144 GENERAL HISTORY. 



A number present protested, saying that if farmers do not raise their 

 yegetables they will do without. 



Professor Beal followed the foregoing discussion with a talk on ''Science 

 and Strawberry Culture," giving an accouat of the scientific principles 

 involved in the choice of the parents and the cross-fertilization of varieties, as 

 well as objecting to the very common practice of employing a pistillate as 

 the mother for such purpose. 



T. F. Shepard read an interesting paper entitled, "Hooking Fruit," of 

 the nature of which the records of the meeting afford no clue. 



This was followed by the report of the committee on fruits exhibited, of 

 which there was a large variety, including also a nice display of cut flowers 

 contributed by several persons, together with several exhibits of fruit pack- 

 ages and fruit handling conveniences. 



A series of complimentary resolutions was then reported and adopted, 

 after which the society adjourned. 



At a session of the executive board during the meeting at Bay City, on 

 motion of H. W. Davis : 



Resolved, That while we encourage the exhibition of all meritorious devices for the 

 cultivation, sale and preservation of all horticultural prodncts. we will not permit dis- 

 cussion upon them in open sessions of the society, or their recognition except in com- 

 mittee reports, unless by unanimous consent of the meeting. 



Resolved further , That the discussion of varieties, plants of which are not freely of- 

 fered for sale to the public, is not permissible in our meetings. 



Resolved, That we welcome the American Pomological Society in the year 1885 at 

 Grand Rapids, and that Professor Beal, the secretary, be so notified. 



The annual exhibition of the State Horticultural Society for the year 1884 

 occurred at Kalamazoo, on September 16th to 20th, in connection with the 

 annual fair of the State Agricultural Society. The arrangement between 

 the two societies was substantially the same as in former years. 



The holding of the State fair at Kalamazoo necessitated the construction 

 of a building expressly for the horticultural exhibit, which was done in ac- 

 cordance with a plan submitted by the board of that society. The size of the 

 hall was forty by one hundred feet, with a five feet wide flat table through 

 the center, and a six feet wide sloping table against the wall on each side. 



A display of insects, both injurious and beneficial, with an expert at hand 

 to give information respecting them, was a new feature of the exhibit. 



The number of entries of fruits and plants was eleven hundred, which in- 

 cluded the largest list of entries of society c )llections ever recorded in this 

 department at a Michigan fair. The list included entries from eighteen 

 counties in Michigan and several from Ohio ond Indiana. 



The secretary concludes his record of the exhibition with the following: 



Among the lessons of the fair were — 



1. Tables are infinitely superior to shelving upon which to show fruits. 



2. A clasp in which to hold the name card well alx)ve the fruit is a great help to ob- 

 servers. 



3. Either the fairs should be held longer, so that people will not come in so large 

 numbers upon a single day, or accommodations for a large crowd to see and study the 

 displays without hindering others should l)e given. 



4. Exliibitors of collections should have their fruit so packed and lists so made out- 

 that their exhibits can be put in sliape in at least half a day after reaching the ground.. 



