146 ANNUAL, REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



11. Do not fail to create and stimulate an increased interest in 

 floriculture, as horticulture and lloriculture walk hand in hand. 

 Fairy-like gaidens help to make happy homes, besides, in many in- 

 stances, atlurding a fair financial return. Many of our best farmers 

 and fruit growers have realized considerable gain from this source 

 during the past few years. 



32. There is probabh' no class of men that are more often the 

 subjects of base deception than the progressive horticulturists, for 

 the reason that his desire for knowledge and pecuniary benefits 

 impels him to invest in almost every new thing that promises some- 

 thing for his good or welfare. Again, he knows what is wrong when 

 he sees some great disj^lay of fruit competing for premiums when 

 made by a party who does not cultivate or own even a fruit tree or 

 vine. 



13. Do not condemn the fruit tree agent too severely; he has been 

 the means of putting thousands of thousands of barrels of fine apples 

 upon the market, and made plethoric the pocketbooks of hundreds 

 vvith the profit of fruit-growing. If it were not for the operations 

 of the fruit tree agent, we would not have any large displays of 

 fruit at our county fairs to-day. 



14. In conclusion, permit me to add a brief plea in behalf of our 

 feathered friends and songsters — the birds. Let every horticulturist 

 aid in preventing their wanton destruction. Remember the fact 

 that they are usually most abundant in the orchard and vineyard 

 where the insect enemies of the fruit grower are the most abundant 

 and injurious. These songsters are but aiding us in our humble 

 efforts to produce better and more perfect specimens of fruit, 

 whether for the market, family, or to display at some important fruit 

 show. 



DISCUSSION. 



Mr. Jamison. — This is a very good paper and I would like to »ee 

 a copy sent to each officer and member of fair organizations in the 

 State. I know our eastern counties are alive to the interests of 

 horticulture, but when we go westward these interests are neg- 

 lected. I have seen as fine fruit exhibited in Juniata county as has 

 even been grown, and no mention made of its exhibit. As to the 

 number of specimens tliat ought to be placed on each plate, I think 

 five is all right where there are but few varieties, but where the 

 exliibit is large three specimens would be sufficient. 



Mr. Horr. — ^^As to the arrangement of exhibits in alphabetical 

 order, is it not better to arrange them in the order of ripening. I 

 can appreciate the importance of having as judges at our fairs men 

 who are posted on the different varieties of fruit and competent 

 judges. I had the honor once of acting a® judge at a fair at York. 



