368 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



OUR SUCCESS. 



If we stop to consider for a moment, and contrast the present with the 

 past, we will be surprised at the strides made in horticulture and its per- 

 tainings in thirty-seven years. At that time but little was known of the 

 curculio or its habits. Now we pretty well understand his movements, and 

 have him fairly well under our control. The black knot, a great barrier to 

 plum growing, we have learned (with a little diligence and a sharp knife) 

 can be kept under subjection. The codlin moth, though holding sway for 

 many years, can in a great measure be nuide to succumb, while numberless 

 insects, which infest plant and tree, are kept in check with proper applica- 

 tions. We have also become quite successful in battling against bacteria, 

 grape rot, mildew, and rust and many other enemies to the pursuit of horti- 

 culture. 



Great success has been attained in the last few years in the production of 

 new varieties. Munson of Texas claims he can, with a good deal of certainty, 

 give the result of the cross when made. 



This society, when first organized, flourished finely for a few years, then 

 settled back into dullness or stupidity, oscillating, as it were, between life 

 and oblivion, and perhaps from several causes, among which were the death 

 of several of its active workers, and removal of others to distant lands. The 

 destruction of many of our finer fruits by the cold winters was another 

 source of discouragement. But for all obstacles strewn iu its pathway, the 

 society is now stronger and more successful than ever. 



Peter Coller. 



EARLY INFLUENCE OF LENAWEE COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



In those early days of '51 and later, the influence for good of such men as were 

 to the front in our society could not but be felt. Without stopping to allude to 

 any who are yet alive and with us, I think I may be pardoned for naming some 

 of those who have passed beyond the river, such as Dr. D. K. Underwood, 

 Samuel Lothrop, Asa Cornell, B. F. Strang, Jesup Scott aud Mr. Liunell, 

 also two or three now living at other places, as Judge T. M. Cooley, William 

 and Frank Scott. As already intimated, the energy and devotion to horti- 

 culture of such men as these (and others, both men and women that I 

 have not space to mention) could not be otherwise than helpful to all con- 

 cerned. Old members who are still living can testify that the knowledge dis- 

 seminated and the good work done was truly wonderful. Tree planting of 

 all kinds, both fruit an 1 ornamental, was stimulated to a degree beyond all 

 former experience, and a general desire was soon manifest for a better 

 knowledge of all sorts of fruit. The merits and demerits of the different 

 kinds of apple, pear, cherry, peach, plum aud quince, were discussed as 

 never before; grapes, currants and the different berries received equal atten- 

 tion, and flowering plants, shrubs, roses and shade trees also came in for 

 their share. Even the desirability of a fine park was most seriously dis- 

 cussed. It has been said that the influence of a good word or deed is never 

 lost. Most certainly is this true of horticulture, and especially so in the 

 case under consideration, as the grand results of the energy and enthusiasm 

 shown in those early days are still seen on all sides in the profusio/i of the 

 finest fruits aud flowers, in the almost endless rows of flourishing street and 



