Horticulture in Oregon. 225 



gratifying results. If the small fruits are given proper care and sent to the 

 market in good condition, they bring in sufficient money to meet the family 

 expenses. Even after the orchard begins to bear there is noth'ng to prevent 

 the orchardist from having two crops — berries in the spring and early summer. 

 and tree fruit in the fall ; thus dividing the labor and at the same time doubling 

 the profit. In some parts of Oregon orchardists plant beans between the rows 

 of young trees. This crop yields a net profit of from $20 to $30 per acre. 



Horticulture on a large scale offers exceptionally fine opportunities. An 

 orchard conducted on this plan is termed a commercial orchard, of which we 

 have a number in Southern and Eastern Oregon, principally growing apples, 

 and but few growing exclusively pears. One commercial apple orchard shipped 

 eighty car loads of Yellow Newtown and Jonathan apples to Europe alone. 

 Prune orchards vary from five to twenty acres, and are to be found in alt 

 parts of the State. 



A noted agriculturist said that "most farmers who have been raised on. 

 a farm know how to do good farming. They know how to save and apply 

 manure ; how to mellow the stubborn soil with plow, harrow, and cultivator : 

 know the value of good seed, the proper time to sow, and the quantity required. 

 They understand the necessary drainage ; the rotation of crops, and green 

 manuring. Most farmers know how to do good farming, but they do not 

 farm so well as they know how. Why don't they farm as well as they know 

 how? They lack the proper pride. They have too little ambition." What has- 

 been said here of farming in general applies with equal force to horticulture. 

 Ambition is the vital force which prompts great deeds and moves the world. 

 How to excite this enthusiasm and put this power into action is a question tO' 

 be considered and solved by the progressive orchardist. In tliese days of 

 push and advancement one of the principal essentials to success is the ability 

 to do the right thing at the right time. This ability is absolutely necessary 

 for the success of every one. It manifests 'tself in the individual by keen per- 

 ception, sound judgment, practical knowledge of business, enthusiasm, and a 

 determination to profit by every opportunity that presents itself. Lord Beacons- 

 field said, "The great secret of success in life is to be ready when the oppor- 

 tunity comes." 



I have said that fruit-growing is not only healthful, but more profitable 

 than any other agricultural pursuit, and while it is conceded that all the various 

 fruits can be grown to perfection in Oregon, the liighest success can only be ob- 

 tained by the intelligent, painstaking orchardist. The man who thinks that all 

 that is necessary, even in this favored State, is to scratch the ground, throw 

 in his trees in a haphazard way, with an occasional plowing or harrowing, and 

 let it go at that, will soon find himself very much undeceived. Brains are as 

 essential on the farm and in the orchard as in the office or counting room. 

 When Meissonier, the great French artist, was asked how he succeeded in paint- 

 ing such beautiful pictures, replied : "I mix my colors with brains." The way 

 lies through intelligent investigation of markets and methods, the application of 

 brains to the agricultural and horticultural problems. We must study to please 

 the tastes and notions of the world's consumers, and must avail ourselves of the 

 researches of the biologist, the bacteriologist, the entomologist, and the investi- 

 gations of the expert in crops and market conditions. Uninformed and unen- 

 lightened labor is at a great disadvantage these days of sharp trading and 

 scientific adaptation of means to ends. 



ESTIMATED COST OF AN ORCHARD. 



For some years past a great demand has been made by parties who contem- 

 plate planting orchards for information as to the cost of planting an orchard 

 and getting it into bearing condition, and the income to be expected during 

 that period. I had taken steps to obtain as much reliable information as pos- 

 sible on the subject. Many of our oldest, conservative and most reliable fruit- 



HOR. 15 



