1885.] TRANSACTIONS. 47 



" Lord " — thirty with " Old." Five were named Sheepsnose 

 with some qualifying adjective. During the present Autumn a 

 Pear Congress was to be held under the same auspices. 



The most important feature of the Convention were lectures 

 from the Professors of certain of the Agricultural Colleges and 

 Experiment Stations, and the able papers presented by different 

 members of the Society to whom special topics had been 

 assigned. 



Notable among these was the lecture of Prof. Bessy on " Inju- 

 rious Fungi," and the papers of Prof. Arthur on " Pear Blight," 

 of A. J. Fuller of New Jersey on the "Influence of Pollen," and 

 T. V. Munson of Texas on " Grapes." The paper of Mr. 

 Munson was the result of years of experiment and patient inves- 

 tigation. He treated the subject from a scientific standpoint, 

 making a classification which has never been attempted before in 

 so thorough a manner. The importance of thorough breeds in 

 fruits as well as in animals was shown, and suggestions made as 

 to how they are to be produced. It was shown that only 

 through the practice of the principles of evolution can this yesult 

 be reached. A tabulated list of over 150 varieties of grapes 

 giving common and botanical name, growth, hardiness, vine 

 characteristics, diseases, and description of fruit was annexed to 

 his paper. This table contains over 3000 separate facts. The 

 specific outlines of our native grapes was shortly given, with 

 their adaptabilities to soil, climate, &c. The most important 

 species for experimentation, were noted. Tiie great importance 

 of staimen characteristics and the beneficial results following a 

 knowledge of the same by the practical grower as well as the 

 experimenter. The effects of crossing and hybridizing were 

 considered. 



Mr. Barry said " that the paper was in his judgment the most 

 valuable and important which had ever been presented to the 

 Society on that subject." Mr. Campbell of Ohio pronounced it 

 exhaustive. Of the other lectures and papers I annex to this 

 report such brief abstracts as I have been able to make. 



The Convention was harmonious throughout its entire session, 

 and its proceedings interesting to an absorbing degree, so much 

 so, that on different occasions, motions to adjourn for meals were 



