92 GENERAL HISTORY. 



The society was called to order by the president on Tuesday evening. 



The reports, both by letter and orally, were of an encouraging character, 

 80 far as fruit prospects are concerned. 



"The Ideal Market .Strawberry" was the first subject that came up for dis- 

 cussion. ' 



With W. A. Brown it was the Wilson. 



T. T. Lyon thought that to decide this question we need to consult, first the 

 grower, second the buyer, third the consumer. Anyb 'dy can grow Wilsons, 

 but it requires experience to grow Triomphe de Grand, hence the greater 

 profit in the latter when well grown. 



On Wednesday morning the discussion of ''The Ideal Market Strawberry" 

 was resumed, and after a good deal of discussion the following resolution 

 was adopted : 



Resolved, That we have not as yet reached so high a standard of excellence in the 

 strawberry as to be able to name any variety as " An ideal market berry." 



The next topic was, "What is the Ideal Family Strawberry, and What 

 Sorts Come Nearest to it?" 



This question was discussed in a short paper from B. Hathaway, to the 

 effect that it should be a sure produc -r, of fair size, moderately firm, and the 

 plant satisfactory. In response to an anticipated query, he thought the 

 Michigan such a variety. 



R. F. Johnstone pointed to a plate of Jucundas as coming, in appearance 

 at least, as near to his ideal as any up in the table. 



The Crescent was commended as a market variety by the few who had 

 tried it. * 



The strawberry list in the new fruit catalogue was then reviewed. The 

 Crescent, Centennial, Shirts, Marvin and Windsor wt re added and the grading 

 of several sorts changed. 



The Wilson had been marked ten in the market column. This, after a 

 long, earnest discussion, was reduced to nine. 



At the opening of tlie afternoon session several seedlings were referred to 

 the fruit committee with instructions lo propose names, if thought worthy. 



H. S. Tyler, of Muskeg )n, read an essay on " The Influence of Stock upon 

 Cion," detailing much of personal experience and advancing the opinion, in 

 conclusion, that, by continuous re-grafting, a variety may ultimately lose its 

 identity. 



Tlie next topic was "The Po'^ition of the Baldwin Apple in Michigan." 



The discussion evolved wideditferencesof opinion and experience respecting 

 this variety. Its lack of hardiness is a st-rious drawback in very many 

 localities; but where it proves sufficiently hardy its vigor and productiveness 

 render it a favorite. 



To nurserymen the fine habit and great vigor of the young trees are 

 especially satisfactory. 



A few larvjfi upon vine leaves were shown by E. Bradfield, which Professor 

 Cook identified as the larvae of the grape vine flea beetle, giving their 

 natural history, a'ld adding that by sprinkling the buds in May with Paris 

 green and water the beetles may be killed and the evil nipped in the bud. 

 Later, the dust of lime or Paris ijreen will kill the grubs. 



Mr. S. B. Peck, one of the oldest members of the society in point of mem- 

 bership, and the oldest in years, read an essay entitled, "Muskegon and the 

 State Pomological Society, expressing a high opinion as to the efficiency and 



