The ranch. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1902-1914, 1902-12-15

That is much of the best part of the possibilities
of your life. You are unfit to be horticuturist
if the sentimental side finds no response in your
nature.
But will turn to more practical things These
practical things will be suggested rather than dis
cussed And first: The world has lately dlscoV-
cred that horticulture furnishes new and import
ant element for the school curriculum OF both ele-
mentary and higher education. And this not only
in the teaching of the art or hdndtcrdft OF hortl-
culture but in furnishing means of mental devel-
opment useful any of the timehonored ele-
ments of the curriculum. Time was when the
Latin the Greek and the Hebrew, the three
learned languages the Harvard catalogue
STYLED them was the almost exclusive curriculum
for higher education. But that is all past now and
ancient history. Tomorrow, you will listen TO
Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture the de-
gree conferred by Cornell University after as
rigid and lengthy course it would require for
degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Latin or
Greek or Hebrew. I cannot tell you now of how
the different phases of the subject are given an
academic and pedagOgic form which is strongly
supplemented by the practical use OF the art. But
it is a possible and useful element for elementary
education Not alone, I have said, that the
study of termination and growth, etc., are the
best subjects for the mature study of the schools,
but that there is high educational value possible
for the child in the practical horticultural work
When our schools put upon more rational
basis Ct am not criticising) then we Will not
overlook the value in teaching selfcontrol and self
direction and the consequent control of other
things nor the value of the scientific method thus
simply applied, which horticulture and agriculture
afford. 1t is practical present pedagogical ques
ton.
Second, practical suggestion: Fruit growing
and flower culture are among the most promising
means of livelihood here and now and promise
a better, Weather and more enduring common
wealth, than mining, wheat growing, fishing or the
lumber trade. 1t is occupation chiefly for peo-
pie of small means. 1t signifies small holdings
wel-tied Independent resources, regular in
come thrift intelligence and happiness. A gentle
man told me the other day that his income from
mis- twelve-acre orchard is greater than from his
32O-acre wheat farm. A twelve-acre orchard will
yield good income for family. We have great
fruit state. The Inland Empire is, believe, the
best apple country in the world. The proper pup
lie encouragement, and more important, the proper
public information and knowledge along this line
will help to make washington great Ill the Crue
elements of greatness.
Third practical suggestion: To make your work
successful you must help to provide this body OF
knowledge and help to induce the public TO avail
themselves of it. The state experiment station is
the most useful single means and through II much
of the general knowledge is given useful FORM
You owe to it your loyal support. The horticul-
tural development of the college is the best special
means of education along these lines. You owe
to it your help and encouragement.
Fourth practical suggestions The identifying
of cities towns and country homes should be one
of your chief aims 1t is not enough that you Deau-
tify YOUR own homes. 1t is not enough that you
use your influence a citizen in the same dlrec-
ton You should, as organization, steadily pro-
mote this end by every means in your power.
What is more important than beautiful, whole
in ifu1 WIN