WINTER MEETING AT LEBANON. 305 



tune But in this material age, where figures and results govern, we 

 must call it by its true name "mismanagement." 



The horticulturist of to-day is no exception to this rule. His mis- 

 takes and disappointments are many, and often so disastrous that we 

 can but admire the wonderful perseverance displayed in battling for 

 success. 



But because some conditions do exist is not conclusive evidence 

 that they should exist. We are endowed with reason and with the 

 experience, success and failure of others at hand, we may accomplish 

 much if we will try. 



In looking at this question from a practical standpoint — and I be- 

 lieve we should deal with it chiefly on that line— on the basis of dollars 

 and cents, because we find that the chief aim of the horticulturist, like 

 every other business, is to make it pay the best possible return for 

 time, money and labor invested. This being true, the horticultural suc- 

 cess in Missouri depends chiefly on four leading conditions : 



1st. To know what our soil and climate are best adapted for, and 

 how their products compare in point of quality and quantity with other 

 parts of the world with which we come in competition. 



2d. To know that we plant the right variety, and that it is a staple 

 commodity and that there is a demand for such produce. 



3rd. To know that our locality is accessible to market. 



4th. To give it our personal attention, and if possible make it a 

 leading specialty. 



After we have carefully considered and settled these satifactorily, 

 then it will be necessary to know that there is always something for us 

 to learn yet, remembering that progress continually brings changes, 

 and we must keep up with the times. When we fully realize all this, 

 then we are on the right road, and then shall we find, "The mistakes of 

 the horticulturist diminished and his disappointments comparatively 

 seldom." 



I remember when a boy, the efforts of my father in horticulture, 

 chiefly grape-growing, which in those days, in many sections of Mis- 

 souri, was all the rage ; Boonville was then known as the vine clad city 

 of Missouri. 



The imagination could then in a short space of time compute such 

 marvelous paying profits, which in our day can only be equalized by a 

 California real estate agent. Apparently it was only necessary to own 

 a few acres of ground, plant it in grape vines, and in a short space of a 

 few years sell enough of the luscious fruit of charming nectar to be- 

 come independently wealthy. 



H R— 20. 



