1885.] TRANSACTIONS. 21 



almost entirely died out of cultivation. The Thimble-berry was 

 the theme for comment and commendation, with here and there 

 half-suppressed mention of the Cuthbert. Of course, the actual 

 exhibition of fruit must be governed largely by the locality 

 wherein it is held ; and Raspberries of any kind are not com- 

 monly gathered in September. But an assembly of delegates, 

 collected from all parts of the Republic, should broaden — not 

 narrow — the sphere of our intelligence. An American society 

 should advance its standard, as well for the Small Fruits as for 

 the Apple and Pear. Nor should it lend too willing audience 

 to the commercial spirit : — a too facile concession to which will 

 inevitably degrade and destroy the very organization. If 

 symptoms of any such tendency have been detected, in the 

 proceedings at Grand Rapids, or at former sessions, they are 

 mentioned with regret and that the voice of disinterested 

 warning may be heard and heeded in time. What can we sell ? 

 must needs constitute an unsound platform for a Pomological 

 Society that would be worthy of the Republic. Rather — what 

 does our collective experience demonstrate — ought to be grown ! 

 It might well be that God looked upon the Triomphe de Gand, 

 and Brinckle's Orange ; upon the Comice, and Northern Spy ; 

 and saw that they were good. But is it credible, even though 

 their evolution was suffered, that the Boussoc, the Datura, and 

 Marigold, alike filled His gaze and were comprised within the 

 same benediction ! 



Will it sell? What a question to be propounded by the 

 sincere Horticulturist. Is there not a market for Asafoetida ? 

 If you elect to make Cheese, see that it be a first-class article. 

 But must you therefore insist that the " market " requires 

 only Lim burger ! 



Not more than a dozen infallible causes and cures of Pear- 

 Blight have been discovered during the past year, and pro- 

 claimed through the newspapers. Its undoubted origin is 

 announced with oracular assurance ; and, as of old, those who 

 sacrifice at Delphi or Dodona greedily accept the revelation, — 

 however improbable or obscure. The latest, — which derives 

 weight from its source — the New York Agricultural Experiment 

 3 



