1 60 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



if not every member, may be inferred from the fact that the matter has come 

 up at almost every meeting of this society in the past. But no definite action 

 has been taken to unite in the formation or adoption of plans that could be 

 put into general practice. This society is composed of members coming from 

 different parts of the State. This fact renders it the more difficult for us to 

 adopt any plan which can be entered into by all the members. The time has 

 arrived when some definite action should be taken, looking to tlie formation 

 of a fruit exchange for the benefit of the fruit growers of western Michigan. 

 I think if anything of the kind is accomplished it must be through interested 

 fruit growers who shall organize and elect otficers and act independently of 

 other organizations. I would recommend that the president appoint a com- 

 mittee of three, for the purpose of organizing a fruit exchange, and I will 

 ask W. A. Smith, of Benton Harbor, to offer some such resolution. Mr. 

 Smith then offered a resolution to that effect, which was adopted. The chair 

 appointed as such committee VV. A. Smith, A. C. Glidden, and J. G. Rams- 

 dell. 



The committee met immediately and decided to issue a call for a meeting 

 of fruit growers at South Haven, some time in January, for the purpose of 

 organizing a fruit exchange. 



The customary resolutions of thanks were adopted, and an invitation 

 accepted to meet in Benton Harbor the ensuing summer. 



REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FRUITS. 



Your committee on fruits would respectfully report as follows: 



The exhibit of apples made by W. B. Andruss of Allegan is exceedingly fine, 

 and being composed largely of new and comparatively rare varieties is worthy 

 of special commendation. Included in this exhibit we find perfect specimens 

 of VVealthy, Melon, Shiawassee, Stark, Hubbardston, Mother, Ostend Green- 

 ing, and other varieties. The thanks of the society are due Mr. Andruss for 

 his exhibit, also for his remarks regarding the qualities and characteristics of 

 new apples exhibited. 



Mr. Hopkins of South Haven exhibited specimens of a new and rare apple 

 known as "Richard's Graft." This apple is grown by B. S. Williams of 

 Saugatuck, who has several trees in full bearing. The apple is very large, is 

 striped with deep red on a yellow surface, and is of the best mild sub-acid 

 flavor. The season is late autumn, going to market soon after Maiden Blush 

 and it sells at a better price than other apples of its season. 



H. Ray of Watervliet placed some fine specimens of the Mann and Jonathan. 



0. Eugleof Paw Paw exhibited sixteen varieties of gra{)e, thirteen of which 

 are seedlings originated by him. These grapes are all remarkably well preserved, 

 and comprise all the colors and many of the qualities and characteristics of the 

 new and best seedling grape?. We find one white, one red, and one or two 

 black varieties, which are of excellent appearance and good quality. 



Mr. Engle informs us thttsome early vari-'ties are more i^romising than the 

 varieties on exhibition. He has produced all these grapes from seeds of the 

 Salem and they are selections from a very large number of seedlings grown 

 by him. The thanks of the fruit growers of western Michigan are due to Mr. 

 Engle for his intelligent and persevering efforts in propagating new and val- 

 uable grapes and peaches, as manifested in his orchards, and as will appear in 

 the records of this meeting. 



