380 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE 



when the laws which govern the weather may be settled with 

 nearly as much certainty as those which now govern the cal- 

 culations of the astronomer. 



AVhat wonders has science wrought in modern times ! But 

 these are only the rudiments of that great plan which Provi- 

 dence has established for the happiness of mankind. "These 

 are'but parts of His ways " which we now see, — glimmerings of 

 that boundless exhibition of power, wisdom, and goodness which 

 shall culminate in the perfection of all created things. 



X. ORIGIXATING XEAV VARIETIES. 



I commend to you again, as I have done in my former 

 addresses, and shall continue to do while I live, the important 

 and benevolent work of originating new varieties of fruit, both 

 as a means of improvement, and as a substitute for those which 

 have experienced the decline incident to all things of human 

 origin. Our country, and in fact the whole world, has been so 

 thoroughly explored, that we can scarcely expect to discover 

 any very important addition to accidental varieties. Our main 

 source of improvement, therefore, is to be found in the produc- 

 tion of new kinds from seed, and I again urge upon you the 

 great importance of continuing your efforts in this most inter- 

 esting and hopeful department of labor. The acquisitions 

 already made give promise of still richer rewards to him who 

 will work with Nature in compelling her to yield to his solicit- 

 ations for still greater improvement. Much has already been 

 done, but this branch of science is still in its infancy, and 

 opens to the pomologist a broad field for enterprise. It may 

 require time, and patience, and care to produce a superior 

 variety, but we have the most cheering assurance of the time 

 when every section of our country shall possess fruits adapted 

 to its own locality. There is no better illustration of what can 

 be accomplished, than what has been done, in the production of 

 the various and excellent American fruits, which have been 

 raised since the establishment of our Society. If each member 

 •should originate one good variety, adapted to a wide extent of 



