4 



1 



210 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Michigan apples are shipped to markets in thirty or more states and 

 territories, principal!}^ throughout the great northwest, western, middle, 

 and southern states. There is always a demand for Michigan apples 

 on account of the numerous varieties, which gives her a great advantage 

 over competing states. 



Michigan apple-growers should give more attention to spraying, culti- 

 vating, and pruning their trees. Neglect in this respect is seriously 

 hurting the national reputation of the fruit, as Michigan apples for the 

 past two years have not been up to the former standard. On account 

 of neglect in taking proper care of the trees, many apples are under- 

 size, wormy, and do not have the keeping qualities that they otherwise 

 would. Unless special attention is given immediately to better care 

 of apple orchards, serious results will be the outcome. Until recently 

 Michigan apples have been first in rank and in good demand. 



While traveling through different states I have often noticed in front 

 of retail stores, where several different varieties were on sale, the sigtt 

 •'Michigan apples" on the barrels or baskets, thus calling special atten- 

 tion to the Michigan fruit. I speak of this to call your attention to the 

 high standing our fruit has in other states and the great importance 

 to all fruitgrowers of raising only the very best. This applies to other 

 fruits as well as apples. 



The revenues derived from fruit amount to millions of dollars yearly, 

 and is received mostly from markets outside of Michigan, thus offering 

 a net gain to the state which is of great value. 



The fruit industry should not be neglected in any way. 



BY MR. C. N. RAPP OF GRAND RAPIDS. 



The subject of fruit distribution deserves careful attention. I doubt 

 if there is any subject more important to successful growing and ship- 

 ping of fruit. Equal distribution is as yet a theory in the handling of 

 fruits, and I doubt if it can ever be obtained. The interests involved are 

 many and conflicting, and it would take time to organize theui into good 

 working order, but I think it is jjossible, and the methods employed are 

 not only increasing in interest, but will be of practical help for fruit- 

 growers to understand and value. 



In this discussion I shall treat two phases of the subject. First the 

 distribution of crops, and here the question of overproduction arises. 

 Have we had overproduction for the past two years, or is it undercon- 

 sumption? On this question there is quite a diversity of opinion, and 

 taking this into consideration, the condition of our country for the 

 past four years (which has had its effect), I believe there has been an 

 overproduction of some kinds of fruit, and that the supply has been 

 in excess of the demand. If this be true, the distribution of crops 

 becomes a very important question, and one that should receive care- 

 ful attention, and, if possible, be remedied. 



The solution of this question seems far distant, for we will have to 

 contend with an element in human nature that is very hard to over- 

 come, and that is selfishness. The central idea of the American people 



