The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-02-24
WHY Avn A HoRTICULTURIsT.

WHY AM A HORTICIL TURIST.
When I began to weigh the pros and
cons of the different trades. professions,
and pursuits, with the view of choos-
ing my life work, my early ASSOCIATIONS
all led me in the direction OF hortlcuI-
1iIre ] also believed land later eNper-
fence has proven it to my entire satis-
iaction) that horticulture Afforded the
broadcast opportunities for a compete
symmetrical and harmonious develop
ment of the complete man or woman
believe we should aim TO develop the
physical, moral and spiritual parts OF
or natures.
tages for physical development and
health and vigor. Our occupation is
mainly out doors in the fresh air and
sunlight.
1t IS not heavy work that tends to
break down the system prenlaturely, and
although the successful fruit grower IS
and must be an industrious, hardWorhlng
man, and is usually tired at night, he
does not arise the next morning IeellnS
stiff and sore at every Joint as IL he had
pitched hay or hauled rails the day be-
The diversity and general character of
his labors also tend TO prevent excessive
fatigue and develop the muscles OF all
parts OF the body equally.
The diet, composed largely of fruit and
vegetables. is also the most Wholesome
as we'll the most palatable IN the
world 1t gives US a decided advantage
over our cousins, who must SubS1St
upon our products after they are travel
stained and weary.
The opportunities for mental growth
are unsurpassed. The horticultur1St not
only may, but must, think carefully and
continuously, If he would attain any
marked degree OF success in his calling.
He must be prepared at all times to act up
on the offensive as well as the defensive
in his warfare with weeds, grass, IN
seots, fungi, frost and the elements.
Chemistry. botany, geology, entomolo-
TO peer into their mysteries, and CLEAN
tlerefrom not only information but
pleasure and profit by enabling him to
make greater progress in his life work.
Who can watch the fruit buds form,
the buds open, the pollen scatter, and
the embryo fruit gradually assume
up, and mature its juices and havors,
without wishing TO know how IL is done.
It is Just as natural as for the child to
smash watch TO see what makes the
wheels go around.
If we would understand why the ap-
Dlication Of certain substances to the
soil affects its productiVeneSs we must
have a faint insight at least in to the
elements of chemistry. We also need
its aid in combating insects
Geology will assist us in selecting suit
able soils upon which to produce the
various kinds of fruits.
Entomology We must surely understand
10 distinguish between friend and foe
in insect life. We must also know some
thing of the life and habits of the de-
structive insects in order to know how
10 successfully combat them. This is
very important branch Of horticultural
work and one which cannot be neglected
with impunity.
BY a knowledge of meteorology we are
sometimes enabled to guard against
damage by frosts, and TO arrange our
planting and harvesting to the best ad-
vantage.
Horticulture has been said to be sci
ence. but it is pot.-W. w. Farnsworth,
secretary Chic Horticultural society.