THE ANNUAL MEETING. 187 



OUR CLASPS AND PLATES. 



Since our organ izatiou two great needs of the society, liave been suitable 

 plates to show I'ruit on, and clasps for cards or labels. At first we knew no 

 other way than to get a supply of plates from the crockery stores in places 

 where exhibits were held. Tiiis, in nearly all cases, was attended with great 

 expense, particularly at the State fair, where the amount paid for the use of 

 plates, drayage to and from the fair ground, and breakage, would aggregate 

 $40 to S50 per year. To save this expense the society, some four or five years 

 ago, purchased five thousand paper plates, which did not fill the want to the sat- 

 isfaction of those who used them. Therefore, in 187? the executive commit- 

 tee decided to get something better if possible, and a committee was 

 appointed to look up the matter. After conducting a long correspondence 

 with many parties east and west, the place was found where they could be 

 obtained, and by request samples were forw'arded for inspection, the result of 

 which is that the society now owns four thousand japanned tin plates of various 

 sizes, from 6 to 10 inches in diameter. These plates are easily cared for and 

 can be transported from one place to another with little expense. The clasps 

 were not as easily obtained, and not until this year could anything within the 

 limits of our finances be found. After two years' experience with the plates 

 and one with the clasps, I am satisfied we have a neat, cheap and durabo]; 

 article that exactly fills the wants of the society. 



By action of the executive committee the secretary was authorized to take 

 charge of the plates and clasps belonging to the society, which has been done 

 so far without loss; but as losses by fire occur when we least expect them, we 

 would recommend that he be instructed to get the property of the society 

 insured. 



Lastly, in closing this report, permit me in behalf of the Michigan State 

 Pomological Society, to tender many thanks to Hon. Hugh T. Brooks, of west- 

 ern New York, and C. K. Coryell, of Jonesville, Michigan, who acted as com- 

 mittee on apples and collections of grapes; to Eli Bidelman, of Lansing, and 

 E. H. Keynolds, of Monroe, committee on special exhibits of peaches; to H. 

 G. Reynolds, of Old Mission, F. W. Noble, of Detroit, and Thomas Love, of 

 St. Joseph, committee on divisions F, G, K and N; to H. E. Bid well, of 

 Plymouth, and Chas. W. Wilde, of Berlin, committee on single plates of 

 peaciies ; to E. F. Guild, of East Saginaw, C. W. Robinson, of Detroit, and 

 A. G. Gulley, of South Haven, committee on single plates of grapes ; to Mrs. 

 0. C. Abel, of Wayne, Mrs. S. A. Cady, of W^ayne, Mrs. E. F. Guild, of East 

 Saginaw, committee on divisions 0, P and Q; for the able and efficient man- 

 ner in which their assigned work was performed. Also many thanks to Mr. 

 Eli Bidelman, of Lansing, and S. B. Mann, of Adrian, for their kind assist- 

 ance in arranging the fruit on exhibition, and caring for the same while there. 

 These gentlemen gave their entire time from the commencement to the close 

 of the fair, and their genial countenances, coupled with good advice, served to 

 lighten the arduous duties of your superintendent. 



N. CHILSOK 



REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FLOWERS. 



To the Executive Committee of Michigan State Pomological Society : 



Gentlemen: — Another year has passed, another fair has been held, and 

 the question naturally arises, have we learned anything new, or has the fair 



