap¬ 
ples, grapes, and as fine a show of plums as we ever saw, and 
peaches from quite remote sections of the state, were on 
exhibition is enough to confirm the opinion, already existing 
in the minds of many, that success depends upon the energy 
and ability with which we grasp the enterprise, remembering 
“That he who by the plow would thrive, 
Himself must either hold or drive.” 
The fair, we believe, may be considered a success, and the 
arrangement with the agricultural society fora joint exhibition 
satisfactory. We trust a committee may be appointed, or the 
