368 BOAKD OF AGincri/ruifE. 



beuetited who care to interest themselves in any branch of horticultural 

 work. We not only get the best information obtainable from members 

 of the Society, but the ablest experts from all parts of the country are 

 cixlled in to consult and advise, instruct and enthuse us, and thus we keep 

 in touch vk'ith pioneers in advanced work and abreast in horticultural 

 advancement. 



Here we have no time to spend listening to anyone's pet theory, but 

 want facts, figures and demonstrations. We want to know from time to 

 time what has been accomplished by practicing the very best methods all 

 along the line, then we can select and adopt that which is adapted to our 

 individual efforts along special lines of work. 



As a collective body there are many important matters that this So- 

 ciety should consider. First and foremost, ways and means should be 

 devised to extend the general fruit industry of the State. Indiana should 

 1)8 right up in the front rank as a producer and exporter of fine fruits. 

 She has a soil and climate that are unexcelled for many branches of the 

 industry. Good markets are within easy reach. But the fact stares us 

 in the face that many thousands of dollars worth of fruits are brought 

 into our domain every year— we are not producing enough for home 

 consumption. 



Possessing the natural advantages that we do, why this failure to pro- 

 vide for our own wants? Why are not the hundreds and thousands of 

 acres of fine fruit lands within our borders, which are now given over to 

 poor-paying agricultural pursuits made more valuable and profitable by 

 devoting them to the cultivation of fruits and vegetables? The only an- 

 swer we can give to this problem is the lack of information along horti- 

 cultural lines— or in other words, we are short on our supply of practical, 

 enthusiastic horticulturists. 



While other States round about us have industriously exploited their 

 advantages to the world— have reached out and brought in men and means 

 to push along the industry, we have allowed ability, energy and experi- 

 ence to pass us by without even extending to them an invitation to stop 

 off and see us, much less to urge them to come among us and help develop 

 our resources. Let us begin now and see if something can't be done to 

 redeem lost advantages. It seems to me that a golden opportunity is pre- 

 sented for us to inaugurate this good work. The, greatest fair the world 

 has ever seen is near at hand, both as to time and place. The State has 

 appropriated $5,000 for the purpose of installing an exhibit of horticul- 

 tural products. Circumstances have been such that these funds have 

 come into the hands of this Society for expenditure where they will do 

 most good. In view of this fact we owe it to ourselves, as well as the 

 great State of Indiana, that we prove worthy of this trust, and so super- 

 vise the work that practical benefits may accrue to those who are fur- 

 nishing this means— the taxpayers of our commonwealth. 



I would suggest that in addition to making as fine a display of our 



