oS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



by the constant action of the waters of Lake Michigan, deposited and drifted 

 into tlic many hills, valleys, and ravine of the land before us. 



An examination of our soils would show them to consist of very fine 

 texture, and in consequence a high degree of permeability. Place some 

 soil in a glass vessel containing water, and then shake it, afterwards allow it 

 to stand, we will see a good deal of mud floating and settling upon the coarser 

 particles. This sediment is mostly composed of clay, which in certain pro- 

 portions adds greatly to the fertility of the soil. 



Can we make good farms and orchards out of these light soils? The splen- 

 did and prodigious yield of vegetables that has been grown on the lightest 

 sands in the village, the large and tlirifty orchards that are now growing on 

 sands that at first seemed to be worthless, are, though silent, yet the truest 

 answer of this question. 



The exceeding high prices tliat have prevailed in Western Michigan, more 

 in the vicinity of South Haven, have led people to believe that it requires a 

 large capital to begin in the fruit business. This only proves that the profits 

 are very large, especially when the orchard has been thoroughly and success- 

 fully cultivated. 



The fruit region is extensive, and in consequence the extravagant prices 

 paid for land in a few localities have not extended to whole regions. Thou- 

 sands of acres of as good fruit land as ever was sold can be found in this 

 vicinity, and the price seldom exceeds 110 per acre. 



Any man with but little capital, but having a determination and willingness 

 to work, can safely engage in this profitable business. With judicious man- 

 agement he will in a few years have a productive and thrifty orchard sur- 

 rounding his home. These are a few of the inducements we offer to you. 



The treasure is concealed in these soils about us. Every clod and sod must 

 be turned. The mind must direct and the muscles must act; but remember 

 that while we take from the soil we must give in return. Upon this hinge 

 swings failure or success. 



Some one asked if it was not practicable to do something with commercial 

 fertilizers in our country. 



Mr. Brassington : After giving quite a bit of attention to the experiments 

 with commercial fertilizers I do not hesitate to say that for our country they 

 are a snare. 



Mr. Pearsall, Grand Kapids : I have often noticed that the best hills of 

 corn grew next to stumps, and have wondered whether in the decay of the 

 stumps thei'e might not be a manure added to the soil. 



Mr. Jones, -Benton Harbor: Take tlie stumps out and you will be the 

 gainer every time. You will grow gray in a delusion if you ever expect 

 fertility to come from a decaying stump. 



PEAR BLIGHT AND CURCULIO. 



The question box was called up again and a discussion ensued upon the fol- 

 lowing fjueries : 



No. G. I'ear blight is appearing in the north of our State. What can 

 we do? 



S. G. Antisdale, Benton Harbor: As soon as it appears in a tree cut it out 

 below the apparent injury and keep doing this. I am satisfied from all we 

 know of this disease and all the ex])eriments that have been tried tliat nothing 

 has proved a better remedy. 



