GENERAL HISTORY. 31 



The president read letters from E. W. Ball, of Concord, Massachusetts, 

 and Geo. W. Campbell, of Delaware, Ohio, respecting the Delaware and 

 other grapes, which were followed by a protracted discussion. 



Professor Tracy, of the Agricultural College, was called on, and made a 

 short statement respecting horticultural operations there. 



The increasing interest in horticulture, both in this State and elsewhere, 

 was spoken of by R. F. Johnstone, of the Michigan Farmer. 



W. H. Schuyler, representing the Alden Fruit Dryer, was introduced and 

 gave an exhaustive address, setting forth the characteristics of this dryer 

 and its i)roduct, a quantity of which was on exhibition, and was cooked at 

 Sweet's hotel, and received the unqualified commendation of the committee. 



Both the Alden Dryer and the lona grape were further discussed, Mr. 

 Bradfield describing the aspect in which his lonas are planted and his mode 

 of treatment and its results, in reply to the queries of S. B. Peck, of 

 Muskegon. 



Upon motion of the secretary — 



Resolved, That a reporter be appointed to assist the secretary, and that 

 Charles W. Garfield be aj)pointed to fill the office the ensuing year, or until 

 the next annual election. 



A lecture by Professor A. J. Cook was announced for the next monthly 

 meeting, after which the society adjourned. 



The Executive Committee met at Grand Rapids on February 6, 1872, for 

 the preparation of a premium list for the annual fair, to occur on September 

 16th to 21st following, which was to be held in connection vs^ith that of the 

 Northern Michigan Agricultural Society. 



Much regret was expressed that the State Agricultural Society should have 

 fixed the State fair during the same week already selected by the Northern 

 Michigan Society, which must determine also that of the State Pomological 

 Society, and a committee was appointed and resolutions adopted by the execu- 

 tive committee, with the hope of being able to avoid the threatened collision, 

 but without effect. 



The society held a meeting on the same day with the meeting of the com- 

 mittee, but it was adjourned without transacting any business beyond listen- 

 ing to the lecture of Professor Cook. 



The next meeting of the society occurred at Grand Rapids, on March 5th. 



A letter was read from H. E. Bidwell, of South Haven, suggesting changes 

 in the premium list, which were deemed inexpedient. 



A life membership was voted to Professor A. J. Cook, in consideration of 

 his lecture a month since. 



An invitation was received from Professor Tracy, of the Agricultural Col- 

 lege, inviting the society to hold its April meeting at Lansing, which was' 

 accepted. 



At a meeting of the executive committee $100 was allowed the president 

 and 1150 to the secretary for their services during the current year. 



The State Pomological Society met at Lansing on April 2d, 1872. 



President Thompson opened the session with a few appropriate remarks, 

 which he closed with a touching eulogy of John Allen, of Plymouth, recently 

 deceased, who had been actively interested in the union fair of 1871, and a 

 pioneer in fruit culture. 



Reports of fruit prospects were made, but were generally unfavorable so 

 far as peaches were concerned, except from the vicinity of Lake Michigan. 

 Other fruits were favorably reported. 



