secretary's annual report. 21 



larg-ely g^iven to the people through the medium of the state press. 

 As a factor in the work accomplished, the connection of our society 

 with the state fair must not be forgotten. The display of fruit, an- 

 nually increasing in quantity and variety, for which we should re- 

 ceive largelj' the credit, is an object lesson of far-reaching effect in 

 stimulating and encouraging effort. The Farmers' Institute as co- 

 laborer cannot be overlooked in the recital of the forces at work in 

 the dissemination of the gospel of horticulture as set forth by our 

 society, and many of our most useful members have from its plat- 

 form " cried aloud and stayed not." 



After all is recited, what have we accomplished? Have we done 

 what we could, and is there more that with our increased facilities 

 and correspondingly enlarged responsibilities we can and ought to 

 do? With the opportunities now offered throusfh the medium of 

 this association, it would seem to us who are a part of the motive 

 iorce in operation that no resident of the state is excusable for not 

 being in possession of right information on horticultural subjects. 

 But when as individuals we cotne in touch with the people as a 

 whole and realize the actual conditions as they exist and that lack 

 of correct knowledge is the rule, we appreciate that in this, as in 

 other affairs, progress towards iinprovement or reform is slow and 

 ever fails to keep pace with the impatience of its promoters. But 

 that this societj^ has already accomplished a great and useful work 

 there remains no doubt, and that we have only crossed the thresh- 

 old should be no cause of discouragement and self-reproach. 



We have another work besides that of disseminating knowledge 

 and one which necessarily precedes it and is primarily of greater 

 importance, and that is the discovery of knowledge. Have we ac- 

 complished well in this field? Yes, and laid broad and deep the 

 groundwork of a successful pomology and general horticulture in 

 the comparatively uncongenial soil of the Northwest. 



But are there not other means than those we are using by which 

 the results of our work can be increased in value? Whoever has a 

 new thought on this subject should bring it at once to the store- 

 house and let it be tested, and if found good it should be put in 

 practice. A greater dissemination of the fruit list, with brief direc- 

 tions as to selection of locality, planting, care, etc., so classified as 

 to be a very certain guide to the planter, would be a very practical 

 way in which to reach the largest number, and it can be done with- 

 out difficulty through the medium of the state press, which has al- 

 ways shown a willingness to aid our work. Such a list, to be of the 

 most value, should be prepared with special reference also to the 

 <iififerent sections of the state, considered as to soil and clitnate. The 

 secretary would be glad to assist in this to the extent of his ability. 



The society might well do something more than it has yet done in 

 the direction of protecting planters from the swindling propensi- 

 ties of irresponsible nursery agents and in the aggregate save the 

 public annually a large amount. A practical suggestion has come 

 from Mr. J. P. Andrews, that members in any part of the state where 

 agents of this character are working inform the secretary of the 

 particulars, and on proper verification of the facts the secretary 

 shall furnish to the people the necessary information and caution 



