FIELD AND GARDEN SEEDS. 335 



The cabbage has proved susceptible of great change and is 

 now ciiltiv^ated in great variety, adapted to the conditions 

 and use for man and beast. It will require very nice cultiva- 

 tion and selection to maintain its present excellence. 



Among the fruits great changes in variety and quality are 

 constantly going on, promoted by the ardent cultivators 

 skilled in hybridization and development, and within our 

 State some of the best apples, pears, peaches and grapes 

 have been produced from seed that are now cultivated. 



The smaller fruits have for a long time received the 

 especial attention of horticulturists, and their variety is 

 almost without number that are especially good and desir- 

 able. Hundreds of seedlings have been introduced in all 

 parts of the country through the means of applied science, 

 by almost as many different men ; fruits that are suited to the 

 diversified conditions of a vast extent of territory, densely 

 populated. 



Mankind is blest and fjivored by the skilful works of 

 these men, I will say benefactors, of their race; originating 

 and producing an abundance of delicious fruit within easy 

 access, and moderate price, to the millions of consumers all 

 over the country. 



It is a fine art, as agriculturally and horticulturally prac- 

 tised, to produce and select seeds containing the germs of 

 fruits and vegetables of delicious flavor, l)eautiul color and 

 shapely form. 



It is a fine art to transmit the pollen from flower to flower, 

 to store in its seed the requisite force to produce flowers of 

 the most exquisite and delicate tints and color, charmingly 

 blended, differing from all ever heretofore produced, and to 

 be commended and praised by generations of men. 



It is a fine art to grow and select seeds for many consecu- 

 tive years from the most select of vegetables, fruits, and 

 flowers, seeds containing the inherent forces to reproduce 

 the most perfect of its kind. Such talents have been given to 

 man, to choose the most beautiful and best of nature's boun- 

 ties ; and ♦< The end crowns the work," said the practical 

 Romans. 



We will conclude this paper, — 



