secretary’s report. 
441 
is needed, more I fear than every horticulturist can com¬ 
mand ; therefore, we have to look to the professional entomol. 
ogist for all the minute particulars regarding the characteris¬ 
tics of each family genus or species.” What Mr. Fuller says 
of the east applies with redoubled force at the west. We 
need a state entomologist, to whom all questions might be sub¬ 
mitted regarding this subject of vital interest to us all, whose 
mission should be to examine into the habits and peculiarities 
of such insects as might be sent him; to give in detail through 
the press and printed reports, their peculiar habits, mode of 
living, noting with distinctness every trait; so that we might 
know friend from foe, with some of the remedies or means of 
ridding the state of the numerous insects injurious to vegeta¬ 
tion, and at the same time to tell us all about such as are ben¬ 
eficial, that their lives may be spared. The legislature should 
be asked to grant the state horticultural society power to ap¬ 
point such an officer, with instructions to report to this society^ 
and to print said report, for general distribution. 
Tne history of this society shows that nearly all its life has 
been spent in discussions and comparing the merits of differ¬ 
ent fruits, thereby forming a list worthy of extended cultiva¬ 
tion, as well as trial. This was well. In this, individual ex¬ 
perience was of great, even indispensable benefit and import¬ 
ance as a basis. Now that we may make more rapid progress, 
and no longer than possible grope in the dark, let us add to 
the science of entomology that of botany. To this, as we gain 
age and strength, may be added geology, meteorology and 
climatology. Any and all will prove of value to the tree 
planter, but we now deal with botany, as of first importance 
to horticulture. A thorough knowledge of the botany of Wis¬ 
consin will throw new light upon horticulture. Of the many 
wild plums and apples indigenous to this state, who can tell 
but that some mav be found better than our best cultivated 
sorts. And out of the multitude of localities where these 
fruits are found, we need the knowledge of locality, soil and 
aspect. The evergreen forests of the north, deciduous trees 
everywhere, flowering plants in the depths of timber tracts, 
