WASHTENAW COUNTY P(JM()LOGICAL SOCIETY. 363 



is inferior ?iiid is divided again between evaporating and cider stock. 

 More nifunire nnd better cnltivation would give more first-class frnit. 



FOREST PRESERVATION. 



The society sent a memorial to the legislature, praying for the enact- 

 ment of a la-w providing for better preservation of the forests, and guarding 

 against forest fires, aid in extinguishing the same when existing, and for the 

 dissemination of pamphlets giving information how best to fight insects 

 throughout the state. A memorial was also sent looking for the protection 

 of pure cider vinegar. 



SOCIETY WORK. 



The society keeps up monthly meetings, but they have been much of a 

 business character during the summer and fall months. Fruits in season 

 are always displayed at our meetings, which have an educational infiuence. 

 Prof. Baur, the society's efficient corresponding secretary, leads in the 

 exhibits. He is also an active and an extensive exhibitor at county and 

 state fairs. We have no premium exhibits, but our members are promi- 

 nent exhibitors at our county fair, and the management of the fruit depart- 

 ment is largely left to members of our society. 



We often have large and fine displays of flowers at our meetings by Mr. 

 James Toms, our city florist. County and state fairs receive attention at 

 our summer meetings and the members are prevailed upon to participate 

 in them. 



FRUIT PACKAGES. 



Considerable time is devoted to the discussion of suitable packages for 

 berries. The stave basket with a hoop at the top is in general use, put up in 

 bushel crates made with basswood slats for the sides, tight bottom and cover 

 and board ends. Early peaches go in small round baskets covered with 

 tarletane. When the Early Crawford ripens, bushel baskets are almost 

 altogether used. Tarletane is put on and a wooden cover over, all to protect 

 the peach in transit. Early pears are shipped in small baskets, but the main 

 crop in bushel baskets and l3arrels; half-barrels are not liked on account 

 of so much heading up to do. Grapes are sold in the usual market basket 

 and are about all sold at home. Ann Arbor consumes about 50 tons of 

 grapes per year. The use of the grape is steadily on the increase. The 

 wholesale price was 8 cents per pound, baskets returned. 



OBITUARY. 



The society met with a great loss in the death of an esteemed member. 

 Prof. Benj. E. Nichols, and the following resohition was passed to his 

 memory: 



Resolved, That the County Pomological society lost, in the late Professor Benj. E 

 Nichols, one of its oldest, best, and most efficient members. Engaged in pomological 

 pursuits over a quarter of a century, the Professor was one of the founders of this 

 society, being present when J. Austin Scott called the first meeting for the establish- 

 ment of a countj' pomological society. We cherish and honor his memory for the 

 nobility of his character, for his cheerful and upright ways among us. and for his pro- 

 gressive work in horticulture. 



