GENERAL HISTORY. 29 



of the terrible fire which had broken out on the previous day at Chicago, and 

 also of the general prevalence of destructive forest fires throughout northern 

 and western Michigan. The next train west was, however, taken to Kala- 

 mazoo, where a change was to be made to the K. & S. H. Railroad, for South 

 Haven. 



While awaiting the South Haven train a call was made on Judge Wells, 

 and attention was called to a vine of the then new Kalamazoo grape, at his 

 residence, with a crop of fruit yet upon it. This Mr. Downing regarded as 

 very large and showy, but lacking quality as compared with Catawba, which 

 it resemiiles, although it is said to be earlier. The orchards and vineyards of 

 the Messrs. Davis, of that vicinity, were also visited. 



On returning to the station the fact was learned that Grand Junction had 

 been burned, and that the train could not get through, and consequently had 

 not arrived. The next train west on the Michigan Central Railroad was 

 therefore taken, with the purpose to reach St. Joseph and South Haven via 

 New Buffalo, but, on reaching Niles, news was received that no train bad 

 reached New Buffalo from the north for some time on account of forest fires. 



The programme was, therefore, again changed, the next train eastward was 

 boarded, and the party returned to Kalamazoo and thence took cars for 

 Grand Rapids, where, after calling on President Thompson, of the State 

 Pomological Society, with several others, the train was taken for Spring Lake, 

 where the vineyards of Hunter Savidge and several other plantations were 

 visited. 



A portion of Mr. Savidge's vineyard was still carrying its full crop of fruit, 

 the quantity of which was so great that Mr. Downing expressed the suspicion 

 that it would prove injurious to the vigor and health of the vines. 



A trip to Fruitport at the head of Spring Lake was made by row boat, call- 

 ing at several plantations on the way. 



It had been purposed by Messrs. Allen and Lyon to extend the trip to Man- 

 istee and Grand Traverse, but Mr. Downing's arrangements contemplated his 

 return home within the week. The train was, therefore, taken at Fruitport 

 for Nunica and Ionia, and thence to Lansing, where a visit was made to the 

 State Agricultural College, and the members of the faculty present were 

 treated to a fine box of grapes, put up as a present to them by Mr. Savidge, 

 of Spring Lake. 



Returning to Lansing, the train was taken for Plymouth, where Allen and 

 Lyon left the train, while the others continued their homeward journey. 



After his return, under date of October 30th, Mr. Downing addressed a 

 letter to President Thompson, from which the following are extracts: — 



"Our visit to Michigan was a pleasant and instructive one, and the por- 

 tion of the State we visited seemed well adapted to fruit growing, and, from 

 all that I could learn, it is one of the most profitable pursuits to the land 

 owner." 



" I must say a word about Michigan grapes, which appeared healthy and pro- 

 ductive, and in most localities I saw — even in the light, sandy soil around 

 Spring Lake and the neighborhood — they were vigorous, healthy au'l produc- 

 tive — too productive, so I thought^ for the good of vines the coming season. 

 If the growers would get into the habit of thinning their fruit, taking out 

 one-third, or even more, in unfavorable seasons, they would find it to their 

 advantage in having earlier and better fruit, which would command better 

 prices." 



