212 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



some occupations, reaching out like a huge octopus to gather from the 

 people and blight all it touches with its non-productive or poisonous 

 influence, this horticultural "horn of plenty" pours out healthful food 

 and great pleasure to millions of people, increases the commerce of 

 the country, disburses large sums of money and gives employment to 

 thousands of people, making them self-sustaining and helping them to- 

 become the best of citizens. 



The influence of horticulture upon the principle of co-operation 

 has already accomplished much, but much more remains to be done in 

 that line for the benefit of all who are in any way interested therein. 

 Too much cannot be said of the benefits of co-operation among fruit- 

 growers, especially when it comes to shipping and marketing their pro- 

 ducts. By this means lower freight rates and greater conveniences for 

 shipping can be secured, and the liabilities of glutting any particular 

 market very materially lessened. 



We have all read and admired that old poem entitled " Woodman, 

 Spare That Tree," and possibly, when walking or riding along under 

 the cooling shade of trees planted by the roadside, have felt a feeling 

 of thankfulness and gratitude welling up in our hearts and minds 

 toward the man who planted them, even though ho knew that others 

 would enjoy their kindly protection more than himself, or after he had 

 passed on tu other spheres. 



We have also learned of the influence forests have upon the 

 seasons, how their destruction has caused floods to increase in force 

 and frequency at certain seasons, and intensified the drouths of others,, 

 causing large tracts, once productive, to become barren wastes. 



These facts lead to the well-founded belief that horticulture 

 extends an influence over the seasons, and that the planting of orchards 

 and forest trees upon nearly every section of land, as we see them in 

 this southwestern country, not only helps to break the storms as they 

 sweep down upon us from the northwest, but also has an influence for 

 the good of our country in producing more even and regular rainfall, 

 thus lessening the prevalence of drouths. 



It is a fact within my own observation, and often mentioned by 

 others, that as the groves and orchards planted in this section of the 

 country during the last thirty years have grown up, the rainfalls have 

 become more even and regular and drouths less prevalent and marked 

 in their severity. 



In conclusion I say to you. then, press on in your good work. 

 Plant and grow trees, if not for yourgelves, for the good of those who 

 come after you, and they though they, know you not, will bless you. 



