SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 265 



tional factor in a special direction. There are no methods of training better 

 calculated to develop powers of accurate and discriminating observation and 

 judgment than the exercise of the faculties in the exact methods of manipula- 

 tion required in this interesting field of research. The importance of apparent 

 trifles, and the interdependence of apparently disconnected and widely sepa- 

 rated phenomona, are so frequently demonstrated, that the mind is trained to a 

 patient search for every detail which may have an influence on the result before 

 reaching a definite conclusion; and broader views are thus obtained of the 

 economies of nature. 



Moreover, in this special department there is need of trained and skilled 

 observers, and a wider diffusion of knowledge as to methods and results of 

 investigation. In no other department of science is tae lesson so clearly taught, 

 that the varied operations of nature cannot be expressed or defined in simple 

 formulas. The apparent simplicity of many of the actions and reactions 

 observed in organic nature, is but a surface indication, and beneath it we find 

 complexity involving a multitude of correlations and mutual interests of the 

 high and the low, the obvious and the obscure, which characterize the laws of 

 growth and development of living beings. 



After a little time given to the questions connected with the subject of the 

 address, Prof. Beal presented the 



CLOSING KESOLUTIONS. 



Your committee appointed to present the customary congratulatory resolu- 

 tions beg leave to report as follows: 



Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the officers and members of the Grand River 

 Valley Horticultural Society, for various courtesies extended, for furnishing the use of 

 this fine hall, with adjoining rooms, and for entertaining us in their homes. We thank 

 the members of the press, the officers of the various railroads leading to Grand Rapids, 

 the proprietors of the Eagle hotel for reduced rates. We thank Mr. Edwin Willits, 

 President of our Agricultural College, Dr. C. E. Davison, of Wayland, Dr. M. Miles, of 

 Lansing, for valuable addresses — not forgetting to do the same for those who are not 

 members, whether citizens of our own or of other States, for their valuable papers and 

 discussions. We should not forget to return thanks to Geo. Hosford, of Ionia, for his 

 free lunch of Fameuse apples and Concord grapes. To us this is a new departure 

 which we feel like encouraging, as it prevents visitors from nibbling at the choice 

 specimens on exhibition. 



To a very few active members who were with the society at its organization, seven- 

 teen years ago, the rapid progress of the work in Michigan horticulture is strikingly 

 apparent. The hard missionary work of the members has already borne an abundance 

 of fruit in manv parts of our great State. 



W. J. BEAL, 



E. C. REID, 



C. A. SESSIONS, 



Committee. 



After adopting the above by a rising vote, the society adjourned sine die, 

 having spent one of its pleasantest and most profitable seasons. 



34 



