GENERAL HISTORY. 75 



The next mistake, on a larger scale, was in planting too many varieties 



some forty or fifty in all. 



The next was, growing two opposite arms where rows ran up and down a 

 hill, as the ascending arm robbed the descending one. Besides, after a few 

 years' growth, the descending one could not be bent down for protection in 

 winter. This mistake was remedied by cutting away the ascending arm and 

 giving double space to the descending one. 



Another mistake was in allowing the Adirondac to overbear, and, in conse- 

 quence, fail to ripen the fruit. 



Anothei' was, supposing that a miller could make money by growing grape 

 vines. He soon discovered that taking toll was the better business. 



His "most foolish mistake" was in supposing he could grow more Concords 

 than lonas on a given area. 



Rotation of crops in horticulture was next discussed, the subiect being 

 opened by a short address from J. N. Stearns, of Kalamazoo. 



Provision was made for securing a room in the new capitol in which the 

 library and other property of the society could be kept. 



The president and secretary were empowered to arrange with the executive 

 committee of the State Agricultural Society for a union exhibition at the next 

 annual fair. 



Arrangement was also made for the purchase of plates, clasps and cards 

 for the society's use. 



On Tuesday evening the society was welcomed to the city by Mayor G. W. 

 Thayer, and his address was responded to by President Lyon. 



An essay followed by Mrs. Sophie H. Knight, of Lansing, on the " Hart- 

 ford Fern in Home Decoration." 



" The Winter House Garden " was the next on the programme, and, in the 

 absence of Mr. Gibson who had been expected to lead in the discussion, Sec- 

 retary Garfield was called on, and made some extended remarks, which were 

 followed by Professors Beal and Tracy, President Lyon and George Taylor. 



''Horticulture — Yesterday, To-day, and To-morrow," was the topic of a 

 paper by Professor Tracy, of Old Mission, which was largely historical, and 

 raised doubts whether we are making any important advances in the science 

 beyond that of two hundred years ago. He claimed that there is great need 

 of enthusiastic students. 



" How shall we preserve ourselves from the wiles of the fruit tree agent ? " 

 was considered by Judge Ramsdell, of Traverse City. After some account of 

 his early purchases from tree agents and the wonderful transmutations of 

 Vergalieu pears into Stevens' Genesee ; Vicar into Diels ; Tree Roses into 

 Double Flowering Thorns, etc. 



A G. Gulley remarked that tree agents should be considered under two 

 heads, authorized agents of nurseries (who are, usually, as reliable as the 

 nursery they represent), and agents sent out by dealers who, usually, sell 

 fine trees, because they "take," but whose most important stock in trade is 

 labels and lead pencils. The gist of the conclusion seemed to be, "know 

 Just what you want, accept nothing else, and deal with the nursery direct." 



On Wednesday morning an essay was read by J. N. Stearns, of Kalamazoo, 

 on ''Preparing Fruit for Market." Neatness, taste and honesty were com- 

 mended as profitable, in both the essay and subsequent discussion. 



Professor A. J. Cook, chairman of the standing committee on entomology, 

 as his report for the year, gave an exhaustive paper on the " Grape Phyllox- 



