308 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



that proper management is the great factor of success, but must add 

 that the Missouri horticulturist of to-day is not at sea like, by neces- 

 sity, gome of our veteran horticulturists were before or at the birth of 

 this society. Over thirty years have passed; conditions of soil and 

 climate have been tested, together with costly and actual experiments 

 as to the right varieties, quality, utility and market demand. With all 

 this now at our command we have comparatively fair sailing. Horti- 

 culture in Missouri is no longer an experiment, but a grand established 

 paying success. 



While we cannot hope to compete in producing wine with Califor- 

 nia or oranges with Florida, we know we can produce certain varieties 

 of fruit and horticultural produce in quantity and quality unexcelled — 

 chief among this, the apple, the king of all fruits. 



I might go into details to give you many dates, figures and results 

 which have come to my knowledge during the past fourteen years,, 

 while I have made apple packing and shipping a specialty, but the 

 display of apples before us to-day tell the possibility of Missouri far 

 better than pen can describe it. I simply ask where on the face of the 

 earth can we be excelled in this line ? 



There are perhaps three things at this time needful. 



1st. More confidence and interest displayed, and more capital 

 invested in horticulture. 



2d. Intelligent and systematic work, selecting the right thing for 

 soil and other conditions, increase quantity of production and make it 

 a specialty, and the figures and results as given in yesterday's paper of 

 our friend Carpenter will be tenfold increased, and the mistake as re- 

 ported by Mr. Spreer, of poor markets, poor packing and shipping to 

 a grain dealer shall have ceased to exist. 



3d. Some system by which we can reach our markets quicker, 

 and at a cheaper rate of transportation. 



But as the latter is foreign to the subject allotted me, and as I have 

 now perhaps occupied too much time, must close. Hoping, however, 

 that this society will give this matter of transportation due considera- 

 tion, and that the day is not very distant when we shall secure by Leg- 

 slative enactment the much needed and to all concerned just reform. 



