AVOllK OF THE SOCIETIES OF OTHER STATES. 287 



8th, lloiulong organized'^ The Society was formally orj^anized February 

 Isfc, 18G0, though the formation of a State ]*omolo;;ical Society was discussed 

 as early as 1852, at a meeting of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Society. 



9 ill, IIow (qopreciated? I approach this question with considerable reluc- 

 tance, because it is one concerning which, individual members of our Society 

 may differ'. At best I can but give my individual opinion, with a few reasons 

 for the same. Our work seems to be appreciated where we are known, where 

 our aims and purposes are understood, and where our citizens are directly in- 

 terested in fruit-growing and horticultural pursuits; but our membership has 

 never been sufficiently diffused throughout the length and breadth of our 

 State to obtain that general appreciation Avhicli we deserve. AVe have in Penn- 

 sylvania such diversitied industries, some of which are of such great magni- 

 tude compared with fruit culture, that we can never expect to become a fruit- 

 growing and exporting State like your own. Coal, iron, lumber, and oil, are 

 our great staples, and with mixed agricultural pursuits, absorb the great bulk 

 of the wealth and business energy of our citizens. In many portions fruit- 

 growing will always be considered secondary and uncertain fields for the venture 

 of capital. There are few large commercial orchards here, and comparatively 

 few of our people who depend exclusively upon horticulture for a livelihood. 

 With most of iis it is a secondary calling, and occupies only so much of our 

 time and attention, as is not absolutely necessary in other pursuits. As a State, 

 we seldom grow sufficient fruit for home consumption, though we have soil, 

 location and climate adapted to every variety of fruit and every method of 

 culture, and we need only to properly understand our resources and advanta- 

 ges to grow eventually within our own borders, all and more than we need. 

 Our Society aims to ascertain and advise what fruits are best adapted to the 

 wants of our entire State, and what are best in certain localities; it solicits 

 the attendance and experience of fruit-growers from every section of the state; 

 it meets statedly to acquire, as well as to impart, all the fruit lore it possibly 

 can ; and if in its effort it is not appreciated as it should be, we must attribute 

 it to that feeling of indifference that ever pervades the human mind, when it 

 does not realize that its own interests are directly involved. 



Yet, in reply to your 10th inquiry, as to the present condition of our Society, 

 I would say it is decidedly healthy and encouraging. We are gradually, not 

 only in our own, but in other States, widening the circle of our acquaintance 

 and consequently our usefulness. We are annually striving to enlarge the 

 scope of our labors by discussing a wider range of topics ; we are preaching 

 the gospel of good fruits, and beautiful flowers, attractive homes, and thor- 

 ough intelligent culture, and we feel that we are achieving success because we 

 deserve it. 



Very respectfully yours, 



E. B. ENGLE. 

 Sec' y Pomsylcania Fruit-Grotver^ s Society. 

 To Chas. W. Garfield, 



Sec^y Michigan Pomologiccd Society. 



