REPORTS OF AUXILIARY HOCIETIES. 281 



Mafch 1, society met in Frankfort, in the business house of August 

 Schmidt. It was resolved " to urge the phinting of forest trees along the pub- 

 lic higliways; to urge tlie fruit growers of this county to use every possible 

 effort to destroy the codling moth; to secure prices and samples of fruit 

 baskets and packages for use of the members of this society; to recommend 

 planting corn in young orchards. 



March 29, society met in Joylield, but no minutes were sent to the secretary 

 for record. They had' a good meeting and grapes to cat from C.H.Parker's 

 cellar. 



The fourth meeting was held in the college hall in Benzonia, President 

 Spicer in the chair. Secretary Schmidt reported correspondence about fruit 

 packages and showed samples. Wm. A. Betts and Wm. Q. Voorheis remarked 

 that they had seen in the New York Witness and other i")apers inquiries 

 whether there were any fruit lands in Michigan still open to settlement. "We 

 as a society wish to say to the world that there are as good fruit lands in our 

 county and vicinity as anywhere for apples, pears, plums, peaches, and small 

 fruits, and good markets within reach by boats. The secretary made remarks 

 about setting out trees and illustrated the hexagonal plan. 



A special meeting was held in Frankfort May 17. August Schmidt was 

 authorized to buy as many fruit packages as he deemed necessary for the 

 season's trade, and to sell to the members at lower rates than to others. 



May 24, society met in Pleasanton, President Van Amburg conducting. 

 First topic: Is mulching better than cultivation for young orchards ? No; 

 plowing deep and close to trees while young will keep roots down in bottom of 

 furrow. If seeded down and mulched the roots will come nearer the surface 

 to get moisture. Pruning: Don't let cross limbs get large enough to need 

 sawing off. Prune mostly by rubbing off buds or shoots when they come 

 where not wanted. 



June 21, society met in Putney school-house, in Blaine township, at 8 P. M. 

 Discussions were varied and interesting and fruit growers much encouraged by 

 the meeting. Winter apples regarded as best for profit. Cities will always 

 want the products of our cellars in the spring. We can keep apples all the 

 year round in our sandy soil. 



July 19, society met in Frankfort, President Spicer conducting. Henry 

 Woodward was elected vice-president in place of James McKelvie, lately 

 deceased. A committee of ladies was appointed to arrange a floral display at 

 the next meeting, and prizes were offered. Mr. J. J. Hubbell, of Benzonia, 

 gave an interesting report of the State horticultural meeting in Pentwater last 

 month. Fruit packages arc for sale at Aug. Schmidt's fruit emporium. 



August 16, a meeting was held in Joytield but the secretary was not there 

 and no minutes were lorwarded. 



September 13, society met in school-house in Benzonia, at close of evening 

 session of teachers' institute. President Spicer conducting. Eemarks were 

 made by Prof. Latta of Allegan and others. A fine display of summer fruits 

 was shown. Prof. Lntta and Mr. and Mrs. Amasa Waters were afjpointed 

 judges and awarded premiums for best Duchess oi Oldenburg to H. M. Spicer; 

 best Red Astrachau, H. M. Spcer; best plate plums, J. J. Hubbell, for Coe's 

 Golden Drop; best plate peaches, J. W. VanDeman, New York Eareripe. 



Several members took part in discussions about peaches. Snow's Orange, 

 Hale's Early, Bower's Early were recommended. Crawlord's are best for family 

 use. "What has caused our trees to lose their toliage?" Cold weather in 

 June, the same freeze that caused the apples to drop off. 



