PROCEEDINGS OP THE SUMMER MBETING. 68 



consisted of Bordeaux mixture and corrosive sublimate, using different 

 strength and soaking in different lengths of time. 



Prof. BoLLY of North Dakota has shown that the yield is increased by 

 treating affected seed. The reason is that the bases of vines are affected, 

 which causes them to weaken and die much sooner than they otherwise 

 would. 



In conclusion the assertion can be made that treating seed potatoes and 

 planting on ground free from the germs will give an increased yield and 

 an undiseased product. 



COMMITTEES — AND A GOOD DINNER. 



At conclusion of those reports, President Lyon announced the follow- 

 ing committees: 



On Resolutions — L. R. Taft, Agricultural college; R. Morrill, Benton 

 Harbor; J. B. HouK, Ludington; J. J. Gee, Whitehall. 



On Exhibits — S. D. Willard, Geneva, N. Y.; L, H. Bailey, Ithaca, 

 N. Y. ; A. S. Packard, Covert; Mrs. C. A. Sessions, Mears. 



Adjournment was made till 1:30 o'clock, when Mr. Pratt announced 

 that Oceana county produced another excellent product, besides fruit, and 

 that was good cooks, as the visitors might know if they would proceed to 

 a certain hall, where those cooks had gathered and were in waiting. The 

 pomologists lost no time in taking the hint, and were soon busy with a 

 banquet of exceeding fine quality, served by the wives and daughters of 

 the hospitable fruitgrower^ of Shelby. 



Following the paper upon potato rot, came the following one by Prof. L. 

 R. Taft: 



THE DISEASES OF FRUITS. 



The freedom of all plants from disease depends to a large extent upon 

 the surroundings to which they are exposed. In an unsuitable soil or 

 climate, if they survive at all, they at best will make a weak and feeble 

 growth and are not only subject to disease, but, if attacked, they are very 

 likely to succumb. 



Disease may be defined as some derangement of the organs that prevents 

 them from properly performing their functions. 



While it is expected that this paper will treat of those diseases that are 

 of a fungous or bacterial nature, brief allusion will not be out of place 

 to other diseases, or other causes, which, although non-parasitic of them- 

 selves, frequently produce or promote the development of fungi and 

 bacteria. 



incentives to disease. 



Among the first of these may be mentioned the injurious effect of wet 

 soils. All fruitgrowers understand that few of our fruits will thrive when 

 placed in low spots where water stands after a rain, or where they will 

 have wet feet; but it is not so well known that trees growing in depres- 



