LOCAL HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETIES. 685 
predict its early abandonment. We feel that it has already done good in im¬ 
proving the character of our gardens and garden products, and in stimulat¬ 
ing the desire to produce more and better things, and we hope to furnish 
the State Society with other contributions in future, which shall be alike 
creditable to us and to the commonwealth of which we form a part. 
S. Y. BRANDE, 
Treasurer, 
OSHKOSH HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 
Offick of Oshkosh Horticultural Society, 
Oshkosh, November 3, 1868. 
0. S. Willey, Esq., 
Secretary of State Horticvltural Society : 
Hear Sir: —Your favor of the 31st received. The “ Oshkosh Horticultura 
Society ” was organized on the 16th of April, 1868, and the past season has 
given two successful Exhibitions. The Society, yet in its infancy, was an 
experiment, and I hardly feel yet privileged to speak of its ultimate success^ 
yet its importance may be estin:ated by the taste and attention it has stim" 
ulated among the more refined and appreciative portion of our people. All 
matters relating to Horticulture, in a general and systematic sense, had been 
neglected, if not ignored, and the few yards and grounds showing taste, here 
and there and far between along our streets, serve to make the neglect more 
apparent. The first labor of our Society was to encourage the setting of 
shade trees; in this, it was very successful. Probably more trees are set 
along our streets last spring, than ever before. We next gave notice of free 
public Exhibition, and urged our citizens to prepare for it, publishing a 
series of Horticultural articles, stating what to plant in the way of shrubbery, 
and when to plant it. When our Exhibition finally took place, it was well 
attended, exciting both wonder and admiration, and was by all considered a 
success. It was given as a free Exhibition, that its objects might be the 
better known. The second Exhibition presented a good show of flowers and 
fruits, the evening was very unfavorable, yet the attendance was such as to 
show an interest in, and an appreciation of the object.^ of the Society. 
Since then the labors of the Society have been directed to general objects, 
connected with Horticulture, discussion of vines, fruit trees, &c., and 
during the winter, weekly meetings will be held for the purpose of consider¬ 
ing matters that will be most likely to engage attention next season, and 
best promote the interests of Horticulture. 
I nave no doubt of the success of the Society nor do I doubt that good 
results will follow its labors. Horticulture enlists the attention of every in- 
