No. 7. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 615 



In the early history of the State, the farmer would make his lit- 

 tle clearing, erect his cabin, and sow the seed for his future or- 

 chard. As these trees would come into bearing, he would find that 

 some would yield satisfactory fruit, while in other cases, the fruit 

 would be worthless, except for cider. 



Then came the itinerant tree grafter who would top graft the 

 worthless trees to improved varieties. During this time there was 

 little or no commercial orcharding for the reason that the cost of 

 transportation was prohibitive. 



Also, during that time, insect pests and diseases with which we 

 are now confronted, were practically unknown. 



Now with modern transportation facilities, large orchards have 

 been established, and under existing conditions every man who es- 

 tablishes such a commercial orchard is to a greater or less degree 

 threatened with serious injury by the negligence of his neighbors 

 who will allow the pernicious scale and other insect pests and dis- 

 eases to remain unchecked upon his trees and hedge-rows. 



Where such conditions exist, I contend that by right the author- 

 ities should intervene to afford protection from such menace. 



I cannot elaborate uj^on this point by citing the numerous 

 statutes under which the authorities of the State are now fully 

 authorized to protect life and property, and to stamp out the dis- 

 eases that are a menace to live stock and to health. 



Some may contend that inasmuch as the orchardist is growing 

 fruit for profit, he should protect himself, but let us realize that 

 the more favorable the conditions, the more easily can fruit be 

 grown, and that the natural increase in the supply will make fruit 

 more plentiful and cheaper for the average consumer, and that 

 while the fruit growers may number thousands, the consumers 

 number tens of thousands. 



It is a lamentable fact that to-day Pennsylvania with its diversi- 

 fied soils and climates is largely dependent upon its sister states 

 for its supply of fruits. I will not tire you with the figures of the 

 supply of other states in comparison with Pennsylvania, but when 

 the day arrives, as it will eventually arrive, when Pennsylvania 

 grows all of the apples, pears, peaches and small fruits that its 

 people can consume, with a liberal margin for exporting, there will 

 be a marked increase in the wealth of the State in its revenues, 

 and last but not least, there will be an improvement in the health 

 and contentment of its people. 



Although our Association during the 46 years of its existence has 

 accomplished much for the horticultural interests of the State, it 

 is not reasonable to expect a civic organization of this character 

 without State aid to accomplish all that could be desired. 



In view of this, I am heartily in favor of the creation of a Divi- 

 sion of Horticulture in connection with the Department of Agricul- 

 ture, the same to be under the administration of a practical horti- 

 culturist, who shall be paid a salary suflicient to justify his devoting 

 his entire time and attention to the horticultural interests of the 

 State. 



I am in favor of appropriating to such a horticultural division 

 a sufficient amount to inaugurate and maintain a systematic and 

 effective educational work. 



