ANNUAL WINTER MEETING. 47 



of action. To say anything in an address of this kind that is 

 original, instructive and entertaining, that has not been said 

 before, when all are constantly receiving finely written essays 

 and admirably worded disquisitions, through the medium of the 

 agricultural and horticultural press, full of real, intellectual 

 worth, requires much effort, attention and ability. And when 

 we try to consider the great problem of the successful produc- 

 tion of trees, fruits, plants or flowers, in an economic sense, we 

 have taken in hand a subject of great possibilities and of im- 

 mense extension; also one of vast importance to the present 

 and future generations of this great North Star State. 



When we undertake to examine this question in all its rela- 

 tions of theory and practice, it presents themes for contempla- 

 tion that are far reaching and offer grand opportunities for ex- 

 tending all our potential energies. 



It is our province to consider the progress made during the 

 past year, and, if possible, present some new facts gleaned 

 from the practical truths elicited from actual experiences, or 

 knowledge gained by contact with our work and fellow co-work- 

 ers. The circumstances surrounding and governing the past 

 year are mostly the reflection of those that have preceded, and 

 with a few exceptions, caused by insects, disease, frosts and 

 drouths, the harvests have yielded fair returns. It is said, 

 ' 'Those who endure to the end will be rewarded with successful 

 fruitage and they shall eat the fruit of their doings." 



What is more pleasing in the sight of an intelligent, enter- 

 prising, industrious horticulturist than having all his trees, 

 bushes and vines full of ripe fruit, or, as Milton says, "Golden 

 trees laden with finest fruits waiting for the harvest," the re- 

 sult of patient, unremitting toil? The first efforts of many a 

 man are often ineffectual, discouraging and fruitless; but con- 

 stant, unwavering perse verence brings us victory; and to those 

 weak, faithless ones who have doubts and fears about the suc- 

 cess of fruit growing in our state, I wish to say that the present 

 outlook is most hopeful and encouraging, and the prospect 

 bright for better returns than in years before, and those who 

 have kept their energies the most active after each disastrous 

 winter, are the ones that have the brightest, most hopeful pros- 

 pects today. I have faith far beyond any I have had for years 

 before, to believe that there are those who will succeed through 

 their wise, judicious judgment in selection of varieties, loca- 

 tion and management. Discouragements are met with in all 



