GENERAL HISTORY. 105 



The writer of the paper looked at matters from the tree agents' standpoint, 

 for whom some good points were made. The audience had known so much of 

 the reverse of the picture, however, that although tree agents were admitted 

 not to be an unmitigated evil, the prevailing advice was to deal with the nur- 

 sery direct, and, to close the discussion, the following was adopted: 



Resolved, That we recommend to purchasers the plan of buying nursery stock of 

 nurserynaen, direct when they can, otherwise, of agents who can establish their 

 responsibility beyond a doubt ; and to have no business transaction with tree agents or 

 peddlers who have no authority from a known responsible firm. 



The Tuesday evening session was opened by some excellent music. 



W. W. Tracy, of Detroit, addressed the society on " The Difficulty of Main- 

 taining Pure and Good Seeds," urging the importance of applying the same 

 principles in the growing and selection of seeds as are considered necessary 

 in the breeding and selection of animals. 



H. E. Hooker, of Rochester, N. Y., fully endorsed the ideas advanced in 

 the address. 



Professor Daniel Putnam, of the State Normal School, addressed the audi- 

 ence on " The School Garden," treating the subject exhaustively, and remark- 

 ing in conclusion that, ''This society can do no greater or grander work than 

 the turning of the barren wastes of our school yards into shady groves and 

 blooming gardens." 



Professor A. Winchell, of the Michigan University, then read a paper on 

 "The Climate of Michigan," explaining that our modified climate is the 

 natural and necessary outcome of onr lacustrine surroundings and of the 

 direction of our prevailing winds. 



On Wednesday morning a committee of five was appointed to nominate 

 officers for the ensuing year. 



The executive board was instructed to appoint three delegates to the con- 

 vention of Michigan agricultural societies. 



S. W. Dorr, of Manchester, addressed the society on " The Danger of 

 Overdoing Fruit Culture in Michigan." Both the address and the subse- 

 quent discussion indicate a confidence that markets will not be lacking for 

 our fruit products, especially for high grade fruits. 



The society next listened to the annual statement of the secretary, who, 

 among other things, remarks the neglect of our exhibitions by the florists 

 and amateurs of Detroit. 



He also compliments exhibitors of fruits on their improved ability to select 

 perfect specimens, and to correctly name varieties. 



During the year the society had devised the plan of organizing branch or 

 auxiliary societies wherever the local interest shall so warrant, and making 

 these local organizations the medium of distribution of the annual volumes, 

 as well as of the collection and distribution of information generally. 



Following the secretary's report the annual address of the president was 

 read. 



The report of T.T. Lyon, chairman of committee on new fruits, was then 

 read. 



The following persons were then elected officers of the society for the en- 

 suing year: — 



President — T. T. Lyon, South Haven. 



Secretary — Charles W. Garfield, Grand Rapids. 



14 



