334 STATE HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 



There was exhibited at the meeting several specimens of choice fruit. 



Farmers have come to realize that the dull, drowsy hours of winter can be 

 made valuable in the study and discussion of the interests of their calling. 

 This is the way to jaiake agriculture popular and profitable. 



Horticulture is the domestic branch of farming, and under the stimulant 

 of organization, with its disseminating light, is being pruned of the weeds of 

 indifference, and is blossoming into an attraction necessary to the farm home. 

 The display in this department in the Oakland county agricultural society 

 shows a growing interest in garden products, which is manifested by increasing 

 entries and more numerous varieties of products, notwithstanding the unusually 

 dry season. The exhibits in number and quality were equal to any in the his- 

 tory of the society, a result, which, in view of untoward conditions, could not have 

 been attained but by the workings of the mind and hoe, the implements of 

 success in horticulture. 



Pomology and horticulture naturally blend together, and in the exhibition 

 now under the same management, and spread to public view in the same hall, 

 made a very fine and attractive show with some of the largest and finest dis- 

 plays of .fruit we have ever seen at the county fair. 



