FORTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT. 133 



her commonwealtli ; all these combine to place within her grasjj possi- 

 bilities that are just beginning to be comprehended. 



With such qualifications at her door, it is indeed pleasant to contem- 

 plate the develoi)ment that is rapidly taking place. Her proximity on 

 all sides to the best markets of the New World readily solves a great 

 problem in the successful marketing of her fruit jjroducts. 



The ever swelling tide of city consumption calls for more and better 

 })roduction in all fruit-growing lines. Never before was the time so op- 

 portune for the fruit-growing fraternity of our State to branch out and 

 develop a system of production unprecedented in all history. 



Severe lessons, dearly learned in the fruit fields of Michigan, have am- 

 jtly demonstrated the supreme importance of congenial soils, suitable 

 elevations, proper varieties, careful soil maintenance, vigilant care and 

 business methods in marketing. The business fruit grower recognizes 

 today as never before that constant attention to details in every branch 

 of fruit-growing can alone make good in the fruit-growing profession. 

 The time has come when profitable fruit production has gone supremely 

 into the hands of the specialists, leaving the indifferent grower to look 

 to other agricultural lines for a livelihood. 



Few lines of business enterprise offer the painstaking citizens, who 

 wish to gradually grow into a delightful and profitable life, a better op- 

 portunity. 



The fruit-growing opportunity then calls as never before for earnest, 

 honest workers; men who are devoted to the cause they espouse and pro- 

 pose by loyal effort to push it through to a termination that brings a 

 comfortable profit, a satisfaction well worth while, and a life-long em- 

 ployment in a line of industry that makes for health, happiness, inde- 

 pendence, a good home and wholesome surroundings. 



Such is the Michigan fruit grower's opportunity. Royal in its setting, 

 glorious in its achievement and substantial in its results. 



MICHIGAN THE BEST. 



BY J. J. SXOOK, ROCHESTER. 



To live, and where; is question great; 

 In town or country, or what state. 

 Where many kinds of work and wealth 

 Shall help the pocketbook and health. 

 So we this good advice will give, 

 In Michigan's the place to live. 



Why? Cause of great variety, 

 The like of which no where you see; 

 Its soils, its factories, and its ores 

 That bring the markets to our • doors. 

 So many things that profits give; 

 In Michigan's the place to live. 



And such great lakes, on three sides round, 

 With waters clear its sides to bound; 

 Where steamers glide and barges sail, 

 Competing traffic with the rail. 

 Now this true statement we will give. 

 It pays in Michigan to live. 



