132 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



man's work in life has to do with potatoes or apples, let him 

 knozv potatoes or apples. Let him analyze their structure, fol- 

 low the germinating seed or sprouting tubers or bursting buds ; 

 study the influence of sun and rain and heat and air. Let him 

 know the soil in which his plants grow, whence it came, of what 

 it is composed, how it may be varied. Let him understand the 

 forces set at work when the plow is first employed ; the chemical 

 and physiological and biological changes that occur. Let him 

 by the aid of the microscope see the organisms that are helpful 

 to him in his work, and those which he is to subdue. Let him 

 become familiar with the friends and foes among the hordes of 

 insect and bird and animal visitors to his orchard and garden. 

 Let him know of the relation which his chosen plants bear to 

 their fellows. Let him work among and study his plants, learn- 

 ing their individuality and their possibilities. Let him till the 

 ground for the sake of tillage and not simply as a never ending 

 struggle against the curse of weeds. Let him do all this and 

 he <:eases to be simply the "man with the hoe," and becomes one 

 of Nature's yeomen. He learns to love his work and will use 

 the force of his trained and sharpened faculties in the improve- 

 ment of methods until he shall revolutionize potato growing or 

 apple raising. 



From what has been said it must not be supposed, however, 

 that the only horticultural instruction that may be given is of 

 college grade, and that a full college course is essential for every 

 young man if he is to succeed in the practical work of fruit 

 growing or gardening. Within the past few years there has 

 been a wonderful development of agricultural instruction in all 

 parts of the country. The movement for the establishment of 

 secondary schools, and of special courses suited to the require- 

 ments of rural conditions in many high schools, is rapidly going 

 forward, and it is to be hoped that Maine will push well to the 

 front in the forward movement. The college courses should, 

 however, be kept entirely distinct from the secondary work, and 

 should imply much more thorough training. College graduates 

 and college instructors may be able to give invaluable assistance 

 in developing the secondary work, but that work is of a different, 

 though none the less important, type. 



