256 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL 



methods by which this has been mostly accomplished, and with- 

 this inquire into the possibilities remaining for more exact and 

 more enlightening studies, we gain expectations and hopes un- 

 surpassed in any of the callings or avocations of man. As horti- 

 cultural science and art have been improved within our memo- 

 ries, so in the near future may we confidently look for advances 

 proportioned to the attention and ability bestowed upon them. 

 In the recent establishment of endowed experiment stations we 

 certainly have hopes of better studies opening the way to more 

 direct and better founded progress. Tnese stations will, by no 

 means, do all the work to be done. Amateurs and lovers of art 

 will hereafter, as heretofore, have open eyes, deft hands, and 

 warm hearts, prime essentials in labors of this kind. Indeed it 

 is to the general interest for, and love in the pursuit upon which 

 we must, after all, base our main dependence for progress, 

 rather than in labors of government employes, however faithful 

 these latter may be. Certainly private individuals must not 

 and will not relax their efforts because of the establishment of 

 stations whose business it is to experiment. One cannot take 

 the place of the other, neither should the latter be allowed to 

 usurp if they could, the privileges and opportunities of the 

 former. Our other functions and faculties know hunger as well 

 as those of the stomach. As we never hope to be able to have 

 others eat for us, so we should never ask others to observe and 

 think for us. Let each member of our organization become 

 filled full of the idea that if he wants to keep up his interest and 

 enjoyment in horticulture, he must establish in himself and for 

 himself an experiment station and keep it running whether or 

 not men are hired on salary to do work of similar character. 

 Let us also be well possessed of the idea that advance must come 

 in the future as in the past from amateur and voluntary efforts, 

 that the government stations are to stimulate this rather than 

 discourage and interfere, if the most good ia to be secured. 



What then, we may inquire, is the proper aim and function of 

 the new experiment stations in regard to horticulture? 



Without pretense of being exhaustive and without descending 

 to details I venture an answer. Before this, however, let 

 me say that nothing need be excluded in this station work. Any- 

 thing whatever, may be undertaken of which there is reasonable 

 prospect of usefulness, provided that the time and strength of 

 the establishment is not frittered away or prevented from accom- 

 plishing its more important ends. No fear need be entertained 

 that its efforts to advance in any line' will clash with those of pri- 

 vate individuals striving in the same race. The track is wide 

 and long, room enough for all contestants. But the stations can 

 do some things better than can be done by individuals. To these 

 they should first and foremost direct their attention, letting, 

 others take second place. 



