GENEKAL REPORT. 
45 
blood, but tliey are even, in some cases, carefully studying 
those physiological principles of breeding, without a knowl¬ 
edge of which the highest degree of success is found to be im¬ 
possible. 
HORTICULTURE. 
In the department of fruit-growing there has been much, 
during the past eight years, both to encourage and to dis¬ 
courage. 
The ineffectual efforts of thousands of farmers to establish 
orchards abounding in favorites too tender for our climate, 
seconded by that most determined and provoking insect 
enemy, the bark-louse, had brought repeated discomfeiture 
And yet, rallying from the shock of the terrible winter of ’56, 
with a most commendable pluck and perseverance, they 
planted again, and during the decade ending with 1867, made 
such marvellous progress as to fix again in their minds the de¬ 
lusive hope that, at last, the most suitable varieties, soils, ex¬ 
posures and methods of cultivation had been determined. 
Orchards multiplied on every hand, and at all our State and 
County Exhibitions the tables devoted to fruit presented as 
inviting specimens as ever delighted the eye or palate of the 
most fastidious amateur in any of the old and best-reputed 
fruit-growing States. 
But the last autumn, winter or spring, or all three combined, 
have sadly disturbed the faith and patience of farmer, gardener 
and nurseyman, by the fearful distruction that has come upon 
great quantities of the more delicate and even some of the 
“ hardy ” varieties of fruit-trees, vines and ornamental plants 
and shrubs. Still our leading culturists are full of courage, 
and will doubtless “rally once again’’with the same com¬ 
mendable, indomitable spirit so often shown in former years. 
It is useless to attempt to conceal the fact that the climatic 
and other conditions of Wisconsin are less favorable to general 
fruit-growing than those of some other States. But after all, 
with perseverance, acquired knowledge and unflagging effort, 
