Horticultural Society, State.—In the early part of 1867 a letter appeared in the Kansas Farmer, written by a man who signed himself "Pomologist." The writer suggested that the fruit growers and vine dressers of the state form a society to be known as the "Kansas Pomological Society." John S. Brown, the editor of the Farmer, recommended the organization of such a society and asked all who favored it to respond immediately. Twenty-five persons sent in their postoffice addresses and 25 cents each to the editor to assist in the organization. Their names appeared in the April issue of the Farmer. An organization was soon after effected with the following officers: William Tanner, Leavenworth, president; William Maxwell, Lanesfield, vic-epresident; William E. Barnes, Vinland, treasurer; John S. Brown, recording secretary; and S. T. Kelsey, Ottawa, corresponding secretary. In the May number of the Farmer was published the president's address in which he asked every member to collect all the information upon fruit culture in the different counties of his district, and send to the corresponding secretary, to be submitted at the first meeting. The society was organized and incorporated under a charter from the state! on Dec. 15, 1867.

The State Horticultural Society, an outgrowth of the Pomological Society, was formed at Ottawa, Franklin county, with George T. Anthony, William M. Hansley, J. Stagman, William Tanner, G. C. Brackett, S. T. Kelsey and Charles B. Lines as charter members. Its object was the advancement of the art and science of horticulture. It consisted of annual members, who paid a fee of $1; of life members, who paid a fee of $10; and honorary members, who were distinguished as horticulturists.

By article V, of the constitution, annual meetings were to be held in December and semi-annual meetings in June of each year, "at such time and place as the society may direct." An appropriation was made in 1869, for the society to use in making a complete collection of the fruits grown in Kansas and exhibiting them at the Pomological Congress, held at Philadelphia, Pa., in Sept., 1869. At that Congress Kansas was awarded the gold medal for the best display of fruit.

The society has been active in improving the species of fruits in the state; in introducing improved methods of horticulture; in the scientific care of orchards; and the cause and treatment of diseases of trees. The officers of the society for 1911 were: E. G. Hoover of Wichita, president; J. T. Tredway of La Harpe, vice-president; O. F. Whitney of Topeka, treasurer; and Walter Wellhouse of Topeka, secretary.