108 ANNUAL KEPORT 



if this be true, can we expect great results from importation of 

 these new Eussian varieties'? Should we not rather seek for 

 hardy varieties among our own native seedlings? I do not dis- 

 credit or discourage the introduction of tlie Russian varieties, 

 but am glad they are received with so much fav^or by orchardists- 

 and experimentalists, and think it is possible that of the many 

 we may find a few hardy enough to be worthy of cultivation,, 

 long keeping varieties of good quality. 



In the words of another writer, ''It is the misfortune of hor- 

 ticulture that there can be no fixed rules of procedure for all 

 places, all varieties, all seasons." Experience, judgment and 

 skill in observation, are needed by all who attempt to become- 

 proficient in our calling. Oftentimes the changing of a i)articu- 

 lar variety only a few miles is disastrous to its best growth and 

 fruit fulness. Hence the necessity of experimental stations under 

 the guidance of specialists to test and prove their adaptability. 

 Some may say we have made progress slowly. Perhaps our 

 failures and discouragements have made u§ overcautious; still 

 this exj)erience of the j)ast may i^rove of benefit in the future. 

 Where is he who has undertaken to raise fruit north of forty- 

 four degrees that has not met with adversities? This does not 

 dishearten a true son of horticulture; only sharpens his percep- 

 tions, increases his enthusiasm, and gives him greater apjDrecia- 

 tion of his successes. Do you think there is one among them 

 that regrets enlisting in this good cause? They each have tried 

 to prove that good fruit can be raised in all parts of our state, 

 which has entailed upon us a large amouut of experimental work 

 as a necessity, and although not conducted in the most scientific 

 manner, it has given us food for thought (if not for our stomachs) 

 and helped to develop in us a more intelligent perception of the 

 magnitude of the work. 



Some croaker or critic has said that apple trees do not live long 

 enough to be profitable. George J. Kellogg, of Wisconsin, says: 

 "The most profitable pear out of fifty planted was one that never 

 leaved out." This question of the longevity of the aj)ple tree is 

 of little moment, for if fruitful in a very few years it will pay 

 good returns. What did Pliny say of this branch of horticulture 

 over 1800 years ago? "' The apple becomes old sooner than any 

 other tree, and the fruit becomes less and is subject to attacks 

 from insects while on the tree." Even though a large propor- 

 tion die early we shall continue planting to the end of time. We- 

 should leave no stone unturned that may assist in developing; 



