6 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The theory is this, that the chilling process has in a great degree the same 

 effect upon the fruit tliat frost lias upon apples sliglitly buried in the ground 

 in winter, — when it becomes exposed to atmospheric influences it soon decays. 

 The question is often asked, why will not sliglitly frosted fruit keep? If we 

 examine the component parts of an apple with a microscope we shall observe 

 the fluid-sacs packed closely together, similar to comb in honey. If tliese 

 minute sacs or tissues are burst, the fluids become mingled with the fibrous 

 constituents, and undoubtedly in some measure neutralized by the action of 

 the frost, so that as soon as it comes in contact with warm air decomposition 

 immediately commences. Apples improperly handled and bruised are rendered 

 useless for long keeping in the same manner, or the codling moth cutting its 

 way through the tissues and burrowing within its walls has tlie same effect, 

 decay beginning sooner or later at the very point fractured ; this probably you 

 all have observed, that wormy apples very soon decay, and if partially decayed, 

 always at the point punctured by the insect. 



We are told it is a very easy thing to keep a quantity of fruit until spring. 

 Indeed, that it is no trouble at all. This is not my experience, although some 

 people are not as easily troubled as I am. We are also told that when our 

 fruits are all properly stored away, a large quantity can be treated with a 

 pound package of what they call ozone, which is a disinfectant, and fruit so 

 treated will keep most any length of time. The package will only cost you 

 two dollars, and it is very cheap at that. Analyzed, this compound proves to 

 be no ozone at all, only charcoal, sulphur, and a little cinnamon; of course it 

 is cheap, a cheap article. And my advice is even cheaper : Beware of the wily, 

 patent-right man ; beware of easy things. It is a very easy thing to fall into 

 a ditch, but it is a very uneasy position. Some people have gone into fruit- 

 culture for ease, and have found it a very easy matter to make it a — failure. 

 The fact is, labor has its reward; and if finally we succeed in keeping our fruit 

 for a spring market, we have accomplished much. If we succeed, it will be 

 at the cost of brain, at the cost of muscle, at tlie cost of observation and expe- 

 rience, and some money. 



But in conclusion, Mr. President, as I endeavor to comprehend the great 

 and grand work of the {State Horticultural society for the past ten years since 

 I first met with you in South Haven in 1872, and as I try to apprehend the 

 future labors dependent upon this society for accomplishment, and as I look 

 about me and behold these old tried veterans of pomology, who have borne the 

 heat and burden of the day, and whose heads are already blossoming with the 

 frosts of many winters, this question naturally arises. Who sliall take up the 

 work where they shall lay it down? Who will bear the burden wlien they shall 

 have passed away? Will the generations which are to follow us commence, 

 where we commenced forty years ago, and struggle on through life, endeavor- 

 ing to reach a successful issue in this horticultural work, and when they have 

 gained the point where wc now stand, will they surrender just on this ground? 



I see those before me to-day wlio have the promise of outliving the present 

 century; wlio arc full of life, full of hope, vigor, ambition, and perseverance; 

 those who have ability, whom I believe will hold up and hold on ; who will 

 bear up and bear on, who will strive to emulate the useful and sacred princi- 

 ples and practices inculcated by this society. To these my words have been 

 addressed, and if my experience will aid them they are welcome to it. 



Over in Washtenaw wo have a county society that is a branch of the State 

 Horticultural society. We get together monthly and compare notes, gatiier 



