PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 37 



the acre?" was asked. "0 1 don't know," said Mr. Willard; "all 

 depends upon the quality and needs of the soil, so the amount that may 

 be profitably used greatly varies. I have seen wonderful results from use 

 of ground bone in Baldwin apple orchards. The French Damson is the 

 best of all Damson pluais, because of its good foliage. It is hardy and 

 productive, but not an early bearer. Quackenboss is very late in coming 

 into bearing, and is large and fine but gives small crops. No American 

 plum does well in western New York, and I would not plant one, anyway 

 — I like a good thing. Probably Downing is the best American goose- 

 berry, but I prefer the new English sorts. I keep mildew off from them 

 by use of the ammonia and copper solution. Liver of sulphur ' does up' 

 mildew completely. Industry gooseberry is an excellent kind. I would 

 not put the English gooseberries on gravel, but on cool, heavy soils. I 

 -did not mention the Anjou pear because, though of great excellence, it is 

 not in demand in the markets. I like the Victoria currant and it is profit- 

 able. I have known it, under careful pruning, to pay $200 net per acre 

 in Nova Scotia. 



TJiursday Eveniiu] Session. 



The session of Thursday evening was given up to the social features of 

 such occasions, and it was in all respects most enjoyable. 



After a piano solo by one of the ladies who did so much, musically, to 

 make all the sessions pleasant, Mayor McIlvane of Port Huron delivered 

 an admirable address, which was promised for publication but has not 

 €ome to hand. 



Mr. C. J. Monroe of South Haven followed, speaking of the pleasant 

 social features of these occasions. He came not from Allegan county 

 (alluding to an error of the chairman) but from within a mile of there. 

 That vicinity has been greatly benefited by the State Horticultural society, 

 which nov/ meets here for the first time, though it is twenty-one years old 

 and has held, usually, four meetings per year. If it stimulates an interest 

 ia fruitgrowing in Port Huron and vicinity, we who have come here will 

 feel amply repaid for our visit. 



Mr. S. D. Willard, vice-president of the Western New York Horticult- 

 ural society, followed in one of his always felicitous speeches, first com- 

 plimenting the beautiful display of fiowers. At the meetings of this kind 

 he has attended, he has seldom seen it equalled. As did Mr. Monroe also, 

 he spoke in high terms of appreciation of the music. He dwelt at some 



