INTRODUCTION. 



The program for llie midwinter meeting was arranged for and held 

 during Farmers' Week at M. A, C. Assistance was given in every pos- 

 sible way by the Faculty and Horticultural Department staff to make 

 this meeting a success. 



The program was arranged to discuss topics not taken up at the annual 

 meeting, yet interesting to the growers. 



While the attendance was not as large as at some previous meetings, 

 yet it proved a very important and interesting one, as at this meeting, 

 a new policy was established in appointing a horticultural committee 

 representing the different fruit interests, to co-operate with the Horti- 

 cultural Department in working out experiments to projects which would 

 meet the needs of the greatly increased and growing interest along their 

 lines, a report of which has been given. 



The secretary has arranged for calling and attended all of the meetings 

 of this committee. Following the invitation to have the summer toui- 

 through Oceana and Mason Counties, this was arranged for, making 

 the general starting point from the Graham Experimental Station at 

 Grand Rapids, when a large number of the members and their families 

 enjoyed an opportunity of observing the experimental projects which 

 are being carried on. 



There were 25 machines filled with enthusiastic Horticulturists' start- 

 ing from the station and this number grew to 60 in Oceana and Mason 

 Counties. The splendid fruit crops demonstrating the results in the 

 applications of good cultural practices and the splendid hospitality shown 

 by the citizens of these counties will long be remembered by those making 

 this trip. 



In behalf of the society and the Horticultural committee, an invitation 

 was extended to the State Board of Agriculture to meet with your com- 

 mittee and some growers at the Graham Experiment Station. The 

 invitation was accepted and an informal meeting was held, which gave 

 an opportunity for the members of the State Board and your committee 

 and other growers present to get acquainted. 



The committee very briefly presented an outlining of the problems 

 and needs of the growers present and future, and the necessity of support 

 in working out these problems with a greatly increased growing interest 

 along horticultural lines throughout the state. 



The work being carried on was heartily endorsed by the members of 

 the Board and assistance was assured in enlarging the scope of the work 

 to meet the demands. 



The secretary assisted in making out a program for the Huron Fruit 

 Belt Horticultural Societ}^ held at Almont November 8, which was well 

 attended, considering the day, about 50 being present. Prof. Marshall 

 and Prof. Dutton and Treasurer Munson addressing the meeting. 



Other meetings were held where the extension work in fruit growing 

 was carried on and the interest of the societv looked after as well. 



(6) 



