EEOOED OF A JOIl^T MEETII^G 



OF THE 



MICHIGAN STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



AND THE 



WESTERN MICHIGAN FRUIT GROWERS' ASSOCIATION, 



HELD AT BENTON HARBOR, JUNE 13, 14 and 15, 1888. 



Accepting invitations from the Berrien county Horticultural Society, the 

 two organizations of fruit growers above named began joint sessions in Benton 

 Harbor the evening of Wednesday, June 12. In many respects this Joint 

 meeting was both pleasant and profitable ; and while the attendance was satis- 

 factory in numbers, so far as non-residents were concerned, it was not so in 

 respect to the fruit growers of Berrien county, who number hundreds (perhaps 

 thousands) but were represented by not more than a score. 



The sessions were held in Grange hall, and at the first one, Wednesday 

 evening. President Walter Phillips of the West Michigan sojiety presided. 



Col. L. M. Ward made a brief and practical address of welcome, in cordial 

 terms, in behalf of both the horticultural society and citizens in general, 

 •peaking in compliment of both the visiting societies. He said there were 

 still living here some of the pioneers of fruit growing, and there are many who 

 took part when peach growing flourished in Berrien county and the peach 

 grower did likewise ; and made facetious allusions to the expression they wore 

 of supreme self-suflBciency. But the scourge of yellows came and was fol- 

 lowed by organization of a pomological society whose members began search- 

 ing for light — and are still so engaged. Yet some continue to proceed on 

 theories rather than practice — have too much of the eagle and too little of the 

 owl in the business; but these will surely come around and be as anxious to 

 learn as were others. In small fruits we must learn what to plant so as to 

 avoid gluts, secure variety of product, and consequent good prices. While 

 this is highly important, each one should make a specialty of what he can do 

 best. We have learned that fruit growing is a most complicated business, 

 and that much loss occurs by setting kinds that prove to be unprofitable. 

 That we may learn of these things from your experience, we again express 

 not only a glad welcome but hearty thanks. 



