Our official organ, the American Nut Journal, has done its part well through the past year and is becoming, as it should, a very important element in the success of the purposes of this Association.  Most new and old members of the Association have availed themselves during the year of the offer of membership and the Journal for $2.50.  In spite of the reduction of 25 cents on each membership, the receipts for dues have increased from $273 to $331.  I would suggest that the membership fee be still further reduced by 25 cents, when combined with subscription to the Journal, if the editor is willing to continue the present arrangement whereby the price of the Journal is reduced to 75 cents when subscribed to with membership, so that the two together will cost $2.25.  Another year it may be possible to make a similar reduction.  The object toward which we ought to work is membership for $1, and membership with the Journal$2.  I should like to hear the opinions of the members as to the advisability of working to reduce our dues to $1 annually.

How Members May Help

At the risk of monotony I will repeat my concluding remarks of last year and ask that each member help increase the prosperity and usefulness of the Association by enlisting new members, by advertising his business in the annual report, and by paying his dues promptly.  The secretary would much rather spend his time answering questions and imparting such information as lies in his power, than to have to send repeated notices to members in arrears for dues.

The secretary will be happy at all times to learn of the plans and progress of the members.

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THE PRESIDENT:  You have heard the report of the secretary.  There are two things to be done with it.  It is, as you will notice, first a report of the year’s business and, second, it has certain suggestions for your consideration.  I think that as a business report we can discuss and move its adoption, amendment or rejection.  After that we may take up the suggestions.

[Adoption moved, seconded and carried.]

He has brought before our consideration the amount of dues, and the question of their payment.  I doubt the advisability of a lengthy discussion in this business meeting.  I think it better to refer it to the executive committee.  Unless I hear further suggestions, I will take that action.  The next piece of business is the matter of the report on the amendments to the constitution.  Professor Close and the secretary were appointed a committee for this matter, and as Professor Close cannot be here, we will hear from the secretary on the matter. (See amended constitution.)

DR. SMITH:  I am now glad to announce that we have covered the necessary business ground, and now come to the real meat of the meeting.  We have with us this morning Dr. Baker, Dean of the State College of Forestry, at Syracuse, who is going to address us on the subject of “The Relation of Forestry Conditions in New York to Possibilities of Nut Growing.”