582 
STATE HOKTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
JANESVILLE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
This Society was organized October 8th, 1866, by the adoption of a con¬ 
stitution and by-laws, and the election of the following oflBcers : 
President —Hon. I. C. Sloan. 
Vice President —S. G. Williams, Esq. 
Secretary —F. S. Lawrence. 
Treasurer —S. W. Smith. 
The object of the Society, as embraced in its Constitution is, “ to promote 
a more thorough knowledge of Horticulture, in its various branches, among 
its members, and be a medium of disseminating information among the people 
generally ; also, to induce the citizens of this city to beautify and adorn their 
homes and the streets surrounding the same, by setting out and protecting 
the growth of ornamental and useful shade trees and shrubbery.” 
The meetings of the Society held for discussing the many topics connected 
with horticultural matters, have been generally well attended, and have elici" 
ted much valuable information, of which the public have eagerly availed 
hemselves, as witnessed in the more urgent call for further information per¬ 
taining to the same, and the numerous trees, vines, shrubs and flowers that 
have been planted around their homes, since the date of its organization. 
During the year 1867 two fairs were held and proved successful. The show 
of fruit, both small and large, and of flowers also, were magnificent and eli - 
cited the commendation of all who had the good fortune to witness the dis¬ 
play. The past year, owing to causes beyond the control of this society, only 
one fair—and that a free one—was held. The display of small fruits and 
flowers, however, was very good. 
One great obstacle under which this Society has labored, in holding its ex" 
hibitions, has been the want of a room of sufficient capacity to make a good 
display, so that each variety of fruit and flowers fcould be placed without 
crowding. This obstacle we are in hopes to have removed before the time of 
holding another fair. 
This Society now numbers about forty members, most of whom are life 
members. So far from being discouraged by the failures of the last year, the 
most of them are determined to enter upon the campaign for another year 
with renewed zeal and courage, avoiding the rocks and shoals of the past 
nd make our Society one of the institutions of the land. * 
The present ofiScers are : 
President —Dr. J. B. Whiting. 
Vice-President —S. G. Williams. 
Secretary— S. Lawrence. 
Treasurer —S. W. Smith. 
Janesville, 1868. 
F. S. LAWRENCE, 
Secretary. 
