Discussion on Mr. Lyon's Paper. Ill 



ety. This goes to show the frequent local usefulness of a variety 

 and its general worthlessness. 



Mr. Beatty, of Kentucky — Horticulturists deprecate the growing 

 of many varieties, yet they offer premiums on collections of one or 

 two hundred sorts, thus encouraging what they seemingly condemn. 



Major Evans, of Missouri — In reference to strawberries, we can 

 not safely make lists for our neighbors. I want also to indorse the 

 recommendation of phinting school grounds. 



President Earle — Large collections afford good opportunities for 

 comparative study. In general, however, I think the principle of 

 offering premiums on large collections unprofitable. In practice, 

 the smaller the list of sorts planted the greater the profits. 



Mr. Miinson, of Texas — Every professional horticulturist should 

 have an experimental plat. I find such great variety of soils within 

 three miles of my place that the experiments of one farm will not 

 indicate the proper treatment of an adjoining farm. This is espe- 

 cially the case with the strawberry. Our best nurserymen, like Ell- 

 wanger & Barry, have their experimental plats. It is in this 

 tedious way, only, that we can reach the desired accurate knowl- 

 ijdge. 



Mr. Van Jjevian, of Kansas — All our cultivated fruits have once 

 been new, and probably pronounced humbugs by some with whom 

 they have not been successful. We must each sift the list for our- 

 selves and for our own locality. In Kansas we have inaugurated 

 ^' Arbor Day," in which we meet to plant and adorn our school 

 grounds. This is already showing favorable results. 



Mr. Ohmer, of Ohio — The good results of local and State horti- 

 cultural societies are already very apparent in our State. This may 

 be recognized, both in asocial and educational sense throughout our 

 State. 



Prof. Leniinon, of California — With the botanist, experimenting 

 is the key-note to success. A plant is always ready to change its 

 habitat for a better one. By a constant warfare in nature, plants 

 have often been driven to their present place and not unfrequently 

 produce better than before. We must have the best, and this we 

 can only reach by experimentation. 



