10 
At the conclusion of the essay, Mr. Wilcox, of Santa Clara, suggested 
that the convention consider the points in Mrs. Berger's paper, and re- 
ferred to the high character of our fruits exhibited at Xew Orleans, 
making special mention of the persimmons there exhibited. They could 
be grown successfully over the larger portion of the State, and were 
really a very fine fruit. 
Mr. Klee spoke of the fact that most of the Japanese persimmons 
were grafted on inferior stock, but that we have a better stock upon 
which to graft in the European persimmon, and that with it we may 
expect an improvement in the fruit. He had an idea that while the 
persimmon would grow well in all sections, it would do better in the 
more humid portions of the State. He suggested that it would be well 
to experiment with the Japanese oranges in Eiverside. Didn't think 
they would grow of large size, but had excellent points in their favor. 
Mr. Klee said the loquat could be grafted on the quince, but did well 
on its own root. Said the Chinese had better varieties than those 
with which we are familiar. This fruit could be dried like the fig. 
Mr. Starr, of Lugonia, said the persimmon did excellently in the 
sandy soil of his neighborhood, bearing freely and regularly. 
Mr. Holmes thought experience in Eiverside had demonstrated the 
correctness of Mr. Klee's theory that a more humid climate was prefer- 
able for this fruit, although it fruited satisfactorily here. 
Tuesday's session. 
The convention assembled at 9.30 a. m. The first business on the 
programme was the address of Professor Riley on Scale-insects. He was 
introduced by President Cooper in a very off-hand but happy and ap- 
propriate manner, alluding at some length to the efficient maimer in 
which the professor had conducted the labors of his office, in studying 
the habits of some of the most destructive insects which have afflicted 
the farmer and horticulturist, and in devising ways and means to get 
rid of them. 
The professor, on taking the floor, very modestly disclaimed the eu- 
logy which the president had pronounced, and proceeded at once with 
his address, which was full of valuable information, and which, though 
quite lengthy, was listened to with the most marked attention through- 
out. 
Professor Riley said : 
Mr. President, Lathes, and Gentlemen : When I left Washing- 
ton it was with the intention of resisting all invitations to speak, as I 
have been suffering for some time from the effects of overwork and de- 
sired quietly to pursue some investigations in relation to insects in- 
juriously affecting fruit culture here and at the same time get rest 
from exacting office duties. But it was impossible to refuse the urgent 
appeal of your president, Ellwood Cooper, to address this meeting. 1 
have, however, no formal address to offer you. 
