- AGRIC. DEPT. MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Report Ordered by the Executive Committee On Business Matters of the Society J. C. Whitten, President, Columbia, Mo. C. H. Dutcher, Vice-President, Warrensburg, Mo. W. G. Gano, 2nd Vice-President, Parkville, Mo. L. A. Goodman, Secretary, Kansas City, Mo. W. T. Floumoy, Treasurer, Marionville, Mo. MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY REPORT BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ON THE TREASURER'S, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS The Letters, Discussions, Papers and Resolutions Con cerning the Gano Apple. The Rules of Nomenclature Adopted by the American Pomological Society. The Report of W. H. Ragan, Expert U. S. Pomologist on the Name of the Gano Apple and its Synonyms. THE HUGH STEPHENS PRINTING COMPANY. JEFFERSON CITF, MO. \ *> Report of Treasurer, W. G. Gano, June 7, 10, '04. Jan 30, N. F. Murray, expense to Kansas meeting.. $11 30 Hudson-Kimberly Pub. Co., 5,000 envelopes. 10 oo Hudson-Kimberly Pub. Co., 2,000 letter heads 12 50 Express on fruit, winter meeting, $4.00, $1.25, 750., $1.22, $2.10, $1,25 ii 82 Warrant No. 546 ' $45 Jan. 30. Express, 250., 250., 470., 400 $i 37 Salary of secretary for January 66 66 Salary of typewriter for January 20 oo Warrant No. 547 $88 03 Mar. 14. Postoffice bill $40 oo Salary of secretary for February 66 66 - Salary of typewriter for February 20 oo Warrant No. 548 .' $126 66 Mar- 31. Expense W. G. Gano to Ex. Com., St. Louis. $19 35 G. T. Tippin, same 17 oo C. H. Dutcher, same 1600 D. A. Robnett, same 14 82 Salary of secretary for March 66 66 Salary of typewriter for March 20 oo Warrant No. 549 . . $153 83 May 21, Express on photos 40 Telephone to Odessa 35 Scotford, pencils and pens $2 20 Salary of secretary for April 66 66 Salary of typewriter for April 20 oo Warrant No. 550 $89 61 320929 4 State Horticultural Society. May 21; .Expense W. G. Gano, to Nichols and return. $17 60 Expenses D. A. Robnett, to Kansas City and return 14 30 D. A. Robnett, 'postage for two years. ..... 10 oo D. A. Robnett, telegram 2 40 Expenses J. C. Whitten, Kansas City and re- turn II 85 Expenses J. C. Whitten, Louisiana and return 6 70 Expense L. A. Goodman, Ex. Com. meetings 24 20 Warrant No. 551 $87 05 May 21. Expenses G. T. Tippin, Ex. Com. meeting, St. Louis $19 60 Expenses C. H. Butcher, meetings St. Louis and Kansas City 15 10 Expenses D. A. Robnett, Ex. Com. meeting, St. Louis 12 35 Expenses W. G. Gano, Ex. Com. meeting, St. Louis 23 10 Warrant No. 552 $70 15 May 21. Postoffice bill $21 oo Scotford, 1,500 programs and one dozen peiir holders 10 25 Scotford, 500 double post cards, printing... 12 50 Salary of secretary for May 66 66 Salary of typewriter for May 20 oo Warrant No. 553 $130 41 Total amount $791 36 RECEIPTS 1904. Balance on hand January I, 1904 240 96 Jan. 30. Received from State treasurer 825 85 Received from Md. State Society per L. A. Goodman. 72 oo Total receipts $1538 81 Total paid out 791 36 Balance on hand $347 45 Summer Meeting. 5 Since making this report, I have received from the State treasurer, June 2 r 1904, the sum of $791.36. This makes a total sum of money in my hands which I turn over to my successor in office, W. T. Flour- noy, of $1,138.81. The expense of this meeting and premiums awarded will, of course, be deducted from this amount. W. G. GANG, Treasurer. ,Mr. Chairman : Your committee, after looking over the Treasurer's report, find bills and receipts for each and every item in account. Also find drafts for amount to balance his account. D. A. ROBNETT, W. T. FLOURNOY, P. K. SYLVESTER. Adopted. The report of the Finance Committee and the resolutions offered and adopted on another day of the meeting are submitted here at the conclusion of the Treasurer's report; also the discussion on the Finance Committee report. The Executive Committee authorize the following statements and notations in order that our members may have a full understanding : AFTER THE REPORT OF THE FINANCE CO'MMITTEE. A statement followed the report to the effect that the $1,000 which was placed in the Mississippi Valley Trust Company by order of the Executive Committee, was still there and $100 had been spent for four chairs and two desks for use at the World's Fair. This was done by vote of the Executive Committee and the treasurer issued the check for the same. There is, therefore, still left to the credit of the society over $1,000, including interest. This fund, while deposited in the name of the Society, can be drawn only by the treasurer on order of Executive Committee and of the President and Secretary, the same as all other moneys are drawn. This money has been accumulating for a number of years and it has been the aim of the Society to save and establish a fund of $2,000, or more of their own. The time is here when a'nother $1,000 can be set aside and added to this amount. 6 State Horticultural Society. Later the Executive Committee decided that $500 more should be added to this fund and be deposited the same as the other with the Mis- sissippi Valley Trust Company, which was clone, making about $1,500 now in the hands of the Mississippi Valley Trust Company to the credit of oiir Society. Secretary. DISCUSSION ON TREASURER'S REPORT. E. W. Stark Is there an opportunity for remarks ? I wish to make a few remarks. Upon the report of the treasurer the other day I asked him if there were other funds in his hands. I asked him of another item and he said he had received it from the secretary. I got no information and talked with him afterwards, and got no information ; and asked the committee and got no information other than that they had examined the treasurer's report. Under our laws and constitution the treasurer is instructed to hold the funds and to hold them for warrants drawn by the president and secretary on treasurer, the voucher to be furnished by the secretary. Interrogating the treasurer I asked the expenditures and find they are itemized, but he does not know the source of his receipts. January 3oth received from L. A. Goodman $72.00. I asked the treas- urer for the voucher which the secretary furnished and he said it was a balance which the secretary turned over to him. I went to the com- mittee who examine the treasurer's report and received no information. I do not know from whom to make the inquiry except here. NOTE The Secretary furnishes no voucher for money turned into the hands of the Treasurer. The money comes direct from the Stute Treasurer on an order signed by the President and Secretary, and the Treasurer does know where all the money comes from. This Society is incorporated for a specific purpose under a consti- tution which specifies the duties each officer is to perform. As I read the constitution I see by the by-laws that the treasurer is to act as cus- todian and receive money and issue it on warrants by the secretary. As I understand it, the secretary is to keep the record and issue warrants as specified, and if he receives money he is to turn it over to the treasurer. As a member I deem it my privilege to know the source. I am unable to glean any information from the treasurer and the committee. The report of the treasurer has the items of expense, but not the receipts. NOTE The Society has a constitution but no by-laws; and if reference is made, it plain- ly shows that the Executive Committee have full power over all the money in our hands, and in drawing money from the State, and all other business dealings with the State. D. A. Robnett, Chairman Committee on Finance I said I would ask for the information and I did so and found it ; also the information con- cerning the special fund and reported it to you myself. This spe- cial fund was reported 'last year and the account is with the Missouri Summer Meeting. 7 State Horticultural Society and the treasurer has it deposited with the Mississippi Valley Trust Company at St. Louis. This is not an annual session and the secretary inserted it in last year's report, $992.62 on hand and $100.00 paid out for World's Fair. Mr. Gano has it in the name of the Society at St. Louis. 'Mr. Stark said he . wanted to be on the Finance Committee, and I thought he should be, so I asked the president to appoint him, and he kindly did so, but Mr. 'Stark would not accept it, and refused to look into this matter with us, in spite of the fact that he was given every opporunity by the committee. L. A. Goodman The money can not be drawn from this special fund by the treasurer alone. After the death of Mr. Nelson and a new treasurer was appointed, this fund could not be turned over until mat- ters were settled and the certificate of deposit turned over to the Exe- cutive Committee, but as soon as settled the money was deposited in the name of the Society and is now held in the name of the Society by the Mississippi Valley Trust Company. I told Mr. Stark personally every- thing he asked. We get our money by checks from the State treasurer, sent directly to our Society treasurer. It has been our ambition to set aside two thousand dollars for a permanent fund, and this money is the beginning of it. The $72.00 referred to was a refund from the Mary- land society for money paid out' for my expenses to their meeting, and I told him of this also. He has known all the facts in connection with all our money matters, for I had explained them all to him. When we draw a requisition on the State Auditor we have to present a list of paid bills and send a certified list to Jefferson City. I have had to pay these bills as they come in, express, travel, printing, post office, etc., and I do this all the time. It is the same way with this Exposition work. The Missouri Commission sometimes owed me from three to six hundred dollars at a time. This money was turned over after the meeting because we have to settle bills that way. I explained to Mr. Stark and supposed it was satisfactory, and I am ready to explain to every member. The Executive Committee, to whom all such things are referred, and who have the power to act in all such cases, had full knowledge of this whole matter as did also many of our old members. There was nothing hidden or covered up, but all was done above board and Mr. Stark was told of it all personally by myself. In preparation for the World's Fair we were running three stations and there were expenses of express, processing and buying fruit and some of the money was so used, as is our custom to use it, and make the settlement after- ward, sometimes months afterwards. This was done in this instance as it has been done often before, and the Executive Committee so author- ized it. 8 State Horticultural Society. Mr. Stark I would ask the question, what is your plan and policy of settlement with the treasurer? Mr. Goodman We aim to settle once a year, including memberships. We make partial settlements with each other according to the semi- annual and annual reports, as shown by the warrants issued each month. Mr. Stark Is' this settlement the only one? Mr. Goodman This is the settlement we make once a year. Mr. Stark I ask this as my privilege and right as a member. Mr. Goodman That is supposed to be the final settlement. Partial settlements are made once or twice a month with the treasurer, and war- rants are drawn. The complete one is never made until December, and then everything is not always settled. Membership fees are sometimes carried over, and also some other expenses, as we have found this some- times necessary, and the above instance is one of them. Mr. Robnett Mr. Stark was told that the $72 was returned from the Maryland society, and he knew all about it. Mr. Stark I made inquiry the first day of the treasurer and have the right to know. The constitution specifies the duties and how the account shall be kept. The reports of officers should be correct, of the right sources and right expenditures, and I ask if such has been made to the society? Mr. Goodman You have been informed of this whole matter time and again. The source of every dollar has always been given and for what expended. Mr. Gano The warrants were used for monthly statements which are partial settlements only. The secretary and treasurer keep a run- ning account as suits their convenience. Mr. Stark Have the duties of treasurer been carried out? Mr. Williams Do you show all the bills to the State Auditor ? Mr. Goodman No, certainly not. No bills have ever been given to the State Auditor in the history of the society. The law does not re- quire him to look over a lot of bills, but a list of them certified to by the president and secretary is sent him according to law, the warrants issued (after being paid) just as the law requires, and he never gets any of our bills. They are all audited by the Finance Committee of the State Society. Member The money is held by the laws of the State and the rules of the Society, and that should be enough. Mr. Stark This makes no authority for payment. NOTE It does make authority for payment and payment is made by a warrant drawn by the President and Secretary. After the Secretary makes out the warrant the President can refuse to sign it if he thinks it not right: and after the warrant is signed by the President Summer Meeting. 9 and Secretary, the Treasurer can still refuse to pay it if he should think it not correct. This authority conies by State law and by the rules of the Society . If the gentleman had ever at- tended a meeting of our Society he would have known all these things. The Executive Gom- mitte have entire control of this whole matter. Mr. Stark There is but one way and that is the right way as a corporation. This has not been done. Mr. Goodman It has been done and you know it has for I Have told you all the circumstances, and this plan we have followed for thirty years. Mr. Burkam Mr. President, I rise to a point of personal privilege : I can't sit still and listen any longer to these accusations made by aspersions and innuedoes, and I demand of Mr. Stark that he file a state- ment of any charges he has to make with the secretary. I make this as a motion to have Mr. Stark write down his claims and put in writing his charges against any member or members of the Society and file it at once with the secretary. The motion was seconded. J. M. Irvine We can't cover up a wrong. The Society is laying up trouble for itself. Mr. Goodman The Society has nothing to cover up and never has had anything to cover up. All you have to do is to open your eyes and see ; the reports show it all. Every cent of money ever received and every cent ever paid out by the Society is a matter of record. Mr. Burkam My object is not to smother any wrong, but I want the charges filed against the people who are charged with dishonesty or carelessness or neglect. I want to know and the public wants to know the truth of these matters. I am a new member and I want to know whether these men are responsible. I insist on the motion. The motion was put and carried. NOTE-This filing of charges, Mr. Stark failed to do at the time, and has failed to do anything of the kind since. W. G. Campbell I think there were no charges made and the treasurer's report does cover all funds. C. H. Dutcher Mr. Stark does not accuse the officers of stealing or dishonesty.- The methods of accounts and reports should be improved. The $72 could have been reported in December, but was not, because Mr. Goodman was using the money for the Fair, as the appropriation was not available until money was spent and bills rendered. I move that while we have explicit confidence in the integrity and honesty of our secretary, Mr. L. A. Goodman, and our outgoing treas- urer, Mr. W. G. Gano, in the handling of the funds of our Society, and that we are proud of the fact that the reports of the Financial Committee, show not the loss or misappropriation of a single dollar, we recommend io State Horticultural Society. such a change in the method of keeping the accounts that the books of the treasurer shall show more clearly the source of all receipts, that every dollar shall pass through the hands of the treasurer, and that the pres- ent system of balances be discontinued. This motion was seconded and carried. Motion offered by Mr. Stark 1 move you, Mr. President, that a com- mittee of three be appointed to investigate this fund of $1,000 or more, for which no report was made to this meeting by the treasurer, ascer- taining who is the custodian of the fund and by whose authority they are acting, ascertaining from what source the fund was derived, tracing it -fromi its incipiency down to the present date, informing the Society who has been handling it, what additions have been made to it, who have been drawing checks or warrants against it and for what purpose such disbursements have been made. This committee further to have the authority to at once take possession of this fund and turn it over to the treasurer who is the proper custodian of all funds belonging to the Society. Mr. Dutcher I second the motion. Member I enter a protest to this motion as its endorsement implies that the report does not cover the whole of our funds. The question was called and the motion carried. NOTE This money is now in the hands of the Treasurer and has always been in the hands of the Society and is now deposited with the Mississipp Valley Trust Company of St. Louis as Mr. Stark well knows. Later in the year President Whitten appointed Hon. M. B. Greensfelder of Clayton, Judge O. B. McAfee of Springfield and Prof. S. A. Hoover of War- rensburg as the committee to report on this matter at the Winter meeting. This report is to be found in the minutes of the Winter meeting, business meeting, fifth session. In our report for 1901 the Treasurer reported the special fund of $1,071.20 on hands, and with interest to 1902 made the amount $1,092.62. One hundred dollars of this fund was spent for office furniture at the World's Fair, by order of the Executive Committee, and, in the re- port of 1903 the Treasurer showed as a balance on hand $992.92, and accrued interest; thus making a complete report of all the money on hand in the Mississippi Valley Trust Company. Mr. Dutcher introduced a resolution on the Gano and Black Ben Davis controversy. RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE BLACK BEN DAVIS-GANO CONTROVERSY. In view of the present status of the Black Ben Davis-Gano contro- versy, your Executive Committee, the special committee on said contro- versy concurring, feel it is due all parties interested and affected that the following statement be made : I. Our action in appointing said committee was a legitimate one, being in harmony with the position often taken in our discussions and which found formal expression in the resolutions recorded on pages 89 and 90 of the 1902 report. Summer Meeting. n 2. In harmony with the latitude given the committee at the time of its appointment, it decided that their investigation of the facts obtain- able concerning -the origin, dissemination and characteristics of the Black Ren Davis and Gano apples, should be reported on account of any bear- ing they might have upon the origin of the varieties and for their his- torical value should they possess any, and that the work should be done in the same spirit in which one might trace the origin of a cultivated, plant in order to determine if possible whether it was an indigenous or an introduced species. 3. When this was accomplished, we considered our duty to the fruit growers fully performed and hoped to hear no more of an already unpleasant controversy. But whereas the Stark Bros., of Louisiana, Mo., think a too strenuous interpretation has been given the statement made by their representative, Mr. Crow, at the summer meeting of 1902, viz. : "that the Stark Bros, think it right to appoint the committee; all they ask is a fair committee," and that as a result they have been placed in an unjust attitude, the Society would state the Stark Bros, did not in any other way ask for the appointment of the committee, did not, to our knowledge, verbally accept the personnel of the committee nor agree to stand by its report, but manifested an acquiescent interest in its work by placing in their possession information, and accompanying them in an interested capacity on their trip into Arkansas, which acts were calcu- lated to leave the impression that they were satisfied with the committee, while it did not imply, as a matter of fact, they would agree to its find- ings in case the report went against their position ; and Whereas, it is now claimed and charged by the Stark Bros., that since the report was made its legitimate function seems to have been lost sight of by some, to be considered from the standpoint of its alleged bearing upon commercial interests alone to the exclusion of any scientific or historical, or other value, the report may possess, and that some have unduly used it to their detriment in business, and to their injury in reputation and character, for which our action furnished the occasion^ this Society would state and does now state, that it never contemplated any such use of the report as is charged, and that it was not our intention to unjustly interfere with any established commercial interest; that recog- nizing the fact that some horticulturists and fruit growers do not con- cur in the conclusions of our committee, we recommend every one in- terested in the matter to consider the entire evidence as brought out upon both sides, and make up his own opinion; and that we should all avoid any over-zealous defense of personal opinion which migh lead to misunderstanding and partisan strife. 12 State Horticultural Society. DISCUSSION ON BLACK BEN DAVIS CONTROVERSY. Mr. Stark This resolution indicates recent developments, since the report of the committee appointed to investigate the question of two vari- eties called Black Ben Davis and Gano. I deny asking for such a com- mittee, or that" I am satisfied with the personnel, or that I accept the re- port. (Refers to letters.) We received a letter from Prof. Whitten stating that he had learned many things, and would like to come to Louisiana, and we answered to come, and bring Mr. Robnett with him. They owed it to themselves to take the initiative. A statement was prepared and mailed to us, but was not satisfactory. We went to Columbia, but could not accept it. We sent another statement with a few additions, but President Whitten and Mr. Robnett were unwilling to sign this. Mr. Robnett made a motion to postpone the discussion until two o'clock. Mr. Todd offered an amendment to table the whole until the winter meeting. This was amended to give Mr. Stark twenty minutes to finish his statement. The amendment as amended was carried. Mr. Stark We would not accept the article unless as worded by us, but would accept it as finally signed by part of the Executive Committee. As far as the personnel of the committee for the investigation is con- cerned, Mr. Goodman is at the bottom of the whole, and responsible for it. We have heard that he said the apples were the same. We find that Mr. Goodman introduced the question and asked for the investiga- tion and made the statement that he had received hundreds of inquiries as to the two. Mr. Robnett consulted Mr. Goodman on the committee. Mr. Goodman -is the instigator, he never lost an opportunity to say the apples were the same, never said a \vord in favor, never recommended a customer to Stark Bros. He said Starks imposition should be settled by the Society. In conclusion we want the members to know what led to the controversy, and the expense. We mean to publish the whole matter. NOTE This gives the secret of all the trouble, about the money matters as well . G. T. Tippin I am glad my reputation is worth as much before this Society as though I were not a nurseryman. I am one of the men who would not sign the statement Mr. Stark wanted, and my brother officers are glad we refused to do so. In fact the officers withdrew their sig- natures, and Stark Bros, had no right to the statement at all, as it was not to be given to them unless signed by the entire Executive Com- Summer Meeting. 13 mittee, and as it was never signed, it was never delivered. Messrs. Whitten, Flournoy and Evans are honorable gentlemen. The report was made in the interest of fruit growers and is an honest decision. The Society or the Executive Committee are not responsible if the report is misused. The report should not be criticised, nor impugned, the reso- lutions did not authorize any abuse of the report. I know that this committee settled this controversy once and for all, and the Society con- curred in their finding unanimously. On motion the resolutions introduced by Mr. Dutcher were adopted without a dissenting voice. NOTE Concerning the report sent out by the Starks as coming from the Executive Committee: This article was signed by a part of the Executive Committee and the Black Ben Davis and Gano Committee, with the understanding that it should not become public unless signed by all of them. Never having been signed by them all, It was never delivered to Stark Bros., nor given to the public, and the Executive Committee passed the following, which was signed by every member of the committee, and sent to Stark Bros., and ordered embodied in the report of 1904, as their final conclusion in this matter: St. Louis, Mo., May3, 1904. W. P. Stark, Treasurer: Dear Sir. The whole Board having utterly- refused to concur in the statement sent by you to Messrs. Robnett and Whitten, and a further discussion of said statement having brought out more fully the real purport of the same, those who did sign withdrew their names, and it was unanimously agreed to take no action in the matter. The Special Black Ben Davis-Gano Committee consider that their work ended when their report was made and accepted and they were discharged. D. A. ROBNETT, President. G.T.TIPPIN, Vice- President. O.H.DUTOHER, Second Vice-President. L. A. GOODMAN, Secretary. W. G. GANO, Treasurer. NOMENCLATURE. Over twenty years ago the Society adopted the rules of the American Pomological Society as then sent out in their report. The Society has followed these rules in the naming of all the fruits which have been pre- sented for name or which have been shown at any of our meetings, never allowing the renaming of any old apples and always insisting en only one word for a name. Our Society therefore, by the action of its Executive Committee gladly acquiesces in the "New Rules of the American Pomological Society." In order that our Society may fully understand the rules of nomencla- ture as adopted by the American Polomogical Society at its last meet- ing in Boston, and approved of all our State Horticulture Societies of the United States, it has been ordered by the Executive Committee that these rules be embodied in our report, and the report of W. H. Ragan, Expert in Pomological Nomenclature as far as it refers to some of our Missouri fruits, be published for the benefit of our fruit growers, and those con- templating the orchard business. It was also decided that in view of the statements which have been sent out, and in justification of the action of the Society in its decisions, and in order to re-affirm the position it has taken in regard to its find- ings as to the names of our Missouri apples and nomenclature in gen- eial, the following should be prepared and published: A WISE COURSE REGARDING NOMENCLATURE. It seems to us that the annual horticultural meetings should take note of the importance of a standard nomenclature. This is a matter of direct interest to both fruit grower and nurseryman. Fortunately a standard is available; the subject has been considered by the leading men of the great fruit industry. At the expense of considerable time and money, the American Pomological Society composed of the best thought and the ripest experience in fruit matters, has prepared a list of names of fruits of this country which is rightly regarded as the standard. The nursery trade has had occasion during the present year to note the importance of having such a list and of guiding its actions by it. Additional Papers. 15 In its report at the Boston meeting of the American Pomological Society, in September 1903, the committee on nomenclature which had been engaged four years in formulating a code of rules for the more perfect naming of fruits, said : "In the light of past experiences, the unrestricted naming of fruit varieties by originators, discoverers and introducers has resulted in complexity, confusion and frequent duplication of fruit names, alike destructive to scientific accuracy in pomology and detrimental to the best interests of both amateur and the commercial fruit grower." The Code of Pomological Nomenclature, adopted by the American Society at the Boston meeting, consists of five rules which may be sum- marized as follows : RULE i Priority. No two varieties of the same kind of fruit shall bear the same name. The name first published for variety shall be the accepted and recognized name, except in cases where it has been applied in violation of this code. A. The term "kind" as herein used shall be understood to apply to those general classes of fruits which are grouped together in common usage without regard to their exact botanical relationship, as apple, cherry, grape, peach, plum, raspberry, etc. B. The paramount right of the originator, discoverer, or intro- ducer of a new variety to name it, within the limitations of this code, is recognized and emphasized. C. Where a variety name through long usage has become thoroughly established in American pomological literature for -two or more varieties, it should not be displaced nor radically modified for either sort except in cases where a well known synonym can be advanced to the position of leading name. The several varieties bearing identi- cal names should be distinguished by adding the name of the author who first described each sort, or by adding some other suitable distinguishing term which will insure their identity in catalogues or discussions. D. Existing American names of varieties which conflict with earlier published foreign names of the same, or other varieties, but which have become thoroughly established through long usage, shall not be dis- placed. RULE 2 Form of names. The name of a variety of fruit shall consist of a single word. A. No variety should be named unless distinctly superior to ex- isting varieties in some important characteristics, nor until it has been determined to perpetuate it by bud propagation. B. In selecting names for varieties the following points should be i6 State Horticultural Society. emphasized: Distinctiveness, simplicity, ease of pronunciation and spell- ing, indication of origin or parentage. C. The spelling and pronunciation of a varietal name derived from a personal or geographical name should be governed by the rules which control the spelling and pronunciation of the name from which it was derived. D. A variety imported from a foreign country should retain its foreign name, subject only to such modification as is necessary to con- form it to this code or render it intelligible in English. E. The name of a person should not be applied to a variety dur- ing his life without his express consent. The name of a deceased horti- culturist should not be so applied except through formal action by some competent horticultural body, preferably that with which he was most closely connected. F. The use of such general terms as seedling, hybrid, pippin, pear- main, buerre, rare-ripe, damson, etc., is not admissible. G. The use of a possessive noun as a name is not admissible. H. The use of a number, either singly or attached to a word, should be considered only as a temporary expedient while the variety is undergoing preliminary test. I. In applying the various provisions of this rule to an existing varietal name which has through long usage become firmly imjbedded in American . pomological literature, no change shall be made which will involve loss of indentity. RULE 3 In the full and formal citation of a variety name, the name of the author who first published it shall also be given. RULE 4 Publication consists ( I ) in the distribution of a printed description of the variety named, giving the distinguishing characters of fruit, tree, etc., or (2) in the publication of a new name for a variety that is properly described elsewhere ; such publications to be made in any book, bulletin, report, trade catalogue or periodical, providing the issue bears the date of its publication and is generally distributed among nurserymen, fruit growers and horticulturists; or (3) in certain cases, the general recognition 'O>f a name for a propagated variety in a com- munity for a number of years shall constitute publication of that name. A. In determining the name of a variety to "which two .or more names have been given in the same publication, that which stands first shall have precedence. RULE 5 Revision. No properly published variety name shall be changed for any reason except conflict with this code, nor shall another variety be substituted for that originally described thereunder. Additional Papers. 17 These rules are brief, even in their full form, and we suggest that it would be well to incorporate them in the published proceedings of every horticultural society. They should be given wide dissemination and should be available for all nurserymen and fruit growers at all times. American Fruits. The official report of the U. S. Department of Agriculture at Washington, D. C, by Prof. W. H. Ragan, expert in Pomological Nom- enclature just published, gives a list of all the varieties of apples from 1804 to 1904, (100 years), aggregating about 14,000 names and their synonyms. This publication being the result of a number of years of study, investigation and practical examination of hundreds of specimens from all parts of the country, by all the experts in that department, is the most correct report on nomenclature ever given to the world and will be accepted by all Horticultural Societies as correct. The following is a report of the names of some apples and their synonyms as found in Bulletin No. 56, published by the Department of Agriculture. "GANG, synonym Black Ben Davis, Payton, Red Ben Davis. "Black Ben Davis, synonym of Gano. "Black Ben Davis, synonym of Reagan. "Red Ben Davis, synonym of Gano. "REAGAN, synonym Black Ben Davis, [Ragan?] Now thought to be Gano. "Ragan (incorrectly) synonym of Reagan. (Reagan now believed to be Gano.) THE DECISION OF THE COMMITTEE. December 10, 1903. "To the Missouri State Horticultural Society : "Gentlemen. Your committee appointed to investigate the origin and characteristics of the Black Ben Davis and Gano apples respectfully beg leave to report as follows: "Inasmuch as some horticulturists are positive in their opinions that Black Ben Davis and Gano are two distinct varieties and others were equally positive that they are one and the same variety, the committee decided to secure all possible data concerning the origin of Black Ben Davis and Gano, to visit bearing orchards where the MSHS 2 state Horticultural Society. trees and fruit could be compared ' and to secure fruit that could be kept in storage and compared from time to time during the winter and spring. "A letter was addressed to the introducers of Black Ben Davis, asking for data concerning the origin of this variety and the location of the trees from which they secured their scions, in order that the committee might visit these trees. This request was promptly responded to by the introducers. One of the leading members of their firm accompanied the committee to the Arkansas orchard from which they secured their Black Ben Davis scions. Every possible effort was made by them to put the committee in possession of the necessary facts and materials for the investigation and they co-operated with the committee throughout with enthusiastic zeal to facilitate a thorough and impartial investigation. "The committee was able to locate then the original Black Ben Davis tree so far as it was known in the neighborhood, but could obtain na positive evidence as to whether or not this tree was a seedling. It was found also that the variety had locally sometimes been called Reagan, in honor of the owner of the farm at the time the variety was being propagated there. The introducers used the name Black Ben Davis, selecting the word Black in honor of the owner of the place where the first tree started in the neighborhood and the name Ben Davis because the apple? was of the Ben Davis type and in some respects resembled the latter variety. The committee also saw Black Ben Davis growing on younger trees in the neighborhood of Lincoln, and took specimens of fruit and twigs from various places to compare with Gano. "Since Gano has been named and has been disseminated as a dis- tinct variety attention has frequently been called to old trees of this variety, growing here and there in Missouri and adjoining states. In some cases the old Jacks orchard in Missouri has been definitely traced as the source from which these trees came. In other cases where the source from which the trees came cannot be definitely determined the orchards frequently contain Ben Davis and other varieties which were being dis- seminated mainly from the old Jacks orchard at about the time these trees must have been planted out. Two trees of Gano have been definitely reported from an old orchard in Kearney, which was planted out about 1840, the two Gano trees being apparently of the original planting. "The committee secured fruit from the Black Ben Davis trees in the Bain orchard and also from other young trees of the same variety grow- ing in the vicinity of Lincoln. Fruit was selected from old and young trees in different orchards in order to fairly represent the variety as grown under different conditions. Fruit was also secured from the Gano trees Additional Papers. 19 to compare with the former variety. In order to fairly test the keep- ing qualities of Black Ben Davis fruit from Ben Davis trees was secured from the Bain '" orchard where they were growing under conditions com- parable with those of Black Ben Davis. It is generally admitted by fruit growers that the Ben Davis and Gano are much alike as to keeping qualities. Twigs were also secured from the same trees so a study of their characters might be made. Each member of the committee took portions of these specimens and kept a part of them in cold storage and a part of each in ordinary cellars, so as to observe them at different times during the winter. "Some of the points of difference which different fruit growers have from time to time stated to exist between Black Ben Davis and Gano are that the former possessed a more yellow flesh, was firmer and a better keeper and possessed a more sprightly flavor, especially toward spring than did Gano. Some have also suggested that there was a slight difference in the shape and that the former might be of higher color. After a careful comparison of the apples once each month during the winter and spring the committee are unable to find any difference between Gano and Black Ben Davis. Black Ben Davis differed no more from Gano than did the individual specimens of each sort differ among themselves. Both Ben Davis and Gano kept as well as did Black Ben Davis. So far as the committee could see Black Ben Davis and Gano were of the same color of flesh, of the same flavor and of identical varietal character throughout. In each variety certain speci- mens kept better than others and the firmer specimens of each sort were more crisp and of better flavor when cut from time to time than were the riper specimens of the same variety. "Some authorities have suggested that there was a difference between the twig and leaf characters. The two-year-old wood of Black Ben Davis has been pronounced more hairy than that of Gano and the vena- tion of the leaves has been said to differ. This committee has not been able to distinguish any difference between the trees, twigs or leaves that did not exist to an equally marked degree between different specimens of the same variety. "The phenology of Black Ben Davis and of Gano has been re- corded for trees of similar age in the same orchard, where they were given similar treatment. There was no difference in the time of starting into growth in spring, in the time of blossoming, in the color or other characters of the flowers or in the time of shedding of the leaves in autumn. "Specimens of Black Ben. Davis and Gano were taken to Washing- 2O State Horticultural Society. ton by two members of the committee and submitted to test by the pomologist and his staff on March 3, 1903. This staff of officials com- prised Col. Brackett, Pomologist; Wm. A. Taylor, Pomologist in charge of field investigations; G. Harrold Powell, H. P. Gould and W. P. Corsa, assistant pomologists, and Allen Dodge of the clerical force. "The fruit was examined and tested by each of the above men separately. Neither the identity of the two lots of apples nor the opinions expressed by others concerning them were shown to the examiners; though the conditions surrounding the growth and subsequent condi- tions of storage were explained to them. "It was the opinion of the staff, with one exception, that the two lots were one and the same variety. Mr. Dodge of the clerical force expressed the opinion that the lot marked (Gano) contained specimens of slightly firmer texture and of slightly greater acidity, which might be due to the varietal difference. In other respects he also pronounced them to be the same. "The committee secured this opinion from what should no doubt be considered the highest source of opinion in uch matters in the country, not to any way bias the opinion of the committee, but in order to present the strongest possible evidence that could be secured from a test of the fruit alone. "After finding no differences, either in the fruit or in the trees by which they can be separated, your committee is forced to conclude that Black Ben Davis and Gano are one and the same variety ; and that their having been regarded locally as being different sorts is only another case where isolated trees of variety, having been brought to notice in somewhat widely separated neighborhoods, have each for a time been given different names and each been honestly regarded as being of dis- tinct seedling origin. The original notes, correspondence and other data upon which this report is based are herewith delivered into the possession of 'the society." J. C. WHITTEN, J. C. EVANS, W. T. .FLOURNOY, Committee. "N. F. Murray moved that the report of the committee be received and adopted and that the committee be discharged. "The motion was seconded and carried unanimously." Since the report of the Committee was adopted by the society, every member of the Executive Committee during the World's Fair took Additional Papers. 21 special pains to watch all the specimens of the Gano and so called Black Ben Davis that were shown at the World's Fair. Specimens were shown from Oregon, California, Washington, Colorado, West Virginia, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and possibly other states and in every instance they were pronounced identical. Specimens varied in size, shape, color, and quality, but in no instance was there any greater dif- ferences than could be found on the same tree, and no greater variation could be found in any specimens than occur from different localities or caused by different soils and climate. There were far greater differ- ences in the shape and appearance and color of the Winesap, grown in Missouri and that grown in Oregon or Washington, than in the Gano as above mentioned. Not one, of the twenty or more judges on the fruits, although they came from all parts of the 'country ever made a report that the Gano and the so-called Black Ben Davis were different, but on the contrary every one of them who were shown the specimens and asked to name them invariably called them Gano: even Prof. Van Deman, in the presence of Prof, Ragan, said that "He could not see any difference in the quality, texture, or size of the specimens, but thought there was some difference in the color and markings." In testing and examining hundreds of specimens from all over the land we confess our inability to find any difference in the nature or quality, and in no instance did we find the flesh "yellow like a wine- sap" or any other color except the regular color and texture and quality of the flesh of the "Gano." One year later the U. S. Pomologist, G. B. Brackett, re-affirmed his decision, as given to the committee, that those apples were identical. The other members of the staff, Messrs. Ragan, Powell, Taylor and Gould, judges at the World's Fair, gave it as % their opinion after further examination that the two apples were the same. APPOINTMENT OF THE COMMITTEE. The acceptance of this committee appointed by Mr. Robnett and a desire for its appointment is given in the following letters: Columbia, Mo., August 22, 1904. The enclosed shows that C. M. Stark was willing to go to Arkansas and work with the committee, also thought them O. K., even to Flournoy and Evans at that time. D. A. ROBNETT. State Horticultural Society. Louisiana, Mo., October 8, 1902. D. A. Robnett. We thank 3-011 for your kind favor, we appreciate your fairness and consideration and it is a great satisfaction to have such a man at the head of the Mo. State Horticultural Society. Our C. M. S. has received a friendly letter from our mutual friend Prof. Whitten, which he fully appreciates as he enjoyed being with the professor very much, in fact Col. Evans, Mr. Flournoy and others. Again we say it is a satisfaction to have an honest man in a public position which means so much to the great State of Missouri. STARK BROS., N. and O. Co., W. P. STARK, Treas. Louisiana, September 9, 1902. D. A. Robnett. It is needless to add that we shall be glad to do everything in our power to aid the committee in getting the real facts in the case. STARK BROS., N. and O. Co., C. M. STARK, President. The following letter gives Mr. Flournoy's report in November, 1902 : "While on a recent trip to Arkansas with others of the committee to visit the original Black Ben Davis trees growing on Mr. Bain's place in Washington county, to show what the Black Ben Davis might be in variations, I took on the 24th of September two small inferior striped apples from two of the trees. The apples were striped just as any ordinary Ben Davis. I took the only striped ones found ; this may ac- count for others, who might come after, not rinding such fruit and possibly I might have found more such specimens if such ones had not been removed by previous visitors." From these reports and records it is plainly seen that the Executive Committee and the State Society have been pursuing the right and proper course to help simplify and correct the nomenclature of our apples. Then all these insinuations and innuendoes and attacks and charges made upon the Horticultural Society, the Executive Committee in gen- eral, the Treasurer especially, and the Secretary in particular, were made because the Society reasserted the finding of the committee and re-af- firmed its belief in the justice and uprightness of its decisions. If there ever were any doubts about the similarity of these two apples there is certainly now, no question in the minds of the Exe- cutive Committee that they are identical and the Society has done only the right thing in endorsing their former decision. Additional Papers. 23 As a conclusion to this whole matter, then, the Executive Committee finds as follows : 1. The "Gano, Black Ben Davis Committee" decided correctly when they said, there was no difference between the two. 2. The State Society did right when it endorsed the findings of this committee unanimously. 3. The U. S. Pomologist and the Department of Pomology by all its staff have given their decision that the two are identical. 4. The careful personal examinations made every day during the World's Fair by every member of the Executive Committee, justify their hearty approval of this finding. 5. The various judges who passed on the fruits shown at the World's Fair never called them distinct varieties. These judges were some twenty or more of the most expert pomologists in the United States and came from all parts of our country and not one of them pronounced them different. 6. The U. S. Department of Pomology, Prof. W. H. Ragan, Expert in Nomenclature, has published a record from the Department and he declares the Black Ben Davis is a synonym of Gano, just the same as he declares the N. Y. Pippin a synonym of Ben Davis. 7. The "Black Ben Davis," now listed as "Black Ben" by some, is the same in every respect, shape, size, quality, texture and color of flesh; color, spots or dots, characteristics of stem and blossom and keep- ing qualities ; growth of tree and productiveness, each varying as to color and stripes somewhat, because of locality, soil and climate. No dif- ference can be discovered which would justify the payment of any greater prices for the trees than for Gano. GANO APPLE. Although this apple dates back to the year 1839, the first record we have of the appearance of the Gano apple before the State Hor- ticultural Society for name is found in its annual report of the year 1883, where it is described as follows by the Committee on New Fruits. The apple was shown by Mr. Gano of Platte county and supposed to be a seedling: "Size, above medium ; slightly oblong, varying to roundish ovate ; color, beautiful bright carmine to dark red ; stem, medium in size and length, set in a deep cavity surrounded by greenish russett; calix closed. or partly open in a medium basin; flesh white, tender, medium juicy, mild, sub-acid; core and seed large; skin thick; quality good to very good ; season, early winter ; well worthy of trial." 24 State Horticultural Society. In our State report for 1884 there is a quotation from the Com- mittee on Fruits exhibited at the fifth annual meeting of the Mis- sissippi Valley Horticultural Society, in January, 1884, which reads as follows: "Of the new and promising varieties in the Missouri list are, the Gano, by W. G. Gano of Parkville, etc." From our printed reports we also find that specimens of the Gano were sent to Chas. Downing, both in the fall of 1883 and the early part of 1884, who was delighted with the "beautiful specimens," "so large and handsome," and acknowledged them as a new variety and authorized us to name it the Gano, which name had already been given it by the Missouri Valley Horticultural Society. In 1884, also, Mr. Gano offered to turn over to the Society all the scions that could be obtained from the original tree, for the purpose of propagation and distribution throu-gh the Secretary of the State Horticultural Society. These scions were delivered to Mr. M. But- terfield and to Blair and Kaufman for propagation. The apple was also exhibited at the State meetings as shown by the reports of the Society for 1885 and 1886. In 1887, Mr. Butterfield and Blair and Kaufman presented to the Society these trees which were distributed to the different State Societies; also to prominent local Societies of Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas. In the report of 1886 an apple called the Payton was exhibited which was decided to be the Gano, and, in the same year, a question was asked about an apple called the Black Ben Davis, and the answer was given that it was the same as the Gano. In the report of 1899, Prof. J. T. Stinson of the Arkansas Experiment Station exhibited apples called the Black Ben Davis, Etris and Ark. Belle, and the committee, in making their report on these, decided "they are so much like Gano, that the committee are not able to distinguish be- tween them and the latter well known sort." FINANCIAL STATUS OF THE SOCIETY. The Executive Committee believe it due the members of the Society that the following statement made by the secretary and pub- lished in August should be embodied in this volume: I. Each and every step of our Society work has been taken with the full knowledge and united action of the Executive Committee. Additional Papers. 25 2. By order of the Executive Committee, Mr. A. Nelson, former treasurer, deposited one thousand dollars in his own name as treas- urer for one year at four per cent, and renewed this deposit at the close of that year for one year longer. 3. When Mr. Nelson died, Mr. JUitt T field was appointed in his place. The deposit certificate which was for one year, was finally re- turned to the Executive Committee. They found it would take some time to get matters settled and the transfer of the money made, so finally decided to let it remain where it was until a treasurer could be elected at the next meeting. 4. Mr. Gano was elected treasurer, and this fund was finally adjusted; but from the close of the second year mentioned above till the time of final settlement, it drew only two per cent. The fund at this time amounted to $1,092.62. 5. Upon the advice of an attorney, the Executive Committee decided to deposit this money in the name of the Society. The Vice- president of the Mississippi Trust Company, in which the money was deposited, also advised us to deposit in the name of the Society, so that the Treasurer, who ever he may be, could draw the money upon a written order from the Executive Committee, signed by the Presi- dent and Secretary. This money was so deposited by order of the Executive Committee, and has been drawing two per cent interest ever since. This money is just as much in the hands of the Treasurer, and subject to his check, and to his check only, as any other money; but requires an order of the Executive Committee, instead of the President and Secretary alone. 6. The last report of the Treasurer shows that there was nine hundred and ninety-tw r o dollars and sixty-two cents and accrued in- terest in the hands of the Trust Company; and the check book and bank book show that only one check has been drawn on this fund- that of one hundred dollars for desks and chairs for use at the World's Fair Exposition, arid then to belong to the State Horticul- tural Society. 7. The report of the other money in the hands of the Treasurer, showing receipts and disbursements and the dates thereof, is accord- ing to the plan ordered by the Executive Committee years ago, and one which has always been folloAved because of its simplicity, and the belief that it was as good and as safe a plan as any other. The Secretary has often collected money due the Society, charged himself therewith, and used it to defray current expenses before the State appropriation was available. But when available, full settle;- 26 State Horticultural Society. ment was made with the Treasurer, and all receipts and disbursements entered upon the Treasurer's books. Furthermore, when no funds were coming in, the Secretary would use his own money to pay So- ciety bills, always keeping an accurate account of debits and credits till funds were on hand, when he would be reimbursed. Of this every member of the Executive Committee was cognizant and had full knowledge of every dollar so used. This led to the plan of settlement by balances, always followed by the Secretary and Treas- urer, approved by the Executive Committee, for they knew it was safe, fully protected the work of the Society, kept the little bills always paid up, thus saving a vast amount of annoyance and red- tape to those furnishing material or rendering assistance. The seventy-two dollars sent to the Secretary by the Maryland Society was received, used and reported to the Executive Committee, and then to the Treasurer in perfect accordance with the above plan. 8. No State Society of our land has clone more work or earned a better reputation for work done, and no Society stands better among fruit growers, State or National Societies, than does the Missouri State Society. No State. Society has done as much for the develop ment of the fruit interests of its State, or shown such wonderful results as the Missouri State Society. All of which is the result of the unity of effort among the members of the Missouri State Society ; and this unity will never cease among the fruit growers. 9. No Society of our country has clone what this Society has done. At every Horticultural gathering, at every fruit display made at Expositions, and at every World's P"air that has been held in this or foreign lands for the last twenty-five years, we have upheld the honor of our State, sometimes without a dollar of appropriation by our Legis- lature, and yet we show a savings fund in our hand of over two thousand dollars. Then why this issue? For twenty-two years the members of this Society have expressed their confidence in the Secretary by annually electing him to this office, and at the last meeting formally affirmed their implicit confidence in the Secretary and out-going Treasurer. But other issues of which the Society is now fully cognizant, have arisen. The Executive Committee tried in a friendly way and in every possible manner consistent with honor and fidelity to adjust some, of these controverted matters ; but failing in this, the Society upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee, re-affirmed its former resolutions and decisions unanimously. Thus it gave our Additional Papers. 27 fruit growers plainly to understand that the Society reasserts its belief in the justice and uprightness of its decisions. The work of the Executive Committee, the work of every officer individually, the united and harmonious work of all the members, make the record of the Society for the last twenty-five years one that will stand well in comparison with that of those persons who have never lifted their hands in any way, or under any circumstances to the upbuilding of our Society by word, or assistance in fruits, 01 in time or money in a single one of its enterprises. The Society has made its record and maintained its position because of the assistance given it directly by our fruit growers, in all its displays, and to them belongs the credit. L. A. GOODMAN, Sec'y. STATEMENT BY G. T. TIPPIN. We do not believe, nor does any one who is not directly inter- ested, and is acquainted with the facts and workings of the Missouri Horticultural Society, that the inspiration and objects of the attack upon the officers of the Society had their conception in the desiie to do the Society good or protect its interests. Exactly the opposite was intended, as far as the Society was concerned, and more especially was it an excuse to accumulate free advertising. No demand has ever been made or investigation asked for by any one except those interested in the Gano-B. B. D. decision, and that not until after the recent meeting, when they had failed to sus- tain their contention with reference to the Gano-Black Ben Davis. The attack was made out of petty spite and was not supported by a single member in the State outside of those directly interested. The Society, in taking steps to justly settle the Gano-B. B. D. question, did so for the interest and protection of the public and not to injure any individual. In doing this it only discharged one of the important functions of its offices, a duty it owed to the public in imparting correct information upon all questions of Horticulture for the benefit of those directly engaged in its pursuits. If claims made by individuals as to special merits of grafting on whole roots or renaming new varieties, the latter on a par with the first, are not sustained, the public is benefited. The Society has only done its duty, and criticism emanating from those who are not willing to submit to the honest and fair find- 28 State Horticultural Society. ings of those in charge of the work done in the interest of the public good and correct nomenclature, can do no harm. These contentions have not been worthy of consideration in the past, nor are they at present, for the public does not give more than an ordinary patent medicine advertisement- weight to news matter that has to be paid for to get into print, and only in as far as they cast a reflection upon the officers of the Society would we make any reply. If all the citizens of Missouri could have been at the St. Louis meeting it would not be necessary to do even that. The officers of the Society court investigation, and in this connection I desire to state that, while some through spite have tried to cast reflections upon Secretar^ Goodman, the records of the Society are open to the public. Every cent of its funds are accounted for with a nice balance in the treasury, part of which is deposited with the Mississippi Valley Trust Company, St. Louis, in the name of the Society, subject only to the check of the Treasurer by the authority of the Executive Board. Formerly this money was deposited in the name of the Treasurer, subject to check by the authority of the Secretary and President. This was the case when Treasurer Nelson died. The funds being in his name at the time, it took some time to get it in shape so it could be checked out. After consulting with legal authorities and the officers of the Trust Company it was decided that it would be best to deposit this fund in the name of the Society subject to the check of the Treasurei, after being authorized by the Executive Board. This was done so in case of the death of the Treasurer, his successor could check it out on the same authority without any delay as was before experienced. I have been a member of the Society the past two years, during which time the Gano-B. B. D. investigation was made, which has caused all the trouble (and had the findings of the committee been on the other side there would not have been any trouble and no charges), and if they could have succeeded in getting the Society to rescind its action there would be no trouble now. No act in this connection has been to serve any selfish or per- sonal interest. Recognizing the importance of the work done by our Society for correct nomenclature, and in view of the fact that many of the most serious experiences and losses to fruit growers come from misnaming varieties, the National Pomological Society, at its last annual meeting, took similar steps looking to the correction of abuses along the same lines, adopting among others, the following: Additional Papers. 29 "As in article three, that in the light of past experiences the un- restricted naming of fruit varieties by originators, discoverers and in- troducers has resulted in complexity, confusion and frequent duplica- tion of fruit names, alike destructive to scientific accuracy in pomology and detrimental to the best interests of both the amateur and the commercial grower. Also Rule 2, article A. "No variety shall be named unless dis- tinctly superior to existing varieties in some important characteristic, nor until it has been determined to perpetuate it by bud propagation." At the recent meeting of the Missouri Society in St. Louis, no objection was made except from the source referred to and the ques- tion raised by them was satisfactorily explained to every one but themselves, and unanimously sustained, and when, as you have stated, the parties casting reflections by innuendo were asked by the Society to put their charges in writing, they failed to do so. It was the general opinion of ail those fully acquainted with the matter that the object of their pernicious attack was to force the Society, rather than to submit to the insinuations, to shut them off. Then they could say they could not get a hearing before the Society on account of prejudice and use the statement as an advertisement. The frequent use of the statement "that it was the first oppor- tunity" they had had to present their grievances, leaving the impres- sion that such opportunity had been denied them, when they or no one else had ever been denied any opportunity before the Society, gave proof of this conclusion. One of the Starks asked to be ap- pointed on the finance committee, probably for the same purpose, thinking more than likely he would not be appointed, but when he was appointed, made an excuse that he could not serve. We are not one who believes in condoning the misdeeds of a pub- lic officer, political or social, nor are we willing to see them wrongly condemned. We are so familiar with all the facts and motives patent to this case that we would be derelict of our duty did we remain silent. We do not claim that any one is dishonest in their views, claims or opin- ions in this controversy. The Society unanimously adopted a statement at its last meet- ing reaffirming its position on the Gano-Black Ben Davis contro- versy. This statement was recommended by the Executive Board after being duly considered. They declined to accept a statement that had been submitted to them for their signatures, compromising the former action of the Society. 3<"> State Horticultural Society. This original statement is in the possession of the Board, those members of the Board having signed it having erased their names after discovering its full purport, thereby annulling the whole thing, and consequently it never became a signed instrument. We have understood that some who claimed to have a copy of the original would publish it. However, we do not think any one would resort to demagogery like this, even for advertising purposes, as in fact, the copy was never signed at all and would be a forgery, as the original never became an instrument in fact. George T. Tippin, in American Truck Farmer. REPORT OF SPECIAL FINANCE COMMITTEE. Pres. Whitten. In the absence of Mr. Greensfelder, chairman of the Special Committee on Finance, who was unable to be present on account of a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture, I will comply with his request and read the report which I have received from him. Other members of the committee are also unavoidably absent. Columbia, Mo., Dec. 7, 1904. Professor J. C. Whitten, Esq., Pres. Mo. Horticultural Society, Co- lumbia, Mo. : Dear Sir Have received this day a letter from Mr. Geo. B. Ellis, Secretary of the Missouri State Board of Agriculture, notifying me that the President of the Board had appointed me a member of the auditing committee and to make a report at the next annual meeting of the Board to be held Dec. 20, 1904. This will prevent me from being present at the meeting of the Horticultural Society at Neosho, which is to be held on the same day, I therefore hand you the report of the committee, appointed by you to examine into the expenditure of a certain fund of your Society, which I had prepared to read at the Society meeting. Sorry I am of the conflict of meetings, as I should have been glad to be with you. Yours truly, M. B. GREENSFELDER. Clayton, September 14, 1904. Professor J. C. Whitten, President of the Horticultural Society of Missouri : Dear Sir On August 3ist, 1904, you appointed as a committee Winter Meeting. 31 M. B. Greensfelder, Clayton, Mo., cliairman; Professor S. A. Hoover, Warrensburg, Mo.; Capt. C. 13. McAfee, pringfield, Mo., to act as per resolutions adopted at the meeting of your Society held the 7th day of June, 1904, which reads as follows : "I move you, Mr. President, that a committee of three be ap- pointed to investigate this fund of $1,000.00 or more, for which no report was made to this meeting by the treasurer, ascertaining who is the custodian of this fund, and (2) by whose authority they are acting; (3) ascertaining from what source the fund was derived, tracing it from its incipiency down (4) to the present date; (5) in- forming the Society who has been handling it; (6) what additions have been made to it ; (7) who has been drawing warrants or checks against it and for what purpose such disbursements have been made. This committee further to have the authority to at once take posses- sion of this fund and turn it over to the treasurer who is the proper custodian of all funds belonging to the Society." On Sept. 8, 1904, the gentlemen named by you met at the Horti- cultural Hall, World's P'air Grounds, together with Treasurer W. G. Gano of Parkville, and Secretary L. A. Goodman, and as answers to the questions asked in above resolution, report as follows : 1. The custodian of the fund is the Mississippi Valley Trust Co. of St. Louis, in account with the Missouri State Horticultural Society. 2. Checks, when drawn on this fund, are signed by the Treasurer of your Society by order of the Executive Committee. 3. The source from whence the fund was derived, tracing it from its incipiency, is as follows : On December 10, 1892, there was a balance in treasury of $302.31, as per report herewith submitted as it appears on page 140 of the report of 1892. State Horticultural Society. Carthage, December, 10, 1892. Report of A. Nelson, treasurer of the Missouri State Horticultural Society, for the year ending December 10, 1892. 1892. RECEIPTS. JuneS.. .. Balance on hand at last report ............. ............. ................. $59198 July 16. .. Draft from State Treasurer .............................................. 20833 Aug. 8. .. " ........................... 20866 Sept. 10 .. ................................................. 20833 Oct. 8 ..... ................................................. 20833 Membership ............................................................... 2100 Nov. 5 ..... Draft from State Treasurer ................................................. 20833 Total ............. 1,654 96 Membership ....................................... , ........................... 2400 NevadaBank ............................................................ 3619 $1,715 15 1892. DISBURSEMENTS. June 9.... Warrant No. 189, postofflce, $13.93, express, $2.55, railroad Jefferson City, $12.55, salary for April, $66.66 ..................................... $9569 June 9 ..... Warrant No. 19U, postofflce. $30.44, printing, $20.00, railroad St. Joseph, $7.30, salary for May, $66.66 ............................................... 12444 July 11. .. Warrant No. 191, postoffice, $13.08, express, $5.10, salary for June, $66.66 84 84 July 14. .. Warrant No. 192, expense at Chillicothe, cash paid for express, etc ...... 37 05 July 14. .. VV arrant No. 193, expenses at Chillicothe for society ...................... 7840 July 14. .. Warrant No. 194, premiums at summer meeting .......................... 3000 Aug. 3.. .. Warrant No. 195, postofflce bill $87.22, freight $5.18, postofflce cards, $6.50, railroad to St. Louis, $13, salary July $66.66 ........................ 173 46 Aug. 3.. .. Warrant No. 196, 40 mounted birds ........... '. ........................ 4055 Sept. 5. .. Warrant No. 197, A. Nelson, expenses to St. Louis ......................... 1380 Sept. 6. .. Warrant No. 198, postofflce, $13.17, freight and express, $7.68, salary for August, $66.66 .......................................................... 8751 Oct. 5 ..... Warrant No. 199, Tribune Printing Co., reports ........................... 6050 Nov. 4. .. Warrant No. 200, postoffice, $35.78, express, railroad and printing, $37,53, salary for September and October, $133.33 .............................. 20666 Dec. 10 Warrant No. 201, postoffice, $25.98, printing and plates, $33.30, expenses at Carthage, $17.35, salary for November, $66.66 ........................ 14329 Dec. 10. . . . Warrant No. 202, premiums, $90, postoffice, tablets, etc., $8.80 ........... 98 80 Dec. 10.... Warrant No. 203. expenses J. C. Evans, N. F. Murray, S. Miller, A. Nelson, M. E. Murtfeldt, etc ............................................ 12535 Dec. 10 Warrant No. 204, balance due on birds ..................................... 7 50 . $1.412 84 Balance in Treasury .......................................... ..... $30231 A. NELSON, Treasurer. We, the Committee on Finance, having examined the accounts of the Treasurer and the warrants issued by the President, would report that we have examined the same, and find them correct. 'G. W. HOPKINS, HENRY SPEER, A. B. SLOAN, Committee. On pages 260 and 261 of the report for 1900 there is printed as follows : Report of Treasurer A. Nelson, Lebanon, Mo., Dec. 6, 1900. I am glad to be able to report to you such a prosperous condition of our finances. While we have been well treated by our State in all its appropriations, yet we have been all this time doing something Winter Meeting. 33 for ourselves also; and we have taken part of this fund of our own making and put it in a safe place for keeping, so that we may always have something to use in case of necessity. At the close of our report on December 10, 1892, as will be seen on page 140 of the report for 1892, we had on hand of our savings $302.31. The Society has earned and received in cash from World's Fair in settlement. June, 1894 From St. Louis Exposition in November, 1894 From St. Louis Exposition in November, 1895 From Omaha Exposition Total, , $165 80 150 70 236 81 323 70 $1,179 32 This money was paid for the Society by the officers giving their time and energy for the upholding of the glory of our State in its fruit displays, and should be kept for some special purpose for the work and honor of the Society. Of this $1,179.32, by a vote of the Execu- tive Committee, I have deposited with the Mississippi Valley Trust Co. of St. Louis, Mo., $1,000 drawing four per cent interest for one year, and hold their certificates for the above amount. June 30... RECEIPTS. - 1900, balance on hand. $329 78 July, cash from State Auditor ,l,l