REPORTS OF LOCAL SOCIETIES. 



ALLEGAN COUNTY SOCIETY. 



Reported by G. H. L/aFl>eur, Secretary. 



The Ausjust meeting was held at the home of Andeew Bkacelin in the 

 town of Watson on the 19th. The forenoon was spent in looking over the 

 farm and especially the fine Jersey cattle of which Mr, Bracelin is the 

 pwner. Dinner was announced promptly at noon in order to give all the 

 time possible for the afternoon discussion. 



On coming together it was found there were present quite a number of 

 prominent and successful grape-growers, including Dr. Turner and A. C. 

 Newman of Wayland. The subject of grape-culture was first considered, 

 and was opened by Dr. Turner. He said there are several vineyards in 

 the town of Wayland and so far as he had observed they promised a large 

 yield. 



A. J. Bracelin: Has the Niagara grape proved to be what has been 

 claimed for it? 



Dr. Turner: I think the Niagara grape is meeting the expectations of 

 planters, and so far we have no reason to feel disapj)ointed. 



A. J. Bracelin: Is the Worden a better grape than the Concord? 



M. T. Smith: It is a week earlier and of better quality. 



A. C. Newman: My vines are loaded with fruit. The rose-bugs have 

 done some damage in my section. Should like information as to the best 

 method of destroying them. They work more on sand than on clay. 



M. T. Smith: Take a pan partly filled with water; shake them from 

 the vine into the pan. This is easily done and is effectual. 



A. J. Bracelin: I understand that grapes can be grown in moM of the 

 states. Is there not danger of overstocking the market? Have we any 

 reasonable assurance that the price for grapes in the future will warrant 

 planting extensively? 



G. H. LaFleur: There are but few things connected with fruitgrowing 

 that we can be really certain of. We draw conclusions from the condition 

 of surrounding things. The result of certain efforts in the past may 

 reasonably be expected in the future if surrounding conditions are not 

 greatly changed. While the amount of grapes grown has increased rapidly 

 during the past two years', the prospect is that such increase will continue 

 more rapidly in the future. The demand has kept pace with the produc- 

 tion, and yet comparatively a small part of the people have learned that the 

 grape is one of the cheapest and most healthful fruits grown. The people 

 are coming to this knowledge and the demand will undoubtedly keep pace 

 with the supply. There are some very excellent grapes grown and sold in 



