SUMMER MEETING AT OREGON. 143 



ening to their interestiiiL;- discussions, my mind has again gotten into the 

 channels and during my stay among you, I shall forget the perplexity of 

 municipal and business affairs. 



The present o\itlook for fruit growing is good. When I say this, I 

 have reference to what we may hope and expectof the future in Missouri, 



I am fully aware that some may say that the outlook is any thing 

 but promising, and in support of this they may refer to the past, when 

 high prices were obtained, and the orchard perhaps less affected with 

 insects and disease, yet in face of all this I claim that the present out- 

 look of Fruit Growing in Missouri is more encouraging and promising 

 than ever before. 



1st. We are in a position to command attention and trade. 



2nd. Our shipping facilities are better and daily increasing. 



3rd. We have by nature, advantages unsurpassed by any state 

 in the Union. 



4th. We have the experience of the past. To-day we know, "or 

 the well informed Fruit Grower knows." what our great state by nature 

 and soil is best adapted for, and knowing this, we should stride to at- 

 tain as near as possible, perfection in our respective speqialties. My 

 theory in all avocations of life is to find out what our specialty is and 

 whatever that be, let us try to become masters of it; but let us first be 

 sure we are right and then go ahead. 



While listening to the able welcome address of the honorable mayor 

 of this beautiful little city, I specially realize the force of his remarks 

 when he calls your attention to the geographical location of Missouri, 

 and the natural advantages as a fruit state. I do not claim for Missouri 

 that we can successfully compete (for all variety of fruit,)with California 

 nor is this necessary; but, I do claim if we select our special varieties of 

 fruit, (which do well here and find ready market,) I say, considering all 

 things, that the present outlook of fruit growing in Missouri is better 

 than ever before, and ahead of any state in the Union ( so far as dollars 

 and cents are concerned,) California not excepted. * 



To satisfy yourself of this, it is only necessary to take facts and fig- 

 ures. To calculate the necessary investments, risks and results. 



Apple growing in Missouri is no experiment. It has been by your 

 efforts fully demonstrated that our state ranks far above the average o\ 

 apple growing states, in this Union, and so far as producing apples for 

 profit, it excels all. It is needless for me to enlarge on this. Such pa- 

 pers as read by Mr. Shultz, of Holt county, on the cultivation of apples, 

 etc., explains it all. and when our good friend, Mr, Laughlin, remarked 

 at the close of said paper, that it was a condensed Fruit Growers' Catc- 



