10 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



I am assured by your horticultural friends that you will do something for 

 horticulture during your administration, and this assurance has encouraged 

 me to write this letter. 



Permit me to suggest that in your investigation you determine, if possible, 

 whether the yellows in the more Eastern States, said by some to be curable, is 

 the same as the yellows in the Western States. Also that you find out through 

 our representatives in other countries whether, in peach growing localities of 

 other countries, the yellows, or a similar disease, is known among peaches, and 

 if they have found a remedy. 



I see by the papers that you have recently made an addition to the botanical 

 division of your department, of a section which is designed to furnish informa- 

 tion respecting the diseases of all field and garden crops caused by the attacks 

 of parasitic fungi, and that Prof. F. S. Scribner has been placed in charge of 

 the work, and that " his attention has already been called to the following 

 plant diseases : grape rot, pear blight," etc. Could he not include the yellows 

 in peaches ? 



But I have said enough. You, perhaps, have already anticipated appeals of 

 this kind, have seen the wants of the country and commenced the work. Per- 

 mit me to say in closing that the agriculturists and pomologists of this country 

 have great confidence in your administration ; everybody seems to be looking 

 for grand results, and we all know it will not be your fault if their anticipa- 

 tions are not fully realized. Re?pecfully yours, 



S. S. Bailey. 



On motion of S. B. Mann, the letter was unanimously endorsed by the 

 society. 



The following discussion took place on the question: 



Mr. Mann stated that he did not believe that the yellows which had been 

 cured in the Eastern States was the same as the yellows known in Michigan. 



A. G. Gulley: We at South Haven heartily endorse this letter. From the 

 experiments of Dr. Miles we are fully satisfied that if some man can investigate 

 it at different places as fully as he did there, we will find whether the disease is 

 the same or not. 



T. T. Lyon : Some years ago I received from Mr. Berckmans, of Georgia, 

 some peach trees for experiment, and one of them developed a well defined 

 case of yellows before it blossomed, showing that if the disease is conveyed in 

 the pollen, that is not the only way. 



T. T. Lyon presented the following preamble and resolution regarding a 

 bureau of pomology in the Department of Agriculture, which, on motion of 

 B. W. Steere, was unanimously adopted: 



Whereas, With the rapid recent increase and development of the fruit-growing 

 interests of our country, in their various forms; and with the corresponding increase 

 of the consumption of fruits, the pomological interests of our country have assumed a 

 magnitude and importance not heretofore anticipated or provided for; 



And whereas, The success of varieties of fruits usually varies greatly, and to some 

 extent, even unaccountably, with change of locality; 



And whereas, Long periods are usually required for the satisfactory local testing of 

 varieties; and for this reason, extensive interchange of experiments, as well as a wider 

 inter-acquaintance with the fruits of different localities, becomes important; therefore, 



Resolved, That this Society deems this department of agriculture of such importance 

 as to warrant and even demand the fostering aid of a special branch of the National 

 Department of Agriculture, under the supervision of an expert and capable pomologist, 

 with the facilities and appropriations requisite to the efficient discharge of the duties of 

 such position, 



