388 



Besides tlie additional attention paid to the raising of farm crops and 

 stock, within the last year unusual pains have been taken in the intro- 

 duction of choice kinds of fruit. Impelled, no doubt, by the proofs ex- 

 hibited at the Annual Fairs, of the admirable adaptability of the soil 

 and climate of this county, to the cultivation of fruit, an extraordina- 

 ry quantity of young fruit and ornamental trees have been imported, 

 for both spring and fall planting, from the best nurseries in the State of 

 New York. A nursery belonging to Wm. Bliss, has been for some 

 years in existence in the town of Flushing. Of its condition, none of 

 the Committe are qualified by sufficient information, to speak ; but 

 some of the choicest specimens of fruit offered for exhibition at the 

 Fairs of the Society hare been brought in by Mr. Bliss. A permanent 

 nureery has also been established within the year in the township of 

 Genesee, by two enterprising citizens, Messrs. Wilcox. An establish- 

 ment of this kind, conducted by reliable proprietors, the Committee 

 consider to be a very gi-eat desideratum — as well for the facility it will 

 afford to the citizens of this county to supply themselves at home with 

 such trees as they want, as for the importance of having in our midst a 

 nursery that, if well conducted, in course of time will probably become 

 the resort of citizens of neighboring counties, who at present supply 

 themselves from other States. Nurseries now of the widest extent and 

 reputation, have all had beginnings such as this; and the Committee 

 think that so far as the enterprise of Messrs. Wilcox shall merit support, 

 it is the manifest interest of the citizens of Genesee county to sustain 

 them. 



The progress of mechanical and manufacturing business, within the 

 past year, has not been behind that of Agriculture and Horticulture- 

 New Mills, Factories, Foundries, Machine-Shops, Steam Engines, Mer- 

 cantile stores and dwelling houses are springing into existence with a 

 rapidity almost magical ; and persons returned after an absence of a 

 year or two, have exhibited perfect astonishment at the improvements 

 effected. Let the condition of the county be viewed in what light it 

 may, these are the most abundant reasons for congratulation to be 

 found. 



With these preliminary observations, the Committee pass on to the 

 proceedings of the Society during the year. 



