( K ^ I -■•■'•'•• ■ — '-■ oSSiBSXn^^ REPORT OF THE ■iJ !-'>'/ 1 ssoupi '©Tale opticu tura •oc let r- FOR THE YEAR 1885. REPORT OF THE LIBRARY NEW YORK r VANICAL GARDEN 28111 Auiiiial MeeliiiE Held at Wamiisliiiii, Decemlier 9, 10, IL 1885, ALSO, A REPORT OF THE Seiiii-Aniuiai MM HeM at Butler, June 10 and 11. 1885. AND "SECRETARY'S BUDGET." L.A. GOODM/\N, Secretary, Wesiport, Mo. JEFFERSON" CITY, MO.: TRIBUNE PRINTING COMPANY, STATE PRINTERS AND BINDERS. 188G. OFFICERS ELECTED FOR THE YEAR 1886. OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1885. President. J. C. EVAXS, Harlem. Vice Premdent, E. P. HENRY, Butler. Secretary, L. A. GOODMAN, Westport. Treasurer, Z. S. RAGAX, Independence. LFBr^A'^Y President. J. C. EVANS, Harlem. i^ I 'ice-Pj-e^?ldint, Q ,- J. A. DURKES, Weston. Secretary, L. A. GOODMAN, Wesport. Treasurer, D. S. HOLM AN, Springfield. LIST OF HONORARY MEMBERS. Oeo. Hussman Napa, Cal. Marshall P. Wilder Boston, Mass T. T, Lvon Grand Haven. Mich. C. W. Murtfeldt... Kirkwood. Mo. Hon. N. J. Colman St. Louis. MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURSL SOCIETY. To His Excellency, John S. Marmaduke, Goveimor of the State of Missouri: Believing that our report should he under the control of the State, and that we should report to our Governor, as do our other State officers, I take the liberty of addressing this report to you. L. A. GOODMAN, Secretary. STANDING COMMITTEES. Orchards^ W. G. GANG, Parkvillb; CHAS. FATTERSGN, Kirksville ; D. S. HOLMAN, Springfield. Vineyards^ ■GEO. E. MEISSNER, Bushburg ; JACOB ROMMEL, Morrison; C. TEUBNER, Lexington. Small FruitS' S. MILLER, Bluffton; WM. HOPKINS, Springfield; JACOB FAITH, MONTEVALLO. Stone Fruits^ I). F. EMRY, Carthage ; E. F. HYNES, West Plains ; JACOB MAU- INGER, St. Joseph. Vegetables^ J. W. KIDWELL, Kansas City; Prof. L. R. TAFT, Columbia ; J. N. MENIFEE, Oregon. Flowers, ROBT. S. BROWN, Kansas City; H. MICHEL, St. Louis; MRS. WADE BURDEN, Springfield. Ornamentals., Z. S. RAG AN, Independence; MRS. C. I. ROBARDS, Butler; R. E. BAILEY, Fulton. Entomology., MISS M. MURTFELDT, Kirkwood; DR. A. GOSLIN, Oregon; H. SHEPLEY, Nevada. Botany., Prof. S. M. TRACY, Columbia; G. C. BROADHEAD, Pleasant Hill; FRANK BUSH, Independence. Nomenclature., T. W. GAUNT, Maryville; J. B. WILD, Sarcoxie ; A. AMBROSE, Nevada. New Fruits ., F. LIONBERGER, New Florence ; A. H. GILKERSON, Warbens- BURGj W. B. STARK, Louisiana. Ornithology., CLARK IRVINE, Oregon; A. W. St. JOHN, Carthage; W. H. THOMAS, LaGrange. Injurious Fungi., B. T.GALLOWAY, Columbia; Prof. W. TRELEASE, St. Louis ; C. W. MURTFELDT, Kirkwood. CONSTITUTION OF ^HE Missouri State Horticulturhl Society. Article I. This association shall be known as the Missouri State Horticultural Society. Its object shall be the promotion of horticul- ture in all its branches. Art. II. Any person may become a member of this society upon the payment of one dollar, and membership shall continue on the pay. ment of one dollar annually. The payment of ten dollars at one time shall constitute a person a life member, and honorary members may be elected at any regular meeting of the society. And any lady may become a member by giving her name to the Secretary. Art. III. The officers of this society shall consist of a President, Vice President, a Secretar}'^ and a Treasurer, who shall be elected by ballot at each regular meeting, and whose terms of office shall begirt on the first day of March following their election. Art. IV. The elective officers of the society shall constitute an Executive Committee, at any meeting of which a majority of the mem- bers shall have power to transact business. The other duties of the officers shall be such as usually pertain to the same officers in similar organizations. Art. V. The regular meetings of this society, shall be held annu- ally on the first Tuesday of December, except when otherwise ordered by the Executive Committee. Special meetings of the society may be called by the Executive Committee, and meetings of the committee, by the President and Secretar}'. Art. VI. As soon after each regular annual meeting as possible,. the President shall appoint the following Standing Committees ; and they shall be required to give a report in writing, under their respee- MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. tive heads, at the annual and semi-annual meetings of the society of what transpires during the year of interest to the society: Orchards, Vineyards, Stone Fruits, Small Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, Ornamen- tals, Entomology, Ornithology, Botany, Nomenclature, New Fruits, Injurious Fungi. Art. VII. This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the membersjpresent at any regular meeting. HOW TO ORGANIZE A HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ALSO THE CONSTITUTION FOR A LOCAL ORGANIZATION. Any one much interested on this subject of Horticulture can or- ganize a society if he will speak to five or six different persons who are known to be prominent in this matter. Tell them that there ought to be a society in your county, and as it is such a good fruit country, ask them if they do not want to help organize one. You will hardly meet a refusal, but will be met with the remark " that they do not believe there is interest enough in your county to keep one up." Never mind this, but make an appointment to meet in some office in town on some Saturday. If you can get five to come together, organize and elect officers. Make the meetings regular each month and on the same Saturday. Some lawyer will let you have the use of his room to hold the meetings. Have the meeting in the best town in the county even if you have to go some distance to meet there. Talk this up until the next meeting, and let each one promise to bring another. Do not ex- pect to have every one belong, for they will not. Hold six winter meetings (November to April) in the city or village, and at the March or April meeting, select the places to hold the six summer meetings (May to October) at the homes of the members. Make this a pic-aic dinner, meeting about 10 o'clock, and after the dinner hold the meeting and discussion; offer a few premiums for fruits and flowers, and have a general good time. Do not be afraid of a dollar or two, but use as much judgment in this matter as you would in any business of your own, and you will succeed. Talk to your neighbors about it if they are interested in fruit growing, if not, choose those who are so in- terested. They will not be much help to you if they are not fruit CONSTITUTION FOR LOCAL ORGANIZ A.TION. 9 growers. Make out a programme for the year, choosing one or two for an essay at each meeting. When the reports of the standing commit- tees are made, have it done in writing, and have a report at every meeting. You cannot expect to have everything work in complete order at first, and do not get discouraged if you tind trouble at the start. Take your wives with you and have a good social time also. If I can be of use to you at any time, I will come and visit you if it is possible for me to get awaj^. I will try and bring some one with me also to help along the good work. L. A. GOODMAN, State Secretary. CONSTITUTION. Articcle I. This Association shall be known as the Horti- cultural Society. Art. II. All persons interested in the subjectof Horticulture may become members of this society by signing the constitution and paying -annually to the treasurer the sum of one dollar: And provided further, That any person paying at one time the sum of ten dollars to the treasurer, may become a life member, and thereafter exempt from annual dues : Provided further, That all ladies may become mem- bers by signing the constitution without the payment of one dollar. Art. hi. Sec. 1. The officers of this society shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Executive Com- mittee consisting of five, of which the President and Vice-President shall be ex oMcio members. Sec. 2. The President shall exercise a general superintendence of the affairs of the society ; preside at all meetings of the society ; ap- point all committees unless otherwise provided ; draw all orders on the Treasurer as directed by the society, call special meetings of society or Executive Committee when deemed necessary ; he shall be ex officio President of the Executive Committee. Sec 3. The Vice-President shall assist the President, and in hi'* absence perform his duties, and be ex officio a member of the Execu- tive Committee. 10 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Sec. 4. The Treasurer shall receive all moneys belonging to the society; shall keep a just and true account of the same, from what source received, and pay out the same upon the order of the President, countersigned by the Secretary. At the meeting of the society on the Saturday in December in each year, (or oftener if required by the Executive Committee) he shall make a full and complete report of all receipts and disbursements, and at the expiration of his term of office, turn over all books, papers, and all money or other property be- longing to the society, to his successor in office. The Treasurer, before entering on the discharge of the duties of his office, shall enter into a bond with sufficient security, to be approved by the President of the society for its use, in the sum of , conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties required of him in this section. Sec. 5. The Secretary shall ke^p a full and complete minute ot each meeting of the society, and the proceedings of the Executive OommiUee. He shall receive and safely keep all books, periodicals, stationery, seeds, fruits and other like property of the society subject to its order; shall correspond as may be necessary with all persons or societies as the welfare of the society may demand. He shall report all the proceedings of the Executive Committee to the society at its first meeting thereafter. He shall countersign all orders drawn upon the Treasurer by the President under the direction of the society, and have the care and custody of the seal of the society. Sec. 6. The Executive Committee shall assist and advise the offi- cers in the discharge of their duties ; prepare all premium lists ; make all necessary arrangements for holding and conducting any and all such fairs as the society may determine to hold, and such exhibitions of fruit as the society may determine to make, and exercise a general supervision over the same, and generally to provide for the arrange- ments and business of the society. Art. IV. The officers of this society shall be elected by ballot from among its members for the term of one year. The annual elec- tion shall be held at the regular meeting of the society on the Sat- urday in December, where the general business of the society shall be transacted. Vacancies may be filled at any regular meeting of the society. Art. V. The regular meeting of this society shall be held on the — - Saturday of each month, at 1 o'clock p. m., at such places as the society may select, at : Provided, That the meetings in the months of May, June, July, August, September and October of each year may, by a vote of the society, be held at the residence of any of the members outside of the city. CONSTITUTION FOR LOCAL ORGANIZATION. 11 Art. VI. Executive Committee may provide: (1st.) For the payment of premiums to members of the society for the best display of fruit, flowers or vegetables made at any regular meeting of the society v (2d.) For essays on any subject of interest to the society, and arrange- ment of program for the year ; (Sd.) And for determing the places for each meeting of the society for the months of May to October inclusive^^ Atr. VII. Five members of the society shall constitute a quorum at any meeting, and three members of the Executive Committee shall be anthorizei to transact business at any meeting of the committee duly called. Special meetings of the society or Executive Committee may be held by order of the President or any three of the committee on one week's notice to all members of the society or board (as the case may be), given personally, or through the post office. Adjourned meetings, may be held from time to time, as the society may deter- mine. Art. VIII. The funds of this society shall not be appropriated to any purpose, without a vote of a majority of the members present at any regular meeting of the society. Art. IX. This society shall have the following standing commit- tees, which shall be appointed by the President at the January meet- ing in each year: Small Fruits, Stone Fruits, Orchards, Vineyards, Vegetables, Flowers, Ornamentals, Entomology, Botany; to each of which shall be referred all matters relating to those particular sub- jects. Each of said committees shall consist of one to three members. Art. X. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds' vote of all members of the society, at any regular meeting : Provided^ That notice of the intentioned' amendment shall have been given at least one month prior to any action taken thereon. Art. XI. The meetings of this society shall be governed by the parliamentary rules usual for deliberative bodies. Art. XII. Order of business : 1. Reading minutes of last meeting. 2. Keport of Executive Committee. 3. Report of Standing Committees. 4. Essays, or subjects for discussion. 5. Discussion. 6. Old business. 7. New businesss. 8. Report of Special Committees. 9. Adjournment. LIST OF MEMBERS AND CORRESPONDENTS GIVEN BY COUNTIES. LOCAL SOCIETIKS ARE ALL PLACED AS MEMBiRS. A good number of these names are correspondents, and not mem- 'bers^ but their names are placed as such to reward them for their an- swers to our questions ; and we have the hope of their becoming mem- bers. We should have a thousand members in our State. Some members have not renewed their membership, but their names are still retained on the list. We live in hopes that we will some day have enough money given us by the legislature so that all fruit growers may be members without money and without price. But at present we need the few dollars we thus get to help us along. L. A. GOODMAN. ADAIR COUNTY. 'Charles Patterson Kirksville. Geo. Eice " TV'. O Patterson ANDREW. •Wm . Ent Savannah. •Gtl. Segesseraann. Amazonia. ,1. Zimmerman W. S. King " S. K. Falkner Whlteville. ATCHISON. •Geo. Steck Rockport. AUDRAIN. iB. F. Wild Benton City. LIST OF MEMBERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. 13- BAERY. Isaac Stapleton Seligman, BATES COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCLETY. J. B. Durand, President Prarie City. Henry Speers, Secretary Butler. E, P. Henry, Treasurer " Thos. Irisli Rich Hill. S. ^y. Frederick Butler. J. R. Harriman " J. B. Innis ' ' Miss Ida Crume ' * Mr. and Mrs. W. H, Halloway " " " '• C. I. Robords " " " " A C. Skinner.... " " " " D. VV. Thompson " " " ' • W. M. Wilson • ' " " " D. W. Garst * ' ' ' " " M . Ryan " " " '' .T.F.Boyd '• -' •' W. Ritter '• " '* • Johnson Hill " " *' " I.W.Brooks Pleasant Gap. ' • " " A.va E . Page Reynord . •• " '^ H.B. Francis Mulberry. J. VV.Hall D. C. Forbes Vinton. W. P. AVhitney ....Adrian. W. M. Stephens Lone Oak. BARTON. C. H. Fink & Son Lamar. M. M. Spear '. " S. G. Avery " C. H. Shepley Nashville . W. H . Thrapp INIilford . BOONE. Prof, and Mrs . S . M . Tracy Columbia . " " ■■' ,J. W. S;inborn " " '' L. R. Taft " B. T. Galloway " BENTON. F. Schwettman Lincoln. W. G. Mathews Fairfield. 14 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETy. BOLLINGER. David L. Phelps Lutesville . L. R . Johnson Patton . BUCHANAN. Mr . and Mrs . Jacob Madinger St . Joseph . " " " S.N. Cox H. T. Kelsy Mr. and Mrs. N. P. Sommer ■J. W. Fleeinan Mr. and Mrs . Hans Nielson L. Zaigler W. PJafferlie . . L . G . Munger J. L. McAleer Hon . Joseph Grubb Chris . Diegel J. C. Bender W. Wiediuan H . Keene John Hall, box 301 Karl Wiedman Mr. and Mrs. J. Krischner Gilbert Blake BUTLER. J. T. Tubb Poplar Bluff. CALD\YELL. Win . McCray Glassville . CALLAWAY. R . E . Baily Fulton. D . M . Dunlap " J. W. Mclntyre " CAMDEN. W. G. Brown Linn Creek CAPE GIRARDEAU. G. G. Kimmel Cape Girardeau. LIST OP Members and correspondents. ». 15 CARROLL. W. O. Crouch Carrollton. CASS. O. C. Broadhead Pleasant HilL E.. A. Conover Peculiar. W . B . Mandy Harrisonville . Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Schat/ Lone Tree. CEDAR. 1. . Liston Virgil City. CHARITON. G. W. Dewey ,. .Kej'tesville. CHRISTIAN. J. K. Weaver Ozark. CLAY. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Evans Harlem. Dan Carpenter Barry. Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Barnes " Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Z. Todd Sam'l Dooley Chris. Sehroeder D. T. Bronaugh Conrad Aul Sm thville. CLINTON. Worley Shinn Lathrop. W. L. Culver Gravson. COLE. Fred. Yost Jefferson City. COOPER. Dr. J. B. Holman Boonville . CRAWFORD. n. C.Minter Keysville. 16 MISSOURI STATE HORTICaLTURAL SOCIETY. DADE. Jesse Hiatt liOckwood. DENT. E. T. Butler Salem. DAVIESS. Woodruff Nursery Gallatin . DALLAS. S . A . Latimer Lang Lane . * FRANKLIN. J. Bagby & Son New Haven . ^ GASCONADE. F. Fleischer Gasconade City . Rommel & Sobbe Morrison . Stone Hill Wine Co Hermann . GENTRY. C. G. Comstock Albany. N. C. Shultz King City. Mrs. E. B. Haven Berlin . GRUNDY. E. B. Cooper Trenton. Jos. Sibbit Tindall . R. S. VYynne Edinburgh. Thos. Luke Trenton . GREENE COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. M. J. Roundtree, Presiden" Springfield . J. Kirchgraber. Vice-President " D. S. Holman. Secretary • • F. F. Fine, Treasurer " Mr. and Mrs. Henry Scholton " Dr. Lane " Miss Emma Kirchgraber ' ' Miss Rosa Holman " Miss Lilly Holman " Miss Lizzie Roundtree " Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Freeman Brookline . LIST OF MEMBERS AND CORRESPONDENTS 17 Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Lair Springfield . Mrs. F. F. Fine : Mrs. D. S. Holman " Mrs. M. J. Roundtree " Mrs. Charles Goff' ; " Mrs. W. H. Burden " Mrs. Al. Demuth " Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Sheffield .' " Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Kitter " 3Ir. and Mrs. AV. M. Hopkins " Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Moore " Mr. and Mrs. Barnes " Mr. and Mrs. Meacham " Hon. I. S . Haseltine Dorchester. S. I. Hazeltine Emmett Xewton Springfield. Criss " J^ohn Dailey " •G. W. Hopkins " W. M. Hopkins " HARRISON. Isaac M. Xeff Bolton . HENRY COUNTY HORTICULTURE SOCIETY. M. .1. Condon, President Clinton . M. L. Bonham. Vice-President " J. M. Pretzinger, Secretary. . ., " ^Y. A. Hastin, Treasurer " W. H. Roberts " HICKORY. \l!hri8. Gerber Wheatland . HOLT COUNTY HORUICULTURE SOCIETY. N. F. Murry, President Elm Grove. -J. N. Menifee, Vice-President Oregon. J M. Hasness, Secretary "• •C. Hoblozell, Treasurer " George Meyer " T . J . Kre c h " D. Barbour " John Bond " John Callow " S. L. Huiatt " William Brodbeck " H S— 2 18 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. S. Blanchard .' T. B. Curtis L. N. Howard Henry Hughs Mr. and Mrs. Dr. A . Goslin Mr. and Mrs. Clark Irvine " Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Dankers . . Corning. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Davis New Point. Mr. and Mrs. N. F. Murray Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Menifee •' HO\yAKD. K. T . Kingsbury Estill . A. S . Wolcott Fayette . A. McCray " HOWELL. Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Hynes West Plains. Mr. and Mrs. P. P. Dobozy " " Dr.H. T. Smith " " B . S . Hogan Willow Springs. Mr. and Mrs. A. Harrison Olden, G. L. Sessens "^ JACKSON". Mr. and Mrs. Z. S. Ragan Independence. Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Seller " Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Sea " Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Head " George J . Dod Greenwood. Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Kern Westport. Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Goodman " Mr. and Mrs. F. Eslinger " Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Bayles Lees*^ Summit. M . B . Butterfleld , " " G. Threlkald Kansas City. Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Atkins " " Mr. and Mrs. William Kid well •. " " Mr. andMrs. L. E. Bosley " " Mr. andMrs. R. S. Brown " " Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Cravens " '* Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Lewis Blue Springs. William Byers Kansas City. JASPER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. D. F. Emery, President Carthage. Bennett Hall, Secretary " LIST OF MEMBERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. 19 A. C. Carson, Treasurer •. " W . H . Smith M.I. Parker " A. W. St. John " P. Jackson " J. B. Wild Sarcorie. H. W. Wild " J. K. Glassford Carthage. H. W. Maxwell L . C . Amsden '. ''' C. A. Emrj- Carthage. D. L. Enny ' ' Z. T. Russell " J. W. Baird " W. J. Sieber " P. Finn " J. Ames " W. C. Downs ~ " Nicholas Siebert " Z. Freeman , Joplin. F. A. Hazen Dudenville. JEFFERSON. W. S. .Jewett Crystal City. G. E. Meissner ' Bushburg. "•o' JOHNSON. Prof. Geo. L. Osborne Warrensburg. A. H. Gilkerson " W. M. Mohler " J. J. Cockrell ' • M. G. MuUins Centerview. Mohler & Son Cornelia. KNOX. Sinnock & Co Edina. LACLEDE. M. W. Serl Lebanon. LAFAYETTE COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Dr. W. A. Gordon, President Lexington. U. G. Phetzing, Vice-President " C. E. Teubner, Secretary " G. M. Catron, Treasurer " H. S. Van Anglen Waverly. .John Aull '. Lexington. 20 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. W. M. Poge * " A. A. Leseuer " Ethan Allen " Geo. F. Maitland " Fred Neet " R. T, Paissell " Zack . VV. Wright " James Aull " C. F. T;ane " W. K. McChesney " Kobt. H. Smith " Dr. J. B. Alexander " Robt. A Hicklin " John S. Blackwell " Mrs. Florida Graddy " Mrs. M. V. Gordon " Mrs. Cerelia Thomas " Mrs. Jeannie Finley Shultz " LAWREXCE. Alfred Johnson Pierce City. LE^YIS. W. G. Downing Canton. E. Burrows " Frank Plarlan " W. li. Thomas LaGrange. H. C. Kirschbaum Tolona. LINCOLN. A. M. Shultz Troy. LINN COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Ralph Smith, President . '. Laclede. •Toseph Gamble, Vice-President Brookfield. G. W. Martin, Secretary ' ' R. W. Davis, Treasurer " A. P. Crosby " James- Hall ' • Danforth Chinney " ' W. D. Crandall " W. L. Laing " A. P. Wolverton Meadville. J . W . Turner " . S. A. Field " L. D. Walbridge " A. P. Swan Bucklin. O. S. Fay Boomer. LI^T OF 3IEMBERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. 21 . LIVINGSTOX. J. W. Green Chillieothe. H. v. Lewis Bedford. McDOXALD. S. G. Welborn Pineville. MACOX. Green Bros ■ Macon City. J. M. Randall. .Callao. I MARIES. D. W. Tainter Vienna. MARION. Wray Brown Hannibal . W. S. Hallock MERCER. R. J. Lewis Princeton. J. A. Kennedy Ravenna. MILLER. N.J. Shepard Eldon. MISSISSIPPI. W. T. Phoenix Charleston. MONROE. J. D. Hawkins Paris. MONITEAU. R. A. Snorgrass Tipton . MONTGOMERY COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Judge Samuel Miller, President Bluffton . • F. Lionberger, Secretary New Florence. F . G aueteman, Treasurer W . Loane J. S. Drummond D. P. Taylor Ch . Laney Fred Utz 22 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. MOEGAN. Caleb Gunn Yersailles. NEW MADRID. C. C. Thomas Pt. Pleasant. NEWTON. H. Jaeger Neosho. NODAWAY. T. W. Gaunt Maryville. OREGON. Ben . Gunn Alton . OSAGE. Christ . Heyer Byron . Jesse Moore Linn . OZARK. Wm . Mahan Almartha . PETTIS. J. H. Monsese Bearaan. Phil. Pfeiffer Sedalia. J. Laney Green Ridge. Ed. Brown Sedalia. G. H. Shepard LaMonte. PLATTE. Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Gano Parkville. Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Durkes Weston. Mr. andMrs. C. Thorp " Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Blakely ... .Platte City. W, R. Keller Weston. F . HoUied " J . P. Reichard " PIKE. Stark & Bros Louisiana. PUTNAM. J, T. Scott St. John. LIST OF MEMBERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. 23 RAY. Alex. Maitland Eiclimond. RIPLEY. J. G . Hancock Doniphan. ST. CHARLES. €has. Golterman Foristelle. ST. CLAIR. Wm. Hook Lowry City. Mr. & Mrs. G. S. Allison Johnson City. ST. LOUIS. P. M. Keil.y St. Louis. E. Hollister 3Iiss Mary Murtfeldt Kirkwood. IsidorBush St. Louis. Levi Chubbuck " Geo. H. Gill Kirkwood. SALINE. J. T. Stewart Blackburn. Wm.Folck Marshall. SCHUYLER. O. W. Morton Glennwood. SHANNON. Jas. McKinney Eminence. N. Vandelft " \ SHELBY. Jas. Hanley Shelbina. H. G, Bruce.. " STODDARD. Jesse Brown Lakeville. 24 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. TEXAS. J. C. White Houston. VERNON COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ^ A. Ambrose, President Nevada. H. Fuller, Vice-President ' • H. Shepley, Recording Secretary " E. R. Mererord, Corresponding Secretary Schell City. D. W. Graves, Treasurer Nevada. W. Scott Montevallo. Jacob Faith " F. H. King " A. Ingraham Nevada. J. Q. Thompson Walker. Benedick Bros Enoch. J. H. Logan & Sons Nevada. H. M. Crouse ' ' Wesley Wilcox " J. S. Hatten Sheldon. WARREN. J, E. Yocum Warrenton. WASHINGTON. Phil Rush Mineral Point. WAYNE. Henry Grilling Piedmont. WEBSTER. Geo. Lewis .Northview . WRIGHT. A. D. Hanks '. Mansfield. S . W . Anderson Mt . Grove . LlvST OF ^MEMBERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. 25 MISSOURI VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, KANSAS CITY, MO. President, W. G. Gano Parkville, Mo. Vice-President, L. A. Goodman Westport, Mo. Secretary, F . Holsinger Rosedalc, Kas . Treasurer. G . F. Espenlaub " Mr. and Mrs. F. Holsinger " Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Espenlaub " Prof. G . E . Rose " Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Ely " Mr. and ]\rrs. S. S. Hogue Westport, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Dickinson " Mr. and Mrs. L.A.Goodman " Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Evans Harlem, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Z . Todd • ' I. Orwick " C. Shroeder " J. F. Howell " Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Kern Kansas City, Mo. Mr. and IMrs . I. D . Gregg " Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Gosnell .• " Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Cravens " Mr. and Mrs . Wm . Kidwell " H. Kretchmer " S . C . Palmer " Jesse Ray " J. C.Blair " Wm. Buttertield Lees Summit, Mo. Dan Carpenter Barry, Mo, Mr. and Mrs . W . G . Gano Parkville, Mo . Mr. and Mrs. Z. S. Ragan Independence, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Bayles Lees Summit, Mo. Williamson , Wyandott, Kas. T . L . Hogue Glenn, P. O., Kas . Mr . and Mrs . J . A . Durkes Weston, Mo . Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Lewis Kansas City, Mo. A. J. Threlkald. " Mr. and Mrs . C . B . Warren " E. Lindsey Westport, Mo. Mr . and Mrs . Harvey Hughs ; Rosedale, Kas. CENTRAL MISSOURI FRUIT-GROWERS ASSOCIATION, BOONVILLE, COOPER COUNTY, MO. President, W. A. Smiley Boonville. First Vice-President, R . T . Kingsbury Estelle . Second Vice-President, W. P. Thompkins Boonville. Secretary, C. C. Bell • ' Treasurer, Fred . Boiler ' ' 26 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. John Viertel Boonville. •<:!. J. Fiddler " Henry Dimple.. . H. M. Myer H. Eoberts ■C. J. Ingersoll O. Carville X(. Gieger, Sr. .. L. Gieger, Jr. . . H. Wooldridge. . Joe Glahn J. E. Elliott.... Will. Givens... John Neef Frank Neef L. Smith A. Walter FOREIGN MEMBERS. P. Underwood N. Lawrence, Kas. E. J. Holman Leavenworth, Kas. Dr . J . Staymen " F. Wellhouse Fairraonnt. E. F. Stephens Crete, Xeb. G . S . Downend Sibley, Iowa . E.G. Robinson Portland, Maine. Thos. Fargher La Porte, Ind. E . Taylor Edwardsville, Kas . H. M. Hotlman Leavenworth, Kas. J. W. Preston Blue Mound, Kas. Perry Nixon..... Cherry vale, Kas. A. H. Griesa Lawrence, Kas. Sam'l Grondyke Eugene, Ind . D.J. Purdy Mason City, Iowa L. G. Atkins Watson, Mich. MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. SUMMER MEETING HELD AT BUTLER, JUNE 9-11, 1S85. Upon the invitation of the Bates County Horticultural Society, the members of the society began to assemble on the 9th of June, and were at once sent to their places of entertainment so kindly provided for them. The whole of the 9th was spent in getting acquainted among the people ol Butler, in the arrangement of the fruits and flowers and ornamenting the church so kindly furnished by the Pres- byterian church people. Butler, Bates Co., Mo., June 10, 1885. The members ct the Missouri State Horticultural Society began to assemble at the Presbyterian church at an early hour. The weather was cool and the diplay of fruit and flowers exceedingly fine. More than fifty plates of late keeping apples ornamented a large table in the center ol the room, while strawberries and flowers were everywhere. Especially one star boquet of cut flowers from Phil. Pfeiff"er, of Sedalia, which hung pendant from the back of the speak- er's chair, called forth many expressions of delight. The room was tastefully decorated with evergreen. The house was well filled with an intelligent body of men and women when called to order by the President, Col. Evans. The exercises were appropriately opened by the song of '" Beulah Land." Invocation by the Rev. Pearson, of the M. E church. A hearty address of welcome was delivered by D. Y. Brown, Mayor of this city, which was responded to in like hearty manner by Mr. Carpenter, of Clay. 28 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIErY. THE ANNUAL ADDRESS. BY PRESIDENT J. C. EVANS, OF HARLEM. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Missouri State HoTticultural Society, and Citizens of Butler and Bates Comity : We have met to-day for the purpose of exhibiting af the products of our toil, fair fruits, beautiful flowers and useful vegetables, and to-, gain through the interchange of our thoughts and ideas information im- portant to our success as horticulturists. We have come to this flour- ishing young city on the invitation of the Bates County Horticultural Society. We come hoping to have a meeting that will prove profita- ble and pleasant to all. We trust we have chosen an auspicious time and an auspicious place for this serai annual meeting, and that it will excite a still greater interest in the work here and be an honor to this beautiful and promising city. As we meet from year to year we find much of pleasure in the so- cial enjoymenf, and we learn much from each other's experience. We are happy to note the progress made recently in this section as well as in many other parts of the State by the organization of county horticultural societies, and we say to all others that have not — organize and let the good work go on until an abundant supply of the best of fruits shall adorn the tables of every house in the land, the poor laboring class as well as the prosperous farmers and wealthy peo- ple of our cities and towns. Until fruits and vegetables become lead- ing articles of food for all classes, and flowar^ and ornameatal trees and plants adorn every home and lawn in the land, there will be a need for these meetings. Some of the members of this society have worked hard for a score of years, and while we are proud of the progress we have made, we must admit we have advanced but little beyond the A B C's in this great work. We have learned many valuable lessons (some by dearly bought experience), but the field for advancement is yet unlimited. Large districts of our State are still untouched as far as horticulture is concerned, and yet they contain some of the very best fruit lands in the world. Prof. Badd, of Iowa, after an extensive tour of investiga- tion in Europe and America, has decided that the apple district of the world is here in Western Missouri, Eastern Kansas, and Northwestern Arkansas. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 29 At the great World's Fair at New Orleans recently, the contest for' the gold medal was between these three States, and I am happy to be able to say your own State of Missouri got it, Arkansas and Kansas following close behind. So let us take courage from these facts and go on until these beautiful prairies shall emit the fragrance of the various fruits and flowers, and even the forests shall give way to orchards, gardens and vineyards. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY, L. A. GOODMAN, WESTPORT. Mr. Pre8ide7it and memhers of the Missouri State Horticultural Society: Another six months have passed, and lam happy to give a good report of our society. The last few months have been eventful ones for our society. I believe we have made more history and accomplished more successful work than ever in the history of the society. Our wonderful success at New Orleans was a glory to onr State, not «ver before obtained. In that wonderful exhibition of fruits we came out winners of the greatest number of premiums, medals and money of any State in the Union. It is useless for me to repeat the number of our awards, they are given in our last report for 1884. Enough, is it to say, that we received the two highest awards given to any State or society ; that we were awarded twenty-two other premiums, that we will receive one gold and three silver medals ; and that we took the premium on the three largest collections. 200 varieties of apples, 100 varieties of apples, and 50 varieties of apples. If it did not occupy too much space, I would give you a list of varieties in each of these exhibits. But that will not do, and we have certainly to congratu- late our State on the work done by our society in this great show of fruits. With reference to the premiums taken at New Orleans, I have made application to the II . S. Treasurer for our claim, and if there be any op-^ portunity to get it, 1 expect to get it. I believe that this should be followed up, and that we make every attempt to get what justly be- longs to us, as do the others. 30 MISSOliRI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. If this great exposition be kept up next year, we will have to do something to make another display, and they will certainly pay up these bills and premiums before they ask people to come again. One other matter with reference to thi?. and that is, that whatever honor has been gained at th^e World's Fair by Missouri has been through the efforts of our State society. For of all the displays in the Government Building from all the" Slates in the Union, the one from Missouri stands prominently at the hottom. Our Commissioner cer- tainly has been out of his place in charge of the Missouri display. Notwithstanding he had $7,700.00 in his hands, he has done absolutely nothing in the way of displaying the agricultural products of Missouri. We cannot help contrasting his opportunity, the amount of money at his command, a disgrace to the State, and the poor miserable failure of his display ; ;3, extra g^iod quality, i;ood keeper, and tree said to be hardy and productive, very valuable annual bearer^ This apple took the premium as the best new apple at New Orleans, although the ''Rankins" and it were on a tie for some time and only received the premium by one point; well worthy propagation, and I believe will become very valuable to our State. I took this apple with a collection made at West Plains to New Orleans, because I thought it a worthy apple, as a also took the Rankins because I thought it wor- thy. On my return, I wrote to Mr. E. F. Hynes relating the fact and asking hi.ii to give me a history of the apple. If favorable I wanted to distribute through the society. (This has been just exclusively in the hands of Mr. M. J. Round- tree, of Springfield, and will be sold by him as soon as trees can be grown.) Another new apple called the "Shackleford" seems to be a very val- uable one, perhaps as much so as the others. It is a very handsome, large apple, good bearer, good keeper, tree hardy and early bearer, ex- cellent quality and highlj'^ flavored. A cut of this is shown, and I hope to have one for each of the other apples if possible for the nex.t report. Some of these new apples may be worth thousands upon thousands of dollars to our State, and it shall be one of the missions of this society to bring them into notice and test them. (Apples from F. Harlan, Can- ton, Mo.) These apples should be tested this year in different parts of the State. Prices are not high for this, and let us test them. [From the Report of the Committee on New Fruits, Illinois State HorticulturaL Society, 1885.] But what of "new fruits, trees and plants?" This: We have trav- elled some hundreds of miles in making our observations ; we have seen and examined hundreds of specimens ; we have personally tested a great many, and yet we have found a very small percent, of the new fruits which are being hawked about the country to be really worth the ground which they occupy. But perhaps the most promising new apple before the public is the *'Shackleford," a seedling from Clark county, Missouri. The tree is a good grower, either in the nursery or orchard; is hardy and prolific^ bearing very young, and has the reputation of producing large and an- nual crops. Four of these trees, planted in 1880, were visited by us in October, 1884. We found them in the finest possible condition, and loaded with large, showy fruit of good quality and flavor, the yield be- SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 35 ing a full third more than any Ben Davis of the same age. The tree resembles the Willow Twig; in size, the fruit is very large: in color^ yellow ground, covered with crimson, and striped and splashed with deep red ; in flavor, sub acid (■specimens of this fruit are herewith pre- sented) ; it is a long keeper. Two new (old) apples are so very promising in the west that they must be noticed in this connection. The Clayton and the York Imperial, both very large and fine look- ing, very productive, hardy and early bearer. BDth these apples will bring more than the Ben Davis wherever put upon the market in com- petition with them. Let all who can get a few of these scions or trees and test them. The Clayton can be had of Z. S. Ragan, Independence, Mo., and the York of F. Holsinger, Rosedale, Kansas. RECOMMENDATIONS. REPORTS. First, our reports should all be bound; we have now about 400 of 1883 reports, and 400 of 1S84. Nearly all the bound copies are out, and we are still receiving calls for more. If these could be bound they would be of some service to us in the distribution. None of us like a pamphlet, and when sent it often goes to the waste basket in the course of the year. We need more of these anyway, and this is the best way to get them. After this we will need more than l,5uO of them, and 2,000 or 2,500 will be none too many lor the use of the society. Our printing is to be done by the State, and I am not certain how many we will be en- titled to. LIBRARY. We must have some standard books in our library. $150.00 can- not be better spent than in buying some|books for our use. It has iome to be a necessity. I hope the Executive Committee will order this done. We should have a file of reports of all societies so far as they can be obtained. We have in our library now the following books ; 36 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. LIST OF BOOKS IN LIBRARY, Missouri Reports. 186G-67-69-70-71— 2 each Missouri Reports, 1872-73-74-75-70-78 79— 1 each. Missouri Reports, 1S80 and 1881, combined Missouri Report, 1882 Missouri Report, 1883, cloth, 100; paper, 400 Missouri Report, 1884, cloth, 200; paper, 400 Colorado Reports, 1882, 1883-4 Ohio Report, 1883-4 Ohio Ep . St., 1883 Massachusetts Report, 1883 West New York Report, 1885 Nova Scotia Report, 1885 California Report, 1883 , Mississippi Valley Report, 1883 Mississippi Valley Report, 1884 Michigan Reports, 1878-79-80-81-82—1 each Michigan Report, 1883-4 Kansas Reports, 1881-82-83- 1 each Wisconsin Report, 1884 Wisconsin Report, 1881-2 Indiana Report, 1881 Minnesota Report, 1883 Illinois Report, 1882-3 , 10 7 50 1 500 600 2 3 2 1 2 1 1 25 50 5 10 3 10 1 1 1 4 Bushberg, Cataloge Grapes ; Downing, Fruits and Fruit Trees of America; Rural Tastes, M. G. Kern, Columbia; Forestry Report of '84; Science Report of '82; Iowa Agricultural College Report on Fruits; Composition of Wheat and Corn, C. Richardson ; Sorghum, P. Collier; Grasses of the U. S., Geo. Vasey ; Ornament School Grounds, Michigan Horticultural Society; Cataloge of Insects at New Orleans, C V. Riley ; two French papers on Phylloxera. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 37 PAPERS. In March I sent to the most prominent Horticultural papers in the States asking them if they could afford to give us a copy of their paper for the year for our library, at the same time sending them one of our reports for 1884. In response to this I have received the following papers, which are kept on file for the use of the memberp. We should have a few dollars spent in binders, in which to keep[the papers as they come, and a few dollars for a place to meet and keep them. I should like to have the members alwaj's feel free to come to such a place to talk over matters, read the papers or examine the standard works on Horticulture or "Bugology." It seems to me that this is the province of our society, and our usefulness is only limited by the money we have for our use. List of papers furnished the society by the publishers : Kural New Yorker, New York City, N. Y. American Agriculturist, New York City, N. Y. Prairie Farmer, Chicago, 111. Western Rural, Chicago, III. Colman's Rural World, St/ Louis, Mo. Journal of Agriculture, St. Louis, Mo. Purdy's Fruit Recorder, Palmyra, N. Y. Kansas Farmer, Topeka, Kas. The Home Farm, Augusta, Me. ^ American Garden, Greenfield, Mass. Ladies' Floral Cabinet, New York City, N. Y. Farm, Field and Stockman, Chicago, 111. Western Agriculturist, Quincy, 111. Dakota Farmer, Huron, Dak. Live Stock Record, Kansas City, Mo. STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. We did not get the much desired State entomologist, and now the next thing to be done is to get some one to help us and help ourselves. I believe $50 or $100 given to MIrs Mary Murtfeldt to assist her in the study of this matter would be well spent. We ought to get our State Board of Agriculture to take hold of this and give the money ; agricul- ture needs it as much as horticulture, and I believe we can get the help asked for. She is now one of the assistants in this work to Prof. Riley, and could easily do this for us if called upon. I write this without her knowing of it and do not know as it would be agreeable to her. But this 1 do know, that it would be agreeable to us. 38 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. The next meeting of this society will be held at Grand Rapids, Mich., in September, and we should also be represented there. I am holding in the cold stdrage some five or six barrels of apples consisting of a number of varieties, which I expect to hold for that meeting. We must also make a business of collecting specimens this summer, and placing in cold storage for that meeting all the fine varieties and speci- mens that can be had, and then finally make a grand show at that time. I believe, in fact I know, that the various fruit displays have been more the means of calling attention to our State as a frait growing dis- trict than have all other causes combined. It has cost only a few hundreds of dollars, while the other means have cost many thousands and with not half as good results. Our experience, our work, our re- sults, our fruits, have certainly been a powerful factor in this grand horticultural work. FINANCIAL. The following is the amount expended by the Secretary for print- ing, postage on reports, other expenses : Warrant No. 42, expenses of winter meeting ' "43, expenses at New Orleans, Jefferson City, postage 44, expenses on reports, express and postage on reports. . 45, binding reports, postage on 200, express and freight. . . 4G, postage on reports, 200, circulars and postage June meeting 34 and 36, printing State reports P17 50 77 35 101 SO 218 78 428 64 Nearly all the above expense is with printing, binding and sending out the reports, and in preparing the report for the printer. It* being necessary for me to make three or four trips down and then to remain there for three weeks reading the proof. The letter postage, postal cards, circulars, etc., are getting to be quite an item in our account. I find more and more, that much work can be done and has to be done by letter writing. Our work is con- tinually growing and coming where I would like to see it, to a point where one man is kept busy all his time. All we want in this is the money to do the work and the work will be done. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 39 In May I sent out the following call for the report of the condition •of fruits: MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. JUNE FRUIT REPORT. iFrom County. Made by . Of ORCHARDS. What are the prospects for a full crop (give percentage, taking 100 :as a full crop, of Apples - - Plums - - Pears - - Cherries - - Peaches - - Quinces - - What varieties have the best prospect ? Apple Pear ! Peach Plum Cherr J' Which of the above trees were injured by the winter ? VINEYARDS. 'Give prospects for full crop of grapes. What varieties were injured by winter ? BERRIES. Give prospect for full crop of: Strawberries Blackberries Raspberries. Varieties injured by winter : Strawberries , •Blackberries Haspberries 40 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIEIY. Wishing to make a li^t of varieties adapted to every county in the State, will you please give a list of the best, hardiest and most profit- able varieties of the following for your county : Apple Pear Peach Plum Cherry ' Grapes Raspberries Blackberries Strawberries Please answer and return to me before June 1st. L. A. GOODMAN, Secretary. Westport, Mo. Also the following call for the State meeting at Butler : Missouri State Horticultural Society, Secretary's Office, Westpokt, Mo., May 15, 1885. ) The Semi-annual Meeting of the Missouri State Horticultural So^ ciety will be held in Butler, Bates county, Mo., June 9, 10 and 11 1885, upon invitation of the Bates County Society. It is the desire of the officers of the Society that we make this a very pleasant and profitable meeting. To do this every member must stop his work and make an extra eff"ort to be present. You certainly can spare a day or two for the interest of the Society, and you will ga home " enthused" with new life in the horticultural work. The secretaries of the local societies will be expected to make a report of their proceedings and of papers read during the last six months, etc. Members from places where there are no societies will please report for their counties the condition of fruits, and other items. All the standing committees will bring in their respective re- ports in writing — this is their duty. Papers on any subject of interest to the Society will be gladly re- ceived, and we hope no one will feel the least delicacy in bringing or sending essays to the meeting. This is as much your work as ours, and you can give us your experience, success or failure, that others may profit by it. Write them, notify the secretary of the subject, and bring: them with you to the meeting. The papers that are to be read before the Society will cover a variety of subjects, and cannot fail to interest and instruct every one. SUrcMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 41 A pro2;ramme cannot be fully made out at this time, but will be ar- ranged at the meeting to suit the members as they come. Once more we urge upon you all to secure members for our Society. We want workers ; get their names and give them to us. Every member will receive the State Reports for 1883 and 1884, either of which is worth the membership fee, ($1.00). It is desired, also, to have a good exhibition of strawberries and flowers; so be sure to bring your fine specimens of fruits and flowers. Alter the meeting ice cream and cake will be furnished, the strawberries will be eaten, and a good social time will be enjoyed hj all. Premiums will be awarded as follows : For best box of each and every variety of strawberries considered worthy, $1.00; second best, fifty cents. Premiums of $1.00 for first, and fifty cents for second, will be awarded to each of the following : Best hand, table and va?e bouquets ; best basket, wreath and col- lection of cut flowers. The railroads have given us reduced rates. Full fare will be col- lected in going, but only one-third fare on the return. The Missouri Pacific Railroad require a certificate from the Secretary, and you will have to purchase a round trip ticket at one and one third rate. The Bites County Society promise free entertainment to all mem- bers — and in fact to all who attend. Come, then, and bring the ladies with you. Once again we urge you to make an extra effort and come and meet with us. J. C. EVANS, President, L. A. GOODMAN, Sec'y, Harlem. Westport. A list of fruits being requested from each county for the informa- tion of those wishing to plant out orchards or small fruits, they are ar- ranged by counties in alphabetical order, so that a person can from the location of the county have a very intelligent idea of what to plant. I have asked for a list of the best, hardiest and most profitable of each kind of fruit. This of course would give the best for all pur- poses, the best for profit, the best bearer and the most regular. Any one by adding to tkis list can get what he wishes for family purposes, but the first idea should be to get good fruit, plenty of it> and ascertain a crop as possible. The county is given the list of fruit and by whom given. 42 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. I expect also a more complete list of all the varieties of fruits from each horticultural society, and this will be a star to guide all in their planting for a number of counties around where the society is located. Our membership has increased, but more slowly than I would like ; now we have nearly two hundred members, but not all pay their yearly membership. We should have five hundred yearly members, or even more. The Rural New Yorker says, "that out of a population of over :2,000,000, we should have 20,000 members." I hardly expect that, but we must have more of our fruit men interested in the work we are doing. According to the action of our Executive Committee, all local ■societies now will be enrolled as members, and be entitled to the an- nual report, provided the Secretary sends a report of the yearly meet- ings, the papers that are read before the Society, and a list of the members. This should certainly be an inducement for our fruit men 'to organize a society in their counties. I shall be glad when we can have fifty societies in our State, all working to help the cause along. The following circular was prepared, and is sent out with every 'book, and has been the means of starting other societies to work : Missouri State Horticultural Society,^ Secretary's Office, > Westport, Mo. ) Dear Sir: I send you our "Report for 1884," and trust you will find something in it both to interest and instruct you in your fruit growing If you have not renewed your membership I trust you will do so now. If you are not a member I hope you will unite with us in the good work. We should have at least five hundred members in our :grand old State, and I hope you will help secure them. All new mem- bers will receive the "Report for 1883" also. These Reports are filled with essays, reports of committees, items, and other matter of interest, and is worth more than 81. 00 to every fruit grower. All county societies that send a list of their members aud officers and a report of their proceedings for the year, will be listed as mem- bers of our State Society and entitled to the Annual Report. Organ- ize a society in your county and work with us. Membership, $1.00 per year. L.A.GOODMAN, Secretary. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 43 COUNTY SOCIETIES. Let US have more county societies : A necessity to ourselves, to our State, to our county, to our fruit growers, is a good society in different parts of the State. A few of the fruit men — a dozen or so — are enough to have a No. 1 horticultural society ia your county. And now that the State society can aid you in this matter, I hope the fruit and vege- table growers, nurserymen and fljrists will help in this good work. I hope to see the time when we will not only have a semi-annual meeting, but a quarterly meeting each in different parts of the State, and thereby enthusing new life into that part where the meeting is held. I expect to see this in the near future ; this is one of the goals to be reached. Farther than this, I hope and expect to go — and we will then have the help we should have when our State will give us money enough to do the work — I want three or four, chosen from the State society, who will each month visit some one of our local societies, assist them in their work, give them aid and advice. When this 13 done I know a new era will dawn on our State work. L. A. GOODMAN, Secretary. The following committees were appointed by the President : Programme — E. P. ilenry, of Bates, D. S. Holman, of Greene, W. G. Gano, of PJatte. Finance — D. N. Thompson, of Bates, F. Holsinger, of Kansas, A. Ambrose, of Vernon. Obituary — M. J. Roundtree, of Greene, Ave E Page, of Bates, H. B. Francis, of Bates. Fruits — Henry Speer, of Bates, J. A. Durkees, of Platte, Jacob Faith, of Vernon. Flowers — Mrs. Robards, of Bates, Mrs. Goodman, of Jackson, Mrs. Ragan, of Jackson. Final Resolutions — Z. S. Ragan, of Jackson, M. J. Rountree, of Greene, E. T. Hynes, of Howell. 44 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Oq Report of Secretary — D. S. Holman, Dan Carpenter, Z. S. Ragan. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ORCHARDS. BY D. S. HOLMAN, SPRINGFIELD. Springfield, Mo., June, 8, 1885. Missouri Hortieultural Society : As a member of your Committee on Orchards, I am told that each member is desired to report from his part of the State, I would then in a few words report the orchards in my locality in Southwest Missouri, In our report last year our orchards were reported in bad shape from effects of severe winter of 1880 And while we cannot now report exactly as we would have it, we are glad to tell you they are better. We find that where fruit trees are so damaged by severe or untimely frosty it cannot be readily determined how extensive the sad work has been. In this case it is now five years, and every year some trees have died from the effects of that cold November frost. About all of such are out and new ones have their places. The last winter was considered severe, but did not do much dam- age to our orchards that is perceptable. The present jear's growth of wood now being made and the health- ful appearance of foliage are alike satisfactory. The prospect for a crop of fruit is not so satisfactory. Our trees ripened up early last fall a full crop of fruit buds — the peach buds and more tender varieties of all the fruits were killed during the severity of winter. The apples, pears and all hardy kinds of fruit buds came through and gave a very fine show of bloom, which to some is a satis- factory 'guarantee of full crop, but we have now learned that profuse and beautiful flowers are not ripe fruit. At the base of these plump and other- wise perfect fruit buds there was left sufficient cause for disappointment of our hopes, such always causing the fruit to drop badly even though profusely set. In addition to this, after a grand show of bloom by SUMMER :N[EETING AT BUTLER. 45 everything but peach, there came a cold wave from the northwest on the 6th of May, which brought a freezing rain, one-half day of snow, followed by two nights' frost, which but for the foliage, all fruit must have gone; the foliage saved them, but the shock to the young fruit was too severe and made it drop badly, and it is dropping yet from all varieties, leaving scarcely hope for one half crop. The number and size of our orchards upon the Ozarks have in- creased very much by last spring planting. While very many small farmers have only planted fifty or one hundred trees for the home use, others for the markets — for the money — have planted 1,000 and more, some ten acres, some forty, and a few have planted even more. Our orchards as they are, and with all the disparaging freaks of weather, seasons and ravages, insect enemies, have solved the ques- tion, will it pay ? A citizen of 8., who had a lucrative business, bought 100 acres of land fifteen years ago and planted forty acres to or- chard — apples, peaches and pears. I got his experience last week, and it has been such to indue the abandonment of the old business ; he built a large tvo story stone fruit house for storage, and is con- vinced of its value by last year's use ; planted forty acres more and is preparing lor another forty. He both shows and says it pays better than anything else. Others are doing as near likewise as they can. One of his neighbors has gone far beyond him, having quit a large sheep busines and gone into '"Ban Davis," planting field after field of nothing else. Varieties in our orchards are being reduced to a few such as pay best as we find it by actual trial. We have it now pretty well boiled down to "Ben Davis." We replant all other varieties with this, and in first planting for profit it is by large planters nearly solid Ben Davis. Treatment of our orchards varies from thorough annual cultiva- tion to timoth}'-, clover, etc., with neglect. The last is passing away and we are settling down to clover plowed under every one or two years. With moderation and discretion in pruning we avoid the ex- tremities of him who prunes excessively as well as of him who prunes not at all. Much time and money have been lost by mistakes here at the first, in planting and then in after treatment. Our orchardists have, by working, watching and waiting, learned this, and they will not forget it ; they will in future profit by the past and make correc- tions. Respectfully submitted, D. S. HOLMAM. 46 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. REPORT ON ORCHARDS. BY CHAS. PATTERSON, KIKKSVILLE, MO. As a general thing, I think ajjples made a liberal promise at the- time of blooming, though I have heard some reports of old Ben Davis trees not blooming as freely as usual. Alter the fall of the blossoms,, and until the fruit is of considerable size, I believe there is always ap- prehension of heavy reduction, which, therefore, can hardly be accept- ed as very discouraging. As tar as I know we may have a fair crop yet, though I see no reason to predict a very heavy one. But little damage to trees is perceivable yet, that can certainly be referred to the past excessively hard winter. Some few trees in my orchard and nursery were 'bark bursted," which will doubtless affect them seriously in course of time, but fortunately it was only here and there one, not confined to any particular varieties. It probably occurred about the 18th of December, when the mercury suddenly- went down to 12 degrees below zero, for which the trees were poorly prepared by th^" previous warm and growing weather. Of cherries we again have every promise of a very full crop, as we had last year. However, this is not an unusual thing, but should serve to stimulate more liberal planting, as there is scarcely any fruit to sup- ply the home markets in this part of the State, however abundant the "Crop may be. I look for the time when native plums will be proved equally safe to plant, but have to base my hopes on what I learn from a distance,, rather than numerous instances around me, because so very few trees have been planted. Of peaches I am constrained to take a far less hopeful view. These several hard winters in succession have played mournful havoc with all the trees in this section, and the only estimate that seems safe, is that they might as well all be dead. Still, If I had known the extent of the damage in time, and had had the ground as available as it was when I planted, I should have risked planting last spring again, as we will surely have a succession of years sometime that will make them as successful as they once were. Grapes are fairly promising at this time, but may disappoint us- before ripening the fruit, as they have done before in localities con- SUMMER MSETING AT BUTLER. 4T sidered better for them than this, and it would be rather anomolous if we should reap fair crops when many others fail. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries and currants are as promising as we could reasonably hope for. Scarcely any signs of hard winter are perceivable among them, including strawberries not covered. In blackberries I refer only to Snyder. Where I see any others they are severely cut down. I look for the time as not far distant when these shall be as common and popular among country people as they are now in the cities ; when the mention of fruit will not bring apples alone to their minds, but rather put all the small fruits in the first place. I have begun rather late, but intend doing: what I can hereafter to further this end, and if I should not live to see it fully attained, I want some of you to bring me word of progress whea you cross the river later. I am glad to see that many of the foremost orchardists are begin- ning to discover that meadow-sod is ruinous to orchards; that at least occasional cultivation is absolutely necessary. But there is reason to fear that most of our present orchards will go to distruction before this intelligence is generally accepted. PRUNING THE APPLE ORCHARD'. BY J. B., DURAND, PRAIRIE CITY. This is a subject of much importance to all apple growers, and one upon which there is a great diversity of opinion, and whatever we say upon the subject, here or anywhere else, we are sure to come in con- tact with the theories or opinions of some. What little I have to say now, 1 intend, shall be practicable. But, says one who has observed my own orchard, " Sir, I would like ta know where you put your ideas into practice, for most certainly your orchard does not bear evidence of that kind of treatment." So prob- ably I would better say that my ideas are obtained more from obser- vation than from practical experience. There is no subject connected with horticulture which runs sa much to extremes as this one of pruning. One says that nature knows 48 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTDRAL SOCIETY. best what she needs, and therefore says let the tree alone and it will bear more fruit of just as good quality, and the trees will be a great deal more healthy, and he leaves his trees alone until they are a dense thicket of limbs and sprouts which entirely shut out the sunlight from the inner portion of the tree, and makes it almost impossible to gather the fruit, then nature begins and you will find many of the finest limbs dying out, making a very unsightly object, and often leaving bad de- cayed places that soon terminate its existence. Another says you must have your trees with high tops so you can get around them with a team, you must have an open top so the fruit will ripen up nicely. He goes in with ax and saw, cuts out one half or more of the top which so weakens the vitality of the tree that it is soon gone. I do not believe in the ax and saw pruning at all, any limb larger than a lead pencil should never be cut off', but in the first place no limb that needs to come off should be allowed to get any larger. Take a good thrifty tree two years old from the nursery, trim out the top to just what should be left, leaving a center stem, with no forks, nothing will be needed the tirst season except good cultivation. The next season go over the trees twice, once in June and then again about the first of September, and rub off" all buds, that have started where you want no limbs, do this four or five seasons and your orchard will need no pruning afterward. This is the way I would have a new orchard attended to. But again we must take things as we find them, and we will find but i'ew orchards that have been treated in this manner. So now what shall we do ? If your orchard has been overpruned, there is nothing much to be done except to keep the water sprouts off' by rubbing off' the buds and, you will find plenty of them to keep you busy. If, on the other hand, it has not been pruned, about the middle of June commence, and if your orchard is full of fruit there is not much danger of your pruning too much, as the waste of Iruit is always staring you in the face, but if you have no fruit be very cautious or you will prune too much ; cut but little from the south and west sides of the tree ; the north and east sides are always the heaviest ; cut out the cross- ing limbs, thin out sparingly and cover all wounds with thick paint or wax. I prefer the paint as it is more convenient ; cut no limbs larger than one and a half inches only in extreme cases ; don't forget the paint, as that is very important, an 1 don'c cut too much, better too little than to much, if you have not enough you can cut again, but if to much it is not so easily remedied. Be sure to follow up with the thumb and finger pruning as soon as the buds start ; if it is a little late in the sea- son they may not start before the next season, if you fail to do this, .you will soon have a greater job on hands than before. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 49 I believe that the cutting off of anythino; larger than a lead pencil is a damage to the tree in proportion to the amount done, but on the other hand, if we expect fine showy fruit, good size and well colored, we must have an open topped tree that will let in the bright sunshine, as that is very essential to high colored and fine flavored fruit. June is the best time for pruning; the wood hardens sooner at that season than at any other and the wound will heal over sooner. How- ever it may be done at any time during the summer, fall or winter months without much damage, but do not touch them in the early spring ; that is the worst season ; better let them alone altogether. DISCUSSION. Mr. Kidwell asked how high to start the head. Mr. Bur and replied about three feet. Mr. Carpenter asked if fruit grown on the lower limbs of trees headed three feet high was as good in quality and color as if headed higher ? Mr. Durand thought that there would be no difference. Mr. Ragan thought variety should govern the heighth of heading, as some varieties droop while others grown upright. He recommended light pruning, but avoid all extremes. Capt. Henry suggested that for a long life tree head high. But do not do this all at once, but trim up the large limbs at the bottom so as to keep them off the ground. Jacob Faith cautioned planting forked trees. Head three feet high; lean to the southwest; trim on the north northeast till two- thirds of the top be on the southwest side. Do not plant deep. L. A. Goodman illustrated by a diagram how to prune a tree. Do not take the top shoot out at all. Do not trim at all the first year, but gradually trim up afterwards. Capt. Hines asked if the above would apply to peach and cherry also ? Mr. Goodman thought it would in part, but in practice it could not be done. Mr. Carpenter wished to enter his eternal protest against low- headed trees, if for no other purpose than to save the knees of the picker. Mr. Durand found in his experience that in this windy country it is almost impossible to raise a tree headed high, and preferred low- heads rather than have no heads at all. H R— 4 50 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. D. S. Holman gave a laughable example of high pruning. Spoke of the sun-scald fouud on the south side of high pruned trees. Mr. Carpenter asked if sun scald was made in summer or winter. Mr. Holman replied " both,*' the}" are scalded in summer and frozen in winter. KEPORT ON NEW FRUITS. BY F. LIOXBERGET, NEW FLORENCE, MO. READ BY MR. PAGE. L. A. Goodman^ Secretary: You asked me to write a paper for the society on new apples. I am afraid that I am not well enough posted on the subject to comply with your request. I will, however, do the best I can, and you will have to follow the old rule, ''to always take a Dutchman as he means or allow him to speak twice." As to new apples we are testing quite a number on our grounds and have grafted a few of each kind for the nursery. We have one apple that originated in this county and was propagated in a local way to quite an extent, it is called Smily's Red. We have to propagate them quite largely to meet the local demand, for every one that has seen the apples wants to get trees. The apple is large, coni- cal, striped and shaded with red, very handsome and good, meat white unsurpassed for cooking and evaporating, it needs but little sugar, if any. Season, September ; trees very hardy, upright and annual bearer. I will send you a few of the apples this summer. Another very promising varietv is Lucy Pew. It originated in this county. I have never seen the fruit, but parties that have, speak of it in the highest terms. Besides these we are testing a number of other seedlings, of which I think we can send you a few specimens of fruit this summer. Yellow Transparent we are testing as to its earliness, by having it top-grafted on Early Harvest trees. Red Bietigheimer is very highly spoken of here by parties that have seen it in Germany ; they say it keeps well there, but here, how- SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 51 ever, it is classed among fall apples, and I doubt whether it will ever amount to anything except to satisfy curiosity. My partner, Mr. Gutemann, has come from the city of Bietigheim, where he was engaged in horticulture. He claims that the Green Biet- igheimer is a much better apple and better keeper. However, new apples, in my opinion, ought to be well tested before they are intro- duced to the public. I think it would be better if no new fruits could be introduced exept through the societies of the respective States. As it may be of interest to some of the members, I will here give a report on my orchard, observations, etc. I have planted this season about 350 apple trees. Most of them one year old, some, however, were three years old. Although the three-year-old were good fresh trees, the yearlings will outgrow them greatly by fall ; that is the prospect now. My larger trees have come through the winter all right with the exception of Wine Sap, which is slightly injured. I had a small por- tion of my orchard in sod last summer, but as the trees did not grow well enough to suit me, I ploughed it up early in September. Of course it could not be harrowed then, and had to be left in that condition all winter, of which the field mouse took advantage. I could not have fixed a better place for them, the consequence was thata few of the trees got gridled. It never pays to waste time with a poor tree. As soon as I find a tree is injured badly I dig it up and put in another one. You may try to doctor them up some times, but my experience is that they are almost sure to go back on you afterwards. My peech trees were badly injured. I have cut down a good many. Amsden does the worst with me, while Steadly's Late and Foster are my best ones. The change- able weather this spring has caused the leafs on my trees as well as on others, which I am afraid will injure them still more. Pears are growing fine. I have about eighteen varieties, Bartlett, Olapp's Favorite, Flemish B, Kiefer and Le Conte show the most vigor, while Sheldon grows the slowest of all, but they are healthy. Quinces — Champion was killed to the ground, while R. Mammoth and Orange came through all right. Apricot — All the trees were killed, ilussian and all. Cherries — E. Richmond, Late Duke and Reine Hortense are in fine ■condition, but all the sweet cherry trees were killed. Plums — Wild Goose and Green Gage are my best, while Brad- shaw, Lombard, etc., were injured. With my dwarf trees I am getting along right well, except with peach and apricot; these generally die before any design can be com- pleted. Dwarf apples on the paradise I find very interesting if trained 52 MISSOURI STATE HORTICITLTURAL SOCIETY. horizontally, especially in a well kept fruit garden. I have one trained" so as to form the initials of my name, F. L. To get trees for such a^ purpose it is of the highest importance to get good healthy trees, or else your labor will all be lost. The latter part of August, 1884, I had set out a experimental bed with strawberries. The ground had been well fertilized with barnyard manure. I have set out a short row of twenty-five plants each, of the following sorts: Cumberland, J. Queen, Daisy Miller, Big Bob, Crys- tal City, Old Iron Clad, C. Jack, Piper, Manchester, James Vick and Ida. They were all set out the same day, and treated alike ever since. I find the following to do the best here : Cumberland, J. Queen, Daisy Miller,01d Iron Clad, C. Jack and James Vick. It would be hard for me to tell which of them I liked best. Piper is a fine grower here and very- hardy, and is going to furnish a good deal of fruit. Crystal City is claimed to be the earliest. It did not come in earlier with me than C.- Jack, Crescent and Cumberland; but with my partner it was the earli- est. It may do for a local market. Ida is very productive, but the fruit does not average large enough. Manchester does no good with me, though it seems to be doing fine on prairie soil. I saw some in Montgomery City a few days ago that looked very fine. Big Bob — Little Bob — would suit better for it. In my opinion the fruit of it will never bring in the money the plants did a iew years ago. Besides these, I have Crescent, Sharpless, Glendale and Downing, but am not yet prepared to express myself about them, except the Crescent, which I have seen lately at other places. From what I saw and heard of it^ it is certainly a safe one to plant. This report of course is based upon the present prospect. May 26, 1885. Raspherries — I have a number of varieties in my fruit garden near the house, a few plants of each, in order to show to customers, while the others I have in the field. These at the house had been a little better cultivated last season, and for that reason were injured to a great extent last winter. Cuthbert and Moody were not injured at all. Turner was killed to within six inches of the ground ; the same were Lost Rubies and Scarlet Gem. S. Colossal was greatly injured, but is now making up for lost time. Caroline came out with slight injuries, while Gregg is very badly used up. In the field the injury was not near so great. Thwack, Doolittle, Staymans No. 2 and Crimson Beauty I am not yet prepared to say much about. S. Colossal, I think,, will furnish me the most fruit, though Cuthbert, Turner and Caroline will not be far behind. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 53 Blackherries — I cannot report, for I took up all of my vines and planted a new plantation on poorer j2;round. I have Kittatinny, Law- 'ton, Snyder, Western Triumph and Needham's White. " Gooseberries are doing fine. I have Houghton and Downing. Currants — Could not say much of them at present. I have Red and White Dutch, Cherry, White Grape, La Varssailes, Fay^s Prolific. Grapes — I have but few, and could not say much about them. Figs — I am training in the bush form according to Barry's Method. i will lay them down in the fall, and cover them with earth. I had my trees buried in the ground this winter, and they came through all light. F. LIONBERGER, New Florence, Mo. Society adjourned until 2 p. m. WEDNESDAY, 2 p. m. The first exercise during the afternoon session was the reading of words of regrets from absent members. Columbia, Mo., May 11, 1885. Friend Goodman : My disposition to go to Butler and meet your good and enterpris- ing horticulturists, is good, but I am now, when I thought to get a little relief, more busy than ever. Pleuropneumonia has given me three days and nights work, and am just home. Am bothered all of the time in the matter. Will come if I can. If not now, some time in the future. In much haste. Most truly yours, J. W. SANBORN. Champaign, III., June 1, 1885. Z. A. Goodman^ Esq.: Dear Sir — 1 regret to again have to decline your kind request to give you a paper on birds, but I am both too busy and too ignorant of 54 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. the subject to make it possible for me to contribute anything further on that subject at present. So much of my time now goes to economic entomology that I have done very little on the other topic since I was at Columbus. I hope to find time to take that up again next y^ar. Wishing you a pleasant and prosperous meeting, I am, Very truly yours. S. A. FORBES. CoLUMRiA, Mo., May 23, 1885. Dear Goodman: Am sorry that I do not see any way to get to Butler meeting. I have to go to New Orleans to-morrow, and fear I shall not get back in time. Will be at meeting if possible. » Yours, TRACY. KiRKWooD, Mo., May 28, 1885. Mr. L. A. Goodman., Sec'y HortH Society: Dear Sir — Your favor of 26th with programme for summer meeting^ of the Society and other enclosures is received. If the distance were not so great, I should much enjoy attending: the meeting to which you so kindly invite me, but as it is, and as my father cannot leave his business, I do not think it will be possible. I have very pressing work until after the 4th of next month, but if 1 can in any way gain time to prepare them, I will send a few ento- mological notes embodying some of my observations for the season. If I do find time for such a paper, I will send it to you at Butler just before or during the meeting. Hoping that we may sometime have the Society meet with us ia Kirkwood, instead of at such a distance, I am, Yours sincerely, M. E. M. P. S. — I believe I have already acknowledged the receipt of your last report, but I am not quite sure. In any case, accept my thanks and my assurance that I was very much pleased with it, barring some printers' errors, which I presume you did not have the opportunity to correct. The Rural New Yorker and some other journals gave the work a deservedly favorable mention, which I was much gratified to see. M. E. M. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 55 Continuing the subject of orchards, the Secretary read the follow- ing from T. W. Gannt, Maryville, Mo. : • Mr. L. A. Goodman : Dear Sir : I received the report of the State Horticultural So- ciety for last year that you pent me. I have read its pages with much interest. I desire to contribute my mite if you think it worthy a place in the report of this year, for the benefit of all who have an apple or- chard. I do not find in any books or papers that I have read that any one has offered any specific against the attack of the saperda bivittata, (Say,) the parent of the round-headed apple tree borer who deposits its eggs on the body of the tree near the surface of the ground during the months of May and June. Also the chrysobothris famorata, (Fabr.,) the parent of the flat-headed apple tree borer who makes its appearance during the months of May and June. The eggs are deposited on the trunk and sometimes on the branches. The same remedy is good for one as the other species. Some neglect their trees until nearly ruined by the borers, then the only remedy is to cut them out, and thus the tree is nearly ruined ; hence, all must agree that a preventive is better than a cure. The following is a sure preventive if used as directed : Take one gallon of soft soap, one and one-half (H) pints of flour of sulphur ; mix well ; add a strong decoction of tobacco (home-raised to- bacco), reducing the whole to the consistency of thick paint. • OPERATION. The soil should be removed from the collar of the tree, scrape all the scaley bark from the body of the tree, if any, take a small hand broom and give the body and branches a thorough dressing with the mixture, replace the soil, apply through May and June; repeat the dressing in case of a washing rain. I would say that I give the above remedy to my customers who buy trees at my nursery, and after using it say that they are never troubled with borers. A COMPLETE VICTORY. Some six or seven years ago I observed in my Janneton apple or- chard that shortly after the putting forth of leaves they became pale and sickly in appearance. On a close examination of the trees, which were about eighteen years old, I was utterly dismayed to find that my trees were covered with the oyster shell bark louse. Some of the lower branches died from the efl"ects of the tiny sap-suckers. I saw at once 56 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ' that it was only a matter of short time and my Janneton orchard would be no more. I was not long in deciding what to try. I pre- pared a quantity of the borer preventive, formulated the same. I di- rected my man to climb the trees with a bucket full of the mixture and a small hand broom and dress with a heavy coating all the branches and the bodies of the trees, beginning in the top of the tree on branches as small as a man's little finger, working downward. This was done in the first part of June, the proper time to do this in this latitue, as the eggs hatch about that time. The result was highly grati- fying, as one application was sufficient. The sulphurous fumes raised by the hot sun was suflScient to destroy the tender lice. It is impossi- ble for them to live in such an atmosphere. Since then my trees have been dressed in beautiful dark green foliage every summer, with no trace of lice, and bearing abundant crops of fruit. It will pay to rid the trees of parasites. Very respectfully, T. W. GANNT. Maryville, Nodaway County, Mo. DISCUSSION. Z. A. Goodman objected to gas tar being used as a wash for crees, as it is apt to kill the trees. Mr. Faith emphasized this objection unless the tar be used with quick lime. Mr. Spear, referring to the matter of pruning, stated that he had made many mistakes in heading trees ; thought that the variety should determine the heighth of the head ; don't believe the wine-sap can be kept from the ground even if trimmed up six feet high. Mr. Thompson^ of Butler, pa5tures his wine sap orchards with horses, sheep and hogs, and finds that they trim the trees sufficiently. This also rids the trees of the borer, and this part of his orchard far out bears the part of the orchard not pastured. Mr. Thompson., from Vernon county, stated that his orchard is seeded to clover and he has had no fruit which seems to sustain the remarks of D. W. Thompson. The question of trimming in the light or dark of the moon was raised as usual. Mr. Faith prefers the light of the moon for trimming his trees, when the sign is in the heart. Mr. Cunningham., of St. Louis, although not a practical horticultur- ist, asked if it would not pay to stack straw or corn stalks about peach SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 57 trees, as he hai known cases where such had saved the peach when those on other trees were killed ; also spoke of wheat bran as a fertil- izer. Mr. Hynes, of West Plains, resented the implication of the last speaker that the lands of Southwest Missouri were poor; thought that the slope of the land upon which orchards are planted, should have much weight in the matter of pruning; recommended the exercise of prudence and judgment; all, or nearly all, trimming should be done before the wood ripens. Mr. Benedict asked the society if they endorsed the idea advanced by Mr. Thompson that orchards should be fenced and pastured instead of cultivated. Mr Goodman stated that each man was responsible for his own statements, and the society should in no way be held responsible for any remarks made unless acted upon by the society. President Evans would recommend pasturing orchards with sheep storage ; tree, a iair bearer ; apple, very late keeper and very rich flavor; has named them "Re qua Seedling." and hogs, especially if an old orchard; yet judgment should be re- quired. Mr. Thompson^ from Vernon, again asserted that orchards well tramped by stock receive benefit therefrom. Mr. Bequa called the attention of the society to a seedling apple which he lias raised in the county since 18ti9. He had on exhibition some well preserved fruit which has had nothing but ordinary cellar Capt. Henry spoke in favor of pasturing orchards, especially if upon rich soil or highly fertilized; thought that trees should put out at least a six-inch growth each year. Mr. W. Scatty Irom Vernon county, recommended thick planting, twenty feet apart. Mr. D. Carpenter found in his experience that such planting smothered out the trees and produced no good effects at all; recom- mended planting Texas onions about each tree at planting as a preven- tive against the borer. Mr. Holman endorsed the above and added tansy to the list of borer preventives; asked the gentleman who raises his apples by *'horse power" if his horses be shod, at what age begin, Mr. J. W. Kidwell thought that new land, no matter how rich, needed fertilizing to rid it of a certain wild nature detrimental to the orchard. Mr. Hill planted his trees a rod apart and now finds them alto- gether too close, and asked if it would do now to trim up. 58 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Mr. Hynes wished to ask farther in regard to tansy and Texas onions ; v/as fooled on a receipt of that kind once, and thought that maybe the borer in different localities might have different tastes, some objecting to onions and some not. Mr. Cunningham suggested the use of Limberger cheese, as that also had peculiar smelling qualities. Mr. Carpenter stated that each insect had its own peculiar food^ and in the insect taste could not be cultivated; stated that fruit spurs must be renewed at least every four or five years, so that an orchard may be pastured for a few years, but must then be cultivated to renew the fruit spurs. Mr. Hill recommended girdling trees to produce fruit. Major Ra(/an sustained this idea, but thought that driving in nails^ chopping with hatchet, or tramping by stock, or any other method which would check a too rank growth would result in a good fruit crop^ Mr. Faith has experimented with tansy for the last fifteen years^ It keeps the borer out but spreads all over the ground ; objects em- phatically to girdling. Mr. King had seen an orchard near Wellington, Kansas, mulched entirely with onions with good results. Mr. Scott recommended high cultivation. note from j. p. moore. Springfield, Mo., June 6, 1885. 2o the Missouri State Horticultural Society iii session at Butler, Mo.t Being a member of the above named Society, and having no chance to be present at the Semi- annual meeting, claim the privilege of writ- ing for consideration of the above named honorable body what I know jn regard to these varieties of applet, which in a measure have not re- ceived that attention in this section that I tliink the}'^ deserve. I mean the Willow Twig, the Trior's Red and the Ingram. We have of each of the above named varieties, now sound, kept in an ordinary celler, sell- ing, and have been for some time, at higher prices in this market. They are good bearers, good apples, good growers, and the latter two, hardy trees. I am sorry that I cannot say that the Willow Twig is a long liver. I have not known the Ingram ever to die; think the original tree is still living, and the Prior's Red live long. I have no selfish motive in penning the above; simply think they merit more than is said in this paper. I only say what I know, hoping some one may be profited by my experience. J. P. MOORE. SUMMER MEETING Ar BUTLER. 59" THE BEST APPLES FOR MISSOURI. BY PHIL PFEIFFER. Sedalia, Mo., May 29, 1885. Mr. L. A. Goodman., Westport^ Mo.: Dear Sir — In response to your remark to write something for the meeting of our Society, I would say : Of apples, the most important fruit of Missouri, I think we should still plant more winter apples to enable our State to get its proper share of apples ; the Southern States will always have to procure from the Northern and Middle States. Of the Summer, and even Fall ap- ples, with the exception of the new Yellow Transparent and the Maiden Blush, are already, in proportion to the amount of Winter varieties, too many planted, and no better proof for this fact can be brought than their respective market values. I have never seen a Ben Davis sold for twenty cents a bushel here» but have many times seen Summer and Fall apples, with the exception of Maiden Blush, Orange or BelMower and Jonathan, sold at that price. Why, then, do the farmers still plant more Summer and Fall apples than they need for their own supply? Why do they not buy their fruit trees where they may 'expect to be honestly treated, from their nearest Nursery ? I am confident, though acknowledging that the Tree-peddler stimulates the planting -cf trees and shrubs, thus helping to beautify the country in general, that the majority of the thousands of worthless apple trees that are growing, a burden rather than a benefit to the hard working farmer in our State, nome from the deceiving tree agent. It is a pity to see an orchard with nice looking trees that are mostly poor varieties, being a constant loss and disap- pointment, and a wise man is he who takes the ax and clears out such frauds. I say the apple is the prominent fruit for the farmer in Missouri,, and we see it again this season, as all the reports to the Secretaiy will show. Near a good market, the Yellow Transparent, for its extreme earliness, will be still very profitable; also will the Maiden Blush, too well known to give a description of it. Of most all the other Summer '60 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. and Fall apples, I think we have enough for market for the nearfuture any way. Therefore, the long keeping winter apple that will sell in the South, should be mainly planted for the next ten years in Missouri, and there is no danger of growing too many of them. But an abundance of good shipping apples will induce shippers to visit our State, and a greater demand for the Missouri apple will be the result, whilst at present four-fifths of the crop is unfit to stand the shipping expenses. There is no branch of business where there is a greater ignorance, manifested than in the planting of fruit trees, vines and berry plants, and I blame, to a great extent, the unscrupulous tree-peddler for it, as he, with his platebooks, and constantly new, and most of the time worthless fruit, creates a terrible confusion amongst the manj'" farmers who locate as farmers, but have not in the least been educated for that purpose. It does not matter how small a station is, if two car loads of first •class Winter apples not more than three varieties, can be packed, you will find a shipper to bring about one car-load of 300 empty bar Tels, and buy your 300 barrels of Ben Davis, Huntsmans, Jonathan, "Winesap, Rome Beauty or Newton Pippin. More Winter apples, more pastures, more grass, less wheat, just enough corn for home demand ; all the beef and milk cattle the popu- lation will need, and we soon will see the farmer prosper. Besides the varieties above mentioned, you should try the Langford's Seedling, and the newest and longest keeping, hardy apple, the Salome, which •may take the lead in a few years as the best keepers. The following letter was read : Glassville, Caldwell Co., Mo., May 26, 1885. Mr. L. a. Goodman, Westpori, Mo.: Dear Sir : Yours of the 15th inst. came duly to hand with your friendly request asking the fruit growers of Missouri to be present at the semi-annual meeting of the Missouri State Horticultural Society, to be held in Butler, Bates county. Mo., June 9, 10 and 11, 1885. It would afford me much pleasure to meet with the fruit growers of Mis- souri at that time and place if it was in my power to do so. I will probably have a light half crop of apples. Many of the trees seem to be taking a rest this year, as they have produced large crops of fruit in the past lew years. This rest will no doubt be very good for the trees, and as we have about twelve acres in orchard there will likely be plenty of apples for our own family and also for several families of our children, and some to spare to others. During the past spring I care- SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 61' fully pruned my orchard, taking off the dead limbs and a few of the weak limbs. We ought, in my opinion, to prune our orchards rather lightly each year, and be careful that the trunk of the tree is shaded with leaves on the southwest side of the trees. When my orchard was young I often shaded the southwest side of the trees either by fasten- ing a board or corn stalks or long prairie hay to the southwest side of the trees to ward off the rays of the sun, as the continual freeze and thaw process going on during our long cold winters, about ruined the sap vessels on the southwest side of the trees, and then with the hot summer sun continually striking against the diseased and sickly side of the trees, their ruin would about be complete, esj)ecially if the llatheaded borer was at work in the dis- eased part of the trees and the round headed borer was at work near- the crown of the roots of the trees. And we will further suppose that the man who is the owner of a sick orchard as I have described, is a careless man. His orchard is about gone or will be all dead in a short time ; and when the first fruit tree peddler comes along with his flam- ing catalogue of pictured large apples that look so tempting to the eye and palate of our good careless friend, he is charmed with the thought of fine apples again and orders .$50 worth of trees to plant another or- chard which will share the same fate as the first orchard. Therefore,, all careful people who are planting orchards, especially men who read and try to learn something about the chemical elements compos- ing apple trees and what these elements are and in what proportion do these elements or chemical substances exist in apple trees, and how much lime ought we to sow in the orchard annually, and how much potash, and how much of other substances is the trees compelled tO' lose each year by its bearing process — all these subjects the would-be successful fruit grower ought to try to learn, more or less. It is said by our wise and learned men that the soil of Missouri is composed of elements well suited to the production of apples of excellent flavor.. My oldest Janneton tree is thirty-one years old, or was planted in the- orchard in the year 1854. They are bearing apples this year. If I was to plant an orchard now for profit, after thirty years' experience in Northwest Missouri, I would plant largely of Jannetons and Willow Twigs. It will afford me much pleasure to give you any information in regard to our fruit prospect in this part of Caldwell county, Missouri. Hoping that your meeting at Butler, Missouri, may result in much, good for the horticultural interests of our State, I remain Yours, etc., WILLIAM McCRAY. 62 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. WHAT VARIETY OF APPLE TREES SHALL I PLANT THAT WILL BRING J HE BEST RETURNS. BY A. AMBROSE, NEVADA. This question has been asked so often that it may seem out of place at this time and at this meeting, where we find so many veterans in horticulture, and I imagine I can hear every extensive fruit grower within the sound of my voice answer this question even while I am asking it, and more especially if perchance he be from Vernon connty. True, this question has been asked hundreds of times and answered as often. But has it been answered correctly ? This, of course, we cannot tell ; neither do I expect that any person will answer this very impor- tant question correctly. The great trouble and most perplexing part of it is, that we are un- able to see far enough into the future, and the only safe guide left us is past experience. Now, Mr. President, I haven't come here for or with the expecta- tion of teaching anyone anything new on this, to my mind, very impor- tant question, but rather to learn from others, that I may (as I am a nurseryman) be the better enabled to understand what the planter wants, as i must confess that at times I have been in grave doubt as to what varieties I should graft extensively. Now, in asking the question as to what varieties of apples pay best, I have had reference especially to a commercial orchard, not even taking into consideration the apple for the evaporator. Mr. President, at former meetings of this kind I have noticed (and with some regret, too,) that there was, seemingly, a strong inclination to jump the apple queslion, only giving it a passing notice ; and why this is, 1 am unable to comprehend. I have very fre- quently heard members spe^k of this as being the case, and expressing surprise and disappoint^nent in nol having the apple more fully dis- cussed. Now, while I am not vt-iy largely engaged in growing fruit for market myself, yet I have iiici gnod opportunities to learn from others in the business, and I hav^^ mei ihem from all parts of Missouri and Kansas, and I have conversed veiy fully with them on this subject, and I have visited large orchards and have been shown through them by SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLEK. 63 the owner, and in answer to my many questions (to be brief) they usually answer me about like this as we go through the orchard : Well, says the planter, here is Winesap ; very good apples, but usually too small and not a regular bearer ; don't think I will plant any more of them. Here is Jauneton of good quality and a very showy apple and very fair bearer, but not very profitable as a shipping apple, generally speaking. Here is Willow Twig, rather shy in bearing on some soils ; won't plant any more of them. Here is Raul's Jannet, a good apple, good keeper; not very regu- lar in bearing, and don't bring as much money as something else ; won't plant any more of them. Here is Lawver. Ah, says I ; you surely will give this fine grow- ing tree and handsome apple a favorite place in your orchard? No, says the planter, I can't do it ; I am afraid to do it. I says, why ? Well, it's late in bearing and it drops and — well, I wont plant any more of them. We go on a little farther, the planter stops. He says to me, point- ing to a low spreading tree here is Missouri Pippin. Well, I says, that has a good record. Yes, he says, so they tell me ; but then the wood is very brittle, unable to hold up large crops of apples and re- sist such heavy storms as we have in Southwest Missouri, and then it is short lived. Well, says I, it bears very young and is a fine looking apple. Oh, yes, he says, that's all so, but then — well, I guess I won't plant any more of them, either. Wego a little farther we come to the orchard proper, and I am shown several hundred fine looking trees, healthy trees, trees that would, seemingly, last a century, trees that stand there on the bleak, open prairie with their large trunks and compact heads .that stand the storms, the heat and cold alike. Now, says the planter, these trees are Ben Davis, and this is the kind that I shall plant in the future. I noticed an article in the Prairie i^^rme/* sometime ago, in which the writer took occasion to censure Mr. Goodman for his favorable opinion of the Ben Davis, as expressed, I belive, in a Kansas City paper,' and he goes on to state that in Illinois the Ben Davis tree is very short lived and not a healthy tree. This may be true of the Ben Davis in Illinois, but I know it is not the case in Southwest Missouri. He also asserts that in time the consumers of apples would be better posted, and that they would not use Ben Davis. 64 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. It occured to my mind at the time that the writer possibly was un- der the impression that this Ben Davis was a new apple. Now, Mr. President, I don't wish to occupy any more time on the Ben Davis, but it does seem to me that it would be a good plan for this body to recommend to the public a list of commercial apples and a list for general family use. A list of apples endorsed by this sopietj would be considered reliable. Any one who plants a large apple or- chard now expects to make money by so doing, and it is very essential that he plants right. And at this time, he need not make any serious mistakes. With him it.is quite diiferent to the man who planted an orchard fifteen years ago, for he has access to the experience of many largo fruit growers who can and will give him the benefit of their past experience, because horticulturists, as a rule, are a generous and un- selfish people, and, Mr.'President, I know of no place better calculated to educate and enlighten the new beginner in horticulture than at our horticultural gatherings, and while the inexperienced can learn, the older ones may, and for this, if for no other, our State society should be looked to as the fountain head of horticultural knowledge, and in conclusion, Mr. President, I would earnestly and most sincerly urge upon every one interested in horticulture to the great importance of becoming a member of the Missouri State Horticultural Society. A. AMBROSE. DISCUSSION. CapU Henry thought it not advisable for the society to attempt to present a list of apples for planting for profit. Col. Evans said that in the early history of this society something of the kind was attempted, but proved to be quite unsatisfactory, as in different localities different varieties succeeded while others failed. Major Eagan endorsed the remarks of Col. Evans. When the State is divided into districts it will be time enough to recommend ap- ples for general planting. Thought the Clayton a much better apple than the Ben Davis; had long since discarded the Ben Davis; spoke in favor of the Stach and York Imperial, also thought that the Requa Seedling bids fair to excel the Ben Davis. L. A. Goodman stated that of the four hundred reports received from all over the State, not one failed to include the Ben Davis as one of the best varieties to plant. Mr. Francis thought that in different parts of the State the flavor of Ben Davis might vary. Mr Carpenter spoke in favor of the Baldwin as a good keeper, and. bein^ a good rival for the Ben Davis. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 65 Mr. Holmrn thought in making lists of apples for planting, two should be prepared, one for profit and one for family use; had no suc- cess whatever with the Baldwin. The Ben Davis represents money, although it has nothing but show and late keeping qualities to recom- mend it. It is altogether the best nursery tree. Mr. xhnhrose asked for an expression upon the Missouri Pippin. 3fr^ Bur and has made his money out of the Jonathan, yet would not recommend it for general planting; was not in full sympathy with Missouri Pippen ; are not uniform in size and color; received good re- turns from Grimes' Golden ; Baldwin has not succeeded ; fails to bear. Mr. Faith could not endorse the Baldwin; it will take twenty years before the Ben Davis can be superseded. People now buy to please the eye. Some day they will buy to please the taste. Mr. Spear endorsed the Ben Davis; suits'his taste, and was glad to learn that the President could eat it too. REPORT ON STONE FRUITS. BY JACOB MADINGER, OF ST. JOSEPH. St. Joseph, Mo., June 8,1885. Friend Goodman — I regret much not to be with you at your meet- ing, but I cannot attend on account of sickness. I sincerely wish you a very pleasant time, and hope nothing will detain me from being reg- ular in attendance hereafter. As for my report on Stone Fruits, I would say that the sweet cherries were mostly winter killed ; only a few are left, and those are inferior. Of the May Duke there is about a quarter of a crop. The young trees of Early Richmond are a fair crop, while the older trees did not set well. The English Morello has a full crop. The plums and prunes bloomed and set well, but the curculio took such a hold on them that when the time comes to gather them H R- 66 MISSOURI STATE HORIICULTUKAL SOCIETY. there will be very few left. Peaches are a complete failure, not even the trees are left, being killed out almost all over the country. Very respectfully, JACOB MADINGEK. The subject of the stone fruits was taken up with following dis- cussion : Major Ragan called the attention of the society to the fact that a northern slope would not do for all varieties of peach. Objected to a northern slope for the peach. Henry Spear has not had success with the Amsden, while his Brice's Early are in good condition, and concludes from this that the two kinds are not identical, as some claim. Dr. Smith stated that varieties which, with his neighbors, do not succeed, does well for him. Hale's Early has always rotted with him. Capt. Henry has noticed that in his Hales Early, the rot will spread from tree to tree and finally spread to other varieties. Rot always begins with the Hale's Early. Pi'of. Taft thought that the rot shows a weakness in a tree and unless weakened, will not rot. Capt. Hynes could not say as to rot spreading from one variety to another, but has known the rot to skip over trees in his orchard taking all of one variety and leaving other varieties. Thought that under growth or dampness was favorable to rot. Undergrowth must be kept down. Mr. Goodman stated that there are but three good cherries to grow; English Morrello, Early Richmond and Ostheim. Mr. A^nhrose thought the Wild Goose Plum, the only one which can be raised. Mr. Stark finds that the English Morrello is not hardy, and thinks it has been over estimated. Mr. Skinner finds his Wild Goose Plum all right. Mr. Carpenter asked how to protect against the curculio. Mr. laft recommended keeping chickens and shaking the curcu- lio down to them mornings and evenings. Mr. Skinner has tried tying sheep skin about his trees to keep off the curculio, but without success. Major Ragan suggested that plum trees which do not produce should be cut down, as they are breeding places for the curculio. Society adjourned to meet at 8 p. m. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 67 WEDNESDAY EVENING. The evening exercises were opened by prayer by Rev. Walker, of the Presbyterian church, after which followed a song entitled "A thou- sand Years." And this was followed by a duet by Mrs. Parkinson and •daughter, a little lass of seven. VEGETABLE PARASITES. BY PROF. TAFT, OF COLUMBIA. Success in horticulture is the reward of eternal vigilance. Fifty years ago an orchard could be set out, or a vineyard planted and they would rarely be imperilled by the attack of insects or blights. To-day, however, there is not a single order of plants which does not have its particular pest, and some number them by the hundred, while the farmer gives less thought to whether he may be able to cultivate and harvest a crop, than he does to whether he may be able to save it from its insect and vegetable parasites. The attention of some of our first scientists has for years been de- voted to studying the habits of our insect pests, and their investiga- tions have enabled them to devise means for preventing their devasta- tions. If one begins in season it is only a question of time, and a sup- ply of Paris green, hellebore, tobacco, kerosene, etc., as to whether he or the insects shall have the crop. The so called vegetable parasites give more cause for anxiety, as many of them are so subtle and insidious in their attacks, that they are able to completely infest the plant before their presence is per- ceived, and they will then require but a day or two of favorable weather to destroy the crop. The vegetable parasites consist of such plants as draw their nour- ishment from the living tissue of other plants. It is well known that the dodder, mistletoe, and a few other flowering plants belong to this <;lass, but it is not so well known that all of the smuts, mildews, blights, ■etc., which destroy our crops, are also parasitic vegetables. 68 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Many of them are so delicate and of such minute proportions that the highest powers of the microscope are necessary for studying their structure and classification. One form of these parasitic plants are known as hacteria' They are the lowest of all vegetable organisms, and are the sole cause of putrefaction, the name given to the decomposition of nitrogenous sub- stances, which takes place whenever they are exposed to the atmos- phere. The germs are found everywhere in the air, and under proper conditions they increase rapidly by division. The so-called fungi are one stage higher in the vegetable kingdom. They are divided into four classes, of which we may take as types re- spectively (1) moulds, (2) smuts and mildews, (3) mushrooms and puff- balls, and (4) truffles and ergots. All fungi are very rapidly reproduced generally by means of spores which are the result of the breaking up of sporangia, or mother cells. Sometime the process of reproduction is very complex, as in the case of Puccinia the mildew of cereals. The so-called resting spores winter on the stems of grasses, and in the spring produce filaments,, which enter the leaves of the bererry, and there develop the fungus, known as ^Ecidium berberidis. This in turn produces spores which enter the stomata on the leaves of grasses, and produce in them, and in them only, the mycelium of Puccinia. We may safely say that all plants are liable to the attack of veg- etable parasites. When temperature and moisture are favorable to fungoid development, and they rarely escape if they have been weak- ened in any way. Once seated in their host, they will interrupt its normal growth, and perhaps, cause death. It is impossible to control the weather, and the only thing tfiat can be done is to take such measures as will promote a healthy growth. In order to secure this, the soil for any crop should be in proper condition, both physically and chemically ; neither too wet, nor toa dry ; properly underdrained and with a. correct exposure. The soil, too, should contain a sufficient amount of soluble plant food to properly nourish the plant, and should be frequently stirred to- prevent evaporation. The seeds or plants used should be of selected stock and perfectly healthy. They should be planted at such distances as will enable them to obtain all the sun and air necessary for their proper development. If anyone follows these directions, and a blight of any kind destroys his crop, he can feel that he has done all in his power to enable it tO' withstand such an attack. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 69 In many cases as in the potato blight and rot, or the smut on corn, rust, etc., nothing more than this can be done, but in certain other •cases, particularly when trees and vines are attacked, there are various remedies which we believe are at least beneficial. As stated above, it is the weakest plants, that are most liable to the attacks of the vegetable parasites, and they are also most injured by them. • In some cases this^weakness is caused by over bearing, by €old, by heat, by injuries, but generally it is the result (^i improper food. The virgin soil of Missouri will produce healthy plants, but after it has been cropped for five, ten or fifty years, some of the ele- ments become deficient and unhealthy growth takes place. Another, and a freqarent cause of weakness, aflfects plants grow- ing in a very rich soil, or on land which has received an application of a large amount of some nitrogenous fertilizer, as barnyard manure, which will cause a rank succulent growth, and in the case of peren- nials, prevent the ripenning of the wood, and the cold of the winter will then be of serious injury to the plants. The so called ^r«5/)e mildew^ which in some years injures the grape crop of the country to the amount of hundreds of thousands of dol- lars, is the work of fungi. There are two forms of the fungus, known respectively as Feronos' pora and Uncinula. They appear at about the same time, the first resembling frost work on the under side of the leaves, while the Uncinula^ by some considered identical with the European Oidium lucTceri, gives a mealy appearance to both sides of the leaves, and in some cases extends to the berries themselves. One of the best mycolo- gists at the east recommends strewing sulphur over the leaves as a remedy for the attack of the Uaoinula. The mycelium of Peronos- pora, however, penetrates the leaves, and no external application can destroy it. The only remedy is to furnish such a supply of mineral food as will enable the vine to mature its fruit and also nourish its parasite. The Peronospora causes the leaves to drop, but does not attack the berries. Prof. W. G. Farlow, of Harvard College, the authority mentioned above, is of the opinion that tjiis dropping ot the leaves is a good thing for the c-rop, as it lets in the sunlight and hastens the ripen- ing. On this point most botanists and horticulturists differ from him, claiming that if the leaves are removed from the vine before the fruit is ripe, the berries will lose in quality, especially in sweetness, and per- haps drop before maturing. 70 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Whenever a vineyard is attacked by mildew, the leaves should be carefulljT^ gathered and buried. The grape rot^ which has committed such ravages in the Western vineyards, has thus far baffled all the efforts of horticulturists to re- strain it. By placing the bunches in small paper sacks so on after the berries have set, the spore swill be prevented from developing, and a crop can be secured. When the vines are trained upon trellf^es, if two boards are nailed together at an oblique angle, and fastened to the tops of the posts so as to form a roof over the row, the radiation of heat will be checked and the rot will not appear. The so-called plum disease, in which the fruit developes into an empty pod, is the work of a fungus known as Exoascus pruni. The black knot, which in some localities has proved so destructive to the plum and cherry, is caused by a parasite called Sph(je,ria morhosa. The diseased wood should be cut away, as soon as discovered, at a point at least a foot below the lowest point attacked. The branch should be burned, and the knife or saw used should be carefully cleaned before it is used upon another tree. HhQ pear JZ^'^-A^ has been terribly destructive to the orchards of the country, but no sure remedy has yet been discovered. In discussing this disease great confusion often arises from the fact that there are three or four diseases which are known by the general name of pear blight. One form is the leaf hlight which attacks pear seedlings, and pear trees growing in exhausted soils. This is generally caused by a fungus growth, but in seasons when the weather is unfavorable to fungoid de- velopment, the same result, ^. e,, the dropping of the leaves and the cessation of growth, is produced by aphides and red spiders. The twig hlight attacks the new shoots of the apple and quince, as well as of the pear, and is generally caused by a fungus. The infected branches should be cut off and burned. The form of blight which is most destructive is known as frozen sap hlight^ and also as fire hlight. It makes itself manifest dunng the growing season, and unless it is checked will destroy the tree. Until recently the cause of the disease has been a matter of theory and speculation, but thanks to the microscope and Prof. Burrill, of Il- linois, a flood of light has been poured upon the subject. If a drop of of sap from a diseased tree be examined with a microscope under a magnifying power of 1,000 diameters, it will be found to swarm with bacteria. * SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 71 The conditions which will be likely to cause the development of the bacterial germs are those mentioned as applying to vegetable para- sites in general. If the tree makes a late growth and fail to ripen the wood, the alternate freezing and thawing of the unripened tissue dur- ing the winter will bring about such a condition of the cells as will invite the development of the germs. The same condition may be produced by the rays of the sun when the trees grow in turf on soil in which one or all of the soluBle elements required as food by the plant have been exhausted. The scahs and cracks which disfigure the surface of certain varieties of apples and pears are caused by a fungus which has received the name of Fusicladium. The fact that these fungoid growths only infect trees when of a low vitality, or when the tissues are in an abnormal state, was clearly shown by the chemical and microscopical investigations of the peach yellows carried on by Profs. Goessmann and Maynard, of the Massachusetts Agricultural College. On the light soil of New England the weakness was induced by the special exhaustion of the soil. Our trees are often affected by the same cause, but on cur heavier soil we have more to fear from a rank growth induced by the stimulating effect of the decay- ing vegetable matter in the ground, or from the cessation of growth during the spring, after the leaves develop, caused by the low tem- perature of the saturated soil. The experiments at Amherst, and the more recent ones of Prof. Penhallow at Houghton Farm, show that the attack of the peach yellows can be prevented, and that a cure can be effected by the application of mineral fertilizers. The trees first experimented upon are now fifteen years old. When they were taken in hand eight years ago they were badly infected. They were cut back and heavily manured with chemicals. The trees were brought back to a healthy state, and have since produced full crops in favorable seasons. For all of these diseases the preventive measures above men- tioned as to location, drainage, condition of the soil, and health of the trees used, will often be sufficient to ward off attack. The trees should be carefully watched — protected from insects and vermin. The land should be seeded in grass if the trees make too rapid a growth, while if the growth is weak, or the trees show signs of the presence of these parasites, they should receive an application of some mineral fer- tilizer. For this purpose a mixture composed of 50 pounds of muriate of potash, and 100 pounds of ground bone, used at the rate of from two to ten pounds per tree, will generally secure a healthy growth. 72 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. As the feeding roots run out farther from the trunk than the branches, the circle manured should extend beyond the end of the limbs. Too much cannot be said as to the value of wood ashes as a manure for all crops. Used either alone or with equal parts of ground bone, they are the best fertilizer that can be obtained, as they furnish, in a soluble form, all of the mineral elements required by a plant. As in these diseases of plants, so it is with all, and if you keep the plants healthy they will generally escape the attack of parasites, but if you find that they have got them, try to feed both host and tenant. L. R. TAFT. DISCUSSION. L. A. Goodman thought that the pear blight and yellows could not be the same parasite, as they seemed to affect the trees differently. Rev. Mr. Walker has saved his trees when attacked by pear blight by striking with the face of a hatchet. Major Ragan has no faith in any cure for pear blight; said there were two kinds, frost blight and fire blight; pears in this climate are a failure ; thought that during a whole life time we should be able to find a remedy for this disease, but so far we haven't; thought it was caused by sudden change of temperature. PRIMITIVE HORTICULTURE AND THE GARDEN OF MOD- ERN TIMES. BY MRS. C. I. ROBARDS, OF BUTLPR. The garden of my grandmother is none the less sacred to memory because it contained so many old fashioned and unfashionable herbs and flowers. Then grew the rue and tansy and fragrant thyme, the sage and wormwood, and all the other wonderful plants whose uses were only known to matrons of the olden time. V SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. ^ 73 The primrose and violet and the blood red peonies, the many col- ored hollyhocks and the huge flauntinf^ yellow sunflower, all have pleasant associations because of their hallowed connection with my grandmother's garden. Who ever had such majestic currant bushes that towered above our heads, laden with their endless supply of green and red fruit, sug- gestive of pies for good little girls and boys. Who ever saw such wonderful beets and parsnips and carrots, and such plethoric cabbage, that had never in all their lives associated with white butterflies and disgusting green v/orms. Because the roses only bloomed in June, was that any reason why they should not be called perpetual ? When they had once bloomed in grandmother's garden they had bloomed for us forever. The red, the white and the yellow alike oast their sweet fragrance over our memo- ries even down into the coldest wintry days. Another source of happiness that my grandmother obtained from her garden was the good degree of health she enjoyed, by the use of the spade and hoe, thus giving a good appetite and long life to enjoy the results of her own labor. Long may our memories keep green that we may be permitted to recall grandmother's pleasant home, the dearest spot on earth, to our -childish recollections. But modern horticulture, not content with supplying the wants of the family, reaches out to convert gardens into great fields of vege- tables, fruits and floweis. « Greenhouses have been invented and constructed whereby the most tender and beautiful plants, not only of our own, but distant climes, may be kept blooming in midwinter. By budding and grafting, the horticulturist has prolonged the sea- son of weeks into months, of apples, pears, peaches and many other fruits. In our youthful days we were content with gathering a few quarts of wild strawberries. Now the eager desire to convert everything into gold has made the strawberry so great an article of commerce that not only cars but trains of cars are daily laden lor distant shipment. The remarkable progress and improvement in varieties of fruits and the improved modes of culture are evidence of the progressive spirit of the age. Even though many new varieties of fruit have been the result of what we may term accident, yet he who fairly tests their merits and publishes them to the world, is no less a benefactor than he who manu- factures them by the process of hybridization. While we may not 74 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ^_ • agree with Darwin in regard to his theory of the evolution of man, yet these principles we believe do apply to plant life. Thus each new kind of fruit may possess in its germs an improved new species that ma}' develop into a valuable improved variety'. We are the active and honored agents under the control of one who directs us for a wise purpose, and while we have not the ability to make an apple or peach, we may, by His assistance in the introduc- tion of some new fruit, so benefit mankind as to stand before the world in the light of distinguished public benefactors. Mrs. Parkinson favored the society with a solo. THE POWER OF HORTICULTURE FOR MAN'S MORAL ELE- VATION. BY DAN CARPENTER, OF CLAY CO. The moral improvement of society being of primary importance and left to select my own subject, ray theme will be "The Influence of Horticulture on Man's Moral Nature." Irrelevant as it may be to the financial interests of our avocation^ it is not to be ignored in its relation to the good of our families and the benefits of society. We shall soon gather our mantles about us and go hence, leaving our impress on the generation who shall succeed us, and it is of great importance that our influence shall be for the good of mankind, and our occupation properly appreciated for its mofal power as well as its wealth-producing capabilities. The moral improvement of man should be the grand aim of every one, be the occupation in life what it may. Laws are made to restrain evil, to encourage good. The nearer approach men make to the divine the happier is society, and the less need of statutory enactments for the protfection of person and property. The occupation in life has much to do in shaping moral character and elevating men's thoughts to the source of all good. The law brings us in contact with strife and criminals and leads the profession to look with indifference upon crime, contention and SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 75 alienation of friends. The attorney must plead for the success of his client even if justice be defeated. Medicine brings before its votaries suffering and misery in a thou- sand forms, and they become inured to the woes of their fellows, pros- per in business in proporti5n as others suffer, and are sometimes led to "glory in human misery." Commercial life leads to study of character, consideration of sup- ply and demand, speculative gambling, and often to "sharp practices" in order to "turn a penny,'' or even "beat" a friend. The mechanical trades varnish defects — make rosewood of poplar — put in time and use many dodges — employer and employed — to get something for nothing. No matter whether it be great corporations, large firms, or indi- vidual enterprises, all use the "tricks of trade," more or less, to reach,, by "short cuts," the desired end. The politician becomes all things to all men in order to secure of- fice. The trades and professions all to a greater or less degree incline men's thoughts to a based and demoralized desire to evade law, duty^ and obligation in order to succed in the accumulation of wealth at the risk of moral character, debasement of societj"-, and the loss of eternal happiness. No reference need be made to the liquor traffic and kindred call- ings whose destroying, damning influences are seen and felt every- where, by everyone in all countries, and have been from the day Noab planted a vineyard, made- wine, and got drunk, unto the present Horticulture, on the other hand, has a refining, elevating and puri- fying influence on men's thoughts, desires and actions. In the beginning God inaugurated horticulture and placed the first man in the garden to dress it — to prune and train the plants. Horti- culture is the only God given and heaven-appointed occupation, ex- cept the ministry. Its author, pure, good and holy, could not otherwise than select an occupation that would tend to elevate, improve and happify his so lately created, intelligent, immortal creatures. As Adam, before the tempter came, walked in the garden in the enjoyment of holy communion and fellowship with God, so the intelli- gent horticulturist of to-day, in the pursuit of the God given occupa- tion, has his thoughts elevated to the great I am, his heart purified by communion with God, and his love to his beneficient Creator increased to a fervency and zeal not inspired by any other industrial occupation,.. 76 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. God did not require him to till the soil planted to grain for 'bread: nor to herd the flock that there might be meat^ but directed him to dress the garden and eat of the fruits thereof. How happy must have been the first man — the first horticulturist — in his purity and inter- course with his divine companion. The tempter left the place where " chaos sat enthroned with sable- vested night," and winged his way "through their spacious empire up to light," entered our world, " hanging by a golden chain " in eternal space. Here with lying lips and flattering tongue beguiled them, and they, stretching forth their hands, " ate the fruit of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste brought death into the world and all our woe," with loss of Eden, and ever since, man has had to eat bread by the sweat of his face. What a change in the natural condition of the world, when the ground brought forth " thorns and thistles and noxious weeds." What a change in man's condition — from dressing the garden and eating the fruit thereof, to tilling the soil amid thorns and thistles and eating hiead by the sweat of his face. From horticultural recreation to agri- cultural toil and sweat — the latter a necessity, the former still the joy of life. What sweet thoughts arise, how calm the reflections, how the heart wells up in thanksgiving and praise, as we walk in the garden at evening, delighted with the sweet perfume of a thousand flowers — ■*' alphabet of angels." How grateful when the dew-washed strawberry and sparkling raspberry tempt and satisfy with the riches of their flavor. The heart swells wUh thanksgiving as the vine yields its rich aromatic fruit to our desires, and as the " Red-cheeked Melocoton " and " Sturap-theWorld " drop their ambrosial riches to our eager grasp. As we wend our way into the larger domain of the orchard where the aromatic Birtlett, the blushing Flemish and delicious Seckel greet us, our praises raise to God on high. From early Harvest to White Winter Pearmain, every varying flavor adequate to the wants of the most refined epicurean, call our thoughts upward to the banefi- ■cent Creator, who has so beautified and adorned the world, filling it with every variety of fruit and flower, pleasant to the eye, refreshing to the olfactories, and agreeable to the taste. From the snowdrop, buttercup, and crocus, which rear their sweet and delicate heads, it may through the snowy apron winter has let fall on the lap of early spring, through every tint and odor of annuals to the majestic queen of perennials, whose ottar is both the joy and sol- ace of feminine loveliness, we are reminded of Him whose love and •compassion are sweeter and more delightsome than the balm of a mil- SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 77 lion of flowers. Who in all the world sees so much of God in his avo- cation as the intelligent votary of horticulture? In the spring time the garden with its succession of health giving vegetables and the nobility of perfume-laden flowers, the breath of God still upon them; in the summer with its course of small fruits, deliciously inviting, succeeded by the blood-purifying black berry and the ambrosial fruit of the vineyard; in the autumn the nectar of the peach and pear ; in the winter the ever ready staple that never cloys, yielding sweet enjoyment of winter nights, while the bay window or conservatory, even amid arctic snows, hold summer flowers, ex- haling sweet perfume — all, all, at even-tide, call us round the family altar, where from the great light of truth we read of His love, and on bended knees offer our devotions to Almighty God, whose tender mer- cies are over all his works. In all the seasons the yesiv round, the lover of this vocation is brought into close communion and fellowship with Him who gave man his first occupation and walked in the garden in the cool of the even- ing, as friend and companion of him who was made a little lower than the angels. With thoughts ever in such a train and such influences around him, he must be depraved, indeed, if he be not elevated in moral char- acter, refined in his tastes, chastened in his language, purified in his thoughts, holy in his affections, thankful in his heart, and full of adora- tion and praise to HTm who is the author of our ennobling avocation. This was followed by a song, "All hail the power of Jesus' name," after which Major Ragan read the following paper : ORNAMENTAL. BY Z. S. RAGAN, OF INDEPENDENCE. Ornamental is a very comprehensive term and will admit of being applied to the attire of our persons, to architecture, etc. Yet, as ap- plied to horticulture, we may be excused at the present for confining the subject of this paper mainly to the cultivation of a taste for rural improvements. Still the same spirit should prevail in town and city. A century or two ago, it was the work of half a lifetime for the pioneer to open up a farm to afford a comfortable family support, or to build up a town or city. But the fast age in which we live, through 78 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. the influence of genius and money, time and space are virtually anni- hilated and territories converted into States and deserts, " to blossom as the rose," and towns and cities spring up with a few changes of the moon. Agriculture and horticulture, the true foundation of all wealth move silently hand in hand in feeding and clothing the million. Horticulture, the flower of agriculture, has become the forerunner of the adornment of both country and city homes. A too common an error is that of ignoring professional talent in architecture and land- scape gardening, since every one considers himself an adept in arrang- ing his own residence without having made a study of either. Hence many irreparable blunders which amount to both waste of time and money. Even those who have had some practical experience in other local- ities, will find it to be important to consult the tree grower or landscape gardener who has had the means of testing and observing what trees succeed best in certain localities, and may know what and where to plant. If in architecture, the style, proper material, cost, etc. The orna- mental embellishment of our homes not only enhances their value to the owner of the property, but of his country and State and add to the happiness of the family and neighborhood. If this State society can in any way be instrumental in awakening an interest upon this subject, in connection with fruit culture, it will become a public benefactor, and must be an incentive to persevere in extending and widening its influence. H. W. Sargent, Esq., says, " the love of country is inseperably connected with the love of lioineP Whatever leads a man to assemble the comforts and elegancies of life around his habitation, tends to increase local attachments and renders domestic life more delightful, thus not only augmenting his own en- joyment, but strengthening his patriotism, and making him a better citi- zen. And there is no employment or recreation which affords the mind greater or more permanent satisfaction than that of cultivating the earth or adorning our own property, " God Almighty, and indeed it is the purest of human pleasures," says Lord Bacon. And as the first man was shut out from Va^ garden^ in the cultivation of which no alloy was mixed with his happiness, the desire to return to it seems to be implanted by nature, more or less strongly in every heart In land- scape gardening the country gentleman of leisure finds a resource of the most agreeable nature, while there is no more rational pleasure than that derived from its practice by him, who "plucks life's roses in his quiet fields." The humble alike find pleasure in the ornamenta- SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 79 tion of their door yards and gardens, and flowers and vines bedecking the humble cottage which is doubly ornamented with pictures and or- naments within their means. Fine collections of pictures and furniture are cut off from the world in the private gallery. "But t,he sylvan and floral collections, — the groves and gardens which surround the country residences of the man of taste, — are confined by no barriers narrower than the blue heavens above and around them." Mankind are imitative beings, and when one adds anything ornamental, rare or beautiful to his home or sur- roundings, it creates a desire and stimulates his neighbor to imitate, or if possible, to surpass in the ornamentation of his or her own premises. Thus the taste for the ornamental " gradually, but certainly creeps be- yond the nominal boundaries of the estate and re appears in the pot flowers in the window, or the luxuriant blossoming vines which clam- ber over the porch of the humblest cottage by the wayside." It would be a matter ot interest in a subject of this kind if we were allowed space and time to give some detailed directions for the adorn- ment of country and city homes, in their varied extent adapted to their condition and surroundings, and some hints on landscape garden- ing, together with the best and more appropriate trees and plants that would most likely succeed and flourish in their several localities, the order of arrangement, etc. However, this would be too voluminous and the best we can offer or suggest is to attend the meeting, and become members of the local and State Horticultural Society, or confer with or employ a practical landscape gardener as you would an architect if going to build. The nurseryman, florist or most practical horticulturists from their frequent meetings and discussions will be more likely to know what has and will succeed, and what is likely to prove a failure or not give satisfaction. We are expecting something at this meeting as to what taplant by R. E. Bailey, Esq., committeeman of Fulton, and another paper by 0. W. Murtfeldt, Esq., of Kirkwood. We cannot close this article without adding further Drecautionary hints. Presuming that persons have, through consultation with an archi- tect, erected a comely residence with architectural beauty and modern conveniences. The next thing in order will be to lay out a beautiful lawn. In this we want no random or blunders, but a methodic and careful arrangement of trees to be planted, the description and future development of each tree must be taken i'lto consideration so as to pre- sent crowding without regularity or symmetry. Since the ancient style 80 MISSOURI STATE HORTICTLTURAL SOCIETY. of straight rows has been superseded by clumps and fringes, genius and study are requisite to produce that natural beauty of expression to be recognized by landscape gardening and taste of the present day The elements of natural beauty should be characterized by simple, easy and flowing lines. Mr. A. J. Downing says : •' He who would create in his pleasure grounds these more delicate shades of expression must become a pro- found student both of nature and art; he must be able, by his own original powers, to seize the subtle essence, the half disclosed idea in- volved in the finest parts of nature, and to produce and develop it ia his landscape gardening." Guard well against crowding and filling out at first all vacant spaces. As well as trees you want open spaces of smooth lawn with intertices that aff'ord outward view at such points as most desirable^ Avoid all straight, regular set rows of trees, >as well as drives and walks. Modern taste follows and improves on nature. Trees are set in clumps and fringes, with occasionally isolated trees to secure natural, easy flowing, graceful, quiet surroundings of nature. It is no easy matter for a tyro to form a clump of three, four six or eight trees, yet by closely examining examples in our best works on landscaping, and by placing stakes and viewing them from difi"erent standpoints, and at the same time contemplating the full development of each tree, you may acquire an agreeable and pleasing arrangement.. In addition to the ornamental, allow me to urge the importance of windbreaks. They may serve as a background or not. One thing is cer- tain, windbreaks are valuable in many ways. If half the money that is spent in building barns was spent in planting windbrakes, it would add beauty and comford and millions in dollars and cents to the State of Missouri. A good windbreak set on every farm of some good, hardy, thrifty evergreens, in a very iew years will not only protect from piercing Wintry blasts of snow, sleet and rain, but furnish a soft, warm bedding for the stock to lie where they can breath pure air and not be subject to surfeit by crowding and the changes from in and out-door influences. Besides this ever acre of trees set in this way will be a valuable investment to the owner, aside from being a benefactor to the age in which he lives, by the increase of timber which induces rain clouds. Whereas, by denuding our domain of its timber belts, it will in time become a barren desert. Such has been the history of ancient countries. In 1882 I visited Indiana, where, in my early life, I sold orna- mental evergreen trees from my nursery, and found many of those trees were large enough to be sawed into lumber or posts, and were SUMMER MEETIN(J AT BUTLER. 81 then worth five dollars per tree for telegraph poles. "Add their value for ornament and we find it a profitable investment. We are well aware that our government has a Department for Forest}', and would not presume to supersede or detract from it any honor, but as horticulturists lend our influence in aiding in the good oause. Lastly, but not least, windbreaks induce bifds to come and live with us both winter and summer, and will be our greatest friends by their daily and timely destruction of the many pests to be contended with by the growers of fruits, grains and vegetables. In connection with the ornamentation of homes, flowers come in for a full share. In this department the ladies should lead off. To all lovers cf flowers we would say, adorn your rooms with them, put them on your tables, send boquets to your friends who have no flowers, or ex- <}hange favors with those who have. Do not be afraid to devote a por- tion of your time in their cultivation. Women, alike flowers, if confined to the room, become effeminate and weakly. Out door exercise in the sun and air will give vigor, color and health and add to your happiness and prolong life. To those who possess a lively and cultivated sense of the high beauty of which landscape scenery presents to the eye, but who can also see creation's God in every feature of the prospect. The painter •can imitate, the poet describe and the tourist talk with ecstacy of the sublime and beautiful objects which constitute the scene before him; but he can only be said to enjoy them aright whose talents, tastes and affections are consecrated to the glory of Him by whom "all things were made, and without whom was not anything made that was made." When the pencil that traces the rich and animated landscape of mountains, lakes and trees, is guided by a grateful heart as well as by a skillful hand, then the picture becomes no less an acceptable offer- ing to God, than a source of well directed pleasure to the mind of man. In every wonder he sees the hand that made it^n rivers, fields and forests, the Prqvidence that ministers to the wants of man — in «very surrounding object he sees an emblem of his own spiritual condi- tion, himself a stranger and a pilgrim, journeying on through a country of wonder.^ and beauties, alternately investigating, admiring and prais- ing the works of his Maker, and anticipating a holy and happy eternity to be spent in the Paradise of God, where the prospects are ever new, and the landscapes never fade from the sight." II R— 6 82 MISSOURI STATE fl(^TICULTURAL SOCIETY. "Oh, for the expanded mind that soars on high, Ranging afar with Meditation's eye ! That climbs the heights of yonder starry road, Eising through nature up to nature's God» "Oh, for a soul to trace a Savior's power, In each sweet form that decks the blooming flower ; And as we wander such fair scenes among. To make the Rose of Sharon all our Song."^ Z. S. RAGAX. INDEPENDE^'CE, Mo., June S, 1885. Mr. Kidwell presented the following report from Committee on Fruits, after which the society adjourned to meet promptly at nine o'clock in the morning : Butler, Mo., June 10, 1885. Mr. President^ Secretary and Memhers of Missouri State Horticul- tural Society : Your committee to whom was assigned the duty of awarding permiums on fruits and berries, would respectfully report that we ex- amined and awarded the following premiums : Name of berry. Strawbeuriks. Curab. Triumph, 1st. " " 2d Jumbo Chas. Downing Jersey Queen, 1st To whom awarded. W. C. Head, Independence D. S. Holman, Springfield Wm. Stephens, Butler . ' J. C. Evans, Harlem * . J. C. Dickinson, Westport Amount. " " 2d D. S. Holman, Springfield. Crescent L. A. Goodman Champion I J. C. Dickinson Sharpless Wilson's Monarch Golden Defiance. Mt. Vernon Longfellow $1 oo 5a 1 oo 1 oo 1 00 5a 1 oa 5a 5a 5a 1 oa 50 50 5a SUiMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 83 Name of Berry. To whom awarded. Amount. Currants J. C. Evans 1 00 Cherry. 1st '' 2d J. R. Harriman 1 00 J. C. Evans 50 L. A. Goodman Table boquet Basket $12 50 $2 00 Mrs. Taggart 2 00 Floral design Phil. Peiffer 2 00 Mrs. C. I. Robards 2 00 Hand boquet Mrs. L. A. Goodman 2 00 10 00 Total $22 50 While there are no premiums to be awarded on apples, your com- mittee cannot help referring to the very fine display of winter varieties at this season of the year. Such perfect specimens as the Ben Davis, Wine-sap, Willow Twig, Pearmain, Missouri Pippin, Jonathan, White Winter Pearmain, Pryor Red and many others, over sixty varieties in all, speak of the good work accomplished by the untiring efforts of this society. Your com- mittee have to especially note the new and fine winter apple presented for the first time by Geo. N. Requa, of Butler, Mo. It will certainly be a great and good acquisition to our already nu- merous apple family, and it will be the province of this society to see that it has a place in the list of good keepers. The new plum, Mariana, from Texas, is worthy of a place in our fruit gardens for trial. Your committee would also note the fine plate of peaches displayed by Mr. Sprague, of Butler, and last, but not least, the floral display, the fine boquets donated by the ladies of Butler and Bates county, are worthy of our highest praise, and speak volumes for them. J. W. KIDWELL, JACOB FAITH, Committee. Meeting adjourned. 84 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. VINEYARDS. JUNE 11th — M0RNI2fG EXERCISES. Z. A. Goodman read a letter from a man in St. Joe, wishing to sell the society a secret for preventing grape rot. A committee to investigate the subject of grape rot was moved and carried. Capt. Henry asked the best grapes for family use. More's Early and Worden were recommended. Mj\ Stark, of Pike county, stated, with him the Delaware did not do well unless upon high, dry land. Mr. Carpenter thought them best for the table use ; fertilizes them from droppings from the hennery ; has had success with treatment. Mr. Scott has not had success with grapes. The Concord, if trained high, does fairly well. Major Ragan said his Del a wares did well until about two years ago; finds his vines this year attacked by a small, green worm, some- thing new to him. 'S3 SMALL FRUIT. Mr. Faith made the following report : HOW TO GROW BERRIES. BY JACOB FAITH, MONTEVALLO. If farmers knew how little science and work it requires to grow strawberries and raspberries, they would not do without these delicious and wholesome fruits and the comfort it gives to the human family. There is no fruit more welcome than the strawberry. It is the earliest that comes to our table, and it adapts itself to more climates and soils and is a surer crop than any other small fruit. It comes into bearing the first and second year, and nearly every land and lot owner wants ^ fruit. Ground rich enough for potatoes and cabbage will do. Set SUMMER MEETING AT BDTLER, 85 plants in April, May, June, October, November and December. I prefer spring planting, as we get a full crop next year, and fall setting requires more work the first winter in the way of mulching. Spring planting will do without mulching. I prefer the matted row system. For garden culture set plants eight to twelve inches in row, rows two feet apart. For field culture, rows three and a half ieet to four apart. Mark out with a cord or small plow. Have the rows straight. If the plants are wilted soak in water, or if the ground is dry, pour one pint of water to a plant. If your hand is not strong enough, or many are to be set out, use a dibble or trowel to make a hole six to eight inches deep and three to four inches wide to admit the roots to spread out fan shape. If roots are too long, cut off one-third or more. Set plants a trifle below the crown or deeper than they are set in their beds — press dirt about the roots. As soon as weeds make their appearance, or before, plow with a cultivator with hoes set low. Then level the ground with hoe or rake, and pull the runners to the middle of the row. They will soon form a matted row, and occupy the ground instead of weeds. In this way run cultivator a little further from plants every time you culti- vate. Allow rows to get eighteen to twenty four inches wide, and all runners or plants over that distance destroy with a rolling cutter. If rows are too short for horse cultivator, do this work with hand cultiva- tor or hoe. The more cultivation the better the crop, like potatoes. Some strawberry growers run these beds only two or three years, and then plow them up and set new beds. I have been very successful in renewing my old strawberry beds. As soon as the berries are picked, by plowing or cutting rows down to six or eight inches wide, fasten a rolling cutter to plow. Then cut all tops off, till the six or eight inch rows look as if nothing was there. Then in about eight days manure ■with barnyard manure or any well rotted material. Let a great deal of manure fall in the furrow next to the row. Then plow and work ground back to the row and level with a hoe or garden rake. Mulch late in the fall when the ground freezes, one to two inches thick, ac- cording to the material we use. Any material tHat has no seed in will do, and will shade or hide the plants. The germ of the fruit buds is formed in the fall, therefore the great importance of preventing heav- ing of the soil. To do this, sudden freezings and thawings of the sur- face mujt be guarded against and prevented. This is done by merely scattering enough mulch over the surface to shade it. I prefer coarse stable manure, and have used stock yard manure. The winter rains and snows will carry all the strength into the ground, leaving a fine mulch for spring. In spring loosen up this 86 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. mulch, or rake it between the rows in the paths. I have grown strawberries after the first year's cultivation by only mulching two feet, thick enough to smother plants and weeds, and left the other two feet unmulched, and cut the weeds off with a mowing scythe. For three or four years had tolerable good crops, but do not understand me to advocate this lazy or slovenly way. Captain Jack, Crescent Seed- ling and Crystal City will stand most neglect. I grow over thirty varieties of strawberries. I would like to give a description of their size, quality, hardiness, etc., but time and space in your columns will not admit. I will name varieties that suc- ceed best on iny soil in Southwest Missouri, commencing with the earliest. Early Washington, Crystal City, Cinderella, Crescent Seed- ling, Chas. Downing, Wilson's Albany, Miner's Prolific, Captain Jack, Manchester, Big Bob, Cumberland Triumph, Jucunda, Sharpless, Windsor Chief and Glendale. Remember those marked in catalogues with an (H) are perfect blossoms, or hermaphrodite, and those marked with a (P) are imperfect blossoms, pistillate?, the former producing full crops by themselves, while the latter require every fifth or sixth row of any of the former sorts planted among them as a fertilizer. Raspberries, a delicious fruit, follow strawberries. Before late strawberries are gone, early raspberries are ripe. This fruit is very valuable for drying, and when berries are picked they are ready for the evaporator like an apple that is peeled and cored. Raspberries are delicious for the table, jelly and canning, andean be grov/n after the first year with less work than corn for ten to twelve years without re- newing the bed by cultivating and manuring, and much like straw- berries adapted to almost all climates and soils. Set plants like straw- berries. Set two to three feet in the row, and six to eight feet apart. The first and second years plant between the rows potatoes, beans, cabbage, etc., and cultivate first year like strawberries and potatoes, and when canes are about eighteen inches high, cut back to eight or twelve inches. That will cause them to throw out branches. Cut them off again. Second year let canes grow two to three feet high, according to the strength of canes and branches, fifteen to twenty -lour inches if plants are wanted from the Black-caps. These are grown from the tip of the new growth in August and September. As soon as the tips are nearly bare of leaves and present a snakish, dark purple color, put them into the ground one or three inches, and in a few weeks they will form a fine matted plant, and can be transplanted by cutting off the parent cane four to six inches above the root. If this layering is neglected, they will make some plants. All red, of the Antwerp family are increased by suckers or root cuttings, like blackberries. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 87 The red are delicious for the table, jelly, canning, preserving, etc., but, like blackberries, not profitable for drying, as they will evaporate too much. Set plants in row one to two feet, and rows six feet apart. After first year keep rows cut down to ten and to fifteen inches wide. Top when about three feet high. The red will do without topping or •cutting back. But the Black cap and large sorts of blackberries will not do. I have been very successful in growing strawberries and Black-cap raspberries in the same row, by setting; one to three straw- berry plants between the raspberry plants all about the same time. Have had the first and second year a full crop of strawberries, and have not lessened my raspberry crop, but it requires more manure. If raspberries are topped right, they are not much in the way of pick- ing strawberries. Shall plant two acres this way next spring. Raspherries — Black cap succeed best for me. Tyler, Hopkins, Centennial, Mammoth Cluster, Gregg, and of the red, Brandywine, Thwack, Turner, Herstine. Blackberries— Wihonh Early, Kittatinny, Snyder and Taylor's Prolific. Have some newer varieties that may supersede some of the kinds, but are not sufficiently tested yet. I market my berries in Ne- vada, at ten cents to twenty-five cents a quart. I pay one to two cents a quart for picking. They pick fifty to one hundred quarts a day. I pay every night. Some of the pickers appear to be as rich as mil- lionaires. I employ mostly girls. I would rather oversee fifty women than twenty boys. The best sorts of berries can be grown for one ■cent a quart, and picked for two cents, making three cents a quart. Who will do without this wholesome fruit ? The following paper was prepared bj' S. Miller : Bluffton, Mo., June 5, 1885. Mr, Goodman : As chairman of the committee on small fruits, I fear my report will not be a very flattering one. A hail-storm on the 25th of May following a drought of three weeks jgives the strawberry crop a poor show, although we still have a fair crop of some varieties. Cherries, a slim crop, except one Elton tree has a fall load. Straw- berries are a very ordinary crop, except Crescent, Glendale and a new one, Millei's Mo. 18, which has an enormous crop. Nigh's Superb, Mrs. Garfield, Pipsr, Old Ironclad and Wilson are not worth their room here. Howell's Prolific and Walter will also be discarded. Hart's Minnesota has done better than any of the others that came out at that time. 88 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Of the newer ones, Black Giaut is a farce. Ray's Prolific, promis- ing, so is Prince of Berries. Daniel Boone, Grand Duke, Triple Crown are passable. Sucker State a failure, all the popular varieties are about alike. Jumbo, latest ot all from Purely, is simply Cumberland Triumph, and nothing; else with me. Crawford's Cornelia promises to be very valuable and late. His No. 6 is the lart;;3st berry on my ground and of excellent quality. These are two that will likely be the coming berries. That Miller's No. 18 is no seedling of mine, but was sent to me by Geo. L. Miller, of Butler, Ohio, and is without exceptance one of the most promising of all the new ones. Immensely productive, large size, good quality and pretty firm. It has a slight Hautbois flavor, once so popular in England. Raspberries got pretty well cut with the hail, yet we will get per- haps half a crop. Blackberries I have only Snyder and Triumph left, they show for a fair crop, although * * * the latter were injured by the winter. Grapes look well considering the severe winter and the hail re- cently. All the tender varieties that were laid down look well. The rest, nothing in the shape of fruit. Plums, of which I only have Wild Goose, Louisa, Lombard and Dam- son bearing, have a moderate crop on them. But press of work, has. not given me time to smoke them or apply the remedies for the curcu- lio, and I may lose most of them. I cannot be with you and if I could» could not take anything along to make a display. It would be pleas- ant to meet the fraternity but can't do so. Wishing you all a good time of^t, I am, yours truly, SAMUEL MILLER REPORT ON SMALL FRUIfS. BY W. M. HOPKINS, KANSAS CITY. Z. A. Goodman, /Secretary Missouri State Horticultural Societt/: I send my report as committee on small fruits for this section of the State. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 89 Strawberries went through the winter in good condition, bloomed heavily. Many berries of some varieties were killed by severe frosts about the lOlh of May, the Sharpless being the most injured with me. My crop of berries now picking is the poorest in many seasons,- but somebody has raised berries, from the plut in this Kansas City market at present, I am now" selling at lower figures than I ever sold since I have been in the business. The market is completely demoral- ized. I think commission men here have contributed no little in bring- ing about this state of affairs, and to their sorrow, too. I learn they have dumped hundreds of crates into the Missouri river the past week. They have injured the grower elsewhere, themselves, and the grower here. I hope they will see their folly in the future. I am often asked the best strawberry to plant. This is a very hard question to answer. If I were asked what not to plant, I could answer more correctly. So far as my experience goes I would not plant Wilson, Downing, Ken- tucky, Glendale, Minor's Prolific, Phelps or Warren. All these have been popular varieties, but have all played out with me. I think well of the Sharpless, Manchester, Finch's Prolific, Mount Vernon and James Vick. Many of the newer varieties not yet tested by me may prove valuable. Raspberries. — The Black Caps will not make more than about one- half crop. Reds, the same. Of the Blacks, the Hopkins is the least hurt; this is the first time it has ever baen injured by winter-killing before. The Cuthbert is killed to the ground with me, and Thwack nearly as bad. BlacJtherries — Snyder and Taylor, sound, do not know how they are fruiting. My strawberries are not worth showing. I am ashamed of them. Kansas City, June 8, 1885. The following letter was read : Leavenworth, Kansas, June 2, 1885. L. A. Ooodman., Secretary Missouri State Horticultural Society: Dear Sir: Your circular stating the time of holding your State meeting received. It would afford me much pleasure in meeting with you, but we are in midst of our strawberry picking, and have to attend to it. You ask if I can give "'something for your summer meeting." I cannot do very much in that line, but as I am in the strawberries, Will say a few words upon that subject that should be of interest to every strawberry grower. 90 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. I planted some strawberry seeds in Feb., 1884, in pots in the house. In April 1 set them out in the open ground and gave them no special care or cultivation. Hoed them twice, and then pulled up the weeds as they appeared afterwards. They generally grew very well for such small seedling plants, aiid many made runners freely. I let them grow without restraint, and they set runners as best they could. I gave them no winter protection whatever, as I wished to test their hardi- ness. These seedlings are now all fruiting more or less for the first time. Nine-tenths of them are worthless, but some show great promise. One in particular I will mention, as all persons interested in strawberry growing should see it. This plant made a very strong and large stool, and then sent out runners in every direction that covers a piece. of ground five feet by ten. The mother plant has now seventeen fruiting stocks from eight to twelve inches high, and have on them 158 perfect berries, which will make, when ripe, more than a quart. The runners from it have all set fruit, and the estimate made of them by all who have seen them, to be a bushel of fruit when ripe. These berries are all perfect, of large size, fine quality and handsome •color. This estimate in hill culture will make them yield over 43,000 quarts; in matted rows, four inches apart, 56,000 quarts; in neglected hap-hazzard, as here, 27,000 quarts per acre. This is a big statement, but can be corroborated by good men or any person who comes to see it. It is producing more from the mother plant than fifty plants of either Mrs. Garfield, Atlantic, Jumbo, Diisy, Daniel Boone, Indiana, Old Iron Clad, Longfellow, Warren, Big Bob, Jersey Queen, Manches- ter, Miner's Prolific, Kentucky, Glendale, Bidwell, Wilson, Mt. Vernon and Sharpless on my grounds. I send with this what the Leavenworth Times says upon it : ''Dr. J. Stayman has on his farm a cluster of original seedling strawberries which have been out only a year, and the tendrils have spread so that the vines now cover a space about five by ten feet of ground around the original plant. The latter '?ives promise of yield- ingabout a quart of fine berries, while the "patch" growh from it will yield nearly a half bushel. This growth is a subject of wonder among the horticulturists in the neighborhood." SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLEK. 91 This is correct except it should have been one bushel instead of a half bushel, which is perhaps an oversight. J. STAYMAN. REPORT OF LIONBERGER & GUTMANN. New Florence, Mo., June 9, 1885. Z. A. Goodman: We intended to send some berries to your meeting, but are afraid that we could not get them there in good enough condition. We will give you a short report on them : Our finest and best are Cumberland and Jersey Queen ; next comes C.Jack and James Vick. Piper is also fine, but the fruit is too dark. Old Iron Clad promised first rate up to the last of May, but it all went to nothing; not a perfect berry could be found. Manchester is gaining favor with us, the fruit is very fine. Ida is worthless ; fruit is too small and too acid. Crystal City is not much of a berry. Big Bob does poorly. Daisy Miller had some fine fruit, but must wait another season before saying much about it. Crescent, Sharpless, Glendale and Downing did not have a fair trial yet. Respectfully, — LIONBERGER & GUTMANN. REPORT ON SMALL FRUIT. BY .J0H3T S. DRUMONDES, NEW FLORENCE, MO. Strawberries — I only had a few varieties in fruit this spring. Of these I found Cumberland, Triumph, Iron Clad and Captain Jack the best, but Crystal City did very poor with me, and Piper did very poor. Cumberland ripened first, and of good quality. If I can get the plants early enough I am going to set out a large plantation ia August. 92 MISSOURI STATK HORTICULTURAL SOCIEIY. Baspherries — I have the following sorts : Cuthbert, Turner^ Thwack, Gregg, Shaffer's Colossal, Scarlet Gem. Caroline and Lost Rubie?. Shafl'er's Colossal is of fine quality and good for home use, Gregg I think a great deal oL I will have to try them further before I can express my opinion. Blackherries — I have the Kittatinny, which is the best with me. I set them out this spring, and they will have a few berries. Currants — Fay's Prolific, Big Cherry and White Grape. They have not fruited yet. Gooseberries — I have the Houghton's Seedling. It is the only variety we have in fruit. DISCUSSION. Mr. Faith plants raspberries in rows eight feet apart; Snyder, the coming blackberry ; manure every other year. Cajpt. Hynes^ referring to remarks of Mr. Faith, thought it as bad to swindle agents as for them to swindle you ; realized |158 from one- fourih acre of Crescent; Charles Downing and Glendale also excel- lent ; thought they had better flavored berries in his section. Mr. Thompson ihoMght {.hdit noted fruit growers should not grow worthless fruit even to sell to agents, as many honest planters are mis- led by knowing that the fruit is grown by successful growers ; spoke in strong terms against misrepresenting anything for the sake of making money ; we should patronize our home men. - Mr. Faith endorsed the above, excused any and all of his short comings on the grounds of his being a Dutchman. Major Ragan cited the case of a neighbor who planted an acre of berries; kept them in hills, mulched heavily; kept off runners and worked thoroughly, and by this process lost his crop. Question: "Will it do to work in the spring ? " Mr. Roberts thought spring working would hot do. Mr. Faith endorsed the above; cultivate after berries are picked and cultivate late. Committee on Obituary made the following report : RESOLUTIONS. Officers and Members of the Missouri State Horticultural Society: Your committee to whom is assigned the obituary notice of de- ceased members, present the following report : Whereas, Through the Providence of God, our friend, brother and CO laborer, Dr. A. W. McPherson, of Springfield, Mo.,, a good man, af- SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 93 fectionate in his family, respected by his fellow-citizens, faithful to his God, in the church of his choice, an original member of the horticul- tural society of Missouri, always one of its most active and zealous members, both as a private member and as an officer, has gone to his eternal rest; therefore, be it Resolved, By this society now in semi-annual session at Butler, Mo., that through his dealh the society has lost a valuable counselor and an efficient worker, and the horticultural interests of the whole country have suffered a serious loss. Resolved^ That we tender our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family and relatives. Resolved^ That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to his stricken family ; that they also be spread upon the records of the so- ciety. Kespectfully submitted by your committee, D. S. HOLMAN, Meeting adjourned until half past one. AVA E. PAGE, H. B. FRANCIS. AFTERNOON SESSION. The President being absent, the house was called to order by the •Secretary and M7\ Carpenter tooked the chair. WHAT ORNAMENTALS TO PLANT. BY R. E. BAILEY, READ BY MR. PAGE. Mr. Robt. E. Bailey of Fulton, Mo., in a paper on the above sub- ject read before the semi-anuual meeting of the Missouri Horticultural Society, held in June, says : In order to succeed in planting ornamental trees or shrubs, several questions must be answered with a more or less positive " yes : " 94 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 1. Is ihe proposed tree or plant hardy aud adapted to the climate ? 2. Is it suited to the soil of the grounds of the planter ? 3. Is it suited to the size of the lot ? 4. Has it sufficient merit in beauty or novelty to make it desir- able in the locality where planted ? Many mistakes are made on the first point named. We in Mis- souri, at least in ray part of the great State, have an almost arctic win- ter and a tropical summer, sometimes accompanied by severe drought. Some plants will stand the cold of winter but succumb to the heat of summer ; so that the introduction of trees from Siberia or other cold countries is not a sure indication of their ability to stand our entire season. Many ornamental trees, especially evergreens, died in this vicinity in the extreme hot and dry summer of 1881. The Norway Spruce and the White Pine furnished a large number of victims. The last two winters were unusually severe, the mercury marking 30° below zero in many places. So far as hardiness to stand extreme cold is concerned, we may safely plant anything which has passed without harm through these two trying seasons. Our native forest trees have, of course, stood the test; and for them I wish to. make a plea, especially lor the elm and ash. The famous botanist, Mr. Chaux, pronounced the white elm the most magnificent A^egetable production of the temperate zone. It is an interesting study, to note the wonder- ful difference in the habits of growth of specimens of the elm. Some are almost as erect as the Lombardy poplar ; others have pendulous branches, rivaling the weeping willow. The variety known among nurserymen as Fulva Pendula is very desirable for its luxurian growth and elegant drooping habit. Its branches first shoot upwards and then bend in graceful curves towards the earth. The white ash seems not to meet with the consideration its merits deserve. I have in mind an ash of great beauty, which stood in the original forest, a small sapling, when the ground was cleared for the pioneer's dwelling. It was left in the yard and was beheaded at sixteen or eighteen feet high. It has grown into a tree with a trunk two feet thick, with an immense head, the upper branches erect, the lower pendulous, all radiating from the center, forming a most beautiful globular head. Its shade is the family's favorite lounging place in the summer, and in the fall its coloring is almost as fine as that of the hard maple. Wier's Cut-leaved Maple is another tree of surpassing merits. Its deeply cut or lobed leaf, its combination of upright and of long,, drooping, willow-like shoots make a picture of. wonderful airy grace- SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 95^ and beauty. I think it is also free from the tendency to split down at the forks so objectionable in the common maple. In striking contrast with the light and feathery appearance of this maple is the Catalpa Speciosa, with its huge, rigid looking branches,, and its large, deep green foliage. It is not adapted to small grounds. The Salisburia or Maiden-hair tree, a native of Japan, has proved hardy in this vicinity, and is a very desirable novelty, being so widely 'different from any other well-known tree. Its leaf is unique, resemb- ling that of the Maiden-hair fern. The European Larch stands the cold well enough, but may fail when it comes to the test of the hottest and driest summers, unless in a favorable location and well cared for. Its soft, feathery, evergreen- like foliage is very fine. It is well worthy of more extensive trial.. When larger and deeper rooted, it will be likely to stand better than when young. Among evergreens I would name the Scotch Pine and the Siberian Arbor Vitae as two varieties that seem to endure more vicissitudes of climate and season than any other I am acquainted with. Many dead White Pines may now be seen here. The cause of their death I know not. The Norway Spruce is a great favorite with nurserymen and planters ; but for some reason specimens of large siza are very rare. The Austrian Pine promises to be hardy with us. It has fine dark- green foliage, and a picturesque roughness, which unfits it for planting near the dwelling, but, viewed from a distance, it has a ^ood efl'ect. Of course there are many other good, hardy and worthy trees be- sides those I have named, but this list will suffice for the present.. From personal experience I know they succeed in this part of the State. Among shrubs I will name only one, the large Panicle Flowered Hydrangea. If there is a member of this Society, or a reader of this article, who has not this shrub, let him procure one next season. It is perfectly hardy and in every way desirable. All the trees named will, I think, fill the conditions as to hardiness and merit. They will also grow in any soil of medium fertility, unless it is wet and stagnant. So much has been said, written and printed about care in digging^ and planting trees, that anything more on the subject would seem alto- gether unnecessary; yet a little observation will convince any intelli- gent person that more failures occur from bad work in this respect than from all other causes combined. In my town each recurring spring may be seen wagon-loads of trees, ten to fifteen feet in length, « 96 MISSOUKI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. grubbed up from the ground, with roots from four to eight inches in length. These trees are planted on the streets or lots in holes barely large enough to contain their stumps of roots. The sod is replaced around them. They make a feeble attempt to grow, but when the ground gets dry and hot, not one in a hundred survives. Let planters have their trees dug with long roots, plant them in large holes, compactly tilled with good, mellow soil, and keep a space of several feet around each tree well mulched or frequently stirred, and success is almost assured. DISCUSSION. Major Ragan^dSiQX complimenting the paper read, wish to add to the list of desirable trees the Yellow Linn. Mr. Spears asked if White Ash succeeds upon high land. Sec Goodman stated it was quite successfully grown about Kansas ■City. . Protested against tlie Soft Maple. Mr. Carpenter asked regarding the Tulip Poplar or Tulip Tree ? Col. Eoans said that with him they appeared to be quile hard}'. REPORT ON ENTOMOLOGY. BY FRANK HOLSINGER, OP ROSEDALE, KANSAS. READ BY GEO. E. ROSE. By request I will attempt a few remarks upon the curculio and gougers which are so destructive to our stone fruits, and are at present periling our apples. So numerous have they become that it is impos- sible to secure a good specimen of plum without careful watching on the part of the grower. Until recently the plum q,wx(^\\\\o conotracheliis newupliar {^Qxh%V) was considered the most destructive to our plum. It has other livals now of prominent importance. In fact, the gouger, from my stand- point, can discount it in destractiveness. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 97 So well acquainted are our orchardists with the habits and charac- ter of these insects that we hesitate in again coming to the front with what, to some at least, has become commonplace. The curculio is a small, grayish insect, about one-fifth of an inch in length, having rough wing covers. When magnified, two distinct humps can be seen on each wing case near the middle. Behind these is a band of yellow ochre color, with some whiteish marks. The snout is rather short. The female lays her eggs in the green fruit as soon as formed, and until the stone becomes hardened, the period of opera- tion extending over four or five weeks. In attacking the fruit it alights upon the plum, and with its jaws, which are in the end of its snout, it makes an iocission through the skin of the fruit, then runs its snout obliquely under the skin to the depth of one-sixteenth of an inch, moving it backward and forward until a sufficient cavity is formed to receive the egg. She now turns around and deposits the egg in the orifice, then turns, and with her snout pushes the egg to the end of the passage. Her next move is to cut a crescent-shaped slit just above the cavity containing the egg deposited, and then press the flesh of the fruit down upon the cavity. This opera- tion is doubtless to prevent the development of the fruit that would otherwise take place at this point and possibly drawn out the larva before being able to take care of itself. About five minutes are occu- pied in the deposit of each egg. Some estimate that the curculio has the capability of laying at least one hundred eggs. The egg is of an oblong oval form, of a pearly white color, and may be seen with the naked eye. Lift the cover with the point of a knife, and you will see it if not already hatched. Three or four days is about the time taken for them to hatch. The young larva is a soft footless grub, with a horny head. It feeds at once upon the fruit, growing as it channels its way to the stone, around which it feeds until about: one-third of an inch in lenth, or un- til grown, which it takes some three or four weeks to accomplish. The irritation caused by the insect to the plum causes it to fall to the ground usually before the larva is full grown. When it has fully matured, it leaves the fruit and enters the ground, where it changes to the chrysolis state, and in three weeks more transforms into a beetle, and makes its wa^ to the surface and is free. The insect is single brooded and hibernates in secluded places. During very warm days the insect takes wing readily. But usually in the morning and evening they are dull and stupid, and owing to this II. R.— 7 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTUBAL SOCIETY. fact can be easily captured. They are found upon most stone fruit, and the cherry is often attacked by them. The cherrj'' often remains hanging until fully ripened, and thus the presence of the insect may be overlooked. In the apple and pear they are also found, but the egg seldom hatches. They are a native of this country, and during the past have fed npon our wild plums. Remedies — The curculio, when suddenly alarmed, folds its legs close to its body, folding its snout under its body, and falls to the ground feigning death. Owing to this pecularity they can easily be captured by spreading a clcth upon the ground and slightly jarring the tree. They fall upon the cloth and may be readily seen and picked up. I use a wide mouthed bottle with a glass stopper to receive them, as crushing between thum and finger becomes painful when they are very plentiful. In capturing the insects, take several strips of muslin large enough to span the tree ; sew up one-half the length of the cen- ter strip, and tack each edge of your cloth to light strips of wood ; now pass your cloth under the tree with the tree in the center, spreading it out so that the cloth will be under two branches ; then jar the tree with the ball of the foot (no danger of injury to the tree if care is used) ; be active, as the insects soon leave oif feigning death and take to wing. To guard your orchards you should begin making your captures as soon as the trees are in blossom. 1 have never yet been too soon for them. When the fruit is far advanced they take their departure to other pas- tures. Frequently the apple is made to feel their attention. There are many remedies given to guard against the curculo, but none so efficient or simple as the cloth. All others are unsatisfactory in some particulars. Ihe Gouger. — What I have said on the curculio will apply pretty generally to the gouger. This beetle is larger than the curculio, with smooth wing covers. The snout is longer than the thorax and projects downward, but can- not be folded under the breast as in the plum curculio. It makes its appearance about the same time in the spring as the curculio. Instead of making a crescent-shaped slit in the fruit, it bores a round hole. It is also an American insect, having lived formerly on wild plums. It is single-brooded and passes the winter in beetle state. It feeds on fruits of all kinds, although it has a preference for stone fruits. With its snout it drills a hole such as might be made with a hot needle, the hole being round and surrounded by a black margin. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 99 The grub, when hatced, burrows its way to the stone, and if this be not already hardened, passes on to the seed where it transforms into a beetle, which, when matured, eats its way through the flesh to the side where it escapes. If, however, the seed is too firm it passes into the ground, where it changes ito a beetle. The gouger, when feeding, makes many incisions, causing a hard, knotty and woody place in the fruit. Fruit thus attacked does not fall as those injured by the codling moth and curculio. This insect can be captured the same as the plum curculio. So numerous have they become that I think on my plantions at least nine-tenths of the damage done the plums is the work of the gouger. A word on the apple curculio : Will say at this writing that they are unusually busy, and I fear the total destruction of all my Ben Davis. I e-nclose specimens attacked. The apples affected do not fall, and when frequently bored are en- tirely useless. This curculio, like the others, can be captured by jarring them down upon cloths. Respectfully, F. HOLSINGER. The following letter was read by the Secretary : New Florence, May 28, 1885. Z. A. Goodman^ Westport, Mo.: Dear Sir : Enclosed I send you the paper for your meeting. You will find it in two parts — a few words on new apples and a report on my grounds. I am not as good a horticultural writer as I would like to be, and you will therefore have to excuse me. I was born and raised in Switzerland, and did not come to this country until I was grown, and for that reason did not go to school any here. I in- tended to say a few words on flowers, but I will leave that part to per- sons who are better posted. However, I Will say that of course flowers are not altogether neglected at my place. I had a fine display of tu- lips this spring. My flower beds are now planted in collections of ge- raniums, dahlias, verbenas, petunas, both single and double, gladiolus, tuberoses, roses, etc. For some time we have noticed in Gutmann's ground litile apple trees to wither and die a few at a lime, both in nursery and orchard. By investigating it alv/ays proved that ^he mischief was done by some 100 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. kind of a borer of a very large size. The stems of the trees were always hollow, a mere shell. It was also found that the worm would work up- wards, but we could never get any of the worms until recently one was- captured. After we took up the tree, which was just dying, the worm was noticed descending in the ground as fast as possible, but was cap- tured about six inches under ground. He was about three-fourths of an inch in diameter and from three to four inches long, a regular mon- ster and a stranger to us. He was nearly white with black head. I send you by mail a small section of the dead tree that he had worked in. One end will show how completely it was cut off by the worm ; the fact is, the tree fell down as soon as a little ground was removed. These worms or borers have done a good deal of damage on Gutmann's grounds. Now we would Ike to know how this enemy could be kept in check. The specimen I send you is the largest tree that has yet been affected. Hoping that you will all have a profitable and pleasant meeting at Butler, 1 remain Yours, most respectfully,. F. LIONBERGER. Also the following : Carthage, Mo., May 31, 18d5. Z. A. Goodman, Westport, Mo.: DftAK Sir : Yours with circulars came to hand last night. We filled out blank together before v/e noticed there were two blanks. It is rather hard to get the total per cent, of apples. Mr. AVakefield's strawberries yield at the rate 8,800 quarts per acre ; mixed Crescent and Wilson Albany might have been nearly double that if the bed had been in proper condition. The wheat crop has been greatly damaged by an insect I can best describe by calling it the Hessian fly. It mostly avoids manured ground and seeks the poorer land. So we see that the fruit growers are not the only ones who have to fight " God's great army," the in- sect world. Mr. Sperry, of Carthage, showed me a worm that is devouring his black caps, berries and leaves. The worm is of dark color, light col- ored stripe along the side ; length, about one and one-eighth inch long. I suggested that he put small bundles of poisoned grass and cabbage leaves about under his bushes. It does its work in the night. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 101 I have known a straw colored worm to go up apple trees at night and kill some trees outright by removing every bud. I have killed three and four dozen of them at a time under each apple tree. It seems to me that showering trees v»'ith poison is the most effectual way, but I have made hog and horse pasture of my fruit orchards, and feai the effect of poison on the grass. I doubt the profit of hogs in the orchards. The general use of poison will surely be followed by accidents, but what else can we do ? So long as we walk contrary to the "weightier matters of the law' we must fight "the great armies" God sends among us and eat our bread and fruit in the sweat of our face. "Because thou hast hearkened to voice of thy wife," etc. You know how it reads. A word to the wise, etc. — Fools won't be converted, though you fcray them in a mortar. Regretting my inability to be with you, etc., I remain Yours, L. O.AMSDEN. DISCUSSION. Mr. Hynes spoke of such a worm as described in the paper being found in rotten roots of trees. H. Spearc2i[\Qd. attention to a twig borer. Prof* Taft thought these and similar twig borers would not be apt to become numerous. Report of Committee onn Secretary's Report was presented by Mr. Holman and adopted. Moved that remaining speeches be limited to five minutes; adopted. By motion the report of the Committee on Report was reconsid- ered ; the question relating to appropriating fifty dollars for books for the society discussed, and after being struck from the report, the report was adopted. 102 MISSOURI STATE HORIICULTURAL SOCIETY. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON SECRETARY'S REPORT. Butler, Mo., June 11, 1885. OMcers and Members Missouri Horticultural Society : Your committee, to whom was referred your secretary's semi-an- nual report, respectfully report that we have carefully considered the report cind most heartily endorse the same, and commend to the society and the public. We wish to express our pleasure at the ad- vancement of Missouri horticulture as evinced by your secretary's report. Specially rejoice in your success before and in competition with the world at New Orleans, and we feel permitted to place this success to the credit of persistent and praiseworthy efforts of thi& society, largely made by the secretary, president and the few best workers. We rejoice also at the outlook so favorable to large possi- bilities for the future. We recommend, 1st. That the secretary be authorized to have bound the unbound reports of '83-1, and that the number for the present year be increased to 2,000 and all be bound. 2d. That an appropriation of fifty dollars be made for an addition to the society's library. 3d. That necessary binders for the papers taken and used by the- society be procured. 4th. We commend to our members the secretary's suggestion in reference to reduced rates on horticultural papers, which he proposes to- obtain for all who may wish them. We concur also in his suggestion in reference to the entomological service, and we propose that an appropriation be asked of the State Board of Agriculture of $100, for the purpose, and now ask the appoint- ment of a committee to procure the appropriation at once. We concur with the secretary in reference to exhibitions at Grand Rapids, Mich., and that he be authorized to make the exhibition, and that he make the usual call upon the members of the society to assist in getting up additional specimens. The financial part of said report we ask to be referred to the finance committee. Your committee do most earnestly concur with your secretary in a call for increase of a working membership. It ought, in a State like Missouri, to be 500 to 1,000, and we suggest that all members and all SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 103 local societies do this work of soliciting an increase of membership in and from their respective localities. We further ask, respectfully, that every live member of this society see that his locality has an organized society auxiliary to this. Every county in this State ought to have a local horticultural society for the development of their county's horticultural interest, and as an aid to the State society. We are pleased with suggestions in reference to horticultural edu- cation in our public or common schools, and hope to see something in that direction as soon as practicable. Before closing our report, we desire to express our approbation and thanks upon the efficient, faithful, untiring labors of the secretary of this society, and devotion to the cause of Missouri horticulture. Respectfully submitted. D. S. HOLMAN, Z. S. RAGAN, DAN CARPENTER, Committee. BIRDS IN HORTICULTURE. BY CLARKE IRVINE, OF OREGON, HOLT COUNTV, MO. Mr. ('larke Irvine in an address before the semi-annual meeting of the Missouri Horticultural Society, thus spoke of birds as related to horticulture : While I write the birds are wild with joy. The glorious cardinal red, who has been with us since February, cries : "What cheer? What what, what ? " — his everlasting question in fair weather. The moment the air becomes heavy and damp he changes his note which sounds as though he were attempting to decline the Latin pronoun qiiivis. The wrens are warbling, robins fairly bursting their throats with song. All nature is vocal with the notes of our song birds. One day of the free, glad harmony of these uncaged birds is worth a year of all the per- 104 MISSOURI STATE HORTICTLTURAL SOCIETY. formances of the poor pining captives. For their music alone we might well prize these denizens of the air and trees. But when we consider their importance to agriculture of all kinds, it becomes worth our while to study carefully their nature, habits, wants, etc. Owing to business cares just at this time, I had concluded not to write, but fearing lest no one else might do so, and knowing that one or two important sub- jects require attention in connection with them, I will make the effort. Referring to what was said in the paper read at the St. Joseph meeting of our society about the Jays, several differ from my views, declaring they do more harm than good. If it can be shown that the Jays are such voracious,' irreclaimable cannibals of their kind, I say let them go. But I persistently deny that they are useless. Charged with living exclusively on flesh, grain and fruit, I ask how do they subsist during the long fall, winter and spring months while they are so busy among the trees? They are destroying millions of eggs of moths and insects of various kinds. They are with us all the time, whereas nearly all other birds are here but a few months, four or five at most. I insist also that the Carolina mocking-bird, called cat-bird from one note he makes, is one of the most useful of all his kind. He is especially the great enemy of the tent-caterpillar, which is often a destroying pest over thousands of acres. Those who make a specialty of raising certain fruits become enraged at the ravages of this bird, especially among the cherry trees. He is very fond of the little sour cherry and ''red Astra- chan" apple. Instead of destroying the bird it would be better to de- vote a small space to the fruit he likes so well. It will then be no difficult matter to keep him away from you valuable fruit. For two or three weeks this bird is very fond of fruit. I will confine the remainder of my remarks to the Cardinal Gross- beak and English Sparrow for special reasons. This Cardinal is the glory and wonder of every orchard and house-yard where he makes his home. He begins his melodious song in February and continues it more or less till late in the tall. From February till July, in fine weather, he sine's the day long. I do not know of any great benefit derived from this bird "save the delight he gives to the ear and eye. He loves grain, corn espeaially, but out of the cage he seems to con- sume but little. Several of them make their home in my orchard and yard and in surrounding orchards. In winter I sometimes hang out a few ears of corn in the trees for them, near the house. Yet they do not consume half a dozen ears there from February till May. I particularly mention these birds because they are the objects of an incessant warefare by people who seek them to cage, and for their wings and feathers. I verily believe they will be SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 105 exterminated unless an end be put to this. The favorite native haunt of this bird is in the great timber of the Missouri bottoms. 'Tis there their enemies find them. Large trees are filled with traps and thou- sands are caught. Of course this is in violation of the law. There is a miserable, idle, vagabond, cunning class of people who do no earthly- good the year long ; ignorant and slothful, they become half-civilized and naturally imitate the barbarian in all their methods of making enough to buy whisky and tobacco — their seeming sole earthly neces- sities. They appear to have been born in their garments, which, through long acquaintance with grease, have become unsusceptible ot wear by friction and are everlasting. A wild hog (how they despise stock laws), a fish or a biid supplies their meat, a hoe cake or even parched corn answers for bread. But for their absolute need of whisky and tobacco the birds might be safe. Between the eastern dealers and these bird hunters are the middle men, as usual, who purchase the lit- tle prisoners, their wings and feathers. Some means should be taken to enforce the Jaw against these depredators. The number ot wings and birds shipped east is very large. Some years ago some one introduced the English Sparrow into an eastern city park for the purpose of killing off certain worms that in- fested the trees there. It was soon noticed that they did not touch the worms but were ever down on the streets, among the horses' feet, like little chickens, and thence to the house tops. Very little was thought about it, but occasionally one could sec a joke in the papers about the worms and sparrows. As time passed, some seven years, it was observed that the birds had spread over into the larger towns of the Eastern States, thence into those of Ohio and Indiana. About seven years ago they were abundantin Quincy, Ills. Two years latter they were at St. Joseph and Kansas City. I remember of thinking then, "it was fortunate that these miraculously increasing birds confined themselves to towns and avoided the country." It was said that they drove all other birds away. Five years ago in some Central Ohio towns, whfere, on account of their beautiful parks and walks and gardens, many song birds congregated, I found these foreigners had monopolized every spot they wished, and I missed the whilom songs of boyhood's days. Inquiry- elicited the fact that these little birds had driven the others off. Two years ago, the first pair ever observed in' Holt county, so far as I can learn, came to some of the railway stations, the broad overhanging roofs of these buildings favoring them, and perhaps the telegraph wires directing them. In the spring of '84 they were seen in our court house park, a place well set out in varieties of forest trees. The roof of the 106 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. court house was evidently their nesting-jjlace. As so many birds visit there, no one noticed them, until they were seen fi2;hting and driving off, far out of sight, the robins and other birds. They were unusually bold in the presence of passers-by. As soon as it was known what they were, they were fired upon. From that moment no one could get near a sparrow there no matter how busily these little birds were shriek- ing, as soon as any one even looked at them, off they disappeared. A pair visited a martin box in my yard, and for the first time in nineteen years I missed the delightful chattering and ""poUy put the kettle on" . of those birds. This year again they came and were killed, but now I find a pair is hovering about, waking me of mornings with their screeks, but disappearing as soon as looked at. They are nesting in trees, barns and other places. Like some foul pestilence, they have come to stay, and it is now certain that they will spread over the whole land. They breed several times per year, it is said, and soon vaS't swarms develop from a single pair. It now is for us to consider what will be the result. Not long ago a scientific gentleman, writing to some association in Europe, declared that " the introduction of the Eng- lish sparrow into the United States will prove to be a national calam- ity." Whoever did the work of introducing was foolhardy. A monu- ment of mud should be erected to his memory. But we are to blame for our apathy. Time was when their extermination would have been a light work, but now it will require a general uprising and continual effort to even keep them down. The least familiarity with the peasant life of Europe, with its ballads, songs, proverbs and literature, must have assured the person who introduced these winged rats of the dan- ger. There they have ever been a nuisance, but owing to dense popu- lations they are more easily kept down, being eatable where meat is so dear. In addition to driving away other birds they ioul the roofs and make cistern water unfit for use. The cruelty of this bird is known from the immortal nursery song, "Who killed Cock Robin?'' Who of all birds, beasts or men ? " I," said the sparrow. None but him. Thal> strange genius Borrow, that prince of all travellers who ever tried to write a book of travels, in his most interesting of all books, " The Bible- in Spain," gives us a hint. He quotes a Spanish peasant as singing : "May the Lord deliver us from evil birds three. From all sparrows and friars and curates that be ; For the sparrows eat up all the corn that we sow ; The friars drink down all the wine that we grow ; The curates have all our fair dames at their nod ; From these three evil curses, O spare us Lord God." SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. lOT "A flock of sparrows will soon consume a sixty-acre field of wheat," is otten said in Europe. They have no song, their only cry is an eld- ritch screech incessant and complaining. From the rapid disappear- ance of all other birds before them 1 suspect they pick out their eyes, eat their eggs and young. In a few years they will be equ^l to a con- stant visitation of locusts if one may judge from appearances. Cases of extreme deprivation have been imagined, of universal wreck and ruin where silence and death reign alone. The poet begin- ning his narrative: " I had a dream" he cries, then to himself whis- pers — "It was not all ^ dream ;" and describing a borrow of great dark- ness, he was the one to fitly describe what, beyond doubt, will result when all our timber is cut off and none but these winged pests live as birds save here and there perhaps a few vultures. The earth would be no longer fruitful, and surely man could not live as he has lived. Our race would become weak and incapable of grand, united effort, no matter how energetic might be a few of the number. This weakness would increase and the causes of it would increase, at least up to a certain point. There is one more fact connected with this, then I am done. This sparrow does not care for woods. He prefers house tops,, martin boxes, eaves, and, if driven thence, betakes himself reluctantly to trees closest to hand. He is by no means a forest ranger. The de- creasing area of forest affects him favorably. The great misfortune that is marching with swift and accelerated pace upon us, the timber famine, will only extend his area, and of course exterminate all of our most beautiful birds. How near is this timber dearth upon us? Some who are authorities declare we destroy over twenty thousand acres of timber per day, or over eight million acres per year; and in five years an area equal to all Missouri were every acre densely timbered. Another high authority declares we are in error about there being so much timber in Canada; she has really no more than will supply her own people when they come to settle her endless plain?. How soon a tree can be felled ! How long it takes to grow it large enough to be worth felling"! Were we all to start in at planting several acres each per year, still the dearth must come ; we have waited too late. It is disgusting to hear the insane simplicities uttered about this question. "We will all grow timber." Pray how long does it take a tree to grow? " Substitutes are invented ;" yes, but new ways of destroying tim- ber are discovered faster than substitutes. However one thing is cer- tain — we must very soon try how to do without lumber for awhile. As this timber question is connected with the birds, " the trees, home of birds," says Virgil, a few suggestions are pertinent. It seems to me that, as a speculation, timber growing surpasses all others. There i& 108 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. not any risk about it; interest on the investment comes Very soon, and the profits must become enormous. While men jump at lottery tickets, railways, mines ancj. other enterprises, it needs only that some parties set a conspicuous example. There are hundreds of young men who have capital to invest. I am told that the heads of great houses in Europe, on the birth of a youDger son or daughter, plant a 20 or 40 acre tract in good timber. By the time twenty-one years have elapsed this has grown to be a fortune and is the dower of the child. Land is yet very cheap here, and States pay a premium of two or three dollars per acre per year to timber growers. In five years the thinnings will be a paying crop, and finally a fortune. A company formed to culti- vate in timber, for say 25 years, a certain number of acres per member, could not but realize in time enormously, besides a yearly revenue after a few years. But a thousand of such companies could not overdo the business. Nothing so useful as this has been undertaken on a large scale. Kansas has been having an arbor day for twenty years, so has Nebraska; but all they have done can be consumed now in about twelve days, even had the trees grown for forty years. Only let a few companies be formed, let the press discuss the subject, and the thing will become fashionable. The probability is that in twenty years from this time every acre of good timber will be worth five hundred dollars for the timber alone. It will not cost over thirty dollars to purchase and plant and care for an acre in timber the first three years, in some parts of the country. La Grange, Mo., May 20, 1885. N. Z. A. Goodman^ Secretary/, Westpori, Mo. : Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your card informing me of my be- ing a member of the ornithology committee and asking a report for the June meeting. As the meeting comes at a time when I am busy with berries, I shall not likely be able to meet with you, but wish all possible success to the efibrts and a pleasant, meeting generally. I am unable to make a report, or to write on the subject of ornithol- ogy that will stand a criticism scientifically, but can only speak of the birds from my own observations. With the first approach of spring comes the blue bird and the robin, and as the season advances the numerous bird families are with us, all, like the human family, hunting and working for something to eat and to tuild homes and provide for their little ones. I invite nearly all the birds by protecting them ; offer them free shelter and homes in my trees and shrubs, and encourage them by gentle and kind treat- SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 109 ment to feel (as I hope they do) that they are always welcome and at home here. In the spring of 1884 I plowed up an old field that had been in sod for some fifteen years and found the ground full of cut-worms. I planted the field to watermelons, and as the plants appeared above the ground, the cut worms commenced to destroy them, but our birds, went to the rescue. Early in the morning and late in the afternoon, the blue birds, robins, blackbirds, and various other birds would appear on the ground in large numbers, and when a worm appeared in sight of their keen eyes, he was carried away and destroyed, and the plants were saved without an effort on our part to destroy the worms. The crop of melons was large and fine, and the birds took none of them for their services in the success of the crop. This spring we planted the same ground to strawberries, and while setting the plants found some of the worms still on the ground; but the birds were there, too, and now when cultivating or hoeing the plants, the birds work with us all day long, seemingly trying to aid us in return for our kindness to them ; they help us make our plants and fruits, and we are willing to allow them to take their share of all the fruits on the place. It is true, they may damage and destroy some fruit for us, but as they come long before the fruits are ripe, we feel they must save for us much more than they take for themselves. It is better that the destruction is by birds rather than by insects. I find most birds do not eat strawberries, only on unfavor- able, cold, wet seasons, when worms and insects are scarce. Some- times the cat birds, meadow larks and robins, and some other kinds of birds take a few berries, but it don't amount to much, as they usually pick a berry and carry it off" from the field and eat it or feed it to their young before picking another. I think blackbirds eat no strawberries nor fruits of any kind; neither does the dove nor martin, yet they all eat insects. I believe the martin to be a great moth catcher, but whether codling moth or not, I cannot say. The wax bird or cherry bird (sometimes called cedar birds), which visit a cherry tree in large flocks — each trying to see how many cherries he can taste of — are, some seasons, quite bad on strawberry patches, should probably be killed. I sometimes kill them, as they don't appear to happen around us until about the time cherries are ripe. I don't call them friends, neither do I take kindly to the little grape birds I fikid the blue jay and bee martin to be rank feeders on cut worms, grubs, May beetles, etc., and though many class them as detrimental to fruits, I number them in our bird family and call them our friends- also. 110 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIEIY. That many or all of our birds may destroy insects that would be of some benefit to us I do not doubt, but if all birds were destroyed, I be- lieve we would soon have to abandon raising a great deal of fruit we now raise in abundance ; hence, I shall continue to protect the birds, both because 1 believe them serviceacle to us and for their orna- mental and musical benefit to us, to see and hear the happy birds singing in the trees and air around us — to say nothing of their beauti- ful songs at daylight, is sufficient compensation for all taken from us, •even if they rendered no other services. Truly yours, WM. H. TH0MA8. DISCUSSION. Major Rag an i2iV0Ye^ the planting of wind-breaks and the encour- aging birds to build therein. Mr. Faith spoke in favor ot the birds although they take his first strawberries. Mr. Skinner stated that the English sparrows were in Butler three years ago, but were not here now; believed in destroying the cats in order to save the birds. Rev. Pierce cited an instance where trees were planted especially for the birds in order to save the other fruit. Mr. Spear asked regarding the jay; classed him with the hawk, an enemy to man. CapU Hynes also wages war upon the jay while friendly to others, especially the wren. Mr. Kidwell protested against the destruction of the jay and cat bird. They destroy the cut worms, taking those in preference to the corn or berries. Secretary Goodman destroys the jay, not to preserve the fruit, but because they prey upon other birds which are much more useful to man. Mr. Skinner favorable to all birds except the butcher bird and sparrow hawk. Major Ragan thought the greatest bird enemy to man would prove to be the English sparrow. Mr. Kidivell thought that there is no cause to fear the English sparrow; when ih-y need destroying Yankee genius would inve^nt the proper trap. For lack of time a number of papers were read only by title, and are printed in the report, as follows : SUMMER MEETING AT BUILER. Ill THE RELATION OF THE FRUIT GROWN TO THE COMMIS- SION MERCHANT. BY 6. N. COX, ST. JOSEPH, MO. The relations of producer to consumer, as well as those of buyer to seller, while somewhat antagonistic in character, are yet helpful and necessary to each other. Supply and demand furnish the basis on which our commerce rests; whether it be foreign or domestic, or as between individuals or communities. When both parties to an exchange of products are brought to- gether so that a mutual understanding can be had, there accrues to €ach a benefit, in that the one has received a reasonable considera- tion for what he has offered for sale, while the other has obtained what in his estimation is of equal value. But this primitive sort of ex- change is no longer practicable or desirable. With increased facilities lor transportation, come new opportunities for the disposal of such products as in the ordinary course of trade are only adapted for im- mediate use. This is especially true of bolh fruit and vegetables. To this advantage of a wider market there is one drawback, the necessity that exists for the grower to frequently forward his products to a market where he cannot in person attend to their disposal. This necessitates their being placed with other parties, who will dispose of them to the best advantage for his benefit. This is not always an easy matter. The commission merchant has his own interests to look after and guard, and these are sometimes at variance with those of the con- signor. Yet, if the fruit-grower will carefully inquire as to the in- tegrity, as well as the mercantile standing of those to whom he con- signs hi.s fruit, he can safely trust their judgment in its disposal. In order that the best results may be obtained for the grower, it is neces- sary that he should take even more care in the preparation of his fruit for market than if he was to accompany it himself. Nothing con- tributes so much to the sale of fruit, especielly when offered on an over-crowded market, as an attractive appearance of both package and contents. It frequently happens that consignments of fruit reach their desti- nation to find the supply greater than the demand. This cannot be avoided. The only thing is to trust to the honor and business qualifi- 112 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. cations of the consignee, and await the result. If this state of things continues for any length of time, it will be necessary to look elsewhere for a market. Fair dealing on the part of growers and commission men is the only way in which both parties in interest can reap an ad- vantage sufficient to justify a continuance of the relation. Let each insist that the other shall fulfil honestly and thoroughly his part of the contract, and there will be no conflict of interest, but both will be gainers thereby. SOME OF OUR NEEDS AND DIFFICULTIES. BY J. W. TURNER, MEADVILLE, MO. There is a long list of varieties of the different fruits, and in order to succeed it is important that the planter plant varieties suited to Lis soil and surroundings. I have labored for years with thrifty growing but unproductive va- rieties, and I know how discouraging it is, and how energizing it is to have their place taken by productive kinds. It is the belief of the writer that this is one of the greatest obstacles in the way of successful fruit growing. Every nursery salesman knows that nineteen out of twenty of our farmers do not even know what varieties of apples to plant ; the making of their selection is left entirely to the agent, except so many Ben Dayis. Somehow the belief has penetrated the public cranium that it (the Ben Davis) is exempt from Eden's curse (so is every other worlh- less thing, apparently,); and while nurserymen are striving to supply the enormous demand tor it they are vainly wishino; that the people would find out that our '"Missouri Pippin" is its equal in hardiness, and that our "Grimes' Golden'' and "Lawver" are not far behind. We may wish that people knew that the "Snyder" blackberry is absolutely hardy and productive ; but we are left to wonder from the present out- look whether it will ever be generally known. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 113 A few, through toil and experiments and mistakes, learn some- thing about horticulture ; and in the hour of their victory over diffi- culties they are called hence ; their knowledge goes with them ; their sons and successors follow and repeat all their blunders ; and thus it goes, world without end- And so there is so little real progress made that the bravest are sometitnes almost discouraged. It is hoped, Mr. Secretary, your suggestion in regard to a library for our State society will be seconded by every member of the society. But that is not enough by far. If we fail to reach the farmers as a •class we fail totally. Is there a better way than through a county so- ciety ? I can think of none better: and what a good and grand work it could and must do if it is ever done at all. The whole business of fruit growing among the masses is rotten to putrefaction and "smells to heaven." If the salt has not lost all its savor, let it be speedily applied in the shape of a county society com- posed of men full of faith and good works whom the planters can look to for information and guidance. For the sake of our indivual pocket- books wake up to this matter ; let us not supinely fold our hands and say it is nothing to me. Don't we remember awhile back when that Russian apple man was around— how he sold thousands of dollars' worth in our county ? Even some of the leading farmers bought largely and of course every- body followed their good (?) example ; and now not a stump is left for all that outlay. . Let no one flatter himself that it cannot be done again ; and more- over, it is only a question of time when it will be done again. If we ques- tion the men who were taken in by these swindlers, we get the answer : I did not much want anything, but he kv^pt on until I got tired of him and I bought to get rid of him." A poor excuse; for he forgets all his life long to be as kind to a respectable agent. Why should people be forever robbed of their money by these irresponsible men who, if they furnish what they pretend, it is an experiment to the man who buys ? His hopes are disappointed. The thing has been repeated until many good men believe the fates have conspired against them and they can- not trust themselves to plant anything but something gotten up by an extraordinary method of propagation or possibly Ben Davis apple. These parties are always game for swindlers. I believe it is within the reach of the county societies to remove all this evil. We want varieties suited to the various soils all over our State. Each county can find them for itself. It seems entirely practica- H R— 8 114 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ble for each to test varieties in different localities, and if means are lacking for that purpose, every patriotic citizen will lend a helping hand. TWO GOOD FOREST TREES. BY G. SEGESSEMAN. It is justly lamented that the wealth that lies in our forests is rap- idly diminishing, and that thereby also the climate is severely affected. Not only is the area growing smaller and smaller; but the remaining is also impoverished, the best timber being cut out while invalids and useless trees are left to occupy the ground and rob the others of their share of ground. One acre of cultivated and well cared for forest trees would be worth more than ten acres of the kind we see commonly all around. But it is useless to expect that planting and cultivating tim- ber will take place before it can be shown that there is any profit in it for the planter himself. Among others there are especially two kinds of trees that promise a pecuniary remuneration, just as well as if the land had been cropped' with wheat and corn all the while. These are the black walnut and the catalpa. The use of the black walnut tree is well known ; also- that it is slowly disappearing in the old forests while the demand is in- creasing, prices in the world's market having attained a very high rate. To plant them the ground ought to be deeply plowed and prepared as if for corn, and the nuts set as soon as they drop from the tree same distance as corn in the hill, one or two nuts in one hill. Or the rows be made six or seven feet distant and the nuts three feet distant in the row. After planting the land is to be leveled by harrowing. This and the following freezing will cover the track mxire or less till spring time so that the squirrels, the worst enemy, may not so easily find them as when only planted in the spring, when the want of food causes these animals to dig them out one and all. After some years they need thinning out, when two points are to be observed, viz.: that the besfe SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 115 specimens are left to remain, and that among these an equal distance ought to be maintained as much as possible. The result will be straight, valuable stems which may be cut finally in say, twenty-five years after planting. The use of the catalpa is many-fold, the besc timber to withstand moisture; it is good for posts, stakes, sills, railroad ties, barrels, shingles, etc. ; as cabinetmakers' material, it competes with walnut; as an ornamental tree in lawns and alleys, it is highly appreciated. If planted in proper distances along a line where fences are needed, it serves as living posts. All these merits are multiplied by the quick growth in which Teas catalpa excels even the Western or 0. speciosa, one year old seedlings beating the latter by several inches, attaining a height of two to four feet. The seed being very small must be sown in a nursery, slightly covered, and in some way care must be taken that the surface be prevented from parching lest the germ may not break through. The spring following they may be transplanted definitely, the stem cut off to the ground. Distance and culture the first two years the same as with walnuts. Amazonia, Mo., June 1, 1885. A letter from M. H. Street, St. Library, Neb. In a circular from your worthy secretary, he says : "We hope no one will feel the least delicate in bringing or sending essays and pa- pers on any subject of interest to the society." Ah, of interest, how- few of us feel we are able to write such an article. He also calls for our experience. Mine is limited, but I will give it : As I expected, vines and bushes were badly killed. Snyder B. B. killed from a few buds at the ends of the canes down to the ground. Mammoth Cluster and Gregg raspberry killed about the same ; Tur- ner and Cuthbert stood the best of all, and are at date, May 25th, loaded with buds. Strawberry vines suffered badly. Downing seems to have almost entirely succumbed to the cold ; Crescent is ahead and lively, filling up with bloom and bud, but alas, I tear to no purpose, as the Downings are dead, and the Wilsons and Captain Jacks are so slow about blossoming; the* Crescents will not be fertilized. What can I use for a fertilizer for them in place of Chas. Downing? The common gray cut worm made sad havoc with the crowns of plants in early spring, killing thousands of them, our patch being within ten rods of the house (and no fences) We invited the hens down there, and they would run up and down the patch diving here and there, and now as soon as they are out of mornings they^ make for the patch and seem to catch a great deal 116 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. of something, nor do we see so many cut worms. When the hens show an inclination to scratch the mulch we drive them of, and before berry time (if we have any) will keep them oflf alto- gether. I had thought of sowing air-slacked lime over the plants, but was afraid to risk it till some one gave their experience with its use. I would ask if any of the members have ever tried it? In regard to the plants winter killicg, I think soil, climate, etc., the cause, as fol- lows : Soil, loose, sandy loam, so loose that unless mulched the hard winds carry a man's field off in clouds, and from the middle of Oct. to the first or middle of April, we have no rain, and the snow blows off down to the mulch, consequently what little snow that thaws does not keep the ground wet, and our intense cold (from 24 to 34 degrees below zero) dry freezes them to death. I lost about a dozen fall-set grape vines from the same cause, I feel pretty sure, for I watered them good when I set them, and as soon as the ground froze covered them some with earth and some with coarse manure, but they were dry and hard this spring. There are more insects, worms, etc., to the square acre here in Nebraska than any other place I saw, and anyone undertaking fruit raising must make up their minds to do or die. Even our forest trees are beset by the striped cotton- wood bug, box elder worm, rose bugs, caterpillars, etc. By the way, last winter I spread ashes from wood, cobs and cornstalks over a small plat of plants, and they were the deadest lot of all. Was it the ashes that killed them ? When we get down in Missouri, which we hope to do either this fall or next, then we will attend and listen to the experience of older and wiser ones. Yours respectfully, M. H. STREET. SUMMER MaETING AT BUTLER. 117 REPORT ON SMALL FRUITS. BY W. H. THOMAS. LaGrange, Mo., June 8, 1885. Z. A. Goodma7it -Esq. Dear Sir : In answer to your request for a paper on small fruits from Northeast Missouri, I have to say that this section of the State pays but little attention to growing small fruits, hence but little can be said by us. The past winter was very severe on the blackberries of the tender varieties, such as Lawton, Kittatinny, etc., but the Snyder came through all right, and is now full of blossoms, but few of that variety has been planted as yet, so of course our crop of blackberries for this season will be very light. The Black Cap raspberries were also injured by cold weather to some extent, so our crop of them will also be a little short. The red varieties appear to be uninjured, but very few of them, however, are grown here. But of the strawberry crop a more favorable report may be made, except as to prices, for we are now right in the heavy part of the picking. The Wilson was badly dam- aged by the freeze about a month ago, and the Sharpless and Chas. Downing are almost a total failure, but the Crescent, the boss of ber- ries, is uninjured, and, oh, my! what quantities of large fine berries they are turning off, and all for the small sum of "one dollar a bottle" — case — need I say, well, not quite so bad as that yet, for some are selling for $2.00 per case. We grow the Orescent, Wilson, Capt. Jack, Sucker State and Sharp- less, and are trying a few others, but shall discard Sharpless for same reason we had to give up Downing — too tender to .stand spring frosts. I always plant in the spring as early as possible after plants are large enough to take up. In planting a Crescent patch I plant two rows of Crescent, then one row of Wilson, then two rows Crescent, then one of Sucker State or Capt. Jack, and so on till all are planted. The Wilson being an early bloomer is ready to fertilize. The first bloom of the Crescent, the Capt. Jack or Sucker State both being late bloomers are ready to take up where the Wilson leaves off, thus fertilizing all the blooms on the Crescent, unless during unfavorable, cold, rainy weather 118 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. at blooming time, then much of the pollen falls to the ground, and the Crescent failing to receive its full share imperfect berries or none at all are formed. Many writers say plant every fifth row with a good, strong, perfect blooming variety, with the Crescent, and they will be properly fertil- ized. That may do to write as theory, and may do to practice, pro- vided the season is just right, and the perfect bloomer keeps right along with the Crescent's blooming season, but I hav-e failed to find such a plant, and experience has taught me it is not safe to plant that way or depend on one V9riety alone to aid the Crescent. I planted the Sucker State for the first time last spring, and now pronounce it the most robust, best rooted, largest crowned plant I have ever seen. (I have none to sell). I am taking a little fruit from them this season, they are later and larger than Wilson, and I think produce about the same; are not as firm as Wilson, but would sell for a Wil- son anywhere, they look so much like them. I expect to plant them quite largely next spring ; they grow and multiply nearly equal to the Crescent ; bloom late ; a perfect bloomer, and berries ripen late ; I think they are excellent to go with the Crescent. My plan of setting the plants is to mark off the ground one way same as for corn, then one man takes up the plants and straightens out the roots nicely, while another takes the planter (an instrument or tool similar to a cooper's adz, except the blade is straight and the hammer end of wood), and with his right hand sends the blade (say two inches wide) into the ground about four to six inches at an angle of about 45°, while with his left hand he places the plant down side the blade at the same time removing the blade and turning the tool so as to fetch a good stroke on the ground with the hammer end down near the plant, and the plant is firmly set, few fail to live, and the work is thus well, cheaply and rapidly done; one good hand will set as fast as another will take them up. I never allow plants to fruit same season they are planted. Can't say any more this time — too busy with berries. 71 cases to- day and threatening rain. I think my last letter to you was probably addressed Weston. LaGrange, Mo., June 23, 1885. Z. A. Goodman^ Esq . Secretary: Dear Sir: I wish to make a correction of my statement about the Sucker State; when I wrote it was just getting ripe, and I thought it looked very much like the Wilson. It is not near as firm as the Wil- son but averages larger in size, and very much resembles the Cumber- land Triumph in looks; quality not good ; otherwise I stand fully up SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 119 to all I said for it, on the limited trial I have had a chance to make of it ; by another seascn I hope to know more fully its qualities. Straw- berries all gone; season very unsatisfactory as to prices and quantity. Raspberries just commencins;; crop of them is very light. Truly, etc., 'W. H. THOMAS. Springfield, Mo., June 1, 1885. Mr. L. A. Goodman^ Secretary Missouri Horticultural Society: Dear Sir : As one of the Committe on Flowers, 1 beg to submit the following : The season is at least a month later than usual ; our annual roses are now in full bloom, and they are usually gone by " Decoration day." We had frost, snow and ice the first week in May, but it had no per- ceptible effect on even the tender plants, like heliotropes, etc., except to retard their growth a little. Following the old rule of bedding out tender plants when the fruit trees were in bloom, ours were all planted out, but we did not lose anything. Far greater attention is paid to the care of lawns and gardens than ever before, and our nurserymen report a great demand for plants, especially roses, geraniums, pansies and verbenas, they estimate their sales at double the amount of last jear, and at least $300.00 have been sent from Springfield for roses alone to Qanesfullen, St. Joseph, Miller & Hunt, Dingee & Conard, and others. (This was ascertained from the postmaster). I notice a peculiar little red burr on the roses (bushes) I have never seen before ; it looks something like a strawberry; cannot ascertain what it is. It seems to be a fine season for flowers, if it is late. MRS. WADE BURDEN. FLOWERING SHRUBS. BY J. A. DURKES. In accordance with your request, dear Secretary, to write some- thing that would be of interest to those who would attend this meet- ing, what better subject could we present at this season than that of flowers ? < 120 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIEIY. The shrub, whether planted for ornamental or floral purposes on the grounds, fills a place at all times attractive and though it were but an uncared for straggling bush, in some part of the spring or summer when it may be covered with bloom the most obdurate and critical in their taste would find a charm in — " Each floral bell that swingeth. Spreading its perfume on the passing air. " Especially are shrubs desirable to the general planter. They are hardy, need but little care and are easily propagated ; most can be grown from cuttings, by layers, by dividing, by side-shoots and root cutting. We said they would grow with little labor, but their response to those little things we call high cultivation will be seen in the size» richness and abundance of bloom, as well as the luxuriance and lustre of the foliage. Of the mode of training and culture, their useful adaptations in ornamental planting is not our purpose now to speak, but to note some of the most desirable, with their habits, that will give a succession of bloom from early spring till summer late. While the snow is still lingering on the northern slopes, the Daphne ushers in the floral reign of spring, and before a leaflet appears, its branches are " Well attired and thick beset With blushing wreaths investing every spray." The golden bells of the Forsythia, half hidden amid the deep green foliage, at this season the more attractive, is a pretty sight ; un- fortunately, this is only half-hardy, and needs protection. The excellence of the Juneberry cannot be praised too highly, its white flowers covering the tree in April, and becoming very ornamen- tal in fall by the purplish red hue of its leaves. The Japan Quince, too, is a desirable shrub on account of its hardi- hood and early habit of bloom j the appearance of its flowers are very brilliant, and the poet has spoken of it in this strain : " Wreathed in deep crimson buds — the fairy fires That gleam and glow amid the wintry scenes, Lighting their ruddj^ beacons at the sun." To melt away the snow, as the days pass on and lengthen, the fra- grance of the Golden Currant fills the air, the little Almond, pink and white, enliven the scene, while their more stately sister, the Flowering Plum, vies with them in the greater delicacy of her colors. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 121 That old favorite, the Lilac, we cannot pass by ; for ages it has been a plant for poetical inspiration. May comes and the floral crown re- ceive? many beautiful additions. The pretty Tartarian, or upright Honeysuckle, the Weigelia and several varieties of Spirea are in bloom, and the Snowball too, tall " And throwing up her silver globes — Light as the foamy surf The wind severs from the broken waves." This is one of the most beautiful of all ornamental shrubs, and re- ceives a place in every plantation. The Rose Acacia, though a rambling shrub, always was a favorite- with us. The Philadelphus are all hardj^, giving abundance of bloom. Of course every one must have the Queen of flowers, the Rose, to- reign over their little floral kingdom. The Deutzia, too — who does not admire it ? — outstretching its branches, laden with white blossoms "Half-hidden 'mid its foliage green." Other varieties of the Spirea now come into bloom. The Sorreltree becomes very desirable and the more attractive from the length of its blooming season, being from July to September. The Altheas gladden the later summer with their various colors. For a late bloomer the Stuartia must win its way into every col- lection; this shrub is not so well known yet as it should be. Many of the intervals of the blooming can be tilled by a selection of climbers. Honeysuckles, Wistarias, Clematis and others. The hardy. Perpetual Roses, too, go far in this respect. The secretary called the attention to the offer of $1,000 by the American Garden for the best new variety of strawberry, best raspberry^, best grape, best gooseberry, best blackberry, best new fruit, best new potato, best new vegetable, best new flowering shrub. The secretary then read the following liberal offer made by E. H. Libby, Greenfield, Mass., editor of American Garden : THE AMERICAN GARDEN PRIZES OF f;i,000 FOR NEW FRUITS,, FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES. For the promotion of horticulture, the American Garden ofl"ers the following prizes of $100 each, or silver plate of equal value. No vari- 122 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. eties now upon the market can compete. Plants or seeds are to be sent to the committees for f>;rowing in their own grounds for trial, under restrictions not to be propagated or sold. The prizes are to be awarded to the originators : a. The varieties put in competition are to be shown at three or more State, National, or other equally important exhibitions, in 18S5 and in 1886, under the rules of the societies where exhibited. The awards will be made by committees — chosen from among members of the American Pomological Society for fruits, American Horticultural Society for vegetables. Society of American Florists for flowering plants — in the fall of 1886, or at such times as the committees shall de- cide that the conditions have been met. 1. For the best grape which shall combine territorial adaptability with superior shipping and table qualities. A vine with the current year's growth, a portion of the previous year's growth, with all fruit and foliage growing thereon intact, and at least six bunches of grapes shown separately, to be exhibited as above {a). $100 or plate. 2. For the best strawberry which shall combine territorial adapt- ability with superior shipping and table qualities.. A plate of not less than fifty berries, and three plants with all roots, foliage and fruit in- tact, to be exhibited as above {a). §100 or plate. 3. For the best raspberry which shall combine hardiness, pro- ductiveness and superior shipping and table qualities. Same condi- tions as for 2. To be exhibited as above («). $100 or plate. 4. For the best gooseberry which shall combine large size, pro- ductiveness and freedom from mildew. Same conditions as for 2. To be exhibited as above {a). $100 or pla4:e. 5. For the best blackberry which shall combine large size, good qualit}', hardiness and productiveness. Conditions as for 2. To be ex- hibited as above (a.) $100 or plate. 6. For the best new fruit, (a new species required) to thrive north of Virginia and Kansas. To be exhibited as above (a). $100 or plate. 7. For the best new potato which shall combine superior quality, productiveness, and freedom from disease. One peck to be exhibited as above (a). $100 or plate. 8. For the best new vegetable, other than potato (either a new variety or species), table and shipping qualities, and profitableness of culture to be considered. To thrive north of Virginia and Kansas. To be exhibited as above («). §100 or plate. 9. For the best new flowering shrub, which shall be hardy in the Northern States east of the Rocky Mountains. To be exhibited as above («). 8100 or plate. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 123 10. Fer the best new herbaceous perennial flowering plant, which shall be hardy in the Northern States east of the Rocky Mountains. To be exhibited as above (a). $100 or plate. We shall make no claims or conditions whatsoever that would in- fluence the naming or disposition of the prize-winning varieties. The competition is opeA to North America. The names of the committees will be announced as soon as the lists can be completed. The above conditions will not be modified, except, possibly, to simplify them. We invite suggestions, to the end of making the above offers as useful as possible. Parties intending to compete are requested to inform the under- signed, for record. Reports of judges on any new fruits, flowers, or vegetables at any exhibition in America are solicited. (Signed) E. H. LIBBY. Greenfield, Mass., Maj^ 1, 1885. Committee on final resolutions submitted the following repo-rt: REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS. Mr. President : The committee appointed to draft final resolutions beg leave to off"er the following : Pesolved, That the thanks of this society are due for the use of the Presbyterian church, in which we held our meeting, and especially to the ladies of Butler for the gorgeous and beautiful decoration with such a fine array and beautiful display of rare blooming pot plants, together with a profusion of cut flowers, boquets, designs and festoons, and for their interest and regular attendance during the meeting. liesolved., further^ That our thanks are due the Bates County Hor- ticultural Society and to the citizens of Butler and of the county for their courteous, hospitable entertainment and untiring efforts to ren- der our stay and meeting pleasant. Resolved, further, That we are pleased to be honored by so many reporters of the press, and also especially to Prof. Rose for his prompt- ness in reporting the full proceedings of this society. 124 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Resolved^ That the thanks of the society are di>e the Missouri Pacific, Chicago & Rock Island, the C. & A., Wabash, and Kansas City & Memphis railroads for reduced rates over each of their different lines. Respectfully submitted, Z. S. RAGAN, E. F. HYNES. REPORT OF TREASURER. RECEIPTS. Balance last report March 30, 1885, Deticiencj^ Bill (printing) May 17, 1885, Deficiency Bill (New Orleans) State appropriation Membership Total EXPENDITURES. April U, 1885, warrant No. 34, printing report. . . May 20, 1885, warrant No. 36, printing (balance). May 20, 1885, warrants Nos. 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41, expenses at World's Fair Jan. 1, 1885, warrant No. 42, expenses winter meeting March 1, 1885, warrant No. 43, expenses Jeff. City, postage, etc. April 1 , 18S5, warrant No. 44, expenses on report, express May 1, 1885, warrant No. 45, binding report June 1, 1SS5, warrant No. 40, postage on reports June 1, 18S5, warrant No. 47, six months salary Secretary June 1 , 1885, Tresurer's expenses Total Leaving balance Total $75 OO 450 00 500 00 750 00 82 oa $1,857 oa $395 84 32 80 484 00 117 00 77 35 101 80 218 78 62 30 250 00 32 10 $1,772 47 83 53: $1,857 OO J, C. EVANS, Treasurer. Referred to Finance Committee, exaiwined and approved. D.N.THOMPSON, A. AMBROSE. Committee. SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 125 Before adjournment President Evans extended an invitation to the members and their friends to meet at Duncan's Hall at 8 p.m. to enjoy a strawberry festival. The invitation was heartily seconded by Mr. Thompson in behalf of Butler and vicinity. Sec. Goodman made a few appropriate remarks relating to asso- ciations and friendships formed in these associations. Mr. King, editor of the Wester?i Chronicle^ by request, presented, the merits of his paper. Also the merits of the Live Stock Record were presented by its editor, H. E. Heath. By motion, the ministers of Butler and their wives were made honorary members of the society for the coming year. The society was then favored with a beautiful song, " Weary Gleaner." After a permanent benediction by Bro. Walker, the society ad- journed until next December to meet at time and place selected by the proper officers. REPORT OF THE MISSOURI VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. BY G. W. HOPKIRS, ESQ., WITH SOME OF THE PAPERS READ DURIXG THE YEAR. Mr. President and Members of the Missouri State Horticultural S&- ciety: I herewith submit a brief report from the Missouri Valley Horti- cultural Society : Since my last report to your meeting at St. Joseph, we have passed through one of the most severe winters I have ever experienced in this State. This has been followed up by a very cold, wet. backward spring, which has left its telling effect upon every kind of fruit. Thousands of apple trees which were loaded with bloom and gave promise of a bountiful crop, are now covered with a rich green foliage,, but minus their fruit. Peach trees have not only failed to bloom, but many are dead and many are so badly injured as to make but a sickly effort in the forma- tion of foliage. Raspberries that have heretofore been considered iron-clad, hav» had to succumb. EEPORT OF MrgSOURI VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 1'27 Cherries that gave promise of an unusual large crop, have con- tinued to drop until we can hardly expect half a crop. Plums are almost a failure. Strawberries, while passing through the winter uninjured, and setting a heavy crop, when the picking time arrives are found to be below the usual average size, and deficient in quantity. Many varieties which were never known 1o rust before are now badly afl'ected. While the outlook for the horticulturist is not the most flattering in this section of the country, let us not despair, but remember the promise which is found in the good book that seed time and harvest shall always come. The winter meetings of the society were held in Kansas City at the office of Vineyard & Wilkinson, with the exception of the April meet- ing, which was held at the court-house. Owing to the absence of many of the members attending the World's Fair at New Orleans, and the extreme cold weather, some of the meetings were not very largely attended. However, there were always enough members who braved the storms to form a quorum for the transaction of business. To this promptness which has character- ized the members of the society in attending the monthly meetings,, may in a large degree be attributed the success which has crowned the efforts of the organization. The display of apples up to the May meeting was unusually fine,, and the society awarded premiums liberally. The Society has made an arrangement with the Western Chron- icle, a monthly paper published in Kansas City, by which a complete report of the proceedings of the Society, together with all essays and papers will be published in each number. By this means the ex- perience and observation of the members will be widely disseminated' throughout the surrounding country. The May meeting was held at the home of Jesse Ray, east of the' city. It commenced to rain early in the morning, and continued at intervals throughout the day. The members began to drop in about eleven o'clock, and continued to come until quite a crowd had col- lected. Mr. Ray had made preparations for a large crowd, and such huge dishes of ham, chicken, cake, pies, etc., we only see at the summer- meetings of the Society. Several ladies were present, and the mem- bers enjoyed a good time, socially, until the hour arrived for business. The Society is largely indebted to the ladies for the success of the summer meetings. 128 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. They know just how to tempt the appetite and supply the wants of the inner man. It is said if you " toucli a man's pocket, you touch his heart." But I am one who believes that the shortest route to a man's heart is reached through his stomach. After dinner the meeting was called to order by Vice President Goodman. Our worthy President, Col. Evans, having recently com- mitted T^iatriraony ^ failed to show up. This is the first time he was ever known to stay away on account of weather, especially at the summer meetings, when he knew the ladies would be present. After spending some time in discussing the horticultural outlook and listening to a very valuable paper on the sacking of grapes, the Society adjourned to meet at the home of Judge Cravens on the third Saturday in June. The following is a list of officers and members of the Society for 18S5: President — J. C. Evans. Secretary — G. W. Hopkins. F. Hoi singer. Major Z. S. Ragan. William Lewis. J. C. Blair. S. D. Gregg. Eugene Lindsay. Zatter Todd. J. W. Williamson. Harvey Hughes. James A. Bayles. Isaac Orwick. J. 0. Dickerson. • P. S. Brown. A. 0. Threlkeld. F. E. Robinson. W. A. Gosnell. Carl Shroeder. T. McKinlev. OFFICERS. Vice-President — L. A. Goodman. Treasurer— G. F. Espenlaub. MEMBERS. W. G. Gano. J. A Durkes. J. W. Kidwell. H. Kretchmar. W\ M. Hopkins. J. K. Lantsenhiser. Dan. Carpenter. James Fisher. C. E. Kern. S. W. Saulsbury. Major H. A. White. ' Jesse Ray. C. B. Warren. John Howell. T. L. Hogue. William Kaufman. S. S. Hogue. M. B. Newman. MISSOURI VALLEY nORTICULTURAL SOCIETY REPORT. 129 HONORARY MEMBERS. J. D. King. John K. Cravens. Frolessor Rose. William Vineyard. Mr. Wilkinson. LIFE MEMBER. G. S. Parks. All ladies who attend the meetings are considered as honorary- members. In conclusion, I desire to say that I regret that it will not be pos- sible for me to attend your meeting, and to indulge the hope that you will have a very pleasant and interesting meeting, and that horticul- tural interests will be greatly benefited by your coming together. Respectfully, G. W. HOPKINS, Secretary M. V. H. S. Following are some of the papers read during the year at the monthly meetings: VEGETABLLES. BY C. E. KERN, WESTPORT. Mr. Kern presented the following report: Mr. President : At the request of the chairman of the Committee on Vegetables, I herewith present to this society a very brief report for the past month. The weather, with the exception of too much rainfall, which re- tarded proper cultivation at the time it was needed the most, has been all that could be desired for the perfection of vegetables. Prices have been, with a few exceptions, very fair, with a good demand. From my observations I am led to infer that there are not so many n. R.— 9 130 MISSOUBI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. farmers eno^aged in the attempt to farm and garden at the same time this year as there were last; the result is almost invariably disastrous to them, as it is almost an impossibility to conduct a farm and a market garden at the same time. They succeed usually in demoralizing prices, thereby making market gardening unpopular. The cabbage worm, that has been so troublesome in the past years^ is now commencing its work of destruction to the cabbage again. The several methods advocated before this society for their extermination. can be used at the present time to the greatest advantage to the pro- ducer. The earth flea, which was so destructive in Mkj, is still with us, but is not doing much damage, as vegetation is so rank this month it is almost impossible for them to do much injury at the present time* Tomatoes that are maturing are rotting to some extent, caused by ex- cessive moisture. All other vegetables that were properly cultivated are doing as well, if not better, than they have done for some years. Mr. Kern uses pyrethum to destroy the cabbage worm. Mixes with flour, three parts of flour, one part pyrethum. Applies with gar- den bellows. Major Gano referred to a case where road dust was used with good success. Ice water, quick lime, bran and other remedies wereoffered* Mr. Durkees added sifted ashes to the list. ENTOMOLOGY. Major Frank Holsinger, chairman of the committee, offered the following report : PHYLOXERIA. The grape has been suffering some time with a minute insect known as phyloxeria. During the last few years much attention has been given it, in hopes of saving our grapes from its ravages. So great has been the destruction of the vineyards in France and Italy that it has been considered a national calamity. These governments have ap- pointed special committees to investigate and report, and large rewarda MISSOURI YALLEV HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY REPORT. 131 • . are ofl'ered for a remedy that will eradicate them. Other countries in Europe have been visited by them. Phyloxeria is purely an American invention, and one in which we take very little pride. It doutless was carried to France from the United States. Our American vines seem to resist it more than the foreign vines. Until recently the Pacific Slope was exempt, but they are there now, and promise to do great damage to the vines, as they are largely of European origin. The insect of two forms — those of the leaf produce greenish red or yellow galls, of various shapes and sizes. The other form is that upon the root, which is by far the more destructive. The first appear upon the rootlets, causing swellings. As the insects increase they pass to the larger roots, soon the plants are so badly injured as to be useless cr die from their attack. Tbe first notice we have of this insect is by Dr. Fitch, in 185-1, in the '"Transactions of New York State Agricul- tural Society." Early in June there appears upon the leaves small globular cupsbaped galls. Upon opening these globes you will find from one to four of these greenish red or possibly yellow lice with many very minute eggs of about the same color. Sometimes these galls become over- populated, and they pass out and soon form new galls. Frequently as many as four or five hundred eggs may be found in a single gall. There are many generations ot them in a season, and as the leaves become old and less suculent, they leave their cells, wander off^, enter the ground and feed upon the roots, where they sub- sist upon the young rootlets, which soon become diseased and die. As soon as the plant is exhausted they pass off through the ground in search of other food, which they soon find amid the interlacing of adjoining plants. They remain in the ground torpid all winter, and from their color — brown — are hard to discover. It is only the females that have wings and can fly, and in this way migrate to other fields at remote distances. As to remedies, there has as yet little been done to check them. Bi-sulphide of carbon is said to be most efficient, being very offensive and volatile it permeates the soil to a considerable dis- tance and kills the insects without injury to the vine. Great care should be taken to handle this substance, as it is very inflamable and explosive. Holes are made about the plant and the substance is placed therein. As myriads of them are known to crawl over the ground in August and September, quick lime sprinkled over the ground is an efficient remedy. Few insects as yet are found to prey upon them. Mrijor Ragan objected to s^ddling upon America the origin of Phy- loxeria ; thought it came from France. Major Holsinger stoutly maintained the position taken in his paper. 132 MISSOUKI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. •- NEW VARIETIES OF GRAPES. Mr, Espenlaub read the following essay : The subject, '' New Varieties of Grapes," has, I fear, been assigned to the wrong person, -as I have not invested much in the new high- priced kinds, knowing that often the much lauded and high priced prove inferior to old standard kinds which can be bought for a nickel each. I invested three years ago in some Prentiss and after expend- ing much time and patience I find it mildews every summer so that it never ripens any wood to endure our winters, some of the plants gave up entirely, others are only just alive, and I fear I will never succeed in raising a Prentiss grape. I have succeeded but little better with Adirondac, Baccus, Brigh- ton, Walter, Senasqua, Agawam, Louisiana and Triumph. Most of the Rogers Hybrids are going the same road. The only kind of others is the Goethe, and it also was killed to the ground last winter, though it is worth covering in winter. Of all new kinds very few^ promise better than those that have the Concord for one of their parents ; they all have the advantage of being hardy enough to endure our winters, though very severe they have proved to be of late ; they also suffer little or none from mildew as they all have the thick leathery foliage on the Concord. The next most promising class are those that have originated from the almost worthless variety, the Taylor Ballit. They are mostly seed- lings of the Elvira. These also are very hardy and healthy, and most of Uiem very prolific ; they are most all while grapes. Perhaps one of the most promising of these is Noah, it is very prolific, fair in size in bunch and berry and of very good quality. There are some very good seedlings of the Clinton, these also possess great hardihood, generally have compact bunches, with rather small berries and are black, and rank more as wine than table grapes. The following essay was presented bj'- L. A. Goodman : GROWTH OF PLANTS. How plants grow, that is, how is this life growth produced, has been the study of scientists for ages. What this life principle is, how MISSOURI VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY REPORT. 133 it is formed, what brings it to life, what it is, is unknown. Sun and water brings life out of a dry seed if the germ is not killed. Heat and moisture seem to say to all seeds, ''Come, show yourself," and at once they start into activity. Did you ever see the live oats? Take some of them, wet them in warm water, and in a few moments, holding them in the warm hand, they will begin to show life. The workings and twistings, the legs throwing themselves out this way and that until they finally turn clear over and over They will go again and again. Keep them damp and warm and they keep at work as if endowed with life. What is this life, we know not. How does it show itself no one can tell. Where does the vegetable end and the animal begin, is a ques- tion hard to answer. The swelling of the life germ produces a motion imperceptible to us, but just as positive as is the motion in the animal, and that when growth begins this motion begins. Scientists call this first principle of growth or life in the plant, protoplasm. This is only observable by the aid of the most powerful microscope, and is the lowest form of life, just as an atom is the lowest form of matter. Protoplasm is the life, then, of all growth, and what seems stranger than all, this life is of itself capable of motion, and in the vegetable cells it is the life principle. It is also capable of subdivision and that of itself, so that growth is formed by this division of this life growth, and that continuously forming the life of the cells of the plants and thus the growth is continually forming. Stranger still is it that this protoplasm is the life principle in the lower forms of animals, and even of man himself, and stranger than all seems to be the fact that there is no power of the microscope so great as to be able to separate this life so as to be able to distinguish it. Take this life principle and no one is able to tell what shall proceed from it — vegetable, bird or man. Animal life, even to that of man, seems to be exactly the same as that of vegetable life. Protoplasm is the germ of all life, and in all the vegetable life this is the life princi- ple — this is the growth or cause of growth. Some of the lower animal life is like the vegetable — can be dried up and kept so for years, and as soon as heat and moisture are applied they seem to start into life just as the germ of the seed does. Heat and moisture seem to bring this protoplasm to life, and from its own power of motion and of division we have the growth of the animal as well as the vegetable kingdom. In all vegetable growfh we have the cell formation plainly seen, and this protoplasm is the life in the center of the cells. These cells 134 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIEIY. consist of the cell wall or membrane and its contents. The cell wall is a thin partition of dead matter called cellulose. This cellulose has the same constitution, as starch, oxygen, carbon and hydroiien. It is white, tough, elastic and fibrous. You can see it in the skeleton of the leaves, so often visible on trees where all the cells have been eaten off. It is the frame work of all plants. In the first stages of life the cell consists entirely of cellulose, but as plants grow the walls become encrusted with resins and coloring matter. This forms the food of herbivorous animals. This cell wall contains, while young, this viscid flaid, like itself, protoplasm. As plants grow, or rather as this pro- toplasm divides, plants do grow, and we see the elongation of the roots, branches and leaves. When the woody matter forms, the fluid evaporates and leaves a cavity filled with air. This is seen plainly in the bark of trees, the pith and in the old wood. This protoplasm clings to the cell walls as the cells grow, so as to line it, and the interior of this space is filled with cell sap. This proto- plasm still later forms a thin film, and a nucleus is formed and strings of protoplasm form across the cell cavity from this nucleus. This in young cells divides into halves, a wall of cellulose forms, and thus new cells are formed. These take place so rapidly as to be almost without number. These cells are only about 1-300 to I-IOOO of an inch, so that a cubic inch contains from 25,000,000 to 100,000,000 of cells. Thus, when you see a plant growing one or two inches per day you can imagine the immense number of these divisions and cell formations per day. Prof. Gray states in his botany that a century plant throwing up its flower stalk, six laches per day, formed every day twenty thousand million cells, a number beyond our comprehension. In the green parts of plants the protoplasm undergoes a change, by which a part of it is broken up into granules, which contain a green coloring matter called chlorophyl, and these granules are very numer- ous in the surface cell of plants, and the color of the leaves seen through the thin cell walls. tSimilar granules, but of difterent colors, are seen in the flowers. What forms this color out of water and soil is a query. This chlorophyl under the action of the sunlight separates the car- bonic acid of the air and gives out oxygen to the air and carbon to the plant. Starch is formed by the carbon combining the oxygen and hydrogen of water. This chlorophyl is only farmed by sunlight, for if it is with- drawn the blanching process appears. The plant seems to have the power to change the starch, mucilage, sugar and plant fabric, one into the other as it may need. So that one MISSOURI VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY KEPORT. 135 time a plant may have an abundance of one, and at a future time of another of these substances. So that although these substances are nearl}^ alike in chemical composition, and are in all plants, yet one will lay up stores of sugar, starch or plant fabric as the case may be/ We «ee this especially in Indian corn and the potato. This principal makes •each variety of plant valuable in its own place and is the medicinal properties of plants, the oils secreted, the coffee its valuable properties* ■castor oil bean, tea, Peruvian bark, &c. Now, then, this power of changing can only be done in the young «tate, and we can have a lesson from this on our fruit trees. In the first place, then, all flowers are simply changed leaves, and if these can be changed by any means in our power, then we have it in our hands to get fruit buds. Now, few fruit growers and nurserymen but what know that if we cut a ring out of the bark of the tree in time in the spring the growth of buds will change into fruit buds, but that if it is done too late it will do no good. This power to change is visible in all plants as soon as the life of the tree or plant is threatened then it changes its growth into fruit and seeds. But the opposite is also true. Let a plant be injured after the forming of the buds or during winter and they may be so injured that the buds will just open but never set a bit of fruit; or if may be so injured that not one of the buds will bloom, or they may be injured so they will not even form wood growth. All fruits, therefore, that form their fruit buds the previous year and lie dormant can easily be told when injured or can be easily seen as they form their buds, and can be made to change the growth buds into fruit buds if taken in time. But all fruits and nuts which form their fruit on the growth of the year can not be so easily seen in its effects and they seem to be under different laws. For instance, the grape has two sets of buds, but late in the season no one supposes that it could change its growth into fruit bearing. Nor the peach. If the buds for fruit are killed the tree has no power to transform its growth buds into fruit buds, and yet the tree has this power at the time of its early growth in the season. But in the walnut chestnut and hickory the bloom buds are formed on the present year's growth and the change can not be so easily seen- In the raspberry blackberry and grape we find this same principle of growth, the young shoots from the last years stem bringing the fruit. Now, if the cane is injured by the winter, or the buds are killed, then the growth, although it may set fruit (if not injured too badly), will never ripen them, and ■oftentimes it will not even bloom, although it may make a good growth. In fact it is simply this, the fruit buds being a modified leaf, if ir)jured, will return to its primitive form — leaf growth. 136 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The tree's structure is the bark. First the liber or fibrous bark, that is, their inner bark. Second, the green bark, which contains he same matter as the leaves, and is covered during the year with. Third, a corky layer, whicli is the same as the cork now in use. Fourth, the epidermis or skin which covers the whole. The whole of the growth is made from this inner bark. Next to it comes the sap-wood, the grow- ing part of a tree, and a layer is put on every year on the outer side under the bark. Then the heart-wood which has changed color and has little to do with the life of the tree. The living parts of a tree are : First, the rootlets, at one extremity ; second, the buds and leaves of the season on the other ; and, third, the newest wood and the newest bark of the body. The new growth be- tween the wood and bark is called the cambrian layer, and is so tender that the least effort will raise the bark. But this is all composed of cells, so young that it looks like mucilage, but the cells forming so rapidly by division that a person becomes bewildered. The leaves consist of the woody parts (ribs), and cellular part, these cells being filled with the chlorophyl (that is, the green of the leaves). The upper part close and glossy to shed the rain, the lower part porus and open for the work of the tree, the breathing apparatus. The trees and plants are, as before intimated, using up the carbonic acid and giving out ogygen, while animals are using ogygen and ex- haling the carbonic acid. Thus the growth of the plants are a medium by which such matters are kept evenly balanced. What this life is, just how it does its work, why it will take from the same soil the same particles and [produce the apple, or the peach, or the grape, or the strawberry, we can not tell, no more than we can tell why the same grass will produce the hair on the horse, the wool on the sheep and the feathers on the goose. And this problem will never be solved why this same life principle, protoplasm, which we can not tell whether it will produce apple, peach, grape, strawberry, horse, sheep or goose, will if under the proper conditions do so. God only knows these things, and His goodness and wisdom rules them all. The paper lead to a spirited discussion relative to the changing of growth buds to fruit buds by girdling or otherwise injuring the tree. REPORT OF BATES COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 137 REPORT OF BATES COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. BY HENRY SPEER, SECRETARY, BUTLER, MO. WITH SOME OF THE PAPERS PvEAD. Butler, Mo., June 9, 18S5. L. A. Goodman^ Secretary State Horticultural Society: Dear Sir : I take pleasure in reporting to yon that our society is in a reasonably prosperous condition. Owing to the severe winter and bad state of the roads some of our winter meetings failed, but we have had some good meetings and have had interesting papers and discus- sions on the following subjects in the last six months : Paper on '' Round Headed Borer," by J. B. Innis. Paper on "Social Intluence of Our Horticultural Societies,'' by .J. W. Hall. Paper on " Raising Vegetables for Home Use," by Henry Speer. Paper on "How to Have Strawberries for the Family," by C. I.- Robards. Paper on "The Codling Moth." by J. B. Innis. Paper on "The Raspberry — Its Cultivation," by E. P. Henry. Our members number forty-five, about half of them being good, active members. The society promises to be useful in the future. We hold summer meetings around among the members pic-nic style, and have a good time. 138 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. THE SOCIAL INFLUENCE OF OUR HORTICULTURAL MEET- INGS. BY J. "W. HALL. " Man cannot live by bread alone," was the saying of One who un- derstood the many sides of human nature, and that each side needed to be ministered unto. Now, in all the hurry and rush of life — the buying and selling, the getting and losing — there is an unseen quantity which is not sufficiently estimated or often considered in making up life. The exhibitions, county and State fairs, coming once a year, sug- gests the benefits of fellowship among horticulturists. This is aided through the influence of the frequent meetings of the minor socieiies ; the love which every true horticulturist has for his labors; the pleas- ure which he takes all alone in looking at his fine fruit, by his long continued patience, perseverance and skill have been raised; the profit received by all careful and thoughtful co laborers in this noble work ; the excitement incident to competition — all these are good things and have their place in the success of the business- There is one thing that I wish to speak of, that, perhaps, has not been noticed in the light that it deserves: that is, the kindly and neighborly fellowship enjoyed by all at these monthly, semi pic nic, social and business meetings du ing the past summer. There is a practical side to this, one in my way of thinking of suffi- cient importance, if rightly estimated, to insure the continuance of these meetings, if there were no other considerations. This fellowship brings out the finer feelings. Whatever has been said in sharp con- troversy in expressing our different views and ideas in regard to the subject matter before us, all is laid aside. The gentle, the kind, the noble part comes to crown the man, and when, after a few hours of seeing each other, receiving (he warm grasp of the hand as an expres- sion of sincere frindship and congratulations, we separate, and as we wend our ways homeward, we feel that it was good for us that we were there. Then there is, as we have intimated, a necessity for such fellow- ship. The wear and tear of life to an average busy American is really EEPORT OF BVTES COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIEIY. 139 awful. If there can be a few times ia the course of the year some- thing which, for a few days, that will draw the jad«d mind from the regular routine of every day duties, it would save ten years to life. Yet the nature of this something is decisive. What can be a better an- tidote (smooth and easy to take) than the exhibition of a large and choice collection of beautiful ripe fruits? The collection made by this society at our last monthly meeting for the World's Exposition at New Orleans was added to and somewhat improved before it was sent away. The few who saw it viewed it with mingled wonder and pleas- ure and surprise. THE CURRANT IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI. BY HENRY SPEARS. In preparing a short paper for this meeting, I have chosen as my subject my boyhood friend, the much neglected fruit, the currant; a Iruit that is worthy of more attention than it has received in this part ot Missouri in the past ; a fruit that is easily raised if its nature and wants are studied ; a fruit tha*^ will occupy, if necessary, an out of-the- way corner where the space will not be missed ; a fruit that makes an excellent pie or sauce when green, and when ripe, eaten with sugar and cream.it i5 no mean desert; and for jelly, in my estimation, it has no equal. What can excel in color, consistency and flavor well made currant jelly ? If the fruit, has been found that excels it for this purpose, I for one have not yet seen it. The pleasant acid of the cur- rant, ripening as it does, in the hotest part of the summer, is cooling and healthy, and comes at a very opportune season. Then I say, raise currants; raise plenty of them ; let the children have all the ripe ones they want ; and if the chickens and birds should get a few of them it will do them no harm. But hold on, says one ; currants wont grow in Southwest Missouri. That is just what they told me about timothy and clover when I first came to Bates countj''. But to day we have as fine meadows and pastures as they have anywhere ; 1 40 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. and a visit to the garden or small fruit patch of any one who has really tried to raise cnrrsk^ts will CDnvince the mosc skeptical that currants can be raised even in Southwest Missouri. I do not know that they could be raised profitably for market in this climate and on our soil* I have not tried it and know of no one who has, and do not recom- mend it ; but every farmer and l"ruit grower should raise a variety for home use. The best soil for the currant is a rather heavy moist soil with a northern exposure. I don't think it would succeed on sandy soil with southern exposure. A little protection from the sun and southwest wind, such as would be given by a fence or even a stone wall, would be beneficial, but not absolutely necessary, cultivation and mulching being the prime factors of success in its cultivation. I have not experimented with any of the new varieties, and do not know whether they are much improvement on the old Red Dutch or not, it being all that I have tried to any extent. The currant worm has not put in his appearance as yet with me» and I have not heard of it in the county. The worst trouble is the long, hot summer, as.it sheds its leaves early ; but this difficulty can be overcome by heavy mulching. HOW TO FURNISH THE FAMILY WITH AN ABUNDANT SUP- PLY OF STRAWBERRIES THROUGH THE SEASON. BY C. I. ROBARDS, BUTLER. The rapid strides of progress that we are making in commerciar intercourse and the improvements over the old ways and old things are astonishing to every one who stops long enough in this flying age to consider the results of man's inventive genius. Thus by the shortness of time, by which widely distant latitudes are brought to yield up their treasures, together with the increased facilities for transportation in good order, we are given the privilege of enjoying the daily use of fresh strawberries at least four months in the REPORT OP BATES COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 141 year. But this is our peculiar day and time, and if we faithfully per- form our duties as horticulturists we are here not only to enjoy these privileges, but to test for the people and for ourselves every new fruit that may seem to offer any new points of merit. It will not do for us to believe that we have reached perfection in anything. In the strawberry we are to consider improvement with reference to productiveness, size, flavor, and adaptability to latitude. In my opinion soil has less to do with the varying results of the strawberry, except as to time of ripening, than with any other crop. In other words, I believe the strawberry to be a plant of so easy cul- ture that whether the land be wet or dry, sand or heavy clay, all diflS- culties in the way of successful cultivation of this crop may be over- come by judicious and proper cultivation in the growing season. The great difficulty in the way of general planting of this crop seems to be in an exaggerated estimate of the amount of labor requisite to success. Many men when urged to provide themselves with strawberry plants, to aflnrd a fresh supply of this delicious fruit for their families, have answered, "Oh, I haven't time to fool with those things." But these same men will carefully pale in a large family garden at an ex- pense of fifty or one hundred dollars, manure it sufficiently for a hun- dred dollar crop of small fruits, and after having planted it to cabbage, tomatoes, and potatoes, gather from it in the course of the season ten to fifteen dollars' worth of vegetables. This they do not call fooling. We would not say one word against growing a reasonable amount of vegetables for the use of the family, but if we can grow delicious fresh fruits for our wives and little ones to bring smiles to their faces and color to their cheeks, and yet can raise in the same enclosure, with very little more labor, all the vegetables we need, why by all means let us have both and be happy. God made all these things for our good. Let us not despise any good gift. But we started with a proposition to inform how to have fresh strawberries in abundant supply through the season. If the plants are near the preparation of the ground is the first thing to be considered. Now, I have no doubt that right here is where many people have been deterred from taking the first step. Many people seem to have an impression that either some peculiar soil or some peculiar condition of preparation is required. I repeat, that in my opinion any soil and any condition of soil will do to plant in, so that it is in as goodorder as would be required for a crop of €orn. 142 MISOSURI STATE HORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. As to enriching if., all that may be done, with good results in the fall after the cultivation of the crop, is over for the season ; but give good cultivation through the season to insure a good crop the next year after planting. For family supply procure three hundred plants of Crescent Seedling, fifty plants of Sharpless, one hundred plants of Mount Vernon, fifty plants of Manchester. Plant two rows of Cres- cents, eighteen inches by two feet apart, then one row of either of the others at the same distance for garden culture. Keep all runners off" during the season, and after the growing sea- son is over in the fall — say about the first of December — cover all the ground and plants sufficiently to hide them from sight with a coating of hay or straw. Prairie hay or wheat straw are the best materials for mulch. While I would recommend the four above named well-tried varieties for this latitude for all purposes, I wish to notice a few other varieties of great promise that have been recently brought into notice. The Phelps or old Ironclad presents some remarkable points of merit. It seems to be very early, very large, as the young fruit now indicates, but its most distinguishing feature thus far indicated, is its great promise of productiveness. On plants set only late in the spring of 1884 I counted 110 berries and blossoms set on a single plant, Park Beauty, set also late in the spring of 1881 is very full of fruits I am testing on my trial grounds at Batler also the Daniel Boone, Jer- sey Queen, Hart's Minnesota, Cornelia, Jumbo, and many new sorts. The Jumbo indicates a very larga fruit. These new sorts, however, we hope to be able to report more fully in regard to at the time of our next regular meeting. Plant strawberries; plant hardy, productive and well-tried sorts ; give reasonable, common sense cultivation, and you will have fruit in abundance as long as your neighbors and have the sweet pleasure of enjoying the fruits of yoar own labor. KEPORT OF GREEN'S COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 143 REPORT OF GREENE COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. BY D. S. HOLMAN, SPRINGFIELD. ALSO SOME OF THE PAPERS READ DURING THE YEAR. Springfield, Mo., June 8th, 1885, OfficeTs and Members Missouri State Horticultural Society : We offer the followiag brief report from the Greene County Horti- cultural Society, more from a disposition to obey the rule than to tell the little we have done. Oiir society since your annual meeting has made, we think, some progress, but is working slowly. We really find that it is less difficult to start a new society than revive an old one. There is a good horti- cultural element in our county. The number of practical men who gather the fruits of our labors is large, but the societies constant monthly work is done by a few, as I presume is the case in most cases of similar work. The membership has still increased slowly, until our number is about forty. We have our business meetings monthly, and election of officers in December for the ensuing year. Horticulture in our portion of the State is becoming every year more interesting, the field for society work seems steadily widening, and we hope to do what we can. We are happy to report the pleasure of an occasional visit by your secretary and others of this society, and hope to have such pleasure often repeated. Upon a statement last winter by your secretary, that the State society ought to have 500 members, our county society proposed to be one of fifty to make it so by ten new members. We will do all we promised and more. We have been pleased and greatly profited by the work and reports of your society, and by circulating these reports we find workers drawn into both ours and the State society. 144 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. If to be auxiliary to a society like yours means to be fostered in our horticultural purposes and aided in our efforts at work by kind official visits to our society with the privilege and duty on our part to reciprocate as lar as able, we feel honored to be recognized and will do what we can. SHADE AND ORNAMENTAL TREES. BY M. J. ROUNDTREE, SPRINGFIELD, MO. The subject of shade and ornamental trees is one of great interest and is attracting the attention of all classes, especially the owners of homes, large or small, to a greater extent than ever before. The home (unless it is a new one) that is not ornamented with at least a few shade and ornamental trees is exceptional, and the owner of such home is generally set down as altogether deficient in taste and in those finer characteristics which should be found in all heads of families. A home (it such it could be called), which is entirely destitute of ^rees, shrubs and flowers, notwithstanding it may boast of a fine mansion and be complete in all of its appointments so far as buildings are concerned, yet the entire absence of shade and ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers would render such place bleak and cheerless in the extreme, and the occupants of such a home, no odds how well provided for, could never feel that just and well merited pride in and true love for it as they would for the same home or even d cheaper one which was tast- fully ornamented with a select collection of the finest shade trees, etc. But the principal object of this essay is to refer to and enumerate a few of the many varieties of shade and ornamental trees that can be grown in this locality with perfect safety and full assurance of the highest results, so far as beauty, utility and great longevity is con- cerned. And as most planters desire to plant at least a fair percentage of their shade trees so as to make quick growth, and secure shade at the earliest time possible, I would recommend the white or soft maple as one of the most desirable for th.^s purpose. And this rapid growing tree, if properly cut back at the proper intervals, can be formed into REPORT OF GREENE COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 145 one of the most beautiful of trees ; and it is especially adapted to streets and avenues as it can be made to grow with ^reat uniformity on almost any kind of soil. But it attains its greatest luxuriousness and beauty on rich, loamy damp soil. The American white ash is one of our very finest shade trees and is becoming so popular that it now stands almost in the front as a shade tree. It is now being planted largely in parks and on streets and boulevards, and no American tree presents a finer form or greater beauty of dark glossy green foliage than does this almost invaluable tree. And when it is remembered that the ash is one of our most rapid growers and valuable timber trees, we can scarcely say too much in its praise. The sugar maple is so well known and is so universally ad- mired that it is scarcely worth while to give it more than a passing notice. But whilst it is a great favorite with the writer of this essay, I deem it my duty to call attention to some objections to it. It is a very slow growing tree in the nursery, and consequently cannot be put upon the market at as low figures as many other trees. When trans- planted it grows very slowly for two or more years. When planted in rows, as for instance on streets, it is nearly impossible to maintain that perfect uniformity so much to be desired and so easily obtained in other varieties ; and lastly, it has a tendency to hold a large portion of its dry and unsightly leaves in winter, and after it passes twenty-five or thirty years of age it becomes scraggy and open and requires con- siderable special treatment to keep it in good form. The American white elm is one of our most desirable shade trees and will maintain its symmetry and beauty for a greater number of years perhaps than any other American tree that is easily transplanted. But notwithstanding this variety of the elm is found growing from Wis consin to the Gulf, it is not as healthy or hardy here as many other of our indigenous trees, but it is comparatively safe to plant it here, and it will no doubt maintain its popularity as an especial favorite with the lovers of fine trees. The box alder is a rapid growing tree of fine form, and is perfectly healthy and hardy, and should have a con- spicuous place in all lawns and parks and also in all door yarJs where the space is large enough to admit of a variety of trees. The American Linden is a fine tree, and well grown specimens present a grand and tropical appearance. It is somewhat ditficult to propagate from seeds and is su'')ject to bo preyed upon by caterpillars, and is objectionable merely on this account. The Calalpa Speciosa, where a fast growing tree is desired for pur- poses of shade, probably has no superior. Its rapid growth is most H R— 10 146 MISSOURI STATE HORTICTLTURAL SOCIETY. remarkable and (owing to its large leaves) produces a dense shade. It also possesses the rare merit of producing wood that for durability is surpassed by no other tree, not even by the Mulberry. It is especially good for fence posts and is now being manufactured into very fine furniture. There are several varieties of this tree, but so far the Speciosa seems to be preferred, perhaps from the fact that it grows more rapidly and is generally straighter than any of the other varie- ties. The Norway Maple in some of its varieties is, where the soil and other conditions are suitable, a most beautiful tree, even surpassing, in the estimation of many, the sugar or hard maple. But it is an open question with us as to whether it will succeed here and attain that great beauty which characterizes it in certain localities east and north of us. It seems to do exceptionally well in St. Louis and can be seen in great beauty in Tower Grove and other parks in that city. But whether it will do so well on grounds not thoroughly underdrained is a question which so far has not been fully answered. There are many varieties of the birch, some of which deserve a place in all cases where it is desirable to plant a large collection of trees. The white cut leaved birch will always attract the attention wher- ever it is found. It is a tree of rare beauty and symmetry, and has other peculiarities which will always attract the attention and admiration of those who are truly lovers of the beautiful. The Alanthus and Syca- more are not desirable trees on localities where finer trees can be grown. But in many large cities it has been ascertained that these trees can be successfully grown where all of the more desirable varie- ties fail. These are among the few varieties which can survive the deleterious influences of coal smoke and other poisonous gases which accumulate in large cities. But are we to be left without the cheering presence of green trees and shrubs in winter? Must we pass through that cold and cheerless season with ndthing to relieve the stale monotany which characterizes the winters in this latitude ? The answer is plain and can be antici- pated by you all. We have in this country a large number of ever- greens, embracing nearly every conceivable form and color. In addi- tion to our native varieties we have many kinds introduced from for- eign lands, most of which do well with us. Of the evergreens in gen- eral use, those which give the greatest satisfaction are as follows : Norway Spruce, American White Spruce, Balsam Fir, Hemlock Spruce and White Fine. The Englihh, Sweedish and Irish Junipers are all fine and reliable and are indispensable, when the finest effects are de- sired. For certain special purposes the Scotch and Austrian pines are indispensable. The most common and fatal mistake made in the REPORT OF GREENE COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 147 grouping of evergreens is in planting too many of them in front yards, and in planting them too close to one another. A few fine specimens well cared for grown at great distances apart, produce a much finer effect than where they are crowded as we often see thera in front yards. The greater number of them should be planted well back to I he rear of the yard or lawn, and it is of the greatest importance to have the lower growing varieties in the front, and the taller ones in the extreme back ground, and they should in almost all cases stand very much thicker in the back ground than in the front. This rule is just as applicable to deciduous trees as to ever- greens, except where it is desirable to have a thick shade. There should in all spacious grounds be planted fine specimen trees, more for ornament than for shade alone. Ornament should be the prime object, and shade the incident. Evergreens should in nearly all cases be planted in spring or early summer. Deciduous trees of most kinds should, if possible, be planted in the autumn or early winter in soft damp weather. There are many other worthy and beautiful trees which are hardy and well adapted to the lawn, the street, the park and the boulevard, and which all, or most of them, are indigenous to our soil and latitude. But even a passing notice of them would enlarge this essay into pro- portions too great for the object in view and for the occasion for which it is written. It is sometimes desirable for special purposes to secure and plant trees which do not grow to large dimensions. There are many small narrow door yards which would look better with those semi-dwarf trees than with larger ones. Conspicuous among these is the Horse Chestnut, the Chincapin, the Service or Sarvice and the Sassafras; also the Cornus or Dogwood, the American Wild Crab and certain specimens of the Hawthorn. But all those grand and beautiful trees above enumerated are de- ciduous, and when winter comes and breathes upon them its frigid and icy breath, the beautiful foliage that rejoiced and fluttered in the soft summer breezes, and trembled and pulsated as it were in sympathy and harmony, and perfect rythm and unison, with that beautiful anthem of nature which has been flowing in sweet and uninterrupted numbers, since the dawn of creation. The foliage once so beautiful withers and dies, and drifts and scatters, and falls to mother earth, and forms a protection to the ten- der herbs and roots which would otherwise perish. Thus the death of the leaves subserve to protect and perpetuate vegetable life. And thus we see the unerring working, of an unerring providence. The funeral dirge of summer comes to us with an appalling plaintive wail as it 148 MISSOUKI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. shrieks and howls and finally dies away in the distance in stifled and muffled moanings and sobbings. But like all of nature's methods and moods these apparent cruelties and revenges in nature carry with them compensations and blessings in disguise. After a period of torpid and tranquil hybernation and rest, the soit, balmy, vernal breath of spring breathes new life, and the great world of deciduous trees, plants and shrubs again become as of yore, clothed and bedecked, and garn- ished in indescribable beauty. I cannot close this essay without adverting to what seems to be a general conclusion with the average tree planter. A large number of planters plant their trees in holes just large enough to hold the roots when closely compressed together, and express great dissatisfaction if the trees so planted, do not grow well. The truth is, trees of all kinds should be planted in holes in a much larger area than the diameter of the roots. And while it is true that trees often grow without cultiva- tion or mulching, it is nevertheless true that thorough cultivAtion and mulching will amply repay the planter many times over for the time and expense of such work. The writer of this essay is not so egotistical as to attempt a descrip- tion of that most marvelous effect which is produced by the everchang- ing and many-hued colorings and tints which take place in the autumn foliage of many of our deciduous trees. The finest painter would not presume to attempt a description of them. And when these thousand and one tints are blended into one gorgeous effect in the landscape,. the effect can be felt, but surely never has nor never can be fully de- scribed. The beautiful halo which glorifies the landscape can never be reproduced upon canvas. The fine sentiment that these grand and beautiful scenes inspire in the cultured and esthetic mind, can never be voiced by human lips. The poetic inspiration which comes invol- untarily to the human soul amid these transcendent scenes, can never be written. And hence, to the true lover of the beautiful in nature there must forever remain conceptions and inspirations which cannot be articulated or written in any language. President and Members of the Greene County Horticultural Society r In compliance with your request, 1 beg leave to submit the fol- lowing essay upon the culture, storage and preservation of the potato^ The nativity of the potato, Solanocene Tuberosum, is upon moun- tains, but little below the snow line, and in such a locality its season of growth is short, just sufficient for the seeds to mature sufficiently to germanate, and tho tuberf, after undergoing the changes necessary in. REPORT or GREENE COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 149 their long winter rest, to sprout, on the disappearance of the snow and the return of the congenial rays of the sun. The potato is a pernenial. Its tops or stems and fibrous or feeding roots die at the close of the season, after having provided underground stems or branches stocked with buds to renew the growth of the plant the next season, by one or more buds sprouting and sending up stems bearing foliage and down fibrous roots — this new growth sends out eome branches underground, which, in the course of the season, thicken at their end as they receive a stock of nourishment prepared by this year's foliage and become new tubers to live over winter and make the next year's growth. These tubers are commonly supposed to be roots, but they are not ; their eyes are buds, and the little scales behind them answer to leaves, while roots bear neither buds nor leaves. The fibrous or feeding roots, which grow from these subterra- nean branches are very different in appearance from underground stems. Now, it is evident that anything that tends to diminish the amount of nutriment stored in the tubers, or to deteriorate its quality, will have a deleterious effect upon its future growth, and if this store is dimin- ished year by year in quality and quantity, so will the entire plant g;row more feeble. If the plant was moved nearer to the snowline, so that its season of growth should be so short, that it could not mature seeds, nor lay by a sufiQcient store of nutriment in its tubers to send up stout, vigorous and healthful stalks, it would grow more feeble, until it would finally become extinct. I will state, in order to make this article as plain as possible, that the potato will, under favorable circumstances, be- come indigenous to some portions of the Northern States and Terri- tories, where the snow falls early before the ground freezes and lays on all winter. Now, if instead of moving the potato up, or farther north, which would be equivalent, if we move it south, until the seasons are much longer than is necessary for its growth and maturity, as is the •case here, instead of being checked in its growth by frost at its proper stage of growth, and its tubers stored, without exposure to heat and light beneath their winter blanket of snow, as soon as the tubers mature the feeding or fibrous roots, having performed their functions, give way or die off, and the tops and foliage endeavor and do live for a time by drawing sustenance from the store of nourishment laid by in the tubers for the next year's growth, thereby deteriorating the quality of its store of nutriment, both for food and for sending up vigorous shoots and branches and foliage ; and thus being weakened, cannot store its bountiful supply of nutriment as it would under more con- 150 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. genial circumstances, and thus it deteroriates year by year until our best varieties become in a few years well nigh worthless. Cultivators have been endeavoring to keep up varieties by fre- quently ordering seed tubers from the North, which is entirely unnes- sary, as we can grow better and more productive seed tubers in thia climate than can be procured at the North, and all that is necessary to produce tubers, stored with the greatest amount of nutriment for sending up a stout and healthy plant, is to anticipate its natural season of growth and habits; and we may commence with any run-down stock of any desirable variety we may have on hands by planting early varieties, early and in good ground, and give good culture, and when the tubers grow to a size and condition that we term mature^ and before the fibrous or feeding roots and stems and foliage commence to die and draw away the nutriment stored in the tubers for future use of the plant in its next season's growth, take up the tubers and select as many as is desirable to raise a sufficiency of seed tubers for next spring planting, and spread them in the sun to wilt three or four days^ (and store the balance of the crop as to directions hereafter given). This drying and wilting process changes the composition of their juices and sap by absorbtion of light and heat, and other elements from the atmosphere similar to that they undergo during their nine months nest in their native home under their snow covering, and are ready for another season's growth, and may be planted the 5th or 6th day at most after digging, just as though it was spring again, in good, well prepared ground, cut or not just as you prefer. I prefer whole tubers. If cut, they should be cut say twenty-four hours before planting, so that the cut surfaces may dry and heal somewhat before planting. It is very beneficial to roll in plaster or dry ashes when fresh cut. Give good culture, as for the early crop, and in the fall the growth of tops will be checked about the right time by jack-frost. Late varieties that re- quire too long a season to secure two crops may be held over until the 10th to last of June, so that they may have just sufficient time ta mature by frost. Harvest as soon after frost as possible, and whatever method of harvesting may be adopted, it is absolutely necessary to nse some method to keep the tubers from exposure to sunlight and heat, which gives them a disposition to sprout at a low temperature during winter. Gather up as fast as dug out, and put in moist gunny bags or anything that will exclude the light and heat, and prevent wilting, until they are put into their winter quarters, which should be perfectly dark and sufficiently moist to prevent wilting. If they sprout before spring, it is evident that they have been exposed too much to- BEPORT OF GREENE COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 151 light and heat. Now we are prepared with a stock of seed tubers to commence raisinir potatoes right. As to soil, I think it unnecessary to say much, as soils are as diverse as opinions of men, and some may disagree with me and be more correct than I. Each one must use such as he has. and any good corn land, if properly enriched, will produce a good crop of potatoes. I think a sandy loam is best. Plow as early in spring as possible, at least twice for early varieties, and for late varieties plow the frround and smooth with a harrow about each fortnight until 10th to last of June, and mark both ways 2^ by 2^ fee<:, with a marker so constructed as to mark several rows at a time, and then run a narrow shovel plow in the mark both ways and pretty deep, and if it is desirable to obtain the greatest yield for the seed planted, cut to single eyes, and if it is desired to secure the greatest yield for the land, plant medium and large tubers, whole. Drop one eye or tuber in a hill, and cover two or three inches deep. Take up the seed tubers from their winter quarters a week or ten days before planting, and spread them in the sun, or some open, airy place, to dry and wilt, and absorb the elements from the atmosphere that puts them in a condition to sprout more readily and evenly. If they are not dried and wilted, some tubers will be a week or two later sprouting than others. Cutting should be done at least twenty-four hours before planting, and if rolled in plaster or dry ashes, they ad- here to the moist cut surfaces, and assist in drying and healing them, and act as fertilizers to the young plants. A tablespoon full of any of the artificial fertilizers, or a shovel of compost in each hill is very beneficial, and to realize the best result it is necessary to give the best of CULTURE. Before the plants are fairly up, drop a handful of ashes on the hills and harrow both ways, which may injure afev/ plants, but will be very beneficial in mellowing the soil and destroying weeds that are germin- ating. When the plants are fairly up, cultivate with a narrow shovel plow run deep and near the plants both ways, and follow with a hand^ hoe to destroy weeds left in the hills ; and in about ten days more cul- tivate with a double shovel pretty deep, but not so near the plants as before. And all subsequent culture should be shallow and as often as is necessary to keep the surface thoroughly pulverized, followed with the hand hoe each time to destroy anj- weeds that may have escaped the cultivator, until the tubers commence forming. A clean and well pulverized surface is as good if not the best mulch for all sorts of grow- 152 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ing plants. Go over occasionally and pull out or otherwise destroy any weeds that have escaped. It is not uncommon to obtain with good culture five or more pounds per hill, and one acre planted 2^x2| contains about 6,876 hills, and five pounds per hill gives 34,380 pounds, or 687 bushels per acre, which may be easily obtained by planting seed raised and stored according to previous instructions. HARVESTING. Early varieties, to have the tubers keep and retain their highest degree of perfection, and stored with the greatest amount of rich and wholesome nutriment for human food and for the future use of the plant, some directions have already been given ; and to secure such re- sults it is necessary to closely observe several requisites, viz.: First, harvesting just at the right time or before the feeding or fibrous roots commence to die and the tops to draw away the nourishment stored in the tubers. Second, keep the tubers from drying and wilting from ex- posure to light and heat, by gathering them up as fast as dug and put- ting tbem in a dark and moist place. It is the prevalent custom in har- vesting to leave the tubers in the field a day or so to cure, and to spread early varieties if dug early in an open and airy place, exposed to light and heat to keep them from rotting — ^just the thing to rot them. When the tubers are exposed to the light and heat (unnatural ele- ments as nature puts them under ground in a dark, cool and moist soil), they absorb elements from the atmosphere very rapidly, which changes their composition and renders them unpalatable and unhealth- ful, and therefore unfit for human food, and the drying and wilting process that they undergo in this exposure puts them in a condition to sprout at a very low temperature. We often see potatoes carried many miles to market in balk in open wagons with no care even to shield them from the hot rays of the sun, and see them exposed for sale spread upon store floors and in open baskets, boxes and barrels on the side- walks, and frequently in the sun ; and in this exposed condition their nutritive juices are evaporated and foreign elements are absorbed un- til the^ become somewhat of the consistency of the foliage and stems of the plant in proportion to the amount of exposure. There may be people who would relish potato tops for greens, but I think they are few and greens would have to be S(!arce. Late varieties re- quire the same care with regard to exposure as early va- rieties. And here, allow me to again call your attention to the importance of selecting a sufficient amount of the early varieties as soon as dug to plant after three or four days' drying and wilting, to REPORT OF GREENE COUNTY HORTICULTDRAL SOCIETY. 153 raise seed for the next sprirg; and in no case plant those of the first crop if second crop can be procured. The first crop of early varieties ehouid be put upon the market at once, or if it is desirable to hold them over for winter or spring use they may be kept free from sprouts, and in excellent condition by treating according to previous directions and the following, with regard to STORAGE AND PRESERVATION. I have already given some ideas, and it only remains to give some instructions with regard to the construction of suitable apartments for storage, which should be somewhat after the order of cool storage for fruit, only the temperature should never be permitted to fall below freezing. A good storage apartment for the potato can be constructed by digging a pit eight or ten feet wide and eight feet deep and as long as desirable, which wall up and turn an arch of brick or stone with four inch equare flues for ventilation through the arch about six feet apart and high enough to extend a foot or so above the surface after the soil that was dug out of the pit is returned over the arch. There should be two doors 80 as to entirely exclude the light when passing in and out. Such an appartment would range from 35 to 45 degrees. If early va- rieties are harvested at the proper time, according to previous direc- tions for first crop, early and late varieties and second crop early at their proper time, and immediately stored in such an apartment, with- out exposure to any drying or wilting process, all of their palatable and nutritive qualities will be retained and preserved in their very highest degree of perfection. In localities where water is liable to rise in an unerground cellar, a good one may be constructed above ground by building double frost-proof walls of brick or stone with the roof packed with some non-conducting material, or chaff as sawdust ; and if such a storage should prove too dry so as to cause the tubers to wilt, they may be kept in good condition by covering them with damp straw, forest leaves or some such material and by sprinkling occasion- ally, just sufficiently to keep them moist ; but water should not by any means be allowed to stand in the bins or barrels in which potatoes are stored. Sufficient drainage should be provided to carry off all super- fluous moisture. By observing these requisites, potatoes may be raised in the Southern States as successfully as here or at the north, only they at the south should plant early varieties as early as the season will permit and hold over a supply of the first crop in cool, moist storage to prevent rotting, and then plant the second crop Justin time to mature by frost, 154 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. and plant late varieties so as to secure two crops, same as we in the Middle States do early varieties. The only reason that the potato m not cultivated and appreciated as much at the south as at the north is because they are so dried and wilted by exposure to light and heat that they become unfit lor food very soon after harvesting. To raise new varieties from seeds, gather the seed balls that grow on the tops ot the plants about the time that the tubers mature and lay them away in a cool, shady place to dry, and when sufficiently dry do up in papers and label. If it is desirable to obtain a cross between any two varieties, plant the two desired varieties in alternate rows or in alternate hills in the same row. Some varieties produce seeds freely while others do not produce them at all ; so if it is desirable to ob- tain a cross of a variety that does not produce seeds it may be planted in close proximity to one that is known to produce them so that the productive flowers may be fertilized with polen from the flowers from the sterile variety. Early in the spring put the dried seed balls into lukewarm water and soak until they become sufficiently soft to crush and wash the seed out. The best seeds will sink to the bottom ; collect the seeds and sow early in a hot bed or in shallow boxes or on a warm border in the garden same as tomatoes. They germinate readily and resemble small tomato plants. Prepare a rich bed seven feet wide and as long as desirable and mark both ways one foot apart, and when the plants are one to two inches high, transplant one plant in each hill at the point where the marks cross. Give thorough culture by frequently rakinp' and otherwise pulverizing the soil, shallow near the plants and deeper farther back or between the rows. Do not allow a weed to grow on the bed, as one weed may rob and cause the finest variety on the bed to appear inferior when dug. Make a plat of the bad and designate each hill by a number. Note in a memorandum anything re- markable during the season of growth concerning any or each number, such as thrift, weakness heighth, time of flowering, color of flowers, etc. The time of flowering indicates their season, whether early, me- dium or late. As the tops show signs of maturity in any one or more plants, dig the tubers and lable with their corresponding numbers and store in a cool, damp and dark place. There will be as many varieties as plants, and all colors and shapes. Compare the record with regard to the numbers and select the most desirable and promising for further trial and discard the others. It will require three years to bring them to perfection. It is not desira- REPORT OF VEKNON COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 155- ble to disseminate any new variety unless it possesses some decided superiority over any known variety of its season. Very respectfully, W. C. FREEMAN. Brookline Station, Mo. REPORT OF VERNON COUNTY HORTICTLTURAL SOCIETY. BY DR. E. R. MORERORD, SECRETARY, SCHELL CITY. At Home, Near Schell City, Mo., June 9, 1885. Z. A. Goodman^ Secretary State Horticultural Society^ Butler,^ Mo.:" Esteemed Friend : Enclose you this morning a communication v/hich I intended to have bioueiht with myself to your meeting, but: the long continued rains have made the pressure of farm work so great that I can ill spare the time. I do not know what title to give it, as I, like the old ambitious hen spreading out her wings in order to gather all the possible chickens within reach, so I have struck out for ideas to slap into my budget. 1 have another communication partially finished, and if I can I shall try and get to you by mail before the close of the session. This, the future of the fruit industry of Southwest Missouri- Have no especial report, to make. Mr. Shepley has the figures for pros- pects for fruit. Hoping you will have a good time generally, Yours, E. R. MORERORD. In the issue of the Lamar Democrat of the date of April 23, 1885, I find the following paragraph : " P. C. Carr was in Lamar on Saturday, and he says the peaches are not all killed on his place. He says that his last fall setting out of fruit trees from the Ft. Scott nurserys are badly damaged, any many of them winter-killed. He says he will deal with Fink & Son at home hereafter." 156 MISSOURI STATE HORTXCTTLTPRAL SOCIETY. It is not my purpose in bringing this paragraph to the notice of this society to disparage Fink vt Son. or to praise the Ft. Scott nursery, or to make any invidious comparison, for so far as I know both ure good nurseries, both are deserving of public patronage, and endeavor to far- nish first-class stock to their customers, but whilst nurserymen are sometimes deserving of blame, and the ubiquitous tree agents very often, in their anxiety to be considered sharp failed to bear in mind the story of George Washington and his little hatchet, and ye little cherry tree, and that it was forbidding in the decaloge to misrepresent matters. And sometimes the fault lies with the purchaser, as there is a most lamentable ignorance with many how to set out trees properly, and if not properly set out, might as well not be done, lor it is a sheer loss of time, money and labor. I am liberally inclined and disposed to give praise where it is due and to lay the blame at the riaht door. I am satisfied in this case that Mr. Carr, in attributing his ill suc- cess to the stock from the nursery, has jumped to the wrong conclusions in the matter, as my experience has been similar to his in the past sea- son, and I know that it was not the inferiority or bad condition of the stock furnished by other nurseries than that of Ft. Scott, but due to the intense severity of the past winter, and possibly, too. Mr. Carr in set- out his fruit trees, may not have taken particular pains to press the dirt carefully around the stem and roots of his trees from bottom to top. for tree planting is a nice job if done properly, and care and pains to do it well mast be taken, if one desirous to realize success for trees cannot be hogged in or banged in, and sutFered to earn their own liv- ing as one might say and turn out a success, but as I have said before, particular pains must be taken to set them properly, and they will con- tinue to need care and attention as long as thev exist, and their exist- ence will depend much on the manner and measure of cire and atten- tion they will receive. It is my opinion that trees are oftener set in a slip-shod way instead of being set out properly, and if the result is not encouraging, then our friends, the nurserymen, and those abused tree a£:ent=, catch thunder, and become the recipient of the ill-natured blessing of the unfortunate novice. In the course of this communication as I endeavor to illustrate my reasons for believing that Mr. Carr has taken hold of the wrong sow by the ears. I may throw out suggestions that may be of benefit to the young tree planter as well as others, and if I can set one or two on the ^ight track I shall be amply repaid in writing up this long communi- cation. 3 stated that my experience was similar to Mr. Carr's. and will now proceed to state the facts. Last fall I obtained nursery stock REPORT OF VERNON COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 157 from the other nursery there — that of the Ft. Scott, or Mr. Fink ct Son nursery — consisting; of peach, apricot and apple trees that I know came in good, sound condition and well packed. There was not twen- ty-four hours delay in setting out those that were set. The peaches and apricots were all set out in the orchard and about half of the apple trees, and the planting job had to lay over Sunday, and by Monday morning the weather became so inclement that the other half of the apple trees had to remain healed in all winter. The setting out of trees in orchard was done in my absence, but under my particu- lar instructions, and may have been badly or well done, but the heal- ing in was done under my immediate supervision. In healing the trees were planted strung out in deep trenches, standing up, and with the diit thrown up pretty well around them, particular pains taken to fill the instertices between the tiees with tine dirt so as to have the roots thoroughly protected from the air or cold, with the dirt well pressed and packed. The men employed on the job thought I was taking unnecessary pains, but if I had taken any less pains and pre- cautions I believe I would have lost fully nine-tenths of my trees, for all my peaches set out in the orchard died or were so badly damaged that they had to be cut back almost to the ground. Over two-thirds died. The apricots were a trifia less damaged than the peach trees, and over one-third of my apple trees set out in the orchard died and the rest more or less damaged, whilst a very slight per cent, of my apple trees healed in were damaged. The extra care taken to throw up the dirt and to have it well pressed, packed and set in deep trench aided to protect and save the trees healed in ; also common sense and observation would teach us that those trees set out in the orchard were isolated and did not receive the same protection in the dirt in being up in a mound around tliem, and their recent transplanting had in great measure cut off their supply of stimulus and nourishment, ibr the or- gans of nutrition did not have time to appropriate the food around them, hence they were not in a condition to sustain the excess of cold and had to succumb, and, too, there was another factor not generally recognized that tended to preserve the trees healed in from the effects of the cold. It is this: When trees are healed in thickly or bunched closely together they will heat, and in a very mild winter as we have had in years past in Southwest Missouri, this alone will kill them as effectually as in the intense cold. Strawberries left too long in close packages is a very good illusjtration in proof of this also. Th^re un- doubtedly are evidences of the fact in the unnatural warmth that is perceptible to the sense of touch amongst the the roots, as in the case of sweet potatoes undergoing a sweat, but not to so great an extent ^ 158 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. but this phenomena can be witnessed in very mild winters as we have had in former years in this section. Another proof demonstrative of this fact is in the formation of numerous slender rootlets and long, tender iibrels, which in miid winters often grow a foot long or more. Those I healed in last fall formed such from four to six inches long, not- withstanding the severity of the weather the whole winter long. Whilst speaking of this, I confess I have never sought to know whether the trees set out isolated in the orchard ever form these rootlets during the winter, but presume they do to a small extent, and more as the winters are mild. When it is necessarj'^ to heal out trees I take care to string them out in trenches deep enough to set them two or three inches lower than they stood in the nursery, and avoid leaving them long in pack- ages as they come from the nursery, and if the weather at the time is warm for the season I only throw a light coating of earth. As the weather becomes colder I throw more dirt pretty well in and around them, and take care to pack and press the dirt firmly around them ; also take pains to fill the insterstices between them with fine dirt, so their roots are well protected from air and cold. I prefer standing the trees in trenches to lajing them down obliquely, as many do, for the reason of having the roots in the trenches. They are better protected from the cold, nor are the roots so liable to become exposed by the dirt being washed away sometimes by heavy rains, and, too, I have taken up an idea that when the trees are thus laying in contact with the ground for over one-half or two-thirds of their length, that portion of the bark thus in contact with the ground becomes some- what tender and is apt to crack in the hot days of spring. As I have said before tree planting is a nice job and requires pains to make it euf^cessful. First, the ground should be well prepared by deep ploughing or what is better, run through with a subsoil plough ; if this cannot be done then more labor should be bestowed in making the holes large and deep. The site should b» naturally or artificially well drained. An eastern slope is generally preferred, but a north slope will tend to prevent the early blooming of your trfces, thereby save your fruit from injury by late frosts. As to whether spring or fall planting is pre- ferable there is a great variety of opinion; now I have done bo-th, also at all times all alo-ig the winter when our winters were milder in the southwest than iu t'-e p ist two winters, ^,nd I could not see any appre- ciable difierence. In planting small fruits, however, fall planting is preferable, us those planted in the fall will be more apt to bear a full crop the next season. Wether it makes as much difference in the bear- REPORT OF VERNON COUNTY HORTICULTUBAL SOCIETY. 159 ing of large frait trees I cannot say, but think that the care and atten- tion to feed your trees will make more essential difference than having planted in fall or spring. The main point to observe, however, in planting in the fall, winter or spring is that the ground should be in favorable condition, drier than wet, say friable, easily crushed between the hands in fine particles, and the weather not too cold to freeze. Sometimes it is difficult from the weather being on the extreme to observe this in full, but we should endeavor to get it as near as possible in the state mentioned above. In very dry weather and the ground is parched it is best to grout your trees thoroughly before planting by rolling the roots in large tubs of water in which mud or earth has been dissolved, or in a muddy hole in the ground filled with water ; avoid using your water too cold. From well or spring let it be tempered by slight exposure to a warm sun or by hot water from the kitchen stove. While I am at this I may as well say do not water flowers, vegetables or plants with cold water fresh from wells and spring, but the best way is to draw the water in the morning and place it in barrels or tubs and let it have the benefit of the warm sunshine during the day and use it late in the evening. Ttiis grouting gives the roots a muddy plaster that furnishes moisture for the roots' use better than the mere washing. The holes should be dug large enough in width to allow the roots to be spread out in their natural position, not bent back upon themselves, and deep enough to allow four or five inches loose soil below the roots which can be filled in with fine soil before setting the trees, and this will tend to give little rootlets and tender fibres a fair start to gather nourishment from the soil instead of spending their innate force in penetrating the hard ground. It is astonishing how tar the little rootlets will push them- selves through the hard ground or squeeze themselves down through the narrow crevices of the rocks in search of food. In order to learn we must observe dame nature, for she often points the wa}' in no unmistakable language, so that he who runs may read. The top dirt should be all lain to one side and the bottom dirt to another side, and the top dirt should be thrown in first, not in great spades full of hard clods that might pass for dornicks or bowlders, nor in great swailing of loblollies of stiff mud as if a man was burying a stinking dead horse and wanted to get the job done in the shortest possible space of time in order to ease his olfactories, but the dirt should be made as fine as possible by being chopped up with a spade, or what is still better, crushed finely between the hands. Now right here per- mit me to say that if a man is too much of a dude to use his hands in this job he has no business there and had better get out of the way and 160 MISSOURI HORTICULTURAL SOCIEIY. set himself up for a perambulating tailor or clothier sign board or pose as a fancy barber pole ; now I dwell on this part of the programme so strongly for the reason that there is a natural perversity to do this in the wrong way than to do it in the right way for ninety and nine cases out of a hundred who have not been brought up in their youth or taught especially will use their spades like they would use a catapult and wallop as big lumps of dirt as they can hoist against the trees, knocking them out of line and 611 the hole in an uninidignified man- ner, and care should be taken if you have a pig-headed assistaat who is as obstinate and as wise in his own conceit and thinks the old man is a crank and takes sly occassions to hasten the job by keeping up his old habits, just bounce him right then and there. Care should be taken to fill the interstices between the roots and rootlets with fine dirt if possible so as to leave no vacant space around the roots or the stem, and care, too, should be taken to press down the dirt with the foot firmly all the way up as the hole is being filled up' and well pressed all around afterwards. This pressing and packing of the soil around the roots and stem of plants and trees is the great secret of the success of man}', and Mr. Douglass of Waukegan, 1 under- stand, whose experience has been great with evergreens, deems the lack of this one precaution as the sole cause of over one-half of the Jailures in making evergreens grow ; he recommends pressing, even a ramming down of the dirt, so as to not injure or bruise the bark or roots. Ladies will find it very beneficial in setting out plants in the garden or potting house plants thus to press firmly and deftly with their fingers even the most delicate plants, and gardeners in setting out tender tomatoes, cabbage and sweet potato plants will find it pays to do so. The tree should be planted or set in the ground just as deep as it was grown in the nursery and no deeper, and if planted deeper will retard the growth of the tree very much. The bottom dirt should come in last as it is exposed to the action of light heat, air, moisture, sun- shine and frosts, it will soon become as rich as the top soil thrown in below, thus giving the young tree every opportunity to draw food and sustenance from the soil within its reach. I am convinced that on our wide prairies where the winds have full sweep, it will pay the orchardist to set out wind-breaks of quick growing forest trees, not only on the north side of thj orchards, but on the south and west as well, as often in our winters at least in years past the warm southwest wind comes with a warm breath and forces our trees into premature bloom, and thus are nipped by late frosts. I have noticed more than one season the fact, that when our fruits were partially killed that they were less injured on the northeast side, and REPORT OP VERNON COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 161 most fruit was seen on that side. I first noticed in seventy or seventy- one this fact, as I took a tour of observation over our county, in order to make a report to our State Board of Agriculture, and at the same time first noticed that orchards that were protected on the south by broad belts of timber and left exposed to the north, were less injured by the frost than those lying on the south side of timber; for the same reason on account of our southwest wind, the trees in being set out should lean slightly towards the southwest, and the lowest limb should be left on that side if possible, so as to protect the stem from the scorching effects of our hot summer sun, and for the same reason the most of our trees should be headed low. It will also pay a handsome return, in my judgment, to stake oqr trees when young, in orchards on prairies, for the continual twirling and whirling by the winds of our trees and the wabbling about, beating the earth back from the stem over half an inch or more, and leaving a vacant space for five or six inches down, tend to retard the grov/th and deforms the trees, also renders them more liable to be injured by severe frost. Too it is as necessary to trim the broken or bruised roots when planting, as to trim branches and limbs in same plight above ground. The trees should be planted as soon as possible, they are received from the nursery if the weather or condition of the soil will permit, or else properly healed in. In bringing nursery stock from station or depot home the roots should be well protected from the sun or frost, nor should the roots be suffered to lay in the sun any length of time after removal from pack- ages. If the roots are frozen on the way home from depot, they should be at once placed standing (all covered) with water, and often this will save them upon the same principle as the application of snow or cold water to a frozen human limb. The planting of trees should not be delayed too long after leafing time, as it is generally a hard matter to make trees grow after leaves have put out, and there are a few, perhaps, that are exceptions. As to the amount of limbs to be trimmed off before planting, there is a difference of opinion. J think the proper proportion that the total amount of roots should slightly be in excess of the limbs. Peach trees require more pruning, for that, as a rule, is too prone to make super- fluous wood. I have observed that in setting out of shade trees on our streets and parks and yards, as a rule they have little or no roots, and scarcely anj'^ vestige of limbs, everything slashed off as if they were mimicking a bobtail pony — a mere stick, as it were, stuck in the ground HR— 11 162 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. and the consequence a dead tree or a sickly one and no shade, and probably the attempt to create refreshing shade is given over as a bad job. One in pruning must bear in mind that the limbs and leaves are in a manner the lungs of the trees, and in their growth absorb plant food from the atmosphere as well as the roots from mother earth, nor should any substance be applied to the stem or branches that will make them impervious to air or water, for that closes the pores of the bark and causes as much injury to the tree as closing the pores of the human skin, nor in a rash moment daub your trees with coal or gas tar, for wherever applied it will kill the bark down to the stem, and acts on the bark line a blistering plaster on human skin, only worse, for it never heals up ; neither should pine tar bo applied unless well mixed with soap to keep it from sticking. Nor listen to syren song of fertil- izing trees with stone coal ashes, for I tried that once, seeing a flam- ing advertisement going around. the papers of their great fertilizing power, and they killed some twenty-five fine budded peach trees for which I paid my friend, the nurseryman, fifty cents apiece, and have learned that others have enjoyed similar experiences in acquiring the knowledge of that one fact, that coal ashes will fertilize trees out of exi?tence. Lastly, he who would be successful in fruit raising must ever be on the slert to make all the best possible use of his power of observa- tion. He must be ready for any emergency; too, he must bear in mind that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, and eternal vigal- ance all manner of insect depredations, climatic changes that wrecks his hopes in the price'of horticultural success. He, too, must be imbued with a love and zeal for fruit culture that is born of a faith almost akin in depth and ferver to the reverence for Deity, whilst the many fluct- uations and changes, accompanied with serious drawbacks that tend to moderate his ardor or to check his enthusiasm in the pursuit he loves so well, yet he derives more genuine heartfelt satisfaction in eliminating from the soil of mother earth by his own good will and industry the choicest blessing of all God's great beneficences, luscious fruits, for the benefit of himself and his fellow-men, than the sordid miser in adding heaps of his golden hoards, and verily I believe as firmly as anyone can that our old friend Hopkius, of Kansas City, and Jacob Faith, of Montevallo, enjoy more heartfelt, soul-stirring satisfaction from their berry patches than W. H. Vanderbilt does from all his ill gotten mil- lions, for indeed there is an indescribable pleasure and gratification in successful fruit culture, that money cannot buy and none can know un- less they have undergone its purifying sensation. 28TH ANNUAL WINTER MEETING OF THE MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, HELD AT WARRENSBURG DEC. 9-11, 1885. The society met on Wednesday morning in the German Evangeli- •cal Church, and the forenoon was spent in arranging the fruits and in getting acquainted in accordance with the following programme. Before the meeting, a telegram of greeting was sent to the Illinois ^tate Society in session at Centralia. CIRCULAR. It is the desire of the officers of the society that this meeting be the best one ever held in the State, and every member is earnestly re- quested to be present if it be possible. It depends upon you whether the work so well begun the last two years, continue; if so, you must, perhaps, make some sacrifice and help it along. Our great State needs only to have its fruit men do their part, and our fruits will show for themselves ; come, then, prepared for a part in the programme and the discussions. Give your experince ; successes or failures are alike valuable. Papers on any subject of interest to the fruit growers are desired. Because your name does not appear on the programme is no reason for your silence. Every one is urgently in- vited to take part in the deliberations. A "Question Box" will be upon the Secretary's table, where any ■question may be put. Or they may be sent to the Secretary previous 164 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. to the meeting. Any fruit (nams not known) may be sent to the Sec- retary and it will be identified if possible at the meeting. Many va- rieties of apples all through our State need identification. The condition of our orchards is a matter of much interest and re- ports are requested; also a list of fruits that have succeeded best the past year. The secretaries of the County Societies will report their success- and their needs. Counties wheie there are no societies will be report- ed by the members. A premium of $1.00 will be given for the best plate of each and every apple considered worthy. Also one of $3, $2 and $1 for the best new apple. The new apples of our State are numerous and val- uable, they are attracting attention, and all such are desired for exhi- bition. We hope that something worthy of general introduction may yet be found in our State. The society will be entertained by the citizens of Warrensburg^ and your only expense will be the railroad ticket; so make it you bus- iness to come, it is certainly your duy. In fact you cannot afford to miss this meeting. Let every Horticultural society send a delegate or two. If all who can attend will notify the Secretary, previous to the meeting, it will save much trouble and time at the meeting, for they can then be assigned to their places at once. L. A. GOODMAN, Secretary, J. C. EVANS, President, Westport. Harlem. PROGRAMME. WEDNESDAY MORNING. The forenoon will be spent in arranging fruits and reception of members. Appointment of committees: On Obituary; on Membership ; on Finance; on Fruit Exhibits ; on Final Resolutions, WEDNESDAY. 2 P. M. 1. Welcome Address. 2. Response. 3. Annual Address of the President. 4. Report of the Committee on- Orchards by W. G. Gano, Park- ville 5 D. S. Holman, Springfield ; Chas. Patterson, Kirksville. ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 165 5. ''Best Six varieties of Apples for Profit and Best Twelve Va- rieties for Family," by E. P. Henry, Butler. 6. "Some of the Newer Varieties of Apples, and Their Value for Propagation," by F. Lionberger, New Florence. WEDNESDAY, 7 P. M. 7. "Care, Cultivation, and Pruning the Apple Orchard," by N. F. Murray, Oregon. 8. "ElYects of the Winter on our Orchards, and What ,Can be Done to Help Them," by T. W. Gaunt, Maryville. 9. ''Parasitic Fungi," by Prof. S. M. Tracy, Columbia. 10. "Pears — Location, Treatment and Best Varieties for Plant- ing,"' by J. A. Durkes, Weston. 11. "Forestry," by Prof. M. G. Kern, St. Louis. liJ. Reports from counties. THURSDAY, 9 A. M. 13. Report of Committee on Vineyards, by G. E. Meisner, Bush- i>urg ; Jacob Rommel, Morrison ; C. Teubner, Lexington. 14. "What New Light Have We on the Grape Question," by Ja- t vouchsafed to the easy and careless chaps. Bat at other times it seems we can put in a giod deal of vain labor, too, because we know so little about nature and her operations. I had some rather bitter experience of that kind this year with the codling moth. I put paper bands on the trees in good time, and as soon as the worms matured, we found and killed a goodly number, 'The trees were free from scales, and the ground cultivated and hoed in raspbeiries, etc., leaving apparently little other shelter for the worms. And what we caught seemed to be in fair proportion to the number of apples stung. Most of those stung this early fell to the ground at some time, but I never could find a worm in a fallen apple, hence hogs or sheep could not hive served me. I flittered myself with abundant success in exterminating the first crop of worms, and thinkyetthat I did proxi- mately clean them out, and according to the reports of their history, that should have made me proximately exempt from the second crop. When they became rather scarce in August, I began to think myself safe. But judge of my disappointment, if you can, when they began to ir2 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. len-double in numbers. After the first of September till apples were gathered, we killed fally 10,000 worms, and of course had that many or more wormeaten apples, and far more than any of ray neighbors, near by or farther olf. The stumblino; block is, where did all the moths come from that laid these e^gs ? The only theory I can form is that they came from town. There are a number of apple trees, especially crabs, scattered inside of a half or three fourths mile of my orchard. Many of them were loaded with apples, and very nearly all were occupied by early worms. I found atone time thirty worms under the scales of one tree. These, when transformed to raoths, must have found their way to my orchard, as there were scarcely any breeding places for them nearer. But other orchards, nearly and quite as contiguous, had no such un- common proportion of worm-eaten apples as mine, which seems still unaccountable. The next and most important question is how to circumvent them next year. I know sprinkling with Paris green or London purple is recommended, and believed to be efficacious with some close observers. But 1 fear they have had but few to contend with compared with mine. However, with all my doubts and misgivings about it, I shall have to go at it, if nothing more plausible is offered, but would like to hear from all who have any experience or judgment on the subject. With most people when you are done talking about apples, you are through with the catalogue of fruits. I hope to see a change in this before many years. ESrly Richmond cherry trees bore all the fruit they could hold, still there were very few in market, which I hope to improve on some ■day. We had a few specimens of KeifFer pears on very young trees, and all who tasted them when well ripened pronounced them good. No blight so far. Strawberries and Raspberries were a good crop, and people always demand more of them. No perceivable hurt by winter, but we could see that strawberries were some better where covered. Snyder black- berries can also be called a full croD, though some chance canes failed to perfect it, probably from injury by winter; other kinds were killed to the ground, unless we except the Taylor, of which there are very few, with no perceivable preference over Snyder. ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 173 REPORT ON ORCHARDS. BY F. LIONBERGER, NEW FLORENCE. CONDITION OF ORCHARDS. Some of the orchards in this county* are in very fine condition^ though many of the trees were greatly injured last winter. There are a great many young orchards coming on that look very fine and promising, altogether according to the treatment they receive. Peach trees are in very bad condition ; the old trees are so badly injured that they will be of little use, and but few young trees are planted. The prospect is that when we have a good season again for this noble fruit that there will be no trees left to bear. I, however, have no reason to complain about the condition of my peach trees, but 1 gave them a very severe pruning last spring as well as the spring before. Cherry trees are also in bad condition, with the ex- ception of a few of the Morello varieties. The greatest trouble about or- chards in my opinion, seems to be that a great many plant their trees too close together, and that knowledge of horticulture is badly needed by a good many, at least more than a good many possess. How such men can be reached with practical information is a matter of great impor- tance. It is not an uncommon practice with many to set out a lot of trees and then to sow small grain among them, and thus stunt them at the start, of which the borers are always ready to take advantage. ' We ought to have more local societies, and I think it would be a good thing if some of tlie local papers would give a column for horticul- ture, which the most of them would do if our experienced fruit growers would assist the editors. In this way a great many could be reached with practical information that otherwise could not be. Good varieties of fruits could be recommended and some of the humbugs could be shown up. A great deal of good could certainly be done in such a way. Again, we should see that every copy of our valuable reports be given to men who would read them. Arrangements should be made to bring our standard books on hor- ticulture before the public as much as possible. It would help a great 174 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. deal if they could be got at reduced rales through the Secretaries of our State Horticultural Societies. DISCUSSION. E. P. Henry finds that the coddling moth fills old rails, boards and chips all around our towns, and think near towns they are much worse than farther away; thinks we had three crops this year. Samuel Miller finds the poultry a good protection to his fruit, and poultry and pigs are a sure preventive, he thinks. W. G. Oano believes, as does Mr. Miller, that hogs are the best pre- ventive. ^ Mr. Murtfeldt says we must be particular in terms, and we must say the larvce of the coddling moth and not the coddling moth ; thinks it almost impossible for one alone to fight this insect, but wants the neighbors to combine and exter.ninate them. JV. F. Murry trapped the moths with cans of sweetened vinegar, but find the hog the best preventive : uses up all the fallen fruit by feeding to the hogs. BEST SIX VARIETIES OF APPLES FOR PROFIT AND BEST TWELVE FOR THE FAMILY. BY E. P. HENRY, OF BUTLER. The discussion of the subject of "Best Varieties of Apples," has had a place in almost every meeting of this society since its organiza- tion, and very properly so, I think, as my own experience and observa- tion has taught me. It is surely the most practical as well as the most important subject discussed to every apple grower. If a mistake is made in planting the tree it can never be corrected. It is a subject of interest to look over the reports of this society and examine the lists of apples recommended by the society and by individuals. The The old- ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 175 est report I have is 1868. Raul's Janet then headed the list for profit, and Ben Davis was at the other end of the list. There is but one apple that has stuck to all the lists found scattered through these reports and recommended by the society and by individuals as an apple for profit to plant, and that is the Ben Davis. It has, I think, very justly won its way to the head of the list, while Raul's Janet has drifted from the head out of the chosen lew altogether. Without hesitation, then, I will say that my first choice of an apple for profit is Ben Davis; second, Willow Twig; third, Jonathan ; fourth, Grimes' Golden; fitth, Minkler, and sixth, Huntsman; and I make this acknowledgment that I never before left the Wine Sap out, even of the four best, « For the family varieties, would name Early Harvest, Sweet June, Sops of Wine, Lowell, Maiden Blush, Red Streak, Famuse, Grimes' Golden, Minkler, Jonathan, Huntsman and Lady Sweet. This leaves out a number of very valuable apples for the home or- chard, and I will close by saying that this is only suggestive and that you can add to it or take from it to suit your individual tastes. DISCUSSION. N. F. Murray thinks we should not leave out early apples. Ob- tained as good prices for them as any others. Gives as his list of si.c, Ben Davis, Winesap, Grimes Golden, Jonathan, E. Harvest, Summer Pennock. W. G. Gano would like to know if any one would plant a list of six varieties for profit alone. C. TF. Murtfeldt: If you flood the market with Ben Davis, you will find the time come when you cannot sell them. E. Liston thinks the time is coming when we cannot sell them as well as other varieties. The Ben Davis will not hold in Southwest Missouri, and thinks a great loss comes by rotting; and we must be careful not to plant too many Ben Davis. C. W. Murtfeldt thinks if we plant forty to eighty acres of Ben Davis, we will rue the day. Great care should be exercised in plant- ing. N. F. Murray : We grow fruit for a different market than do those of Eastern Missouri, and the Ben Davis are good for the North- west and the mines, Colorado, Montana, etc. Thinks it is one of the best keepers there are in the. country. If Ben Davis rots, it turns black, and does not rot others. Is one of the best to evaporate. It is 176 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, one of the best to handle. Wants an apple equal to Ben Davis in all things and of better quality. J. P. Durand thinks we may yet get too many of Ben Davis, and the tastes of all the west will reject the Ben Davis. Has in his orchard the Janet, Ben Davis and Winesap, but does not know what to plant now. Jonathan has paid better than Ben Davis, always nearly double in his orchard. D. S. Holman thinks that the call for the fruit is what we want, and the call is for Ben Davis. There is no use to fight the Ben Davis,, for it will take care of itself. Hazeltine has planted 600 acres, and is continuing to plant. All his sons are planting Ban Davis, and they are planting by the ten thousands. H. Shepley raises apples for the Texas market and the Ben Davis has brought ten times as much money as all other varieties. Rome Beauty does bear well. It is a much better keeper than any other variety. J/r. Workman of Indiana, thought that the Missouri Pippin would come to be one of the best, but does not tind it so ; and all other things in consideration, Ben Davis is the best. 11. E. Van Deraan of Kansas: The Ben Davis is the leading market apple, and is still being planted. Think we have one better in quality, and that is the York Imperial. Van Houton of Iowa, needs something different up in Iowa, and there must be something. Still believes the Ben Davis is one of best for money in the whole western country. Henry Speer thinks that the Ben Davis is a good apple in quality, and is good enough to eat, at least for him, and the Ben Davis is the most profitable of ?11 of forty varieties. Would like to know if it would not be better to plant some summer and fall apples. The Secretary names: Ben Davis, Willow, Minkler, Jonathan, Grimes and Rome Beauty. For Montgomery county, best six varieties of apples: For market— Ben Davis, Jonathan, Rome Beauty, Winesap, G. Golden and Huntsman's. For family— ^. Harvest, R. Artrachan, M. Blush, Smylies Red, Vandevere, Janeton, Winesap, Jonathan, S. Cider, N. Pippin, G. G.. Pippin and Pa. Red Streak. F. LIONBERGER, New Florence. ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 177 My views and experience of six best winter varieties of apples for profit — first : Ben Davis, 90 per cent.; Winesap, 3 per cent.; Rail's Janet, 2 per cent. ; Willow Twig, 1 per cent. ; Huntsman, 3 per cent. ; and Grimes Golden, 1 per cent. Twelve best for family use with me — first : Ben Davis, 18 per cent. ; Winesap, 12 per cent. ; Maiden's Blush, 8 per cent. ; Early Harvest, 8 per cent. ; Grimes Golden, 8 per cent. ; Huntsman, 8 per cent. ; Chenango Strawberry, 7 per cent. ; Red June, 7 per cent. ; Red Astrachan, 7 per cent ; Duches, 7 per cent. ; Keswick Codling, 7 per cent. ; and Sops of Wine, 3 per cent. J. M. PRETZINGER, Clinton, Mo. . Benton County, Dec. 10, 1885. Z. A. Goodtnaii^ Esq , Secretary: Dear Sir: Since I failed to hand you a list of apples, I will send you one. The six varieties best adapted for market in my county are Ben Davis, Jonathan, Rome Beauty, Huntsman's Favorite, Wine Sap, and Maiden Blush, judging more from their productiveness than any- thing else. I believe it costs less to raise five bushels of Ben Davis than three bushel of any other variety. Yours very respectfully, Lincoln, Mo. . F. SCHWETTMAN. LaMonte, Mo., Dec. 9, 1^85. Messrs. Gilkerson ct' Bros.: Dear Sirs: I would like to attend you meeting, but I am not feeling very well. You may put me down as one of your members, and I will pay you for next year. I have tried a good many sorts of apples, and find the following to do the best : Summer. — K. B. White, Red June, Sweet June, Benoni, Lowell and Summer Pearmain. Early Fall. — Rambo, Fameuse, McLellan, Maiden's Blush, Wealthy, Fall Orange, Orange Pippin and Gavenstein. Early Winter' — Rome Beauty, Grimes, G. Pippin, Striped Sweet Pippin, Belmont and Jonathan. Winter. — Ben Davis, Willow Twig, Stark, Small Romanite, Lans- ingburg'and Huntsman's Favorite. H R — 12 178 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Pears. — Burre de Anjou, L. B. de Jersey, Duchess d'Angoulme -Worrell. Now if the above will do any good you can turn it over to the Sec- retary. Most of the above have been heavy for the last ten years. Truly yours, GEO. H. SHEPHARD. Six varieties for profit: Lowell, 5 per cent; M. Blush, 10 per cent.; Jonathan, 10 per cent.; Willow Twig, 10 per cent.; Janeton, 10 per cent.;,Ben Davis, 55 per cent. Twelve varieties for home use: Early Harvest, Duchess of Old- enburg, Sops of Wine, Hightop Sweet, Lowell, Maiden's Blush, Mother, Jonathan, Grimes' Golden, Willow Twig, Ben Davis and Janeton. BuTLEK, Mo. HENRY SPEER. Six varieties of apples best for profit : Ben Davis, Wine Sap, Maid- en's Blush, Grimes Golden, Clayton and Jonathan. Green Castle, Ind. W. A. WORKMAN. LIST BY JACOB FAITH, OF JMONTEVALLO. As I have been requested to make selections of apples, I make a selection for timber soil. In this selection I have been governed somewhat by the experience of others : Orchard of 1,000 Trees. Timber soil. Red June 5 Early Harvest 2 Golden Sweet 5 Sops of Wine :^ Eamsdell Sweet 4 Bailej^ Sweet 5 Haskell Sweet 4 Ked Winter Sweet 4 Talman Sweet 2 Ladies Sweet 4 Cammac Sweet 3 Hi'ibardston Nonesuch 4 Lowell 5 Maiden Blush 8 Grimes (jl olden 15 Snow or Jb'amuse 12 Keswie Codlin 3 Winter Wine 8 Jonathan 30 Huntsuian 10 Smith's Cider 5 Little Red Romanite 100 Winesap 75 White Winter Pearmain 25 ANKUAL WINTER MEETING. AT WARRENSBURG. 1 179 Orchard of 1,000 Trees. Timber soil. Missouri "Pippin .... — 30 Willow T wig 100 Minkler 10 Rail's Janet 20 Ben Davis 495 Total 1,000 The above list for family use and market is too large if far from market, and som© may think there are too many sweet apples, but sweet apples are a better and cheaper feed for horses, cattle and hogs than <5orn. For other sections of the country, this list would not give satis- faction : this is for Southwest Missouri. I am in favor of dividing the State into three divisions, Northern, Central and Southern, for the rea- son that fruit that does well in one division of the State may be of no account whatever in another. Take the Red Astrachan, for instance, which bear well in some sections, but with me trees that are a foot in •diameter will not average one-half bushel of apples to the tree. I am highly pleased with the Secretary's Budget, and take great interest in reading it. It is very complete, and our Secretary deserves great credit for the judgment used in make these clippings, as he is pleased to call them, but being a practical horticulturist he is qualified to select just what is of "the most interest and benefit to members of the society. I also believe that Mrs. Goodman, the Secretary's wife, is a great help in his work, judging by her busy note taking at our last meeting. The Secretary's report shows more work than one man can do. 180 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. SOME OF THE NEWER VARIETIES OF APPLES AND THEIR VALUE FOR PROPAGATION. BY F. LIONBERGER, NEW FLORENCE. There seems to be quite a number of very fine seedling apples in this county, which in my opinion are quite valuable for propagation.. The first I will mention is Smiley's Red, also called Thill's Favorite by a few. The apples are medium to large, nearly red, unsurpassed for de- sert, cooking and evaporating. A seedling that originated in the north- ern part of this county with Col. Smily and was first brought to notice by Mr. Thill Nichols, a local nurserj'-man. The trees are upright grow- ers, very hardy and productive. Lucy Pew is another fine apple that originate, with a Mr. Pew of this county. The apples are medium to- large, roundish, greenish yellow, splashed with red, nearly red when fully ripe, flesh white, sprightly sub-acid, calix closed, stem short, basin rather deep and well formed, cavity deep, quality first rate. Trees. hardy, upright, leaf of a yellow tint. They leaf out very early in the spring, and are inclined to overbear. I consider this a very valuable- apple, late fall. Next to these I will mention the Logan apples, as I will call them. In the year of 1806 and 1807 one Jonathan Bryan brought a quart of apple seeds from Fleemen county, Kentucky, and planted them in the southern part of this county (now Warren county). Out of these seeds four valuable varieties were produced, which have never before- been brought to notice. The first I will mention is the Logan. — The original tree is still standing and is in perfect health yet, good for many years more. It is now about 49 years old, and the trunk has a circumference of nine feet, while the circumference of the top is about 180 feet. It may be called quite a historical tree, when I mention that it stands in the neighborhood where Uaniel Boojae used to live, and as he (Daniel Boone) died at a much later date, ir is a well established fact that he has eaten apples from that tree. The apples are medium to large, rounded, nearly red. The first apples always get ripe in wheat harvest and then continue to ripen gradually until the last of September. I have this fall picked apples from the tree a& ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 181 late as September 21, for the Montgomery County Fair, and after the fair was over have sent them to Secretary Goodman. The trees have never been known to miss a crop. I consider it very valuable. Uthlout. — Is another apple out of the same lot of trees ; it is a very fine early fall apple, of large size and good quality. The trees seem to be hardy as well as productive. Hornett is a very fine fall apple, medium in size, yellow and very .good ; it is highly valued by all that know them. The trees are very hardy and bear well. Logan' s Late' — Also a seedling out of the same lot of seed. There as but one tree in existence ; it stands now and always has in a hard yard. The tree is now about 50 years old. I think that any tree that can grow on such a place and get so old, can be considered very hardy. The apples that I saw were medium to large, but neighbors tell me that often they grow to be very large. • I think that this will prove to be a very valuable apple, and can, I think, be yet improved to a great ex- tent by getting young trees and cultivating them. Within the last few days another valuable apple was brought to my notice. There is but one tree and it was grafted in 1817 by one Aleck Davidson, who first brought cions from a valuable seedling from Greenville county, South Carolina to Kentucky, where he grafted a tree or two, from which cions were brought to this State, and a number of trees were grafted in 1817; one of them is yet standing. I was also informed that v/hen this tree was grafted the Bryan orchard (a few miles distant) was bearing finely. I will watch this apple the coming season and will report accordingly. The Secretary announced that there were present delegates from the Iowa State Society: Geo. Van Houten, of Lenox, Iowa; from the Indiana State Society, W. A. Workman, of Greencastle, Indiana ; from the Kansas State Society, H. E. Van Daman, of Geneva, Kansas; and they were all heartily welcomed to our society and invited to make themselves at home in our midst, and take part in our deliberations as •one of ourselves. Society adjourned until 7 p. m. WEDNESDAY, 7 p. m. Meeting called to order by the President and the regular order of "business taken up. 182 * MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. CARE, CULTIVATION AND PRUNING OF THE APPLE OR- CHARD. BY N. F. MURRY, ELM GROVE. The subject or subjects you have assigned me, are all and each of first importance to success in producing Missouri's greatest fruit staple* and need to be well understood and diligently carried into practice by every one who wishes or expects to make apple growing a success^ After all that has been said and written to educate the people and to advance the fruit growing interests of our country, I am safe in say- ing, from my own experience* and observation, for thirty years amon^ the people, east and west, that not more than one-fourth of the apple trees planted ever reached the fruiting period, and a large per cent, of those that do in their neglected condition escape the ravages of stocky rabbits, gophers, borers and injurious insects, never become paying trees. The very appearance of such orchards only tends to discour- age and weaken the general interest in apple growing. In what way can we accomplish a change for the better. I answer,, by educating the people on these important qnestions, not alone by precept, but by the example of more and more successful orchards. Very much has already been accomplished in this direction by our State and county horticultural societies, but the task is only begun. I earnestly wish that our people throughout this great State, where God and bounteous nature have done so much for man, could be fully awakened and led to more fully appreciate the importance of this great and grand subject. This done, and apple growing would receive an impetus that would soon bring a degree of ^prosperity hardly yet dreamed of. Fruit-growers, if true to our noble trust, we will do all we can in this work through our organizations, and let us remember that as individuals we have before us a wide and open field for much needed and useful labor, and one in which we can accomplish a part of what God requires of each one of us — that we do what we can to make the world better and happier while passing through it. In presenting my views on the first part of our subject, "care of the apple orchard," we will start with the young trees just after planting. Supposing them to have been good trees, planted in good average ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 183 soil — placed a little deeper than they grew in the nursesy — with tops inclined to the southwest a few inches, so as to brace against the pre- vailing summer winds, and branching at three to four feet from the ground. Such being the condition of the j'oung orchard, I advise that it be planted in root crops, melons, beans, or dwarf varieties of corn. Cultivate such crops, and along with tbem cultivate the archard. Be careful not to damage the trees with the implements used in cultition. See that the whiffletree does not bark the trees. Hoe around the trees when necessary to keep the soil clear of any weeds that the plow or cultivator has not destroyed. Keep the soil loose by any means; keep off all vines, such as morning glory, etc. While hoeing keep a close watch for borers ; they may be detected by worm dust at the surface, or by scraping gently over the bark for three inches below the surface with a knife, and if a hollow sound is detected, or if the bark yields under the pressure of knife or fingers, then cut till you find and kill the worm. A piece of whale bone a few inches long, and no thicker than a small straw, can be used in many cases to punch him to death, and so save cutting the tree so badly. Cover such wounds on the trees with soil. Cultivation should cease in young orchards, especially if the ground is rich, by about the fourth of July, so that the young wood may ripen before winter sets in. Late in autumn the trunks should be wrapped and tied up with paper, hay, straw, corn stalks, or like material, to prevent rabhits from barking them. This will also give quite a protection against hark- huTsting. This wrapping should be removed early in summer that the trees may receive the full benefit of air and sunshine. Care should be taken to keep the trees in proper position during summer, as they often get loosened by wind and bent over. They should be straightened up and earth pressed firmly about them. A piece of tough sod may be used and tramped into advantage. Should such treatment fail to keep them in place, stakes may be used, but care should be taken to so tie the tree to the stake that it will not be rubbed and bruised on it. The number of years that the apple orchard should be cultivated. Most writers tell us ""for several years," and then leave us to guess what is to be done thereafter. Many seem to think that when the orchard comes into bearing it is able to take care of itself among grass and weeds, hence leave the trees to their fate. I fail to see the con- sistency of such a way of doing. I am a firm believer in continuous cultivation. While the orchard is young the income from the crops referred to will pay well for the 184 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. work, and when the trees shade the ground too much for such crops, then cultivate for fruit alone. TJiis is necessary in order to keep the ground mellow and moist, and to cut the roots so as to multiply the small fibrous rootlets which are essential to the highest condition of fruitfulness. Have you ever taken into consideration the amount of w^ater that a large apple tree, heavily loaded with fruit and leaves — or with leaves alone, — will require in the hot summer days to keep up the supply thrown off by the foliage and retained by the fruit? If so you will not be surprised at seeing the leaves small, yellow and sickly, and the fruit small and shriveled on the trees in hard soil, with grass, weeds, or small grain robbing the little starved rootlets of their drink. In cultivating care should be taken to keep the surface as level as possible. If the land is poor or is a heavy clay a top dressing of stable manure, sawdust, chips, ashes or lime, or a mixture of any or all of these materials, may be given with great advantage. If we expect continuous heavy crops of fine apples, year after year, from the same trees, we should be as constant and as faithful in their care, cultivation and feeding as the successful stockman is in the care of his fine animals. The cultivation of the bearing orchard should consist of plowing the ground late in autumn, and of stirring it several times in early spnng and summer before the trees are bent by the weight of fruit. I recommend small mules, harness with no hames or anything else sticking upward to injure the limbs of the trees ; also short whiffle-trees as the best and most efficient outfit for this work. Destruction of insects is one good result of frequently stirring the soil and keeping it clean. PRUNING. While I unhesitatingly denounce the cutting and slashing gener- ally practised, as worse than no pruning, yet I am a firm believer in careful annual pruning, to begin with the young trees when first planted. Prune to shape and thin the top. Cut out all cross limbs, and see that the head is evenly balanced on the trunk. Leave no forked trees, for sooner or later they will split. After the first full crops the tops will be spread with weight of fruit, and for several years thereafter but little pruning will be needed more than to cut out the broken limbs and suckers. ANiJUAL WINTER MEETING AT WAKRENSBDRG. 185 In a few years it will be noticed that the trees have become more or less drooping, and many of the lower limbs will be too near to, or perhaps even touching- the ground. At this period the pruning; should be confined mostly to thinning out and cutting off tliese trailing under-limbs, and it will be found necessary to cut some pretty large limbs. Whether with saw or knife use the tool so as not to split or to even check below the cut off, and paint thoroughly all cuts over one inch in diameter and no harm will follow. TIME FOR PRUNING. I have a very decided preference as to when my trees shall be pruned. Watch the progress of the season, and just as soon as your trees have begun to grow pretty fast, begin and finish as soon as possible. There will .be but few, it any, suckers thrown out, the mechanical pressure of the process of growth will tend to prevent checking, and the new bark will soonest cover small cuts and partly cover large ones. Men, women and children of Missouri — with her plains and hills, and her unnumbered variations of soil, from Iowa to Arkansas, from the Mississippi to her western boundary, by nature the best of the States for producing the greatest and surest crops of apples of the rich- est colors, the highest quality, and of the widest range among the best varieties — do not fear that you will not get paid for your work in the necessary article of money, nor in the high and refined satisfaction of results accomplished in one of the best of all employments, and re- member that what pays tor doing at all pays best for doing well. After which the following was read by W. G. Gano, of Parkville: To the Missouri State Horticultural Society : The productiveness of this section of our countr3^ in early times, was wonderful. The young trees were no sooner introduced into the soil when they would spring forUi with such strength and vigor as to astonish us who have been accustomed to their culture in the old Eastern States. Before we were prepared for it, our cellars were over- flowing with the most beautiful, delicious fruit, God's best gift to man ; so delightful to the sons of Missouri, that they doubtless felt that they could justify our first parents in Eden for partaking so freely of all the fruit of the garden, considering that it was the first growth of a new country. 186 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. But change is written in indeJible lines all over the broad expanse of earth. Elements, animate and inanimate, vegetable and mineial, all alike pass the ordeal, and the careful observer will note the character and rapidity of these changes. The scientist will study the forces at work, and reveal the causes of the various eifects produced. The skillful physician will carefully diagnose his case before he prescribes for it. In like manner should the horticulturist understand the nature and wants of tree-life before he can deal wisely with the tree itself. This can be accomplished only by close attention to the business, and we are persuaded (hat no profession or calling requires more observation and study than that of the horticulturist. It is a lamentable fact, evident to every member of this profession^ that many — very many — orchards in this section of country have lost their pristine vigor, and are fast becoming unprofitable and worthless.. This can be attributed to many and varied causes, the most potent of which are sheer neglect, vile treatment and the want of proper food supply for the trees. But the chief cause at the bottom of all is ignorance, a want of the knowledge of the laws governing tree life. I shall not attempt to present any special remedies to apply in these cases; for the treatment should be about the same as that of an orchard properly cultured and developed from its beginning, but shall present a few suggestions for the treatment of orchards in general. The question arises, "Shall we cultivate our orchards?" and in reply, I say yes ; but it must be done with the greatest care. I think that young trees, as well as those bearing fruit, are far less likely to suffer from drouth and the want of proper nourishment and food supply, where the land is planted to a hoed crop, and after stirred with a cultivator, than where it is in grass or in any kind of sowed crop. When the trees come into bearing, we get finer fruit and more of it from an orchard well fertilized and thoroughly cultivated. We have known men to set out young trees in meadows and old pastures, digging holes in the sod just suflScient to accommodate the roots, and saying, " Why should anyone insist on trimming trees." In a few years they smile at beholding these trees one mass of bloom, and later inthe season, they are still more pleased to see them bending under a load of ripening fruit. This they call productiveness, when it is more often premature decay and death. It is no wonder that many trees die the first cold winter. All over this State, many failed to grow this and last spring. Many limbs and branches died this summer on ac- ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 187 count of two year's heavy crops which impaired the vitality of the trees. After such heavy cropping the trees loose their healthy appear- ance, bearing a sickly color, and the once upright, elastic limbs are- drooping and stiffened as with age. How could we expect them to flourish in this condition ? Even the beautiful flowers loose their bright pinkish color. The apples, instead of being rosy, crisp, juicy and delicious, are colored with milldew, dry and insipid to the taster- following a law of nature, '^ that like begets like," so sickly trees pro- duce sickly fruit. Our orchards and markets are full of it, the conse- quence of over-cropping and over-bearing. No intelligent farmer would expect to get a remunerative crop of giain of one kind from- the same piece of ground for twenty or twenty-five } ears in succession, without a constant effort to keep up the fertility of the soil, and even with such effort a rotation of crops is by far the wiser course to pur- sue. But with the orchard there is no chance for rotation. When it i& once planted, it is for a generation, and year after year the same draft is made on the soil, increasing as the trees grow larger, until every square foit of the soil is filled with a network of roots and fibers, tak- ing up from every spot the elements upon which the life and vigor of the trees depend. Hence, the great necessity of regularly adding ta the soil such fertilizers as will best replace these elements, and supply the constant draft made on the soil. To cultivate an orchard successfully for growth and profit, com- mercial fertilizers are out of the question. They would cost too much for the doubtful profit in them, and were they as good as claimed, they are by nature too stimulating and short lived. You would see its effect in the tree but not in the fruit. Ashes, either leached or unleached, spread broadcast over the ground, are of great value, and there is little- danger of using too much. While it is evident that by very heavy and constant manuring it is possible to stimulate a too rapid growth ot the trees, resulting in short- ening their lives, still my observation has led me to conclude that where there is one thus injured by two much manuring, there are scores that are more injured by not getting enough. Seed your orchards to clover and pasture to hogs, and while you are converting the clover and wormy apples to pork, you will be at the same time destroying the codling moth, and fertilizing the ground. In fact, I know of no better or more practical way than this in cases where the orchard is located oa steep hillsides, where there is danger of the land washing by being plowed. 188 MISSOURI STATE flOKTICULlURAL SOCIETY. Plowing IS an important item, and we cannot be too careful to pre- vent inj uring the trees. A. high-topped hame should never be taken in an orchard, as it is very likely to break or buise the low branches. Great damage is also done trees by the ends of the whifflatrees bruising and mutilating the trunks, and I see no good reason why something cannot be contrived to eifectualiy prevent this injury. I have seen a cut ot a contrivance in the Michigan State Horticultural society's report of 18S1, which may be practical. The whillletrees are carried under the bodies of the horses, and a chain fastened to the center of the evener is all that there is between the horses and the plow. A very important matter connected with making orcharding profitable is the pruning, and while it is true, as a general rule, that the skillful orchardist may give his trees about such shape as he pleases, still the pruning should be done with a thorough knowledge of the natural characteristics of the growth of different varieties of trees. For instance, no well posted fruit grower will attempt to give a like shaped top to a Red Strawberry and B. Ben Davis. The pruning should never be done in ahap-hazzard way, but with an inleiligent idea of what form of tree is best adapted to the different varieties. The extremes of a too compact and a too open top should be avoided. With all varieties the skillful orchardist will be able to secure a handsome, well rounded top sufficiently compact to give the proper shade to both trunk and main limbs, and at the same time sufficiently open to admit the amount of light and air necessary to perfect the fruit of the more central portions of the tree. As to the best time of the year for pruning much has been said and written, and considerable difference of opinion and practice prevails, and while I believe the time of pruning of less importance than the manner, still I think it can be most successfully and skillfully done when the trees are in both fruit and leaves, and all things considered, perhaps no time is better adapted to this important work than the months of May and June. From my experience as well. as from observation, I am of the opinion that the profits of the orchard are augmented by heading the trees low. On such varieties as Ben Divis and a great many other varieties whose branches incline to a more lateral growth, thus giving a low spreading top, I would start the top about four f^et from the ground. While with such varieties that incline to a more upright growth I would endeavor to give not over three feet of trunk. Trees thus formed with their tops low will be more easily kept erect, will have less fruit shaken off by wind, and the expense of gathering will be quite a per cent less than from those allowed to grow much taller. ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 189 This brings us to the insect warfare, which to the fruit grower is the most difficult obstacle he has to surmount. The migratory habits of the moth, and the dilatory habits of the farmers, make it^quite diffi- cult for those to succeed who attempt to rid their orchards of this pest. Concert of action and persistent, unyielding purpose thioughout the neighborhood is the most feasible plan that can be adopted to save our fruit from such wholesale waste as the people of Missouri are now sus-- taining. Nearly one-half of our fruit is entirely destroyed, and a great deal of the balance rendered unfit for market in consequence of allow- ing codling moth free access to our orchards. Shall we not organize a thorough and systematic warfare against the most potent enemy of the fruit problem than has heretofore been organized in this section and save at least a much larger proportion than we now do of this as fine and delicious fruit as the world produces. With all the failings of the orchard, a little cultivation, pruning and mulching, and fighting the insects the best we can, will usually reward the husbandman as well as capital invested in any other enter- prise. It requires the exercise of at least a little plain common sense to achieve success in raising fruit. Some people know it all at the start, but the successful man gets his information at the other end of the route. W. G. GANG, Parkville. EFFECTS GF THE WINTER GN GUR GRCHARDS AND WHAT CAN BE DGNE WITH THEM. T. W. GAUNT, MARYVILLE, MO. Mr. President^ Ladies and Oentlemeji: The duty has been assigned to me to analyize or look into the cause of the evil effects of the winters on our orchards, and also with a view of introducing some practical remedies. It is a subject that I have been investigating for many years. It covers a great field of practical thought. It is a subject that horticulturists and nurserymen are alike interested in. We feel sore and disappointed when a severe winter has robbed us of some fragrant flower, shrub or plant. 190 MISSOURI STATE HORTICTLTURAL SOCIETY. Especially do we feel disappointment when we realize that the sever- ity of the winter has impaired the vitality of the fruit buds of our choicest trees, so much so that it is impossible for them to bring forth fruit. In passing over the country, I have observed many orchards set on low damp ground, and sometimes on seepy hillsides no better than the low damp ground. Such situations are only fit for the growth of willows, Cottonwood or low swamp brush, altogether an unfit situa- tion for an orchard. Late rains have a tendency to stimulate a late growth of trees planted on low situations, and thus the trees are not in that matured condition to pass through a severe winter without being seriously damaged or killed outright. The winter of 185i3-4 was very damaging to young orchards set on damp ground. I noticed a thrifty young orchard that was planted on high ground, many of the trees were badly damaged, the bark split from the ground twelve to fifteen inches up on the body, also the bark was loosened one half round from the body of the tree, and notwithstanding the high situation was too damp; a similar damage will occur to orchards on high or low ground if the situation needs underdraining, and if during the mild winters the trees on such locations come out without damage in the spring, the fruit is not) to be compared with the finely developed, rich flavored fruit grown on trees planted on high, dry land. I invariably recom- mend planting an orchard on the best high dry ground, so that the best results may be obtained. Orchards planted on high, dry situa- tions mature their fruit buds and produce abundant crops. 1 never heard of any orchard planted on blulFland that ever sustained any in- jury by the winter, lam satisfied that the tender varieties injure almost every winter ; that in the alternate thawing and freezing the sap ves- sels are often damaged, and thus the flow of sap is retarded in its cir- culation throughout the tree, hence the tree becomes prematurely old and stunted; as a result, the Iruitis very inferior, not fit either fo? table or market, running down to small scabby fruit such as the White Pearmain, Early Harvest, Carolina June, and others. On the other hand, the varieties Astrachan, Oldenburg, Northern Spy, Willow Twig, Domine, and others, appear to withstand the severest of our winters, and bring forth fruit to perfection, the old trees producing as large^ fine fruit as when they were young. Nearly all the orchards need a very thorough underdraining at a depth of about five feet, using tiles of four inch inside diameter. The drains should be dug between each row of trees two rods apart. This will relieve the whole situation at once, and prevent all future damage of our orchards by the winter, in that the word will mature well which will enable the tree to resist the action of the ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 191 frost. There will be no more splitting of the bark at the collar of the tree. There will be no more immature fruit buds. The roots will be relieved from the water pressure that in the past they have been com- pelled to bear. I do not blame the surly winter which God hath or- dained for a wise purpose for the damage of our fruit trees. I attach blame to the men who do not plant their orchards on the highest and driest situation on their farms. I have a system of underdrains of near two miles on my place that is doing its work night and day in a very satisfactory manner. It is a cure for wet ground, the plants, vegetables, all kinds of grain, small fruits and fruit trees all luxuriate in a soil that is well under- drained. I can recommend it to every citizen of the State who owns a farm, believing it to be the only remedy for bringing into successful cultivation all the wet soils. PEARS— LOCATION, TREATMENT AND BEST VARIETIES FOR PLA.NTING. BY J. A. DURKES, WESTON, MO. The pear tree, in its wild state, is a native of Europe and Asia, ex- tending from the Mediterranean sea northward as far as Sweeden — eastward to China and Japan. The culture of the pear is one of very ancient date. The great length of time during which the fruit is in season for eating or culin- ary uses, its superior delicacy and flavor, and the great beauty of the tree has always maintained for it a very high interest in the annals of horticulture. Roman writers speak of it, mentioning many varieties and the uses their excellence adapted them to. The estimation of the fruit grew apace with the civilization of the people, and the introduction of superior kinds. So far had this improvement been advanced from tlie acrid wild- ling that as early as the first part of the last century a writer informs 192 MISSOTRI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. US that in his time there were known two hundred and fifty sorts from which seventy or eighty could be selected as the best, Du Hamel, a celebrated French writer on fruits and arbor trees, 1768, gives one hundred and nineteen of better sorts, to which he could add thirty or forty more he did not esteem so well for culture. The efforts of Dr. Van Mons and others during]; the first quarter of the present century, gave an increased intersest in pear culture. The result of their labors was an acquisition of many of the very best vari- eties we cultivate now. The number of kinds increased very rapidly during the century^ preceding the year'1831. During this period it reached from the amount as stated to that of 677, and to this the additions made almost annually are very numerous. The tree is one of great longevity. In its native haunts, it generally occupies soils and positions conducive to a very slow, firm growth, just the opposite of the apple, as the latter fiourighes best in rich, deep, loamy locations. The productiveness of the pear tree increases with age. In our own land many fine old trees are found — become famous by their age and the great crops they have borne. With feelings of much gratitude may we of the present generation look back upon the labors of the first settlers in their endeavors to in- troduce the cultivated fruits of the gardens they forsook for a new home. So soon as the little cabin was built, the clearing made, the chosen seeds they had brought with them were planted. From these seedlings have sprung most of our choicest native pears, such as the Dix, the Sekel, the Sheldon, the Howell, and many others; of the orig- inal trees, after an elapse of fifty and sixty years, many are still bear- ing and in healthy condition. This, certainly, demonstrates the fact (hat many places at least ex- ist in the wide extent of this great land well adapted to the growing of pears. From the fact, perhaps, that it is not indigenous to this continent,, and the kinds that have been produced from American seedlings as well as those of European origin, being subject to the same disease alike — the perfect adaptability of varieties to certain soils, situations and localities, will still require many years of patient study, observa- tion and experiment ; moreover, with a country so extensive.^a climate so diverse in its changes, we could not hope for success with all and failure with none. The pear tree requires a dry situation, where drainage is perfect, a moderate, rich loam, with subsoils at once dry and still retentive of moisture, and where these overlie vast beds of limestone, it has been. ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT T\'ARKENSBURG. 193 considered of much advantage. Elevations and ridges, where the ash, linden and the oaks are mostly found growing, seem to contain all the elements desired for the pear. The pear tree being an upright grower, the roots descend almost straight, tar downward into the subsoils, while producing but few lat- erals. It depends little on them for the supply of sood. Pears budded on the quince should have locations more sheltered and soils somewhat richer, with a subsoil more open and porous, the TOots of the tree in this condition (as a dwarf) being more fibrous and nearer the surface. Cultivate the trees, but an excessive stimulus should be avoided. After the orchard comes into bearing, its vigor can be kept up by top dressings with manures, lime and ashes, and mulching with vegetable litter. Plowing late in the fall will in many cases be very beneficial. Every planter should be the judge to what extent his orchard may need this, as no fixed rule can be given to meet all cases. In cultivating the pear tree it should never be done later than May. If the grass and weeds become too tall and thick cut down with a scythe ; they, in turn, become a good fertilizer. It will be seen by these remarks that in our choice of elevated, perfectly'' drained sites, soils of a dry calcareous character and in mode of cultivation, the aim is to produce an earlj^- summer's growth, a per- fect ripening of the wood, and the flow of the sap entirely checked be- fore the first cold changes come. The experience of most growers for the past forty years has been, that where these conditions could be attained, trees were less subject to blight. In cultivating our fruit trees during late summer a second annual growth is formed, which often is continued by mild and rainy weather far into the season, sudden severe changes occurring in the weather, freezing the sap in their cells, causing them to contract, hindering the further flow. The sap loses its consistency, becomes thick, sour and stagnates in the tree. Seasons and conditions like these we believe to be the very root of the disease — pear blight, the best authorities agree in this theory — our own experience of twenty five years has given reasons to confirm it. In training, a conic form is preferred, the limbs starting quite close to the ground, the aim being to shade the trunk and larger limbs as much as possible. We otten permit trees to grow into a bush, throwing up several stems from the root, either pear or quince, thus inducing a larger amount of wood growth from the roots and dividing its powers among H R— 13 194 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. many feeders. Where trees are located in rich and damp soils thi& method has been very good. In planting trees on quince it is advisable to place them deep in the soil, far below the union of bud and stalk, making half standards as soon as possible. Often a deep upward cut into the bark is made, just at the point of union, believing, that the callousing of the wound so made would induce an earlier growth of roots from this point than if the trees were left to a natural growth. But little pruning is re- quired after the tree has been formed and comes into bearing, thinning^ out the weak and interlacing branches, the cutting off here and there of some straggling ones, to keep in a proper shape, will be all that is needed, early spring is the best time for this work. Pinch back to induce the formation of fruit spurs during the growing season (June and July). The check of the growth by this also gives the tree an advantage to resist disease. In speaking of varieties for general planting, we have come to a point of greatest difficulty; it is almost impossible to name any two that would give the same results, even in a limited territory. There- fore it is well to try many varieties, planting more largely of those that have been tested in the immediate neighborhood. We give a list of some of the older kind that have been thoroughly tested in almost every part of the land and are known to succeed in general where planted. Many new candidates are in the field, for which much is claimed, and it is hoped that among them are such that may prove themselves suitable to every part of the country. The Bartlett, originated more than a century ago, stands at the head of the list for general cultivation everywhere, at the east and the west; duriug its season it leads in the markets. For family and ameteur marketing no garden should be without the Rostiezer, no summer pear will give greater satisfaction than this.. The Tyson, a native seedling, is one of our best summer pears. The Giffard D'Amalis and Bloodgood are quite hardy and annual bearers. The Howell, the Hovey, the Buffam, Steven's Genesee and Kirtland, all American seedlings, have adapted themselves to many localities. The Duchess, Flemish Beauty, White Doyenne, Louise Bonne and Sheldon are excellent fall varieties. The Beurre D'Anjon is known everywhere and its own merits are the best recommendations for it. For size, beauty and productiveness, the Beurre Clairgean ranks high, the tree being an early and abundant bearer, and on our grounds- has never shown any signs of blight. ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 195 Beurre Bosc, Doynne Boussock, D'Alencon, Lawrence, Beurre Diel and Onondaga have proven in many sections to succeed admirably. The Vicar, the Pound, the Winter Nellis, Easter Beurre and D'Aremburg are hardy and productive kinds for winter. The Seckel, the ideal of excellence among pears, has become a universal favorite ; it is hardy, healthy and productive. The culture of the pear is one of great and peculiar interest, the great excellence of the fruit will always maintain for it renewed efforts for general cultivation. Hoping, therefore; that some suggestion made in this paper may stimulate an effort in that direction, we close with these words of encouragement from the pen of the late Dr. Warder: "Pears have been grown in this country; pears may again be grown here ; pears are grown in some places ; they may be grown in many others; let us then plant pears." THURSDAY, 9 A. M. By invitation the society visited the Normal School at the opening exercise, after which they decided to move their quarters to that place at the noon hour. The meeting was called to order by the President, and after prayer by Mr. Murtfeldt, the society took up the regular order of business. VINEYARDS. REPORT BY G. E. MEISSNER, BUSHBURG, MO. Mr. President and Fellow Members: In most parts of our State the '^rape passed through the very se- vere and rigorous winter of 1884 to 1885 with comparatively slight 186 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 'injury, and notwithstanding the late and unfavorable spring, gave promise of an unusually fine yield of fruit in the early part of sum- mer, but alas ! the rot and mildew have once more thrown their bligbt- ing influence over that promise, and we record another season of more or less marked failure throughout a large portion of the State. Fortunately we have a lew varieties which have shown their resist- ance again to these dread fungoid diseases, and of these varieties the Norton's Virginia and the Cynthiana still rank at the head of the list. So lar as I have observed and heard, they have done remarkably well, and probably have given full average crop. The Elvira also has made its mark again, and, with the exception of some localities, has suffered but little from the rot, and has gener- ally given a fairly satisfactory crop. Our friend, Jacob Rommel, the originator of the Elvira, may well be proud of the appreciation which this grape has won, not only in this State but in many other sections of our country. I believe, however, that the Etta, a seedling of the Elvira, and another of friend Rommel's productions, will in time out- rank its parent, being of a finer, better, more sprightly and vinous quality, and valuable alike for the table and for wine. The Ives, Perkins, Norton's Seedling, Lad}'^, Grenis Golden, Mon- tefiore, Mason's Seedling, Pocklington, have, with us here, given toler- ably fair crops and suffered less damage from rot and mildew than most other kinds. However, I will enter into no more details concerning varieties, as both Mr. Rommel and Mr. Teubner, my fellow member on the grape committee, have signified their intention of handing in their reports, and will probably speak of the different kinds, and make a better report on them than I am able, having had but little occasion myself for per- sonal observation outside of our own vineyards, and in other parts of the State. I would rather say a few words on another subject, which is of great interest to our American grape culture. For the last five or six years the Perenospora viticola^ (our Amer- ican Grape Mildew), has prevailed to an alarming extent in the Old World, notably in Southern France and in Italy, and the ravages caused by it in those countries have scarcely been less damaging to their crops than the losses caused by the Phyloxera. Its effects on the Eu ropean grape — and the entire vinifera class is especially susceptible to it — have been precisely the same, as its effects here are only too well known on varieties that are subject to it. Two years ago, already my fnend and partner, Mr. Bush, expressed the hope in our Bushburg catalogue, (page 4^), that some remedy would be found against this ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT AVARRENSBURG. 197 dread disease. Happilj'' this hope seems now to have been realized, and in view of the importance of the discovery* of remedies, which seems at the same time simple and efficacious, I propose to give you a brief translation or extract of several articles treating on the question, which have appeared in the November number of the ''^ Messager Agricole^'' published at Montpelier, France. One of the articles is a communication by Prof. Millardet of Bor- deaux, entitled " On the Treatment of Rot and Mildew," {Extrait des Comptes rendus <'>■ V Acadeinie des Sciences^ jSFo. cZm, o Octohre^ 1885), in which he says : '' On the first of May last, I made a commu- nication to the society cf agriculture of the Oironde, concerning a treatment of the mildew by means of a comj^ound of lime and of sul- phate of copper, (blue vitrei ). The knowledge of this mixture, the de- termination of the proportions of the composing substances, the in- struction as to the most favorable moment of their apj)]ication, are the results of two years of study and experiment made with the help of Mr. Ernest David, manager for Mr. NathanielJohnston, the proprietor of the Chateaux Dauzac and Beau Caillou in the Medoc. In conse- qnence of this communication several proprietors in the Medoc were led to apply on a large scale the treatment which I had recommended. Mr. Johnston alone, who entered upon it with a will, had the treat- ment applied to fifty thousand vines on his two establishments. It is the result of these exi)eriences which I take the liberty to submit to the academy. " To day, on the third of October, the treated vines present a nor- mal vegetation ; the foliage is healthy and of a beautiful green ; the grapes are black and perfectly matured. ''The non-treated vines, on the contrary, present the most misera- ble aspect ; the most of the leaves have dropped ; the few which remain sffe half dried up ; the grapes, which are still red, can serve for nothing else than to make a ''piquette." The contrast is most striking."* After some remarks on the varieties treated, etc., Prof. Millardet gives the mode of treatment as follows: " In 100 litres (26^ gallons) of water dissolve 8 kilo, (about 17^ lbs.) of sulphate of copper; also make with 30 litres (about 8 gallons) of water and 15 kilo (33 lbs.) of fresh (unslacked) lime a thick lime milk or lime wash, and mix it with the solution of sulphate of copper. It will form a bluish pickle. The operator, stirring it up, pours some of this in a can or bucket which he *Prof. Millardet has accompanied his communication by photographs of a treated and a non-treated vine, which indeed present an astonishing contrast, as also the analysis which he gives of the most of the grapes, showing the difference in the percentage of sugar. 198 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. takes in his left hand while with the ri2;ht, with a small whisk or broom, he sprinkles or spatters the leaves, taking care to avoid touch- ing the grapes with the compound. No danger to the person need be apprehended." " With Mr. Johnston 50 litres of the mixture have been sufficient for the treatment of 1,000 vines.* The treatment has been applied from the 10th to 20th of July; at some points it has been repeated a second time, end of August, but without marked advantage. It is shown that a single application is sufficient. The mixture, when it has dried, adheres well to the leaves. After the treatment the vines have gone through several heavy thunderstorms at the beginning and end of August, and frequent rains in September. Notwithstanding this, one can today easily recognize on half of the leaves the spots where they have been touched by the compound, but even those leaves which have not retained the least trace thereof are in as good a state as those which still show the spots," '' It is not necessary that the leaves be entirely covered with the preserving mixture. I venture to say that a single splash even on a leaf will be sufficient." Prof. Millardet insists upon a timely application and as a prevent- ative treatment, saying that those who waited until their vines were already rather seriously attacked reaped much less benefit from the operation. In concluding Prof. Millardet says: "There is a last important point to be considered. Notwithstanding all care, it will happen that some drops of the coppery mixture will fall on the grapes. Will the copper be found again in the wine ? And if it should be found, would it be in quantities sufficient that health could be affected thereby? My colleague, Mr. Grayon, has promised me his help to study this question. A trial made by him on SOO grammes (nearly 2 lbs.) of the fruit taken from treated vines failed to reveal the presence of copper in absolutely certain manner. The researches in this direction will be continued, and I hope to be able, before long, to lay their results before the academy." In a discussion of this question at a meeting of the Agricultural Society of the Herault, at Montpelier, the view is expressed that any danger to health need hardly be feared in consequence of the infinitely small quantity of the coppery compound which might adhere to the fruit, if proper care has been bestowed while applying it to the vine. * For our American vines here with their larger spread of vegetation, espe- cially where grown on trellis, this quantitj^ would sufficeprobably for only one-half or one-third that number of plants. \ ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 199 But another remedy, which is absolutely free from any objection on this score, has been applied with remarkable success in Italy, where it was recommended by the department and schools of Agriculture. The brothers Belussi, near Conegliano, in the province of Trevise, especially deserve great credit for the intelligent and persevering manner in which they have experimented in this direction for a number of years, until at last success has crowned their efforts. The Messager Agricole contains communications on the subject by Prof. Oerletti of the royal school of viticulture at Conegliano, Italy, report by Mr. Dehirain, professor of agricultural chemistry at the school of Orignon, France, and report by Prof. Velicogna of the imperial and royal school of agriculture at Geritzia, Austria. These two gentlemen were sent to Italy expressly by their schools to investigate the matter. Their articles are too long to give you a complete translation of them. They all agree, however, in reporting the most astonishing success of the new remedy. This remedy consists simply of a lime wash or "lime milk," as the French call it, which is prepared in the proportion of 2^ kilo, (about 6| lbs.) of fresh lime slacked in 100 litres (26| gallons) of water. With this liquid the vines are sprinkled abundantly, and from the middle of May until the middle of August this operation is repeated five or six times. With this mixture no especial care need to be taken as it contains nothing that is injurious to health, and even if some of the lime should still adhere to the grapes when they are ripe, this could be easily removed by washing the fruit in water. In speaking of the results of the treatment Prof. Velicogna says : " In every row of vines which had not been limed, but had been sulphured energetically, and at several times on each vine and on each cane not limed, the Perenospora (mildew) had made such ravages as I have never seen before in our country. The 10th of this month, Sep- tember, four-fifths of the leaves were lost. On some vines some canes had no trace of foliage left. The grapes are few, badly nourished and quite green. The shoots of this year are short, sickly and puny. All the rows of vines, every plant, every cane, which from the mid- dle of May to middle of August, has been limed five or six times, are •completely exempt from the Perenospora, not a trace of the disease. The vines have conserved all their leaves, whitened by the lime, but large and fully formed, and of a dark green color when they are wshed. As everywhere else there are not a great many grapes, but the bunches are fine, well developed, well nourished and black as ink." 200 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIEIT, Now anyone who knows how some of our finest grapes, the Dela- ware, for instance, suffer from the mildew in unfavorable seasons, how in many sections they cannot be grown at all for this reason, will ap- preciate the high value of this^discovery of a simple'and practical rem- edy, and its importance if it should prove equally efficacious here- The Delaware is not only very rarely subject to rot, while it is very susceptible to mildew, but doubtless if we could conquer the latter it would prove one of our most valuable and profitable grapes to grow. But I have strong hope that this lime treatment may also prove of great service as a preventive aganst the grape rot, and if such should really be the case, it would be the greatest boo;i for our Araerican grape culture. We propose to make thorough experiments with it next season, and I would strongly urge upon all of you who are interested in the grape, and who may have suffered in your vines from the ravages of mildew and rot, to give the new remedies a fair trial, remembering, however, that the efficiency any remedy depends entirely upon its timely and through application. Life and health permitting, I^hope we may be' able to compare notes, and report favoriible results at the time of our next annual winter meeting. Let us not despair of grape culture, because of a few consecutive years of failure of some varieties, but let us take an example rather of courage, energy and perseverance displayed by the people of the old world, where the grape forms the principal source of revenue for such large extents of country. Forty 5'ears ago they were ravaged by the Oidium^ the European grape mildew, which swept all over southern Europe, and soon reduced the grape crops to a minimum, but they persevered, and finally, with the discovery of the sulphur remedy, they conquered this foe. Hardly had they recuperated and begun to feel secure again in their favorite crop, when the Phylloxera came and utterly destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres of the finest vineyards in the world. Undaunted by" this they renewed the fight, and by the use of American resistant stalks they overcame the evil effects of the Phylloxera. While still struggling with the insect, the Perejiospora appeared and ravaged southern Europe from Spain to Italy, crossing the Medi- terranean even into Africa to the newly established vineyards of Algiers. Now, by means^of these before mentioned remedies they see their way to victory, also over the latest enemy of their cherished grape. If we look at wha:) they have overcome, we cannot help but to ad- mire those people, but we must also profit by their example, and with ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT AYARRENSBURG. 201 an equal degree of intelligent perseverance, courage and energy, we will surely also conquer the foes of American grape culture as they hfive succeeded in conquering the no less formidable ones of the European grape. Let us keep on in the good work, and profit from the experience of others as well as from our own ; finally our efforts will be crowned with success, and we will reap the merited benefits. After which came a report by JACOB ROMMEL, OF MORRISON, MO. I The grape growers of Missouri are still in a progressive condition, regardless of the partly failures for the last few years. The grape growers at present are composed of more practical men than in former times, and making growing grapes more a specialty, likewise we now have several large wine establishments making wine a specialty, and buying the grapes from the grape growers and paying more for them as they would generally bring in market for table grapes. The growing of grapes lor wine and the making of wine is our main dependence, as they are our main consumers of our grapes. With- out this we should have been compelled to suspend mostly with our grape growing. Therefore we look forward for grapes for wine making;, and improve such. The following are grapes mostly growing : Nortons, Cynthiana, Ives and Concord for red wine. Catawba, Elvira, Martha, Goethe and Missouri Riesling for white wine. These have done best for a number of years. There are on trial numbers of new ones ; many highly prized ones have proven unreliable here, and there is quite an anxiety to produce or to procure reliable grapes for wine making and we are in hopes to find such out of the many new ones now on trial. The last season has been a most unfavorable one, being wet throughout, causing grapes to rot badly and many of them a total failure. The following kinds did best and produced the main bulk : Nortons, Cynthiana, Ives, Elvira, Martha, Missouri Riesling and Goethe. Concords — Almost a failure by rot. Moore^s Early — Much like Concord) larger in berries and better in quality, earlier and not much afi'ected by rot. Pocklington — A large, fine, late grape, rotted badly. 202 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Triumph — Not reliable. Catawba — Light crop by rot. Clinton and Bachus — Rotted badly. Herhemont — Almost a failure. Rulander — Likewise. Black Hermann — One third rotted. White Hermann — Little rot. ^7/z5er— Almost free from rot, rather a shy bearer. Beauty — Almost a failure by rot. Pearl — Rotted one-half. Transparent — Oae-half rotted. Monteiiore — Rotted but little. £tta — Almost free from rot. \ Delaware Seedling No. [1 — Very little affected by rot, very fine and productive. Black Delaware — Was fine with but little rot. Faith — Little affected by rot, fine in quality, very early, of medium size bunch and berries. Lady — Rotted but little ; it is much like Martha but better in. quality and two weeks earlier in ripening and larger in berries. Lady Washhigton — Almost a failure and not reliable here. Greins Goldeti — Little affected by rot but poor in quality. Marsalias — Almost free from rot, very productive but poor in quality. Conqueror — Rotted but little, a black grape much like Ives but better in quality. Hartford Proli/ic— 'Rotted badly. Telegraph — Almost a total failure by rot. . Delaware — Little affected by rot; however, poor grower and not profitable. Cottage — Rotted badly. Neosho — A fair crop, very prolific but poor in quality. Racine — Of no value except for arbor purposes on account of fine, healthy foliage and rank growing habits. Of the Roger's Hybrids, the Goethe is the only one reliable. Early Victor — Did well, not much affected by rot, very early, val- uable for market. Noah — Has not proved reliable. Creveling — Not reliable. Those are grapes that have been cultivated for a number of years. ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARKENSBURG. 203 Newer ones have yet to show their test, one or two years will not answer. Experimenting is expensive combined with years of labor, and so far, out of so many new ones, we have as yet iew of real value. The same may be said of other fruits, especially of apples, the test of many of the so highly praised ones have not proven to be what was expected and now we fall back on some of the older kinds that were set aside for the newer ones. It is strange that many of our newer fruits will retain their merits for a short time only, and some of our older kinds main- tain their merits so long. REPORT BY CHAS. TEUBNEK, LEXINGTON, MO., MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON VINEYARDS. In this vicinity grapes are not grown to any extent. There are but five or six vineyards of a few hundred vines each. Some of our farmers have a small trellis of vines, but these are left to grow at will, or pruned in an insufficient manner. The Concord is the variety mostly grown. Our climate and soil, however, is not unfavorable to grapes ; in fact the soil on our river blull's is, I believe, well adapted to their growth. The rot is usually less destructive than at Hermann or Co- lumbia, Missouri. The past season, however, grapes rotted consider- bly, in some places three-fouths in others half were lost, the whole crop being about one-fourth. A neighbor of mine who has a small vineyard (mostly of Concord) which receives rather more attention and cultivation than that of others, lost over three-fourths of his crop by rot. His few Norton's Virginia suffered like the Concord, except one vine, which is trained on the east side of his house, and which ripened a fine crop. His vineyard is on rather poor, sandy clay soil, on the lower end of a western slope, the free passage of air draughts being obstructed on the south by an orchard, and on the west by a hill. The vines have been in bearing a number of years. Another neigh- bor whose vines, partly cultivated, were on a rich loamy soil on a hill with an eastern exposure, but surrounded on three sides by build- ings and an orchards, also lost most of his crop by the rot. A number of trellises on different farms, generally on rich prairie soil, but uncultivated and left to grow at will, suffered less with rot, but the remaining bunches, often many in number, had but a few straggling berries, and these, on account of the excessively wet season, and lack 204 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. of prunine:, failed to ripen. A couple of Concord vines in ray yard, one on each side of a walk, pruned and once summer pruned, bore nicely, and were not much affected by rot. About one-half of the bunches were sacked — in two pounds paper sacks — when the berries were quite small ; these escaped the rot entirely, every berry being per- fect, with a beautiful bloom and excellent in quality. The unsacked ber- ries, though not rotting much, were to a great extent wormy, and the others the birds got. A Janeton tree stood near one of the vines into which some of the canes had grown, and as an experiment I pruned one or two of these, but the bunches on them were not as large as those on the main vine, and did not ripen up as well, besides being as wormy and rotting as much as the unsacked bunches on the trellis. The soil in which they are growing is a sandy clay, with a sub-stratum of a sandy nature. The soil was bare and not loosened by cultivation^ and the surface well drained. The vines had plenty of access to sun- shine and air. Chickens had their range about and under the vines this year as in the past years. I mention this fact to show that it did not prevent the grapes from being freed from the ravages of the grape curculio^ In connection I will state that several varieties of plums, Chicasaw as well as some to me unknown varieties of blue plums in the same yard were so badly stung by the plum curculio that, although heavily set with fruit, none of it matured. What few varieties of grapes, other than the Concord, are grown here, such as the Goethe, Catawba, Clinton and Taylor's Bullitt, suffered as much and more than the Concord, the Goethe having been badly in- jured by the previous winter. The Concord was also injured to some extent by tne winter, but not enough to have cut short the crop. Lack of knowledge in the culture of the grape is the principal drawback to grape growing in this county. DISCUSSION. N. F. Murray— The grape planted near the steep hillside on river bluffs pay exceedingly well. One instance where they have paid exceedingly well— $300 per acre. Thinks that if grown higher up on the trellis they would pay better and not rot. Prof. Tracy— The cause of the rot is not a disease, but by spores brought in contact with the grape itself. These fungi develop more upon weak plants. No treatment of the vine will cure the rot. Bagg- ing grapes is the only remedy and will not cost much. ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WABRENSBURG. 205 Mr. Rohards — Has tried the bag business; covered fifty bunches and found that where covered they did weW. Mr. Workman^ of Indiana — Says they have tried bagging grapes, and find it success ; finds they do better upan high trellis or trees, and are a success. Mr. Van Deman — Finds this bagging is not a complete success. Mr. Galloway — Thinks the spores do not enter unless the grapes are punctured. Mr. Gano — Found at St. Joe a great number of excellent new va- lieties, and they succeed much better there than here. Mr. Workman — They will keep much longer than if not sacked. S. Miller — Finds the Worden better than the Concord. T. W. Gaunt — Thinks we need very high and dr^^ ground; need underdraining, he thinks. Prof. Tracy — Says it will do no good. Mr. Miller — Has the highest land in the county of Montgomery, and grapes rot the worst. N. F. Marry — High training is the only success in his county. 3fr. Van Deman — This rot is sporadic and in the atmosphere, and no cultivation will stop it. E. P. Henry — Thinks all these men are correct in their views, and this spread is through the air, but that it will not spread very far in one season, but if one vine is affected it will soon spread to all in the vineyard. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON SMALL FRUITS. BY SAMUEL MILLER, OF BLUFFTON. X. A. Goodman., Secretary of the Missouri Horticultural Society: As my attendance at the annual meeting is uncertain, I will at least give a report on the small fruits. Have written to the other members of my committee to send me theirs or to send direct to you. As usual the strawberry comes first, and as there was but a poor show here the past season, I have not much to tell about them. 206 MISOSUBI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Crescent, Capt. Jack, Camberland Triumph, Hart's Minesota and James Vick did pretty fair. Cornelia did splendidly and promises to be our best late berry. I must not overlook Glendale, which had an immence crop of fine fruit, while if not of the best quality, is well worth having. None of the other new ones did any good. Jumbo is simply Cumberland Triumph. Of cherries we had the best crop that has been for eight or ten years. One tree of Napoleon bore over a bushel of as fine cherries as I ever saw. Some one says our bees deserve the credit for this crop; as cherries are not sure unless bees are in the vicinity to fertilize the blossoms. Raspberries, a fair crop on the Centenial, Seneca, Mammoth Cluster; Gregg a poor crop. Turner as usual full and good ; Crimson Beauty, Scarlet Gem and No. 2 bore af5 well as could be expected in a mass as I have them to grow plant?. Of the latter two we had berries all summer until frost, when they still had fruit and blossoms. Schaff'er was somewhat injured by the winter and the crop not large. Merllow gave us some splendid berries of good quality from plants set out last spring. If this proves hardy it will be a great treasure. Cuthbert had no chance, as the beds were overhauled in digging up plants. BlacJcberries — Lawton and Kittatinny have gone overboard with me; Western Triumph was injured last winter and did not give a full crop or near so much as I expected in the spring. Snyder is an Iron- clad, bore a full crop of good berries, although not large. Now, as to grapes, there was a pretty fair crop left alter all the rot» The Concord rotted about the worst, as usual, and I have no use for it. Worden will supersede it when it becomes known. Early Victor was splendid and is still the best early one on my grounds. Moore's Dia- mond is the earliest and best white one. Of the new ones. Lady Wash- ington, Prentis, Jefferson, Peter Wiley, all brought fruit to perfection in paper sacks, the only sure remedy against insects, rot and birds. Marsala don't rot at all. Had sent me a bunch of a new grape by F. B. Munrow, Denison, Texas, of great beauty and excellence; from Geo. W. Campbell, Delaware, Ohio, two new seedlings, one white the other black, that will vie with the best. The Ulster Prolific from Cay wood rought in the most money for me, because they were the first, ones to get up and were not infested with insects to any extent. , At present the plants look excellent. Ida — Was not infested with insects, but it is so utterly worthless that I have pulled up all of the plants. Cuntiberland—i^ one of my very best, but was troubled 'with in- sects some ; I shall, however, plant them quite extensively. The plants look very fine at present. Jersey Queen — Is a noble berry and brings the top price in market here, but will not fill boxes fast enough, a moderate grower with me. Big Boh — Is worthless. Daisy — Wants further trial with me. Manchester — Is fine but quite subject to rust. Crescent — On limited trial would say that it must be of great value and expect to plant it extensively. Fiper — A very robust grower, productive, but the fruit is rather dark in color. Captain Jack — One of my best, bat the plants at present look in- diff'erent. Iron Clad — Promised a great deal last spring but went into bank- ruptcy. Whether it was the late frost or the insects that caused it, I am not prepared to say. James Fic^— The only fault I find with it is the berries are not quite large enough. Sharpless — Looks excellent at present, but that is all I could say as it need further time. Olendale — I like for a late berry, a robust grower. Rasjpherries — I have a large collection but am not yet prepared to express my opinion very extensively. I will just make a few remarks: ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 211 Shaffer's Collossal — Is ray best. Then Turner, Cuthbert and Thwack. Lost Rubies did right well. Scarlet Gem — Played off on me with its everbearing qualities; Gregg was killed to the ground. Doolittle — Is one of the best black ones I have; Moody is worth- less; Caroline is a general favorite, but do not know what it will be for market. Crimson Beauty and Staymans No. 2 needs lurther trial. ESSAY ON STRAWBERRIES. BY JACOB FAITH. MoNTEVALLO, Dec 8, 1885. Z. A. Goodman: Dear Sir — I am very sorry indeed that I cannot attend the pres- ent meeting of the society, but if I cannot be present in person I will be in spirit, and hope that you may have a profitable meeting, and I hope that the present meeting may be a notable event in the history of the society. Growing strawberries is in its infancy and has been kept in the dark, but this wholesome fruit is finding its way into more general cultivation. I have never in a single instance been asked the ques- tion, will berries add health and comfort to the human family? but as the wish to accumulate money predominates the question as generally asked is this, is there any money in growing berries ? My answer is this, that it is owing to locality, soil, climate and the proper selection of varieties, also the distance from market, etc.; but as the main idea in growing strawberries is tor the money there is in the business. I will give a tabulated statement of my experience with several varieties as to the cost of production per quart and the average price Teceived and the approximate profit: 212 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIEIY. Varieties. Crystal City Crescent Seedling Chas. Downing... Glendale Miner's Prolific. . . Captain Jack Kentucky Windsor Chief. . . . Cinderella Cumberland Manchester Wilson Big Bob Sharpless Col. Cheney Jucunda Lening's White . . . o • o 4 cents 2 " 2 •' 3 " 3 '• 3 " 3 " 4 " 6 " 10 " 20 " 12 " 40 " 10 " G " 25 " 5 " o 5* 2 cents. IJ " U " n " u " 2 " 3 " 2 " 2 " 1* " 2 " 1* " 1 " U " U " to o X n OQ p m 1 cent. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 cent. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 o 2. ft) ■ CD I 15 cents 10 " 10 " 10 10 s 6 9 8 10 9 9 11 10 10 10 11 o 35 7 cents. 4.T ' ' 4^ "- Ql ( I. 3 J "• 1 *' loss 2 cts- 1 c profit loss 2cts- ' 3^ ' 15 ' ^ • 32. ' 3i \ c profit loss Vl\ c- 2 c profif} The above varieties were grown on light, sandy soil, well manured with stable manure. In a different climate and on clay soil the result would be different, showing that great care should be used in the selection of varieties to suit soil and climate. My advice to inexper- ienced parties would be to read the reports of Horticultural Society of their State to get the benefit of the experience of leading horti- culturists. We have been very successful in saving our peach trees and also the fruit by wrapping the trees with straw, slouph grass or corni fodder or sugar cane, sown thick to make it grow fine. I have two hands at the present time wrapping trees; the cost does not exceed seven cents per tree. We have two ropes with loops at one end ; put the rope around the tree and draw gently while the man on the opposite side of the tree holds the rope and keeps the limbs straight; when the rope is drawn sufficiently tight, fasten, then place the second rope above the^ ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 213 first and proceed as before. When the tree is well drawn together, fasten with broom twine ; then take off , the ropes and proceed to put on the straw, shingle fashion, commencing at the bottom, one man holding the straw while the other puts the twine around and ties. Two men will tie from 30 to 50 trees per day, according to size. After the trees become seven or eight years of age they are somewhat difficult to tie. The straw should be left on until the trees are done blooming, and should be unwrapped on a cloudy day to keep the hot sun from killing the tender fruit or bloom. The Crystal City if planted on rich soil will make too many plants, while if planted on poor soil it will be more productive, and the ber- ries will ripen earlier. While the Crescent Seedling, Chas. Downing and Capt. Jack being very productive, require rich soil to mature the berries. Early Washington, Wilson, Jucunda, Big Bob and'Manchester have such short roots that they do not withstand the March freezing and thawing, nor the hot dry summers of Southwest Missouri. F. H. King is testing an accidental seedling found growing in clay and among rock thrown out of the bottom of a cellar. It came up in the summer of '83, and withstood the two severe winters following without any protection whatever, which proves its hardiness ; being a pistilate, it did not set any berries in '84, but made a dozen new plants in tha spring ofg'85. King set a number of Lening's White as a fertilizer, and the seedling plants were loaded with fruit. The plants resemble Capt. Jack. The berries are oblong, ovate in size, larger than Capt. Jack, of fine flavor and the firmest berries I ever saw. King has taken great pains to increase the plants, and now has several thousand; will test it thoroughly next season, and report at summer meeting. I have ^reat confidence in this new berry. Below will be found the product of one acre of the best varieties of strawberries : Product 1,865 gallons at an average price of 30 cents per gallon $559 50 Expense 325 00 Profit 1234 50 214 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Of raspberries I will make the following report as the varieties that have paid best on my soil, a sandy loam : Varieties. Tyler Centennial Missouri Mammoth Mammoth Cluster. . Gregg Miami Doolittle Brinkle's Orange. . . Davidson's Thorn . . Lum's Everbearing ►-• o O an ^ O tO O d a p c 3 cts, 3 •' 4 " 6.] " 9 " 7 " 10 " 15 " i-t <^ et- 1-1. : s : on? : *d 2 cts, 2 " 2 " n " 2 " 2^ " 3 " 2 " 3 " 4 " C5 o X c p •-) ceni p ?r • 5' . a>? : "^ . a> 1 cent 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 o «> P O e-t- 12J cts. 5J- cts. 12* 12 11 11* 11 10 12 10 20 4 " n " 2 " " loss 4c 1 cent loss 5c 1 cent Of red raspberries the Brandy wine, Turner and Thwack pay best in the order named. Henrietta is the largest red, but the canes winter- kill badly ; does not pay. Huve not realized much money from growing blackberries. Sny- der, Kittatinny and Taylor's Prolific pay best in the order named. In the above report I have named only such varieties as I have thorougly tested. I am testing a number of the newer varieties with which I am not sufficiently acquainted to make a satisfactory report,, as my report is already too long. I will not give my mode of plant- ing and cultivating, but will send that in time for publication. DISCUSSION. Van Deman — Gives the Hopkins a good name as one of the very- best. Murry — Likes the Hopkins best of all others. Snyder is the very best blackberry in the north and is not so small as some think, and if treated well will pay excellently. Be careful about new varieties, Outhbert is a valuable red. ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 215 A. Ambrose— Y'lnd-s, the Snyder rusts as bad as Kittatinny. E. Liston — Likes the Snyder blackberry and the Gregg raspberry ; finds the currants do well on the north side of fence. Van Houton^ (?/'/ its airy foliage and golden flowers, and beautifies even the wastes of burning Africa. Equinoxial America astonishes all beholders with its lofty trees, covered with creeping plants binding all together in a solid mass of verdure and adorned with beautiful flowers, Humboldt says that \ ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARREN&BURG. 233 " when a traveler, newly arrived from Europe, first enters the forests of South America, if he is strongly susceptible of the beauty of pic- turesque scenery, he can scarcely define the various emotions which crowd upon his mind, he can scarcely distinguish what most excites his admiration, the deep silence of these solitudes, the individual beauty and contrast of forms or the vigor and freshness of vegetable life which characterize the climate of the tropics." " It might be said that the earth overloaded with plants does not allow them space to unfold themselves." The cactus family belongs exclusively to the New World, while the beautiful and stately rose tree seems to be entirely wanting as a native plant throughout the southern hemisphere. To the naturalist the changes in plant life from the poles to the equator, is a very interesting study, in pursuit of which many an en- thusiast has risked his life, enduring all kinds of hardships on artic seas- or burning sands, and in climbing to almost inaccessible heights, more than satisfied if he can discover some hitherto unknown variety of the vegetable kingdom. THE WORK OF TO-DAY. BY MRS. C. I. R0EARD3, OF BUTLER. The foundations of all good and noble enterprises like the bases of those superstructures which are built to stand the wear of ages are- only accomplished ,by great and well executed labor. On the con- trary, visionary enterprises are the result of hasty effort and may be compared to foundations of sand. While it may be true that "there is nothing new under the sun," it is also apparent that work, as each moment arrives, may lead to the seizure and application of circumstances or events, and these may lead to remarkable developments for our good. For instance, while it is true that the apple is no doubt the oldest fruit of which we have any record, yet by the application of hybridiza- tion by budding, by grafting, and all the skillful arts of development 234 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. and preservation, we have from the origin of the humble wild crab the acknowledged king of all fruits. 1 see the necessity for work and the application of each present moment, says one, but where is the pay and how soon will it come ? 1 have only to answer Ihat all compensation should not be meas- ured by standard coin. Rewards for good deeds may be so numerous and so related to each particular event, as to be unseen and unknown to us until they arrive. But they are nevertheless just as sure and far better pay than many promissory notes. Presuming that I am speaking to lovers of horticulture only, 1 can easily illustrate by saying plant the seeds of a few strawberries or raspberries or sow the seeds of a geranium or rose, give them proper attention and tell me whether you have not received more actual pleasure by the unfoldinu- of each tiny leaf, by the indescribable joy springing from the opening of the first lovely bloom and the crowning pleasure of all in the development of some new character of fruit that your fond anticipations lead you to believe may be of value to the world, than if you had been presented any stipulated daily compensa- tion for your labor. Nor is this all. Riches and fame even in the most sordid sense by which the}' are viewed by all mankind may just as surely lie in horticultural enterprises as in any other. Only in- dustry, only close application (»t each day's opportunities, however, will insure these rewards. The work of to-day presents itself in such manifold shape and meets us so obstrusively on every hand, that the industrious find great difficulty in keeping ahead of its imperious demands. Every element, every property in the universe invites, yea, impels to work. From the glowing tropics, with its rich treasures of lucious, sun- ripened oranges, bananas, lemons and figs, even to the barriers of the frozen regions, the varying climes in their seasons put forth their peculiar forms of vegetation, silently inviting us by the fragrant odors of their bloom and the healthful and delicate flavor of their fruits to work for their adoption, for their cultivation and development. Wherever we go, wherever we look, some new fruit or flower attracts our wondering admiration and excites an eager curiosity to learn its history, to become its possessor and work out its destiny for ourselves. In the work of to day we have the highest illustration of the truthful adage that " God helps those who help themselves." For as some higher order of fruit or flower comes to the front in obedience to the cunning manipulations of some patient seeker after improvement, nature kindly takes up the work and sends her messengers, the sum- ANNUAL WINTER 3IEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 235 mer winds and the toiling bees, to scatter the subtle seeds in the mingling of yet other and improved forms of beauty and usefulness. When once embarked in horticultural pursuits, not only can we not afTord to stand idle, but its demands of every day become so irre- sistable that there is no need lor asking what shall I do next. Day by day, bud, leaf, bloom and fruit require oar presence and our attention. Nourishing; food is demanded for plant and tree. Proper condi- tions of soil must be maintained. Noxious weeds will spring up to impel us to renewed labor. But these all. are friendly aids to this in- dustry. He who thinks that even the most persistent weed is a curse makes a great mistake, for were it not for these uninvited forms of vegetation the slothful person might argue that no cultivation is required and neglect to give at the proper time that mellow and healthful condition required to receive the nourishing showers. While there are no secrets in horticulture, yet the complete appli- cation of its requirements and the full adoption of its necessities are so numerous that the farmer, the mechanic and the merchant find it im- possible to carry to perfection and keep pace with all its demands. Hence the labors of the florist and pomoiogist are demanded for the whole world. These are the pioneers in a great and unlimited industry that ever offers greater rewards for higher effort and that at the same time makes its plans of work so apparent that all who will may imitate. No life so humble, no position so exalted but that its benefits are the same. Nature, impartial nature, offers the same unadulterated fruit of the vine, the same spicy, health giving apple alike to peasant and king. In truth, horticulture is no longer a common pursuit, but properly understood and practiced, is a distinct science. By this road, then, stand tame and wealth to invite you to greater effort. Through this gateway you may find the footprints of a Vick, a Wilder and a Warder. In this honorable pursuit are found induce- ments to temperance, frugality and industry and the consequent results of long life and happiness. Life among fruits and flowers produces cheerful influences over the children, creates a love for home, and highest and holiest of all in- ducements, creates a love for the bountiful Giver of all. To the old home will cling the memories of the young men and maidens who begin new life in other homes, and from the sweet influ- ences implanted there will spring bright impressions to be adopted and improved by them. Thus the work of to-day is only the stepping stone to the work of 236 MISSOURI STATE HORTICTLTURAL SOCIETY. to-morrow. If well done its beneficent results will never die. If poorly done, though its effects may never be effaced, it were better it had never been begun. We might well suppose that the primal occu- pation suggested to man would receive the endorsement of Him who sendeth the rain. We might also balieve that He who planted the first garden would smile benignly upon those who adopt ,the work of which he was the originator. "• And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. And the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden to keep it and to dress it." The words of holy writ ! What higher endorsement could we ask? A vote of thanks was tendered these ladies for their very interest- ing and valuable papers which they have presented. DISCUSSION. Prof' Oslorn said he thought they should have something to re- member the Society by, and gifts from different men to the Normal School were freely offered by Stark Bros., Louisiana ; jV. F. Mtirry, Oregon ; W. A. TFbr^w«/i, Greencastle, Ind.; Oeo- Van ITouten, Lenox, Iowa ; B. T. Galloway, Columbia; A. Ambrose, Nevada; Samuel Miller, Bluffton ; C. H. Fink d- Son, Lamar ; D. S. Holman, Springfield. Prof. Tracy gave an illustration of the self ringiog bell for green- houses, so that different degrees of heat and cold can be known. ProfJ.W.SanhorngdLve a lecture on '^ Fertilization," and dis- cussed it from the standpoint of profit and loss. The first efforts of our early settlers took all the best elements from the soil, and now we have to replace some of these elements to the soil. The crops have been running down until they are much be- low what they should be. The time has come in our State when we must take up this sub- ject and begin the use of fertilizers. If all this is true in the work of the farm how much more is it true of the work of horticulture. It takes the brain of the horticulturist to reach the best ends. There are fourteen elements in the soil— three are found in all soils, and these are the most valuable. ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG- 237 All fruits contain twice the amount of potash as do grains, and hence need potash applied to the soil more than do our grains. Ashes are, therefore, of the utmost importance in growing fruits, and care should be taken of them and used. Scatter the ashes all over the ground and not close to the tree. The orchards are, first, deficient in potash. Second, they are deficient in phosphoric acid. Bone meal will supply it. Third, nitrogen is a producer of foliage. Dried blood is a great supplier of this element. Chemical fertilizers are abundant and the most valuable. Yard manure will supply all the elements but not always just what we want. It should be fermented until it is fine and then can be applied to trees and plants more easily. All manures should pass through the fermenting process and is then more valuable. All manures should be applied on the top of the soil and not be plowed in. FRIDAY, 9 A. M. The Society met at the Normal for chapel exercises after which it was called to order by the President and a paper was presented by B. T. Galloway on the " Rusts and Mildews." RUSTS AND MILDEWS. BY B. T. GALLOWAY, OF COLUMBIA. We shall not attempt in this brief paper to mention all the diseases commonly known under the above names. We will, however, de- scribe a few of the commoner forms which appear every year, and cause more or less damage to your trees, vines, etc. 238 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The first thing to be borne in mind is that the minute parasites we call lungi are plants. They grow, produce fruit and finally die ; and, like the higher plants, each owes its existence to a parent. We will give a brief outline, showing how plants and animals are classified, which will enable you to understand more fully the place these plants occupy in the plan of nature. There are two great departments in nature : First, the inorganic, and, second, the organic world. The earth, the rocks, and all things destitute of life, make up the inorganic world. The organic world consists of plants and animals. Animals make up the animal king- dom, vegetables the vegetable kingdom. In classifying the members of both the above kingdoms we begin with the lowest forms and ar- range them according to the development of their various parts. The vegetable kingdom may be divided into seven divisions, namely : 1st. The Protophytes. These are the simplest of all plants ; they are exceedingly minute, and for the most part consist of but one cell. The minute plants, known as Bacteria, belong to this division. Bac- teria are all about us ; they are in the air we breathe and the food we eat; they are present in all putrefying matter, and it has lately been shown that these minute plants probably cause the disease known as pear blight. The next group of plants called Zygosporece, are mostly aquatic, and are of no interest to you as horticulturists; the green slime so abundant during ths summer months on ponds and all stagnant water, is a good example. Oosporece is the name of the next group, and some of its members are very destructive ; the white mould, {Peronosjyorm infesians), which attacks the potato and causes such wide-spread de- struction, belongs to this group. The disease of the vine, commonly known as the American grape vine mildew, belongs to the same order {PeronosporecB) as the fungus which causes the disease of the potato. The next group called Carposporecti is far more important than any of the preceding. Its members, commonly known as mildews, rusts and smuts, are all more or less destructive, and taken collectively they constitute the group commonly known as fungi. The three groups remaining are Bryophi/ta Pieridophyta and Phanerogamia Bryophyta, the mosses, liverworts, etc. Pierido- phyta^ the ferns, horsetails, etc. Phanoerogamia^ the flowering^ plants. ANNUAL WINTER MEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 239 Below is a tabular arrangement of the seven divisions : f Kingdoms : Organic world. < Animal, ( Vegetable. Protophyta^ Zygosporece^ Oosporece, \Yung{. Carposporece., ) Bryophyta^ Pter'idophyta, Phanerogamia' The several examples given are by no means types of their re- spective divisions, we merely mention them because most of you are familiar with them. Keturning to the discussion of the fungi proper, we will first speak of the fungal diseases, commonly known as mildews. Mildew is a loose term and is used to designate a number of fungal diseases. The gardner has his mildewed roses, verbenas, etc. The housewife her mildewed linen. The shoemaker his mildewed leather, and so on. • Of the many destructive mildews, that which occurs on the foliage of the grape vine, and known as the American grape mildew, is the most common. As many of you know we have two diseases of the vine differing materially from each other, and both are known under the name of mildew. They resemble each other very little, and with a little study it is quite an easy matter to distinguish one from the other. The first is known to botanists as Peronos2)ora viticola, (American grape mildew) ; this fungus appears herein Missouri about the mid- dle of July. Most of you are no doubt familiar with the spotted dis- torted leaves that appear as if they had received a sprinkling of hot water. If we carefully examine one of these spotted leaves, we will find on the under side of the leaf, opposite the spots on the upper side, little tufts of a white, frost-like substance. Under the microscope this white, frost-like substance, has the appearance of a miniature crystaliue forest; bundles of delicate branching threads appear, and on the extremities of many of the branches small globular bodies can be seen. The small globular bodies called conidia serve to propagate the fungus during the summer ; the little white tuits visible on the ex- terior of the leaf are the stalks that serve to support the co/^^W^(^ or summer spores. The vegetative body of the fungus called mycelium^ is internal, and the branches which bear the conidia reach the surface through the breathing pores of the leaf. The mycelium spreads through the tissue of the leaf, and obtains 240 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. nourishment from the cells by means of sucker-like branches called Jiastoina. As stated above, the conidia serves to propagate the fungus dur- ing the summer. The germination of the conidia is a very interesting process, and may be observed by any one having a compound micros- cope. When sown in a drop of water they first absorb some of the water and swell; soon lines of demarcation appear, and shortly after- wards the walls of the conidia are ruptured, and a number of small motile bodies escape. These little bodies called zoospores remain mo- tionless for a few moments; soon, however, they begin moving, and by means of two hairs or cilia^ with which each zoospore is provided, they swim rapidly about. After moving about for some time, the cilia drop off and the zoospore becomes motionless. Each zoospore then sends out a tube, and if this is in the proper position, it enters one of the breathing pores of the leaf, and gives rise to another crop of conidia' Water is absolutely necessary for the germination of the spores, and this is one reason why the mildew is more abundant dur- ing a wet season. The conidia or reproductive bodies are formed at intervals from the middle of July until frost. The first frost destroys them, but be- fore they are destroyed another kind of reproductive body is formed on the internal mycelium. These bodies called oospores., fall to the ground with the leaf^ remain dormant during the winter, and the fol- lowing spring germinate. They are much larger than the conidia., and are hidden in the tissue of the leaf. There are two investigating membranes; the outer is thick, hard and colored, while the inner is nearly transparent. As stated above, they remain dormant during the winte