PROCEEDINGS OF THE :fARMERS' CLUB. 319 



the world at large than all the Agricultural Department at 

 Washington has ever done, or ever will do, for the country, if 

 conducted in its present inefficient manner. 



"Almost all other countries have, through their governments, 

 given aid to such an enterprise as I have indicated ; and have 

 they not been richly rewarded, and do they not at the present 

 time cultivate many choice fruits and flowers that have been col- 

 lected or produced by persons in the employ of foreign govern- 

 ments ? How many of such can we show at the present time that 

 can be truly said were introduced or produced through the aid 

 and patronage of our government ? 



"We ask for the name of any tree, shrub, fruit, plant, vine, 

 or flower which has been, is, or promises to be of the least prac- 

 tical value, or is worthy of cultivation, that has been introduced 

 to the American people through the Agricultural Bureau of the 

 Patent Oftice Department. 



"But let us hope for better things in the future; and, while 

 we petition government for aid, let us not wait for it, but engage 

 earnestly in the cause of progression and improvement. For 

 this subject is one that cannot be overrated, and I confidently 

 believe that, if a proportionate share of labor is given to the 

 culture of native fruits as well as foreign, there will be an 

 accumulation of choice varieties, the product of Avhich will be 

 highly remunerative. 



" I hope that every one who takes the least pride in the pro- 

 ductions of his country, and possesses the means of experiment, 

 will not neglect the indigenous fruits of America." 



Mr. Lawton thought it useless to look to government aid. 

 Whenever a nurseryman or a florist discovers an improved fruit 

 or flower, they get their reward from immediate sales. He 

 alluded to Hpvey's seedling strawberry, and had no doubt that 

 gentleman had m^de a large sum from this valuable strawberry. 



Mr. Pardee. — I agree with all Mr. Fuller says, and hope at a 

 future meeting we shall discuss the apricot, nectarine and plum. 



Dr. Holt on. — If a plan could be adopted by our government 

 whereby a dozen practical horticulturists could be employed in 

 different parts of our country, with a sum appropriated to test 

 every new tree, fruit or flower before being introduced into the 

 community, a vast sum would be annually saved by our people. 

 Let a part of our Central Park be appropriated for this purpose. 



