HISTORY OF MICHIGAN HORTICULTURE. 



Early in the year 1880 the secretary presented to the executive board of the 

 State Pomological Society a plan by which the history of Michigan horticulture 

 could be worked into shape and preserved in the transactions of the society. 

 The plan was adopted, and the secretary set about the work. 



Correspondence was opened with men in nearly every county in which fruit 

 is grown, with the hope of finding some one in each county who would under- 

 take to gather up the horticultural history and statistics for his own section. 

 This was a slow process, and after a long time, men were found in the most 

 thickly settled counties, who would undertake the work. It was thought that 

 the matter could be pretty thoroughly worked up during this year, and a 

 report made in the volume for 1880 that would approximate completeness. 

 But in every case the county historians found they could gather the information 

 only by personal interviews with the persons who knew the facts. Correspond- 

 ence was comparatively useless; and, because of the difficulties in the way, 

 there have come to the secretary's office but very few reports. There are 

 a number of others that are under way, and will be completed another season. 



It will be readily seen, then, that what seemed to be a very short work, will, 

 with our lack of funds to use, and our dependence almost entirely upon the 

 voluntary unremunerated assistance of men interested to secure the history but 

 unable to give much time to it, take at least another year to complete. 



As soon as a correspondent was found in any county, the following circular 

 and list of questions were sent him. 



STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, ) 



Secretary's Office, > 



Grand Rapids, Mich., May 21, 1SS0. ) 



My Dear Sir: — I want to save in the next Pomological Report all the facts I can 

 get concerning the history of tree-planting and orcharding in Michigan. It seems 

 to me an important thing to do before they are lost. Yon have been suggested as 

 a person who would be willing to aid in this purpose. I want your county repre- 

 sented, and enclose a list of questions that will serve as a guide in gathering the 

 facts. If you cannot do this will you kindly put the matter into some one's hands 

 who will see your county represented. If the history is in my hands by last of July 

 it will answer. Hoping that you can aid us in our undertaking, 



I am yours very truly, 



CHAS. W. GARFIELD. 



CIRCULAR. 



1. When and where were first fruit trees planted in your county? 



2. Name some early orchardists, with incidents in connection with their work. 



3. Give any facts about introduction of special varieties. 



4. Where was first nursery in your county? 



5. How many nurseries now in your county, and their acreage? 



6. Do you know of any varieties originating in your county? 



