228 ANNUAL KEPORT , 



THE PROGRESS MADE, 



as well as the increasing interest shown, in the advancement of 

 the cause of horticulture in general throughout the State, is, we 

 may say, quite marked and most encouraging in fact in every 

 way. There is much seeking after information of modes and 

 methods to be used, varieties to plant, establishing associations 

 and farmers clubs, with other evidences that might be named, 

 which clearly show awakened interest and progress being made, 

 of a substantial kind. Low prices which obtain for staple pro- 

 ducts of the soil, of corn and wheat, of live stock, butter and the 

 like may tend in part to bring about this change. The area 

 planted out in strawberries is rapidly increasing year by year 

 and this department is alone becoming quite a leading industry 

 in this immediate vicinity, at least. The same is true of grapes 

 as evidenced by numerous vineyards springing up, producing 

 large and paying crops, and free from rot or mildew, though 

 grown entirely in the open air; the area planted, it is said, has 

 fully doubled in the past two years. 



No danger yet seems apprehended that work in this direction 

 will soon be overdone. There may be need of some protection 

 for home-grown fruits; our markets should not be established 

 and controlled by those engaged in the commission trade, nor 

 ought we to be left entirely at the mercy of the foreign shipper. 

 Some method ought to be devised whereby producers might re- 

 ceive an adequate return, at least to the extent that they might 

 sell their products on an open market as well as on their real 

 merits. Perhaps to some extent there may be cause for censur- 

 ino- ourselves in this regard; and should there not be some co- 

 operation among the growers of fine fruits? Fruit growing as a 

 business will not yield a fair return without intelligent and due 

 regard to necessary duties, attention, care and skill, in every- 

 thing required. Our soil and climate must be understood; our 

 changing seasons, heat and cold; the mode of growing hardy 

 stock; effects of drought and moisture; the various kinds of 

 plant disease; all these must be considered and the best and 

 wisest means employed, in order to ensure the proper measure 

 of success. The merits of the newer sorts of trees and plants 

 should be discussed and carefully considered before discarding 

 those varieties which have been found to be of value in the past. 



