SUMMER MEETINa. 59 



The poetry of this conclusion might be banished by asserting that 

 the number of vocations at that time must necessarily have been some- 

 what limited ; that Adam could not have been an express agent, a com- 

 mission merchant or a railroad president. But we shall not take that 

 view of the case, for had it been better that Adam should work in any 

 other way, could not the power that called a universe into existence 

 have created for him a field of labor which should have fulfilled every 

 requirement of his nature ? 



Horticulture, we conclude, was chosen as the best pursuit for 

 primitive man, and though we have departed from many ancient cus- 

 toms and discarded many early ideas, the dignity of horticulture has 

 never diminished. Today it ranks higher than ever before. The pro- 

 gress it has made in every way justifies it to be classed, as we hope it 

 soon will be, among the learned professions. 



* Trace the evolution of the peach, that most delicious of fruits. 

 From a bitter almond, we find descended all the varieties with which 

 we are acquainted. 



The state of perfection to which the apple has been brought is not 

 less remarkable. Compare the apple of the present with a crab of 

 some inferior quality, and the difference may be readily discerned. 



We see in our flowers as plainly as in our fruits the fairy touch of 

 science. 



The contrast between the sweet-brier by the way-side and a Gen- 

 eral or La France rose illustrates the difference between nature alone, 

 and nature combined with art. 



While in reality horticulture has always borne an important part 

 in the affairs of men, the term has recently been given a broader mean- 

 ing than was formerly attached to it, and now includes all the sciences 

 and arts relating to orchard, vineyard and garden, as well as all pur- 

 suits bearing upon the adornment and improvement of home, parks 

 and highways. 



The horticulturist, too, is a member of society much more import- 

 ant than he was half a century ago. 



His education now is broad and liberal, and as competition grows- 

 closer, the realm of horticulture is divided. Specialists are everywhere 

 in demand. Botanists, chemists, entomologists and ornithologists are 

 finding a place where their services are necessary. 



The experiment station is a branch of this industry, which offers 



an opportunity to the scientist as well as to the practical horticulturist. 



The best modes of protection, propagation, prevention and cure 



of disease, and methods of dealing with destructive insects, are among 



the subjects that claim attention from these men. 



