432 ANNUA I. REPORT 



As this is my farewell talk to the Olmsted County Horticultural So- 

 ciety, perhaps we might be pardoned for taking a retrospective view, 

 and inquire whether we have succeeded in doing anything commen- 

 surate with the time and money spent. In the first place, we claim 

 to have done something to stimulate and encourage fruit-growing in 

 the county. We have exhibited much fine fruit on the five hundred 

 plates owned by us for many years past at the Southern Minnesota 

 Fair; exhibits that have compared very favorably with the State Fair 

 exhibits. We have annually distributed some fifty or more State 

 horticultural reports where we believe they will do the most good, and 

 that they will do much good no sane man for an instant doubts. 

 Trees and flowers, as well as horticultural matters in general, have 

 occupied the time and best thought of our greatest poets and scholars 

 from time immemorial. See Bryant's poems: "The Death of the 

 Flowers," "Planting the Apple Tree," " Blossom Time," by Mary 

 E. Dodge, etc. 



In conclusion, please accept my hearty thanks for the unmerited 

 honors bestowed upon me from the organization of our society up to 

 the present time. 



INSECTS INJURIOUS TO HORTICULTURE. 

 By J. S, Harris, La Crescent. 



Mr. President and Members of the Olmsted County Horticultural Society: 



No one at the present day can expect to make a success of fruit 

 growing without having some considerable knowledge of the numerous 

 insects that prey upon the trees, plants and fruit. His best efforts 

 are liable to bring only failure unless he has knowledge enough to 

 recognize his irrepressible enemy and sagacity enough to devise some 

 method for circumventing or destroying him. 



For many years I have endeavored to awaken our people to the im- 

 portance, yes, necessity of having a State entomologist appointed and 

 paid to make investigations and impart information upon this all im- 

 portant subject, as it is needed by our farmers, but thus far I have not 

 been able to awaken an interest suflBcient to create a sentiment that 

 would exert any influence upon our legislature, so they would deign 

 to give the matter any attention. In the squabble for spoils, matters- 

 that pertain to the welfare of the producing classes are forgotten, and 

 we are left to work out our difficult problems unaided and alone. 



