190 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



bear but few fruits unless set so deeply that roots will be thrown out from 

 the scion above the quince stock. 



Mr. Iddings asked wliat he should do with some pear trees which bore 

 when four years old but have since made great annual growths with no fruit. 

 He was told to let them alone except to run a knife around them about the 

 middle of June (they will then form fruit buds), and give them clean cul- 

 ture 



Mr. Lannin said he has had but little blight; that this disease comes under 

 a hot sun after showers. Cut out the blighted twigs below sound wood. Set 

 standard pears twenty feet apart. 



ADVICE FROM AN ABSENT FRIEND. 



The following is a portion of a letter from W. A. Brown, of Benton Har- 

 bor, whose illness prevented his attendance. It was read by the secretary but 

 discussion was cut off by lack of time: 



An effective organization will require much disinterested labor by the com- 

 mittee having the matter in charge, and meetings of fruit growers must be 

 held at all large shipping points, where the plans and objects of the associa- 

 tion must be fully explained. I can not, at this writing, offer any well con- 

 sidered plan of co-operation but think the Delaware Fruit Exchange and their 

 means of information and distribution will be found best adapted to condi- 

 tions in western Michigan, with such modiBcations and alterations as differ- 

 ent localities may require. I would advise all rail freighting from practicable 

 points to all points beyond Chicago, and the appointment of our own agents 

 to look after our interests at all points where our fruits are wanted; also, 

 that when a responsible organization is effected we make proposals to the C. 

 & W. M. railway to run fruit trains over their road on conditions of mutual 

 benefit. As a member of your executive committee I would suggest that 

 your society make overtures to the West Michigan Agricultural and Indus- 

 trial Fair Association for an exhibition of fruits at their annual fair in Grand 

 Rapids, through their fruit superintendent, and that in addition to regular 

 premiums offered, liberal premiums be given for small collections of the best 

 and also of the newest rarieties of the differcHt fruits, with all notes appended 

 to all premiums in such collections, giving full history and characteristics, 

 such exhibits to be placed where those interested can have free access to them 

 and the notes connected therewith. Failing in making an arrangement of 

 mutual benefit to the West Michigan Agricultural and Industrial and this 

 society, I would recommend the holding of an independent pomological and 

 horticultural fair at the proper season and at some point best access- 

 ible to the fruit growers of western Michigan, and would invite the 

 co-operation of the State Horticultural Society in holding such independ- 

 ent fairs. Since agriculture and tlie mechanical arts have thrown over hor- 

 ticulture and pomology, the State Horticultural Society appears to be without 

 adequate means to compile the annual reports. Now, if present at your 

 meeting, I would move that the proceedings of this and former meetings of 

 your society be tendered to the secretary of the State Horticultural Society 

 for publication in the state reports. I would also urge the re-adjustment of 

 the relations of the two societies in such manner as to become of permanent 

 advantage to the many and great interests which depend upon horticulture 

 or pomology in this state. The labor of compiling matter for the annual 



