Y ice * presidents' ^\ eports. 



1901. 



VICE-PRESIDENT'S REPORT, FIRST CONGRESSIONAL 



DISTRICT. 



JONATHAN FREEMAN, AUSTIN. 



The method of this report, whether good or bad, is my own ; but 

 I have been assisted by two leading horticulturists in the district in 

 the listing of names of those who would probably answer communi- 

 cations, and in the suggestion of questions. 



The report will largely consist of information outside of my 

 immediate knowledge, as kindly rendered by others. A list of nine 

 questions was printed in circular form, and, with more or less of my 

 own handwriting, was mailed to sixty different persons within the 

 district. Thirty-three acknowledged its receipt, and inclosed from 

 part to a full answer and a review of the year's experience within 

 the field of observation. I highly appreciate the spirit and the 

 efforts made upon the part of those who answered. Because of 

 infirmities and little practice in writing on the part of some, I well 

 know it required great determination to fulfill my request ; but their 

 efforts are highly appreciated, as they were enabled to record some 

 of the most vital facts for the interest and benefit of our work. 



Question I. Are the older orchardists continuing their past 

 interest in the work, as illustrated by proper care of the old trees and 

 plants, and in planting more space to the best of the old varieties and 

 the well tried of the new ? 



"Many of the first orchardists of the district have been gathered 

 to their 'long rest' to receive the reward of the faithful, but all con- 

 tinued loyal to our horticultural interests, in caring for the old 

 orchards and planting new ones." Some, still living, possess their 

 former interest in fruit-growing, properly caring for the old trees 

 and plants, and extending their bounds by planting more of the 



