252 ANNUAL UEPOKT 



If it was the veritable "pyrus malus" that tempted our honored 

 maternal ancestor to her downfall, and her descendants to their 

 present inheritance of sin and misery, who can say but that by 

 universal cultivation, we may again be returned to a state of pris- 

 tine purity by the well known law of "similia similibus curantur." 

 And if we do not recognize that like cures like, we will as a unit 

 admit that a well conducted orchard is emblematic of home happi- 

 ness and prosperity. 



ORCHARDING FOR MINNESOTA. 



By Joun S. Harris, op La Crescekt. 



Gentlemen and Members of the State Horticultural Society: 



You have done a wise thing in advertising for a prize essay upon 

 the above subject, and I trust that it will bring out many facts that 

 will prove of vital importance to our people. I do not enter the 

 list of competitors because I have any expectation of carrying off 

 the prize, but because I love the subject. I think I know some- 

 thing about it, and am willing to contribute my mite to the horti- 

 cultural literature of the State. Nature has her laws and some of 

 them are applicable to every industry and avocation pursued by man, 

 and it is our privilege to investigate these laws, and profit by such 

 as have a bearing upon our several callings. Not every man can 

 make a success in the same business, and so one of the most im- 

 portant factors in the planting and management of an orchard is 

 the man at its head. He should be a man of ordinary intelligence; 

 should understand the nature of soils, and the habits of trees, be 

 careful, diligent and observing, and carry into the business an 

 energy that will enable him to combat difficulties and overcome 

 obstacles as they arise, and if he has not a knowledge ac- 

 quired by experience, be capable of acquiring such knowledge by 

 study and observation. He should be possessed of faith and hope in 

 a large degree, and when he has advanced so far towards success 

 that his trees are bringing their first fruits, and insects, birds 

 and wicked boys step in and attempt to despoil them, charity will 

 help him to endure all things. 



