G STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



to peaches, viz. : the possibility of prostration and successful protection, and 

 many of our most reliable grajie growers are now adopting this method for 

 encouraging certainty of returns. As soon as our cold is over the powerful 

 influences of our clear sunshine in its reviving effects is most rapid and most 

 astonishing. If there is only the faintest life to begin with it is soon increased 

 to a crorfreous vitalitv and a i^rand floral disnlav. Our winters are tedious and 

 sometimes severe, but our springs and summers are the consummation of energy 

 and attractiveness, developing the most wonderful results in field, orchard, and 

 garden. We, therefore, feel confident that if nothing unusual occurs from this 

 onward, our prosj->ects are bright and very gratifying for an abundant crop of 

 choice pomonal mercies. This, as you may well surmise, is what we most 

 anxiously desire, — the climax of our cares, our labors, and our plans. AVe 

 want plenty of fruit. AVe must have plenty of fruit, and there is but little 

 danger of too much. Our peo[)le are great lovers of good fruit, and health and 

 happiness are the immediate results of its free use. 



FKOM A. C. GLIDDEX, PAAV PAW. 



It will be impossible for mo to attend your meeting at Lansing, and I fear 

 that the representation of fruit from our section will be among the things hoped 

 for but not seen. It is the more unfortunate, as our show of fruit at the last 

 December meeting at Paw Paw was very meagre as compared with our ability 

 to furnish a fine display. The very profuseness of tlie supj)ly caused our 

 usual exhibitors to say ^' every body will take fruit and I will not compete 

 this time,'' and you are aware of the result. 



Our prospects for fruit this coming season are good, in my opinion. I base 

 it not only upon the perfection of the buds up to this time — which in the peach 

 are perfect — but upon a law of compensation whicli has a tendency to even up 

 things. An avp.lanche of fruit is as much a disaster as a dearth of the product. 

 It demoralizes everything. People get to thinking that it don't pay to care 

 for the orchards. They will get all they can to handle in any event, and 

 more is burdensome. We don't "-et two immcnselv fruitful seasons consecu- 

 lively. Those who have cared for their orchards by keeping up the fertility, 

 so that the tree is able to both bear fruit and mature fruit blossoms, will this 

 coming season be rewarded by a fair crop and good prices. But those who by 

 a miracle of nature last vear 2:athercd an abundance, will look in vain for 

 the miracle to repeat itself this season. Miracles don't come that way any 

 more. They come, especially in fruit growing, only to those who work for 

 them. And thus my prediction based upon the above conclusions is that 

 apples will not be over plentiful, but the crop remunerative. Peach trees that 

 have so far escaped the yellows will bear abundantly and the fruit will bring 

 good prices. Fence-corner peach growing has received a sad set-back from 

 the di>ease. It seems to have set its seal of disapprobation upon such spon- 

 taneous abundance. " By the sweat of thy brow" is the comnuind, and fruit 

 growers must heed it, in common witli laborers everywhere. Small fruits are 

 a sure thing in proportion to the intelligence exhibited in their culture. Up 

 to the present writing, canes, vines, and ])Iants are in admirable condition. 

 Strawberry plants must yet pass the exigence of exposure from sun and frost, 

 but the careful grower will cover with straw in the event of danger. The out- 

 look I consider more than hopeful, and I trust that your deliberations and 

 discussions will result in sending forth that knowledge which will C(jmpel suc- 

 cess from a seeming reluctant nature. 



