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