MICHIGAN STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 235 



packed in a very small compass, — say strawberries and toma- 

 toes in the space of five inches square, — which renders it easily 

 and cheaply transported; and the demand for this kind of 

 fruit, and also for canned fruit, will be great for many years 

 to come. I have no private interest in this, nor in any other 

 process ; but, from what I saw, I think it will prove valuable 

 where there is an extra quantity of fruit. Also, at one of the 

 orchards, containing over a thousand acres, all the fruits were 

 canned on the place, employing between five and six hundred 

 hands, who were boarded and lodged on the premises, and all 

 the work was there done, even to making the cans. Four 

 thousand basketis were canned daily, requiring six teams to 

 bring them to the house. I merely mention these modes of 

 disposing of surplus fruit, that growers may know what to do 

 if necessary. 



"The Grapes. — I must say a word about Michigan grapes, 

 which appeared healthy and productive, and in most localities 

 I saw — even in the light, sandy soil around Spring Lake and 

 the neighborhood — they were vigorous, healthy, and produc- 

 tive, — too productive, so I thought, for the good of vines the 

 coming season. If the growers would get into the habit of 

 thinning their fruit, taking out one-third, or even more, in 

 unfavorable seasons, they would find it to their advantage in 

 having earlier and better fruit, which would command better 

 prices. 



"I cannot close without again expressing my cordial thanks 

 for the kind attentions I everywhere received during my visit 

 in your State, the second week of October, and if my health 

 is spared, I hope to visit you again some time earlier in the 

 season, when it is not so cold and windy, and there is more 

 variety of fruit to be seen. 



"Chaeles Downing." 



