WINTER MEETING. 179 



Amid the feuds between the tribes of a barbarous and warlike 

 people, it was neither propagated nor cultivated to any extent until in 

 the Fifth century, when the banner of the cross inscribed I. X. R. I. {in 

 hoc signo vinces) was firmly planted, and the Christian religion perma- 

 nently established. Monks, and heads of other ecclesiastical bodies 

 planted orchards, extended its cultivation and brought it into general 

 use. The Normans, under William the Conqueror, introduced many 

 -varieties from the continent. 



It has attained its highest condition and nearest perfection under 

 the influences of Christianity, the greatest civilizing and educational 

 power known to man. The refining and elevating influence of Chris- 

 tianity and the christianizing influence of horticulture have produced 

 a cultured, refined, moral and intelligent class of men and women, not 

 surpassed, if equaled, in any other occupation or profession, unless it 

 be in the gospel ministry. 



The apple was brought to America in 1629, and an island in Bos- 

 ton harbor bears its name. The Pilgrims planted many orchards in 

 their new home, and the natives, following their example, planted In- 

 dian orchards in many parts of New England. One large cotton 

 factory brands its best productions " Indian Orchard." 



The first trees known to bear in America were on Governor's 

 island, near Boston, and gave 10 apples on October 10, 1639, although 

 trees found near Indian villages would indicate that the aborigines had 

 s, knowledge of the fruit before this time, supposed through French 

 missionaries ; but I have been unable to find anything relative to mis- 

 sion work by the French among the Indians of New England at this 

 €arly date. 



Governor Endicott established the first nursery near Salem, Mass., 

 in 1610, importing the trees. The first nurseries for raising trees were 

 near New York city, in New Jersey. 



The New Am. Ency. tells of "fine specimens now bearing at the 

 remarkable age of 150 to L'OO years." 



Orchards were planted in the " Western Reserve " ( N. E.Ohio ) by 

 eettlers from Connecticut as early as 1790, and on various " French 

 grants" along the Ohio river by the French about the same time; also 

 by many other early emigrants from Virginia. 



No doubt orchards were planted about St. Louis, St. Charles, Ste. 

 Genevieve and other points by the French long before Louisiana terri- 

 tory was ceded to the U. S. in 1804. Western Missouri was largely 

 settled by emigrants from Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and North 

 Oarolina, who planted orchards, and some of those planted as early as 

 1822 to 1826 are still bearing " fruit pleasant to the sight and good for 



