HOETICULTUJBAL SOCIETY. 223- 



RETROSPECTIVE. 



Permit, Mr. President, a moment's retrospection, for in look- 

 ing back upon the history of horticulture in Minnesota, we shall 

 observe a fruitful field for study and reflection, and may find 

 cause, forsooth, for some encouragement for the future, on hor- 

 ticultural lines. 



We may at times review the history of the past with profit to 

 ourselves, by turning lessons learned to practical account. But 

 in making this digression you will please to pardon any seeming 

 personal suggestions. 



In 1867, we remember very well, on coming to Minnesota, at 

 that period of our history as a state, there was abundant evi- 

 dence of progress being made in horticulture. 



It is not necessary here to mention all the numerous facts that 

 might be shown in proof of the foregoing statement. We need 

 not here refer you to the many $ne exhibits made at different 

 times, of fruits of various kinds, reported in our own transac- 

 tions, or elsewhere so creditable indeed to all those sturdy pio- 

 neers, who grew and placed the same on exhibition. 



OUR NATIVE FRUITS. 



Our first impressions are usually most lasting and often seem 

 intuitive. For instance, we remember very well how pleasing, 

 if not really surprising, in fact, was the effect from casual in- 

 spections made concerning all the natural and material resources 

 of the state; especially with reference to our native fruits, indi- 

 genous to the soil, found scattered here and there throughout 

 our fertile valleys, rolling prairies and sunny hillsides. It is 

 hardly necessary to add it was to us an interesting sight indeed 

 to witness in the early spring time the beautiful and sweet- 

 scented blossoms of the wild or native crab, which, although 

 worthless as a fruit, appeared in such profusion in our groves 

 and thickets here and there, so that its fragrance was ever pleas- 

 ing to the passer-by; to see, also, the trees of wild cherry, the 

 numerous groves of wild, or native plum, all covered with their 

 snowy mantle, concealing every sign of bud or leaf; to see in 

 patches now and then, the delicate, snow-white blossoms of the 

 wild strawberry, and, passing later still, to find the ground be- 

 sprinkled with its crimson-hued and tempting fruit, already ripe 

 and pleasing to the taste. 



