THE DIGNITY OF INTELLIGENT LABOR. 9 



Among pomologists the idea is quite prevalent, that our important interest 

 is not sufficiently represented at the Agricultural College. 



That the members of the State Board of Agriculture and of the College 

 Faculty are all friendly to this interest there can be no doubt, — and may we 

 not hope soon to see in the College a Professor thoroughly versed in the 

 science and practice of Pomology ? 



We congratulate the society upon the nucleus of a library already formed, 

 and the prospective donation by T. T. Lyon of his valuable private library, 

 upon conditions I trust soon to be fulfilled. 



We submit to your consideration whether Horticulture and Floriculture, as 

 kindred to Pomology, may not properly be included under the patronage of the 

 same society. 



Professor Cook told us at Grand Rapids about those little people we call 

 insects, — that they too had discovered Michigan to be a fruit-producing land, 

 and were following their discoveries with conquestof all the Southern counties. 

 Since that time we have had a spy in the camp of the enemy, aud find that in 

 their winter quarters they are planning a crusade into the northern regions, — 

 having particularly in view the extensive plum orchard of T. J. Enmsdell of 

 Manisree; and will push their victorious armies as far as the eighty acre 

 orchard of Geo. Parmelee of Old Mission. Their devastations are already 

 alarming in many parts of the State. It seems necessary that one skilled in 

 their peculiar warfare should take the field against them, — one that can do for 

 Michigan what, for instance, Riley is doing for Missouri. 



In view of the fact that the grain-grower is also vitally interested in the 

 destruction of these sleepless enemies, which, by night and day, are sapping the 

 foundation of our material prosperity, — to say nothing of mere scientific 

 research, — it appears of the utmost importance that the Legislature provide for 

 the appointment of a State Entomologist. 



To a new society struggling into existence, perhaps the question of finance 

 is the most difficult one. By dint of much earnest work, wherein our treasurer, 

 Mr. Samuel L. Fuller of Grand Rapids, is deserving of particular mention, has 

 onr society been kept afloat in the financial world. Its usefulness as one of 

 the institutions of the State is now fully demonstrated. If, therefore, a small 

 annual appropriation were made from the State Treasury for a few years, to 

 place the society upon an independent footing, the result will no doubt vindi- 

 cate the wrsdom of the Legislature in such action. 



The series of monthly meetings held in different parts of the State, under 

 the very efficient past management, have awakened a new interest, promoted 

 good feeling between different sections, brought out many valuible contribu- 

 tions to Our pomological literature, and been the occasion of profitable discus- 

 sions. With brilliant display of fruits and flowers and flourish of trumpets, 

 we sometimes grow enthusiastic, yet are we sternly practical. 



We have seen the tide of emigration sweep by to the more inviting and 

 susceptible soil of the great prairies. But Michigan, with her millions of uncul- 

 tivated acres bristling with dark forests, and her deep bosom teeming with 

 latent possibilities, is the rough diamond which must be worked to discover all 

 the rich and beautiful treasures that lie hid beneath. Her soil, timber, genial 

 •climate, and unrivaled commercial advantages, with no doubtful promise, 

 invite the emigrant to abide here. The bright future of Michigan muse be 

 ■wrought out iiy labor, — intelligent labor. But thank God, labor is honorable! 



The State Pomological Society must figure largely in this work of bringing 

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