154 GENERAL HISTORY. 



Day. Some twelve years ago, through the influence of that pioneer tree 

 planter, Ex-Governor J. S. Morton the Governor appointed the second 

 Wednesday in April as the day to be devoted to economic tree planting; and 

 it is stated that twelve million trees were planted on that day. The succes- 

 sive Governors have continued thus to recognize this day." 



" Gi)vernor Bagley, of Michigan, in 1876, issued a proclamation inviting 

 people to plant, on a certain day, trees in commemoration of the centeni iai 

 of American independence, and the day was very generally and euccessfully 

 observed." 



"The Legislature of 1881 passed a concurrent resolution asking the Gov- 

 ernor to name a day for tree planting throughout the State of Michigan, and 

 each year since, by proclamation, a day has been designated as Arbor Day, 

 and the people have been urged to plant trees about their houses, on the road- 

 side, in the school yard and upon the cemetery lot." 



On September 9th to 11th, 1885, the American Pomological Society held 

 its first biennial meeting in the State of Michiu'an, at Grand Rapids. The 

 sessions were held in the audience room of the First Universalist Church, an 

 excellent, quiet and conveniently located room for such purpose, while the 

 exhibit of fruits was displayed in Division Street Armory, three blocks away. 

 The display of fruits was excellent, Michigan alone showing nearly a thous- 

 and plates, aside from individual collections, prominent among which was 

 Professor Bailey's display of native fruits and nuts. 



The welcoming committee, consisting of Hon. Byron G. Stout, of Pontiac;. 

 Hon. Henry G. Reynolds, of Grand Rapids; Hon. A. J, Webber, of Ionia; 

 Hon. Wm. L. Webber, of East Saginaw; Judge J. G. Ramsdell, of Traverse 

 City, and Hon. W. K. Gibson, of Jackson, had arranged with President An- 

 gell, of the State University at Ann Arbor, to welcome the society to the 

 State. 



At 10 o'clock A. M., notwithstanding the prevalence of a drizzling rain, 

 the meeting was called to order by Secretary Beal. with a large attendance. 



In doing so he announced, with much regret, the inability of the venerable 

 president, Marshall P. Wilder, of Massachusetts, to be present, owing to his 

 great age and feeble condition. 



In the absence of the first vice president, Hon. P. J. Beickmans,of Georgia, 

 Patrick Barry, of New York, was chosen chairman, and on taking the chair 

 called on the Rev. Chas. Fluhrer, of Grand Rapids, who opened the meeting 

 with prayer. 



The chairman then called on President T. T. Lyon, who addressed a few 

 words of welcome on behalf of the Michigan Sta'e Horticultural Society. 



Mayor Curtiss, of Grand Rapids, was then called on, and welcomed the 

 society to the city. 



The address in behalf of the State was then delivered by President Angell. 



To these welcomes Mr. Barry responded heartily and apj^ropriately, after 

 which the announcement of committees was made, and the credentials of 

 delegates received. 



The treasurer, Benj. G. Smith, of Cambridge, Mass., submitted his bien- 

 nial statement. 



Boston, Massachusetts, was agreed upon as the place for holding the next 

 meeting, in 1887. 



The officer8 elected for the next biennial term were: 



President — Marshall P. Wilder, of Massachusetts. 



