We have a very important program, one of the very best we have had.  Some of our best men are on this program and I hope you will all stay and attend the balance of this meeting.  I am going to call on our good friend, Charles Haralson, superintendent of the Zumbra Heights farm, to tell us about “New Fruits Originated at the State Fruit-Breeding Farm.”  (Applause.) (See index.)

The President:  Professor C. B. Waldron, of North Dakota, finds it necessary to leave in a very short time, and he will therefore address you at this time instead of this afternoon.  He will tell us about “Running Out of Varieties.” (See index.)

We will now listen to the report of the committee on examination of the Minnesota State Fruit-Breeding Farm, Dr. O. M. Huestis, Chairman. (See index.)

The President:  The next speaker needs no introduction to a Minnesota audience, as the word “Hansen” is a household word and particularly in every agricultural community within the state, and the Hansen hybrids are eagerly sought for by practically everybody who plants trees.  Professor Hansen has done a good work and is still accomplishing things.  He will tell us what he has done during 1915.  I regret the time is so short, but we will get Mr. Hansen to tell us more about his work.

“Newer Fruits,” Prof.  N. E. Hansen, Brookings, S. D.

Afternoon Session, at 1:30.

Half-hour exercise, questions and answers on “Increasing the Fertility of the Land,” led by Dr. F. J. Alway. (See index.)

The President:  Mr. Crosby has a word for us, and before continuing with the regular program I will ask him to come forward at this time.

Mr. Crosby:  Gentlemen of the Horticultural Society:  Mr. Latham, please come this way.  I have the honor, in behalf of the society, to inform you, as you probably know, that this is your silver wedding, but we are going it one better and make it a golden wedding for you today.  We have come to the conclusion, you have been with this society for twenty-five years, and we think it is best that you be watched and chained.  I have the honor of presenting to you, in behalf of the society, a gold watch and chain.  That is all I have to say. (Applause.)

Mr. Philips:  Now for a speech.

Mr. Latham:  Wait a moment, I will see if it is worth it. (Laughter.) I hate to part with this old turnip.  I have carried it forty-five years now, never broke a crystal on it, even.  It is a good faithful companion.  I do not know what I will do with this now unless I put it away in a safety vault somewhere.

I do not think the Horticultural Society expects me to make a speech; they know I am not a talker.  I could say something if the room were smaller, but my voice does not seem to carry very well.  I am a good deal in the fix of the steamboat that carried passengers on the river up and down to the camp meeting there.  They had a whistle on that boat that made a tremendous noise but when they blew it the boat had to stop.  (Laughter.) If I talk loud enough to be heard here, my thinking works do not operate. (Laughter.)