248 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



to winter well. Rich soil and freedom from insects will produce good roses. 

 Mr. H. F. Thomas stated that the raspherries most growing into favor are the 

 Mammoth Cluster, Philadelphia, and Gregg. The Cutbbert was also recom- 

 mended by Mr. Gibson. Brinkle's Orange is good, but like some others needs 

 covering in the winter. Raspberries also need a partial shade, as of a fence, or 

 in the absence of that a heavy mulching. 



At the meeting of the society Sept. 24, some discussion arose as to fixing up, 

 into respectable shape at least, the little plats of ground dignified by the title 

 of parks, and set aside by the city to be improved and used as such. Far 

 smaller places than Jackson have beautiful little squares dotted with well- 

 grown trees and covered with luxuriant grass, thus bringing a little bit of the 

 country right into the heart of the city for public health and pleasure. The 

 benefit to our citizens of such spots is unquestionable. Says a cultivated 

 writer, speaking in connection with this subject: "Better sewerage, cleaner 

 streets, purer air, increase the development of the physical forces, excite to 

 outdoor recreations, increased cleanliness, self-respect, possible even to the 

 poorest, and the general improvement of morals." It was thought there was 

 a chance in Jackson for improvement in this direction. 



Discussion next arose as to the best "apples to plant in southern Michigan, 

 and after expressions upon favorite sorts by members present, the Secretary read 

 the following list as favored, in the order named, by Prof. Beal, EL Dale 

 Adams, L. G. Bragg & Co., and I. E. Ilgenfritz, those being placed first which 

 are found in the lists of all those named, viz.: Red Astrachan, Maiden's 

 Blush, Wagener, Baldwin, N. Spy, Red Canada, Early Harvest, R. I. Green- 

 ing, T aim an Sweet, Jonathan, Cayuga Redstreak, Chenango Strawberry, Snow, 

 Lowell, Primate, Porter. The answer of President Lyon of the State Horti- 

 cultural Society, to the above question, in the Post and Tribune, is as follows: 



I will give you my views in response to the above query. I may be allowed to 

 remark that a satisfactory list of the varieties to be recommended must depend 

 not altogether upon the location and soil in which the planting is to be done, 

 but in a good degree also upon the tastes and preferences of the planter. 

 Should it turn out that the querist is one of that very numerous class of per- 

 sons who grow apples as they do turnips or potatoes, merely as a means of 

 adding variety to the culinary department of his household, and who rarely 

 partakes of apples or places them before his friends in an uncooked state, the 

 following list will afford a good succession of varieties sufficiently hardy and 

 productive for the region indicated (southern Michigan): Early Harvest, 2; 

 Primate, 3; Red Astrachan, 3; Sweet Bough, 2; Maiden's Blush, 5; Lowell, 

 5; Jersey Sweefe, 2; Twenty Ounce, 5; Fameuse or Snow, 5; Talman Sweet, 

 3; Jonathan, 10; Peck's Pleasant, 10; Northern Spy, 10; Golden Russet, 10; 

 Red Canada, 25; — Total, 100. If, on the other hand, he shall turn out to be 

 a lover of fruit as such, comprehending the fact that, in its pristine condition, 

 it is one of the most healthful articles of diet, he will be certain to desire such 

 varieties as he will be proud, upon occasion, to place before appreciative friends, 

 even though to secure these he shall be compelled to include in his plantation 

 some that may not be considered relatively profitable, and even such as demand 

 good culture and management to produce them in satisfactory condition. 

 Besides, a person of such tastes will scarcely content himself to so fully act up 

 to the popular idea of the day as to only provide a succession such as shall 

 supply him one variety of the earlier sorts for each season, but will rather 

 demand that he be able at any and all seasons to place upon his table a choice 

 of varieties, beside a supply of sorts which being specially suited to culinary 



