THE ANNUAL MEETING. 189 



and grasses be allowed to come in competition witli natural or fresh flowers. 

 Among tke exhibitors in the two last divisions, the largest part were outside 

 of the city, whereas we expected to see more competition from the city. 



In Division T there were awarded 22 first premiums and second premiums, 

 representing a money value of $72.00. In division U, three first premiums 

 and one second. were awarded which realized to the competitors §12.50. But 

 Division V being much better represented was awarded 15 first premiums and 

 10 second premiums, which distributed $43.00 among the many exhibitors. 

 In Division AV 11 first premiums and 8 second premiums were awarded among 

 the fortunate exhibitors, together with several discretionary premiums where 

 the committee thought the articles were worthy, representing $10.75, making 

 a total of 51 first premiums and 28 second premiums, realizing to the 

 exhibitors $147.25 for the department of flowers. 



There is one matter connected with this department which I cannot pass by 

 without mention, namely : a decision of the Superintendent of the Agricult- 

 ural Society, which I think was unwarranted and calculated to do much harm. 

 I refer to allowing parties to sell goods in the hall in violation of the rules of 

 both the Agricultural Society and also our own. A protest was sent to the 

 executive committee against such action, but as yet I have seen no action in 

 the matter, but hope no such conflict may occur again, for which I could see 

 no reason or excuse. 



I cannot close this report without returning my sincere thanks to the com- 

 mittees in my division, who labored arduously for the best interests of the 

 society, and to do justice to the exhibitors. In tlieir reports will be found 

 several recommendations which I would heartily endorse; and with many 

 thanks to the officers of the society and the members of the executive com- 

 mittee, and all others who aided and assisted to render my department of the 

 fair of 1879 a success, I remain, Yours, etc. 



E. F. GUILD, Siip't of Flowers. 



President Lyon as chairman of the ad intei'im committee submitted the fol- 

 lowing report on 



NEW FRUITS OF 1879. 



To the Michigan State Pomological Society: 



In providing for the appointment of a standing committee on new fruits, 

 of which I was constituted chairman, by some oversiglit, the filling up of the 

 committee has been omitted ; and since the secretary has, in the programme 

 for this meeting, provided for a report from such committee, I herewith sub- 

 mit a report of such new fruits as have been brought to my notice during the 

 past year; and in so doing, take occasion to suggest that the committee be 

 filled up, and made to consist of at least one member from each of the dis- 

 tricts into wdiich the catalogue divides the State. 



In the autumn of 1878 my attention was called to the ^Marvin strawberry by 

 the originator, H. Marvin, of Ovid, Clinton county, who subsequently sent 

 me, for trial, potted plants of the same, which fruited in June last. i\Iy notes 

 taken at the ripening of the fruit, are as follows: 



Plant vigorous, very stocky, of rather low growth, bearing a fine crop for 

 young plants. Foliage nearly round, thick in substance, flat or cupx)ed ; ser- 

 ratures broad and shallow. 



Flowers, staminate or perfect. 



