66 STATE P0M0L0G1CAL SOCIETY. 



Fill full and then wax the top edge of the jar and stretch over it cotton sheet- 

 ing, tying tight hy winding cord around the jar several times about an inch 

 below the top. Then cover the cloth on the top completely with a thin layer 

 of the hot wax. and soon as cool set away in a cold dark place and they will 

 keep well. 



For jelly the grapes should not be quite ripe. 



Mr. \V. A. Brown offered a resolution condemning the practice of putting 

 up fruits in water for exhibition at fairs. This meeting with opposition which 

 tended to provoke prolonged discussion the resolution was consequently with- 

 drawn. 



The next question was led by K. Haigh, Jr., of South Haven. 



ORNAMENTIiNG COUNTRY SCHOOL GROUNDS. 



It requires but little observation to convince any one that there is much 

 need of improvement in the management of our country school grounds, but 

 I will not weary you with a tirade of reproach at the manifest neglect. We 

 do not come here to criticize what is bad so much as to discuss and surest 

 methods of improvement. 



That the subject has received careful thought and study from some of the 

 best minds, the abundant matter in the last report of this Society bears con- 

 clusive proof, and the many excellent ideas there advanced I heartily com- 

 mend to the consideration of all. 



But it seems to me we should first consider the relation of this Society to 

 the subject, and its duty and work. The relation and duty of the State De- 

 partment of Education, the duty also of local societies, and our duty as indi- 

 viduals. 



While the main work of the Society is the advancement of the material 

 interests of horticulture in the State, it is also interested in whatever will ad- 

 vance the o;eneral welfare and the aesthetic and intellectual development as 

 well as add to the pecuniary value. 



While the ornamenting of grounds is directly a branch of horticulture be- 

 cause dealing with ground and plants, it may be made indirectly so an aid in 

 education, that the relation of the State Department of Education becomes 

 plainly obvious. 



Local societies bear the same relation as the State Society only in a more 

 limited sense, and we must not forget, as individuals, we stand on the same 

 ground. The relationship is the same in all cases differing only in degree. 

 Hence it becomes our duty as individuals, as societies, and as a State, to foster 

 this as well as other means for our elevation, refinement and enjoyment, and 

 I believe the first work of this Society is the suggestion and discussion of 

 methods that shall tend to some practical result. 



In beginning a building or the improvement of a piece of ground, the first 

 work is usually the removal of obstacles, but it often happens that obstacles 

 are found a good way below the surface and keep turning up all the time. So 

 in this work of the Society, we must expect to meet obstacles all the way 

 through. 



The main obstacles in the way are the general apathy and indifference 

 regarding it; the ignorance as to its value and the prejudice against it by many 

 in authority. 



Our first work, then, is to educate public sentiment; to bring the subject 

 before the people, and excite general interest by papers and discussions. 



