418 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



ducted industries of the country have been seeking organization as a help for 

 the accomplishment of their work, so some of the leading horticulturists of 

 the State thought proper a few years ago to organize also, the result of which 

 •we are happy to believe has fostered and strengthened an interest in one of 

 the most noble and pleasant vocations ever engaged in. We are glad of the 

 organization and glad of the outcome of its work, knowing full well that its 

 tendency is healthful, elevating, cheerful and in many ways profitable. 



We are glad to meet you on this interesting occasion, and while we, the 

 members of this branch society, and the citizens generally, expect to be 

 instructed and benefited by your work with us in this meeting, we hope and 

 trust that your labor will be agreeable and pleasant on your part. We extend 

 to you all a hearty welcome. 



Following Mr. Hewitt's remarks President Lyon arose and said: 



We come here with a living remembrance of another occasion not many 

 years ago, when our society was warmly welcomed and when we had one of 

 the best meetings in the history of the society. You are upon the apex of 

 the relief of ground that divides the water-sheds of lakes Michigan and Erie; 

 you have many natural conditions which c .'utribute to the success of fruit 

 growing. One misfortune perhaps lies in the fact that Lake Michigan does 

 not lie to the south far enough to take the sting out of the western winds, but 

 your altitude is in your favor. , 



We have been growing these many years in the direction of commercial 

 horticulture and rather taking the side of the pruducer than the consumer. 

 Recognizing the fact that buyers are attracted by form and color, we have 

 been instructing the grower what varieties have the greatest degree of comeli- 

 ness. But we are brought face to face with the fact suggested by your mayor, 

 that the denizens of our cities are getting interested in horticulture and they 

 demand the best in quality as well as in appearance. I speak feelingly about 

 this matter because I see so little tendency to grow the best. In the realm 

 of competition, cheapness of production has been paramount to every other 

 consideration, hence productiveness has out ranked quality, a meeting like 

 this can fducate toward higher standards of excellence. 



The forestry question which will be discussed in this convention is one that 

 touches everybody, for our climate is at stake. In my own life-time I have 

 experienced the blighting effects of the idea that was foremost with the pio- 

 neer: "How shall I get rid of the trees?" A few are trying to stem this 

 tide of destruction, and inasmuch as horticulturists feel the most keenly the 

 climatic changes effected by the elision of the timber it is but natural that 

 remedial considerations should be brought up at such meetings as this. .. ^ 



While our society in these quarterly sessions aims to aid the localities vis- 

 ited, it is not unmindful that at every visit of this kind strength is gathered 

 unto itself for future endeavor and usefulness. ,^ 



The chairman now announced the first number on the regular programme 

 as an essay upon 



REASONS FOR DECLINE OF ORCHARDING IN SOUTHERN MICHIGAN. 



BY BENJ. HATHAWAY, LITTLE PRAIRIE RONDE. 



I ask your attention while I shall attempt to point out some of the causes 

 that have been instrumental in producing this barrenness and loss. The 



