addition to which 40,000 packages were sold. The economic value of these gardens to the people was almost incalculable. Vegetables were plentiful and cheap in the whole city all summer. Instead of rubbish strewn lots, there were grassy lawns, flowers and orderly gardens. The chief mover in this Civic Improvement was Mr. L. J. Boughner, President of the Garden City Club of Minneapoplis and editor of The Tribune who was a Canadian born in the County of Norfolk.

Our Ontario cities are making rapid strides and increasing in population at a marvellous rate, and wealth is accumulating rapidly, but, it is said that "Ill fares that land, to hastening ills a prey, where wealth accumulates and men decay." If we take a lesson out of the book of history we know that these material things pass away rapidly, but a life made beautiful, a little child growing up amid beautiful surroundings, a little family growing up where flowers and vines and trees and

shrubs are, those are the things that count. Our prayer should be that the stalwart men of Canada will not forget the history of the nations of the past and make too great haste to heap up wealth, and forget to do those things which tend to the uplift of fellow men and the smoothing of the pathways of those who are less favored. I have a case in mind where a young lad many years ago left his old home in Canada and went to a foreign land in search of gain and gold. Fortune favoured him and a longing desire to return to his home land filled his breast, and he came back to Canada, and with lavish hand made his old home surroundings one of the most charming spots in this naturally beautiful land of ours. Not in any selfish way did he do it, but his money was expended for the benefit of his old home neighbourhood.

Few men, on this Continent, have done as much for the youth of Canada as Dr. James Robertson, and Mr. W. C. McDonald. They deserve the thanks of all good citizens of this country for the splendid work they have done in inaugurating school gardens in this Province.

Four new Societies were organized last year and eight other new ones will hold their first annual meetings in January. The total membership of the Societies for 1911, is approximately 11,000.

Many Societies are getting grants from their municipalities. Aldermen and councillors of progressive towns and villages know that by this means the value of property is increased.

A difficulty has arisen in the larger cities with regard to the formation of more Societies than one. The maximum grant to any one Society is $800. When a Society reaches that point, the tendency is to slacken its efforts and only strive for a membership and expenditure that will secure this amount, and as a matter of fact, about 800 members are all that can be accommodated at meetings and looked after by one staff of officers. Then our cities are extending their borders so rapidly that miles have to be travelled to reach the places of meeting. I have received applications from two outlying districts of this city asking for the privilege of forming new Societies, one in the east and the other in the west. The present Society is, apparently, not able to successfully co-operate with these outlying districts, or vice versa. As the law now stands, only one Society can be formed in a city no matter how large it may be. I trust that this matter will receive the consideration of this convention and their decision be passed on to the Legislature, asking for an amendment to the Act in this regard, if they think advisable.

Another matter which should be taken up is the question of extending Horticultural Societies in the rural districts outside of the cities, towns and incorporated villages. Within a reasonable radius of the already organized Societies an effort should be made to reach the farmers and get their hearty co-operation. In the rural districts, land being cheaper and more easily available, the farmers might be encouraged to set aside a portion of their ground for the purpose of growing shrubs and trees of various kinds, and exchange these for varieties of flowers and bulbs that townspeople can more readily grow. In this manner a community of interest would prevail and prizes might be offered for the best kept rural school grounds and gardens. Then joint meetings of the residents in the country and the town could be organized, where all could meet and have interchange of valuable information that would be useful to all concerned.

Lawn and garden competitions have been conducted with marked success in many portions of the Province; these have not been confined to flowers alone, but to vegetable gardens as well. The arrangements adopted by some Societies is to

offer prizes for at least two classes of citizens; first, those who employ gardeners, and second, those who do the work themselves without any outside help.

Good work is being done through the distribution of seeds, bulbs and plants to school children, but experience has proved that it is a mistake to give these free of charge. In the eyes of a child, iiftle appreciation is given to what is received without some sacrifice in return, and be the fee charged ever so small it usually has the desired effect of causing greater appreciation.

At the last Convention two notices of motion were given which will require to be dealt with by this meeting. (1) "That the Board of Directors take into consideration the advisability of rearranging the several districts as at present, with a view of increasing the number and also provide for a proportionate increase in the number of Directors, and that authority be given to introduce such amendment to the Rules and Regulations as is necessary." (2) "That the Constitution be so amended that the retiring President be styled 'Honorary President' for one year following the close of his term of office as President, and that he be entitled to the voting rights of a Director for that year, and that there be no honorary directors of this Association."

Of the Societies which have reported to me so far, Oakville shows the largest increase in membership, followed closely by Peterborough. The Berlin Society which was organized last January is also doing splendid work.

The American Civic Association, one of the best institutions in the United States, with which we are affiliated, holds its Annual Convention, commencing on December 13th, at Washington, D.C. Our Association is invited to send two delegates to it. I received the following message from their Secretary, Mr. Richard B. Watrous, which reads as follows: "Washington, D.C., November 12th. The American Civic Association sends most hearty greetings to the Ontario Horticultural Association and wishes it a meeting of great success and years of continued usefulness. We regret that we cannot be personally with you, but sincerely trust that you will be represented, as usual, at our Annual Convention to be held in Washington in December. Our work is as extended as the American Continent and we feel a particular pride in all that is being done in Canada for making the right kind of towns and cities. (Signed) American Civic Association, Richard B. Watrous, Secretary." At the Convention of last year our Association was recognized by the election of one of your officers as Vice-President, the first Canadian to receive this honour.

In conclusion, I would respectfully urge you to make 1912 a year long to be remembered by the members of our Institution as the best in its history, leaving an impress of greater beauty on all the thriving cities, towns and rural communities in this the banner Province of His Majesty's Dominion beyond the Seas.

J. CAVERS: It is very desirable for every local Society to be identified with this Association. I move that the Superintendent be requested to take such steps as he thinks necessary to collect the annual fees from the local Societies each year. Every one who is acquainted with Mr. Wilson knows that he would be the last one to take any autocratic steps, but it seems to me this is perfectly reasonable.

W. B. BURGOYNE: At the meeting of the Board of Directors this morning the question was discussed as to what should be done with Societies that decline to affiliate, whether the Government should deduct the fee from their grant, but it was felt that this was practically impossible of accomplishment. It was agreed that a

notice of motion be given for next year, unless this meeting by a unanimous vote should suspend the constitution for this occasion. I have written out a notice of motion in accordance with the views of the Board of Directors to this effect. We have about 75 Societies in the Province drawing grants.

Moved by W. B. BURGOYNE, seconded by J. O. MCCULLOCH:

"That clause

1 of the constitution be amended by striking out all after the word 'payment' and adding the following: 'of an affiliation fee of $2 for Societies reporting a membership of 200 or under, and $1 for each additional 100 members or fraction thereof up to a maximum of 500 members, the delegates from affiliated Societies alone to have the right of voting.""

W. B. BURGOYNE: It was felt it would not be unfair and that there would not be any opposition to carrying this motion at this meeting.

A MEMBER: I move that the rules be suspended for the purpose of introducing the motion just read; if it is carried by a unanimous vote we have that power.

J. LOCKIE WILSON: There are about twenty Societies in a similar position to ours, drawing grants from the Department: the Vegetable Growers, Ontario Plowmen's, Fruit Growers and others. If they gave us power to hold back the fees from the grants we would have to employ additional clerks. Mr. Cavers' resolution is not workable.

J. O. MCCULLOCH: I second Mr. Burgoyne's motion, and if it is passed unanimously move that it come into force next year. There are only a few Societies that would be affected.

H. FOREMAN: There are many things to consider before that motion should be passed. After the very flattering address given by Mr. Wilson as to the progress of this Association, it would be unfair to Societies that are not in the progressive mood. We should not take drastic action for the sake of $2.

THE PRESIDENT: The question before us is the suspending of the rules for the purpose of bringing up Mr. Burgoyne's motion.

J. LOCKIE WILSON: There is no coercion in the matter at all. It is simply a proposition that a Society like Toronto, with 800 members, pay $5 or more if they want to join; while a small one, like Collingwood, would continue to pay $2. Money is required. We cannot send out speakers without it, and if you cannot get them from us where can you get them? None of the directors draw any pay for their services, and a more energetic lot of men never sat on a Board.

W. B. BURGOYNE: There is nothing in the amendment to the constitution which forces any Society to join the Ontario Horticultural Association. The representatives of some Societies have said that they were willing to pay more.

H. FOREMAN: Is it a question of amending the by-laws to make each and every association pay $2? I believe that they should pay that.

A MEMBER: Mr. Cavers' motion as to compulsory payment of fees has been withdrawn. The question is whether Societies with increased membership shall pay an increased fee.

The motion was then put and carried.

Moved by W. B. BURGOYNE, seconded by J. P. JAFFRAY: "That the Ontario Minister of Agriculture be requested to have a sufficient number of copies of the Annual Report of the Horticultural Society of Ontario printed to permit of a copy being sent to all members of the Horticultural Societies in the Province."

THE PRESIDENT: That has been discussed several times, but, so far, we have not succeeded; it is of vital importance that everyone should get a copy of the