STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 197 



when, in 1873, it was arranged that the State Pomological Society should 

 assume control of the horticultural department of the State fair, with the 

 power to devise a list of premiums as well as the rules to govern exhibitors 

 and committees. 



Much had certainly been done by individuals, prior to this, to reform these 

 vicious practices, by correcting errors and urging the value and importance 

 of more care in selections for planting, but it was not till the award of pre- 

 miums was conditioned upon correct nomenclature, and carefully devised 

 rules rendered imperfect, or showy but worthless varieties detrimental to 

 collections, rather than otherwise, that the iaiportance of some knowledge 

 of correct ideas in matters connected with the orchard and garden was fully 

 brought down to the apprehension of exhibitors generally, and the neces- 

 sity of at least a little acquaintance with pomology came to be very generally 

 comprehended. 



To the facts above stated is largely due the reputation of Michigan 

 fruit culture abroad — a reputation resulting from the untiring efforts of 

 comparatively a few men who, largely through the State Horticultural 

 Society, have voluntarily, and without compensation, given their thoughts 

 and their energies to the development and elevation of this special capabil- 

 ity of our State — a work, to the success of which the agricultural society 

 has largely contributed by opening to the horticultural society a field suscep- 

 tible of being far more broadly and effectively worked, from the mere cir- 

 cumstance of its association with the broader field of agriculture. 



This affiliation of the two societies has continued, already, for thirteen 

 years, with increasing confidence and cordiality between them, and there 

 would seem to be reason for hope that nothing may occur to mar or dimin- 

 ish such confidence in the future. 



