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_ Minnesora STATE HORTICULTURAL SOcrery. 25 
causes which, id my opinion, have heretofore tended to prevent more favorable 
results. Prominent among these causes may be mentioned the fact that fruit 
growers have failed in ascertaining the varieties of the apple best suited to our 
soil and climatic conditions. It is confidently believed—yes, I may say it has 
- already been demonstrated, that there are varieties of apples which, with the 
proper treatment and care, will do well in our State, both as respects growth and 
 fruitage. Your efforts in the future will more fully demonstrate the best kind of 
trees to propagate, and your good sense and sagacity will not permit you to 
hesitate long in adopting the varieties which promise the largest success. 
The proper seasor. of the year as well as the best method of transplanting are, 
of course, essential conditions and cannot have escaped your patient and intelli- 
gent observation. 
The different varieties of soil, the location of the orchard, the kind of mulching— 
or whether any is necessary—pruning, the destruction of borers, caterpillars and 
other pests, are all questions and conditions which in my: judgment, are inti- 
mately connected with this pursuit, and to which you, of course, have given your 
earnest and untiring attention. 
The citizens of our highly favored State have an interest and feel an honorable 
pride in its prosperity, its increasing wealth, and in the development of its grand 
and illimitable resources, and whatever legitimate and honest industry is caleu- 
lated to subserve these desirable ends should receive the encouragement and 
fostering care of onr people. 
The soil of our vast prairies and stretches of wood land, in fertility and in ease 
of culture, confessedly unsurpassed by that of any other State or district in the 
world, only awaits the skillful touch of an intelligent and well-directed industry, 
under the blessing o! heaven, to yield a generous and bountiful harvest. From 
economical considerations, if from no other, we, as a State, should produce, so 
far as practicable, whatever of the comforts and luxuries of life may be desirable. 
No money should be sent abroad for any of these which can, wlth reasonable 
care and effort, be produced at home. IfIam correct in this view, we should 
foster and encourage the interests and aims of horticulture. 
The propagation of wholesome, nutritious fruits, the cultivation of trees, shrub- 
bery, plants and flowers must, in the very nature of the occupation and its asso- 
ciations, be pleasing, delightful and elevating. Who is there that, dwelling and 
toiling among these beautiful and attractive surroundings, does not feel stirred 
by delightful and pleasurable emotions, at once pure and refining? Indeed, itis 
claimed, and without doubt justly so, that the intelligent and judicious tilling of 
the soil brings the mind into nearer communion with the Infinite Creator than 
any other merely earthly occupation. Brought into more immediate contact and 
relationship with the operations of nature’s benificent productive forces, and 
with a live, abiding faith in the grand results, laden with the comforts, luxuries 
and attractions of home and society, the meditative, reflecting mind looks up 
“through nature to nature’s God.”’ 
I would impress upon all tke importance of making the home pleasant and 
attractive. Farmers, whether wealthy or possessed of limited means, as well as 
the residents of cities, towns and villages, may add largely to their happiness, 
enjoyment and weil-doing by giving more and earnest heed to these suggestions. 
Would parents have their children love home; would they have them cheerful. 
contented and happy under the parental roof, they should try to invest that 
home with charms and attractions suited to the young and admiring mind. 
Children and youth, with minds pure, innocent and susceptible. are passionately 
