^0 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



This explains the whole intention and desire of the society in a nut- 

 shell. The extent to which they have carried out their original intention 

 has only been limited by the men and means at their command. In these 

 respects no state has done better. Still, much more might be done by the 

 society if allowed the facilities and encouragement they are entitled to. 

 There is no method by which the material wealth of our state can be so 

 rapidly increased as by the proper development of her horticultural 

 resources, and the state society must always be looked to as the medium 

 through which correct information regarding the ways and means of such 

 development can be secured. 



Never in the history of our state has there been greater interest mani- 

 fested in horticulture than now. In such times many people are likely to 

 make mistakes from lack of correct information. To prevent this, so far 

 as possible, must be the duty of the state society. This can be accom- 

 plished by the dissemination of correct information regarding varieties of 

 fruit, methods of culture, insecticides, fungicides, and markets. The 

 amount of such information that can be collected and distributed by the 

 state society is only limited by the desire of the people and their willing- 

 ness to join with us in this work. The conditions today ar^ such that no 

 man can keep up with the horticultural procession unless he attaches him- 

 self to some such organization. There is so much to contend with and so 

 much information needed, even in advance of publication, that, I repeat, 

 it is impossible to keep up without the advantage of such association. 



Probably no state in the union is better located for commercial horti- 

 culture than Michigan, a very large proportion of her soil being remark- 

 ably well adapted to the production of choice fruit and vegetables; the 

 best city market in America right at our door; the great northwest nearer 

 to us than to any other fruit region; the immense lumber and mining 

 markets on our north; plenty of good railways; cheap water transportation 

 on all sides, all combined give us the best advantages of any state,' and 

 it is no wonder that we have attained the high position we now hold. 

 Still, what we now have is only a beginning toward what we shall have 

 twenty years later. 



The fact that we have cheap transportation and excellent markets near 

 by has been the means of giving Michigan in some respects a lower repu- 

 tation than she deserves. Many growers send their low-grade fruit just 

 the same as the best. If Michigan was compelled to ship her fruit as far 

 as California, to reach a market, her reputation would be of the highest, 

 as she would then utilize her low-grade fruit at home and her reputation 

 would be world-wide. " California can not ship her low-grade fruit to 

 market, as it would not pay the freight." 



If a reform is ever made in this particular it must come from a better 

 education, by popular sentiment, or by that harshest of all remedies, ejection 

 from our markets by smarter men. This can never be done if we combine 

 for mutual benefit and heed the plain dictates of common-sense. 



It is a fact that there is not sufficient organization in our line in this state 

 to control or even reach the majority with information or even suggestions 

 for their own benefit. That this is the case is not the fault of the leading 

 men of the state. It is that of the commercial growers. The loss is also 

 theirs, and the remedy rests entirely with them. The state society, as well 

 as the various local societies, gladly welcome them as members and through 

 them all information is disseminated. 



