110 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



and principles the practical results and benefits of which 

 will be realized only as worked out in the experience of the 

 farmer. Hence we meet to-day to discuss affairs that aid in 

 the solution of important problems. These experiences are 

 varied in their character, while observation and comparison 

 of views aid to intelligence and increase of such available 

 knowledge as is required in the attainment of the ends 

 sought. 



Hence the utility of the annual gatherings of those engaged 

 in a common cause, and the growing interest in them is a 

 sufficient vindication of their importance. Environment is 

 a factor too often lost sight of in considering the character 

 and tastes of the individual whose development has been the 

 outgrowth of early surroundings. My father, a native of 

 your own State, was one of the early settlers of a section of 

 western New York that has ever been celebrated for its 

 grain productions ; indeed, as an excellent wheat-growing 

 region it has never been surpassed, while a mixed hus- 

 bandry, including stock growing of all kinds, contributed to 

 the prosperity that in those early days caused it to rank as 

 one of the wealthiest agricultural sections of the State. He 

 was a good farmer, who believed in and practised crop rota- 

 tion in the growing of such varied crops as were adapted to 

 the soil and wants of the times. He was among the first 

 to attempt apple growing. A small orchard was planted to 

 native fruit that later on was grafted to the iEsopus Spit- 

 zenburg ; and well do I remember, when a boy, of picking 

 six and eight barrels of beautiful fruit to the tree, which was 

 the admiration of the whole country, that were sold to others 

 who had not appreciated the capabilities of the region for 

 such products. Other apple orchards were started in that 

 and other counties, until the industry has become one of 

 great importance and profit. 



About 1845, a neighbor, whose opportunities had enabled 

 him to lead others in horticultural pursuits, conceived the 

 idea of planting a pear orchard, the seed of which was 

 secured from a few road-side trees in the vicinity. Later on 

 they were grafted to Bartletts, the scions of which were pro- 

 cured near New York. This was the first Bartlett orchard 

 in the county, the product of which was shipped to market 



