490 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



were planting— and in fact we are planting now, the old Winesap, tliat 

 shows what we think is the best. We think we onght to plant something 

 that we know is all right for certain soils. It is a question of local con- 

 ditions. 



Mr. Kingsl)ur.v: I would like to ask Mr. Simpson if his apples arc 

 troubled witli blemish spots and wrinkles, like these, as we are. with 

 three-fourths of the apples in the upper part of the State? 



Chairman Latta: Before entering upon that question we would like to 

 hear from I\Ir. Flick, who is now present, but will have to leave in a 

 short time. Mr. Flick, will you address the meeting now? 



Mr. Flick: I was very much pleased at the privilege of listening to 

 Mr. Simpson's paper in regard to the possibilities of fruit culture in 

 southern Indiana. However, he is very modest, and speaks only from 

 practical experience, which is an argument from a solid foundation, as it 

 ought to be. But the fact is, as you well know, I presume, that you people 

 of southern Indiana have the garden spot of America for this culture— the 

 place that has the soil and the climate for the production of the very best 

 apples, which will always command the best market. Then you have the 

 market. You have the position in the United States of a central location. 

 You are in the center of population. The center of population in this 

 countiy is in our State, and not very far from you— within seventy or sev- 

 enty-tive miles. There are millions of people all around us who can be 

 reached by the railroads and other communications; and tlrese two things 

 are the key to the whole situation— the soil to grow the fruit, and the 

 place to ship it from the cheapest. Now, what is the matter that we do 

 not give proper attention to the cultivation of fruit and take advan- 

 tage of the possibilities of our situation? My predecessor. Professor Troop, 

 who is present, has labored for years to arouse the people of southern 

 Indiana in this apple culture, and get you to put out orchards and take 

 advantage of your possibilities. The Society is now working to that end, 

 and has been doing so; but it does not appear to avail much thus 

 far. We sometimes think we must bring in foreign capital to develop our 

 resources in this line, if you will not take advantage of your conditions. 

 You should be the owners of these orchards and reap the profit from 

 them, but if you will not take advantage of the situation, we may have 

 to bring in foreign capital to raise the apples and reap the profit, and you, 

 who should be the owners, will have to take the place of employes. 



I had a conversation not long ago Avith one of the foremost fruit men 

 of the United States— Mr. J. H. Hale, of Connecticut. You who know him 

 are aware that no other man can render a better judgment on this ques- 

 tion, and he said that this is the best situation in America for apples, 

 berries and peaches. Now these are the facts, and I should like to .see an 

 awakening of interest among you on this line. 



