HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 61 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



The following communications were read : 



South Haven, Mich., January 1, 1890. 

 S. D. Hillman, Secretary, etc. 



My Dear Sir: — I am indebted to you for a copy of the pro- 

 gramme for your annual meeting, to occur at Excelsior, on 21st to 

 23d inst. 



Since my visit to your state some years since, and the acquaint- 

 ance then formed with a few of your leading horticulturists, I have 

 not ceased to feel a special interest in the society and its delibera- 

 tions; hence, I the more regret that it is not convenient or even 

 practicable that I should attend. 



The winter here, is, so far a very exceptional one. A few inches 

 of damp snow fell the last of November, but disappeared within 

 three or four days; since that time the mercury has ranged from 

 40° to 60° ; it has been down to two or three degrees below freezing 

 only two or three times, till yesterday morning, when it showed 

 21°, for the fiist time this winter. This morning the mercury is 

 47°, and raising. 



The result, so far, is, that the fruit buds of the peach are already 

 considerably enlarged; in some cases, even showing the color of the 

 petals. This occasions grave fears for the safety of the coming 

 crop of this fruit; since the occurrence of even a moderately severe 

 paroxysm of cold would find the incipient bloom illy prepared to 

 withstand it. 



Well, should we be unable to supply you the accustomed contin- 

 gent of peaches next year, I trust you will accept the will for the 

 deed, and hope for better things in the future. 



"With confidence that your meeting will prove a profitable and 

 enjoyable one, I remain 



Very truly yours, 



T. T. LYON. 



Ottawa, January 15, 1890. 

 S. D. Hillman, Secretary, etc. 



My Dear Sir : — I thank you for your kind invitation to attend 

 your meeting in Excelsior, on 21st to 24th January. I regret that 

 other engagements will prevent me from being present, and sin- 

 cerely hope that you may have a pleasant and profitable occasion. 

 Yours, very sincerely, 



WILLIAM SAUNDERS. 



