511 ANNUAL, REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



acidity. As to how long this wash will stick would say that applica- 

 tions made in March last, can still be distinctly seen. It might be 

 washed off by a severe east wind if it came soon after the applica- 

 tion was made. 



Adjourned. 



ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT. 



BY HowAiiu A. Chase, Philadelphia. 



Evening Session. 



To the Members of the State Horticultural Association of Pennsyl- 

 vania: • 



During the years that I have been honored as your President, it 

 has been a matter of regret to me that I was not in a position to 

 accomplish more for the horticultural interests of our State. 



When I accepted the Presidency, it was my ambition to inaugurate 

 a movement for the formation of County Horticultural Associations, 

 the same to be auxiliary to our State Association. I, however, 

 found myself unable to give the necessary time to the undertaking, 

 and left it for those following after me. 



It is to be regretted that this, the State Horticultural Associa- 

 tion, is not more closely in touch with the fruit growers and horti- 

 culturists of the Commonwealth, and that our membership has not 

 extended into every county of the State. 



I understand that the Department of Agriculture, through its 

 Economic Zoologist, Professor Surface, has availed itself of every 

 opportunity to call the attention of the fruit growers to the State 

 Association, but the response in the way of increased membership, 

 although encouraging, has not been what we had hoped for. 



Unfortunately, the proceedings of our meetings and the many 

 valuable papers read at the same cannot under the present system 

 be promptly published and distributed among the members. Could 

 this be done, I am of the opinion that much good would result. 



Also, it is to be regretted that there cannot be an annual exhibit 

 of Pennsylvania fruits; this in a manner to encourage our fruit 

 growers and educating our people as to the most desirable varieties 

 and the best methods of raising the same. 



Should the Legislature make an appropriation for this purpose, 

 it would be money well invested. 



Some view witli alarm the growing tendency to ask State aid by 

 the many civic and industrial associations, but I see in this tendency 

 nothing at which to be alarmed. Paternalism, however exercised, 

 has no terrors for me. 



We read that the Lord helps those who help themselves, and 

 under existing conditions, I think the State should, in many ways, 

 render assistance to those who are endeavoring to help themselves. 



I v^ll go further. I contend that under its police powers, it is 

 the duty of the State to protect, as far as may be practicable, the 

 careful and enterprising farmer from his slovenly and careless 

 neighbor. 



