406

Office of Virginia State Pomological Society,
Charlottesville, Va., Aug 31st–1886 188

Charles E. Bessey, Ph. D.
University of Nebrasa.

Dear Sir;

As Vice-President for Virginia of the American Pomological
Society, I have been instrumental in calling a convention of the
pomologists of the state, for the 8th & 9th Sept., prox., to meet
at Charlottesville, which is the centre of our fruit belts. One
of the subjects which we need the most light on, is that which you
so ably presented in your popular lecture at Grand Rapids, Mich.
about a year ago now, where I had the pleasure of being introduced
to you.

And now I beg to ask [sic.] that you will offer to us of the old-
dominion such a portin of that lecture, or any other, or [sic.] such a
paper on the subject of injurious fungi as will be convenient to
you to give us. We are very much in need of any, [?] the least
information, for we suffer greatly from the ravages of this enemy
in all its departments. The grape rot being one from which we
suffer great financial loss.

We have institutions of learning in the state which receive
the patronage of its people through its treasury, and at this convention
it is expected that we will succeed in establishing a nucleus
to experiment departments in those institution.

Horace Greely said; "Young man, go west," but Virginia very clearly
says to her sons; "Young man, draw upon the west, for inspiration,.
[?] practical lessons in developed science in pomology, and apply
them here at home, and you will make money."

If I see anything rightly, it is this, and I make free to confess
it, and to ask your efforts in our behalf. It will be greatly
acknowledge and carefully regarded.

Faithfully yours,
Henry L. Lyman,
Pres.

Dictated.