350 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE 



ing that he could not arrive with his samples of preserved 

 fruits, by the Alden process, before night. 



The meeting was adjourned till after dinner. At 2 o'clock 

 the members convened, and immediately proceeded to the 

 election of olBcers for the ensuing year. 



On motion, the ballot was taken for President, and J. P. 

 Thompson, Esq., of Grand Eapids, was unanimously re-elected. 



Mr. Thompson returned his thanks for this signal mark of 

 the approval of the society of his action during the past year. 

 This young and energetic society was exerting a most stimu- 

 lating and useful influence in the State, and it had been his 

 endeavor to promote that influence to the uttermost of hia 

 ability. He did not believe in being a mere figure-head. On 

 the contrary, it was necessary that whoever was made the chief 

 official of this society should lend it his whole influence and 

 strength, and direct its efibrts in such a practical way as would 

 be felt throughout the State. The position of Michigan as a 

 fruit-growing State, and the development of her resources in 

 that direction, could not be overestimated. At present fruit- 

 growing, though adding much to the wealth of the State, 

 could only be considered in its nursery stage. This society 

 was designed to protect it, and direct it while being developed 

 to its full increase. Hence it was necessary that its action 

 should be carefully weighed, aud that as few mistakes as possi- 

 ble should be made. In this work he should esteem it his 

 duty to work with both heart and hand, aud if sometimes he 

 overstepped the limits prescribed by the organization of the 

 society, it should be regarded as prompted only by the zealous 

 and enthusiastic regard he had to promote aud advance the 

 interests they all had at stake. The highly complimentary 

 vote which had just been announced, he regarded as a mark of 

 approval, which it should be his ambition to deserve as much 

 in the future as it seemed he had in the past. 



On motion, the society then proceeded to ballot for Treas- 

 urer, and S. L. Fuller of Grand Eapids was unanimoualy 

 chosen. 



