REPORTS OF AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. 333 



" Shall we grow hedge for fence?" was considered by a series of questions 

 being asked of the agent, who was present. 



Mr. Simerson discussed and explained his methods of growing and making 

 sorghum. 



-The question on "How to make orchards bear" was discussed by several 

 present. The general conclusion was that orchards must be cared for and 

 nourished as the cultivated fields are. The experience of practical persons was 

 that this, as a rule, would secure to the farmer bearing orchards. 



N. T. Bradner read a paper on "How to fight our insect enemies." This 

 opened a wide field for discussion, which brought out many valuable sugges- 

 tions. 



It was unfortunate that the weather was so unpropitious, as the farmers in 

 the vicinity had expected and prepared for a large gathering. A good time 

 was had and much information derived by those in attendance. 



A meeting of the Oakland Horticultural Society, was held at the Christian 

 church, Oxford, on Wednesday, Feb. 10. The gathering was quite large, and 

 was called to order at 11 o'clock by the president, Joshua Van Hoosen, when 

 the choir furnished a selection which was rendered with spirit and melody. A 

 prayer was offered by the Rev. C. I. Deyo. A short address of welcome was 

 made by Rev. J. Alworth, with some practical words and illustrations, showing 

 the value of horticulture in the curriculum of farming. 



The query box was opened and the first question drawn was, "How shall we 

 improve our old orchards?" Which was answered by Hon. J. M. Norton, fol- 

 lowed by John Thomas and others. The afternoon session was opened by sing- 

 ing and prayer, when the Rev. H. W. Hicks, on "The ornamentation of 

 grounds around our homes," delivered a short address. He said God pi aced us 

 here to till the soil for profit and pleasure, giving us homes of comfort which 

 should be surrounded and made pleasant by nicely arranged grounds, with 

 shrubbery and trees for shade, with judgment in selection. We should strive 

 to make the interior of the home one of happiness to correspond with the sur- 

 roundings. 



Mrs. C. Bettys read an essay on "Farmers' gardens and farmers' tables." 

 The subject was well handled and the essayist endorsed by all. 



Henry Degroff read a paper on "Strawberry culture." It was a paper of 

 personal experience in the cultivation of strawberries, and their value in profit 

 and health of the family. 



Mrs. F. E. O'Dell read a cultured essay on "Fruits and flowers." It was a 

 treat to all. The thought used and enforced was, that there was a moral and 

 social elevating influence as well as a commercial value in the cultivation of 

 fruits and flowers. 



At the evening session the church was filled, the young people doing a good 

 thing in furnishing music, which was not only appropriate but added much to 

 the interest of the meeting. 



Mrs. C. H. Stevens read an essay on "Varieties of crops and wheat." The 

 paper was followed by an animated discussion, showing the fertility and general 

 productiveness of the soil of Michigan. 



Hon. J. M. Norton discussed the question, "What shall we raise on the 

 farm?" It was a practical review of his own custom and practice in the man- 

 agement of his farm. 



Rev. C. I. Deyo read a paper on the "Importance of organized effort. " It 

 was a subject broad enough to cover all farm affairs, and, in his application, 

 he touched upon all matters in which farmers are interested. 



