382 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE 



We have learned many of the laws which govern hybridiza- 

 tion, and the more we become acquainted with this most inter- 

 esting art, the more we work with Nature in these eftorts for 

 her improvement, the more we shall admire this most perfect 

 and beautiful illustration of the great fundamental law, which 

 has been established from the beginning of time, for the im- 

 ]3rovement of men, animals, and plants. Well did Linnasus 

 exclaim, when overwhelmed with the discovery of an unknown 

 principle in this most interesting study, " I have seen God pass- 

 ing by ;" and well may the contemplation of this law inspire us 

 with the same reyerence and delight, and, 



" — like conductors, raise 

 Our spirits upward on their flight sublime 

 Up to the dread Invisible, to pour 

 Our grateful homage out in silent praise." 



Let us go on, then, developing the wonderful resources of this 

 art. Go on, persevere, and you will leave a rich inheritance to 

 your heirs. Go on, and the time will come when every man 

 shall sit under his vine and fruit-tree, when all our hillsides 

 shall rejoice in the burden of the vintage, our valleys teem with 

 the golden fruits of the orchard, and the passing breeze become 

 vocal with songs of gratitude and praise for these benefactions 

 to posterity. 



The increasing interest in the cultiration of fruit at the 

 South induces me to ofier a few suggestions in regard to the 

 best means of obtaining varieties suited to that region. Of 

 apples and peaches a large number of superior v^arieties have 

 already been produced at the South perfectly adapted to that 

 climate; but the supply of fine varieties of the pear is yet 

 inadequate, especially of late-keeping varieties, as the latest 

 kinds grown at the North cannot, when grown in the Gulf 

 States, be j^reserved beyond autumn. To supply this deficienj, 

 we would recommend the trial of such varieties as refuse to 

 ripen at the North, — Chaumontelle, the Colmar and its sub- 

 varieties, Beurre Eance, Bergamot, Fortune, — which appear to 

 need a longer season than ours to arrive at maturity. These, 



