308 ANNUAL REPORT 



the "one idea" — to those in some of the, so-called, learned pro- 

 fessions who are only educated in one particular line of thought. 

 Ihave been pained to note a disposition among some of our lead- 

 ing horticulturists, at the conventions I have attended, to crowd 

 out every topic not strictly relative to the cultivation of fruit 

 and flowers. I have noticed the shrug and frown of impatience 

 andjthe inclination to check discussion when papers were pre- 

 sented on subjects that related to the home and its outlook for a 

 better regime in the future. I have been sorry to see this ten- 

 dency, because I feel that all these things are essential to the 

 broader development, and the horticulturist should guard 

 against everything that will tend to make him warped and one- 

 sided in his nature; he must uproot all these tendencies to nar- 

 rowness and not tolerate them any more than he would the dis- 

 torted and unsymmetrical tree. 



The evolution in ethical culture which the horticulturist is 

 sure to experience, very largely, affords an imposing outlook 

 for his future. Virtue and happiness are inseparable in the 

 goal which he approaches in a steady line of advancement. Na- 

 ture herself leads him on and he instinctively feels the assurance, 

 within himself, of victory. Ceaselessly bent upon the advance- 

 ment of his profession, restlessly at work improving the condi- 

 tions of his existence, he simulta neously strengthens his moral 

 life, while at the same time the influence of his own right life 

 will serve as an inspiration to others. A beautiful faith is the 

 faith in the upward tendency of humanity; it renders easy the 

 numerous battles, the countless sacrifices and the dangers that 

 betide the way. 



Although we meet, at these conventions, give cordial greet- 

 ings, read papers, discuss different methods, and part again with 

 regretful good-byes, we are, unconsciously, perhaps, marking 

 epochs in the work, making history, and making horticultural 

 literature that may serve as stepping stones for those upon 

 whom our mantles may fall. It is to be hoped that we may leave 

 some lighthouse, built upon our rock of experience, that may 

 warn others of reefs of jianger whereon we have been well nigh 

 stranded. And although the obstacles that we may meet may 

 often seem too great to be overcome and our progress so slow 

 that we can scarcely note any advancement, let us not forget 



that 



"The sweetest parables of truth, 



In our daily pathway lie, 

 And we read, without interpreter. 

 The writing on the sky. 



