Florida state horticultural society. 
13 
To the practical horticulturist whose heart is in, and whose 
revenue depends on, his business, partisan politics is a mat¬ 
ter of small moment. The only use the horticulturist—the 
true patriot—has for any political party is as an instrument 
to enact into law such principles as he deems for the good of 
the country. 
If we believe that the prosperity of our state and business 
will be advanced by a reasonable and just control of the 
common carriers of the state, then we should say so in the 
only way we can speak with authority, or forever after hold 
our peace. To get together in conventions, or in pairs, or in 
groups, and talk and write about getting “concessions’’ from 
the railroads, and all that stuff is cbild-like, and p aces us in 
the false position of mendicants, when really we are the mas¬ 
ters, and ought to be taking the proper steps to secure our 
just rights. 
WANTS NO FENCES. 
Another thing, I have built and am now maintaining 
1,950 rods of fence. For mv own use? Not at all. It is not 
only an expense and of no use to me, but an actual damage. 
It is in my way. Why did I build it and w*hy maintain it? 
Because the laws of the state permit my neighbors’ stock to 
come on my land, take my corn and oranges and oats and 
carry them away. If it is just for him to permit his stock 
to come and take my crop, why should the law prohibit him 
from sending his children or his servants, or coming himself 
and take all that is not defended bv force? 
Speaking for one horticulturist, I can say that I have paid 
more for fences than all the state, county and school taxes I 
have paid in Florida. What my neighbor horticulturists and 
I have paid for fences would buy all the stock, sheep and ra- 
zorbacks in the neighborhood, powder and ball enough to 
kill them, snd have money enough left to run a free school 
a good term each year. 
STUDY NATIONAL AFFAIRS. 
Then again, not only our duty as citizens, but our interests 
as horticulturists, require that we give thought and atten¬ 
tion to the affairs of the nation. It is useless for us to plant 
and water and manure unless we are to have the benefit of 
the harvest. 
The crop of the horticulturist is one of semi-luxury. It is 
one that in time of want the hard pre'Sed people can and will 
get along without in some sort of a way. Now, then, ours 
more than most lines of business, depends for its existence 
and prosperity on profitable employment of the whole people. 
That this prosperity depends largely on national enactments, 
