Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-02-26
THE STATE AT LARGE.
The H)rticulturists.


The state Horticultural oc.ety held It's annual
session Ia adj ian on the 10th and 18th inst
There were a large number of fruit growers
present from all parts of the state al the opening
session, Mr.. I. I. LYON of South Haven, the
president Of the society, presided anu aftc,
prayer by Rev Pearsal of Grand Rapids, Prose
cutting Attorney l.. n. Salisbury delivered au
address of welcome, extending the hospitality
of the city e. the gathering. After vocal music
:. Mann of Lenawee junction, read paper
upon the management of local horticultural
societies, which elected considerable discus
sion, participated In 10y various members pres
ent
Benz. I. Sleir of Adrain, read paper upon
the methods OF purchasing aud selling plants
and trees. which was also discussed.
The first topic, " Fertilizers for the Orchard
and Garden evoked extended discussion, and
took a wide range, embracing not only gardens
but lawns, orchards and farms generally.
Lawns, shrubbery, house plants and orch
ards came in for full and free consideration,
and the papers prepared on these subjects
showed careful and earnest preparation.
The establishment OF department OF horti-
culture In the agricultural department al
Washington was discussed al great length.
President Lyon concisely stated the growing
importance of fruit growing, and the
need Of every possible means of information
10 educate PomOlogists aud horticulturistS
The government had partially recognized the
claims of horticulture 10y establishing a
branch Of pomology. He criticised severely
the government specimens of fruit, of which
models were on exhibition, and ridiculed them
A. the product of very poor Imagination and
said they were "A disgrace 10 the govern
ment aud a libel upon the fruit they repre-
scented.
Mr. Garfield said in regard TO premiums
that when the premium lists were adopted the
various states followed and adopted them aud
they felt compliments /. But there was need
Of change and the board decided 10 recon-
mend something new in Horticulture. They
were going 10 have miniature beds with flowers
therein.
In exhibits Of specimens change was: de-
sired. The product of whole tree or branch
would Ice asked for.
Then there would be premium designed
20 draw out the artistic arrangement of fruit
and flowers with the iGea of making them at
uactiye
Another design was to limit the number OF
plates in greatest and best display 10 a certain
number say not less than seyenty-tye nor
more Than hundred.
There was some discussion on the recon-
mcndations of varieties of fruit for profitable
growing after which President LYON read
paper on fruit nomenclature He traced the
great strides forward that had characterized
horticulture during the past fifty years, and
briefly portrayed the situation OF to-day.
tie >u INSCRIPTIONS persons, perceiying the
90 i'lilAhllN 10 put IubutN III lltli pbtktlSt
had lc,urted Ia fancy and high sounding
names IT, palm off worthless varieties OF fruits
and flower, upon public that desired to pro.
cure the best
A single word was recommended for the
name in all cases. Secretary Garfield said
Lat IN making up records he found II very
difficult 10 decide what 10 Top of where he
found tendency 10 make long names. For
Instance Mr. Lyon had designated straw
berry Miners The American Pathological
~oCicty mentioned the same a. Miners pro
life or Miners great prolific
Tie thought the one word enough, and was
glad that Michigan dare take the lead in the
innovation.
Ma LYON said ne did not feel deserving OF
al the credit awarded 10y the secretary. There
were cases where great care should be used
ana wide knowledge o' varieties was ucCes-
sary 90 make revision of names so a. not 20
10 e the identity OF the variety. \ number of
nursery men present approved warmly The
llan OF short ming the names Considerable
discussion followed on this question.
The meeting Of the society was enlivencd by
a iinc display OF lucious fruit by members Of
the local society, and several large tables we're
9aGrd with choice collections Of standard
ruin which al this season of the year is SPECIAL
is tempt =.
The entire route would be almost i'm
mediat ly on the base line Of the state
and run through one of the most fertile
and best settled sections in the northwest