STATE POMOLOGICAI, S0CIE:TY. 5 1 



was an nnheard-of thing-. Now the long trains go ratthng along 

 the great railways bearing hundreds of tons of delicious fruit 

 to the great city markets, not now as a mere matter of luxury, 

 but a necessary table supply. The excellent effect of fresh, 

 wholesome summer fruit is admitted by all, and is therefore an 

 important factor in the health problem. Those who, by words 

 of encouragement, speak of farming as a noble occupation and 

 encourage the young men with whom they come in contact to 

 engage in this branch of industry and especially the cultivation 

 of fruits, do a noble deed. 



As we look around this spacious hall, beholding these beauti- 

 ful flowers and delicious fruit, let us not forget that behind all 

 is the lesson never to be forgotten, that here is our daily suste- 

 nance, and while it comes to us in response to labor, no one can 

 tell the method of its coming. Wonderful are the mysteries 

 hidden in these flowers and fruit, to be unfolded only by diligent 

 search and patient investigation. 



This is the work of our country life, the purpose of these 

 meetings, the mission of the Pomological Society. Compass as 

 we may the marvelous in all other departments, here we are 

 awed by the great majesty of the thought embodied in the fruit 

 and flowers. Into this field of investigation we are invited, to 

 this line of duty we are to devote ourselves, for here are com- 

 pensations, rich, enduring, satisfactory. No life in city or town 

 offers like attractions ; no opportunity for such rich returns out 

 of patient investigation. Whatever tends to quicken love for 

 these, to excite admiration for natural things, to stimulate desire 

 to know a little more of why and how in these studies, will 

 surely develop love and desire for country life. I like to see in 

 every young man a laudable ambition to have a home and family 

 of his own, with comforts and luxuries of his own production,, 

 and not the least of these is the choice and abundant supply of 

 small fruits to grace his table all the year round, and here comes 

 in the preserving and canning process which to me forms the 

 most attractive and satisfactory part of housework. Since the 

 glass jars, with air-tight covers, have been introduced, the old- 

 fashioned preserves are seldom seen. Generally speaking, "pre- 

 serving" means the cooking of fruits in an equal weight of 

 sugar, long enough for the fruit to keep without being air-tight,. 



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