210 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL 



lumber and fuel. But what are the facts at the present time. We 

 find that though the increased facilities for cheap transportation, 

 the improvements in the manufacture and use of iron and steel for 

 fencing and building purposes, and not least, the great development 

 of our coal mines for a supply of fuel, that lumber and wood is 

 cheaper to-day than it was twenty years ago. But for all this, we, 

 in this portion of the State, should continue to plant trees. We need 

 groves of trees on all of our prairie farms, shelter-belts for the home, 

 garden and cattle yards, and orchards to supply our families with 

 the necessary health giving fruits of their season. 



Without doubt, the majority of the commercial orchards and 

 gardens of our state, will be in the central and southern districts, 

 but we of the north, can and should grow our own home supply of 

 fruit to a large extent. Especially is this true of the farmer and 

 those who own small homesteads. Land, trees, shrubs, flowers and 

 pure fresh air, are the materials furnished, with which to make pleas- 

 ant homes. Surely it is a part of the duty of this society to aid the 

 people in making the best use of them. 



Among the people in general, there is a great lack of informa- 

 tion on horticultural matters. 



But few have much knowledge of varieties, or what to expect of 

 the trees and shrubs that the}^ have bought, or how best to plant 

 and care for them. 



This want of knowledge, coupled with what seems to be a na- 

 tural propensity in all to desire to have some thing new or far- 

 fetched and perhaps dearly bought, is the cause of much of the 

 complaint among our people, that they have been unfairly dealt 

 with by those who sell them trees. 



I know of no better means of protection from imposition in this 

 direction than for the people to post themselves on horticultural 

 matters. How best to impart this much needed information is a 

 subject that should receive careful consideration by our society. 

 Some method should be devised to create a greater interest in our 

 meetings, to secure a much larger attendance, and of course by that 

 means increase the distribution of our reports. Let them become 

 members of our society, carefully read the essays and discussions of 

 our meetings and then use good common sense in making their pur- 

 chases. The experimental stations provided for in every state, 

 should and undoubtedly will be of great advantage to us as a society 

 and as horticulturists. Let each member consider himself a com- 

 mittee of one to keep himself informed on what is being done at 

 these stations and be prepared to discuss the subject or make sug- 

 gestions in regard to the work to be done. Any suggestions or 

 proposals for experiment could be made through the society. This 

 would create a general interest in the work that might lead to great 

 results. Within the past few years the subject of destroying the 



