546 ANNUAL "RECORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



Our large miuingr, mannfactuiing and railroad companies long 

 ago began to realize the importance of having technically trained 

 men for their work, and at last the farmer is getting his eyes opened 

 to the importance of the subject. 



The 500 farmers who met at State College during Farmers' Week 

 about the 1st of January, and listened to the lectures, asking ques- 

 tions and taking notes, and discussing the last topic among them- 

 selves between times, show very clearly that they appreciate the im- 

 portance of this technical knowledge. 



I am glad to be able to say that at last State College is prepared 

 to train men for this work. Dr. Hunt has gathered about him a corps 

 of able assistants and proposes to give Pennsylvania an agricultural 

 school unsurpassed by any in the United States. 



We of course are most interested in the horticultural side of this 

 school. He has shown his interest in us by placing at the head 

 of that department Prof. R. L. Watts, one of our own members, 

 a selection that gives universal satisfaction. The amount of good 

 this department can do us is only limited by the means furnished 

 by the State for its support. Equipment is badly needed as the de- 

 partment is new. Prof. Watts must have green houses and labora- 

 tories before he can do effective work. I would suggest that our 

 Legislative Committee take up this matter and bring all possible in- 

 fluence to bear upon the Legislature this winter to secure the needed 

 equipment. 



It is gratifying to see the interest which the railroad companies 

 are taking in our welfare. As you all know the Cumberland Valley 

 road recently placed a special train at the disposal of our Economic 

 Zoologist for several weeks, which enabled him to visit all the leading 

 fruit districts in the great Cumberland Valley, and demonstrate the 

 use of the various sprays and sprayers in a much more thorough 

 manner than has ever been done before. I am sure the farmers ap- 

 preciate the courtesy of the railroad company, and the oflQcers of 

 the company believe that the results will justify the expenditure. 



Owing to the changed conditions under which we work, I think 

 the time has come to change somewhat the character of our future 

 conventions. In my opinion we should have three days sessions in- 

 stead of two, and should have a hall as near the convention hall as 

 possible for our fruit display, and for the display of all kinds of 

 orchard supplies and equipment. 



Some of our sister states have been doing this for several years, 

 and find that it adds much to the interest and usefulness of the 

 meetings. I mention this now so that the members can talk it over 

 informally, and give their views to the members of the Executive 

 Committee. 



We should devote one session to market garden subjects. Not- 

 withstanding the fact that we have exceptional advantages of soil 

 and climate for market gardening, our neighboring states of New 

 Jersey, Delaware and Maryland furnish nearly three-fourths of the 

 produce sold in our local markets. As many of these crops can be 

 grown to advantage in young orchards before the trees come to a 

 bearing age, it is highly proper that they should be considered in 

 connection with the cultivation of our orchards, and that we should 

 urge our market gardeners to ])oin our Association, and work with 

 us for the upbuilding of Pennsylvania Horticulture. 



