STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 37 



When the Israelites sent out their spies to explore the promised 

 land they brought back a single cluster of grapes, so large that it 

 was carried on a pole between two men. I have often studied this 

 picture when a boy and wondered at the fertility of the soil which 

 was capable of producing such beautiful specimens of this most lus- 

 cious fruit. The value of our farms must be rated, not by their 

 acreage, but by the amount of their available fertilit}'. And as we 

 grow more proficient in the art of growing fruit, it has become a 

 symbol of our fertile soil and our national prosperit}' ; just as the 

 grapes of Eschol were considered by those weary, foot-sore but 

 courageous and clear-headed men of old, to be the best evidence of 

 the fertility of the promised land. 



Mr. President, I believe there is one point which we, as a people, 

 overlook. It is a point worthy of our careful consideration. As 

 we study out the mysteries of our ait and become more and more 

 proficient in it we must of necessity become better men and better 

 women, capable of higher and nobler achievements. Thus the scale 

 of humanity becomes raised and a long stride is taken in the advance- 

 ment of civilization. 



The American Pomological Society was formed in 1850, and has 

 had much to do with the rapid advancement in the knowledge of the 

 best methods of cultivating fruits. Its history is replete with items 

 of great moment and it has had for active workers in its ranks some 

 of the best men this country has produced. Who does not know 

 and honor such men as Wilder, Hancock, Barry, Thomas, Warder, 

 Elliott, Prince, Manning, Field, Campbell and Strong? In fact, 

 these men and the cause for which they labored, have so far inter- 

 woven themselves into our history as to become a part of our national 

 existence. 



There are many reasons why the study of pomolog}' should be 

 encouraged in our State. Here are found the soil and climate 

 which are adapted to growing, to perfection, nearly every variety of 

 fruit, both large and small. 



Many acres of unoccupied land are only wailing for the hand of 

 the tree planter, to bloom into a second Eden, from which no serpent 

 will lure us, and to which all eyes will turn with pride. Gentlemen, 

 the Society comes before you with some of the best representative 

 pomologi.sis in our State, and will endeavor to present lectures which 

 shall contain valuable instruction ; but remember that none of the 

 speakers profess to be infallible. They come as learners, as well as 



