PROCEEDINGS OF THIRTY-THIRD FRUIT-GROWERS ' CONVENTION. 205 



by it in promoting our Convention by many notices for several months past, and for 

 the able and accurate reports made during the holding of our sessions. 



Resolved, That we express our appreciation of the courtesy extended by Mr. Eben 

 Boalt of Palermo in presenting each delegate with samples of fine Navel oranges 

 from his grove. 



THE CHAIRMAN. There is another resolution to be referred to the 

 Committee on Resolutions. 



The Secretary then read the following resolution : 



Resolution Favoring the Alaska-Yukon Pacific Exposition. 



Resolved, That it is the sense of this Convention that the fruit-growers of the 

 State, representing one of California's leading and significant industries, should 

 cooperate generously with the Governor and his representatives in the effort to make 

 a strong and effective showing of their interests at the forthcoming Alaska-Yukon 

 Pacific Exposition, to be held at Seattle, Washington, in 1909. 



THE CHAIRMAN. If there is no objection, that will be referred 

 along with the others. 



In the absence of Mr. Messenger, Secretary Isaac read the following 

 paper on the "Commercial Value of Ornamental Trees": 



COMMERCIAL VALUE OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 



By C. B. MESSENGER, of Los Angeles. 



Some time since, when one of the largest tourist hotels near Los 

 Angeles was being constructed, it became desirable to make certain 

 changes in the plans. After the architect's changes had been accepted 

 and the contract let, it was found, on making measurements, that one 

 of the many fine, large live oaks must be sacrificed. This was contrary 

 to the wish of the owner, and he demanded that still other changes in 

 plans be made so as to save the old oak. This the contractor refused 

 to do, as it would cost a large sum. Instructions were finally given, 

 however, that the changes should be made so as to save the tree, providing 

 the additional cost to the owner should not exceed $5,000. Five thou- 

 sand dollars may then be taken as that one man's estimate of the value 

 of that oak tree in that particular location. 



Again, upon the occasion of widening a street in Los Angeles, it 

 became necessary to destroy a beautiful "pokeweed" — Phytolacca. 

 The owner refused to have it destroyed unless he be compensated for 

 the loss of the tree, which to him was of great value. The matter was 

 referred to arbitrators, and after consideration of the facts he was 

 allowed the sum of $500 for his tree. 



Other instances might be given where a price has been placed upon 

 a tree or a number of them, or where large sums have been spent in 

 securing and moving to a certain location trees which appealed to the 

 fancy of the owner. But the above two instances may be sufficient to 

 cause us to ask, Can any such value be placed upon trees? 



