Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-09-15
Cincinnati Hortieulturn, Society.

The Society met at the usual hour, Presi-
dent Gerard in the Chair.
large variety of fine specimens of fruit
were presented and reported on by the Com
mittee.
Mr.. James H. Walker exhibited several
clusters of grapes brought from Delaware /
County, Pennsylvania. They were of the
White Hill, Hamburg and White Sevion
varieties; and one of the latter was said to
weigh two and half pounds. They were
especially commended by the Committee
and others.
General NJ. S. Wade remarked that all his
fruit was imperfect this season, which he
accounted for by two days of cold succeeded
by wet weather He spoke particularly with
reference to bis pears, of which he cultivated
sixty-six varieties.
Mr.. Pearson read a communication from
Daniel Gano in reference to the early his
tory OF horticulture in the Miami Valley. AS
one Of the Oldest horticultursts Of this vicin-
ity, though unable to attend the meetings of
the Society, be had been greatly interested
by reading their published proceedings, and
considered that it had done great good by
encouraging the raising of the best varieties
of fruit, vegetables, &C., for which Cincin-
natl bad now become Justly celebrated.
The first meeting held to consider the pro-
priety Of organizing the Society was in the
house of Robert Buchansn-long q promi-
pent member, and the first Presideut-on the
18th of February, lS43, at which eleven per-
sons were present. Prior to this, however,
the Hamilton County Agricultural Society
had los cred agriculture and horticulture in
| the county
On the 28th of April, 1927, the nesting at
which officers of the Society were first
elected, fifteen persons were present. On the
7th of July, of the same year, forty five new
members were enrolled. In 1928, at an cleo
! tion of officers one hundred and FIVE menu
bers were present, and on the 27th of Sep
tember, 1882, the Society consisted of four
hundred and thirty four members. A paper,
called the Western TvIler was commenced by
W. j. Ferris on the 29'h of August 1928. It
! was atterward changed to the quarto form
for greater convenience in publishing, and
at last failed from lack Of support Another
Agricultural paper called the Farmer and
Mechanic, was afterward started by DR.. D. @.
Wallace. The first Agricultural exhibition
was held in Hutchinson's old tavern stand !;
a great variety of fruits and vegetables were
on exhibition and the society was addressed
| from time to time by General Harrison,
Judge Este, F. W. Thomas, S. F. Carey, and
others.
Mr.. Charles Reemelin being present, ad-
| dressed the Society upon the subject of
Vital Forces in Plants" He replied to
papers that had been previously read in the
Society, especially the one signed "Novice,'
III WniCH Ine pOSlJlOu was hs5umSQ Lndl
Electricity is the vital or motive power in
plant growth" Mr.. Reemelin contended
that no greater error than this could be pro
mulgated on the subject. AS far as
chemistry can unfold or the senses perceive
there is no one such force, but it is rather q
conjunction of forces co. operating to pro.
duce the result. Electricity is only one oi
the four sisters, of which light, heat and
magnetism are the others. An extract from
Liebig was read in support of this view
This attempt TO find one general principle
upon which the growth of plants depends
was the cause of retarding science by direct
ing efforts in one direction, when they should
have wider scope The speaker illustrated
and enforced this view at length, the objec
being to dispel illusions of the past ages, anC
pave the way for exact knowledge.
Mr.. Graham explained his views on tn
subject, showing that in his previous re
marks on the subject he had not differed
materially from the gentleman who had jus
spoken.
Mr. Mosher related an experiment will
cabbage seed sown in two different earthel
! vessels, one of which was permeated wit
electricity from a battery, while tn
other was left in its natural STATE
. Seeds in the former appeared in forty-eigt
= hours, while in the latter they wer
! fourteen days in coming up, there being
difference between the two of twelve day
: By the time the latter had spraug up the fO
mer plants had four leaves.
Mr.. Reemein remarked that the same e.
pertinent with cold and warm air would brin
Q about the same result, and the same wOul
: be the case with any Of the motive powe
. mentioned. This did not, therefore, disprov
;; but rather proved, his proposition. The 81
: ciety adjourned.