WINTER MEETING, 1879. 23 



grossed and sent to Hon. E. P. Hill, of Decatur, who introduced it into the 

 Legislature early in the session, when it was referred to a committee, where it 

 seems to have since remained. 



There is no substantial reason why the bill should not be reported and passed ; 

 it is believed to embody what experience dictates to be necessary to enable us 

 to endeavor to stay the ravages of this fell destroyer of one of our most cher- 

 ished productions. I regard it as important that this particular bill sliould be 

 fully considered, because I know it to have been carefully drawn by persons 

 thoroughly conversant with tiie matter, who were aware of the difficulties to 

 be met, who knew how to draw a bill that should accomplish what was in- 

 tended, one that should stand the test of the courts, if necessary, and that could 

 be enforced. A bill whose provisions were loosely drawn might be utterly use- 

 less in a matter of this kind, lacking in some important particulars, wanting 

 in precision, it might also easily be unconstitutional, and thus a failure. 



The correspondent says let us all put out orchards, the more the better. That 

 is precisely what we all desire, and we wish to be assured of a suitable return 

 for our labor, so that after setting out our orchards and caring for them for 

 years we may not have our expectations of pleasure and profit therefrom utterly 

 blasted by untimely disease ; it is the part of wisdom to adopt all reasonable 

 measures to avoid the disappointment and possible ruin which experience 

 teaches is sure to overtake all who embark in this enticing industry, if the only, 

 as yet, known precaution is not firmly adopted and exercised to ward off the 

 evil whicli ominously threatens its annihilation. 



If one questions the ravages of the yellows and its contagious character, a 

 journey through the peach growing sections of Berrien and Van Buren coun- 

 ties in the proper season will afford him opportunity for acquiring ample testi- 

 mony of the fact, and will doubtless render him ever thereafter a strenuous 

 advocate of any law which shall tend to the suppression of the disease which 

 has caused such fearful destruction. 



In earth's catalogue of delicious fruits the peach is acknowledged to be chief, 

 and that the soil and climate of our state have proved to be so well adapted to 

 the production of this valued fruit in its fullest and richest development has 

 become the pride and boast of her people, one of the crowning glories of our 

 great commonwealth. Let us see to it, by our judicious endeavors, that this 

 precious boon does not escape from our hands; let us stay the destruction of 

 this treasured industry that in future we may not mourn it among the joys that 

 are passed. 



Following the reading of this paper, by nearly unanimous vote, the con- 

 vention adopted the following preamble and resolutions: 



Whereas, The committee appointed at the December meeting of this society 

 held in Paw Paw to draft a bill for the better preservation of the peach orchards of the 

 state from the ravages of the contagious disease known as the Yellows, reported a 

 bill for that purpose which was adopted by the society, and a committee appointed 

 to present the same to the legislature of Michigan, to be enacted and made a law of 

 the state; 



And whereas, Said bill was introduced in the House of Eepresentatives by the 

 Hon. E. P. Hill, and some action taken upon it and is now pending before the Judicial 

 Committee of that body; now therefore it is 



Besolved^ By this society now in session after a full discussion and careful consider- 

 ation of the details of said bill that this same should become a law of this state, 

 being very necessary, and that this society respectfully petition the legislature 

 to speedily enact the same, and 



Besolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted by the Secretary to the 

 President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives to be laid be- 

 fore these bodies. 



