542 r ANNUAL, REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



We found no new fruits that were of special merit, or worthy of 

 mention, when compared with the vast number of excellent varie- 

 ties we have at this time. One jar of plums, however, exceeded any- 

 thing else we have seen in canned plums; it is a native gage of 

 medium size, and of most delicious flavor, having retained almost 

 all its sweetness, although canned with the pits in the fruit. 



If in order, we would recommend that in future exhibits of new 

 fruits, 5 specimens of the same kind be placed on every plate, and 

 that these specimens be nearly perfect. 



Respectfully submitted, 



EARL PETERS, 

 ; JOHN F. BOYER, 



R. L. MARLATT, 



Committee. 



The chair announced that owing to business engagement at the 

 Executive Chamber, Governor Pennypacker would be unable to be 

 present at our meeting. 



Mr. Black (New Jersey), expressed his pleasure and gratification 

 in being able to attend our meeting, and extended a cordial invita- 

 tion to the Society to send delegates to their next annual meeting. 

 Every courtesy would be extended by their Society. He expressed 

 the hope also that a fraternal spirit be perpetuated between our 

 organizations. 



Mr. Reid (New Jersey), cordially endorsed the remarks of his fel- 

 low delegate, and hoped to have the pleasure of meeting with us 

 again. 



MR. CHASE. — I will be glad to refer this matter to the new' Presi- 

 dent, Mr. Hiester, and hope that in the future this Association will 

 not only have closer and more cordial fraternal relations with the 

 New Jersey Society, but will send delegates as requested. 



QUESTION BOX. 



(l)."Is refuse chloride of lime from dyeing establishments of 

 value as plant food?-' 



DR. MAYER. — I would consider it injurious to the soil owing to 

 the amount of chlorine present. 



(2) "Should the robin be protected?" 



MR. SNAVELY. — I do not believe in eradicating the robin, though 

 I am satisfied he is doing more mischief than any other agency in dis- 

 seminating San Jos6 Scale. He also destroys fruit, but I do not 

 condemn him on that account. When too numerous, he is a nui- 

 sance and should be held in check. 



MR. BLACK, (N. J.)— For years I was a friend of the robin, but I 

 am his enemy now. Much that has been said and written about him 

 is sentiment, and not warranted by facts. In New Jersey he lives 

 on our fruit, sometimes destroying it entirely. He may do better 

 elsewhere, but with us he does far more harm than good. 



MR. SNAVELY.— What is the legal status of the robin? 



