516 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



On the topic, "Exhibit of West Michigan fruit at the World's Fair," said 



Mr. Monroe : I think we can appreciate that this is one of the most 

 important events in the lives of all present, and especially to the people of 

 Michigan. There are many advantages to us. One idea of the exposition 

 is teaching by object lessons. Cities, countries, and provinces will be pre- 

 sented in miniature. In making a display of fruits we should show also 

 the trees themselves. If in California we would not care to see the oranges 

 only, but the trees as well ; and we should have each class looking after 

 their own products. I have been greatly puzzled as to how to present the 

 matter to the state commission so that we may obtain some of the state 

 appropriation for a proper exhibit. Manufacturers can sell their products 

 and advertise them in a profitable manner ; but our fruits are on a differ- 

 ent basis. We wish to show the tree as well as the fruit. The tree will 

 be the attraction more than the fruit, which can be seen anywhere. But 

 who can contribute the tree, one of the best of his orchard, to be thrown 

 away when the fair is over, as well as his time? 



Mr. Morkill : I think this is the proper time for competent men to 

 meet the commission. After the cost of the building comes out of the 

 fund, there will be left but a sum of say $65,000 for all the industries of 

 the state. We should have a specific sum and then we would know just 

 how much we. can do. A competent man must be there to take care of 

 and renew the fruit. For instance, Berrien county can start the Alexan- 

 ders and Oceana county finish them. The market value of the product of 

 fruit in this state equals any other market product of the state. Ten per 

 cent, of the appropriation would be too small. 



Mr. Lannin: I had thought of taking a part. I have prepared twelve 

 pear trees, which I propose to put into boxes and by forcing have them 

 ready to produce fruit at the Fair. These must be boxed for at least one 

 year, and protected and cared for. Then there must be competent care for 

 them. I should make nothing from the exhibit. To make a practical 

 exhibit of all fruits would require expense, care, and ability. 



Mr. Morrill moved that Mr. Pearce be sent as a delegate to meet the 

 World's Fair commission at Grand Rapids in January. Mr. Phillips 

 moved to add Mr. Whitney to the delegation. Both gentlemen were 

 chosen. 



Mr. Monroe moved that, 



Whereas, The horticultural interests of our state, being widely scattered and mainly 

 carried on by people of limited nieans; and whereas little or no pecuniary benefit can 

 be expected to even partially compensate for time and money spent; therefore 



Resolved, That the West Michigan Fruitgrowers' society deems it important that the 

 state commission set aside a specific sum to at least pay freight, properly put up, label, 

 renew, and care for the exhibits. 



This was adopted. 



The committee on resolutions presented a report thanking each and all 

 of those who had in any way contributed to the success of the meeting. 



The report of the committee on fruits showed exhibits as follows, of 

 apples: L. L. Lance of Ganges, 11 varieties and 1 plate of quinces; A. B. 

 Hour of Ludington, 13; R. V. Wadsworth of Ganges, 2 baskets: J. Mil- 

 ler, 5 baskets; J as. Gardiner of Ganges, 5 baskets; Henry Plummer, 4 

 plates and 2 baskets; Mrs. L. H. Howard, 3 plates of apples, 2 cans dried 

 fruit: W. B. Stetson, 1 plate each of apples and quinces; Levi Loomis of 

 Ganges, 2 varieties of apple. Mr. Gardiner also showed 3 plates of 

 peaches of the Smock and another variety. 



The annual election resulted as follows: 



