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But many interesting and valuable results have already followed the labors 
of that Department. Many years may be spent in determining what par- 
ticular plants, fruits, grains, etc., may be suitable for the different parts 
of our wide domain ; but a spirit of enquiry will be evoked, and the result 
will at last depend upon the recorded observation and experience of the peo- 
ple. In no way can we learn so rapidly, in no way can we be so certain of 
results, as to depend upon the labors, thoughts and teachings, of those oc- 
cupying the same relative position as to soil and climate. 
This principle finds an easy illustration in the history of fruit-growing 
inIowa. In early days, our people depended for their supply of fruit-trees, 
upon the Eastern Nurseries. Immense sums of money and great labor were 
expended ; much precious time was lost in the introduction and cultivation 
of trees from Eastern growers. Instead of a return in money, in pleasure, 
and in enjoyment, there were sad disapointments. The trees had often a 
sickly life and untimely death ; no truit rejoiced the heart ; and what was 
infinitely more damaging than all these merely physical considerations, the 
conviction was well-nigh formed, that ‘Fruit could never be grown in Iowa,”’ 
At first, and quite naturally, upon these failures, the nursery-man received 
all the censure. He was frequently denounced as a cheat, a fraud and an 
imposter, and his trees as worthless, and the refuse of what he could not 
sell at home to his more-“‘knowing”’ neighbors, while, in truth, the tree- 
merchant may have been entirely honest, and the tree perfectly sound and 
healthy ; but the tree was not suited to our soil and climate,—and in this 
fact may be discerned all, or nearly all, the disappointment which followed 
the efforts of the pioneer tree-planter. 
Mr. Beebee has rendered us an invaluable service in his treatise, by tell- 
ing us plainly, what kind of trees to plant, how and when to plant them, 
how to cultivate, how and when to prune, and how to protect from cli- 
mate, insects and animals. But is that all? These doubtless are a most 
important series of facts, but they are second to his teachings on ‘‘How to 
prepare the ground for an orchard.’’ Good soil, good trees, good planting, 
good seasons—all these you may have, and still may be the unfortunate 
possessor of frightful, misshapen, unfruitful trees inthe end. Good seed, 
good soil, good seasons, good everything ; but if the ground be not pro- 
perly prepared, there may be a bad crop. It is the almost divine province 
of husbandry to combat and conquer the elements that threaten to overthrow 
our labors in disaster. Toil, labor, care, the ‘‘sweat of the face’’—these 
are the capital to be employed against the “thorns and thistles,’’ the injuri- 
ous influences that oppose our progress. ‘‘How to prepare the ground” — 
how to lay the foundation—how to begin aright—how to take the first step— 
how to ensure a certain, much desired end of profit and pleasure,—chat is 
