1899. J KssAYS. 99 



broad libenil education. He needs to know in a specitic way 

 the chemical elements of the soil, of his fertilizers, and fruits ; 

 he, therefore, should understand chemistry. He should be 

 famih'ar with the structure of plants, the science of plant life, 

 botany. It is re(|uired of him to know the habits of those 

 insects that j)rey on his trees, and how to destroy them. As 

 well should he know those insects that are aiding him in his 

 labors, therefore must have a knowledge of entomology. In 

 fact there is no employment on earth which calls for more 

 broadly cultivated minds than the profession of horticulture. 

 And we fully believe that our agriculture will never take the 

 high rank that it is entitled to, until men everywhere recognize 

 it as the "most learned of all the professions. And as that 

 vocation upon the success of which depends the whole fabric of 

 human society." 



Fruit growers are the benefactors of the race. Who can 

 estimate the importance and value as a factor in our national 

 wealth, of a new variety of fruit which shall be adapted to all 

 soils and locations of our rapidly extending cultivation? He 

 who shall originate such a fruit should be held in remembrance 

 ;is a benefactor of mankind. What greater temporal comforts 

 can we leave to our children and friends than the fruits of the 

 orchard and garden? What more valuable testimonials of a 

 })hilanthropic life than the trees we plant for fruit for the future 

 generations to enjoy ? The man who plants a fruit tree is a 

 benefactor of his day and generation ! 



CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD FRUIT. 



As all fruits are raised to eat, we must give the tirst place of 

 honor to \iQ eating qualities . Next in importance, is durability, 

 or its keeping properties. The third requisite is size, w^hich 

 should be of good uniform shape, neither monstrous nor small. 

 As beauty in form, as well as in color, will always be of great 

 value in market fruit, brilliant colors will always charm the eye, 

 although they may not gratify the taste. So in our endeavors 

 to perfect new varieties of delicious fruits we must regard as 

 the chief requisites : tirst, cjuality ; second, value for general 



