THE MINNESOTA SOCIETY AND THE NORTHWEST. 443 



always convinced you that he was much of a horticulturist, he 

 has frequently given you cause to respect his ability as a debater. 



The first missionary service by a member of this society that 

 came under my own observation was twenty-six years ago this 

 winter, when your honored member, Mr. J. S. Harris, gave a 

 series of practical talks on fruit growing to the first body of 

 students ever assembled at the North Dakota Agricultural Col- 

 lege. Those talks must have had their effect, for some of those 

 boys, to my own knowledge, are still growing fruit. Their own 

 sons are following their example, and who can say when the 

 influence of that one single month's work will ever end? 



There is scarcely any one to be found in my own state who 

 attempts to grow fruit who is not more or less familiar with the 

 activities of this society and the things it has accomplished. 

 Through the fruit exhibits at your state fair they have come 

 to know you, and how can you be better judged than by your 

 fruits? 



You have a fruit breeding station, because of the campaign 

 carried on by this society in which the results already obtained 

 are attracting the attention not of the Northwest merely but of 

 the whole country. 



But the best that can be said of you is that you are not 

 resting upon your laurels. Your influence is being felt far be- 

 yond your own borders, not wholly because of what you have 

 done but because of what you are doing and will do. 



We know that your thousand dollar offer for a better apple 

 is not a bluff. You have made the promise in good faith fully 

 expecting that in the years to come somebody will claim the 

 reward. You have high hopes, but they are well grounded; vi- 

 sions bright and lively, but not chimerical; a purpose fixed and 

 determined, but as kindly and gracious as the, flower you grow. 



Your ways are modest and you walk humbly, but your light 

 has gone forth to guide the steps of hundreds that gladly pay 

 their homage and repay you with what they have — their best 

 efforts and their gratitude. 



