NfcVV YOP/ 

 BO TAN 



i^TKODUOTOEY NOTE. oaroen 



Perhaps the unusually late date of publication of this volume calls for a 

 word of explanation from its compiler. I have only to say that while assump- 

 tion of duty in the middle of the yearly term, when affairs of the society were 

 in unpromising condition, and unfamiliarity with the labor undertaken, had 

 much to d» with this delay, still more is due to excess of work in private 

 business. I trust that the Report's contents will prove to be of sufficient in- 

 terest and value to partly compensate for the delay. 



A new feature of the Report will be found in the transactions of the West 

 Michigan Fruit Growers' Society, embracing minutes of meetings held dur- 

 ing several recent years, now presented because untoward conditions prevent- 

 ed publication when they were current. They will be found to contain much 

 valuable matter, especially for those engaged in fruit growing along the Mich- 

 igan lake shore. 



Another portion of the work, while not entirely new, is much enlarged in 

 comparison with former volumes — the portraits and sketches of men promi- 

 nent in Michigan horticulture in one way or another. There are scores more 

 of those whose achievements or labors justify preservation of a record thereof in 

 these volumes, together with a reproduction, by engraving of their features, 

 that future generations of pomologists may know how the pioneers looked, 

 as well as what they did. 



For the excellent plates accompanying Prof. Smith's report on yellows, the 

 society is indebted to Hon. Edwin Wiilits of Washington, assistant secretary 

 of agriculture, who very gladly placed them at my service. 



Although the system of "auxiliary" membership and "branch" societies 

 has been abrogated, reports of a number of district or local societies have 

 been included. Most of those represented have contributed, voluntarily, 

 more or less to the support of the state society, and are willing and valuable 

 aids to our work. 



I can not close this note without acknowledgement of the aid given me, by 



information and counsel, by many officials and members of the society; and 



specially helpful has been ex-Secretary Garfield, who has not permitted his 



enforced retirement (by ill health) to diminish in the least his interest in the 



society or his willingness to serve it to the fullest extent his strength will 



permit. Nor has President Lyon been a whit less cordial and prompt in aid 



whenever called upon. 



Secretart. 



