M. S. C.

COLLECTION

ADDRESS

DELIVERED AT THE

THIRTEENTH SESSIOI^

AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY,

HELD IN RICHMOND, VA.,

T

Sept. 6, 7 and 8, 1871.

By MARSHALL P. WILDER

President of the Society.

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY.

,/^.y iyUi.'h^-'^

ADDEESS

DELIVERED AT TI£E

THIETEENTH SESSION^

AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY,

HELD IN EICHMOXD, VA.,

Sept. 6, 7 axd 8, 1871.

By MAKSHALL P. WILDER,

President of the Society.

^nljlisbtb bg lIjB §odetg.

BOSTON:

WEIGHT & POTTER, PRIXTERS, No. 79 MILK STREET
(Corner of Federal).

1871.

ADDRESS.

Gentlemen and Friends of the American Pomological Society :

Twenty-three years have nearly elapsed since the organization
of this Society, in the city of New York. Held as our meetings
have been, in different and widely distant parts of our country,
I deem it proper very briefly to allude to its history, objects and
progress. Especially is this desirable as a means of information
to such southern portions of our Union as may not have been
conversant with the proceedings of the Society. Its object is
to advance that most interesting and delightful pursuit, the
cultivation of fruits ; to promote and perpetuate a cordial spirit
of intercourse between pomologists ; to compare fruits, and opin-
ions concerning them ; to settle doubtful points in pomology, and
to establish a standard for every section of this great Western
Continent. How well this has been done, the Society need
no better testimonial than is furnished by its pubHshed Transac-
tions, the wide-spread influence it has exerted, not only in our
own, but other portions of the world, and especially by this
grand assemblage of American fruits and American men. Many
of the noble men who aided in the establishment of this
Society, have ceased from their labors, — Downing, Prince,
Saul, Hodge, Bergen, Underbill, of New York; Brinckle,
of Pennsylvania ; Walker, French, Crapo and Lovett of Massa-
chusetts ; Monson, of Connecticut ; Ernst, of Ohio ; Hancock
and Reid, of New Jersey; Kennicott, of Illinois; Eaton, of
Rhode Island ; White, of Georgia ; Pierce, of the District of
Columbia. These, and other associates of fair fame, have gone
to their reward, but we rejoice that some still live who, from
the earlier years of our history, have distinguished themselves
as the untiring friends of our institution ; who, by their efficienl

services and wise counsels, have contributed to its prosperity,
some of whom are here to-day to rejoice with us in the progress
of our science and the perpetuity of our institution.

Nor would we forget the eminent services and devotion of
others of later days, to whom we are under equal obligations for
the extension and influence of our Society, whose efforts have
brought together the cultivators of fruits from the most distant
portions of our country, thus making our institution what it was
designed by its founders to be, — a truly national association,
where the knowledge of one becomes the property of all ; an
association that should constitute a compendium of experience,
and where, without regard to religious creed or sectional
prejudice, a community of interest, enterprise and action might
be established for the promotion of a great source of national
wealth and human happiness.

In order to promote the convenience of all, to distribute its
favors and increase its influence, the Society has wisely held its
sessions in different and distant States of the Union. New
York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts and Missouri have
extended hospitalities to the Society, and some of these States
have been repeatedly favored with the presence of its members,
and the privilege of listening to their discussions. And now I
congratulate you most sincerely upon the auspicious circum-
stances which enable us to meet in this city, among our Southern
brethren, who have honored us with so cordial a welcome, and
so large a representation of her men and her resources, here, in
the capital of Virginia, — a State so renowned as the mother of
presidents, and the home of some of the most distinguished
patrons of American agriculture, among whom may be named
Washington, Jefferson, and others, who will ever be remem-
bered as benefactors of their race.

I have so often addressed you on topics connected with the
practical labors of our calling, that it can scarcely be anticipated
that I should have anything new to offer for your consideration,
especially in the presence of so many whose research and ex-
perience is fully equal to my own. I know, too, hosv precious
our time is, and I should not attempt it were it not a duty
enjoined by the constitution of our Society. This duty will be
performed in as brief a manner as its importance will permit.

I would therefore suggest that it is desirable for us to gather
up for future use the lessons which have been acquired by the
experience of the past. We have been so busy in accumulating
knowledge in the various branches of our culture, that we
have had no time to look back and to systematize the inferences
and deductions to be drawn from our operations. But we
believe the time has now come when we should pause, and sur-
vey the field, and make a review of the lessons which science
has taught ; for science is but a statement of these lessons, —
experience systematized and trained for progress. It is the
grains of sand that roll up the mountain, the drops of water tbat
make the ocean, and it is lesson upon lesson, fact upon fact,
which must build up the science we wish to create. Nothing
in the present age astonishes us more than the wonderful power
of association, — the centralization of thought and action for
the promotion of particular objects, thus collecting the experi-
ence of individuals, and diiFusing this knowledge for the benefit
of the world. How clearly is this seen in the operations of
our own Society, how great the changes, and how rapid the
progress since its formation ! Then its list of members was
107; now its roll contains the names of 311 persons. Then
its sphere of operations was limited by the boundaries of a few
States ; now its field extends from ocean to ocean, from the Prov-
inces to the Gulf, and wherever the foot of civilization rests in
our broad domain. Nor is it too much to say, that in this
space of time more progress has been made in the science of
pomology than in the whole period since the settlement of our
country. Never before was the interest so engrossing, or so
widely extended. By publications, correspondence, and the re-
markable facilities for interchange and intercourse, the enter-
prise of cultivators is kept constantly on the alert ; and instead
of useless discussions of other subjects, the pomologist finds all
his time occupied in efforts for improvement.

How surprising the changes which have taken place dui'ing
the existence of this Society! States and sections of the Union
which were scarcely known by name, now contribute noble
fruits to grace our exhibitions, and noble men to join us in
efforts for the promotion of the public good ; and by the

wonderful achievements of science and the golden chain of
commerce, a reciprocal exchange is made of our fruits, distances
are almost annihilated, and where fruits were only to be seen
in our markets at their peculiar season, they are now found
throughout the entire circle of the year. And by the arts of
presei'vation, the seasons of our fruits are further prolonged,
until those of winter even linger in the lap of summer. Thus
our choicest varieties are successively matiired ; thus distant
markets are brought near together, so that the apple, the pear
and the grape from the South and West meet in the Northern
clime of New England in midsummer ; and California, Kansas,
Nebraska and Illinois compete at the same time with Virginia,
the Carolinas and Georgia, in our Northern markets.

Lessons of Experience.

1. THE INFLUENCE OF WARM, DRY SEASONS.

Among the lessons which we have learned we may mention
as settled and acknowledged principles, the following : —

The observations of the last few years, under the influence
of warm, dry seasons, would appear to have established the
principle that such weather (without excessive drouglit),
especially in the earlier part of the summer, is more favorable
to the perfection and ripening of fruits, particularly grapes, than
cold wet seasons. The fact is prominently shown in California,
as we have witnessed by personal observation ; and is especially
to be seen in the cultivation of the grape there, and also in
Europe, and in our Northern States, where, under the influence
of such seasons, neither the vine nor its fruit is aflected by dis-
ease of any kind. These conditions we have noticed are also
peculiarly advantageous for the formation of fruit-buds, and the
storing up of the necessary perfected food for a future crop,
and for the ripening of the wood, so necessary that it may
endure the winter with safety.

2. DRAINING OF FRUIT LANDS.

• In conformity with the foregoing remarks, we see the im-
portance of thorough draining of our fruit lands, which pro-
duces in soils not naturally possessing them, the conditions
of warmth and dryness which we have named, thus rendering

the condition of the earth, in respect to warmth and dryness,
analogous to that of the air, of the importance of which we
have before spoken. Besides these advantages is the thor-
ough aeration of the soil, whereby it is enabled to absorb fer-
tilizing matter from the atmosphere, rain, and snow, and the
moisture evaporated from the springs below. Thus, paradoxi-
cal as it may seem, the same means which guard against exces-
sive wet, also serve to supply moisture in excessive droughts.
How aptly does the poet describe this condition :

" In grounds by art made dry, the watery bane
Whicli mars the wholesome fruit is tui'ned to use,
And drains, while drawing noxious vapors off,
Serve also to difluse a full supply."

3. PREPARATION AND CULXrVATION OF THE SOIL.

It seems scarcely necessary in this presence to say that
thorough preparation and enrichment of such soils as are not
already rich is essential. Ordinary farm culture will not
produce the highest class of fruits ; they must have garden cul-
ture, and with this they never fail. After this thorough prep-
aration, the cleaner the culture the better, at least in our older
States, where the soils have been depleted by cropping. But
one of the lessons which experience has taught us most im-
pressively is that, contrary to our former views, this after-culti-
vation should be shallow so as not to injure the roots, but to
preserve them near the surface.

4. SIANURES AND THEIR APPLICATION.

The subject of manures is a most important one, and every
year becoming more so. The supply of manure in the older
part of our country is unequal to the demand, and every year
increases the disparity. What would be our feelings if the
supply of wheat, on which we depend for onr daily bread, were
inadequate to the demand ? Yet men are not more dependent for
life upon their daily bread than are our fruit crops upon the food
which is supplied to them in the form of manure of one kind or
another. To supply this want we shall be compelled to rely in
great measure upon artificial fertilizers, and chemistry has not
yet taught us, as it will doubtless in the future, how to supply

8

the wants of our fruit crops with certainty and abundance. But
we cannot too often or too forcibly impress upon the minds of
all cultivators the sacred duty of saving every particle of fertil-
izing material, and applying it in such manner as will produce
the utmost effect. And on this last point the lesson which ex-
perience has taught us is, that manure applied to fruit-trees
should be either in the form of a top-dressing or as near the
surface as is consistent with the composition of the soil, and the
preservation of its fertilizing elements.

6. MULCHING.

While on this subject we will add as another of the lessons
of experience, which may be said to be fixed, the advantage of
mulching for dry seasons and soils, whereby the temperature
and moisture of the soils are kept uniform, and the fertilizing
elements in a soluble state, an essential condition for the
production of perfect fruit.

6. THINNING OF FRUIT.

This is another lesson which we have learned, and the neces-
sity of which we have often endeavored to impress upon culti-
vators, and which every successive season teaches with stronger
emphasis. It is absolutely necessary for all who send fruit to
market to send large fruit, and the markets are constantly and
progressively requiring large, and fine fruit. Even the Seckel
pear which once commanded in Boston market the highest
price, will not now, unless of extra size, sell for any more
than, if as much as, common varieties of larger size. A
medium-sized fruit, or even one of smaller size, may be more
economical for use, but until some decided change in the
preferences of the majority of purchasers shall take place, large
fruit will sell better than small. To pi-oduce this, the fruit
must not only have good cultivation but must be thinned, and
we agree with Mr. Meehan that " one-half the trees which bear
fruit every year would be benefited by having one-half the fruit
taken off as soon as it is well set, and that the overbearing of
a tree will in a few years destroy it." We may lay it down as a
certain rule, that excessive production is always at the expense
of both quantity and quality, if not in the same season then in

succeeding ones, for when branch is contending with branch,
leaf with leaf, and fruit with fruit, for its supply of light and.
food, it would be indeed an anomaly in nature if this should not
result in permanent injury to the trees as well as to the annual
crop.

7. INSECTS AND DISEASES.

The subject of insects and diseases is daily attracting more
attention, for their depredations are daily becoming a greater
evil, and the importance of entomological investigations is
every day more plainly seen. It is less than fifty years since
Dr. Harris first published his work on " Insects Injurious to
Vegetation," and great is the debt of gratitude which we owe
to him and to the succeeding investigators who have given their
lives to studying the habits of these little " creeping things
which be upon the earth," that they may teach us how to
destroy those which prey upon our trees, and to distinguish
our friends from our foes. Every plant imported from abroad
brings with it a new insect or disease, and the dissemination of
new plants and varieties, without which there can be no prog-
ress in horticulture, inevitably disseminates their insect enemies.
On this subject the words of Edmund Burke are appropriate :
" The most vigilant superintendence, the most prompt activity,
which has no such day as to-morrow in its calendar, are neces-
sary to the farmer ; " and we may add still more to the fruit-
grower, and tenfold more necessary in combating our insect
enemies. The neglect of battling with these vile creatures is
the great bane to successful cultivation ; but as long as moral
evil exists in the world, so long may we expect there will be
evil in the natural world, and he who is not willing to contend
against both is not worthy of the name either of cultivator or
of Christian.

We belons to that class who have faith in the ultimate tri-
umph of good over evil in the moral world, and our faith is not
less strong that the insect plagues shall, if not exterminated, at
least be subdued, so that the labor of keeping them so far in
check that no material harm shall be caused by them will be
comparatively easy. We have discovered means for preventing
the ravages of the currant-worm, curculio, canker-worm, cater-
pillar, melon-bug and aphis, and the mildew and other disease*
2*

10

of our vines. If we can do this, is it not reasonable to suppose
that we can discover remedies for, or the means of preventing,
all the diseases and depredations that vegetation is liable to ?
Is it consistent with that Divine economy, so benevolent in all
its ways and works, to believe that this fair creation has been
spread out only to be destroyed ; that seed-time should be
promised and the harvest withheld ; and from year to year our
hopes defen-ed and our hearts made sick? Is it in harmony
with that Divine Providence which created all things and pro-
nounced them very good ?

If any one say it is of no use to contend with these hordes
of vile creatures, or the disappointments upon which all culture
is incident, let him remember that it is the mission of life to
struggle against and overcome them. Instead of fretting and
groaning over these evils, let us battle with them and conquer
them. Thus shall we gather the rich fruits of our industry, and,

" Where some would find thorns but to torture the flesh,
We'll pluck the ripe clusters our souls to refresh."

But some one replies, let nature do all this, let nature per-
form her perfect work ; true, but nature brings us weeds, this-
tles and thorns, insects injurious to vegetation as well as those
that are useftil ; and we were placed in this world, not merely
to assist nature, but to meet with and overcome the obstacles
which she sometimes places in our path, — to elevate her to the
highest and noblest purposes of her creation.

Many of the difficulties and privations we endure, if met and
conquered, will prove blessings in disguise. It is labor of mind
as well as body, it is work, work, work, that makes men strong.
Work is the great engine that moulds and moves the intellect,
enterprise and destiny of the world — work is the greatest
temporal boon bestowed on man — work is the heaven-appointed
means of advancement to a higher state of perfection ; and in
no profession is this more apparent than in the calling of the
pomologist. This idea is well expressed in the following lines,
illustrative of the blessings of labor:

" The first man and the first of men,
Were tillers of the soil ;
And that was mercy's mandate then
Which destined man to toil."

11

If man can seize the lightning in his hand and make it work
for him in earth, air or water; if he can descend into the secret
laboratory of Nature, and learn the constituents of soils and
manures, and their adaptation to each other ; if he can learn how
she prepares the appropriate food for all vegetable life, from the
humblest plant clinging close to the bosom of earth, only bloom-
ing to die, to the lofty Sequoia rearing its head to heaven and
braving the tempests for thousands of years ; if the physician
can discover the agents which generate disease in the animal
kingdom, and prescribe antidotes and remedies for each, may
not the cultivator acquire a knowledge of the diseases which
affect his trees and plants, and how to cure them ?

Is there any element in nature which man cannot make sub-
servient to his use ? Is there any disease for which nature has
not provided a remedy ? Is there any enemy to vegetation that
cannot be overcome ? True, there are many things of which
we know but little, and which require long and careful study,
but there are others which are well established, and which one
fact may demonstrate as well as a thousand.

8. SHELTER.

The necessity of shelter was not as soon perceived as
some of the other lessons which I have named ; yet, with
perhaps the exception of a few favored spots, its imjjortance
is year by year becoming more generally appreciated, especially
on our open prairies and in the northern and north-western
portions of our country. The fact is established, that the
removal of forests diminishes the quantity of rain, increases
the evaporation of moisture, reduces the temperature, and sub-
jects our fruits to greater vicissitudes, so that the peach and
many of our finest pears can be no longer cultivated at .the
North except in gardens or sheltered places. The importance
of shelter was well understood as long ago as the time of
Quintinye, who, in his work on gardening, gives full directions
for planting trees for shelter. This was in a country long
settled and denuded of its, forests ; and though our ancestors,
planting fruit-trees in a virgin soil, thickly covered with wood,
failed to perceive its necessity, we, in our older states, who
have come to much the same conditions as existed in the time
of Quintinye, experience the same want.

12

There may be exceptions to this rule, as in the South, where
the fruit season is warm and dry, producing similar conditions
to those afforded by shelter under glass. We may find varie-
ties, and probably shall, adapted to exposed situations ; but at
present the larger majority of our finer fruits will be benefited
by the shelter of belts of forest trees. We are glad, therefore,,
to see the recognition of the advantages of forest trees on the
part of the managers of our Pacific railways, not only as afford-
ing shelter, but as collecting moisture from the atmosphere, and
so rendering available vast regions previously uninhabitable
from drought. This good work has already been commenced
on the line of the Kansas Pacific Railroad.

9. METEOROLOaY.

Besides the lessons which experience has already taught us,
permit me to mention one which pomologists ought to learn,
and which, from present indications, I have no doubt they will
learn. The pomologist should have a better knowledge of the
science of meteorology than we now possess. The action of
light and heat ; the influence of the winds, of frost, fog, water,
and the electrical condition of the air and earth, have a most
important bearing, and we believe that when our science shall
have attained to its greatest perfection, there will be a discreet
classification of our fruits, assigning to each its proper soil, loca-
tion and aspect. We must not expect to alter the laws of
nature, but to conform to them. We do not expect to restore
the lost Pleiad, nor do we expect to find any supernatural
means whereby improvement and progress can be attained,
without mental or physical exertion, but we should endeavor
to understand some of the workings of that mysterious machine
which generates and perpetuates all vegetable life. True, the
" wind bloweth where it listeth," as of old, but it seems prob-
able, if not certain, from the investigations made at Washing-
ton, that man can not only tell from whence it will come and
where it will blow, but where the sun will shed its rays and
the clouds diffuse their showers, an«l the time may come when
the laws which govern the weather may be settled with nearly
as much certainty as those which now govern the calculations
of the astronomer.

13

What wonders has science wrought in modern times, but
these are only the rudiments of that great plan which Provi-
dence has established for the happiness of mankind. " These
are but parts of His ways " which we now see, glimmerings of
that boundless exhibition of power, wisdom and goodness which
shall culminate in the perfection of all created things.

10. ORIGINATING NEW VARIETIES.

I commend to you again, as I have done in my former
addresses, and shall continue to do while I live, the important
and benevolent work of originating new varieties of fruit, both
as a means of improvement, and as a substitute for those which
have exprienced the decline incident to all things of human
origin. Our country, and in fact the whole world, has been so
thoroughly explored, that we can scarcely expect to discover
any very important addition to accidental varieties. Our main
source of improvement, therefore, is to be found in the produc-
tion of new kinds from seed, and I again urge upon you the
great importance of continuing your efforts in this most inter-
esting and hopeful department of labor. The acquisitions
already made give promise of still richer rewards to him who
will work with Nature in compelling her to yield to his solici-
tations for still greater improvement. Much has already been
done, but this branch of science is still in its infancy, and
opens to the pomologist a broad field for enterprise. It may
require time, and patience, and care to produce a superior
variety, but we have the most cheering assurance of the time
when every section of our country shall possess fruits adapted
to its own locality. There is no better illustration of what can
be accomplished, than what has lieen done, in the production of
the various and excellent American fruits, which have been
raised since the establishment of our Society. If each member
should originate one good variety, adapted to a wide extent of
territory, or even to his own section, he would become a public
benefactor. Think of the number of persons in the United
States who are now engaged in the growth of fruits. Should
each one produce one good variety, a not impossible thing, we
should have varieties enough to endure for centuries, adapted to
every soil and location in our vast territory.

14

Let any one visit the mirseries established by Mr. Clapp, in
Massachusetts, the originator of the Chapp's Favorite pear, and
see the many seedling trees now just coming into bearing, and
he cannot bnt be delighted, as we have been, with witnessing
these trees in their youthful vigor, and studying the various
forms into which the Bartlett, the Flemish Beauty, the Beurre
d'Anjou, the Urbaniste, the Beun-e Clairgeau, the Beurre Bosc,
and other standard varieties have been changed, and he cannot
but admit that the daily opportunity for such study would be
an ample recompense for all the trouble and expense of raising
such trees. But besides this gratification, is the probability of
raising a new variety, which, in one point or another, shall be
superior to any before acqirired, and which shall be a blessing to
the nation. Does any one object, that fruits adapted to cixltiva-
tion through the country are few and far between ? Let him
raise a variety which shall be better adapted to his own locality
than any before known. Let us have Favorites for Virginia
and Georgia, and for all and every State in our nation. If I
could feel that I had been the means of inducing our members,
or other cultivators, to raise new fruits worthy to bear their
names, I should feel that I had lived for a useful purpose.

The importance of prodiicing new varieties from seed is no
longer questioned. The fact, that the seed of good varieties will
generally produce good ofispring, is now well established. These
are, however, the natural resiilts which have been derived from
fruits already improved ; and we can offer no better proofs of
the advantages of artificial impregnation than the multitude of
improved varieties which have been produced in the vegetable
kingdom by this process.

We have learned many of the laws which govern hybridiza-
tion, and the more we become acquainted with this most inter-
esting art, the more we work with Nature in these efforts for
her improvement, the more we shall admire this most perfect
and beautiful illustration of the great fundamental law, which
has been established from the beginning of time, for the im-
provement of men, animals and plants. Well did Linnteus
exclaim, when overwhelmed with the discovery of an unknown
principle in this most interesting study, " I have seen God pass-

15

ing by;" and well may the contemplation of this law inspire us
with the same reverence and delight, and,

" like conductors, raise
Our spirits upward on their fliglit sublime
Up to the dread Invisible, to pour
Our grateful homage out in silent praise."

Let us go on then developing the wonderful resources of this
art. Go on, persevei'e, and you will leave a rich inheritance to
your heirs. Go on, and the time will come when every man
shall sit under his vine and fruit-tree, when all our hillsides
shall rejoice in the burden of the vintage, our valleys teem with
the golden fruits of the orchard, and the passing breeze become
vocal with songs of gratitude and praise for these benefactions
to posterity.

The increasing interest in the cultivation of fruit at the South
induces me to oifer a few suggestions in regard to the best means
of obtaining varieties suited to that region. Of apples and
peaches a large number of superior varieties have already been
produced at the South perfectly adapted to that climate ; but
the supply of fine varieties of the pear is yet inadequate, espe-
cially of late-keeping varieties, as the latest kinds grown at the
North cannot, when grown in the Gulf States, be preserved be-
yond autumn. To supply this deficiency, we would recommend
the trial of such varieties as refuse to ripen at the North, —
Chaumontelle, the Colmar and its sub- varieties, Beurre Ranee
Bergamot Fortunee — which appear to need a longer season than
ours to arrive at maturity. These and seedlings from these
offer, we think, the best prospect for a supply of late pears in
the warmer parts of our country. We would also recommend
a trial of the sorts used at the North for cooking, as some of
these have proved fine dessert pears in the South. And proba-
bly some of the fine old varieties which have decayed at the
East, and show signs of the same fate at the West, may, in
more genial climates, have their existence so far prolonged as
to be among the most desirable.

The Society's Catalogue.
Allow me again to commend to your consideration the
value and importance of our Catalogue of Fruits. The completion

16

of this work, by embodying the fruits of the Southern and Pa-
cific States, is yet to be accomplished. This has been delayed
from unavoidable circumstances, but we hope is now to be done,
so that the basis of American Pomology can be established for the
generations which are to succeed us. The work is indeed great,
but it is a duty that devolves on us, as the representatives
of that science which the Society has in charge. In proceeding
with it however, we find ourselves met by a difiiculty not antic-
ipated at the beginning of our work, arising from the un-
paralled expansion of our country. In the few years since our
catalogue was commenced, several new States and territories
have been organized, and if such expansion continues, as it un-
doubtedly will, it will be difficult to bring the catalogue, on
its present plan, into any reasonable limits. On this point I
hope to hear from the chairman of General Fruit Committee, to
whom, more than to any one else, we are indebted for the prog-
ress already made, and I commend the subject to the thought-
ful consideration of all the members of the Society, and especially
invite the cooperation of every State in collecting and transmit-
ting to him the information necessary to the completion of our
work.

The increasing Importance oe Fruit
Cult ure.
The importance and value of our calling in developing the
resources of our country, in the occupation of unimproved lands,
adorning our homesteads, enhancing the value of real estate,
multiplying the blessings and comforts of life, and promoting a
great source of national wealth, cannot be too highly appreci-
ated. The more I reflect upon the progress we have made, the
more am I confirmed in the belief that this branch of culture
will ere long become second only to the gi'owth of the bread
and meat of our country. The enormous production of straw-
berries and other small fruits, the millions upon millions of bas-
kets of peaches, — not to speak of the apples and pears and other
fruits that are now annually produced, — give promise that the
time is fast approaching when all classes of society may enjoy
this health -preserving condiment as a portion of their daily food.
Nor can I refrain trom referring once more to the benign in-

17

fluence which our employment has upon the moral and religious
instincts of the heart, the refinement of taste and the welfare
of society. Whatever pleasure may be derived from other pur-
suits, there is surely none that has afforded stronger evidence of
a high and progressive state of civilization or a more ennobling
influence, than the culture of fruits. "This^," says General Dear-
born, " must have been the first step in the march of civilization,
while the method of ameliorating their character and multiply-
ing the varieties may be considered as taking precedence of
all human efibrts in the industrial arts."

From the day when God gave our fiither in Eden trees,
" pleasant to the sight and good for food," down to Solomon,
who said, " I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted in
them trees of all kind of fruits," and through the successive gen-
erations of men, the cultivation of trees and plants has been the
criterion of taste and refinement. No object of attachment is
more naturally allied to the instincts of the soul, and truly did
Emerson remark, " he who knows the most, he who knows what
sweets and virtues are in the ground, and how to come at these
enchantments, is the rich and royal man." And what greater
benefactions can you leave for posterity than these memorials
which shall live and grow, which shall tell of your love of the
most beautiful works of nature, kindred and home, when you
are slumbering in the grave ? Far better these for the perpetua-
tion of your memory, and the benefit of the advancing millions
of coming time, than all the monumental shafts and pillars of
polished marble that ever graced the hero's tomb.

Deceased Members.

Since my last report on the decease of members, three of the
founders of this Society have been removed by death, " like
fruits fully ripened in their season." I allude to Dr. Alfred S.
Monson of New Haven, Connecticut, Dr. R. T. Underbill of
Croton Point, New York, and Dr. Eben Wright of Dedham,
Massachusetts, all three of whom were present and took part
in the proceedings of the first meeting, twenty-three years ago.

Dr. Alfred S. Monson died. May 22, 1870, at New Haven,
Connecticut, at the advanced age of seventy-four, universally
respected and beloved. He was one of the signers of the cir-
3

18

cular calling the convention which resulted in the organization
of our association ; was the first vice-president from Connecti-
cut ; and on that occasion read a most able and instructive paper
"on the deterioration of certain fruits, and of parasitic agents
injurious to vegetation." This paper may be found in the pub-
lished Transactions of the Society, and gives evidence of the
careful investigation and research of its author. Dr. Monson
possessed a highly appreciative mind, a refined taste and a
great capacity for enjoyment. Hence his love for friiits and
flowers, which was a ruling passion with him through life. He
was the first president of the New Haven Horticultural Society,
established in 1831, — one of the earliest in this country, — and
was a frequent writer on subjects connected with horticulture
and rural arts. His address before that society in 1843 is full
of wisdom and beautiful illustrations. His memory will ever
be revei'ed and honored by all who knew him.

Dr. R. T. Underbill was also one of the founders of our
Society, and his name is borne on the call for its first meeting.
He commenced his pomological pursuits at Croton Point about
forty-five years ago, the grape, of which he planted a large
vineyard, being a specialty. His experiments commenced with
foreign varieties, but these proving a failure he turned his atten-
tion to the cultivation of the Isabella and Catawba, then but
little known, and so great was his success that for many years
he and his brother, with whom he was associated, sent more of
these varieties to the New York market than were received
from all other sources. He also commenced the manufacture
of wine, and at the time of his death had about fifty acres of
vineyard, and was also very successful in the cultivation of the
plum, of which he gave an account at our last meeting. He
was a leading member of the American Institute, and was
one of the founders of the Agricultural and Horticultural
Society of Westchester County, of which he was the first
president. Dr. Underhill was a gentleman of the old school,
courteous in deportment and refined in his tastes, and although
his age prevented his frequent attendance at our meetings, his
interest in our pursuits never declined. As a proof of his
fidelity, he came to our last meeting in Philadelphia, and
although at the' age of about eighty years, took part in our dis-
cussions as he had done in the be2;inning.

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Dr. Eben Wjriglit, of Dedham, Massachusetts, another of the
signers of the call for the first meeting of this Society, died at
his home, where he had carried on his pomological researches
during his life. He had long been interested in horticultural
pursuits, being an early member of the Massachusetts Horticul-
tural Society, and for a long course of years corresponding
seci'etary and vice-president. For many years he was chair-
man of the Fruit Committee of this Society for Massachusetts,
in which capacity he made many interesting reports, which may
be found among our published Transactions. He paid special
attention to the apple, of which he had a large and choice
collection of varieties ; and through his critical observation he
became remarkably well versed in the knowledge of this fruit,
and introduced several fine varieties to notice. He was a mod-
est and unassuming man, of the strictest integrity, and died as
he had lived, universally respected and beloved.

Nor can I close this sad record withovit adding the name of
M. S. Frierson, Columbia, Tenn., who died March 28, 1870.
Mr. Frierson was the vice-president of this Society from Ten-
nessee. He attended our last meeting, and his noble bearing
and gentlemanly deportment will long be remembered by all
who were present with him. He was by profession a lawyer,
and at the time of his death was in practice as an old counsellor
at Columbia. But what most concerns us is his interest in
pomological pursuits, which was strikingly evinced by the part
which he took in the discussions of the Society ; his remarks
being always valuable, interesting and to the point. He was
much interested in fruit culture, and had given particular atten-
tion to the hybridization of the nectarine and the pear, with the
special view of producing late-keeping varieties of the latter.
His experiments were evidently based upon truly scientific knowl-
edge, and at the time of his death had already been the means of
producing some valuable new fruits. In a letter written but a
few months before his death he says, in speaking of his experi-
ments, " they may turn out nothing, still the taste it gives my
girls" (who had aided him in conducting them) "for such
amusement is worth more than the trouble. The seeds will be
carefully planted, and we will wait and see." Noble sentiment !
but the fruition of his hopes was transferred to another world,

20

leaving us to wait and see the further results which they may
produce here.

These associates have gone to their reward. Their seats
in this Society are forever vacant, but their efforts for the
advancement of our cause in the early history of our Society will
be appreciated more and more as time moves on.

Conclusion.

"With the deepest sense of gratitude do I rejoice in the
presence of a few of the founders of this Society, whose lives
have been prolonged to this day. Ere long all those who were
present at its first meeting, and he who by your indulgence has
occupied this chair so long, will vacate their seats. Others will
fill the places which we now occupy, but our Society, and the
cause it seeks to promote, will live on to bless the generations
which shall succeed us.

Long may the members of this Society meet together as friends
aud mutual helpers, dispensing and receiving good, and may
your efforts for promoting this most beautiful of all arts, this
health preserving and life-prolonging industry, be crowned with
continued success. May the Society go on conferring blessings
on our country until every hearth-stone and fireside shall be
gladdened with the golden fruits of summer and autumn, until
thanksgiving and the perfume of the orchard shall ascend
together like incense from the altar of every family in our
broad land, and the whole world realize, as in the beginning,
the blissful fruition of dwelling in the " Garden of the Lord."
And when at last the chain of friendship wiiich has bound so
many of us together in labor and in love shall be broken ; when
the last link shall be sundered and the fruits of this world shall
delight us no more ; when the culture, training and sorrows of
earth shall culminate in the purity, perfection and bliss of
heaven, may we all sit down together at that feast of immor-
tal fruits,

" Where life fills the wine-cup and love makes it clear,
Where Gilead's balm iu its freshness shall flow,
O'er the wounds which the pruniug-knife gave us belowJ'