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Wisconsin State Horticultural Society / Transactions of the Wisconsin State Horticultural Society. Proceedings, essays and reports at the annual winter meetings, held at Madison, Feb. 1, 2 and 3, 1870 and Feb. 7, 8 and 9, 1871
(1871 [covers 1870/1871])
Hobbins, President
Annual address, pp. 10-15
PDF (1.4 MB)
Willey, O. S.
Report of the recording secretary, pp. 15-20
PDF (1.4 MB)
Page 15
TRANSACTIONS FOR 1870. much knowledge accrue if not to that of the people? If I originate a new fruit or improve an old one, is it not an additional luxury to you who eat it-another con- tribution to, and article of business-another means of creating wealth as well as of imparting pleasure and giving food? Is there not, then, a manifest propriety in the state lending its aid in these researches, made by men whose sole object is the benefit of the state itself? But the response may be to the effect that such matters are best left to individual enterprise. Such a response, however, carries with it a very transparent contradiction, in the fact that many of our states-Illinois on one side of us and Iowa on the other-acknowledge by a state appropriation the value of horticulture to their people, while the general government has long, at a consid- erable cost, imported new seeds and fruits, and plants, and by its experimental garden, at Washington, sought to introduce and acclimate them. All I ask iN, that each of the states follows the example and helps the good work of the general gov- ernment. With these views, with some of the facts and merits of the case before us, it be- comes my duty to recommend another earnest appeal to the legislature for an ap- propriation to this society for the purpose of carrying on the state horticultural experimental garden, and for the advancement of the science of horticulture in Wisconsin. We are but a department of the State Agricultural Society, and con- sequently are without funds for such a purpose. The University is in a like condi- tion. So that, unless we can obtain assistance from the legislature, our gardens, so prosperously begun, must, to the dishonor and detriment of the state, become a loss and a failure. In conclusion, gentlemen, it becomes my painful duty to allude to the death of the late Hon. B. F. Hopkins, member of congress for this congressional district, and some few years ago president of this society. Mr. Hopkins was not a horticul- turist, but he was a friend to horticulture and a helper in everything calculated to promote the interests of his adopted state. He accepted the position of presiding officer over this society for the purpose of giving it a start and a stand in the esti- mation of the people, and I speak of him the more feelingly, that he was not only a personal friend, but that itwas by his advice that you did me the honor to elect me your president. He has gone from among us, a tree withered in its prime-and for this reason the more lamented and the better remembered. Mr. 0. S. WIxI.Y then read the REPORT OF THE RECORDING SECRETARY. Mr. President and Friends of Horticulture: The official position which I occupy renders it my duty, as well as pleasure, to address you at this time, reporting the year's progress and the prospects and desires of the future. But as I discharge this trust, I assure you that I also, like your President, shall endeavor to be brief; and ask your attention and careful thought to the lessons of the hour. It is gratifying to know that pomology has not been stationary, but has kept at even pace, and even in advance, of the other arts and sciences of the day. Few, if 15
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