WEST MICHIGAN FRUIT GROWERS' SOCIETY. 163 



different circumstances than we did four years ago, at our first annual meet- 

 ing, held at this place. At that time we were in our infancy, few in number 

 — on trial before the people — sngaged in solving the problem whether the 

 fruit interest of western Michigan demanded the existence of our society or 

 not; and as I reflect upon that meeting and recall some of its discouraging 

 features I am led to thank God that there were then a few brave hearts that 

 stood firm under the banner of pomology, until today finds this organization 

 doing a noble work, occupying a place in the front ranks with similar socie- 

 ties engaged in developing fruit culture to its highest standard. And while 

 we are thus encouraged, let us remembjr our mission is still before us. The 

 love of home is dear everywhere, but nowhere more so than in Michigan. 

 Here we have all the natural elements to adorn and beautify our homes. But 

 it is left to pomology and horticulture to furnish instruction and teach us 

 how to use these elements to the best alvantage. Nothing has done more to 

 place our state in the front ranks of the leading states of this Union, than 

 horticulture and pomology. Our exalted mission can only be fulfilled by 

 much and faithful labor. Our mission is to give knowledge and infuse" 

 enthusiasm into each other, and to sympathize with and help each other in 

 our labors in this high calling. This alone would pay us for coming together 

 in these annual gatherings, even if we had no set speeches or papers. 



Let us also remember that theory and philosophy can not do much for us. 

 If ever pomology and horticulture become great arts, it must be by the 

 experiments and efforts of fruit growers themselves. To-day there is much 

 confusion in the art and practice of fruit growing — such as the different 

 varieties of fruit to raise for profit; the manner of cultivating the same; best 

 modes for handling and packing ; also the best form and style of packages 

 to be used for the different varieties of fruit — all these questions are more or 

 less involved in doubt, and on many of these points two parties could be 

 arrayed, nearly equal in numbers. These things ought not to be. As those 

 who are interested, it is our duty to clear up these doubts and to render more 

 certain every process of fruit growing. We should, by practice and not by 

 theory, prove all things and hold fast to that which is good. 



Let us also cultivate social intercourse. Especially should we as fruit 

 growers take this matter into consideration, and now, as the long winter 

 evenings are with us, let each one see what can be done in his own vicinity, 

 among his neighbors, to secure some of the advantages of meeting our friends 

 for social enjoyment and improvement. It is thus we are here today. The 

 natural result of this social intercourse is to produce certain qualities of 

 character. 



Some one has said, the true way to be a gentleman or lady is to cultivate 

 the heart. Kindness of heart is the crowning grace of social life, and pro- 

 duces within us charity and love for others. What blessings follow from 

 such a charity! The kind-hearted and benevolent live beloved, they die 

 lamented. Their memory, like the summer twilight after the sun has gone 

 down, remains calm and pleasant in our hearts forever. 



As regards the crop of fruit on this lake shore the past season, it has been 

 an abundant crop, at least of most kinds. Especially the crop of peaches 

 was a large one. Fruits of all kinds were late in ripening, owing to cool 

 weather during summer and early fall. In consequence of late ripening, 

 early frosts, and the large amount of fruit thrown on the market, prices were 

 low. Particularly was this the case with peaches, large growers of this favor- 



