316 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



sons might not ripen perfectly. The Northern Spy is better here than in 

 southern Michigan. It comes into bearing earlier and ripens its fruit more 

 evenly. His main objection to the Wagener is that it bears so early and so 

 constantly as to prevent a proper growth of the tree. For commercial 

 purposes he thought the Golden Russet the most valuable. It is among the 

 best of bearers, and when fully matured is of superior quality. 



Other parties participated in the discussion. From all that "was said a 

 listener would have come to the conclusion that the Golden Russet is entitled 

 to the first place on the list of our market apples, and next would come the 

 Baldwin, Red Canada, Wagener and Greening. We regretted that more could 

 not have been said in favor of the Greening, for to us it seems the best of all 

 apples. Bui facts are vv'hat the people want. 



A second meeting was held on Tuesday evening, President Dyckman presid- 

 ing. Secretary Thompson examined and commented briefly on several varie- 

 ties of apples that had been placed on the table, praising them for their size, 

 beauty, soundness, and general excellence, and comparing them with fruit 

 from another part of the State exhibited at the same time. 



Rev. S. Steele, of Northport, was called on and explained the location and 

 general topography of Leelanaw county. The county has Lake Michigan on 

 the west and Grand Traverse Bay on the east, and hence is well protected from 

 frosts and severe winter freezing. The soil is mainly a sandy loam resting on 

 a limestone basis. The timber is principally hard wood — maple, beech, elm, 

 basswood, etc., etc. 



Hon. A. B, Dunlap spoke briefly of the county and its adaptation to the 

 production of fruit. He believed the time near at hand when the hills around 

 the bay would be covered with vines and fruit trees. The whole Leelanaw 

 peninsula feels the influence of the lake and bay. Horticulture should be 

 taught in all our schools, and a generation of fruit-growers raised up. 



Mr. W. S. Hubbeil, of Benzonia, said Benzie county is within the " fruit 

 belt," and had made special effort to be properly represented at the fair. At 

 Benzonia, 10 miles south of Traverse City, and 25 miles west, are orchards now 

 loaded with fruit. Nine years ago a little fair was held at that place, when 

 only a single plate of apples could be shown. When that single plate of apples 

 is compared with the Benzie county collection now on exhibition they may 

 well be proud of the progress that has been made. 



Rev. C. E. Bailey spoke briefly of the topography of the county. Thought 

 the high lands between Crystal Lake and Piatt Bay among the finest in the 

 entire region for fruit growing. The fruit at the fair grounds shows that there 

 is something in Benzie besides woods. Peaches have been grown at Benzonia 

 every year for the past ten years. 



Messrs. V. F. Thurston, of Platte, and Wm. Steele, of Homestead, spoke 

 briefly. Mr. Steele believed the altitude of the best fruit lands within the 

 *' belt" to be not less than 400 feet above the level of Lake Michigan. 



Dea. Jos. Dame, of Northport, spoke of his experience and observations, and 

 mentioned having written a letter to the New York Trihu7ie March 11th, 

 1854, which led to considerable inquiry in regard to this region. 



After Mr. Dame had taken his seat Mr. Parmelee requested that he would 

 rise and turn to the audience and tell them his age, so that they could see 

 what kind of old men we raise here. The Deacon complied, saying he was 

 only a little over 77, was always well while here, but sure to get sick if he went 

 abroad. 



