SUMMER MKETING AT OREGON. 121 



OUR FUTURE. 



What then of the future of our society and its work.'' Why we sim- 

 ply expect to see matters go as usual, only in a more earnest and en- 

 thusiastic way ; we expect to see our society grow in influence and in 

 power as the importance of our cause demands ; we expect to sec our 

 local societies increase in number and in interest until we can have most 

 of our fruit growers anxious and willing to let the world know what are 

 our wonderful advantages and prospects. 



To every fruit grower of the state let me say to you, that as you 

 take an interest in this matter, as you organize into societies, as you 

 make the social and practical a feature of your society meetings, just so 

 much more will you take an interest in your work ; just so much more 

 will your work seem easier. If we would, as fruit growers and farmers, 

 make this a part of our life and work ; make it a part of our study and 

 our school, so that we might not drop into the old ruts^ as we are so apt 

 to do, we would find a different light put upon all our work. We would 

 be willing to work the very best we can, the very hardest we are able, 

 early and late, because we look forward to a day of recreation and rest 

 — of study and pleasure. If we spend a part of our time in our school 

 of study, we will be better able and more willing to do the hard work 

 we have to do. I am a strong advocate of better, more systematic, more 

 intelligent work in our fruit growing — intensified work — an increase of 

 knowledge in any and every department of fruit growing. Of what use 

 are all these advantages unless we use them.^ Let us take hold of this 

 orcharding in such a business-like way that we cannot fail of success : 

 Plant with reference to the money there is in it, plant commercial or- 

 chards, plant in abundance, hundreds and thousands of acres in any one 

 place so that it will be an object for any one to come and buy, plant, not 

 as we have been doing, but for quick and profitable returns, with good 

 and profitable varieties in large and abundant quantities, and my word 

 for it, you will find it one of the most pleasing and most profitable busi- 

 ness you ever undertook. We will find our society growing and improv- 

 ing, and working in such an important and influential way, that we will 

 have but to speak to be heard. 



And now, dear friends, let me urge you and advise you that as you 

 take an interest in the work of the local and state societies ; as you 

 study all these matters you will find your work easier and more profit- 

 able ; you will find your interest grow^ing and life more of a pleasure — 

 just that much more as your interest is in the work. Let us all then. 



