242 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



for artistic display. And for such purposes wc greatly prefer thcin to autumn 

 leaves, for which there has been such a demand for a few 3'ears. Although 

 the former lack variety of tints, and the peculiar brilliancy of the latter, they 

 supply that bit of living green that we all so fondly cherish, and that makes 

 home so cheery during those dull, cloudy days of which we have a super- 

 abundance in winter. 



The labor of preparation is slight, the only precaution is to carry a book in 

 which they should be placed as they are gathered, to prevent curling. A 

 change or two, to dry paper with a small weight, is all that is necessary to in- 

 sure success. When once dry they are ready for use. They may be arranged 

 upon the walls or upon the curtains, as fancy may dictate. 



A cluster of the fronds of that beautiful variety called Maidenhair, placed 

 in one of those vases clear as crystal, and of marvelous beauty, scattered by 

 the centennial, has a charming effect. We have in remembrance a very ordi- 

 nary room which during the past summer, was rendered simply deliirhtful by 

 the addition of a coral basket, lined with moss and filled with common ferns 

 of the smaller kinds, and hung in the north window. For many weeks the 

 basket was a ^^ thing of beauty," and the remembrance of it will be a ''joy 

 forever.'' 



A little girl of our acquaintance, has just completed a very pretty wall orna- 

 ment. It consists simply of ferns arranged in the form of a wreath upon 

 silver card board, with a cluster of embossed rose buds in the center. It is 

 nothing of itself but when placed in a frame and put upon the wall, it seemed 

 an inspiration. 



After all, is it not the presence of these nothings that go to make '•'home, 

 sweet home," and that gives us the feeling that our home is the dearest spot 

 on earth ? 



MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION. 



Inquiry was made as to the grape rot. 'Mr. Hanford, of Indiana, had lost 

 lonas, Salems and llogers' Hybrids, but Delawares were unhurt, and Con- 

 cords were affected but little, and that only where they were close to the 

 Hybrids. He doubted the possibility of educating the taste of the people up 

 to the use of the best fruits. The Perkins grape, which he pronounced worth- 

 less, he could sell for almost as much as the Delawares. Few persons appreci- 

 ated the very best fruits. The Elvira was a prolific grower, but was extremely 

 liable to rot. 



Mr. E. ^y. Cottrell reported the existence of the rot about Detroit, to a con- 

 siderable extent, but he had had no opportunity to observe its workings. 



President Lyon thought excessive dampness might be the cause. 



As a means for increasing the membership of the state society, Mr. Lyman 

 Lilly proposed that the sum of one dollar be made a membership fee for botli 

 the state and a local society, the amount to be divided equally between the two. 

 Arguments were made in favor of this, to the effect that aside from the financial 

 aid, the scheme would secure added membership to the state society, and gain 

 a greater interest in its welfare tliereby. No action was taken as to the matter. 



The committee on resolutions, by Mr. E. AY. Cottrell, reported the following, 

 which were unanimously adopted : 



"Whereas, The Michigan State Pomological Society, now just concluding its 

 annual session at Allegan, has received manifold courtesies and favors from 

 societies, corporations and individuals, therefore be it 



