REPORTS OP LOOAL SOCIETIES. 359 



JUNE MEETING. 



The June meeting convened at the home of A. J. Gill, on West Bridge 

 street. Vice-president Peakce called the meeting to order and asked for 

 testimony in regard to fruit prospects. The apple crop was several points 

 below the condition reported at the May meeting. The strawberry crop, 

 which was just now in its height, was the largest ever taken. At this 

 time raspberries promised well, but other fruits were reported very scarce 

 indeed, with the exception of grapes. The finest display of strawberries 

 exhibited by the society was made at this meeting, and S. S. Bailey 

 carried ofp the honor of having the best grown and largest collection; but 

 the best single box of Sharpless was exhibited by E. Chase Phillips. 



The afternoon session was wholly devoted to notes on strawberries, and 

 all in all the day was a pleasant and profitable one. 



THE JULY MEETING. 



Was held at the fine country home of S. S. Bailey at East Paris. Presi- 

 dent Garfield's voice was heard above the discordant tones of many 

 groups of people chatting on various subjects. The voice reached to all 

 corners and was asking the society to adjust themselves in as easy positions 

 as possible. This announcement was taken for a notice to come to order. 

 After a few opening remarks, the president said : We are fortunate to have 

 with us today Hon, T. T. Lyon, and we will be delighted to hear from him in 

 his experimental work at the sub-station at South Haven. Mr. Lyon gave a 

 very full account of his labors, and Prof, Taft encouraged him in the 

 work. One of the topics for discussion was, "Desirable attributes of the 

 country home." Much profit was gained from this well-chosen subject, and 

 the gentlemen were compelled to admit that their wives had much to do 

 with the embellishment of their homes. Considerable time was devoted 

 to "Notes on Raspberries," both in the habits and growth of the different 

 kinds, and in the flavor. The members were able to make a practical test 

 from the large dishes of ripe berries served with cream at the lunch. 



THE AUGUST MEETING 



was held on the grounds at the Soldiers' Home. The day was a pleas- 

 ant one. President Garfield called the meeting to order and stated the 

 topic for discussion, " Ornamental trees, vines, and shrubs," and "Making 

 of Lawns." A communication from Mr. E. C. Reid of Allegan was read. 

 The letter stated the progress made in the collection of fruits and flowers 

 for the Detroit Exposition the following month. 



" We have with us today," said President Garfield, " Prof. L. E. Taft 

 of Agricultural college, and we feel we can safely have our questions 

 answered relating to the subjects chosen for this meeting." 



A very creditable display of fruit was made. J. B. Lowes exhibited, 

 among other fruit, a bunch of grapes, extra large size, the result of gird- 

 ling the vine; Wm. A. Brown of Benton Harbor sent a peach of Brown's 

 Early, which seemed identical with the Early Michigan shown by Peter 

 Penning of Lowell; C. L. Bissell exhibited Bradshaw and Imperial 

 Gage plums and Worden grape. Vice-president Pearce made a fine dis- 

 play of Bartlett pears, and S. S. Bailey brought Hill's Chili peaches. 



