SIXTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART VIII. 845 



possibilities. If we would breed only the best and feed and handle them 

 in the best manner what a source of fertility and wealth it would be to 

 our county. But this is not one of the possibilities with some of us. as 

 many feeders in our county have demonstrated what can be done along 

 this line. 



It is one of our possibilities to be able to raise all the fruit that we 

 require in our own county. It is generally conceded that we can raise 

 small fruit, but do we do it? How many of us have a well kept bed ot 

 strawberries, some rows of currants, blackberries, raspberries, and of the 

 many kinds of small fruit which might be mentioned. 



It is possible to raise all of this class of fruit which we require, on a 

 very small amount of land and with a very little expenditure of labor 

 and money. 



We have passed the experiment stage in the production of summer 

 and fall apples, but we are often confronted with the question "Is it 

 possible to raise winter apples in our climate and soil?" Judging from 

 trees which are bearing winter apples in our own county I think we can 

 safely say this can be done. But it is not possible to do this by following 

 the methods which many of us practice. We must stop allowing tree 

 agents to select our varieties, and to ship them in any way and condition 

 they may choose. I believe that by proper selection and by following 

 the methods of our farefathers, it is possible to raise all the winter apples 

 we can consume, besides raising many for the markets of the world. 

 Plant the varieties that have proven their merit. Go to the nearest 

 nursery which raises the proper kind and have them dug and replanted 

 under your own supervision with the least drain upon their vitality by 

 carlessness and exposure that is possible. After they are planted give 

 them the care you would your growing corn. Watch over them and care 

 for them as though you had faith they would return to you their fruit. 



It might be well to graft the wood of the fruit you desire to raise 

 upon some hardy stem that has stood the test of heat and cold, drouth 

 and flood. Do your part and have faith in the result. I believe it is 

 possible for us all to have this fruit in store. 



We, today, as in the past, are raising groves of soft and worthless 

 woods. We are not living up to our possibilities in the production of 

 hardy timber. These trees, beautiful as they are, are a monument 

 to our folly. It is possible to do better. With proper care and selection 

 it is possible to raise groves of hardy timber. In our county the elm 

 will thrive and spread out its protecting shade; the walnut will root 

 in our soil, grow valuable timber and produce its fruit; the cedar and 

 the pine will grow and thrive and make windbreaks also valuable and 

 beautiful timber. I am almost convinced by observation that it is 

 possible to grow pine and cedar trees in our county that will make posts 

 and lumber and be of commercial value. 



We hear much about the isolation of the farmer and his family. Rural 

 mail delivery and the telephone has done much to improve the situation. 

 There is much that we can yet do to vastly improve the farmers social 



