294 Notes and GleaJiings. 



On Revision of Catalogue. — President, ex officio, P. Barry, New York ; J. 

 A. Warder, Ohio ; Charles Downing, New York ; C. M. Hovey, Massachusetts ; 

 J. Knox, Pennsylvania ; W. C. Flagg, lUinois ; George Husmann, Missouri. 



Mr. Thomas Meehan of Pennsylvania, the well-known editor of " The Gar- 

 dener's Monthly," read a very interesting paper upon th° diseases of the pear, 

 attributing the malady called "blight" to the inroads of a fungous growth. 



Much discussion followed the reading of this paper, and with the usual result, 

 — of little progress or advance in knowledge upon the best remedie's for the 

 disease. 



M. L. Dunlap of Illinois read a paper upon packing and marketing fruits, in 

 which he condemned the boxes, and recommended the use of baskets. 



Raspberries, strawberries, currants, and other small fruits, were discussed at 

 some length, as will appear in the report of the society, shortly to be pubhshed. 



Mr. Saunders read a valuable paper upon the mildew and rot in the grape ; 

 after which, an essay upon the same subject was presented by A. Fondler of 

 Missouri. Both are possessed of interest, and will be referred to with advantage 

 by those engaged in this branch of fruit-culture. 



The reading was followed by a discussion of varieties, that continued for some 

 time. Cognate to this, the President, by request, gave an interesting account of 

 his observations among the vineyards of Europe. 



Dr. Trimble of New Jersey entertained the society by an account of some 

 destructive insects, particularly of the curculio and of the codling moth : for 

 the latter he exhibited his hay-rope, well furnished with cocoons and larvae. 



On the last day of the session, the discussion of varieties, of pears, apples, and 

 cherries, was taken up with much vigor ; but it was evident that too little time 

 had been allowed to do the subjects justice. Indeed, it is a matter of regret to 

 many of the members, that, when the combined learning and knowledge of the 

 country is convened at these national congresses of fruit-growers, there should 

 not be a more continuous and extended opportunity for the diffusion of the in- 

 formation which they undoubtedly possess. Such occasions might well be 

 made a valuable school to all the fruit-growers in attendance, and, through them, 

 to thousands of others all over the country. 



After determining to hold the next meeting at Philadelphia in the fall of 1869, 

 appropriate resolutions were passed, and the society adjourned. 



A pleasant incident connected with the convention was a presentation to 

 President Wilder. Dr. Edwards of Missouri, having in his hand an evergreen 

 wreath starred with flowers, approached the President upon the platform, and 

 said, that, in behalf of the ladies of St. Louis, it was his very agreeable duty to 

 confer upon him a well-merited and most appropriate crown. 



President Wilder to the Ladies. — President Wilder responded, that, if an ava- 

 lanche from his native hills had suddenly come down upon him, he could not have 

 been more surprised than by receiving such a testimonial from the ladies of St. 

 Louis. To find his labors thus appreciated by that class whom he adored ; by 

 whom he had been attended in sickness, and delighted in health ; who especially 

 rejoiced in the floral beauties of Nature, and were most charmed by the beauties 

 with which Pomona graced her bounties ; and to receive this appreciation from 



