PROCEEDINGS OP THE WINTER MEETING. 53 



timber of any sort left. Peery Hannah of Traverse City has said that the 

 hardwood of the state is worth more than ever was the pine. I thought 

 the expression an extravagant one at the time, but have concluded he was 

 right. I know of a tract of land which was cut over to furnish oak ties 

 for the Michigan Central railway when it was constructed. In less than 

 20 years the same was cut over for the same purpose and yielded over $400 

 per acre. 



Mr. L. B. RiCE: It would be good policy for the state to retain lands 

 bid in for taxes, put them in charge of foresters, protecting the timber 

 and benefiting the whole country. 



Mr. S. H. Comings: Is there as much evaporation of water from trees 

 as from grasses, plants, etc., which take their place when cut? 



Prof. L. R. Taft: I am unable to answer exactly, but it is believed 

 that trees retard evaporation and so retain more moisture than they give 

 ofp. But a comparative statement between trees and grasses can not be 

 made. 



Mr. C. W. Garfield: Some of our millionaires, who have been made 

 such by cutting ofP our forests, should take the present opportunity, 

 secure some of the lands, and offer them to the public as a park, instead of 

 piling up bricks in colleges as monuments to themselves. 



Adjourned till nine o'clock Wednesday morning. 



Wednesday Morning's Session. 



At the opening of the session of Wednesday morning, a letter from Mr. 

 C. H. Richmond of Ann Arbor was read. Mr. Richmond is one of 

 Michigan's World's Fair commissioners. He said only ill health prevented 

 his attendance upon the meeting, and gave assurance of deep interest in 

 the proper showing of Michigan horticulture at the fair. A letter from 

 Mr. D. G. Edmiston of Adrian expressed regret for non-attendance, and 

 said, as to the World's Fair, " I think I am safe in saying that you may 

 rely upon Lenawee county to do her full share. It will be Michigan's 

 fruit-bearing year and she ought to do her best." 



some questions about grapes. 



Three questions were submitted by Mr. W. F. Bird of Ann Arbor: 



1. Has the Ulster Prolific grape developed any weak points as to health 

 or hardiness ? 



There was no response. 



2. What is the cause of hollow-stalk in celery ? 



Mr. W. W. Tracy: It might result from several causes or treatments. 

 One is too early planting, causing maturity in hot weather; another is too 

 early earthing. 



Mr. Jonathan Wilson: Poor seed might cause it, or the fault may be 

 in the variety. 



5. Have different soils any effect upon the keeping quality of grapes or 

 other fruits ? 



