STATE HORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. IT 



This speaks volumes for the energy and perseverance of Minnesota Horticulturists. 

 However, it remains a fact that of this great number of varieties but a few are hardy 

 enough to be reliable at all times and in all places, or are otherwise desirable 

 for general cultivation. But in the past, fruit raising has been mostly an experiment, 

 and a very costly one to some of those who entered into it extensively. But the 

 experiment has demonstrated that the Duchess of Oldenberg is hardy and productive, 

 and will succeed everywhere; that the Tetofsky is about equally hardy, and is 

 adapted for gardens and small places. It has given us the Wealthy, which was orig- 

 inated in our own State by the venerable Peter M. Gideon, and has already acquired 

 a National fame because of its hardyness, productiveness, beauty and good quality. 

 That variety is now taking its place in the front ranks of pomology and will prove a 

 monument to the originator more lasting than marble. As long as civilization lasts 

 history will tell the story of the old Hero who has accomplished a greater good to 

 the people of the Northwest than many renowned generals who lead ajmies on to 

 victory. I might mention many other varieties that are doing reasonably well in 

 certain localities and are proving worthy of cultivation, but you are all familiar with 

 them and as we have set out to make a pomology of our own we hope very soon to 

 have something better that will be safe to plant everywhere. I did intend to speak 

 of our grapes but will only remark that the present season they have produced larger 

 crops and better fruit than in the states south of us, and, lest I weary your patience, 

 will pass on from the pas' and present to the future. What will the future of hor- 

 ticulture be ? Minnesota has a soil of great fertility and a climate salubrious for man 

 and beast. Her people, for enterprise and industry, stand peers with the first states 

 and nations on the earth. They have refined tastes and are fast developing the 

 means that will enable them to gratify their every desire. They realize the impor- 

 tant part that horticulture is taking in promoting virtue, comfort, prosperity and 

 civilization. They appreciate the work that the State Horticultural Society has 

 already undertaken to accomplish, and sympathize with us in all our disappointments 

 and trials, and more and more will they extend to us the facilities for the prosecution 

 of our work. We have science at our command, and more can now be accomplished* 

 in the improvement of fruits in a single decade than in ttie days of our fathers in a 

 lifetime. Natural hybridization and cross impregnation of plants is as old as crea- 

 tion, and during all the past ages has aided man in the work of amelioration, and the 

 laws of reproduction and vegetable physiology were so nearly understood that we 

 have but to become familiar with their operations to very nearly know the end 

 from the beginning. Knowing these things of which I have spoken, I feel safe in 

 saying that for the future of horticulture a good time is coming. Our lieloved Min- 

 nesota will yet occupy a position equal with any of the northern states as a producer 

 of hardy fruits. Our fertile prairies will be dotted over with groves, forests, fruit- 

 ful orchards and happy homes. Vineyards will adorn our hillsides, and instead of 

 ■expending our hard earnings for a meagre supply of fruit and enriching others, we 

 shall enrich ourselves by sending our surplus to less favored climes. And the com- 

 ing horticulturist will be the true country gentleman, fitted to adorn any station in 

 life. He will be a man of the most liberal education, and, understanding the laws 

 of nature, will know how to apply science to his calling. He will be able to divide 

 his time lietween his orchard and garden, conservatory and library of the best pub- 

 lications of the age. He will have his museum and cabinet and have a personal ac- 



