PROCEEDINGS OP THE ANNUAL MEETING. 161 



ings, and perhaps for unlearned occupations, and would urge upon all such 

 to fully investigate and ascertain if there is not some field or corner of the 

 old farm, which would hardly be missed, wherein are offered opportunities 

 for more and greater profits, if judiciously planted to fruits, than have 

 been secured from the entire farm as it has been used for the production 

 of common farm products. 



Another consideration worthy of the attention of all our people, is that 

 we are going over too much land, and properly working too small an amount, 

 losing in both ways. Fruit culture very soon acquaints us of these facts, 

 and, where most largely followed, results in more homes, better homes, and 

 more general prosperity. 



Regarding common or general farming, I submit to those who still per- 

 sist in raising sixty-cent wheat, fifteen-cent wool, or fifty-dollar horses, to 

 compare notes and satisfy themselves if more diversified industry will not 

 bring better results, and keep John and Jane at or near home to help 

 secure them. 



Oobleville, Mich. 



N. W. Lewis. 



THE FUTURE OP PEACH-GROWING. 



In requesting me to furnish a paper on " The present status of peach- 

 growing in Allegan county, with a general view of the condition, opinion 

 as to the continuity of the business, its methods, needs, dangers, recent 

 changes or pending ones, and any new points that may be within my knowl- 

 edge," you have given me a rather large field to i-an^e over — one beset by 

 many difficulties and obstructions, great discourasrements, and heart-break- 

 ing disaster, and yet embracing, perhaps, more pleasant pathways to suc- 

 cess and its accompanying competence and enjoyment of life than any 

 other line of rural pursuit. 



In attempting to comply with your request I shall confine myself to mat- 

 ters within my own knowledge, or belief on authentic information, and 

 relating to the western part of Allegan county. 



PRESENT STATUS. 



I think I may safely say that peach-growing is the chief end and aim 

 of every one who is the owner of a suitable piece of land, and all land 

 seems suitable that is sufficiently elevated, and provided with good air- 

 drainage and soil drainage, from the heaviest clay to the lightest blow- 

 sand, though the amount and quality of the product is more or less affected 

 by the varying quality of the soil, even under equally good treatment. It 

 seems to be demonstrated that, in this lake shore region, peaches can be 

 grown successfully wherever the trees do not suffer from extreme cold, or 

 late frosts, or wet feet. 



# 



CONTINUITY. 



As to the continuity of peach-growing, I see no reason (if the yellows 

 law is enforced) to apprehend that it will not continue indefinitely in this 

 region at large, although some sections of greater or less extent may, as 

 21 



