MICHIGAN STATE P03I0L0GICAL SOCIETY. 409 



three to five varieties, almost always including the largest por- 

 tion of Balclvrins and R. I. Greenings. 



In setting a peach orchard, the judgment of the most 

 experienced is in favor of setting only enough varieties to 

 give, as nearly as possible, an oven supply, from the earliest to 

 the latest. 



A fair proportion of pear trees are being planted, but there 

 arc no orchards old enough to sufi&ciently test their profitable- 

 ness. The fruit thus far proves to be very fine. 



Quinces seem to do well here. 



Plums are not much planted, although we have u great deal 

 of soil that is suited to them. 



Cherry trees grow finely, and produce fair crops. Several 

 small orchards have been recently planted. 



Our soil, being very much diversified, is suited to all the 

 small fruit. 



The plantations of such, except grapes, have not been large ; 

 but, now that our facilities for marketing are being established, 

 more are being planted. 



Referring you to the accompanying papers for more extended 

 and specific information, I am 



Yours, very respectfully, 



C. T. BRYA^N'T, Secretary. 



CLIMATE. 



In theor}^, we hold that a point, situated on the east side and 

 at the widest point of Lake Michigan, must have advantages 

 of climate ; the prevalence of -westerly winds bringing a lake 

 atmosphere on our shore, not subject to extremes of heat in 

 summer and cold in winter. 



This theory is thus far sustained by facts. 



The coldest point ever touched by the themometer, at our 

 place, within the recollection of civilized man, was in the win- 

 ters of 1856-7, — at nine degrees (9°) below zero ; since which 

 time the coldest point was seven degrees below zero, — January 



02 



