REPORTS OF DISTRICT A.ND LOCAL SOCIETIES. 557 



around him, and laid down to pleasant dreams. The shock of his awaken- 

 ing came not to him, only to those who were wont to meet him here in 

 pleasant converse. His eulogy, pronounced by one who knew him well, 

 was a touching tribute to his memory Associated with this society from 

 its very beginning, and for nearly all the time holding the office of librar- 

 ian, it was fitting that we offered a tribute of respect to his name and his 

 deeds. A floral offering was procured, and was one of the many offerings 

 resting at his feet. 



The May meeting was solemnized by tributes of respect paid to the 

 memory of Dr. W. Owen and resolutions of condolence sent to his 

 family. As we turn away from this scene we are reminded of old, 

 staunch friends still laboring with us, who have helped and are still 

 helping to make this society what it is, and who were its founders, 

 Messrs. Steere, Sigler, Helme, Hough, Sheffield, Collar, and 

 Stebbins, and possibly others. Among those who joined the ranks of 

 workers in middle or later years are such names as Laing, Strong, C. 

 H. and H. C. Bradish, E. P. and E. W. Allis, Edmiston, Woolsey, 

 Gibbs, Gustin, Woodward, and a large number of others who are not 

 so well known, perhaps, in the horticultural world, besides a large num- 

 ber of ladies who take part in the deliberations and are a power in the 

 social attractions. The subjects for discussion in the forenoon session 

 were upon fruit prospects and the recent cold wave and kindred topics. 

 After dinner, Mrs Laing gave a select reading and Miss Ella Edmis- 

 ton a recitation. Mr. B. W. Steere had a very creditable exhibit of 

 fruit, also wild and cultivated flowers. The question box was opened 

 and questions discussed. It was decided to hold a strawberry and 

 flower show at the next meeting, and subjects for discussion were 

 selected. 



* 



At our June meeting, held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Sigler, we 

 we were greeted by a fine display of roses and June flowers and a gener- 

 ous display of strawberries, considering that the earlier varieties, with one 

 or two exceptions, were much injured by the frost. The afternoon session 

 was very largely attended and many strangers were present, and a number 

 of names added to our roll. A recitation was given by Miss Edmiston. 

 The topic for discussion was then taken up, " Deep or shallow cultivation 

 of orchards," also the subject of small fruits. The answering of questions 

 and appointing of topics for next meeting closed this very enjoyable day. 



In our July meeting, held at Horticultural hall, several subjects were 

 discussed at length. " The nature of rust on small fruit plants," " The 

 spontaneous growth of plants," and " Wheat versus chess." The ladies 

 took active part in discussing "The best variety of strawberry for canning" 

 and "' What is the cause of jelly candying?" There was also a fine dis- 

 play of flowers and fruits, notable among them a primrose by Mr. Steere 

 and three largest varieties of gooseberry of the season by Mr. James 

 Kirk. 



Our meeting in August was held on the grounds of Mr. and Mrs. Wes- 

 terman, and as the day was propitious we came to order under the shade 

 of beautiful trees. After transacting the ordinary business of the meeting., 

 we listened to a recitation by Miss Nickerson. The first topic was then 



