68 ANNUAL REPORT. 
and the bark. That there was very little circulation in the heart-- 
wood; that the heart of a tree might be entirely taken out, and 
still the tree grow on. It is now supposed that the circulation 
took place from cell to cell, through the wood, and that the near- 
er the approach to the outside the freeer would be the circulation. 
When the sap reaches the leaf, it is partially eliminated and be- 
gins its return, assisting in laying the foundation for future buds 
and fruit. This process goes on as long as the plant is alive and 
ceases as soon as it assumes a dormant condition. 
Mr. Gibbs asked if anything was known by what power the sap: 
was returned. 
Prof. Porter replied that this is governed by the natural law of 
endosmosis and exosmosis, by which we understand that nature: 
does not provide for an upward flow of sap without at the same: 
time providing for its return. He referred the members of the so-- 
ciety to a very exhaustive paper on this subject written by Prof. 
Clark of Amherst college. 
Mr. Emery moved the appointment of a committee on revision: 
of the fruit lists, with the exception of the strawberry. 
The president appointed as such committee, 5. M. Emery, A. W. 
Latham, T. G. Carter. 
Under order of report of committee on Russian apples, Mr. Un- 
derwood reported he had nothing to add to last year’s report. 
President Grimes said he would make his report with his report 
of the St. Louis meeting. 
Mr. Sias of Rochester submitted the following report. 
RoeunestreR, Minn., Jan. 17th, 1880. 
Mr. President and Gentlemen of the State Harticultural Society: 
With another year’s experience with the new Russian varieties of the com- 
mon apple, we expected to be able to give you a few items of general interest. 
But obstacles over which we had no control intervened to prevent, viz: when 
our trees were in full bloom, a severe frost cut every blossom from one-half the 
orchard. Then when the scattering fruit on the balance of the trees were nearly 
half-grown, a terrific bail-storm struck them and nearly completed the ruin. 
Notwithstanding these reverses, No. 68 (Early Champagne) matured about a 
peck of passable fruit that mpened a few days earlier than any other variety in 
the orchard. Ripe middle of July. Bro. Harris and others ate of this fruit 
July 21st and pronounced it ‘‘not hard to take.’’ Owing to its early ripening, 
hardiness, good color and fine quality, it may prove valuable, providing we do- 
not continue to be visited by late frosts, as has been the case for the past two- 
seasons, 
The next variety most worthy of notice is perhaps the 317 (White Pigeon). 
Size above medium, yellow, streaked with carmine, flavor neutral, season last 
