JJoiv to Get a Race of Hardy Fruits for the Northwest. 12^ 



(lifFusion of information need not seriously interfere wHh the scientific and 

 original worlc and experiments uf the station. A proper executive manage- 

 inent will distribute the iijquiries and requests for information on various 

 points in such a manner among the employes of the station, that the work 

 shall be so divided as not to seriously draw them away from their actual 

 work in carrying on experiments in the laboratory, stable or field. 



This is merely a fragmentary snggesuon in relation to this most im- 

 portant and far-reaciiing subject. Nevertheless, I believe it is exceedingly 

 important, and if I were to emphasize any one point above all others, it 

 would be this : The experiment station should get down to the common 

 farmers, who most need their help, by direct correspondence, by bulletins, 

 by annual or more frequent reports, and, above all, through the press. This 

 is said with the understanding, of course, that the dissemination of partial 

 results or mispleading experiments is to be guarded against. It is also un- 

 derstood that, in all these presentations of knowledge to the people, the facts 

 are to be stated in plain language, that the average farmer can fully under- 

 stand. Short sentences and clear definitions are required. Brevity is above 

 all things to be desired. But references may well be given showing where 

 further details may be found. 



HOW TO GET A EACE OF H AKDY FKUITS FOR THE NORTHWEST. 



BY C. L. WATROUS, OF IOWA. 



There is, perhaps, no other question whose prompt and practical solu- 

 tion would bring more daily comfort into the home-lives of the people of the 

 prairie region of this continent. Of food and shelter we have abundance. 

 It is a light task to build against the wildest blasts, while barn and yard and 

 field are annually overflowing with fowl and flesh and grain for the susten- 

 ance of a vigorous race of men. But more and more is fruit becoming a 

 large and necess iry part of the daily food of the highly organized and nervous 

 race occupying this region. Races whose vital and mental activities remain 

 nearest the animal may thrive on meat and bread, but the highest living 

 and highest thinking are nourished and stimulated by the finest fruits of the 

 temperate regions. 



The rich, cool acid of fruits more truly deserves to be called Elixir vitee 

 than any fancied distillation of alchemists, and of all fruits the apple is un- 

 disputed king. But now over all the prairies rides the black-visaged herald, 

 proclaiming with blast of trumpet and solemn voice, "The king is dead! 

 The king is dead ! " And as he rides, lo! other heralds cry aloud, "Long 

 live the king! The king lives! " And they tell the people how to have sound 

 and healthy orchards. Some say, " Here be trees crown-grafted on whole 

 roots, let them rule over you. The price is high, but they are worth it." 

 Others announce, " Here be trees budded on seedling stocks ; they are worthy 

 to rule over you, at no matter what price." 



