SECRETARY'S PORTFOLIO. 423 



observing their movements and habits, and also in identifying various kinds of 

 fungi that cover and destroy plants. There are not mauy species of insects 

 injurious to vegetation but what are visible to the naked eye in some stages of 

 their growth, but not always in the incipient, but to examine all their parts so 

 as fully to identify them, the microscope is useful and sometimes indispensable. 



Sixth — A knowledge of German and French might sometimes be convenient 

 in reading some works in those languages not translated into English, but we 

 know of a good many fruit-growers who keep fully abreast with the times with- 

 out the knowledge of any but their mother tongue. 



Seventh — No special qualifications except learning the trade, although a 

 knowledge of chemistry might be of some use in understanding why heating 

 and exclusion of the atmosphere preserves the fruit. 



Eighth — Manual dexterity is very important in the practical operations of 

 the farm and fruit grounds. It is bestowed, in the first place, by nature, but 

 may be greatly improved by practice. 



Ninth — Drawing would certainly be a great aid in conveying knowledge of 

 fruits to others, and would be a gratification to the possessor. 



Tenth — A literary education is as necessary and desirable to one engaged in 

 rural pursuits as to those of other callings, excepting perhaps teachers, writers, 

 lecturers, and preachers. A tiller of the soil is alone much of the time with his 

 own thoughts. It is quite as important that he should have great themes em- 

 ploy his thoughts as others ; in fact, he is above all things else a man, and 

 everything that contributes to the growth of man intellectually, morally, or 

 aesthetically is appropriate for him. 



Eleventh — Perhaps he can, but much benefit may be derived from attending 

 pomological conventions. If no other, the enthusiasm created where numbers 

 meet and talk about a common pursuit will repay all cost and trouble of 

 attending such meetings. 



Twelfth — I am not disposed to criticise or judge the pomologists of Michigan. 

 I consider them fully abreast with the vanguard of horticultural improvement, 

 although there undoubtedly are many things in which a thorough education 

 would expedite their progress. 



In conclusion, I would add that a man to succeed in pomological pursuits 

 must be naturally endowed with certain qualities or capacities. He must be 

 industrious, persevering, patient, capable of entering into details and of esti- 

 mating the value of small things. He must be a close, sharp observer, quick 

 to detect any unfavorable influences or enemies at work among his fruit, capa- 

 ble of making experiments and tracing effects to their causes ; fertile in expe- 

 dients, and, above all, he must have a love for his business. Added to these 

 qualifications, he should possess the judgment, shrewdness, and suavity required 

 in traffic to enable him to market his products. 



OBJECTIONABLE FRUIT PREMIUMS. 



Why will our agricultural societies persist in offering the principal premiums 

 for the "largest number of varieties" of the different kinds of fruit? The 

 tendency is already towards too many kinds, and to offer premiums in encour- 

 agement of this already existing evil is a great mistake. Where one has too 



