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IgA 5
CHARLES W. GARFIELD.
A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
While Michigan may not claim honor as the natal state of Charles W. Garfield,
she can proudly claim credit that it was upon her soil, under her skies, and within
the influence of her institutions he developed, and that as one of her citizens he has
accomplished good works which have more than repaid to her all his obligations.
His birthplace was near Milwaukee, and the date of beginning of his earth
life was March 14, 1848. His father was S. Marshall Garfield, who followed
in Wisconsin the business of farmer and lumberman. In 1858 he removed to
Grand Rapids and purchased the Burton farm, one of the first tracts of land
cultivated in that vicinity. It was two or three miles south of the town, but
now the city has extended to the very doors of the charming old homestead, and
part of the farm has been changed to city lots.
There was spent the boyhood of Charles W. Garfield, and there he lives today,
and there he has lived nearly all the intervening time. After he reached his 10th
year his labor was required on the farm and his attendance at school was limited
to the winter seasons. He was not content, however, to accept these conditions
as the limits of his education, but studied with entry to college in view, although
prospects of achieving this were far from hopeful. They were rendered the more
uncertain by his lack of bodily strength, a hindrance which, though it has not
‘prevented his doing a very great amount of useful labor, has made the doing a
constant menace to his life, and on several occasions he has almost passed time’s
boundary, only to be again restored to the companionship of devoted friends.
Or At the age of 20, Mr. Garfield entered the sophomore class of Michigan Agri-
-~ eultural college, and two years later completed the course. He was attracted
Uj by the opportunity this college offered for outdoor work in connection with study,
dy and because that work was concerned with horticulture, for he had already
bp become an ardent lover of the orchard and garden. The annals of the college
“~ will always bear evidence of his participation in the work of its earlier years, and
its campus and orchards will long contain portions of his planting and adornment.
His first business venture was the publication of an educational paper, the
Common School Journal, which failed because he made it too good for its sub-
seription price; and his next effort, a nursery business in connection with S. S.
Rockwell, was ruined by the severe winter of 1872-78, which immediately followed
its establishment. Mr. Garfield then, in 1873, became foreman of the gardens of
the Agricultural college, so continuing until 1876, using his income to liquidate
ae 1895 authy
7
L
Uae [tet Ste
2 _ STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
the debts incurred in his unfortunate venture in tree growing. Meanwhile he
became agricultural editor of the Detroit Free Press, showing great aptitude for
this branch of newspaper work. In 1877, his father having died, he removed to
Burton farm and engaged directly in its management.
During the time of his employment at the Agricultural college, ‘Mr. Garfield
- married Miss Alice Rockwell, a daughter of his former partner. Although no
children blessed their union, they led an ideal life in a model home until her death
several years ago. At this time, too, Mr. Garfield endured one of his severe sick-
nesses. It was long uncertain which would be taken, and doubtful if either would
recover. It was only by the utmost care that the survivor was slowly brought
back to health, a summer in Europe contributing much to that end. While admir-
able and unexcelled in management of the practical details of household work,
Mrs. Garfield was one of the gentlest of women. No visitor to Burton farm during
her residence there could ever lose the impression he received of the superiority
of her mind, and the sweetness and purity of her life.
While concerned in many ways with public affairs, Mr. Garfield has but once
held political office. He was elected in 1879 to the state house of representatives,
as a Republican, succeeding to the seat held by his father, but he declined renom-
ination in 1881. During his legislative term he secured the enactment of a number
of bills of value to farmers and fruitgrowers, besides giving painstaking attention
to the general work of the session. Among these were measures establishing Arbor
day; amending the yellows law in important particulars; providing for compulsory.
planting of trees in public highways at public expense, and the laws providing for
the annual state crop reports. He also secured the appropriation by which was
made an exhibit of fruits at the Boston meeting of the American Pomological
society, in 1881. Mr. Garfield was appointed to the state board of agriculture in
1887, and has remained in office to the present time, doing much to improve the
Agricultural college and extend the usefulness of the school which from the days
of his entry to it has been an object of his deep regard.
Since returning to Burton farm, Mr. Garfield has become concerned in a number
of business enterprises of Grand Rapids, and has been highly successful in partici-
pation in or management of them. His chief interest at present is the Grand
Rapids Savings bank, of which he has for several years been president. He has
been actively useful, too, in social and religious work. The city contains today
few men more prominent in its affairs or more highly regarded for personal merit.
Mr. Garfield’s work in horticulture is familiar to nearly every Michigan fruit-
grower, and our pomologists are as appreciative of its quality as they are aware of
its quantity. His official connection with the Michigan State Horticultural society
began in December, 1874, when he was elected its secretary. This position he held |
until’ June, 1888, when failing health compelled his retirement. At the same time
he was obliged to relinquish the secretaryship of the American Pomological society,
a position to which be had been chosen a short time before, and in which he had
hoped for activity and usefulness in a wider field. Next to President Lyon, no
one has contributed so much to the society’s prestige and success as Mr. Garfield.
He gave it life and strength, and in a hundred ways directed its energies to both
the advancement of Michigan horticulture at home and its fame abroad. The
membership of the society rapidly increased; its meetings became largely attended;
its programmes models of their kind; the fame of the society spread even beyond
the bounds of the United States, and his annual reports were acknowledged to be
standard authorities in horticulture. After his retirement as secretary, Mr. Gar- —
field became a member of the executive committee of the society, and remained
. . CHARLES W. GARFIELD. 3
such until 1895, when his pressing business engagements necessitated his resigna-
tion. But with this did not go his interest in the society and its work.
Mr. Garfield’s prominence in horticulture caused several offers to him of col-
legiate professorships, but these were declined. He has, however, done much as a
lecturer before college classes and farmers’ institutes, in the latter work being
frequently engaged in other states than Michigan. Two years ago it was largely
by his influence that an increased appropriation was made for farmers’ institutes
in Michigan, and to the success of the meetings so provided for he has very largely
contributed. No appeal to him passes unheeded which has for its object the eleva-
tion and advancement of rural life, to the refinement and popwarizing of which he
has devoted all his mature years.
The writer could not speak his esteem for Mr. Garfield as a man without use of
such terms as would cause suspicion of the bias of intimate friendship, resulting
perhaps in harm rather than good to the object of his admiration. While I know
_ him otherwise, and in the delights of close companionship, I know him also, as
do so many others, as one of the most genial, frank, honorable, and lovable of men,
and as one
“Who breaks his birth’s invidious bar,
And grasps the skirts of happy chance,
And breasts the blows of circumstance,
And grapples with his evil star.”
%
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TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SHCRETARY
OF THE
TATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
OF
MICHIGAN
1895
BY AUTHORITY
LANSING
ROBERT SMITH PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS AND BINDERS
1896
tei Ver . Ry
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REPORT OF THE SECRETARY
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OF THE >
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J .
r. RIcu, Governor of the State of Michigan:
_ Respectfully yours,
y
Se te RN ee Ae Var ett Ne nde’ RO
ALLEGAN, MICHIGAN,
ie 7 December 31, 1895.
or to submit herewith, in compliance with ieeaiccdasreanenee the
aM EDWY C. REID,
‘Secretary of the Michigan State Horticultural Society.
Ps.
\N STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
OF PICs
OF THE
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY FOR 1896.
PRESIDENT—ROLAND MORRILL, Benton Harbor.
HONORARY PRESIDENT—T. T. LYON, South Haven.
VICE-PRESIDENT—C. J. MONROE, South Haven.
SECRETARY—EDWY C. REID, Allegan.
TREASURER—ASA W. SLAYTON, Grand Rapids.
LIBRARIAN—ROBERT L. HEWITT, Lansing.
EXECUTIVE BOARD.
C. W. GARFIELD, Grand Rapids, 1 year. | C. J. MONROE, South Haven, 2 years.
ELMER D. SMITH, Adrian, 3 years. W. W. TRACY, Detroit, 2 years.
F. J. RUSSELL, Hart, 1 year. L. R. TAFT, Agricultural College, 3 years.
STANDING COMMITTEES.
On Fruit CATALOGUE—L. R. TAFT, Agricultural College, Chairman; T. T. LYON,
South Haven; A. A. CROZIER, Agricultural College; W. A. SMITH, Benton Harbor;
C. A. SESSIONS, Grand Rapids.
On NEw Fruits—T. T. LYON, Chairman; C. A. SESSIONS, Grand Rapids; S. R.
FULLER, Eaton Rapids; C. ENGEL, Paw Paw.
On Finance—C. J. MONROE, C. W. GARFIELD.
On ENTOMOLOGY—G. C. DAVIS, Chairman.
ON VEGETABLE PHYSIOLOGY—L. R. TAFT, Chairman.
On LANDSCAPE GARDENING—E. FERRAND, Chairman.
ON VEGETABLE GARDEN—W. W. TRACY, Chairman.
On Forestry—C. W. GARFIELD, Chairman, Grand Rapids; L. R. TAFT, Agricul-
tural College; C. A. SESSIONS, Grand Rapids.
Peete DINGS OF THE SUMMER MEEFTING.
HELD AT AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, JUNE 26-27, 1895.
Nothing was lacking to the success and pleasure of the meeting of the
Society at the Agricultural College, the 26th and 27th of June, except that
the attendance was very far from what it should have been. Still, consid-
ering the busy season with fruitgrowers, the number present was as
' great as could have reasonably been expected. However, if the horticul-
turists of the state are ever to see this institution and understand by
observation the important work it is doing, they must on some such occa-
sion put aside their labor and go during the growing season. There was
a strong desire among those who did go, to have it tried.over again next
year, in hope to interest a far greater number.
The utmost care was exercised by the faculty to make the visit of the
horticulturists as pieasant as possible and productive of a thorough
insight into ihe efforts making for the advance of their particular branch
of agriculture. Ceriainly, none of the visitors could have failed to see
that horticulture, in is various branches, receives fully its share of atten-
tion. ‘The evidences of this are at hand from the moment of entering
upon the grounds, for almost the first object is the pear orchard and many
groups of shrubbery and trees planted to enhance the beauty of the
grounds. Almost everywhere may be seen other forms of horticulture.
The great campus is edorned abundantly by aid of landscape gardening,
while floriculture adds beauty at every hand. This campus, by the way,
is said, by those competent to pass judgment, to be the finest possessed
by any American college. It is improved noticeably each year, and was
at this time, despite the evidences of the long drouth, a place of entranc-
ing beauty. Upon it are nearly or quite all the trees native to Michigan,
with a very great number of those of foreign climes which are adaptable
to this state. Latterly, under direction of Prof. Taft, efforts have been
made to group together the species of each class, so as the better to enable
students to compare them and study their peculiarities and variations.
Mcst of the trees, shrubs, and flowers bear labels giving their botanical
names, to which are added, in most cases, the common names. This
enables even the unskilled in such matters to learn valuable lessons in
nature.
10 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Upon their arrival, the horticulturists were taken in conveyances for a
trip about the erounds and farm, including a large strip of the natural
forest which is ‘being improved with a driveway and clearing of the under-
growth in places, its preservation in others, and the planting of trees
where necessary. This will eventually be one of the noblest features of
the college. This trip included a view of the farm proper, which was in
as good condition as could be expected in this remarkably dry season.
Much that was seen was familiar to some of the visitors, but to most it
was entirely new, and a revelation which caused many exp of
surprise and warm approval.
Returning to the College, a tour on foot was begun, the visit being first
to the grounds of the experiment station, particularly to Prof. Taft’s new
irrigating plant, which was a source of wonderment to many. There
were abundant evidences of its practical utility and its excellent effects
upon the crops to which it had been applied. This visit was disturbed
by rain, which was so welcome that the interruption was readily con-
doned. Later in the meeting the inspection was renewed and completed
by most of the visitors. Many of the buildings were also visited, nor was
the sight-seeing confined to the horticultural department, but embraced
the agricultural, chemical, botanic, mechanical, and other buildings, as
well as the barns, the dairy school, and live stock. What was seen at the
experimental grounds can not be better described in brief than by quoting
a circular issued for information of the visitors, under title of “A walk
through the station grounds.” We suspect that this was a part of the
ever watchful, thoughtful, and thorough work of Prof. Taft, as it bears
many of his earmarks. Here it is:
After you have inspected the grounds and buildings of the college to
your heart’s desire, we invite you to take a walk with us over the grounds
of the experiment station. All of you have read the bulletins from the
horticultural department of the station and will now be interested in
viewing the plots and greenhouses where the experiments, the results of
which have been published, were carried on and where new experiments
are now in progress.
Starting east from the horticultural building, the first object of inter- |
est is the forcing-house at your right. This house was erected by Prof.
Taft to illustrate, first, the methods of construction, and second, the two
methods of heating, one wing being heated by steam, the other by hot
' water. At this season of the year most of the crops are removed from the
house and nothing of note remains except the tomatoes and cucumbers.
The hydrants seen at the left of the drive as you walk on east toward
the orchard are visible evidences of the irrigating plant put in this sum-
mer for experimental purposes. The water is derived from the river and
is forced through the system by the large steam pump in the central heat-
ing plant of the college. The pipes are over 3,800 feet in length and dis-
tribute the water to the major part of the horticultural grounds.
At the left of the drive, nearly opposite the forcing-house, is a large
plot devoted to a variety test of many kinds of vegetables, lettuce, peas,
beans, and radishes, a veritable curiosity strip.
On the right of the drive, going east, comes next a plot containing the
varieties of strawberry set out in 1893. Directly opposite, across the
C PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUMMER MEETING. 11
drive, are the varieties planted last year and this. Here part of the
variety tests are carried on and the effects of irrigating in this dry season
are very much in evidence.
Next on the right, beyond the hedge, is a plot of peas illustrating in a
very forcible manner the beneficent effects of the irrigation. East of the
peas, the early potatoes also show that part of them have been irrigated.
On the left of the drive the plot of tomatoes shows varietal differences
and at the same time serves for a test of the value of irrigation. One row
receives no water from the irrigating plant, the next is watered at the
surface, the third receives the water through tile laid immediately below
the surface, while the last row is irrigated through tile buried one foot
deep.
Still further to the left along the highway north of the tomatoes is a
varietal test of cabbage, cauliflower, and sweet corn, and a field of pota-
toes testing varieties and various new methods of planting and culti-
vating.
The old apple orchard immediately in front was planted in 1858. The
west half in sod, the east half cultivated. Part of the trees are manured
with stable manure, the remainder with various mixtures of mineral fer-
tilizers.
Passing through the orchard, turning south on the drive, you come to
twelve acres of tree fruits, raspberries, and grapes planted since 1890.
This fruit garden is maintained for testing the varieties of fruits and the
various methods of pruning and training.
Here are 350 varieties of apple, 100 varieties each of pear, grape, and
peach, and 50 varieties each of plum and cherry.
As you entered the grounds at the college an orchard lay to your left,
back of the president’s house, containing a collection of pears, plums, and
cherries, and a vineyard of Concord grapes. |
Near the hospital are the Russian cherries and plums and the native
plums and peaches.
Leaving now the orchards and gardens of the horticultural depart-
ment, you enter the roadway leading for more than a mile due south
through the center of the farm. The fields on either side are numbered
consecutively, the odd numbers on the east and the even numbers on the
west side of the lane.
The first field south of the horticultural orchards, and east of the large
grain barn, is devoted to numerous plots of wheat and oats upon which
are being tested various remedies for smut and rust. Here are also small
plots of beans, rye, millet, and a collection of varieties of oat, a series of
twelve-plots of red clover, one sown in each month of the year. About
two and one half acres are devoted to the new forage plant, Lathyrus
silvestris.
Next south comes the “curiosity strip,” a half acre containing interest-
ing, new and useful agricultural plants, hops, hemp, broom corn, sorghum,
spurry, peanuts, legumes in variety, and other forage plants.
The next series of plots, now sown to oats, is provided with a separate
drain for each tenth acre. The drain is so arranged that the drainage
water can be collected for measurement and analysis. —
Along the river bank is a series of half-acre plots of grasses of different
species or varieties.
12 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
— Across the river, east of the first field to the left, is the north woods,
_ laid out with drives as a park.
The first field to the right, south of the river, contains two acres of
alfalfa, a plot of the new Success barley, without beards; a i
plots of beans and spring rye.
The next field south has the experiments with roots, carried on by
students.
The varieties of wheat may be found in field No. 11, third from the river
on the east side of the lane.
The remainder of the farm is planted to ordinary farm crops.
Examine on your return the stock in the yards and stables. Here are
three famous Holstein cows with large records, Brown Swiss heifers and
their calves, Jerseys, Guernseys, Shorthorns, and other breeds of cattle,
various breeds of sheep and swine, and last, several breeds of chickens.
Stop and see the incubators and brooders and the host of young ~
chickens.
The actual operation of irrigation was shown. From a hydrant ran
across the rows of vegetables a wooden trough with gates opening
between the rows. These gates were opened and a stream of water ran off
several hundred feet down between the rows, and it was surprising to see
how easily the work of application of the water was accomplished. So
soon as possible after application of water, the ground is cultivated, so as
to keep the moisture under the fine surface and so prevent the formation
of crust and rapid evaporation. Some were inclined to doubt and shake
their heads over the improvement, prophesying bad ultimate results as
compared with constant cultivation of the upper soil without application
of water by artificial means; but all conceded the apparent success so far
attained. Interest in the experiment, however, was general among the
visitors, and they are sure to watch the development of it with active
concern.
After dinner, the first session of the meeting was called to order in the
chapel, by President Morrill. As this was to be devoted to the Grand
River Valley society’s program, Secretary Brown of that society was
called to the chair, in the absence of President Pearce, and the topic,
“Strawberries and Cherries,” was considered. About a score of mem-
bers of the society had come down on the morning train, but with the
intention of returning, which they did, though with much regret that the
pressing duties at home compelled them to quit when every other influ-
ence impelled them to stay.
The chapel was decorated with many choice and rare plants from the
greenhouses, under direction of the gardener, Mr. Thomas Gunson, as
well as with cut flowers from the same source. There were bananas,
_ ferns, palms, dracenas, crotans, and many others, which were shown to
thevisitors at times.and their properties and values explained. Thursday
morning a tour of the greenhouses and flower gardens was made, both by
individuals and, later in the day, under conduct of Mr. Gunson and Dr.
Beal. A feature of the houses which attracted very much attention was
the many vines full of great bunches of Black Hamburg grapes.
The meeting closed at one o’clock, Thursday, with a lunch given by the
Board of Agriculture, at conclusion of which responses were made to
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUMMER MEBRTING. 13
Toastmaster Morrill, by a number of gentlemen, concluding with Mr. R.
M. Kellogg, who offered the following resolutions, which were adopted
with hearty unanimity: )
Having for two days passed an almost charmed existence within the groves of
the grandly beautiful campus of Michigan Agricultural College, and having received
all possible attention and courtesy from the college board and faculty, it is by the
members of the Michigan Horticultural Society,
Resolved, That we find ourselves a thousand fold repaid for our pains and expense
in coming, here, by the knowledge we have gained of the methods and results of
work in the several departments of the college, the valuable papers and addresses
to which we have listened, and the scenes of beauty we have beheld in the gardens,
lawns, groves, fields, and forest. We find this college to be an institution admirably
managed in all its details, worthy of the continued liberal and appreciative care of
this State; and we urge every fruitgrower and every farmer to pay it a thorough
visit that he may see and know for himself, for scarcely could he find elsewhere
in the United States so much of value, interest, and pleasure.
Resolved, That we thus express and tender to the College board and faculty, for
their manifold kindnesses, our most sincere thanks.
PArTERS AND DISCUSSIONS.
INJURIOUS INSECTS PECULIAR TO THIS SEASON.
BY PROF. G. C. DAVIS, MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.
As each spring opens with its melting snow and bright sunshine, I can
but wonder what new insects will appear this season; what will be the
first new pest to need my attention; what and how many injurious species
will be abundant this year, and what ones will not be common. Each
season is sure to bring some insect to our notice by producing some injury
where it was never known to do harm before. Certain species, such as
the codlin moth, seem to have come to stay, and vary but little in num-
bers each season; other species that are well known as injurious, may be
scarce, from various causes, for years, and then suddenly reappear in
gereat numbers, continue to be very common for one or more years, and
again disappear. The apple tree canker-worm is a good illustration of
this. Two years ago it began to make its presence known by placing on
exhibition a few leafless orchards. Last year scarcely an orchard
escaped its attack. This spring it was common, though not so common
as last year; and, too, people were prepared to treat it this spring, and few
orchards were stripped of their foliage. Next year it is doubtful whether
the canker worm will do any injury except it be in a few isolated cases.
Insects and their attacks vary quite as much as-the different kinds of fruit
or vegetables vary. Some years certain species are abundant, and other
_ years they are too scarce to cause any noticeable injury.
14 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Your interests as fruitgrowers, in insect warfare, are my interests, too:
that is, we are both seeking to know all that is possible of these injurious
insects, and the best remedies in combatting them; yet our interests are
slightly different in some respects. While you are preparing and using
the common remedies for the common insects, such as the codlin moth,
plum curculio, currant worm, cabbage worm, and similar insects, my
work is more in looking after the exceptional insect attacks and for new
and improved remedies. However, these exceptional insects are quite as
likely to attack your fruit, your garden, or your farm crop as they are
other people’s, and hence it is just as essential that we know them and
how to deal with them when they do come as it is to know the common
ones that are with us every year. Perhaps it is even more essential, as
the exceptional ones, when they do appear, are usually very abundant
and their destruction is often rapid, and the reaction with us must be
quite as quick and decisive. Feeling that your interest is in this direc-
tion, my object at this meeting will be to take you with me, as much as ]
can, through the season’s work thus far, and show you some of the excep-
tional as well as some of the common insects that have been called to my
attention more particularly this season than in previous ones.
WILLOW LEAF BEETLE.
One of the first attacks out of the ordinary was made on our willows by
a leaf-eating beetle, Lina lapponica. Inthe spring of 1890, one or two
specimens of this beetle were taken on our college grounds, and we then
considered it a very rare beetle, and it is probably the first record of its
appearance in this state. This spring, before the willow leaves were out,
the bectles of this same species could be counted by the hundred on any
little willow bush in the vicinity. The appearance of the beetle at first
sight is much the same as that of a lady-bird, and no doubt many would
mistake it for a lady-bird, but it is more oblong and flat. The body is
oval,deep red. with six or seven black spots on the wing covers, that vary
considerably in size. The head is black with a red margin. There are
two broods each season. The eggs on the leaves resemble a cluster of
potato beetle eggs, and the larve, except that they are more slender and
different in color, resemble the wingless potato beetle larvae. Then, too,
like the potato beetle on the potato, this species breeds on the willow
leaves and feeds on them both in the adult and growing stages. The
second brood of beetles can now be found on the willows. This brood is
vellow instead of red, and the black spots are very much larger. The wil-
lows have not had more than half the usual leaf surface this season, and
the struggle will be 4 close one if the beetles continue to be as numerous
as they have been this spring. Another species closely related to this
one is very destructive to the cotton-wood trees on the western tree
claims, and will prove much more of an annoyance to those people than
our species will to us, where the willow grows wild and is so common.
The same medicine that kills the potato beetle will kill this beetle on the
willow.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUMMER MEETING. NH
CLIMBING CUT-WORMS.
Climbing cut-worms were numerous again this year, and several days
were spent at Muskegon with Mr. Rood in studying their habits and in
testing various remedies on them. Fully nine out of every ten of the
climbing cut-worms were the mottled cut-worms, Mamestra subjuncta. The
other two cut-worms, one of red color speckled with gray, and the other
large and white with black dots, would not have been common enough to
have done much injury. Including all three species we had no difficulty
in finding from 75 to $90 cut-worms to each tree ina single night. This,
however, was in a more limited area than it was last year,as Mr. Rood
cultivated the most of his orchard very thoroughly last year, and as a
result the cut-worms were not a serious pest except in the vineyard where
grapes and apples were both growing and thorough cultivation was
impossible. Mr. Rood’s method of killing the cut-worms has already been
given quite fully in last year’s Agricultural Report. His method this
year was much the same. He used bands on the trunks to prevent the
cut-worms reaching the leaves. About 9 or 10 o’clock he would start out
with a lantern and, with an old leather mitten on the right hand, would
crush the cut-worms that had already gathered on the trunk below the
band. He also had traps of rough boards around the base of each tree,
and most of the cut-worms that came after this would congregate under
these broad strips to remain over the day. From these traps he would
collect as many more each morning and place the catch before his flock of
poultry which greedily devoured the whole in short order. This process
of collecting was continued for at least two weeks before there was any
perceptible decrease in the number of cut-worms.
In my own experiments, four kinds of band were used, viz.: tin, wool,
cotton, and a tar band known as catterpillar lime, or, as the Germans call
it, “raupenleim.” Unfortunately for this experiment, we had no rain to wet
the bands, and all of them, except the tin collars, worked to perfection.
We however poured water on the wool band and found that it protected
quite as well as when dry. The cotton band is the best of all and the
cheapest, so long as it is dry, but so soon as wet (and the weather is
usually rainy in the spring) it packs and then affords no protection. The
raupenleim is slightly more expensive. It worked nicely except on very
cool nights, when it was likely to become a little too stiff. and then the
cut-worms would scramble over. The tin collar is but little better than
nothing. The cut-worm, when it comes to the collar, will travel around
until it comes to the lap, or where the two ends meet, and then it will
climb up almost as readily as on the bark. The tin collar is also more dif-
ficult to fit to the tree than the band and is more expensive. The cone-
shape pasteboard is also difficult to fit to the trunk and is also very easily
inoved in working or cultivating around the trees. It is better adapted
to small trees and grapevines. The wool band is undoubtedly the best
and will prove the cheapest and most satisfactory in the end.
If to prevent the climbing cut-worms from reaching the tree tops were
sufficient, the putting of a woo] band on the trunk would be enough; but
a man who is troubled with climbing cut-worms should try to rid his
fields of them. Heshould not only keep them from his trees, but he
16 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
should keep them from developing on the grass and other plants that they
live on when they can not get into the trees. Mr. Rood’s method of deal-
ing with them is sure, but rather laborious, making a man work night
and day. Experiments were tried in poisoning the cut-worms, that
proved quite satisfactory. Bran, given a green tinge, with Paris green,
was dropped in little bunches around the base of the tree. The cut-
worms ate it readily, both as they passed it in starting up the tree and as
they came back hungry from their vain effort to get beyond the band.
The next morning more than half of the cut-worms would be found hang-
ing to the bark, limp and dead, or in the same condition on the ground. in
some cases ninety per cent. were killed. The other poisoning experiment
was in spraying apple twigs with Paris green and placing them around
where the cut-worns would find them near the bands. This served as a
good decoy and killed about the same number that the bran did. If one
does not prune his orchard until this time, he can easily cut some fresh
twigs every few days and apply poison to them. Quite likely the poi-
soned bran will need renewing frequently, also. Bran with and without
sweetening was tried, but the “cut- -worms seemed to eat one as well as the
other.
JUNE BEETLES.
As the forest trees were leafing there was considerable complaint of
leaves being injured and torn off from shade trees in Jackson, Grand
Rapids, and other places. Trees on our own college grounds were
troubled in the same way, and looked very much as though torn in a hail
storm. This trouble was caused by two or more species of June beetle.
If one would go out under the trees just at dusk he would hear a beetle
buzz here and there under the tree as it came out of the ground where it
had been through the dav. As more of the beetles came out and flew into
the tree tops there would be a hum, something similar to that produced
by a swarm of bees. This hum would become so noticeable that one could
hear it when many rods away, and his attention would be attracted by it.
On looking up into the tree top with the bright, clear sky for a back-
ground, one could see great numbers of the beetles humming and thump-
ing about the limbs, but always well up in the tree toward the top. Their
work in the trees was noticeable for about two weeks. The most common
species this vear was a small, hairy June beetle, Lachnosterna tristis. This
species would come very early i in the evening and then later it would be
joined by our common June beetle, Lachnosterna fusca. These June
beetles are the mature form of what is known to us as the white grub that
we so often find among the grass roots in old meadows and pastures. The
life of June beetles is spent mostly in the grub state, under the ground,
and it is only for a short time that they are above ground as beetles. They
seldom are so numerous as they have been this season, and are rarely
numerous enough to do great harm. Many experiments have been tried
on the beetles while feeding on the foliage of trees, but none of them have
proven satisfactory. The arsenites, the remedy that we should expect to
find effectual, are very slow in their action.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUMMER MEETING. 17
SHOT-HOLE PEACH-TREE BORERS.
While the June beetles were still at work on our shade trees, I was
called to McCord’s, near Grand Rapids, to look after a peach orchard that
was apparently being killed by some little shot-hole borers. This name
is given the beetles because they are so small that, when they bore into
the tree the holes which they make are no larger than holes made by shot;
and, when numerous, the tree has the appearance of having had several
loads of scattered shot fired into it from different directions.
On reaching Mr. Chas. B. Peet’s orchard, I found about ten acres of
very thrifty four-year-old trees situated on a high hill sloping to the north
and west and protected by woods on the other two sides. The soil was
mostly sandy, though there were spots that varied even to the stiffest
clay. The soil and slope apparently made no difference in the attack.
The beetle often attacked the largest, finest, and most thrifty-looking
trees in the orchard, with little or no regard to location. At the time [|
was there, May 25, these injured trees had blossomed and were as full of
fruit as the others. ‘The leaves, however, told the story, as they were
turning yellow even though not yet fully developed. On examining the
fibrous roots of such trees, one would find them quite dead, and the bark
on the larger roots was brown. On peeling off the bark on the trunk
and larger limbs, scores of these little shot-holes would be seen. Some
of the beetles would be but little beyond the bark, while others would be
from an inch to an inch and a half from the outside, and running usually
toward the heart, though many were found running in various other direc-
tions. Every once in a while a hole was found to branch in two or more
directions when a short distance in from the surface. Each of these
branches contained a beetle. This peculiarity was probably caused by
one or more beetles following into the hole behind the one that made it,
and as soon as they came upon the beetle in the lead, and could go no
further, they at once commenced to side-tunnel a branch.
The trees were found to contain three distinct species of scolytid, viz.:
Monarthrum fasciatum Say, Monarthrum mali Fitch, and Xyleborus fus.
catus Eich. The two species of Monarthum have been known to injure
fruit trees before, particularly the apple; the Xyleborus has been found
in oak and hickory, but I find no record of its work on fruit trees, and the
- department at Washington say that it is the first incident of the kind
known tothem. None of the species, I think, have ever been known to
attack the peach before. This entire family of shot-hole borers prefer
dying or diseased trees for their work, but there seems to be little doubt
that they at times become injurious to live, thrifty trees.
This is not the first injury to peach trees by borers of this kind that we
ever had. Even this spring we have had reports from Sanilac, Ionia
county, and from South Haven, of similar work. On several different
occasions we have received samples of peach-tree trunks from South
_Haven, or near there, but in each case there were only the little holes left
in the dead trunk, and no beetles. and consequently we could only guess
what the depredator was that caused the injury. There is a species,
Phieotribus liminaris Harr., that has been known to injure peach trees in
the same way in the New England states, and we suspected the same
3
18 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
species here, as specimens have been taken in Michigan. This is the
first case where we know the insects that have done the work, and some-
thing of their habits, and it gives us a leverage that will enable us to do
more definite work for the fruitgrower in the future, though compara-
tively little is known in the United States regarding this family of beetles.
So soon as the beetles were received from Mr. Peet, directions were
given him to use a whitewash with Paris green init, on all of his trees,
whether injured or not. The coating that he put on was so thick that it
must prevent the beetles ever coming out so long as the whitewash
remains on the trees, and it will surely prevent other beetles from enter-
ing trees already infested. It is quite probable that all of the shot-hole
beetles attack trees in May and June, and, if one suspects a possible
injury from them, he would be safest in applying some mechanical coat of
this nature to his trees early in the spring.
\
BLISTER BEETLES.
Owing to the exceptionally dry season, blister beetles have been unusu-
ally common this spring. They came earlier than usual, too, which has
made it doubly hard on young plants and those just recovering from the
late frost and with foliage yet young and tender. They have done consid-
erable injury on our grounds and have been sent in from quite a number
of places over the state. The most common one has been the gray blister
beetle, Afacrobasis unicolor, but the black blister beetle, Epicauta pennsyl-
vanica, has also been common. They have confined their work almost
exclusively, so far this season, to the leguminous family of plants, such as
the various kinds of clover, including alfalfa, lupines, peas, and many of
the more rare plants in our wild garden. A man near Lansing has
recently reported the almost complete destruction of several acres of field
beans by the gray blister beetle. Blister beetles come and go very sud-
denly, and usually in swarms, so that their work often amounts nearly
to destruction before they are found. The arsenites, which we would
naturally expect to be the remedy, are too slow to be practical. We have
always been most successful with kerosene, as an emulsion or with water,
sprayed upon the beetles while they are at work. The beetles are very
easily driven, and if one gives them a warm reception by killing what he
can ina thorough spraying, and also in coating the plants with the -
unpleasant oily material, the remaining members will soon depart for
parts unknown. Inside of a very few hours not a living blister beetle can
be found where they were so plentiful as to almost hide the plant.
SCALE INSECTS.
The present season is quite remarkable for the number and variety of
scale insects that are everywhere present. There is hardly a tree but
upon which one can find a few brown scales scattered over the twigs, and
on many of the trees the scales are very numerous. Many specimens of
scale have been sent this spring from Jackson, Grand Rapids, Detroit,
Cheboygan, Fowler, and other places, from people wanting to know what ~
they are and what to do for them. These, with the many other insect
specimens of various kinds sent from the shade trees of our various cities,
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUMMER MEETING. 19
show a decided interest in that line that I have never seen in the state of
Michigan before. Nor is the anxiety unwarranted, for there are many
insects that are at least a menace, and others that will injure and in time
‘destroy many trees if not interfered with in some way. The scale insects
are one of the kind that are slow but sure. Frequently they are kept
in subjection by the numerous parasites that prey upon them, but, if not,
they soon become so numerous that they will crowd each other for space
to fasten themselves on the bark of the tree. When a tree has to support
so many little moths that suck the life sap from its tissues, it can not sur-
vive long under the strain. Fortunately, the scale lice do not sap the tree
for the entire year. In the fall the female dies, leaving hundreds of
minute white eggs to fill the shell which she had occupied through the
summer. The eges do not hatch until the latter part of the next May or
early June. Then the little yellow lice, too small to be recognized by the
unaided eye, run hither and yon with perfect freedom, for a few days,
after which they settle down, secrete a scale over themselves, and never
leave the spot, as they shed their legs and lose all power of locomotion.
Scale hice are difficult insects to treat unless taken at the opportune
1ime. If treated with a spray of kerosene emulsion, in early June, while
the young are running, and before they secrete the waxy scale over them,
they are very easily killed, though two sprayings, a week or two apart,
are necessary, as the young lice do not all hatch at once. If the spraying
is postponed until the scale becomes thick and well formed, kerosene and
other substances have little effect upon it, and rarely injure the occupant.
These are a few of the more important insects brought to my notice
thus far in the season. It is still early for the insects that usually make
their appearance in July and August. As it has been so dry, grasshop-
pers will be abundant in many places, though fortunately we need not
worry over swarms of them invading our domains as they do the west,
and in fact are doing in many localities of Nebraska and Minnesota.
People in the southwestern part of the state and along the lake shore
must be on the alert for stray colonies of chinch bugs, for they are already
appearing in destuctive numbers in southern Illinois and in Iowa; but
here, again, we are so little affected by this pest that we should feel grate-
ful forourimmunity. Taking our insect pests as a whole, and comparing
them with those of neighboring states, we should be quite content to |
cheerfully fight the few that do molest us, even though we are not always
eutirely successful in the contest.
DISCUSSION.
Mr. Lyon: I wish to give you an illustration of the ease with which
we can attack this scale insect just at the right time. Some time in the
fifties I had an orchard in the eastern part of the state, and the trees were
so thoroughly infested that I began to think I should have to burn the
trees in order to get rid of the insects. Wehad avery cold storm just at
the time the insects were traveling about to find a new place for their
residence. After that storm I was unable to find an insect, all due, evi-
dently, to the fact that a cold, driving rain storm came on just as they
were going to their new lodging. I inferred that if they can be attacked
just at the time that they are leaving, they can be easily killed, but are
very hard to destroy at any other time.
20 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Mr. Morrill: We all understand it would be very difficult to reach all
of them on the tree with the spray, at this time, on account of the foliage.
Now, if kerosene emulsion will kill them after the foliage is shed in the
fall, they are easily killed. |
' Mr. Davis: Regarding that, I would sooner recommend something a
little different. I would wait until spring, when these eggs are in the
scale. It is much easier to find them then than in the fall. I think you
could be very successful with a solution of potash. That has been used
in New Jersey with great success. It can not be used while the tree is
growing, but while it is dormant, in the winter, it can be used. I should
prefer to take it in the spring rather than in the fall. Speaking of scales,
I have a sample [ can show you. It is different from anything I have
seen. You strike the bark and they will buzz just like a swarm of bees.
Flies will gather around over these insects, and the young ones will crawl
upon the flies, and the flies will carry them off a long distance. I have
also a sample of the round-head apple-tree borer. [Mr. Davis exhibited
a branch of elm, thickly covered with scale insects.]
Mr. L. W. Wilton: Have you had any experience with black ants troub-
ling orchards? I have an orchard that is about three years old and I find
that the ants are getting very numerous—black ants. Whether they are
likely to damage the tree, or whether there is any way to kill them, is ©
what I wish to know.
Prof. Davis: The most damage done to the tree is to the roots, by these
ants. The ants can be disposed of very easily by the use of bisulphide of
carbon. It is a liquid, but as soon as you expose it to the air it becomes
agas. Pour from a pint to a quart into an ant-hole, and quickly cover
the hole with a wet blanket and leave it there for from twelve to twenty-
four hours, and it will smother the ants. When it evaporates it becomes
a gas much like coal gas, and smothers the ants.
Question: What remedy do you use for the round-headed borers?
Prof. Davis: I think the best remedy is Paris green or carbolic acid. It
should be put on before the borers make their appearance. They are lay-
ing their eggs about this time. It should be put on about the twentieth
of May. It should be put on two or three times because the rains will
wash it off. Whitewash with arsenic is also good. When the young
borers eat through that whitewash it will kill them. You should be care-
ful to get all the crevices covered when you wash the trees.
Mr. Rice: We are troubled with that borer, especially in crab-apple
trees. In desperation, I thought the trees were of no use; I got the kero-
sene oil can and thought I would kill it anyway. To my astonishment the
tree lived and got well. I only tried it in that one instance.
Mr. Morrill: I am much afraid of such statements.
Mr. Lyon: I have reason to believe that the flat-headed borer is gener-
ally found around the base of the trees, and the round-headed is a great .
deal more voracious. The flat-headed borer will almost always bore
directly into the base of the trees. The round-headed borer is seldom,
if ever, found near the base of the trees. I don’t believe you can find a
borer in my orchard at South Haven. I have never seen one.
Mr. Rice: We are troubled most with the flat-headed borer in maples
that are moved from forests.
\
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUMMER MEETING. | 21
Prof. Davis: Both of these borers prefer injured or diseased wood, and
théy will preferably attack a tree that is not thrifty. I will say that it is
true, what Mr. Lyon has said, except in a very few instances.
Mr. Wilton: I bave had some experience with these borers and I find
the most successful way of treating them is by washing the trees with
whale-oilsoap. I first put this preparation on to keep the sheep from eat-
ing the bark. I found after 1 commenced washing the trees to keep
the sheep from troubling them, I had no more trouble with the borers.
The wash is whale-oil soft soap, carbolic acid, and lime, made about the
thickness of common cream. You can smell it in the bark the next spring
after you put it on, and the carbolic acid and the lime will stay on about
a year andahalf. Mice or rabbits will not trouble the trees while that is
on. Some of my neighbors were troubled with rabbits eating their trees.
I told them I thought this wash would help them. They used it and in
every instance the rabbits left the trees.
Question: Don’t you go a little light on the carbolic acid?
I only used a very little. There is not so much danger from use of the
crude carbolic acid as the refined. I use that more than the other. Ina
barrel of that wash I would not use more than a quart of carbolic acid.
Question: How much soap to the barrel?
I buy whale oil and make soft soap from it, just as from any other,
grease, and use of the lime just enough to make a fair whitewash. The
lime is what holds it. It is a very good thing, specially in a wet season,
to put in a little tar; it gives it a little greasy coat that will resist the rain.
It washes off the whitewash unless there is a little tar. I would not put
in over a pint of tar in a half barrel of this. A barrel would cost but
little. The whale oil costs about seventy-five cents per gallon. It doesn’t
cost over fifty cents per gallon, by the barrel, at the outside.
Prof. Davis: The whale-oil soap that you buy all made, costs about
twenty-five cents per pound.
Mr. Wilton: I have used this several times. I have used sometimes
the whale-oil soap already prepared, and it is not nearly so good as that
made from the whale oil and made into soft soap.
Mr. Morrill: Prof. Davis, what is your estimate of that wash?
Prof. Davis: I think it would bea good thing. I don’t know as it ©
would be any better than kerosene emulsion. Have you had any experi-
ence with carbolic acid that makes you so careful?
Mr. Morrill: No, because I have always been very careful, but I had
neighbors use potash, carbolic acid, and soft soap with lime. They read
of it in a catalogue of Hale, Ithink. They wrote to Hale for the formula.
They made up their mixture and painted the trees with it, as fine trees as
I ever saw, and in twenty days there were no trees. They wrote to
Hale and it developed that they had sent to.Chicago and got the pure
article, good, pure carbolic acid and pure potash, and he laid it to the fact
that they got the pure instead of the crude, which he had always used.
That is the reason that I throw out a caution for anything like that going
on record.
Prof. Davis: I would sooner trust the carbolic acid than the potash.
The potash is very severe.
Mr. Morrill: I feel that great caution should be exercised in all these
things.
92, STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
EFFECTS OF FROST ON GRAPES.
BY HON. C. D. LAWTON OF LAWTON.
The month of May last was conspicuous, from the grape-growers’ stand.
point, for the severe frosts that occurred, and one of the most affecting
results which this calamity occasioned was the palpable change in the
mental and material conditions of a great number of individuals. The
sudden transition from hope, expectation, and confidence to the depths of
discouragement, failure, and great pecuniary loss is a change that taxes
the fortitude of those who suffer, while the despondency of the owners
and the blighted trellises are alike suggestive and distressful to the
observer.
My remarks will be confined to what I have noted here about Lawton;
but I presume that the same conditions prevailed elsewhere throughout
the state, and, also, as a general fact, in Ohio and New York as well. In
fact, no doubt, the effects of the frost were the same, where they occurred,
in all grape-growing sections, and this discussion is applicable to all such
places alike.
At Lawton, grape-growing has come to be the chief fruit industry;
peaches, berries, and other fruits are also raised, and, years ago, much
more largely, comparatively, than now. But peaches became uncertain
and berries were not always greatly profitable, while grapes proved
remunerative and were thought to be certain. A few persons had vine-
yards which had been bearing fruit for many years, and these had never
failed, from any cause, to yield their annual harvest. Thus, !while the
raising of grapes for market caused a greater amount of care and labor on
the part of the producer, and afforded him less profit than did peaches,
when he was fortunate enough to secure a crop of peaches, still it was
believed that grapes were sure, and as peaches were not, the element of
certainty, an important fact in agriculture, prevailed; and thus it has
come about that almost everyone for miles around has set out grape-
vines, until now, if all were bearing fruit in reasonably good quantity, the
amount would be indeed great. The few oldest vineyards, that were
planted twenty-eight years, occupied elevated portions of land bordering
an extensive valley reaching to the west and southwest, and the subse-
quent growers for several years thereafter chose for their vineyards sim-
ilar situations. As a fact, there was never any material damage from
frost, either in spring or fall, to the vines or the fruit in these old vine-
yards; thus it was that people had learned to regard grapes as among the
safest of all crops on which to depend for a livelihood.
Not until the spring of 1894 were the grapes ever greatly injured by
frost. On the night of the 28th of May of that year the mercury descended
to 28 degrees in places, and great injury was done to vegetation; grapes
particularly, being the most valuable of our fruit crops, the injury to
them, which was great, was the most seriously felt.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUMMER MEETING. 23
Of late years, contrary to the custom early adhered to, and ignoring
- the experience of the older cultivators, many vineyards have been set on
low lands and in medium low situations.
In all these low-land vineyards fruit and foliage were utterly destroyed.
In vineyards in slightly elevated places the fruit suffered utter extinction,
_ but the leaves and new growth in part remained; at least, in such situa-
tions the vines soon recovered and restored their foliage.
In vineyards on the hills there was even less fruit in most of them, but
generally a good portion of the foliage remained green and seemingly
unhurt except in the hollows and depressions where, if too deep, the vines
were cut down to the roots and recovered only by putting forth new
. growth from the surface of the ground. Thus, as the result of the frost
in May, 1894, the fruit was destroyed in all vineyards except in those on
the highest lands, and generally, in these latter situations, the damage
was confined chiefly to the hollows and depressions and certain westerly
exposures that seem to have suffered unduly; so that, in the aggregate,
there were still enough vineyards so fortunately placed as to render the
total shipment of grapes quite large. There were vineyards that returned
nearly a full average crop; certainly a satisfactory revenue.
It was noticeable after the frosts of May, 1894, that on the hills those
vineyards escaped injury the best that sloped to the east or that had
higher ground on the west. Such situations escaped the frost almost
wholly. All western and northern exposures proved less fortunate.
Vineyards that were suitably cared for during the summer, even on low
lands, recovered from the effects of the frost sufficiently to make good
srowth of wood, and at the close of the season were in fair condition for
trimming; and they came through the winter in the usual good condition
—in fact, looking extremely well. Up to the 11th of May last the out-
look for a crop of fruit was most excellent. But on the date mentioned
the weather turned suddenly from extreme heat to excessive cold, the
mercury sinking to the freezing point in the night, with a high wind from
thenorth. The effect of this cold wind, with frost, was plainly visible the
next day in the withered appearance of the foliage of the trees and vines
on the side toward the north.
Subsequently, on the 14th of May, occurred a severe snow storm. The
snow fell in quantity sufficient to cover the ground and the vines, and the
weather was extremely cold, even to the freezing point, so that smal]
icicles could be seen depending from the leaves, etc., of the trees.
As the result of the previous cold wind and the cold snow storm the ten-
der clusters of grapes showed a change of color from the bright, clear,
healthy green to a light grayish-drab tinge. Some anxiety was felt as to
what would be the final effect of these storms on the fruit, but as yet the
foliage was, substantially everywhere, all right.
On the night of the 17th occurred a very severe frost that cut down
utterly the leaves on the vines on all low lands and in all unfavorable sit-
uations; but did not, apparently, materially affect the vines in more ele-
vated localities; that is, it did not as arule. There were exceptions. A
few vineyards were severely hurt that had escaped the frost a year pre-
vious, and others that were injured the year before were not affected on
this occasion.
~
24 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Subsequently to the 17th, in May, two other severe frosts occurred,
one the night of the 19th and the other on the 20th. The first was fol-
lowed by a fog which obscured the sun until noon of the succeeding day
and the frost showed little or no ultimate damage. On the night of the
20th, however, the thermometer indicated the lowest temperature that it
reached during this series of frosts, to-wit: 24 degrees Fahrenheit. This
way followed by bright, sunshiny weather, so that the freezing had its full
effect. But even still, the foliage in the highest vineyards was not greatly
damaged. The leaves remained mostly green, and the fruit clusters pre-
cisely as they appeared after the first cold wind storm when they were |
tinged to a slightly grayish-drab color. Many people, after examination,
thought that there would still be a fair crop of grapes in vineyards in
favorable locations. The leaves remained green and the clusters remained
intact; but at blossoming time came a change. Then it was seen that the
fruit was stricken vitally. It fell to the ground, leaving the stems naked,
or still holding a few of the tiny grapes that continued to adhere. Thus
the great promise of grapes has dwindled to the few ragged clusters that
yet remain and to a sprinkling in greater or less quantity of a second set-
ting of fruit that has appeared since the frosts. Some expectation of
advantage, probably more than will be realized, was entertained from this
so-called second setting of fruit. Quite generally the owners, imme-
diately after the frost, made haste to strip the vines of the frozen foliage,
with the expectation that they would the sooner, and to a greater extent,
put forth new leaves and fruit. I can not say positively whether this
stripping off the frozen stems and leaves has proved to be of advantage
or not. There are those who think it has. They tried it a year ago, and
they think they derived some benefit from so doing. I notice that there
are some kinds and some situations which show to comparative advant-
age whether the vines were stripped or not, and in such instances, when
the vines were stripped, there is more than elsewhere a showing of fruit.
The opinion is likelytoobtain that the cause of the apparent gain is due to
the fact of the stripping of the vines of the frozen leaves and stems. 1
note other instances, however, where there is equally good showing of
foliage and of fruit, and where no stripping was done.
Some varieties seem to have withstood the effects of the frost better
than others, that is, they have held their fruit better. I might mention
the Champion, Perkins, Delaware, Concord, as in this category. None of
these anywhere, under the best of circumstances, shows a full crop, or
anything like a full crop of fruit, but in some vineyards in high, favorable
places there is quite a percentage of fruit; and in all vineyards where the
leaves were not killed, the vines hold some fruit both of the original set-
ting and of that which has appeared since the frosts. |
The experience obtained during these May frosts, particularly the more
recent ones, shows that there is no help in escaping their effects, when
they are so severe as these have been, from building fires and making
smudges in the vineyard. Many tried that, some to a limited extent, in
the effort to save a part of the fruit or as an experiment to be acted upon
in future as the results should seem to sanction. Others made the
attempt with the desperate resolve to save their fruit by doing the work
of smoke-making thoroughly, but in no instance was any degree of suc-
cess attained in the object for which the work was done. Heat and smoke,
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUMMER MEETING. 25
generated to counteract the effects of the frost, utterly failed. I have
not heard of the least advantage derived in any case.
An acquaintance living on the east side of Mile lake states that he was
determined to save his grapes. They yielded him a nice income last year,
and he wished to secure a like result the present season. His grapes
were all right up to the last great frost, and he and his family, with other
assistance, worked all night with a team drawing straw—the bottom of
an old stack—and kept up continuous smudges throughout the vineyard
during the entire night. Hestates that there was a thick cloud of smoke
over all the vineyard all the time. Yet, notwithstanding, fruit and leaves
were entirely destroyed; not a green thing left save close to the fires. The
vineyard looked afterward precisely as did others in the vicinity, all of
them presenting a blackened, withered aspect.
It occurs to me that, with the temperature about at the freezing point—
not much below, not more than a degree or two below—smudges might be
. valuable to save, but when the temperature drops to six or eight degrees
below the freezing point, artificial heat and smoke do not count. Under
such conditions, situation is the only saving clause, and the chief requi-
site in situation is elevation.
There are no vineyards in the vicinity of Lawton on high lands that had
the foliage of the vines entirely destroyed. Some of them were touched
by the frost so as to be easily apparent, but in others it required close
observation to note any effects at all. It is the opinion of the best grow:
ers and observers here, without exception, so far as I know, that the
grapes on the high lands were not destroyed by the frosts that cut down
the lowland vineyards, but that they were blasted by the first cold wind
and the succeeding bitter snow storm.
So far as could be seen, the high-ground vineyards were not changed
by the frosts that followed the storms above mentioned. The leaves and
clusters remained the same in appearance after the frosts as before.
The change of color in the clusters, previously spoken of, took place, as
heretofore described, as the result of the first storms, to whose biting
influence the loss of the fruit is attributed.
It is to be remembered that these cold storms are of far less frequent
occurrence at that season than frosts, and notwithstanding the latter, had
it not been for the former, the grape crop in this vicinity would, probably,
have equaled that of last year. It is generally believed here that if it
had not been for the blighting effect of the first storms, and in spite of the
frosts, the high-land vineyards would have borne a fair crop of grapes.
There will be some fruit as it is, but only a meagre quantity—a small per-
centage of a crop.
Thus the late experience of the past two seasons, and of all seasons
when late spring frosts have occurred, verifies the theory early enter-
tained and acted upon by the first growers of grapes in this locality, that
to insure success, growers should select elevated situations in which to
plant the vines. Nota table-land, however high, but land with alternat-
ing elevations and depressions—of uneven topography—preferably land
rising from an extensive valley which reaches to the west and north and
southwest, the elevated land continuing with broken contour.
4
\
26 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. )
WORK AT THE SOUTH HAVEN SUB-STATION.
BY BX-PREST. TT... T.. LYON OF SOUTH. RAVER:
A large share of the planting at the fruit-testing station was done prior
to any purpose to make use of the place for experimental purposes. Had
this been the original purpose, and had such been approved at headquar-
ters, it would have been my purpose to thoroughly prepare the ground, in
advance of tree planting, by means of a system of tile drainage; and fur-
thermore, by a careful preparation and subsoiling of the ground as a
means of securing more equable results and rendering the comparisons
of varieties more reliable. Experiences during the excessively wet spring
of 1893, together with the unprecedented drouths of this year and 1894,
have strongly emphasized this conclusion.
Cherries, especially those of the Duke and Mazzard classes, show unmis-
takably their special inability to withstand excessive moisture in the soil.
In sandy loam, upon a clay subsoil, these were very healthy and vigorous,
till the wet spring of 1893, which so injured them that for a time their pre-
mature death seemed probable, while pears and plums in adjacent rows
were apparently uninjured. This ground was thoroughly tile drained
during the ensuing fall, with the result that these diseased trees have
fully resumed their pristine health and vigor, notwithstanding the very
severe drouth of the two following years.
Several varieties of the hardy north European cherries, received from
Prof. Budd of Iowa, so far appear hardy and vigorous. Nearly all of
them, however, appear to be tardy bearers and quite late in season.
Twenty-seven varieties of the native plum of the west and northwest
have been planted at the station, to test their alleged ability to resist the
curculio, rot, and premature loss of foliage, with such other maladies as
frequently attack the varieties of domestica parentage. So far as liability
to attack by curculio is concerned, they are by no means exempt, although
the “Little Turk” evidently prefers the domesticas. It is, however, a not-
able fact that either there is an omission to deposit the egg, or that the
larva almost invariably fails to develop, since examination usually fails
to show that it leaves the crescent mark. There is apparently less ten-
dency to the rotting of the fruit and to premature loss of foliage. Still,
with thoroughness in the jarring process and a free use of spraying mate-
rial, these are now so fully under control that there need be no question
of our ability, eastward of lake Michigan, to abundantly supply our
needs without resort to a class of plums worthless as compared with our
old-time favorites of the domestica type.
There are seventeen varieties of the Japanese type, and hybrids, upon
the grounds, several of which give evidence of wonderful productiveness, —
though in quality scarcely up to our standard. They are yet too recent
to have fully established a reputation, save perhaps for productiveness.
Their quality is confessedly deficient, as compared with the better class
of domestica varieties, while their very early blooming increases the dan-
ger of injury from late spring frosts.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUMMER MEETING. 27
Several varieties of so-called Russian apricot have been on trial since
1888, with few blossoms and no fruit so far. The trees are obviously
short-lived, and they apparently lack hardiness. They are being replaced,
as they fail, with something more promising.
There are now upon the grounds, of apples 300 varieties; blackberries,
32 varieties; cherries, 44; currants, 23; gooseberries, 21; grapes, 147; mul-
berries, 5; nuts, 25; peaches, 212; pears, 90; plums, 111; quinces, 11; rasp-
berries, 72; service berries, 3; strawberries, about 200.
First, there should be no weak nor puny bushes, but all uniformly
large and enriched with full blood and the strongest reproductive powers
of fruiting vigor. Now we can not do this by propagating from anything
less than perfection itself, and so we must go to the fruiting field early
in the spring to search for this ideal. Find the cane that is thickly
studded with large, well-developed buds, and examine the tips to see that
it has stood the winter blast without the slightest weakening, and stake
it, taking care to so prune it that its fruit shall be no more than it can
bring to perfection. Examine the stamens carefully when blossoms first
open, and note their size and general condition. Where stamens are
plenty and well charged with the vital dust (pollen), score it high and
give it the preference. I hold it of the utmost importance, and believe
I have proven by actual test, that maximum crops of berries or any
other kinds of fruit can not be secured where plants, trees, and bushes
are allowed to shed their pollen year after year without restriction until
\
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 147
the potency of the pollen has been destroyed. That restriction, selection,
and high feeding are as essential to building up good qualities in plants
as they are in animals must stand unquestioned, and I believe the lack
of these essentials is the greatest cause of failure in fruitgrowing. A
plant over three years old should never be chosen for propagation.
Find as many bushes as possible and give them high culture so as to
secure the highest development. At harvest time, count and measure
berries accurately and determine which possess the most points of excel-
lence. Now, early in the fall, or as soon as leaves are fallen and the
plant is entirely dormant, dig up every root, select those about the size
of a common lead pencil, cut into pieces three inches long, and bury them
in clean, sharp, fine sand, placing the boxes in a cold cellar kept just
above the freezing point so they will become callous and form wood
buds. If the cuttings are kept too warm, they will start and grow; if too
cold, the callus will not form. A “callus” is the bringing together of cer-
tain wood cells and formation of a gristly substance out of which a root
will grow. No root will start until this callus forms. This will form at
a low temperature, and if roots are kept in this condition several months
they will form at the ends, as well as all along the sides, of the roots.
The following spring, prepare a piece of rich sand loam with plenty of
moisture, on a south incline, and plant the cuttings in nursery rows
about two or three inches apart and not over two inches deep. If
planted too deep, the shoots will damp off, and if too shallow they will
dry out. Some system of irrigation in case of drouth should be provided.
In the fall the plants should be taken up and roots cut back to about
eight inches, and again packed in fine sand, keeping them as before, until
spring, when they will be thoroughly callous and, when planted out in
well prepared soil, will fill the ground with a mass of feeding roots, all
near the plant, thus bringing the “food gatherers” near the organs of
assimilation. Each plant occupies its own feeding ground without tres-
passing on the others, so we know where to apply fertilizers and do the
cultivating. As already stated, every cutting possessing any weakness
has failed to grow, and we can not now have anything but the strongest.
and most healthy plants.
Blackberries will generally do well on low land if winter protection is
given, but if the hardy varieties are used without protection, they should
not be placed on either lightest sand or heaviest clay. In fertilizing.
bear in mind that ground rich in potash and phosphoric acid makes
strong, firm wood and greatly aids seed formation, while that excessively
rich in nitrogen makes the wood soft and succulent and easily winter-
killed, hence all the wood ashes should be used for the blackberry patch.
Having our ground deeply worked and subsoiled, we plow furrows
about eight feet apart and six inches deep, and set plants about three
feet apart, taking care not to expose the roots, loaded as they are with
the calluses, but cover them at once-and firm the soil, and cultivate shal-
low the same day of setting, so the water may draw up around the plant
- and nourish it at this critical period.
The two chief difficulties in blackberry culture are drouth and winter-
killing. These may be reduced to one difficulty, because the manage-
ment during the summer is often the chief cause of winter-killing. Every
possible effort should be made to force a vigorous growth early in the
spring, and this should proceed regularly until fall rains come, when the
148 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
autumn months should be used to mature the wood. The cultivator
should be set going as soon as the ground is dry enough in the spriug,
and the priceless water should not be allowed to get away. The whole
surface should be covered with fine, loose earth all the time, and a
crust should not be allowed to remain a moment longer than necessary.
Cultivate every week and after every rain. It is the greatest blunder
to stop the cultivator when picking begins, just when the bushes need
moisture so much to fill their great loads of berries with their rich juices.
The feet of the pickers tramp the ground down hard, and capillarity is
perfect to the surface and water passes off with the greatest freedom.
The berries soon dry up, and the vitality of the bush is sapped by having
its functions suspended in hot weather. The plant goes through the
same process as if preparing for winter—buds form and foliage ripens.
Later, the fall rains come and a new growth starts, and the early frosts
destroy the leaves, rendering the proper ripening of the wood an impos-
sibility, and winter-killing is sure to follow.
It has been almost the universal practice to pinch new canes when
about eighteen inches high, so as to make them throw out laterals and
become stocky and self-supporting. If the ground is rich so a vigorous
growth is made, and no trellis used, the canes would sprawl around on
the ground so as to interfere with cultivating and picking, and thus
pinching in may become a necessity, but I confess I have come to enter-
tain the gravest doubts about the advantage of suddenly stopping growth
by removing terminal buds when in full tide of growth. I am satisfied
it brings on a congested condition that seriously interferes with the
hardiness and vigor of the canes. The better way is to set stakes about
every thirty or forty feet, string a No. 9 wire about four feet high; then,
with well-gloved hands and a bundle of short willows, pass along rapidly
and tie each cane, spreading the canes out fan-shape so they will have
plenty of air and light, so all will be out of the way of the cultivator, and
pickers can get to the fruit with the greatest ease. No dirty berries,
none threshed off by the wind, no broken canes, but pruning and all
work done with an ease that much more than compensates for the cost of
wire and tying the canes to it.
Different varieties require different pruning, and on some soils the
canes can be left longer than on others; but in any case it should be so
close that there will not be any overbearing and consequent exhaustion.
A green blackberry is not the sweetest thing on earth. The berries
should be black at least three days before picking. Twice per week is
plenty often enough to gather them. Exercise the greatest care to not
let the berries stand in bright sun after they are in the boxes. They
quickly sour and turn red. Keep them in a cool, dark place.
The list of desirable varieties is not long. Of the extremely hardy
sorts, Western Triumph and Synder still head the list, Taylor Prolific
being the best late variety and of highest quality. Ancient Briton is a
grand berry and a leader in many qualities. It is classed as hardy, but
should be given winter protection in the north. Erie has gained
many warm admirers and will remain with us until we find our ideal
berry. It has many of the desirable qualities. Wachusett, Early Clus-
ter, Lawton, Kittatinny, and a few other sorts have nearly gone out of
use in this section.
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 149
Of the new varieties, Eldorado, which I fruited the first time last sea-
son, is the most promising. I could not find a cane showing the slight-
est injury from cold the past winter, and its fruit is very fine. Wilson
Jr. and Early Harvest rank high, but must have winter protection in all
cases, if fruit is expected. With improved methods of culture and a bet-
ter knowledge of the requirements of the blackberry, we shall, in the no
distant future, see it a leader in the berry market.
HOW A WOMAN GREW RED RASPBERRIES.
BY MRS. M. 8S. TRINE OF ADRIAN.
_ The red raspberry, and a few things I have learned in its cultivation,
is the subject given me. It would have been a queer thing for a woman
(an American woman at least) to do a few years ago, to go to fruit rais-
ing and gardening, but now industries are opening wide their doors for
women, in many new fields; and as fruit culture has its attraction to one
who wishes to combine health for herself and little ones and pleasure in
raising the best of fruit in generous quantities for family use, this
decided my employment.
Having only an acre for garden and orchard, what should I set?
Apples, peaches, plums, and cherries in great variety (for the space) were
set first. Shade trees and ornamental shrubs must have their place in
this home building, but while these little whip-stalks of trees were grow-
ing, what must be done with the land to be enriched, cultivated, and the
weeds subdued? We set out a row or two of strawberries, but found
the soil too cold and thin, over a clay subsoil, for their successful growth.
We had hundreds of loads of fertilizer spread over the whole lot, and
began to grow—weeds. Hopeful sign! for if weeds won’t grow nothing
will. We put in all kinds of “garden sauce” and yet there was room for
more. Then quince trees and currants and gooseberries went to fill the
space, then a few blackberries and blackcaps were tried, but found too
rough for a woman to cultivate, and finally 300 red raspberries, purport-
ing to be Cuthberts, were set in a square patch. And how they grew
and how quickly we got delicious berries, and how we enjoyed them!
We found they sprouted badly, and, to keep the sprouts and weeds down
while we were doing other necessary work, I had about eighty loads of
old sawdust drawn from a mill near by and spread nearly six inches deep.
It was just what that patch needed, and it bore well and was easier cul-
tivated. I soon saw I had set them in the wrong place, on account of the
shade of the trees, and the shape of the patch was bad, as it prevented
cultivating with the horse through the lot. So we set anew. I found
among the rest two bushes more vigorous in growth and bearing larger,
more fragrant berries. I let them sprout and from them set three long
rows through the garden. But as the trees grew around them thev
became too shaded and lost vigor. So I again transplanted eleven long
rows, five feet apart and four feet in the row, where they could be kept
quite free from shade the most of the day. I had them cultivated thor-
150 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
_ oughly the first season and got two years’ vigorous growth, and the next
year a good crop of berries. Then I rented my place for a year and a half,
and when I came back this spring I found this patch largely grown up to
sprouts and the canes weakened. They had not made the growth ]
expected with the care I had spent on them previously. I inferred the
sprouts had sapped the roots and that they needed enriching and culti-
vating thoroughly. We took out the extra growth of canes and gave
them away, hundreds of them. We cultivated every week, both ways;
cut the canes down to four or five in a hill and kept the growth closely |
in the hill. The cultivating lightens up and aerates the soil and keeps
down other growth. I only had one third of a crop, compared to last
year’s yield. This year I gathered about 300 quarts of fine fruit, sold
more than half, getting not less than ten cents per quart; and after the
first higher-priced quarts were sold people came right to me for their
fruit, and I had hard work to save what I needed fo: my own use. With
proper care in pruning and cultivating, I feel sure of good crops in the
future of this delicious, wholesome fruit, for canning and other use; and
for its easy culture and handling I heartily recommend it to my sister-
growers who are seeking, like myself, health, strength and pleasure in
garden work.
PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF FRUITGROWING.
BY MR. 8S. D. WILLARD OF GENEVA, N. Y.
In the early settlement of the country which constitutes our homes,
wheat-growing was the principal industry. Wheat, wool, and clover
were the products that enabled our forefathers to pay for many homes;
but those keen, descerning descendants of the New Englanders were not
slow to discover that the fertile lands, unsurpassed for the purpose then
- used, also possessed capabilities for growing such fruits as were required
to meet their growing wants. Perhaps the old Indian orchards, of which >
there were more or less in western New York, may have given an inspira-
tion to the work. Hence, we find at an early day fruitgrowing received
the impetus that quickly made it a leading feature in farming, while con-
tributing in an essential degree to the comfort and health of the pioneers
of those early days. They were not slow to perceive that the soil, so finely
fitted for agriculture in its broadest sense, also was peculiarly adapted to
producing in the greatest perfection all of the then known fruits grown
in the remote regions of Europe. Seeds, scions, and plants began to be
imported, and plantings began with reference to production for commer-
cial purposes.
On the banks of one of the little lakes of western New York is yet
standing the remains of one of those early orchards, the stock of which
was brought into this country about 1812 by a Frenchman, composed of
varieties of the most improved character then known. ‘True, it was
limited in size, covering only three or four acres, but of great value as an
object lesson. It was the admiration of all, and well known for many
miles in every direction. It was a source of great happiness to the
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 151
owner, and, in after years, afforded a revenue that enabled him to live in
luxury. But it was of more value in its influence and results, which can
never be estimated. ‘Sowing the seed, what shall the harvest be?”
The elements of plant life then existed in such abundance and requi-
site proportions as to produce the most healthy tree and perfect fruit,
which found its way to market at prices affording profit so satisfactory
as to stimulate increased planting from the valley of the Hudson to the
shores of lake Michigan, of an acreage then unknown in the world’s his-
tory. Those were days of promise. Such beautiful and excellent fruit
could be found nowhere else on the face of the globe. Many of us can
recall those days when the produce of a single tree of White Doyenne
pears sold at from $20 to $30 per annum, and whole orchards of Bartletts
netted their owners $10 to $12 per barrel. Those beautiful Spitzenberg
apple trees, yielding from six to eight barrels each, were a sight worth
going miles to see. The apples were sold at from $2 to $2.50 per barrel.
Not a blemish on them. No orange tree laden with its golden fruit sur-
passed them in beauty. The Newtown pippin, another favorite, unexcelled
for productiveness and keeping qualities, was produced in the greatest
perfection and with great profit. But, in the nature of things, these
palmy days could not always continue. Those varieties of apple then
generally grown became worthless, and in time were superseded by the
Baldwin, which we were assured had come to stay. Not equal in quality
to its predecessors, its productiveness and fine shipping qualities were
regarded as compensating sufficiently for what it lacked in goodness,
_ and the Baldwin was planted to an extent unprecedented in the history
of any other apple. No one seemed to realize it possible that too many
could be grown. From every apple-growing section was heard the cry,
“More Baldwins.” But what is the situation today, with a favorable sea-
son for apple production? A surplus is always found of this variety,
and purchasers take advantage of the fact by purchasing them at pretty
much their own prices. Worse than all, it has fallen a victim to the
deadly fungus, which, wintering upon the tree, attacks the young and
tender foliage, and finally is found upon the fruit that is so often ren-
dered worthless. While in this weakened condition the tree is rendered
powerless to appropriate the required supplies for a crop for the succeed-
ing year. Such were the conditions incident to hundreds of orchards in
western New York in 1894. Hence, no crop on them in 1895, and the
same has frequently been observed in southern and central Michigan—
two crop failures in succession, sometimes accounted for in one way and
at others in another, but quite frequently people assigned the wrong
cause rather than the right. The fact, however, has been made clear that
this popular variety has foliage which, today, is more readily subject to
disease than that of almost any other apple known. Hence, many plant-
ers are discarding it, while others, discouraged by their repeated crop
failures, denounce apple-growing in general, and assert that it is no use
to follow it longer as a profitable business. One acquaintance, with fifty
acres. tells me that he has not averaged a crop once in five years, and his
trees, being regarded as past that age at which they may be profitably
grafted over, he is strongly inclined to convert into firewood. Nor 1s
he alone in his conviction. There are hundreds cherishing the same sen-
timent throughout the country. Searcely a horticultural meeting is
152 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
convened but many fruitgrowers express their doubts as to the future of
the apple industry. We are told that this variety or that has run out or
outlived its usefulness. We can not, however, come to think this a cor-
rect conclusion, but rather regard it as an unwarrantable assumption.
Is it not more likely to be true that the soil upon which most of our
unproductive, diseased fruit plantations are found, may by continued
croppings have become so impoverished of the essentials required for
perfect production of the thing sought to be grown, that the weakened
plant structure has not the vital power to resist disease and the perils of
insect life, the apparent increase of which has been the outgrowth of this
lack of material for their support? It is an undisputed fact that the leaf,
root and fruit all make a wonderful draft upon certain well-known ele-
ments which may or may not exist in quantities sufficient to meet this
continued drain required to maintain vigo- and productiveness. It is
quite well known that different varieties of the same genus differ mater-
ially in their constitutional strength and power of resistance, so there is
need of different treatment to meet nature’s requirements. We have been
told that, upon some of our newest lands, varieties that have ceased to
be of value in the older sections are grown with the greate-: success,
while some who are regarded authority report corresponding results from
the very liberal use of appropriate plant food. Is it not safe, therefore,
to argue that neglect to comply with nature’s laws is largely the occasion
of failures with which the fruitgrower is contending in this year 1895?
But what of the future? Just now we seem to be in a state of tran-
sition, with no fixed purpose of what to do next. With the rapid
increase of evaporating and canning interests; the multiplication and
cheapening of facilities for transporting the products of the same to all
known parts of the world, and, above all, with a sentiment keeping pace
with the increased intelligence of the human family, in favor of fruit as
a wholesome and economical food, we predict an annual increase in con-
sumption of all of the fruit products that will greatly exceed the anticipa-
tion of any whose plans for future work are based upon the demoralized
condition of trade as found today. Low prices prevail for all soil prod-
ucts, too low to afford a fair remuneration for labor and investment,
but we believe the horticulturist who is working on intelligent lines has
decidedly the advantage of the agriculturist, and that this condition will
continue to prevail for years to come.
A friend who was a guest on Thanksgiving day has a farm of one hun-
dred and fifty acres. On this he has a peach orchard of about nine acres,
the product of which was sold the past season, to a near-by canning fac-
tory, the returns amounting to about $1,000, which he assured me was
considerable more than was received from all other of his farm crops
combined. Ten acres for horticulture and 140 acres for agriculture!
But, lest some one may say, “I am not in a situation to become a grower
of peaches,” we will cite a good grower of apples who, seventeen years
ago, desired to set a Baldwin orchard of 1,000 trees. The variety was
scarce, but, having his land prepared, he was determined to plant some-
thing; and finally, contrary to his judgment, he put 800 Oldenburgh
apples and only 100 Baldwins. This was a matter of necessity, inasmuch
as he could not secure the desired number of Baldwins. The former
have not failed of a crop since the fifth year, and in the month of July
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 153
last, when invited to visit them, not a tree could be seen but had from
ten to twenty props to aid in sustaining the most wonderful crop of
apples upon which I have ever set my eyes. It was marketed in a near-by
city at from $1.50 to $2 per barrel, the net returns giving him between
$2,000 and $2,500. Illustrations of like character could be named, per-
taining to other fruit crops, had we time, such as the plum, peach, cherry,
apricot, quince, currant and gooseberry, any and all of which, while not,
perhaps, giving returns as large, would afford abundant proof that our
ground is well taken, and there is encouragement for the grower of good
fruit both now and in the future. It is but just, however, to state in this
connection that the owner of the apple orchard just referred to, excels
as a thorough cultivator and high feeder. His equal in these respects ‘s
hard to be found in the Empire state. Doubtless there are those who
will pronounce these instances rare exceptions. Admit this to be true;
but is it not also true that those who show marked success in any busi-
ness enterprise are the exceptions rather than the ordinary rule? But
my purpose in mentioning this variety of apple more especially was to
illustrate the fact that apples can yet be grown, and that with profit. If
not one variety, then another. Select a line of sorts less subject to
injury from fungi than Baldwin and the old, tried sorts, and we believe
that the key-note to successful modern apple-culture has been struck.
In such a list we find Hubbardston, Gilliflower, Ben Davis, Longfield,
Stark, and Sutton’s Beauty—surely a list large enough for any orchard-
man to experiment with, and Oldenburgh adécd, affording a succession
from late fall to early spring in their period of ripening. I am a strong
advocate of a more general use of the spraying pump, with such mix-
tures as aid so greatly in the extermination of all the insect life and
diseases with which we have to contend; and, as these varieties are
grown apparently without the necessity of spraying, except for the cod-
lin moth, we believe, if properly provided with the required plant food,
they may be profitably grown for many years to come. Some of them,
however, inclined as they are to over-production, require a careful thin-
ning of the fruit to insure the desired size and fine quality. Our insti-
tutions of learning are making the subject of horticulture a leading fea-
ture, the outgrowth of which will be the development of a class of men
prepared to make a practical application of the principles of fruitgrowing
that should make them succeed and enable them to avoid the bitter les-
sons that have been learned at such a cost by some of us.
The schools of horticulture now being held by Prof. Bailey and others,
in various parts of the country, so thoroughly practical in their nature,
are imparting new interest to this work and giving to Cornell university
that pre-eminence to which she is justly entitled—the greatest institu-
tion on the continent for furnishing the most practical education on the
most easy and economica! basis.
Of scarcely less importance is the work that is now being prosecuted
by the various agricultural colleges and experiment stations of the dif-
ferent states. Horticulture is receiving its full share of attention at
their hands, and the character of the men employed in its prosecution is
a guarantee of what the results may be.
To illustrate more fully the magnitude of this work, it may be of inter-
est to know that they are now growing for test purposes at the Geneva
20
154 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
station, 427 varieties of apple, 30 of crab apple, 102 of pear, 10 of
quince, 21 of apricot, 43 of cherry, 111 of peach, 204 of plum, 234 of grape.
40 of currant, 219 of gooseberry, besides others, not including a large
number of seedlings the outgrowth of efforts to originate meritorious
new varieties by plant breeding; and, as your own and other states are
engaged in a similar work, it indicates an interest that in the near future
must give results of incalculable value to the professional fruitgrower.
We can but believe that failures which have been so widespread in this
department of industry have been more the fault of the man than of the
plant. The cereals, potatoes, and other farm crops have each been
studied as to their character and requirements for the protection of abun-
dant crops, and special commercial fertilizers provided for test purposes;
but the instances are indeed rare where the poor fruit tree, obliged to
obtain the nourishment to maintain its existence within the circle of its
roots, is ever given a particle of available and nutritious plant food.
This is pretty much the same the country through, the exceptions being
those who tell us the business is one of reasonable profit, and who are
increasing their plantings. Nature was very lavish in the distribution of
those elements required for producing plant food in perfection, but man’s
extravagant waste has well-nigh left the storehouse in an exhausted con-
dition. These are the conditions that we are called to confront today
in many of the older settled sections. We must restore to the soil, in
the most economical manner possible, those essentials required in the
attainment of success in our work. From my own experience I have
often been led to say, “If I were to have only one single fertilizer with
which to feed my plants, I should pin my faith to good, unleached wood
ashes.” Forty-five years ago, while yet the land was new, a man then
regarded as the most successful farmer in the county in which I was
brought up, employed his teams during the winter season in picking up
the ashes which were hauled upon and scattered over that one-hunderd-
acre farm. He was then called a crank, but his success was a sufficient
indication of his wisdom. He was just a trifle in advance of his genera-
tion. A few weeks ago, incidentally, with a friend, I walked over that
old farm, that has now passed into other hands; and, impressed as I was
with the thrift of the orchard through which we were passing, as well as
adjacent fields then in wheat and grass, I remarked to my friend, “What
a farm this has been!” The present owner, Mr. B., was not regarded as
very much a farmer. “How is he getting along?” the reply was, “He
never fails to have the heaviest crops of everything in this vicinity.”
Mr. A. has now been dead thirty-five years, but by his superior methods
he laid a foundation that so far has seemed to be inexhaustible.
Ashes were cheap in those days. They were often given away, and
when sold rarely brought to exceed five cents per bushel. Today we are
-compelled to pay from fifteen to twenty cents, and there is some question
whether these elements thus obtained can not be had more economically
by the purchase of muriate of potash and pure ground-bone meal. It is
said that, in your own state, there are thousands of bushels annually left
to bleach upon the lands where burned, while thousands of fruit trees are
starving for the food they would afford. We believe that one of the most
fruitful causes of the rapid increase of diseases and insect life that prey
upon our fruit plantations and cause their premature death, is the lack
of those elements in the soil that, in a great measure, might be restored
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 155
by the very liberal use of wood ashes. We would not ignore the value
of barn-yard manure, but for most fruits it seems to us rather too stimu-
lating and inclined to promote a soft, unripened wood; hence, a fruit bud
ill-ealculated to withstand a very severe winter. No nurseryman can
grow the best trees on lands that he has highly stimulated with rich barn-
yard manure. As often as tried, it has been a failure—too much nitrogen
and too little potash and phosphoric acid.
In summing up this case, I would suggest that we have been expecting
too much from our fruit plantations without such reciprocal attention
upon our part as they have deserved. The same parsimony and neglect
in the management of other interests would bankrupt the parties
engaged. A man who makes this, as well as any other business, profit-
able, must keep thoroughly abreast of the times. Indeed, if a little in
advance of his more conservative neighbors, he is not likely to make any
mistake. The fashion and demand for varieties of fruit change as well as
that for anything else, and to keep in close touch with all requires con-
stant study and thoughtfulness. Some old sorts are wanted, and probably
ever will be, while others are being superseded by those of more recent
introduction of great merit. It is not always safe for a commercial
orchardist to place too high an estimate on quality. While this is a
_ factor that should not be disregarded, style and productiveness should
be given precedence in anticipating future profits. The Ben Davis apple,
while quite low in the scale of quality, usually sells at higher prices than
many others of far greater excellence, the cost of producing which would
be accompanied with loss.
Profitable fruitgrowing is, however, not confined to the larger tree
fruits. The very great improvements made in the smaller fruits, and the
enhanced interest in their culture shown in every section during the last
decade, are but conclusive proof of the fact that some men have learned
that they can be produced with profit. Currants by the ton, gooseberries
by the bushel, blackberries and strawberries by the car-load! Who
would have anticipated all this a quarter of a century ago? All things
being equal, most of the above named crops, grown with reference to mar-
kets easily reached, should pay the producer from $100 to $150 per acre
net per annum. Some of them thrive and continue to produce well for
many years after planting, and, being well adapted to long-distance ship-
ments, they are our choice; hence, we pin our faith to the currant and
gooseberry. While not affording the large profits frequently attached
to the strawberry, they do afford a fair remuneration for labor bestowed,
with but slight variation in price from year to year. The largest profits
are confined to a very few sorts, while the others we can not afford to
_ grow at any price for which they can be sold.
- In conclusion, we believe in the future of the wise apple-grower. Other
varieties of fruit are being largely planted, but little attention is given
this king of fruits. Not one acre is planted where there were 100 ten
years ago, while thousands of trees are going to decay and death. They
have outlived their usefulness, and all this in the face of an annual
‘increase of consumption both at home and abroad. What are the proba-
bilities, what the possibilities, for the skillful fruitgrower of Michi-
gan, directing his energies with all the intelligence and appliances at his
command? -He is blest with a soil, climate, and other required condi-
tions unexcelled for the production of the greatest variety of the choic-
156 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
est fruits; with a fruit experiment station under the supervision of a
director of acknowledged authority on all subjects pertaining to pomol-
ogy; with institutions of learning whose alumni may be found filling
professorships in the various departments of instruction for work in hor-
ticulture throughout our land; with a state horticultural society made of
men so practical and successful in their work as to be found only in the
front ranks of their profession, among the first to advocate the use of,
and putting to practical test, such insecticides as are required to hold in
check the depredations of our most dreaded foes; with inventive genius
that has given the country the most valuable spraying machinery in use;
with facilities unequalled by that of any other region of the continent
for distributing, in the most economical manner possible, everything pro-
duced. I leave it to you, Mr. President, and the members of this honored
association, to determine in your deliberations what shall be the future
of horticulture in this most highly favored region. Be thoughtful, act
wisely; but, above all, act up to your convictions and execute with that
rapidity demanded by the exigencies of the times in which we are living,
remembering that masterly inactivity has blighted more prospects and
ruined more men than all other causes combined. ;
As I glance over the young men in this audience, I am reminded of lost
opportunities, and what I might have accomplished when full of ambi-
tion, vigor, and nerve possessed years ago; but I can only tell you what
I would do with my present knowledge and convictions if I were thirty
years younger. First of all, there should be planted an apple orchard of
ample dimensions, made of such varieties as would seem to be best calcu-
lated to resist the various diseases that are known today, to be followed
by others, like the plum, peach, pear, cherry, apricot, and some of the
small fruits—some or all of the above, as circumstances and conditions
would seem to warrant, in the full faith that future results would vindi-
cate the wisdom of the undertaking.
Faith unwavering is essential to success; but, gentlemen, “faith with-
out works is dead.”
DISCUSSION.
Mr. Willard: I think we do not always realize what the burning over
of the orchards by the fungus means. I remember one day in the month
of August, passing over the Michigan Central, when it was difficult to
see an orchard (and there were multitudes of them) but showed the
effect of this fungus. They looked as though a fire had gone over them.
I remember I remarked, “No apples for next year.” They said, “We
certainly shall have them next year.” I said, “No, you will have two suc-
_ cessive failures.” There is some reason for the wonderful multiplicity
oi these diseases, and J think you will find a great deal less of it on our
newer lands, and my opinion is, and has been for some time, that it has
been because our orchards have not been properly fed with material suit-
able for their support. I got the idea first from one of the professors at
the Michigan Agricultural College, of spraying for the codlin moth. I
stole it from Michigan, or borrowed it, rather, and I always feel like being
very grateful. :
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 157
Mr. Beal: The speaker has mentioned a variety of tests at an experi-
ment station in NewYork. I wish to call on Prof. Taft to see if he dares
make such an expression for Michigan.
Prof. Taft: I shall have to own that they are growing more grapes
than we are; but, as regards apples, I notice that Geneva had 427 varie-
ties. We have something over 450, and still others in the nursery. We
have fully twice the number of peaches. There are 111 at Geneva, and we
have something over 200. In the way of cherries, we have at least three
times asmany. There are only 43 at Geneva, and we have over 125. We
have most of that number at the college, and an equal number, nearly as
many more, at South Haven. We have also at South Haven rather more
grapes—we have at least 200 varieties, and about that number at the
college. As regards plums, they are some way ahead. They have 204
varieties; we, perhaps, have not over 150; and as for strawberries, we
have fully half as inany more, both at South Haven and at the college.
We have, I think, nearly as many blackberries, but in the way of goose-
berries, we have for less than they. They have 219, embracing a large
number of English varieties, whereas our number is less than thirty.
That, I think, covers about all we have. Now that we are on this point,
I would say that we have sent out to individuals in all parts of the state,
from year to year, commencing back in—I think Prof. Bailey commenced
this in 1887 or 1888, and we have sent out since that time, counting all
the tree fruits, as many as 100 varieties, two trees of a kind, to these
different people. We have now over 100 sub-testing fruit stations,
besides others who are testing small fruits and vegetables.
Mr. Morrill: Gentlemen, we have heard something about the work
going on at the horticultural stations of two states, the two, perhaps,
better than any others in the Union; but we have with us here today Prof.
McCluer of the experimental station of Illinois, at Champlain. Illinois
is a great fruitgrowing state, and the people of all others who get in our
way in the Chicago market. I would like to hear from Prof. McCluer,
and he can give us some idea of what they are doing.
Prof. McCluer: I am not prepared to give figures, though I think it
is safe to say that at least, in one line, we are ahead of either New York
or Michigan. Our university began, in 1869, planting varieties of apple
tree. planting nearly everything they could get hold of, and we have on
the list of varieties planted at that time, from 1869 to 1871, 1,298 names.
That does not mean 1,298 varieties, because there are many duplications.
I found that we had Red Astrachan under seven different names, and in
many instances there are two or three or more names for one variety.
Since then, we have planted 300 more varieties of apple tree. Of grapes
we have planted 150 varieties; of raspberries and blackberries, five
Plums and peaches—well, we haven’t more than a dozen varieties of
peach, and we don’t do much with quinces or cherries. This is all on
varieties. I would like to say, that, as to the good results from a number
of varieties tested, it is something uncertain. There are local conditions
that affect the fruit. The conditions under which one variety does well,
will not suit another, even in the same orchard; for instance, we had
Benoni planted, and the only record we have is that it was planted and
died; we have it in another orchard, where it did well. Then, in that old
orchard, if we attempt to make a report, we are not at all sure that we
158 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
are reporting the right thing, and I suppose the same can be said of other
stations.
Mr. Reid: You have scattered your experimental work, have you not,
you have a number of sub-stations?
Mr. McCluer: The other stations in Illinois are not under the control
of the State University. They are under the control of the State Horti-
cultural society. Their principal object is testing new varieties, and we
are buying and putting in a good many varieties in these stations. They
are scattered about over the state. Our state is divided, horticulturally,
into three sections—northern, central, and southern. Our northern sec-
tion has three stations, the central has three, and the southern five sta-
tions, where varieties are being tested. That is about the only work being
carried on at the stations. There is some work in spraying and methods
of cultivating, some work in methods of propagating, and some of our
people believe in “double” working. That is a western idea, and at least
one of our experimentalists is what people call a crank on the subject.
He is doing a good deal of work in that line. When I speak about some
of the results from our old apple orchard, as we call it, of the nearly 1,300
trees, there are perhaps twenty varieties on the list today, which, if I
were planting an apple orchard for my own private use, I would put
there. Twenty varieties out of 1,300 names. J think, sometimes, if I had
planted 1,300 seedling trees, I would have had more varieties, but per-
haps not.
Mr.Merrill: That brings out a valuable idea. We have heard from
three of the greatest fruit states in the union, and what they are doing for
our education. We have with us, today, Prof. Bailey of New York who
has traveled over every portion of the Union and the fruit-producing por-
, tions of Europe. He is a Michigan product, now located in New York,
but we claim him.
Mr. Willard: He has stood the transplanting well.
Mr. Morrill: I would like to have Prof. Bailey give us something of
his impressions of the present and future of the intelligent horticulturist.
what his prospects are and may be. He has an excellent knowledge of
the markets as well as of what is being done, and the obstacles in our
way. I would like to know, and I presume all fruitgrowers would like to
know, your opinion of the financial probabilities and the obstacles to
success which you see.
Prof. Bailey: I might say, Mr. President, in answer to that question,
what my own practice is coming to be. I am connected, as you know
with an experiment station at Cornell University. However, I have
bought a farm and I am putting it out to fruit, and I hope the time is not
far distant when my experiment and teaching work shall be done, and I
am sufficiently confident of the natural rewards of horticulture to have
the desire growing in me every day to move on to that farm and make a
living from it.
Mr. Williams: How did the man Bradley come out, under the fertili-
zation he has given?
Mr. Willard: There were a few of those Baldwin trees the past season
that had some apples; but, as a rule, the fruit was scarce, and that has
been true, always, more or less. That idea was not advanced for the
purpose of advising people to plant bone dust, but to show that there were
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 159
advantages in planting these varieties. Mr. Bradley didn’t know what
else to do, and he put those Oldenburgs out much against his will, but the
results have been marvelous. For the two preceding years, ’93 and ’94,
from that orchard (I think it has ten acres), he has told me his sales net-
ted him about $3,000 per year, the parties from Cincinnati paying him this
amount and themselves packing the apples; but last year he was not
successful in getting them to do that—everything was demoralized.
Prof. Bailey: Iam glad to say a good word for that orchard, for it is
certainly the most remarkable apple orchard I ever saw. I notice that
I am down on the programme to say something about apples,and while at
it, I shall wish to bring up that orchard again. I don’t know of any
fruitgrowing in New York state which has brought more money for the
amount invested, and the small risk, as that at this very Bradley orchard.
Q. What is the soil?
Mr. Willard: Itis aloam. I can not say it is light; it is between a
light and a heavy loam.
Prof. Bailey: It has been made of heavy loam by deep tillage and
good fertilization. It is a good, strong loam at the present time.
Mr. Willard: I said, “Bradley, what do you do?” He answered, “I use
bone dust and muriate of potash,” and I could see a little barnyard man-
ure, but you could kick right in up to your knee. Now, Woodward has a
relative in Lockport who has always advocated the idea of keeping sheep,
or something else, in his orchards, and not tilling nor cultivating them,
and he has carried that thing to a wonderful extreme. It being not very
far off, I said to Bradley one day, “Let’s ride around and look at some of
those other orchards.” I wanted to see what the results were of that
principle carried out. We looked over a good many of them, and where-
ever we found an orchard under reasonable cultivation the fruit looked
well, but when we saw those orchards cultivated under Woodward’s
theory they were disappointing. If the theory had been carried out per-
fectly, it might have been all right. Woodward always says, keep sheep
in your orchard, and feed your sheep and let them fatten, and the results
of their feeding will make it unnecessary to cultivate. That idea might
be successful, if fully carried out, but this man takes hold of it and puts
sheep in, and they skin the ground, and instead of adding anything to the
soil he is simply taking food away from the soil and putting it on the
backs and into the stomachs of the sheep—the very food the trees needed.
This we found to be the condition of the majority of those orchards
where Woodward’s theory had been attempted. Mr. Bradley sends mag-
nificent specimens to the state fair—a whole barrel of Oldenburgs, and
they look as much alike as two peas. This is an illustration of what can
be done with an apple which has been regarded as not of much value, be-
cause we have come generally to believe that a winter apple is what we
want. There is, however, a demand for good fall apples, and they can be
sold at good prices.
Mr. Collar: You say that you cultivate deep?
A. I should say that his cultivation is not designed to be deep; he
plows his land in the spring, and then uses his spring-tooth harrows, so
as to keep the soil stirred up, and it results in the land being loose.
Q. Would it be better to cultivate, to keep the ground mellow on top,
say three or four inches deep, instead of plowing?
160 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
A. That is as one may think best. I don’t believe in deep plowing for
an orchard. Our plowing is done as shallow as we can do it. People
have different opinions about that and it can be argued for hours. My own
experience teaches me not to cultivate deeply.
Mr. .Morrill: Permit me to say, for fear a misapprehension may have
arisen, that Mr. Willard has spoken to you of two men with two methods;
one is Mr. Bradley, who is a thorough cultivator, and who carries the fer-
tilization in. The other Mr. Woodward, who does not cultivate at all,
but puts fertilization on through the medium of sheep, and I think Mr.
Willard will say that the difficulty with the ordinary farmer is to get the
details of the system into his understanding and then get him to practice
them. Either of these methods is a success in the hands of a man who
carries out every detail.
Mr. Willard: But on the whole I would choose the man who culti-
vates. That is my practice, and I don’t believe I could raise good plums
and a fine quality of other fruits unless I did it. I have made a reasonable
success, and that has been the method I have followed.
Q. If I have an orchard just coming into bearing, so that it bears two
or three barrels of apples, and I want to fertilize it with wood ashes, how
much would I have to put on annually in order to keep it in good con-
dition for ten years?
Mr. Willard: I don’t know that I could answer that question, because
we have never been able to use wood ashes to the extent we would like,
for we haven’t had money to buy them. Our rule is to put on a bushel
at a dressing and to do that dressing once a year—a bushel to a tree.
Mr. Morrill: Do you make no difference, according to the amount of
trees to an acre?
Mr. Willard: I don’t know that I could tell you as to the acre. We
have to have some rule for the men to work by, and I have laid down the
rule, a bushel to a tree. We use them upon our pears, quinces, and
plums, so far as we can. es
Q. The inquiry was particularly in regard to the apple.
A. I don’t think there would be any danger in using twice that
amount.
Q. ‘Would you put them under the soil, drag them under?
A. I don’t think there is any loss if applied to the surface; the subse-
quent cultivation takes them in. Perhaps it would be best to apply them
in the spring, but we have to spray for scale insects and everything on
earth, and we usually do it at this season of the year (winter), trying to
put them on when the ground is not frozen. Prof. Bailey perhaps would
be able to tell you whether it is better to apply in the fall or spring, but
I think there is little danger of any one applying too many wood ashes
to any tree or fruit of any kind.
Mr. Kehoe: I understand there is a man in Adrian who plowed his
orchard this summer with four horses, and it had an abundant crop of
apples. If the gentleman is here, I would like to learn whether this is
true or not; whether it is a good plan to plow deeply. Mr. Willard
recommendsshallow plowing and continuous cultivation, but if this other
gentleman plowed deeply with four horses, and had a good crop such a
year as this, I should like to hear from him.
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 161
Mr. Hoag: That gentleman is not here, but I happen to live just
across the road from him and I will answer Mr. Kehoe’s question briefly.
The owner of this farm never lived on it, and he sent a man down from
Chicago to work the place. The man had never lived on a farm and
knew nothing about growing fruit, and that orchard had been somewhat
neglected. The owner had planted this orchard of eleven acres, and
treated it very carefully; in fact, he would not allow any crop to mature
upon it. He cultivated it and grew the trees, those that lived, very
nicely. He pruned them very carefully, indeed, and the orchard had
borne but one full crop, and for the last two years previous bore scarcely
anything. Well, this man proposed to raise a crop of corn, and went in
there to plow. It was so dry that he had to get a neighbor to help him,
and they did use four horses. Well, the fact is, that they cut off all the
surface roots, and if it does not ruin the orchard entirely I shall be sur-
prised; but he did get quite a crop of apples from part of the
orchard. Several trees bore good crops; I hope they may in succeeding
years. |
Q. Are muck ashes valuable? Our swamps have been burned and
the ashes left three or four inches deep. When the speaker mentioned
the good qualities of wood ashes, I was thinking it might be a good thing
to scrape out these ashes and use them in our orchards.
Mr. Bailey: I think they would be valuable if the muck was not too
thoroughly decomposed—if the potash is still there. .
Q. I notice our trees all went into winter quarters the middle of
October. What will be the result another year?
Mr. Willard: Unless injured in some way, I should think it would be
a good omen. I think it augers well for the future.
Mr. Morrill: Referring to the deep plowing and the consequent pro-
duction of apples, I hope our professional men will not allow that to go
by without making some statement. -For fear they might not get the
idea I have, I will mention it. Everyone doesn’t realize that the crop
was laid out last year. The plowing was done this year. The plowing
might have a certain effect, and it might be the effect produced on the
tree, that at the last moment before death exerts its utmost efforts. I
should be afraid that would be the result.
Mr. Helme: If I were going to set any fruit, I would set an apple
orchard, for seven eighths of the apple orchards in Michigan have gone
to pieces and the apple is the king of fruits. Apples can be utilized
from the time they begin to fall from the tree, when they can be fed to
stock, right through to the end; you lose nothing. I think there is a
good future for the apple in Michigan.
Mr. Hoag: There is one matter of practical importance to fruit-
growers, and that is the kind of soil in which to set an apple orchard, and
I would like to ask Mr. Willard what soil he considers best. While 1
am on my feet I will say that our soil is a gravelly loam, and these
dry years have been ruinous, not only to production but to the trees
themselves. I had one of the finest Oldenburghs, that bore excellent
crops, and this year it bore a heavy crop and died. It was in the most
gravelly place in the orchard, but the drought seemed to use it up; and
my theory is that a clay loam, rich and well underdrained, would be bet-
ter. If there are people who contemplate putting out orchards it might
21
162 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
be well for them to consider this. Our subsoil is of a gravelly, sandy
nature; our surface soil isa mixture. It is a gravelly loam, consisting of
a little clay and considerable loam for perhaps two or three feet. Then
we strike a coarse gravel and then a fine sand, and below that is a coarse
gravel where we find plenty of water.
Mr. Willard: I must confess that I think I know less and legs,
every year, about such subjects as that. At one time I had clearly
defined theories as to what could be done under such and such conditions,
but I have seen things so radically different that I have made up my mind
that, so far as theorizing is concerned, it isn’t of much use. My idea
has been, and is still, that an apple orchard on a good loam with clay bot-
tom is in a good enough place, and I think that is so with most fruits;
and yet, some of the finest apple orchards I have ever seen, and also plum
and pear, are on soils that haven’t a particle of clay within half a mile.
To illustrate: Prof. Bailey, I presume, and many others, have felt that
a pear must be upon a clay subsoil or something of that sort. One of
the finest pear orchards I ever saw was where I dug down as far as I could
with a spade, and then I went to the bank of the river and looked up, and
you couldn’t see a particle of clay for seventy five feet. There are some
of the finest apples in Nova Scotia, where there is apparently no clay at
all. So it would seem that what is essential in one section, with a cer-
tain environment, has no bearing in others, and still the prevalent opin-
ion is that a good clay loam with a good subsoil is the proper thing.
Mr. Kehoe: I have had some experience in setting an orchard on dif-
ferent kinds of soil, and I supposed that a clay or loam soil was just the
place. Well, when I set my orchard out, about eighteen years ago, I set
it on a piece of land of about three acres. There was about an acre of
this orchard that was clay loam, with a very light, mucky soil on top,
that reached from eight inches to a foot. Then there was a heavy clay
soil. I ditched it thoroughly, so it was always dry. The rest of it rose
up on a hard clay knoll. Some of this knoll descended to the north, and
part to the south. I set my orchard out there, and all the trees were
alike. The rows ran north and south, across both the high and the low
land. The result was that, on the low land, the trees gradually died off,
one by one, but on the hard ground, at the top of the hill, are perfect trees,
all alive. I couldn’t raise currants there, but I could raise corn and
wheat or any other crop in abundance, on the lower part, but I find that
the place for apple trees is on the high ground.
Mr. Beal: I would like to have Mr. Willard’s experience in this matter;
whether he has found that one kind of apple does well on one kind of soil
—whether it develops better on one soil—and another kind on another.
Mr. Willard: I understand what the gentleman means, and I am sat-
isfied that such conditions do exist. Because an apple does well in my
soil is no evidence that on some other soil it will do well, or that it may
not do better. Our trees have various temperaments. They don’t all
want the same treatment, and we must know how to handle them best. |
Mr. Morrill: I don’t like to close this discussion without calling Mr.
Willard’s attention to one thing that came out in his paper—his speak-
ing of the Ben Davis as being such a favorite market apple, and out-sell-
ing the other varieties. I have been a close observer of Chicago markets,
and they have all sorts of buyers, different classes; and it is the big Ben
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 163
Davis center, too. The big Ben Davis orchards are southwest, and this
fall an entirely new phase of the market came, with buyers hunting for
Baldwin, Greening, Snow, Spy, anything of that character that comes
from Michigan, New York, or Canada; the consignees and commission
men pushing Ben Davis and extolling them, and the buyers saying, “if
we can’t find Baldwins or Greenings at $3 or $6, we will take Ben Davis at
$2.” That is a fact, and I think it is the beginning of a wave going back
on the Ben Davis.
INDUCEMENTS TO FRUITGROWERS, WITH CONDITIONS OF
SUCCESS.
BY MR. C. P. CHIDESTER OF BATTLE CREEK.
Let me say to you that I believe fruitgrowing, when conducted
intelligently, is one of the most pleasant, as well as profitable, occupa-
tions in which one can engage; and it offers many inducements and
advantages over any other line of agricultural pursuit. When the disad-
vantages under which the fruitgrowers of other sections of the north-
west labor are compared with our own natural advantages, we can fully
appreciate the favorable conditions under which we live. Of course,
failures in fruit sometimes occur on account of conditions over which
man has no control. I think it will generally be conceded that Michigan
offers greater inducements to fruitgrowers, at the present time, than any
other state, when we take into consideration the peculiar location of
Michigan, surrounded as it is by the great lakes, whose mild influence is
noted by every fruitgrower; and that we have a soil and climate possess-
ing all the necessary qualities for the perfect development of fruit.
When we take into consideration the great advantage Michigan hasover
other competing states by being much nearer the great fruit-distributing
centers, the advantages of Michigan become still more apparent. An-
other advantage Michigan enjoys over most western states is, wind-
breaks can be successfully grown where orchard protection is found to
be necessary. We should remember that there is an immense territory
west and northwest of lake Michigan, to be supplied with fruit, and the
people of these western states will always look to Michigan for this sup-
ply, especially in apples, peaches, and grapes.
Overproduction of fruit has been the prophecy for the last thirty years,
and yet the supply seldom equals the demand. Very few people realize
the vast amount of fruit it takes to supply seventy millions of people. I
am satisfied from my own experience, and by talking with many fruit
dealers, that under-consumption is much more likely to take place from
the fact that a large part of the laboring classes have not money in excess
of their actual wants with which to buy fruit. I am firmly impressed with
the belief thatif the poorer classes could furnish themselves with the fruit
which is necessary for their comfort and health, overproduction would
not disturb the fruitgrowers for many years to come.
164 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
When we remember to what an extent canning and the improved
methods of drying fruit have increased domestic consumption; when we
note the improved facilities for the shipment of fresh fruits long dis-
tances, thus greatly extending our markets, we must come to the con-
clusion that commercial fruitgrowing is still in its infancy. It would
seem that there would be no necessity for the person just commencing in
horticulture to make any mistakes at the present time, when we take into
consideration the vast amount of knowledge that the State Horticultural
society and other similar organizations have published and sent broad-
cast throughout the land.
New and improved methods for combating insect enemies have been
discovered, also remedies have been found preventing the fungous dis-
eases of fruit trees and vines to a great extent. The above facts,
together with the low price of farm products, are inducing a great many
men to commence fruitgrowing. My advice to such persons would be,
investigate the subject thoroughly before commencing the business.
This would save much valuable time and expense. Taking the experi-
ence of the past five years in central Michigan into consideration, grow-
ing apples for profit has become a serious problem.
I think the facts will warrant me in making the assertion that not more
than one orchard in five has paid the cost of cultivation during the above
period. Now, it seems to me that some law of nature has been violated
by man to create this universal failure to grow apples for so long a period.
Almost every conceivable theory has been advanced for the cause of this
failure, by leading horticulturists, at different times. The fact that
failures have taken place under all these conditions, in the absence of
orchard protection, shows conclusively that the true cause is not gener-
ally understood.
I have tried to impress upon the fruitgrowers at different times what
I believed to be the greatest cause of failure, and that is insufficient pro-
tection to orchards by lack of timber belts. It has been my experience,
from extended observation, that though you have every other condition
in perfection, you will very seldom grow a good crop of apples. Obser-
vation has convinced me that, where orchards are protected by wind-
breaks, the fruit attains a much greater degree of perfection. I wish to
firmly impress this fact upon all who contemplate setting apple orchards,
that they must have protection by wind-breaks if they ever prove suc-
cessful any great length of time. This law of nature can not be vio-
lated without suffering the penalty. Careful observation has revealed
the fact that, as our timber belts have been removed, apple-growing has
steadily decreased. Therefore, if the above theory for the cause of fail-
ure is correct, we can not with any degree of certainty look to the future
for an increase in apples. I do not wish to be understood as advocating
that wind-breaks alone will insure a crop of apples. There are other
conditions which are necessary to success, namely, keeping up the fertil-
ity of the soil, judicious pruning, and spraying to prevent scab and codlin
moth. Iam not prepared to say at this time what influence the removal
of our forests has upon the amount and distribution of rainfall; but,
judging from the increasing drouths which have visited this state during
the past few years, it is evident to me that agriculture is suffering from
this cause to as great an extent as horticulture. I believe it to be a law
of nature that the more the timber belts are removed from a country the
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 165
greater will be its liability to injury from severe storms, and generally
in such countries it will be found that the greatest extremes of heat and
cold occur.
The success which has been accomplished by peach-growers in favored
localities in Michigan, during the past few years, has created wonderful
enthusiasm in the peach industry throughout the state. Thousands of
trees have been set in almost every locality. That serious mistakes have
been made, both in regard to location of orchards and varieties planted,
is also true. Long experience has proved that high elevations of land
are the most suitable for peach orchards. As to varieties, Barnard,
Early Michigan, Crosby, Elberta, Snow’s Orange, Kalamazoo, Gold Drop,
and Smock are highly recommended as being hardy and productive.
The question of keeping up the proper fertility of the soil should
receive due attention from the fruitgrower. It is a well-known fact that
unleached ashes is the most perfect fertilizer for fruit within the reach
of the general fruitgrower. Too much importance can not be placed
upon this fact. Peach trees require thorough cultivation from May to
August.
For preventing and exterminating peach-tree borers, remove the sur-
face dirt from the roots of the trees and wash with strong soap suds,
with the addition of a little carbolic acid. This should be done early in
May and also in September.
The conditions necessary to success in grape-growing, briefly stated, in
my estimation, would be to place the vineyard upon a high elevation
for the purpose of securing air drainage and to prevent injury from
early frost. It seems to me that there is nothing of so much importance
to the grape-grower as good location. My experience with drouth for
the past two seasons has convinced me that a rather heavy loam with a
clay subsoil is the most suitable for vineyards. I visited several vine-
yards during the past season, that were situated upon sandy soils, where
the grapes were nearly worthless on account of drouth. If you have a
soil and location suitable to produce the best results, set your vines
twelve feet by sixteen. I set my posts for trellis wires sixteen feet
apart, in rows running north and south. This direction gives the sun a
better chance to strike both sides of the rows. I use posts about eight
feet in length, painting the ends that go into the ground with boiling
coal tar before setting. I find this to be very beneficial in saving the
posts from decay. I use No. 11 galvanized wire for trellising, placing the
first wire about four and one half feet from the ground and the top wire
about six feet. I usually allow one branch of the vine to run upon the
wire eight feet each way. The advantages over other systems of trellis-
ing are, more sunlight and better circulation of air, which are very essen-
tial to production of perfect fruit. After the length of the vine is estab-
lished, I usually prune in November, leaving two strong buds upon each
branch of the present year’s growth for the bearing wood for the next
season. About the first of June, or when the vines have made a growth of
about three inches, I go through the vineyard and break off all weak
sprouts, leaving only the strongest ones which contain the largest clus-
ters. I believe this to be very essential to prevent overbearing and to
secure perfect clusters. Having the experience of the past two seasons
before us, I would advise the planting of fruit trees and vines as soon In
166 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
the spring as the ground is in suitable condition. The experience of the
past season has clearly demonstrated that ground plowed very early in
the spring holds moisture much better than under late plowing. We
should bear in mind that thorough cultivation applies to grape-growing
as well as to other kinds of fruit. It has been clearly demonstrated by
the experience of the past few years, that a very large proportion of the
fungous diseases and insect enemies that infest our fruit trees and vines,
can be controlled and kept in check by thorough and systematic spraying.
I usually spray my vines in the spring, about the time the buds begin to
grow, with Bordeaux mixture. If the Bordeaux mixture is calculated
to be used as an insecticide, it will be necessary to add one fourth pound
of Paris green or London purple to forty-five gallons of the mixture. I
spray again soon after the grapes are formed. These two sprayings are
usually sufficient in very dry seasons. It will sometimes be necessary in
very hot, rainy weather to repeat the spraying in case the vines are liable
to attack from black rot. The objects of spraying early in the season
are to prevent the germs of black rot from spreading, and to kill the
grapevine flea beetles that commence eating the blossom buds as soon as
they are formed.
The grapevine leaf hopper, which is another grapevine enemy, is a very
small winged insect, about one tenth of an inch in length. It appeared
upon the vineyards in Calhoun county about the middle of June. These
insects live by sucking the juices from the leaves during the summer
season. I have no doubt, from the experience of the past season, that
immense damage will be done to vineyards the coming season, unless
prompt remedies are applied. The vines should be dusted early in the
season, before the leaf hoppers have acquired wings, with pyrethrum or
tobacco dust, or sprayed with kerosene emulsion.
Worden, Concord, Moore’s Diamond, Niagara, and Vergennes are still
the most popular market grapes among the old varieties. Winchell is
highly recommended for a very early grape. Further testing has
strengthened my belief that my new seedlings are superior in ey
respects to the best old varieties.
Let me say in conclusion that the ideal grape has not been found, but
I firmly believe that the future affords greater opportunities for improve-
ment in the grape than any other fruit. When we take into considera-
tion the ease and certainty with which grapes can be grown, when we
note the great length of tim> that they can be placed upon our tables as
dessert fruit, we must come to the conclusion that grape-growing will
soon become one of the leading fruit industries of our state.
DISCUSSION.
Mr. Woodward: The gentleman says that our drouths are largely
caused by the destruction of the forests. Why was it that the Pilgrim
Fathers, before the country was settled, had to set aside a day for prayer |
for rain, when the country was still wooded?
A. Perhaps that it might illustrate their faith.
Mr. Harrison: I would like to know if that is the best thing to destroy
the grub. I supposed the best thing to do was to use white hellebore.
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 167
A. I think that remedy is put down by Prof. Weed for that insect.
These insects never appeared with us until last season, and I didn’t know
what to do with them. They became very numerous, and I think the
vineyards will be almost completely destroyed unless some preventive
is used next season. The leaves turn brown, just as if they were dead in
the fall of the year, long before they should be, and I think they injure
the grapes also. The insect works on the leaves, near the wire, and not
on the ends of the vines, so it is right along in the fruit.
Mr. Harrison: If the adult insect can be destroyed by pyrethrum or
by any other method, we would like to know it. My idea is that the only
sure way to destroy the thrip is to commence when it is young, so soon
as it hatches, and I am not aware that there is anything that will destroy
it afterward. I use white hellebore, and it should be fresh and pure in
order to be effective. |
Q. Is there any way we may know when it is fresh?
A. Iam not able to say.
Mr. Willard: It isn’t so much the question of being fresh as to be free
from adulterations. I have bought hellebore by the barrel and used a
great deal of it, and found it just as good, and it would make you sneeze
just as hard, at the end of three years as in the beginning. The trouble
is the adulteration it meets after it leaves the factory.
Mr. Helme: I have used it nineteen years and found it satisfactory.
There is an impression that there is less rainfall than when this country
was a wilderness. In 1839 I was down here hunting bear and deer, and
Black creek and another were dried up then; there was no water running
in them; there was just as big a drouth that year as there ever has been
since. Of couse, then it was nothing but a wilderness. The cause of
drouth is that the land has been skinned year after year. It is the bar-
renness of he land that makes drouth. We could stand it better if the
land were better. You will find that where the ground is rich enough
to bring forth a crop, it doesn’t suffer much from drouth.
Prof. Taft: From the Agricultural College bulletins we learn that we
have not had nearly as much rainfall of late. When long distances are
Swept by winds, we must know that they take up the moisture from the
ground and carry it to different places. The greater the obstructions
to the wind, the less the wind would rifle the surface of the earth. Of
course, we had that drouth, but we didn’t have as many crops then, and
it wasn’t necessary to have so much rain; but now I think we have just as
good ground, and in many localities we don’t have half a crop of corn
where the ground was rich enough to produce three times as much if we
had had a little moisture. The corn that was planted in May didn’t come
up until July, which shows that there was an excessive drouth.
168 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
GRAPES UNDER GLASS.
BY MR. ARTEMUS SIGLER OF ADRIAN.
A suitable place for a glass house should be free from the shade of trees
and from roots of shrubbery of any sort. Sunlight, air, and moisture are
some of the most essential elements of success. The soil for grapes is
one more of the important features to be considered. I would recom-
mend a, preparation of well decayed sod, taken from some low, rich pas-
ture land, and I would add as much barnyard manure as sod and mix
them thoroughly together. Collect as many bones as you can get, and
place them in the bottom of the pit, which should be eighteen inches or
more in depth. Then cover over with the above compost.
If I were to build a small house, say twenty to twenty-five feet long,
in the first place I would set Black Hamburg, and the second I would
set the same, and for the last one I would set Black Hamburg also. But
if I were to build one fifty feet long or more. I would add just two more
varieties, and they would be White Nice and Barbarossa. This is the
list recommended by the well-known nurserymen, Elwanger & Barry of
Rochester, New York; and the experience I have had with the different
varieties has led me to the same conclusion.
This list is for a cold grapery, where there is no artificial heat used.
The roots should be set on the inside of the house, close to the sill, and
ten feet apart. As they grow, pull off all the shoots but o.-e, the first
year, and tie up the one to the trellis, which should be wire, as that seems
to be the cheapest and most suitable. Nc-er allow the vines to come
nearer than sixteen or eighteen inches of the glass, as the sun’s rays are
likely to scorch the leaves.
Use plenty of water, by spraying the vines daily, in order to keep up
a humid atmosphere, so that the buds will develop more evenly. This
should be kept up until they show signs of blossoming.
Then withhold the spray from the vines, for it will blast the fruit and
cause it to fall off. At this stage of growth it is best to dust the vines
thoroughly, all over the leaves and clusters of fruit, with sulphur, to pre-
vent mildew on the leaves and fruit, for this is one of the worst enemies
to contend with in raising this kind of fruit under glass.
In the meantime the ventilators should be kept open from early morn-
ing until four or five o’clock in the afternoon, then close them for the
night.
1 have practiced trimming the vines through the srowing season by
pulling off the lateral shoots, which I think is all right and proper; also
to cut off all surplus shoots that will not be needed for next season’s
fruiting. It is a question in my mind whether it is practicable to cut off
the branches at the third leaf beyond the fruit. I have experimented
both ways, and if there is any difference it is in favor of letting them
grow as long as nature and good care will allow them. After the hard
frosts have killed the leaves and they have fallen off, I take my pruning
shears and trim the vines for the next season, and before hard freezing
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. } 169
comes I take the vines from their trellis and lay them on the ground, and
cover with leaves from two to four inches deep. Then the season’s
work is ended. I think it is not necessary for me to give any directions
how to trim, as it is pretty generally understood. I will admit that the
worst fault is that I am likely to leave too much bearing wood, with the
result that the fruit does not ripen and is worthless. It might well be
compared to an old saying, “spare the rod and spoil the child.”
I made several visits to Detroit, almost specially to see Mr. E. B. Ward’s
graperies, in order to see and learn all I could about growing this kind of
fruit. This was somewhere between thirty and thirty-five years ago.
He was a very extensive grower of this kind of fruit at that time. I
counted thirteen of these houses in one garden, and none of them less
than 120 to 130 feet in length, and all filled with from two to four rows of
grapevines, heavily laden with fruit. I found his gardener and intro-
duced myself to him, and informed him of my business, that it was to
see and learn how he took care of his graperies. I told him that I was
an amateur in the business and seeking knowledge, and I found him to be
very much a gentleman. He stopped his work and showed me through
all of these houses, and explained the different processes of his work,
for which I thanked him. I think is was the last time I was there, that
he told me that there had been a gentleman from New York to see Mr.
Ward, who was in some way connected with the New York Tribune
office, and during his stay Mr. Ward invited him into his garden to see
his graperies. After he had been shown through all of them, the gen.
tleman made the remark that if the fruit was in New York it would fetch
$500 for each of these houses, the total sum of $6,500. I was informed
when there that Mr. Ward never sold a pound of grapes. He always
kept on hand a supply of baskets and would give his orders to have some
filled and sent every day to his friends, who were plentiful in those times.
His gardener told me that Mr. Ward would eat four or five pounds at a
meal, and this is the market he had for his grapes. This last statement
I will not vouch for, as I saw the man but once when I was there, but I
should not think he could devour so much fruit at a time from his dimen-
sions, although he was quite a portly gentleman.
Some thirty-five years ago I first conceived the idea of building me a
glass house in order to raise some of the choicer varieties of grape, and
I went to work and built one about thirty feet in length and set vines in
it of the White and Black Hamburg varieties, and I was so well pleased
_ with the fruit that I continued to add to the house until it was 100 feet
in length. So, in all this space, I kept filling in with new varieties until
I had thirty-five where there should have been but three. But I have
been taking up and throwing away and grafting in the better varieties,
so that I have about one-half that number left. I have been fairly suc-
cessful in raising these finer varieties of grape. I have frequently
raised clusters that weighed upward of three pounds.
Now, why can not I be allowed the expression, after seeing them grow
and tasting them these many years, that they are the best fruit that our
great and good Father has seen fit to bestow on man? They bring
the highest price of any fruit in the known world. In proof of what I
have stated I will give you the wholesale and retail prices of these
grapes, as published in American Garden, between the years of 1886 to .
1892:
22
170 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Wholesale. Retail.
Dec.,; : ESS ONT tensa 1s eee eae $2 00 $4 00@$5 00
Oct,,': -: DBBTe Pours jae cee $0 50@ 75 1 25@ 1 50
Oct,; |. 4SBSi bh jacana ene 75@ 100 1 50@ 1 75
March, Gear ce siiks teste eee 7 00 9 00
April, |): eae ia:. Le as ee 3 00@ 4 00 8 00
June, | MSBse fi)... aa ieee 2 50@ 38 50 5 00
Mary, i pieOt's scat eee Pee 4 00 7 00
WOWLD. Gabe ls Jatiteiee seeiee ker ee 60@ 90 1 25
PURE, UTIESON: 3s Oi ati ha eben e eee 75 1 25@ 2 00
Apu). TSOT). <:.\. ate el eed 4 00 6 00
Ae; MBO! is koe eee ae 2 00@ 2 75 4 00
I have averaged the 11 reports, and the wholesale price paid would be
$2.60 per pound, the retail $4,39. I think I have shown you that my
assertions about quality and high price are not without proof.
In the gardens of Queen Victoria there is a glass house seventy-five
feet long, and only one vine in it, which is called the Hampton Court
vine, and is of the Black Hamburg variety. It fills the whole house, is
said to produce over three thousand clusters annually, and is over 100
years old. I think if the fox, as reported in the fable, had seen and
tasted some of these grapes he would not have made up such a wry face
and said they were sour and not worth the trouble of obtaining.
Experience of thirty-eight years in this branch of horticulture has been
a very great source of pleasure to me, to watch the opening of the buds
and the growth till the maturing of this most delicious of all fruits.
DISCUSSION.
Mr. W. F. Bird of Ann Arbor: Coming in rather late, I have not heard
whether the subject of grafting has been treated or not, and I would
like the best method of grafting grapes. !
Mr. Sigler: I have grafted grapes and everything else, almost, even
to the cacti. I think the best time to graft grapes is after the sap has
ceased to flow, after the vines have begun to leave out. That has been
my experience. If you can, keep your scions from starting until after
the leaves appear. Then cut them off below the surface of the ground,
and set them the same as you set a scion in an apple tree. I have grafted
before the sap started and had good luck, but not as a general thing.
Mr. Morrill: Is it more desirable to change an unprofitable variety
that way, than to take it out and set anew?
Mr. Sigler: Yes, you get grapes the second: year. I set one Black
Hamburg variety into a White, and it grew 360 feet of wood the first
year. This fact was published in the New York Gardener, some twenty
years ago, I think. That vine is still living and doing well.
Mr. Chidester: Have you had any experience in grafting in out-door
work? I have a peculiar saw that saws two cuts at the same time, and
a small chisel that makes a smooth cut, so that it does not require a blade
to introduce the graft. I have found it more successful than to try to
split the cleft, because a grapevine does not split easily, and when it is
- TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 171
sawed out it leaves a perfect space for the scion. Saw it down as far as
you want to make the graft, and then make the graft to fit the sawed
place, and it makes a perfect fit.
Mr. Morrill: You wax it, do you, and cover with cloth?
‘Mr. Chidester: I do not think it is necessary to wax. If you graft in
the fall of the year, it is necessary to put an earthen jar over, and cover
with straw, to keep from freezing. The frosts are likely to draw the
scion out.
Mr. Sigler: I have experimented with wax and cloths. Take cotton
cloth, strip it, and wrap it around the stub of the vine where you graft.
I never got one to grow by putting wax, but the cloths keep it moist, and
I think the vine is more likely to grow because this wrapping furnishes
moisture for the scion.
Mr. Morrill: These are fine points which it is absolutely essential to
bring out, to save people from mistakes.
Mr. Chidester: I don’t know where you can find those saws; I bought
mine of an old man living at Tecumseh.
Mr. Bradish: I am not very familiar with grafting grapes. I don’t
raise grapes under glass, and I don’t believe grafting pays for out-door
culture, when vines cost only from five to ten cents apiece.
Mr. Morrill: You can get Concords for two cents.
Mr. Bradish: If you had a vineyard that you were not satisfied with,
would you tear it out and set new, or would you graft it? I would set
new ones.
Mr. Morrill: On different land, perhaps?
Mr. Bradish: O, perhaps not, always. If I had a location that I
thought was just right, or very nearly right, and it had been kept up in
good shape, I would tear up the old roots and set new vines. I have done
that frequently, and sometimes I have had to cut away at the old ones
two or three years, to get them killed out.
Mr. Reid: Then, Mr. Bradish, you have never tested the matter of
grafting, to learn the comparative value?
Mr. Bradish: O yes, you can get grapes perhaps a year or two sooner,
by grafting, and large crops sooner, but I prefer resetting because land
-. and labor are so cheap. It would be more labor to graft the grapes than
to pull them out and reset.
Mr. Chidester: How many vines, taking old vines, say one and one
half inches in diameter, can a man who understands it graft in a fair
day’s work, and what proportion ought he to make live?
Mr. Bradish: I should think a person might graft forty or fifty per
day.
Mr. Chidester: Then it would be worth about three cents apiece to do
the grafting?
Mr. Bradish: Yes.
Mr. Chidester: What proportion would you, of your own work, expect
to make live?
Mr. Bradish: I think a person ought to make two thirds of them SPOMy,
Mr. Chidester: That would make a rather ragged vineyard.
Mr. Bradish: Of course, I never had enough experience to tell eae
how many would grow. It is generally conceded that it is a pretty nice
job to graft a grape successfully.
172 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Mr. Chidester: Yes, but you gain at least two years on each vine that
you get to grow.
Mr. Bradish: You can not get very much of a crop until three years
after the vine is set out, and I have got a good crop the second year. If
I were engaged, as I understand Mr. Chidester is, in propagating new
varieties, I think it would be well to graft. Seedlings are sometimes
long in coming into bearing. -
Mr. Bird: There is one point that might be of great value, if it would
work, the same as with large fruits. That is, the possibility of grafting
a fine, productive grape, all other things being equal, that grows on a
weak root, upon a strong-growing stock, like Concord or Niagara.
I do not know whether this could be made to produce the desired effect,
whether a slow-growing variety can be grafted upon a rapid-growing
stock and partake of the effects of the strong stock.
Mr. Chidester: I think that thing can be done. I grafted a Wyoming
on a Concord, and it made a wonderful growth the first year. It seems
to grow just as rankly as the Concord.
The President: Is not that the best use you can put grafting to, grow-
ing weak varieties on strong vines? Mr. Willard, what do you think?
Is it desirable to change a vine, except for such purposes as last men-
tioned?
Mr. Willard: I have a friend who is a large fruitgrower, and he prac-
tices that thing a great deal, and he says that he has had great success
in it. Vergennes has been a great success with him, as a producer,
and as a market grape. He said he had a large variety of grapes that he
would graft over to Vergennes. I think one of the causes of failure in
grape grafting is the manner in which scions are kept, and I believe that
is true of any grafting. The buds should be kept in perfect condition.
For that reason, in all of our orchard grafting, we are now cutting our
scions (which I always do at this season of the year) and putting them
one side and allowing them to freeze up solid, and in that condition we
shall put them into the ice-house and keep them frozen until we want to
use them, so that they are perfectly dormant. In the stocks upon which
they are grafted the sap will have begun to flow, and they are in good
condition to heal at once, and it seems to me that that is one of the
important things in connection with the grafting of the grape. You can
easily graft a weak variety upon a strong one, but you can not graft a
strong variety upon a weak one. If you attempt to graft a sweet cherry
into a sour one, you will make a failure, because it is the stronger.
Mr. Baldwin: Is it material to trim grapes in the early fall? I am
just starting in. Two years ago last spring, I set about 300 grapevines.
I was a novice, I knew nothing, and I asked nothing. I got 7 of an
old book of twenty years ago, and I find that the advice of that old hook
is about as good as I can get now. I dug holes two feet square and
eighteen to twenty inches deep; I put a goodly quantity of bone into
‘ each one of these holes. I then put in a compost of clear cattle manure
from the stables, on the bones, then covered that well, and I raised my
ground in oval shape about the roots. I never saw such a growth as
those grapes made. I set them two years ago last spring, and a year ago
last spring, the first year after setting, we had a fine crop. Now, I want
to find whether it is material to trim in early fall. I would state that, ~
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 173
on a few vines, I have trimmed from the time the leaves were falling
until the leaves were out again, and I must say I never saw any difference
in the bearing or growth.
Mr. Sigler: I have trimmed my vines, the last thirty years, in the fall,
and I think that is the time to doit. I have trimmed for other folk in
the spring, when they would bleed, and I do not think it is the right
thing to do. If any one can explain why they should leave this wood
on, for the benefit of grubs, I would like to know. I think after the
wood has ripened it is of no more use to the vine, except what you waut
for bearing. The quicker it is cut off the Detter.
Mr. Baldwin: It is absolutely necessary?
Mr. Willard: I should say it is not. If you discriminate between
early and late fall, that is different. There is enough time, however,
when the vine or tree is in an absolutely dormant condition, to afford
ample opportunity to trim in the fall. I consider it good practice to trim
in the fall. Whenever the weather is suitable and there is no frost, our
knives are going, every day.
Mr. E. W. Allen: One point I think is well taken, in regard to the
reason why fall pruning is desirable, that the ends of the vines, where
the spores are, mostly, of the fungous diseases, will be cut off and burned
during the fall.
Mr. Morrill: I want to say that I consider it one of the most impor-
tant things in all our works, nowadays, to burn the trimmings and do
away with that much trouble, the propagation of additional disease.
A FEW THOUGHTS ON THE GRAPE.
BY MR. H. C. BRADISH OF ADRIAN.
Good grapes are wholesome, delicious, and conducive to health and
longevity. We learn from history that the ancients esteemed them
highly. One of them planted a vineyard, drank wine, and lived nine
hundred and fifty years.
Since the Concord was voted the grape for the million, a number of
other kinds have been produced that are good or better, and which fur-
nish a variety of flavors. Among the better kinds that are adapted to
southern Michigan may be named Brighton, Delaware, Niagara, Dia-
mond, Worden, and Concord, for fall use, and Vergennes and Jefferson
for long keeping.
Many varieties named in the catalogues are unworthy of cultivation on
account of weakness of vine, unproductiveness, or bad quality, and
eas be dropped from the lists. Time is too precious to waste on poor
inds.
A situation elevated enough for good air drainage is preferable to a
low level, as there is less danger from the early and late frosts. The soil
should be deep, rich, well drained, and deeply pulverized.
Planting should be done before the buds start, in holes four or five
inches deep, with convex bottoms. The roots should point in different
174 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
directions, like the spokes of a wagon wheel, and be covered with fine,
rich earth, firmly pressed. Never allow the roots to become dry before
planting. If planted in rows eight feet three inches apart and twelve
feet apart in the rows, they will be about right for most kinds. Culti-
vate and hoe every ten days during season, destroying all weeds. Fer-
tilize with wood ashes and bone. Spread the ashes broadcast and culti-
vate in. The bone may be supplied either ground or whole. A sheep-
killing dog planted about two feet deep near each vine would do, and
nature’s laboratory would soon transform an ugly animal into handsome,
luscious grapes. ,
Vines may be trained to stakes the first two years, allowing one cane
to grow the first year and two the second. Thereafter, train to wires
about six feet above ground, so the air may circulate freely among
the branches and give less chance for mildew. |
Before the buds start, spray with Bordeaux mixture and continue the
spraying every two weeks while moist weather lasts.
In pruning, cut away dead and weak branches, and cut the stronger
branches back to three buds, soon after the leaves fall.
If the finest and best fruit is desired, put bags on the bunches when
berries are the size of peas.
To keep grapes fresh till spring, cut the bunches from long-keeping
varieties and put away in the bags in which they grew, in a cool cellar,
in shallow crates, where the children can’t find them.
DISCUSSION.
Mr. Chidester: How far apart did you say they were planted?
Mr. Bradish: Eight feet three inches, because eight feet three inches
make half a rod. Eight feet would do, or nine.
Mr. Chidester: We all agree with the sentiment of this paper, but I
think a longer distance preferable. I generally place my vines about 12
by 16 feet. That gives, I think, a better chance for the grapes, especially
strong-growing varieties, to grow and develop. I get more fruit, I think,
from the same amount of ground, by having these distances—sixteen
feet the way of the trellises, and twelve feet the other way. The sun has
a chance to strike both ways, and there is a better circulation of air. I]
like a good size hole, as much as two and one half feet, anyway, and
filled with surface earth, spreading out the roots, of course. Jef-
ferson has never proved satisfactory with me; it is a tender vine and,
with me, practically useless. . ,
Mr. Morrill: Have you ever tried laying those tender varieties down
in the fall?
Mr. Chidester: Yes, when they were small, but still, when we have
plenty of better varieties, it is better to raise those that are hardier.
Mr. Bradish: I think I stated in my paper, “Holes three or four inches
deep.” Of course, I would’t object to planting deeper than that, pro-
viding you did not cover too much earth on them. I think they will
come up quicker to leave the roots near the sun. In raising Jeffer-
son I find no great trouble. I think it is preferable, however, to lay the
vines down, and you hardly find a better quality for long keeping than
Jefferson.
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 175
In regard to distances apart, some varieties, like Niagara, want a
greater distance. Varieties like Lady will do well if planted six or
eight feet apart. It depends on the variety about the distances.
Mr. Chidester: I have always found that heavy loam with a clay sub-
soil was best on high elevations. In the first place it holds moisture
‘better than other soils. I think it will hold moisture twice the length of
time without rain that sandy soil will. In ordinary seasons it wouldn’t
make much difference if you didn’t have a rain after your ground was
wet in the spring. You could cultivate all summer without rain, while
in sandy ground you could not do this, and of course I consider it much
preferable for grapes, producing better growth of vines and better
grapes.
Mr. Bradish: I would agree with Mr. Chidester, if he would allow
me to cover his soil with six inches of sand.
Mr. J. W. Helme, Sr.: If it is sandy or light soil, it should be deeper,
and if clay loam, I would think, shallower. That should be taken into
consideration. I have set both spring and fall, and I think I have the
best success setting in October or November. I agree with Mr. Bradish
about the soil, and if it were clay soil I would like to have sand on top. As
for manure, I use all kinds. I use cats and dogs, about a foot deep. Mark
Twain said he used his old aunt. He said she was no particular use to
him (an aunt by marriage), and he had a much better crop of grapes,
though they were a little tart!
Mr. Chidester: I have a heavy loam with a clay subsoil; I believe in
having the loam on top and the subsoil under,
Mr. Baldwin: I would ask if there is a representative from Monroe,
so as to have an idea of the soil suitable for grapes in that locality.
Mr. Bradish: I formerly lived in Monroe county, and from eight years’
residence there I know they are great grape-growers, and the soil that
they grow their crops on there is nearly exactly what Mr. Chidester
speaks of, a dark loamy soil with clay subsoil. It is underlaid with lime
rock at a few feet’s depth, and if any one wants to see grapes grow spon-
taneously, let him go there.
Mr. Morrill: I have been over the hills of sand at Lawton, several
times, and they are today growing the finest crop of grapes, I think, of
the Concord type, that goes into Chicago from Michigan, and that is
where our theories all are upset. I do not believe that we can lay down
a rule that will fit all cases. One of the finest things in fruitgrowing is
good judgment. I have heard people say that sand was the only place
to grow a real good crop; I have heard other people say that a clay loam
was the only place to get a good yield. I have seen tremendous yields
on both, and I have come to think that I don’t know very much about
these things, until they are tested, and I wonder if any of us do.
Mr. J. J. Engel: My people have raised grapes three or four years
on light sandy land, here at Palmyra, and later we moved to Madison
township, and are raising grapes on heavy clay, and we cultivate them
the same as on the sandy land, and they are of better quality and ripen
better than on the sand, and they are better tasting grapes by far than
those raised on the sand.
Mr. S. D. Willard: I desire to corroborate what you have to say, Mr.
Morrill. The great grape regions of my state, where a great portion
of the choicest grapes are produced in profusion, are slate formation; a
176 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
slate land so poor that, years ago, it had been hundreds of times sold
for taxes. It was not worth one single cent for any use that you could
put it to, and yet the finest grapes that are grown today in the state of
New York, and it is a very large industry (the wines produced from those
grapes were very highly commended at the exhibit made in Chicago a
few years ago) are raised on slate, a calcareous slate. I have though of
this subject a great deal, and my own opinion is that the development of
the fine qualities of fruit they get there is due largely to the amount of
potash in the soil. That soil shows a large percentage of potash, which
helps to develop the saccharine matter in those grapes. So I do not know
as we can tell exactly how to raise grapes right; but it is sufficient to say
that they are, and can be, raised on a great variety of soils, providing
the soil has the requisite plant food, but I believe potash is essential,
though there is danger of getting too much of it. So much was Prof.
Caldwell impressed with the necessity for proper grape food, that he
asked of the grape-growers that experiments should be made with
potash, using it as a special fertilizer, expressing the opinion that they
would see the difference, not only in the perfection of the foliage but also
in the amount of saccharine matter that would develop in the fruit after
the use of potash.
Mr. Morrill: Mr. Willard, I am called in some parts of this state a
“potash crank.” You may be called a potash crank before you get
through.
Mr. Willard: There will be a pair of us.
Mr. Bradish: I think it has been demonstrated, and I think I have
demonstrated it myself, that potash on grapes will make a vast differ-
ence in the quality. You take a vine that bears poorly, and a poor qual-
ity of grape, and give it plenty of potash, you will get more grapes and of
finer quality. Another thing: A vine, unless it is thoroughly fed, one
that is a good yielder, will frequently fail to ripen its fruit, but potash
will help it.
Mr. Sigler: I have used potash with grapes too much. It kills the
roots if you get on too much. I had used it very freely on pear trees. It
was excellent there, and I thought I would try it on the grapes, and I
ruined several vines. It is better to use it in small quantities.
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 177
MICHIGAN PEACH ORCHARDS. °
BY MR. J. N. STEARNS OF KALAMAZOO.
I hardly know what I am expected to say under this topic. We know
thereisnoonesubject receiving moreattentionin the minds of landowners
in this state at the present time, and especially by those owning land
adapted to peach culture. It has often been said that peach-growing
was being overdone; and undoubtedly this may have been true where
planters have covered more territory than they could properly fertilize
and care for. But Michigan produced far more peaches the past season
than ever before; and, notwithstanding the hard times, to the grower
who gave proper care to his orchard, in cultivation and careful thinning,
the result has been satisfactory, so much so that our peach-growing sec-
tions are in the best financial condition.
The past season it has been more than ever demonstrated to my mind
that we make a great mistake in trying to cover too much acreage. That
is, if we had but half the number of trees, and gave them all the fertilizers
and cultivation we give the larger number, it would mean more money
in our pockets. I had a good demonstration of this the past season. I
madea plat of ground very rich, by a liberal application of barnyard man-
ure and ashes, to fit it for growing gooseberry plants. Adjoining this
plat are four peach trees of Mountain Rose and Oldmixon, and such beau-
tiful peaches they bore!—twice the size of those of same sorts not getting
the benefit of the liberal feeding. From one of these trees were picked
thirty-five baskets, or seven bushels, some of which sold for $2.30 per
bushel. We may accomplish part of this result, where we have more
trees planted than we can give the required amount of feeding, by pretty
severe pruning and heading back.
I am satisfied that on most of our orchards we have too much top. We
are too much afraid of cutting off the fruit. The tree is debilitated by
trying to mature too much fruit; and not only this, but I think our
friend Kellogg has struck a very important point, in warning us of the
danger of debilitating fruits by over-production of pollen.
I am convinced there is very much more in this than any of us have
been aware. I have 350 Anjou pear trees, which have blossomed very
full for several years, but have borne but very little fruit. The past
spring I had one row of fifty trees grafted to Bartlett. The grafter cut
off about half of the top (as he was putting them in by the hundred), and
the result was, many of the branches which were left broke with the
weight of fruit, and of the finest quality, while the rest of that variety
bore but little fruit, although blossoming profusely, leading me to believe
that the previous slight bearing was caused by impotence of the trees,
brought about by efforts to produce so much pollen.
I am surprised to learn that, in some sections of what they call the
peach belt, they object to so short a time as five days’ notice to cut trees
affected with yellows. If they had the experience that some of us have
had at South Haven, they would want but five hours. I cut out 400 very
23
178 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
fine trees, just in the prime of bearing, in one year, and 300 the next, and
so on down to five, and in the last three years I have had not a single tree
affected in 2,500; and, as I have remarked before, if I could be one mile
from other orchards I would have no fear of yellows. The growers in
our vicinity are being very thorough in this matter, so we hear but little
of this disease now. :
I can not help feeling it most important to urge upon planters of peach
orchards in our state the determination to grow only the best fruit and
put it upon the market in the best possible shape.
There will be an immense number of peach trees planted next spring,
but I should have no fear of the favorable result when they come into
bearing if each one would only plant what he could properly care for, and
then only put the best on the market. But I saw so much fruit brought
to market the past season, that evidently had not been thinned, and in
consequence had no quality, that it made me fear for the reputation of
Michigan peaches. This will prove much more disastrous to the trees in
such a season as the last, as it was so very dry. It taxes the trees severely,
leaving them no vitality to produce fruit of good quality the next
season. In fact, it will require several years to bring them back to vigor,
even if they ever can be restored. I think most of us are too greedy in
obtaining large results from our orchards too soon for their permanent
good.
In the older peach-growing sections they are learning what sorts to
plant for profit, but from the many letters I receive, inquiring what I
think of the list submitted, I think the tendency of most new planters
is to seek too much after some new, untried sorts. It is all right to try a
few of the newer varieties, to learn what they will do in your section. If
1 had known fifteen years ago, as well as I do now, what to plant for
profit, it would have been of great advantage to me.
I must speak of the great mistake many of us made, some years ago, in
planting so many of the worthless early peaches. It has had the effect to
keep the good peaches from bringing what they would if these had been
kept-out of the market. I believe the past season, if we had let every one
of these drop to the ground and rot there, it would have been money in
our pockets. I had previously dug out most of mine, and this season
have branded the balance to go with them. I am inclined to think, one
season with another, there is but little profit in anything earlier than
Lewis. )
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 179
CARE AND CULTURE OF YOUNG ORCHARDS.
BY PRESIDENT MORRILML.
The first requirement for successful orcharding is a suitable location,
but as this matter is to be treated in detail by others who are well quali-
fied, I shall only touch the matter lightly. In a general way, I would
say that what we call the seed fruits, like apples, pears, quinces, etc., do
best on heavy soils, containing fair proportions of clay, and will at the
same time do well on lower levels than the so-called stone fruits. Stone
fruits, such as the peach, plum, and cherry, flourish best and produce finer
fruit on high, dry, airy locations, even though the soil be quite light and
sandy; yet a fertile svil of the same texture is always preferable, the
peach, especially, preferring high elevations and sharp slopes.
Preparation of Soil.—After selecting a proper location for your orchard,
the next important step is the preparation of the soil. If we will listen
to Mr. Kellogg’s plans for preparing soil for a crop of plants or trees we
can learn a most valuable lesson. The fact is that most of our plantings
are made on land hurriedly and improperly prepared. It must be thor-
oughly impressed upon us that no structure is safe and reliable unless
the foundation is perfect. The foundation of a profitable orchard has
four big corner stones: (1) A suitable location on genial soil; (2) a thor-
ough, careful preparation of the soil according to the needs of the fruit to
be set; (3) a careful selection of stock or trees for setting, as regards vari-
eties, age, vitality, etc.; (4) a thorough and proper system of cultivation,
pruning, spraying, etc.
The building of a profitable orchard is like the erection of an expensive
building. If you fail to put in a proper foundation, or use most reliable
material, thestructure is likely tofail,and it is a fact that a largemajority
of our Michigan orchards have one or more weak corners in their founda-
tions, and never can fully satisfy their owners. We see peach orchards set
on the borders of swamps, and in the cold, frosty valleys, and apple
orchards set on high sandy ridges. We see soil being prepared for setting
of orchards, in a slipshod manner. Hard clay soils, that would grow the
finest apples and pears if properly prepared, are plowed perhaps six inches
deep, the surface scratched down, and holes dug into the hard, retentive
subsoil, and the tree set there. This looks like a deliberate attempt to
murder the tree.
At about this time each year fruitgrowers begin to hunt for the man
who will sell them trees for the least money. This often proves a fatal
mistake in the laying of the foundation. Why don’t we hunt for the man
who has the best trees and the most profitable varieties, then allow him
a living price for his labor in producing a first-class foundation for us?
Who can tell why this is a common practice? Who, when he stops to.
consider, can expect good results from such practice? Who here does
not know that a single hatful of fruit from a good tree will pay all the
difference between a good tree and a cheap one? Who here has not seen
the disastrous results from improper selection of trees for an orchard?
180 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Culture—The next great mistake commonly made in this state is the ©
practice of over-cropping a young orchard the first few years, and failure
to cultivate well the succeeding years. The topic assigned me refers en-
tirely to the care and culture of young orchards, but I feel that it would
hardly be complete without the above preliminaries, so I have incorpo-
rated them into the article as a sort of text. Care and culture begin after
an orchard is set, So we will suppose our orchard location has been prop-
erly selected, properly plowed, subsoiled, rolled, harrowed, and made
mellow at least sixteen inches deep, if clay land, or eight or nine inches
deep if sandy soil; that we have made a careful selection of trees, as
regards age, size, variety, and vitality; that we have set them early, on
true lines, at proper distances apart; have taken pains to avoid exposure
of roots, and to set carefully; that we have not placed any manure in con-
tact with the roots; that we have not tried any washes or mixtures oo
root or body. Then our work of culture begins.
It is a common practice to plant some hoed crop between the trees,
the first few years, and while a limited amount of such cropping is advis-
able, if proper crops are selected and best of care given, the fact is that
such cropping is almost universally carried too far. In fact, a majority of
our farmers seem determined to exhaust the soil by some sort of cheap
crop before the orchard comes into bearing. This, it should be borne in
mind, is a fatal mistake. Close observation and experience have con-
vinced me that in the end our orchards would be more profitable if there
was never any crop planted between the rows, but strictly first-class
cultivation given from early spring until about August 1, or perhaps a
little later if the season is very dry. The only exception I would make
to this rule would be in the case of the peach, as I would prefer to grow
somecrop that matured not earlier than September, in the peach orchard,
the object being to exhaust the moisture from the soil during that month,
thereby assisting the tree in maturing its foliage and wood before cold
weather; but nothing can be much worse than the practice of growing a
crop that will mature in July or August. In short, the months of May,
June, and July must be devoted to securing the best possible growth, and
the months of August, September, and October to maturing the same
and getting it ready for winter.
Among the best crops to grow between the rows of trees, the first year,
I would mention corn and potatoes, but neither should be planted very
early,as they will begin the exhausting process too soon to allow the trees
full development. After the first year the orchard will prove to, be more
profitable if never cropped but well cultivated, and right here arises one
of the most serious obstacles in growing a perfect orchard. A large
majority of our farmers give an orchard absolute neglect if they do not
have a hoed crop planted in it. But now, let me impress this idea upon
you: An orchard is a crop; a valuable one, and needs and will pay for
as good culture and fertilization as any crop you ever had on your farm.
The present condition of Michigan apple orchards is a striking illustra-
tion of the lack of proper knowledge, or indifference, of the average Mich-
igan farmer. June-grass, weeds, insects, and fungi have had possession
of most of them for years, and the owners swear that apples don’t pay
any more; but now we find bright men in nearly every township who
were not contented to lose their most profitable crop in that way, and
have begun a thorough system of cultivation and spraying for insects
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 181
and fungi, and these same men are enthusiastic over the results, and well.
they may be. A few hundred barrels of choice apples during the months
of November and December, selling at $2 to $4 per barrel, as they have
for the past three years, helps wonderfully toward paying off hired help
and taxes. But how slow we are to catch this truth!
But let us return to our theme. If you feel that you must grow some
crop among your young trees, do so, but the more of it you do the poorer
will be the results from the orchard itself. Depend upon that.
The cultivation of a young orchard should begin each year as soon
as the ground will work well. Never put it off until the other crops are
planted. The best practice is to plow early, then do the rest of your cul-
tivation frequently, with the harrow, but never plow deeply after the
roots begin to fill the soil. This is much sooner on well cultivated ground
than most men would suppose. As the trees attain age and begin to
bear, this culture should be shallow but even more persistent than when
young. |
Fertilization.—If an orchard is started on fairly good land and is not
cropped to death before it arrives at a bearing age, it will not need much
in the way of fertilizers until it has borne a few crops; but when it
begins to bear I would begin to supply the soil with moderate
dressings of potash and phosphoric acid, in the form of wood ashes
or muriate of potash and ground bone. You can rest assured
that it will beat money in the bank for profit. It may take a little time
for the tree to appropriate it to its own use, but it will never be lost.
What is not used right away is carefully stored in the soil for future
crops. Barnyard manure may be used on apples, pears, quinces, and even
plums, to advantage, but under no circumstances would I use it in a peach
orchard unless it had been heavily cropped or badly neglected and I could
not get the potash and phosphoric acid in the forms named.
Training.—The training of a tree in proper form is of the utmost’ con-
sequence in its future development, and should begin as soon after set-
ting as growth starts. The correct shaping of the top of a tree should
begin when the growth is but a few inches long. To do this properly
a man must have an ideal type in view and must be able to see the future
framework in his mind. Then he can determine at a glance which limb to
save and which to remove. For most trees I would prefer a body of
twenty to thirty inches to first limb, then a top evenly distributed in four
or five main limbs, scattered in such manner as to avoid the formation of
a crotch and give an even, symmetrical head.
If the growth should be strong the first year, as in case of the peach,
I would cut back the strong, leading growths to a point equal in length
with the weaker ones, and each year following I would cut back one
third to one half the annual growth on the strong limbs; and if this
caused too much growth of small limbs I would thin them out evenly.
The common practice of beginning at the body of a tree and trimming
up to naked limbs with a tassel at the end can not be too strongly con-
demned. The proper way is to commence at the top by cutting back or
shortening in, then trim back toward the body, aiming to leave as much
bearing wood near the body as possible. A tree pruned in this manner
always produces more and better fruit, is easier to pick, stands the strain
of heavy crops, gales, etc., far better than one grown in the ordinary
manner.
182 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
All young orchards should be carefully watched for the various insects
and fungi that are sure to begin operations in them within a few years.
In the case of the borer, which attacks the tree near the surface of the
ground, I know of no better practice than that of mounding up late in the
fall and leaving the mound there until about June 15 following. By
this time the beetle has probably finished laying her eggs, when, by
removing the mound and rubbing the bark clean, we displace the eggs
or young larve and prevent all damage.
In the case of insects that attack the fruit or foliage, as well as the
various fungi, we must rely on spraying with the various insecticides or
fungicides.
Why, when, and how to do this can best be learned by securing the
Annual Reports of this society or the bulletins on this subject that are
sent out free from the agricultural experiment station at Lansing; but re-
member that success in this operation requires thoroughness and an early
start. Verily, here, “A stitch in time saves nine.” Never wait until
you are whipped before you begin to fight. |
Implements.—The implements of culture best adapted to orchard work
are the piow, for earliest work, to be followed by the light gang-plow if
needed, then the spring-tooth or disc harrow, and finally the new-style
one-horse spring weeder, with which one horse easily goes over twenty-
five acres of orchard per day. This tool will not destroy weeds that are
well started, but if used on land already in good shape will prevent
weeds starting if used frequently enough. During the past season I
went over my peach orchards three times per week, for six weeks during
the terrible drouth, and the result was marvelous. I firmly believe that
one man and a horse with this tool earned me $10 per day every day of
those six weeks.
The next important implement is a first-class spray pump. Successful
orchard work can not be done without one any more. Keep it in order
and don’t hesitate to use it when the right time comes.
In conclusion permit me to ask if you have what is known as “a lucky
man” in your neighborhood? If so, have you watched his methods? If
not, dosocarefully and see if his “luck” is not the result of plans carefully
laid and executed. Such a thing as luck does not cut much of a figure
in fruitgrowing. Fine crops of fruit and high prices do not come by
chance. It does not just happen so. It is the natural result of any well
and correctly conducted business.
The man who starts fruitgrowing spasmodically will not’be likely to
succeed, as it is a business requiring patience as well as skill, but the
man who enters into it with well-laid plans and a determination to sue:
ceed is sure to make some money and find it a source of much pleasure.
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 183
STARTING A PEACH ORCHARD.
BY MR. L. Jj. POST OF LOWELL.
Atone of the previous meetings of this society we were kindly informed
that fruit men are always ready to tell all they know and sometimes
more. Now, while [ claim to know but little of what there is to learn of
fruitgrowing, I am always ready to tell what I know, and perhaps more,
knowing that among the many successful fruitgrowers present any criti-
cisms will be kindly given. My subject, “Starting a Peach Orchard,”
is very far from being a new one, and yet no subject seems to be of more
general interest to horticultural people, as every one knows that an
orchard started wrong is often the cause of long years of regret.
Where.—While we would wish to discourage no one from setting a few
trees for family use, even where conditions are all against them, any
person setting extensively for commercial purposes can not be too careful
in every particular.
While many disagree as to the direction of exposure, all will agree that
there must be good air drainage, and yet there seems to be a diversity of
opinion in regard to what constitutes good air drainage. Some seem to
think that any elevated section, with a valley more or less deep running
from it, is all that is required, while by closely observing the frost line for
a term of years we find that these are not the only conditions to be con-
sidered.
We often find an abrupt descent at the edge of a large extent of table-
land, with a deep valley running away, and all conditions for successful
peach-growing apparently good; but if we observe carefully we find such
a place often subject to severe freezing. The theory seems to be that,
while the valley is constantly drawing the cold air, the large extent of
table-land directly adjoining is constantly supplying a stratum of cold
air, and while such a location may be fairly good it is not the best.
Again, we find an elevated section entirely surrounded by valleys, and
perhaps not more than one fourth to one half mile in extent, and we have
such an elevation in mind that is surrounded by springs coming out of the
side of the hill; and while there is no wet land on the top of the elevation,
the whole hill is frosty. This we state simply as fact without pretending
to know why.
In locating an orchard, then, we would select an elevated location
with valleys on at least two sides, and as free as possible from surface
springs.
Soil—Good success may be expected on almost any soil, from quite
heavy clay to very light sand, provided the other conditions are right and
the treatment adapted to the soil. In preparing the ground I would
plow either in the fall or as early in spring as the ground could be worked
without packing. If plowed in the spring the ground should be thor-
oughly worked down, not only to facilitate planting, but that it may bet-
ter retain moisture.
Distance to plant.—Before deciding what distance to plant, you should
determine the method of pruning you wish to follow. If you intend to
184 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
l:eep the trees severely cut back, 18x20 feet is a good distance, or even 16x
20; but if you intend to let them run out at will, and merely keep the cen-
ter trimmed, 20x24 feet is close enough. Both methods have their advo-
cates among successful fruitgrowers, but we favor the closer setting and
cutting back. }
Mode of planting.—After the ground has been thoroughly prepared, if
you have decided to set 18x20 feet, take a one-horse marker, made light
and with the frame well up from the ground, that it may be more easily
controlled by the driver, and set the markers ten feet apart. Set a row
of stakes where you want your first row of trees, and near enough
together to detect any variation from a straight line. Then mark as you
would for corn, going twice across the field for each row of trees. Mark
the field both ways. A careful man will lay ont a field in this way bet-
ter than by any other method we have tried. If you want the trees six-
teen or eighteen feet one way, set the markers one half the distance you
want the trees. One advantage of this method is that you have the marks
across the field to guide in setting each tree, and you can easily detect any
variation from a straight line.
Take a light stone-boat or slide, with boards one foot or more wide at
each side and at back end. Puta good armful of straw in back end and
bottom, and you can pack in two or three hundred trees. Sprinkle them
thoroughly, and while wet sprinkle some dry earth or dust on the roots.
Keep them covered carefully with blankets and carry some water to
sprinkle them if they show signs of dryness, but do not pour water into
the holes when setting the trees.
Four men to dig holes and set the trees, one man to distribute trees and
boss the job, and a horse to draw the boat of trees, will easily set 1,000
trees per day, so that every tree that is fit to set will live.
The kind of trees and where to get them.—We would if possible get a good,
strong-growing, thrifty tree (not overgrown) in preference to the smaller
sizes, being careful to see that they are well matured. The so-called June-
budded trees sold by nurservmen we have often found to be only small,
stunted trees of the same age of the larger ones. We much prefer good
fall-budded trees to June-budded, anyway.
In selecting varieties I would be governed largely by the lay of the
land to be set. If inclined in all directions, as is often the case with land
we wish to set, I would put the early and strong-budded varieties, such as
Early Michigan, Lewis, etc., on the earliest and warmest ground, for, if
set on the northern slope, they are likely to be a few days later in ripen- .
ing, thus coming into competition with the large yellow varieties. I
would also put the late varieties, as Smock, etc., on the sunny exposure,
as on a northern exposure they often lack color and are too long in matur-
ing. Crawfords I have always set on a northern slope, and they are
being set in Kent county quite extensively, and are still one of our most
profitable peaches. Barber, a sort of improved Chili, and a little
earlier, is quite largely called for this year. Kalamazoo is proving
to be one of our best peaches.
Although it seems a very simple thing to propagate peach trees,
it is very seldom we see a farmer or commercial fruitgrower have good
success with them, and although I have no axe to grind I would recom-
mend purchasing of a reliable nurseryman.
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 185
Root aphis.—In selecting trees, be very careful not to get the root
aphis. I have known several extensive orchards entirely ruined by it,
after trying many remedies.
Pruning.—Always trim a peach tree for setting to a single stem, being
careful not to trim so closely as to destroy the latent bud at the base of
the branch. After setting, let most of the sprouts grow until midsummer,
except those starting near the base, as the tree will recover more readily
from the shock of transplanting. About August 1, take off the side
sprouts below where you wish to start the head, which should be about 2
1-2 feet from the ground, or less if where they are exposed to heavy winds,
and cut back those that are makirg too much growth. We would recom-
mend washing the trees, especially for the first few years, with a solution
consisting of weak lye or water with one pint of sulphur or three ounces
of copper sulphate to three gallons of water, with dry-slaked lime added
until of the consistency of paint. This should be applied twice each year,
in spring and fall, at the same time scrubbing the trees vigorously with a
good brush. The application in spring will largely prevent the borers of
the different kinds from injuring the trees, and in the fall will keep away
- mice and rabbits.
Cultwation and fertilizers ——The ground in a young orchard should be
thoroughly cultivated at least once a week, from the time the trees are
set until the first of August, and iater if they are not making too much
growth, and should not be neglected for anything if you value the life of
your orchard.
Cultivate in your own mind a kindly, sympathetic feeling for your
trees, and not regard them merely as something from which to make
money.
Beans are a good crop to occupy the ground the first year or two.
Very little fertilizer will be needed the first three years if the soil is in
fair condition, except enough to supply what is removed by the crop
growing between the trees. If there are any very light, sandy spots, they
will be greatly benefited by putting on clay at the rate of one yard to five
trees. This, by mixing with the sand, will help retain moisture and pre-
vent freezing so deeply in winter.
The treatment of a young orchard, especially in the latter part of sum-
mer, should vary according to the kind and condition of soil. If light
and rather poor, the best of care and cultivation should be given during
the entire growing season. But if the soil is rich, especially in nitrogen,
great care should be exercised not to continue the growth too late in the
fall. If the soil is rich, rye sown by the middle of August will help check
the growth of the trees. The benefit received from rye will not be so
apparent as a fertilizer as in regulating the growth of the trees in the fall
and as a protection from washing by heavy rains in late fall and early
spring. If rye is sown, it should be plowed under in spring before it has
timeto sap the moisture and thus become a detriment instead of a benefit,
as it will if properly treated. We think the reason some people have
become prejudiced against rye in an orchard is that they have left it too
late in the spring.
A neighbor, who is a successful fruitgrower, set an orchard and deter-
mined to make it a model in every respect. The soil, a very rich, clay
loam, was highly fertilized from the barnyard. The trees during the
24
186 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
entire season were given the best of care, made a magnificent growth, and
were the pride of the owner and looked upon with envy by his less am-
bitious neighbors. ‘The first winter was rather severe, and the spring
found every tree as dead as hay, while other trees on the same farm, no
better located, were uninjured. This was on one of the fruit farms in Kent
county, where peaches have not failed for many years. Such results as
these have convinced me that a little wholesome neglect at the latter
part of the season is often beneficial, and that care should be exercised in
using fertilizers rich in nitrogen. For the first three years, or until the
trees become thoroughly established, we would practice banking with
earth about one foot high, late in fall or just before winter sets in, taking
care to get the earth several feet from the tree. This will prevent the
ground from freezing so hard, and the water and ice from collecting about
the tree.
Before closing, I will say that, although a few general rules will apply
to all localities, nothing will tend to promote the success of the thought-
ful fruitgrower more than obtaining the experience of his neighbors in a
well conducted horticultural society.
DISCUSSION OF THE THREE PRECEDING PAPERS.
Mr. Willard: There are two very important facts that have been
brought out by Mr. Stearns in that valuable paper. I rarely listen to a
paper that seems to have so much meat in it, but there are two points
I desire to emphasize: the thinning of fruit and pruning. He has illus-
trated that point beautifully, by speaking of the cutting off of the tops
of the pear trees. I think one great reason of the complaints in relation
to the quantity and quality of our pears, grows out of the fact that the
knife is not used enough. The best dwarf pear orchard I have ever seen
(which has yielded the greatest results I ever knew or heard of) is the
one that has been cut the most. It has had annual prunings that took
off large percentages of the annual growth. Of course it has been
well fed. The results have been perfectly fabulous, and I undertake
to say that, so far as cutting is concerned, there is no danger of trimming
too much. It is practically thinning the fruit before it is formed, and I
believe I have known of instances in my own experience, as well as that
of others, where a surplus of bloom has resulted in a total lack of fruit.
I believe there are instances where trees bloom so profusely as to weaken
them. Now, he has covered that whole ground. He undertakes to illus-
trate that, by telling about how he cut off his pears, and the results. He
further says that the fruit must be thinned. If that applies to peaches,
it applies to every other variety of fruit. In the other room is a plate
of apples of a variety taking its origin in Mississippi. I have only two
trees, but they have fruited four years in succession, and the two plates
that are in there are from the second fruiting. The fruit on these two
trees was thinned twice during the season, but not as it ought to have
been. The first time it was a failure. You can not hire a man to cut
off the fruit as he ought, and we had to do it over again afterward, and
yet there was as much taken off as was left. It is one of our choice
apples, and of great value because it is one of those varieties not affected
by fungus. It is a grand thing to spray, but it is better to raise those
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 187
things you do not have to spray. I believe it is the same with all fruits.
If you expect to raise nice plums, apples, or pears, that will bring the
highest price in the market, you can enhance the crop and increase its
value by proper pruning.
Mr. Reid: The point to which Mr. Stearns refers here is this: That,
inasmuch as the pollen of blossoms is the vital, life-giving principle
thereof, all the strength and resources of the tree are exerted in its pro-
duction, and if there is an excessive amount of blossoms on the tree these
blossoms lose potency, either because they did not have as much pollen
as they should, or some may have no pollen whatever; and he is
unquestionably right in that. It is a principle which runs through both
the vegetable and animal kingdoms and there are frequent illustrations
of it. But that is the point he makes, and which Mr. Kellogg has
brought out prominently in his “Cultivation of Small Fruits,” and Mr.
Kellogg has been very successful.
Mr. Morrill: There is only one remedy then, to trim.
Mr. Reid: Yes, except that this potency may be increased by better
fertilization. If the plant is strong, it is more potent; if weakened, less
so, and he urges both of these considerations as means to the end.
Mr. Morrill: Mr. Stearns is a believer in the heading-in, shortening, of
other fruit as well as pears. I have discussed that matter with him,
and know he thinks it best. I think I saw this same article that he refers
to, and I think it would be an excellent thing to do. Many of our
orchards are so closely set that the limbs lap, and it is almost impossible
to get through. I have such an orchard, and my trees are thirty five feet
apart, but if I were to set new, I would not set closer than fifty feet.
Mr. Reid: I have heard Mr. Stearns aver that he had twice as many
trees and plants upon a given acreage, as he should have; and he cited, ©
as instances, how much more fruitful his outer rows of blackberries and
gooseberries were, as well as the outer rows of trees, which adjoined
cultivated ground. That was what first attracted his attention, the fact '
that the outer rows in his gooseberry field would yield twice as much
fruit as theinner. It resulted in his taking out every other row of goose-
berries; and if he were planting orchards anew today, I am very sure he
would double the distance between trees. ;
Mr. Morrill: And his orchards are not closer than ordinary, either.
Mr. Thos. Beal: People in this county are quite generally becoming
interested in peach-growing, and if there are any questions we would be
glad to hear from all.
Mr. Weston B. Porter: I would like to have some one who has had
experience, give the names of the best varieties of peach for market, for
early, medium, and late crops.
Mr. M. E. Williams: As to varieties of peach, we have been quite con-
servative, sticking to the old varieties, and we have set largely in the past
few years.
Perhaps we have been so extremely conservative that most orchardists
would consider us rather old fogies, but with all the criticism of that old
variety, the Chili, we have set four hundred of it, and from our experience
in the past we think very much of it. We hope by water and fertilizing
to make a good peach of it. When properly grown it is a fair peach, and
certainly one of the most productive varieties that can be grown.
188 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The gentleman asked for early, medium, and late varieties. N ow, if we
are to judge by this year’s experience, I think we would do well to follow
Mr. Stearns’ advice and steer clear of the early varieties, or set very
Sparingly of them, as there is no early variety in Michigan with which I
am familiarthat amounts to much in quality as compared with the south-
ern peaches we have to compete with at that season. Early peaches have
paid in the past, but these early varieties meet a new competitor in this
southern fruit, something that has come up within a few years, and for us
to throw in our early varieties in competition with the southern Craw-
fords is simply to spoil the market for both of us. It ruins the price for
them and the demand for us. There is no demand for our peaches against
that quality, and I don’t know as there is much choice between those
peaches. We have used Alexander ourselves, and then Hale is
better than those which precede it, and begins to avoid the brunt of the
competition from the south, and is really the first peach that has paid us
very well, in our vicinity, this year. The fact is that, though we had an
immense crop of these early peaches, it would have been better for the
growers in our vicinity if some one had gone into the orchards and
stripped them, just as soon as set. It would have been better for the
trees, and there was so little profit that it didn’t pay for the work and the
care of the trees. Coming down to the peaches ripening with Craw-
fords, I confess I am not familiar with many of the newer varieties. We
have never even grown Lewis, which is spoken of very highly, by those
who have tried it. It is a large, handsome, white-flesh peach. As grown
by Mr. Morrill they were certainly as fine peaches of that description as
Iever saw. The time of ripening is a little ahead of Early Crawford.
Mr. Morrill: Quite a good deal ahead. It would vary, I presume, with
different sections and seasons. It was the 13th of August last year, and
the 10th, this year, with me.
Mr. Williams: Crawford is an excellent peach, but condemned by
a good many growers. Most of the growers on the lake shore would say,
“Set but very few Early Crawfords,” and that has generally been the
result of our experience. We think a good deal of Oldmixon, which
is a fine, white-flesh peach, which is well known in the market, and gener-
ally of such fine size and appearance that it is a good money-getter.
Gold Drop we have had experience with, and it has proven with us very
good. Some years it would bear heavily and do well, other years, with
no apparent cause, it did not seem to bear so well.
Mr. Morrill: The years in which it bore heavily, did you thin thor-
oughly?
Mr. Williams: It was always thinned, and we were well satisfied with
it in those years; and yet other years it has not borne when other varieties
would, and it has been with us troubled with the black rust, and cracks
somewhat, which are objections to it; and yet, taken altogether, it is a
good market peach, and I know that in some orchards it is entirely free
from these blemishes.
Mr. Baldwin: I would like to know if Chili is troubled with that’
scab?
Mr. Williams: Yes, it is troubled, but with us not so much as
Gold Drop. We plant the Chili because of its bearing qualities, expect-
ing by fertilization, thinning, and water, to get the size. We have some
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 189
of Salway, but not very many, they are so extremely late. Smock has
been a good paying peach with us, but there is a great difference in differ-
ent strains of the same variety, and that is true of Chili, and of almost
any variety you may name. You may take Mountain Rose, one of the
finest peaches ever grown, for eating, and yet you will find that there are
many inferior peaches sold by the nurserymen under that name. They
will be small and inferior, but if you can get the genuine Mountain Rose
it is a good peach to set. We have not had Elberta in fruit. It has
a good name, and from samples J have seen I think it sustains its good
name. At the World’s Fair at Chicago I saw samples of Elberta.
My impression of it there was that it was rather inferior, but I think that
must be a mistake from other samples I have seen. I only know
Crosby by reputation. It is said to be very hardy, and I suppose, also,
inclined to be under-size. Late Crawford is too shy a bearer to suit
us. It isa fine peach when you can get it.
Mr. Morrill: Crosby is a new peach generally. I have fruited it
on one-year trees, and nearly all bore fruit. They are very much of the
Barnard style of growth and color, only more brilliant, and probably of
about the same size. Whether they will respond to pruning, and size up
well, I do not know. Barnard responds to thinning quickly, and the
tree is a fair grower, with buds of a character that show they are hardy.
A man, well informed, can get an idea from the bud, when he sees its
growth this time of year—small, dark, firm buds, like a kernel of wheat.
Coming to Lewis, we find that a most profitable peach, at its season
of the year, probably none more profitable at any season. It is a strong
grower, very productive, and it is hardy enough so that, in 1885, when
the American society met at Grand Rapids, when we had on the 15th of
February, along the lake shore, a temperature running from 22 degrees
to 30 degrees below zero, Lewis was on exhibition. This peach was
mentioned first at Grand Rapids as being in the possession of Mr. N. W.
Lewis of Ganges, and that it was the only peach that went through that
severe weather; and he sold 900 baskets for $900, off from thirty trees.
The appearance of Lewis would indicate that it had been crossed with
Hill’s Chili, but it is firmer and, when thinned properly, larger. It grad-
ually worked into favor, until, up and down the lake shore, we have come
to believe there is nothing more profitable. I have two acres that have
been bearing some years. This year’s was the fifth crop, and I took 5,000
bushels off from the two acres. These trees have twice gone through 16
degrees or 18 degrees below zero, and this year, in thinning, I took off four
peaches for every one I left on. I should place it first on the list in time
of ripening, and best of its season. Next I would take St. John, a yel-
low peach, quite prolific, and a beautiful thing, equal to the Crawford in
every respect, and laps on to the Lewis. Next following that, it is doubt-
ful if I could find anything that would please me better than the old Bar-
nard, if you grow it right. It is hardy, productive, and a fair grower of
good fruit, and will respond so readily to thinning that you get good size.
After that season there is but one white peach I would want, from the fact
that the market I have to go to, after the first, demands a yellow peach.
Judging from what I have been able to see (recollect, I do not pretend to
advise), I would take Crosby. Following that I would take Kala-
mazoo, because that has borne for me five straight crops of magnificent
peaches, and seems to be very hardy and productive. I would leave
190 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Chili out, yet lots of men would not do business without it. Our experi-
ence is, that it is some years a most magnificent fruit, and the next year,
perhaps, after the pit has formed and before the fruit ripens, it will dry
down; and the last two years we have had the most perfect conditions for
that class of peaches—dry, sunshiny weather, every condition favoring
that particular fruit, and yet it has been poor. I do not know what the
trouble is (perhaps some of our scientific men have a name for it), this
blackened condition of the skin, but Chili is very susceptible to it.
Following Kalamazoo, I should place Elberta, as head and shoul-
ders above anything that comes at that season. But in spite of the fact
that it is a great grower, and hardy, and a magnificent peach, it is quite
subject to curl-leaf. Prof. Taft will tell you that they can control curl-
leaf with Bordeaux mixture. Now, these are productive peaches that I
have mentioned. Next, I can not name a peach that will quite satisfy me,
but the Stevens has been a wonderful peach along our shore. Beers
Smock we like better. It is productive, more yellow, less red, and the yel-
low is not of the greenish color of Smock. It has the fault that all of
the Smock type have, but if you practice proper pruning you can carry a
pretty big load of fruit. Most of these kinds are excellent orchard trees.
Mr. Bird: How does Gold Drop compare with Kalamazoo for
season and productiveness?
Mr. Morrill: It is a later peach considerably; it is just before
Smock. Smock laps on Gold Drop, and for productiveness it will
out-yield anything I know of; and when properly thinned responds as
nicely as anything I know of. The tree, too, is fully as strong a grower as
we have, and I know of nothing hardier.
Q. What is your experience with Jacques Rareripe?
A. I wouldn’t have anything to do with that. The trees seem to root
near the surface, and suffer from drought more quickly than anything I
have in mind, yet that might not be your experience. They are very vari-
able in size on the same tree, and give a large proportion of culls. Take
a peach like Elberta, where they are reasonably thin on the trees, and
there wouldn’t be a second-class peach. Kalamazoo is remarkably
uniform.
Mr. J. L. Beal: What do you call a reasonable thinning? |
A. Not to have any peach nearer than eight inches to any other peach.
Mr. Greening: I want to mention a peach, in the introduction of which
the firm of Greening Bros. of Monroe, of which I am a member, are inter-
ested. Itis the New Prolific. I wish to take this occasion to explain and
describe this peach. It ripens about the 10th of September; is a very vig-
orous grower, more so than any variety at present grown; it seems to be:
hardy and an early bearer. It is of the Crawford variety, highly colored,
and its flesh is golden yellow. It has a small pit, and is very delicious.
It has a very large leaf, largest of any peach I ever saw, and is very highly
colored. It has been fruited in different parts of this and other states,
and has shown itself to be a market variety of good merit. In reference
to Hill’s Chili, I wish to say, in the eastern part of Michigan it is not as
desirable as in the western or interior part of the state. With us it does
not hold its own with Late Crawford, from the fact that it does not
color up. It colors very beautifully in the western part.
Mr. Morrill: When it does color at all.
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 191
Mr. Greening: And speaking of Smock, you mention that in your
locality it has less red and more yellow. In our locality it is the other
way. So you see, locality has much to do with the successful growing of
the different kinds of fruits, and specially is that true of the different
varieties.
Mr. Morrill: Did you state the period of ripening of the New Prolific?
Mr. Greening: The 10th of September, between Early and Late
Crawfords.. It usually laps into that space, directly between, in our
locality, and we have noticed it in other localities. It is possible it may
be a little later in your section.
Mr. T. T. Lyon: I have had no experience with New Prolific, except
a couple of years’ growing of the trees. There has been no fruit yet,
though I have received specimens from Greening Bros. that gave fair
promise, and according to their representations it should be a very good
market variety. It has a number of good qualities, apparently, that
would commend it as a market variety. We have something like 200
varieties on the experiment grounds at our place, and several of them bore
this last year, and some of them the last two years. There are so many of
them that it would be hardly worth while to speak of them. It would be
more interesting, perhaps, if you have some one particularly in mind that
you would like to hear about, to have it suggested.
Q. Have you tested Crosby?
A. Yes, sir. Crosby has been growing two years. It produced
almost nothing last year; this year it has borne a light crop. The indica-
tions, so far, are that it is not likely to be an early bearer; and as to its
quality, I do not anticipate that it will prove very superior. But it is rep-
resented as having good market qualities, and I think very likely that may
be true. Certainly, so far, it has proven a poor bearer with us, not to be
compared with many others of the same age of trees. Elberta we
have fruited a couple of years, and it has borne rather lightly. I don’t
think, though, that any of our trees have been fruiting long enough to
determine how prolific they will be. So far, the fruit is of large size, and
I have noticed that it bears evenly. We must have trees that have been
bearing sevcral vears,to demonstrate what they will do. From its reputa-
tion, I expect something very desirable. There are others, though, that I
would prefer for my own use at home. I am something of a stickler for
quality as well as quantity. I believe many of our market growers plant
too poor varieties for the profit of their business. For instance, a man
sells a peck of peaches that are handsome, but poor in quality. The next
time he tries to sell, to this same buyer, the latter does not want them; for,
though of good appearance, they are poor in quality. There are many
varieties which are handsome, but have not good flavor; they may be of
high color and delicate of texture, but in the long run they will not be as
profitable. Though the others may require more care in handling, yet
they would ultimately bring better prices and give better satisfaction.
Q. What do you think of the table qualities of Elberta?
A. It is just fair, as it grows with us. It is to be understood, how-
ever, that none of the southern varieties we grow are as good here as thev
would be further south. Elberta is certainly pretty well up in
quality, and is very satisfactory as a market peach. At the same time,
is not productive with us as in the south.
Q. Will you tell us of a good kind of peach, one that you like?
192 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
A. There are a good many particulars to be considered in regard tu
that. I think I have understood that you have spoken of varieties that
have to meet the competition of southern fruit. But that depends, I pre-
sume, upon the locality. Some markets would feel that influence more
than others.
Mr. Post wishes to know how Early Michigan compares with Lewis.
A. That is a pretty close question. I have grown the two for a good
many years, under the same treatment, and I have learned from my own
observation, and also from those who have propagated the trees, that
there are two varieties grown under the name of Early Michigan.
A few days’ difference, perhaps, in the season of ripening constitutes
the variation. The one that is generally grown as Early Michi-
gan has reniform glands, the other globose. They are certainly very much
alike. I hardly know which to put first; I think perhaps the reniform
will ripen three or four days earlier. I think Early Michigan is slightly
superior in quality to Lewis. As to size and appearance, under the same
conditions, I think there is very little difference. I don’t know as there
is any choice between the trees, but they generally need severe thinning
to get the best results. I do not know of a better peach for late market-
ing than Stevens’ Rareripe. We are a week later than we would be
thirty miles from the lake. Perhaps there is more than that difference
between the west shore and here. I have received two or three varieties
from Texas that seem likely to prove desirable here, though they are too
recent yet with us to speak of them with any kind of confidence, and par-
ticularly of their productiveness. I have the same difficulty that nearly
all of us have to meet, from the fact that I have a great many varieties
that are spurious, and the more recent ones not having been described, it
is impossible to tell which is real and which is spurious. I have two vari-
eties called Muir, and one is a very large and fine peach; and if any
one is desirous of testing Muir, I would suggest it as a very promis-
ing variety for the market as well as home use.
Q. Will you speak of Kalamazoo, Barber, and Fitzgerald?
A. Iam not acquainted with those—with Fitzgerald. Barber stands
in’ the medium list, between the best and poorest. It is a very
fair peach, of fine quality and appearance, for a market peach.
When I say “fine market peach,” I put a different meaning on the
word “fine” than when I speak of home use. There are many varie-
ties excellent in quality and delicate in flavor and texture, for home
use, but they can not be gotten to the market. There are those that lack
the delicacy but which go well to market. So when I speak of a superior
market variety, I do not speak as I would of home varieties. Kala-
mazoo originated, as betokened by its name, not far from us. The seed-
ling was originally brought to notice by Mr. Stearns, and has become
very popular with us, asa market peach. Any one starting it, and wish-
ing to get good prices, and make it do its best, will need to thin it almost
always, and when well thinned and brought up to good size it is a very
satisfactory market peach with us. I do not know that. it has been
tested sufficiently so that this can be said of it generally, though I appre-
hend that it is likely to succeed quite generally. Gold Drop is very sim-
ilar, only with this difference: w2 do not know what Gold Drop is,
whether it is a new peach or an old one renamed.
Q. How does Early Michigan compare with the Mountain Rose?
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 193
A. They are very different in season. The Mountain Rose is not so
large, but rather more delicate and earlier in its season. They are
neither of them very high flavored. Early Michigan is higher flav-
ored than Mountain Rose, though the latter is understood to be an
earlier market peach. But I do not suppose that any of us will have
failed to learn that peaches, more than almost any fruit, are changed by
locality. There are only a few that are successful everywhere.
Mr. Collar: I would like to ask Mr. Lyon in regard to Barnard
and Hill’s Chili; why they dry and blacken or become brown. Is it
because of overloading, and could it be overcome by thorough thinning?
Mr. Lyon: I infer that the mark is due to something of a fungoid char-
acter rather than a peculiarity of the fruit itslf. The variety has been
heretofore very popular with us as a late market peach, but I think it is
not so popular today as it was ten or twelve years ago. In the first
place, it is of too mild a flavor to suit a good many tastes. It has a very
rough, fuzzy exterior, and that is an objection in the market. It is not
attractive, although, when it is thoroughly well grown, it loses most of
' that defect. But the greatest trouble is, with those who are not thor-
oughly up in the business, that it is likely to overload, and consequently
the fruit is small and unprofitable. It brings low prices. Those who
grow it thoroughly well (cultivate, manure, and thin) are generally very
well satisfied with it. The same is true of Barnard. Under ordinary
circumstances it is too small, but if thoroughly thinned and highly culti-
vated you can keep it up to a good size.
Mr. Collar: Is there any remedy for that brown patch?
Mr. Lyon: I don’t know, sir. I have never had any of it, but I pre-
sume it would disappear under the influence of careful spraying.
Prof. Taft: I have always resorted to spraying as a remedy for curl-
leaf, and I find it thoroughly effective; and in addition to the effect on
curl-leaf, other difficulties have entirely disappeared, apparently from the
use of the spray. We know what its effect is on apples and pears, and I
see no reason why it should not have the same effect upon the spot that
you speak of. It has never troubled me at all.
Mr. J. W. Helme, sr.: I think with Mr. Lyon, that these black spots
are owing to lack of pruning and cultivation. Two years ago I had some
Hill’s Chilis, and we had a very dry season, and they were ruined by that
black spot. I laid it to the drouth, but last year I cut out a great deal of
the top of the trees, and certainly one half of the limbs, and this year
they were perfectly free, and I had an excellent crop of Hill’s Chili, and
it was as dry or dryer than when I failed; and not a brown spot on them.
Prof. Taft: My opinion is that, although it is of a fungous nature, it
is attributable to the fact that the trees are too thick, cutting off the sun-
light; and, too, poor culivation and lack of mineral food would tend to
increase the scab. It is of a fungous nature, and any one who sprays
his trees for leaf-curl will have no trouble with this disease. At‘least
that is our experience. A question was asked of Mr. Lyon, regarding the
Bronson peach, and it seems to me he didn’t say enough for it. It was
classed by him among the medium varieties. As we have it under culti-
vation, so far as I can see, it is practically the same as Kalamazoo.
For all purposes I believe it is as good. Regarding Crosby, I have
known that now fifteen years, and I have come to value it very highly,
25
194 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
especially in the last few years. So far as I know, it has perhaps the
highest color of any of the peaches of its season. The red is of a very
dark and distinct color, and in size it is far above medium. It will
average in size, if fairly well thinned, with Crawford as generally
grown—not so good as Crawfords may be. But this year, on a tree
which produced two bushels (set out in 1891), the fruit was as large as
the average Crawfords on the market; the quality was fair—not, to be
sure, very high, but it was good, and as the peach of its season, coming
along the last of September, I esteem it very highly.
Mr. Morrill: Does it respond to thinning like Barnard?
A. It had two bushels, and the peaches were 24 inches in diameter.
It was thinned somewhat, but not much. This same lot of trees bore
last year and this year.
Mr. Greening: Will the Professor please tell us what he thinks of
Prolific?
Prof. Taft: I have the trees growing and I have seen the fruit, and I
think it is a promising peach. It is like Kalamazoo and Bronson;
they are all good peaches.
Mr. Allis: I would like to know if there is danger of injuring the
peach tree by putting earth around the body?
Mr. Post: I never saw injury resulting. I leave it until the middle of
June, on account of catching borers’ eggs*on the surface, and I have
never seen any damage.
Mr. Williams: If a young peach tree had made a late growth, and you
were fearful that it would winter-kill, would you advise cutting it back
in the fall, on the theory that it is better to cut than have it freeze off, or
would it be as well to leave it until spring?
Mr. Post: So far as I am concerned, though it is merely my opinion,
it would make no difference. My experience would be that, if it were
cut off, it should be done early in the season; if it were late in the fall ]
would let it alone.
Mr. Helme: I had a little experience in that matter. I started some
peach trees on very rich ground and they made three to four feet of
growth each year and then they killed back in the winter. It occurred to
me it might be a good idea to cut them back during September, as it
would assist in ripening the wood. I did so, on the 10th of September,
and found it a success.
Mr. Morrill: Supposing a tree had grown all through the season.
would cutting back save it?
Mr. Helme: I thought that was what you meant, but I do think there
is a good deal in cutting back in September or earlier, and it has been
impressed upon me. I bud entirely from bearing trees, taking a selection
of trees that are marked through the orchard, the best, and I go to
these trees, one year after another, and cut off the growth in September,
and those trees have improved wonderfully over other trees; and the
conclusion has been forced upon me that the cutting back of growth in
August or September was desirable. The buds are stronger and mature
better, and even where there are but two inches or so of the annual
growth left, I find the srongest buds and best peaches.
Mr. Williams: I want to call attention to this theory, to see whether
any of you have had experience along that line. Growers of sweet
potatoes, if they find the vines have been bitten by frost, cut the vines
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 195
off, and so with other vegetables. There seems to be theory that frozen
sap, going down, will work an injury. Is that true of a tree, and would
the frozen ends of these peach trees, by reason of the sap working from
them back into the tree, would it be better to cut them off? I would
be glad if any one could throw light on this subject. Many of the trees |
/in my orchard, with a growth up to about the first of August, seem to
mature; and then, when a new growth starts, there is that little ring,
showing the two separate season’s growth, and that later growth is
tender.
Mr. Willard: I should favor the removal of that, providing it were
done sufficiently early, but I don’t think you would gain anything at this
season of the year. During the latter part of August or first of Septem-
ber, when it might result in the stopping of that new growth and the
hardening of those other buds, I think good might come of it; but, at this
season of the year, I do not think it would be productive of good. I have
had experience in pruning when trees were in full growth, and it has
cost me something to learn that I was not always quite wise. One sea-
son we went over our plum trees about the first of July, because they
were making such a tremendous growth of wood. We thought it might
be a good idea, but if you do it later in the season, when you will not
force the buds that are dormant, but simply harden them by checking, it
would be all right, though not at this season of the year.
Q. I would ask Mr. Willard what is the range of the thermometer
with him?
A. Rarely twenty degrees below zero, and we had some peaches at
twenty below. We had Chilis and Early Rivers, but that is unusual.
Ordinarily we get but ten or twelve below.
Mr. J. W. Helme: I would state that many years ago our peaches were
at first killed when it was twelve below, but they do become acclimated.
There is no mistake about that. Last winter the thermometer went
twenty below, and still we had a peach crop.
Mr. Willard: Mr. Joseph Meehan of Philadelphia says he thinks
oranges could be acclimated so they could be grown two degrees north
of where they are now.
Mr. L. B. Rice: In relation to sowing rye, all of our sandy soil is sub-
ject to cut-worms, and the growth of buckwheat will usually kill the
cut-worm. I have been trying mixing buckwheat and rye and
sowing the last of July. The buckwheat comes on, and if the season is
late it will ripen; and if not, it does not make any difference; it will rot
down and help to hold the snow in winter. We have very little snow,
and that is inclined to blow off, and I think this plan has a tendency to |
check the ravages of the cut-worm entirely. In fact, you may sow rye
with buckwheat in June; harvest a heavy crop of buckwheat, leave your
rye, and next year harvest a crop of rye. I do not harvest the buck-
wheat; if it ripens I leave it to the quails; if not, all the same.
Mr. Morrill: There is one thing brought out by Mr. Williams’ ques-
tion, of which I think a little notice should be taken, in regard to the
first year’s growth of trees. This fall, the trees of last year’s setting
have more or less fruit buds, and one of the factors which works injury
is late setting. The moment the ground is ready, with the very first
movement of sap, starting the leaves, do your setting. Then you are in
a fair way to establish terminals before the time comes when they are
196 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
frozen. If you do that, they will stand several degrees more of cold, and
a week or two may make a vast difference, with the results. Another
matter of which Mr. Post and some of the other gentlemen have spoken,
is the sowing of rye. I have seen very little good come from that. I do
not know but that is throwing a firebrand into some one’s powder-keg,
but I do not believe in it. I have never seen good results from turning
under rye.
Mr. Rice: But it will hold the snow and the surface water.
Mr. Morrill: But I would as soon have any weed, as to let rye go to
seed. I am going to adopt a different plan, and that is to sow oats.
They, I know, will die out during the winter, but they will serve the
purpose of holding the leaves. As they die, they will hold the leaves,
and that blanket will not get away from you, and in the spring you will
not have to destroy the oats. I have a neighbor who is a very progres-
sive fellow, and he has done practically that for two or three years, and
I think he is ahead of me on that idea at least. I sow the oats the last
of August, so the first good rain will start them.
Mr. E. W. Allis: One of our neighbors has been sowing oats with
crimson clover. Clover has “had a black eye” in Michigan, but this plan
worked nicely and he raised a fine crop. This year, instead of putting
oats with it, he sowed it in his cornfield, and I presume he thinks he
will have a failure this year.
Mr. A. G. Green: What sort of weeder do you use, Mr. Morrill?
A. I have used another kind but shall get the Breed.
Mr. Greening: The theory set forth by Mr. Willard is good, but I
believe it is better to let that wood remain until spring and then cut it
back. From the experience we have in cutting back young shoots in the
fall, we find they are usually frozen back, part of the way, in the spring,
even if the winter is mild. It is better, in my opinion, to let those shoots
remain.
Mr. Willard: There is a question that has not been touched upon this
afternoon. In what I have learned here today, I have not heard the
canning industry mentioned, from which I am led to infer that not much
is being done about it. It seems to me that that is a great mistake, in
such a state as Michigan. It certainly is a very wonderful industry as
it is being developed in certain portions of the country, notably Cali-
fornia, Delaware, Maryland, and now, to quite an extent, in New York.
I know the impression prevails that New York is not much a peach-
growing region, as compared with Michigan, but at the same time peaches
are grown with a great deal more success now than for a great many
years, because people have been learning that they can grow the hardy.
sorts. This canning industry is a great thing, and I am interested in
it, and have been led to investigate the subject and ascertain what varie-
ties of peach are most valuable for that prupose. Perhaps some of you
know more about it than I do, and yet I am going to throw out some
suggestions. I have learned by actual test, and by prices at which our
goods are sold, that our peaches can be sold in all the markets we can
reach at a much higher price than Delaware and Maryland and California
peaches. We have learned furthermore that the best of all peaches is
Hill’s Chili. There is nothing to equal it. No matter how poor your
fruit is, or how fuzzy, it develops qualities in canning that are ahead of
all others. We have been experimenting on other varieties, and next to
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 197
Hill’s Chili is Kalamazoo. I happened to have quite a crop of them last
year, and I gave our establishment a couple of bushels to try, and they
were found very good. We tried Gold Drop, we tried Crosby, and we
tried that large southern peach, Elberta, and that stands up well. It is
one of the best, but right secone to Hill’s Chili is Kalamazoo. This is
from actual test, picked under my supervision, because we have been
trying to ascertain what peaches would reflect most credit on our can-
ning. We have $100,000 invested, and we have to manage the business
with reference to getting the greatest amount of money out of it, and we
find that we can put up goods that outsell anything else in the whole
country, and that is because we have the best varieties, and we will pay
more for Hill’s Chili, if we have to go miles and miles to get them. We
have very few of them ourselves. The first orchard was mine, and I got
the buds here; the next was that of a neighbor who got his buds from
me, and we will not touch a Crawford so long as we can get those
peaches. I do not know as that is a matter for you to consider here,
but if I were a resident I think I would be looking toward that. It is
not only a question of peaches but of apples, and northe’n Michigan pro-
duces some of the finest apples in the country. It was only a year ago
last September that we sent a man to Michigan to buy, for we put up
30,000 bushels annually. And so with all these products, there is profit
in canning if you put up the goods properly.
Mr. Rice: I want to ask one question. It has been said that in fall
trimming of small trees they are often killed back. But in trimming
large shade trees, that require the tops cut off (large elms or maples),
it seems as though the autumn was the best time to trim; and yet last
fall, in cutting off limbs, I found that they killed back a good deal. Now, ©
when can we trim maples? Not when the sap will flow. Shall we trim
them in the fall and stand the killing back? It follows in the same con-
nection with apple trees and everything else.
A. There is a great difference in regard to trees. The maple starts its
buds early, the horse-chestnut also.
Mr. Williams: If you do not trim your horse-chestnut in the fall, you
will lose by the sap flowing, and the best time to trim the maple is in
the fall. If you are going to cut a big limb off, do your amputating at the
joint—make a clean, nice job of it.
Mr. Greening: My experience is, in pruning maples, if they are
pruned late in the fall they will bleed badly. We have a number of
maples, and we usually prune during the month of June, and we find
that to be the very best time. There is no bleeding. The wound has a
chance to heal and get ready for winter. June is really the best time.
Mr. Willard: If a maple tree is trimmed in June, will it develop a
handsome growth after that”? My experience has been that anything
trimmed in leaf receives a substantial check.
Mr. Greening: With most kinds of maple, one of the reasons we head
in and trim is to check the growth and make them branch out and be
more compact. Our young trees in the nursery we prune very early in
the spring, but the older ones we prune later, and we have yet to find
that it was detrimental to the trees.
Mr. Rice: I have reference to larger trees. The tops will be full of
limbs, and we wish to reduce the surface to produce growth. If we trim
198 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
after the leaf starts we lessen the growth, and if we do it at this time of
year, as our friend suggests, they will bleed to death.
Mr. Greening: If the conditions are such, and the trees are very large,
I do not recommend June pruning. If there are many small limbs to be
pruned, I would recommend early spring trimming.
IRRIGATION AT MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.
BY .PROY. Eb. Re Ars,
I had hoped that, owing to the severe drouth of the past two seasons,
the subject of irrigation would prove of general interest, but I infer from
the remarks of Dr. Thomas, yesterday, that Lenawee has been in fact, if
not in name, a wet county, and possibly, to the people of Lenawee, irriga-
tion may seem out of the question; but I trust that to others it may be of
interest to know how we, in Lansing, manage to get drinks—for our
plants.
In the way of irrigation, it may be well to say that you will find, if you
go among the people of the west, through the Great American Desert—
so-called in the past—that they will say, “They are oh! so sorry for those
poor folk at the east, who have to depend on the Lord for their water;
that they have to take it when it comes—no water at all at one time, and
too much at others—whereas we, here, have a supply on the mountains
that we can bring down at any time and in any quantity;” and thus they
feel that they are far ahead of us—at least they say so.
There is one side of the question, however, that perhaps accounts in
part for the success they have obtained in raising the various crops for
which they use water. We all know that the water is taken up by the .
plants from the soil, and, after the plant food has been taken out and used
in the upbuilding of the plant structure, it is for the most part given off
by the leaves. You can very well see that, if everything else is equal
(supposing, of course, that the water is in the soil), if we have a dry
season more water will be given off than in a wet season, and naturally
more plant food will be brought into the plants, and we can expect a
better growth. Also, in a sunny season, there will be more sunshine, and ~ |
provided the plant food and water are supplied to the soil (artificially, per-
haps), there will be a chance for a greater growth than had they relied
on the water coming from the clouds, even in a wet season.
Most people would be surprised if they should accurately measure the
amount of water given off by crops. It has been done with a great
variety of crops, and, for the more common crops that we grow, the esti-
mate is that during the growing season from 200 to 300 times the actual
weight of the dry matter in the plants is given off from the leaves in the
form of water.
Another way of putting it is that during the growing season they will
give off from twenty-five times to thirty-five times their whole weight.
Thus acorn cropof fifteen tons will give off 450 tons of water in the grow-
ing season, and here we shali have 4,000 barrels of water given off from a
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 199
single acre by the leaves of the crops. This does not take into account
the water given off from the surface of the soil, which, depending on the
character of the soil and the season and the amount of cultivation it
receives, will vary in amount; but we can safely say that from ten to fif-
teen inches will be evaporated from the surface of the soil, under average
conditions, in twelve months.
We have these two sources of loss,—from the surface and from the
leaves; and we have to consider also that in the average season a large
amount passes off by percolation into the springs and drains and streams;
and more than this, we must not forget that, of the yearly rainfall, a large
amount is lost in winter by running off the surface into the streams. So,
after making allowance for all of these things, we will find that thirty-five
inches of water are needed to secure a erop, and we should have the rain-
fall distributed through the season, with one-half of the amount after the
first of March. During the last few years we have fallen short of this.
Hardly a year has passed when the rainfall during the summer has not
fallen short, there being an inch where we should have had two or three
and sometimes four inches.
During the twelve months ending July 31, the rainfall was but about
one third of what we should have had to secure full crops. We had
twelve inches and a fraction, where thirty-five inches are desirable.
The subject of cultivation goes hand in hand with irrigation. Many
people have claimed that by cultivation alone, good crops could be grown,
and that the benefits from irrigation, provided the land was properly cul-
tivated, would not repay the cost; but, while cultivation will do much to
conserve water, it will not provide it.
For success in irrigation, we must first have an ample supply of water.
Too many people go to work with a small windmill, or some other
inefficient power, with which to pump the water, expecting sufficient sup-
ply to irrigate a considerable area. They may say that they have a reser-
voir into which they can pump, but these seldom hold more than 100 bar-
rels, and this amount only goes a short distance.
We have during the past year established at the College a special irri-
gating plant. While we desire to grow good crops, we have found, in
testing varieties and in other experimental work, we have not been able to
secure the best results, owing to the drouths, and for that reason we
arranged this spring to put in a plant to supply water to the vegetable
garden, and some of the small fruits. We have not yet been able to
extend this to the orchard or the raspberries, and what I can tell you
today, regarding the method we have used, will apply only to certain of
the vegetable crops and strawberries grown on eight acres in the garden.
This soil is a mixture of sand and clay, a moderately heavy loam, but
for our purpose it is not desirable, from the fact that at from one to two
feet there is a layer of quicksand, and, in a dry season, the crops suffer
from want of water.
Yesterday the chairman spoke of the cost of this plant. It was given
as $1,000. While this $1,000 was actually spent, it was not all spent for
the portion used for irrigating. This included the cost of a long line of
pipe, buried in the ground, for use for fire protection, which was the main
used to carry water to the garden, and on this we placed three fire
_ hydrants, all of which cost two or three hundred dollars. We have alsoa
200 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
steel tank, holding 300 barrels, and the expense for this, with the actual
cost of irrigating pipes and putting them down makes up the thousand
dollars. So, really, the irrigating plant for these eight or ten acres has
only cost us about $500, and we are able now. to have it extended at a
small cost to take in ten more acres. Ata cost of $700 we shall be able
to irrigate twenty-five acres.
At first we were in doubt as to how to secure water. We had the
river, near the garden, that would supply us with water, and we knew
that at a depth of a few feet we could get a well. It was a question
whether to obtain the water from the river, or drive or dig a well from
which the water could be pumped with a windmill or a gasoline or hot-air
engine. Finally we fixed on the plan of going to Cedar river for our
water and using the steam fire-pump in the boiler-house, to which a water
pipe already ran from the river.
_ We had to lay a main 1,200 feet to the boiler-house. We used for that
three-inch pipe, which will furnish a sufficient supply for twenty-five
acres, and we arranged to distribute the water from hydrants at the high-
est points. Had the garden been with a slope in any single direction, we
could have easily brought the water to one edge of the garden, and have
carried it to other parts through furrows. The garden is nearly level,
except that there are a number of elevations three or four feet above the
general level, and to cover the entire surface we had to locate hydrants
on each of these elevations, and therefore we had to run three lines of
pipe, covering the surface of the garden, east and west, and another along
the west side. We then located hydrants, 100 feet apart, along each of
these lines. We took 100 feet as the distance, because we have many .
small plots, some of which we wish to irrigate and some to leave without
water, and to control the water for this purpose we thought it best to
have them 100 feet apart.
We had, in applying the water, to select one or two of perhaps three or
four methods. You will find that through the west, for their wheat and
alfalfa fields, and many of their other crops, they practice flooding.
Where the land is nearly level, they form small dykes, and admit the
water to these squares, covering the ground from two to eight inches deep
with water, flooding the surface. This would not be desirable in a
garden; it is out of the question, in fact. ,
Then we could use the furrow method of applying the water; that is,
make shallow furrows at intervals of from three to ten feet, across the
garden, and run streams of water into the furrows and allow it to soak
out into the soil.
There was also sub-irrigation or running the water in tiles. In testing
this we tried two methods. In one case we placed the tiles at a depth of
one foot, and in another had them barely covered. For sub-irrigation we
made use of 24-inch drain tiles placed, as a rule, with their ends close
together, but we took pains to have the curved sides of the tiles up, and
thus we had openings at the under side of each joint. You will find that
nearly all tiles, in baking, become bent, and if you take advantage of this
curve, there will be small openings between them. Have these openings
as even in size as possible. The water will soak out at each of these
joints, and a line of tile 100 feet in length can be easily supplied with a
half-inch stream of water; in fact, the great trouble in sub-irrigation 1s
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 201
that you have to apply the stream very slowly. We could easily connect
four lines of tile, and a #-inch hose would supply all they could use.
These tiles, placed twelve feet apart, cover a breadth of three rods,and for
vegetables and the small fruits, where one only has a supply through the
ordinary service pipe, it will water it thoroughly if given time enough;
turn the water on and let it run, and it will in time soak the ground
thoroughly.
_ Many times, if you have large amounts of water, you can easily apply it
by means of underground tile, running out from an open ditch. You can
pump the water or take it from a stream, fill the ditch with water, and
have the tile at a depth of two feet, and two rods apart, thus carrying the
water under the ground, and allow it to soak away. These tiles, if placed
level, will answer for drains in the spring, and later you can use them for
_ irrigation by closing the lower end of the ditch. But in our case we use °
the tile to connect the various lines, and even the #-inch hose would carry
four lines over 100 feet in length. 'This small amount of water was ample
to sub-irrigate at one time a space of twenty square rods, which would
make a very fair-size garden for an ordinary family; and even the {-inch
hose was shut off to some extent, for it ran too fast.
Be careful in sub-irrigation to avoid too steep slopes. If you have a
slope of more than a half foot in 100, it will break out in the loose soil
where it is not over one foot in depth. Have them laid nearly level, and
don’t put in too much water. Shut down the force if necessary.
In sub-irrigating, whether on the surface or with the tiles a foot in
depth, we applied from five to eight hundred barrels per acre, once in per-
haps two or three weeks.
In irrigating a crop of tomatoes, we had in one place the tile a foot in
depth, in another it was at the surface, while in a third the furrow was
used, and a fourth plot was without water at all; and in weighing the
crops from these small plots, to learn as to the benefits of the different
systems, we found no great difference between the first three. The total
yield from the first plat was 1,445 Ibs.; No. 2, 1,403; No. 3, 1,343, and No. 4,
without water, 1,180 lbs.; showing a yield of from one third to one half
more fruit with water than without.
_ While the yield was somewhat greater from the sub-irrigated plots, the
gain would be more than counter-balanced by the cost of the tiles and the
expense of laying them, so that it is not likely to be desirable except in
small gardens or where they can also be used as drains.
In the case of a crop of snap beans, to which we applied water only
three times, commencing when the plants were in their third leaf and
repeating at intervals of two weeks, we found that the crop irrigated
was ripe the 22d of July, with a total yield for the season of something
over 76 pounds from one square rod. Without water, they did not
ripen until August 1, or ten days later, and we had for the season only
174 pounds, while we picked from the irrigated plat 762 pounds, or more
than four times the yield from the irrigated plats as from those grown
without artificial water.
Another experiment was upon a field of timothy. At one corner of
the garden we had, two years ago, a fine crop of timothy, of perhaps an
acre, but in 1894 it was badly injured by the dry weather, and this year
26
202 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
the stools were scattered; in June it commenced to shrivel, the leaves
curled, and there was a poor prospect for a crop.
On the 12th of June water was turned on that plot, covering one half
of it at the rate of 1,000 barrels to the acre. That was all the water we
gave it, except at one corner, which we watered afterward at two differ-
ent times. Within ten hours after irrigating, the grass looked entirely
different. It was green and growing again. The trial went on, and at —
the time of harvest the result was remarkable. We found that with-
out water we had a head, or perhaps two heads, to a stool; using water
once, ‘we had a dozen fair stalks to a stool, and with water three times,
there were still more, and they were far larger.
The measurements were as follows: Irrigating three times, the stalks
averaged 3 ft. 9 in. high, and the best were 4 ft.3 in. The heads of the
best were five inches long, and on the average they were 24 to 3 inches
The yield wasat the rate of 5,360 pounds to the acre. Where the land was
watered once, the yield was 2,230 pounds, while without water the best
heads we could find were only 14 inches long, and the hay weighed 800
pounds to the acre.
Although we did not apply water until nearly the middle of June, we
had over six times the yield, by the use of water three times, and a gain of
nearly three fourths of a ton by the use of water once. It took no time
to apply the water, as it was allowed to run without attention, and as we
used the boiler-house pump, where the steam was always up, there was
no expense for pumping the water in our case. Of course, each one
would have to figure up for himself how :1tch it would cost to pump the
water, but usually from three to five cents will pay for pumping 1,000
gallons, under the average conditions, using steam, and at that rate a
gain of two and one fourth tons of hay would be secured at an expense
of $4.80, when three waterings were given, and of three fourths of a
ton, at a cost of $1.60, for one application.
For distributing the water the hydrants were so arranged that an
ordinary fire hose could be attached if desired, but in most instances it
was found desirable to distribute it in small streams, as the water, com-
ing from a 24-inch pipe, with a heavy pressure, would wash the soil.
Therefore it was turned into a series of troughs which had a two-inch
hole every three and a half feet along one side, and back of these were
placed gates made of zinc or galvanized iron, that could be opened at
pleasure. The troughs were sixteen feet long, and three were used in a
series.
We used, in making the furrows, a small hand garden plow, and it
did better work than the cultivator. The man would prepare furrows in
fifteen rows, turn the water on, and if it was acting all right would go
off and make fifteen more and then move the troughs. We could run
the water in these furrows half across the garden, or nearly four hundred
feet, and it would take perhaps a half hour to soak that length, and the
fifteen openings, covering a space three rods wide, would make one third
of an acre to which we were applying water.
The pipes are arranged so that two men can apply water to different
sections at the same time; each can move his troughs, apply the water,
and cover two acres per day. The next day he would throw the soil
back, and within forty-eight hours, or before that, if dry enough, he
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 2038
would cultivate the surface, and the water was thus applied about the
same as in sub-irrigation.
Q. Were the ends of the rows next the troughs more irrigated than
those far off?
A. No, we found that, in shutting off the water, what was remaining
on the upper part would run down to the lower end of the rows. It kept
_ working down, and there was no great difference that we could see.
Some people have claimed that they have found they couldn’t run the
water in furrows, but it gave us no trouble for the distance mentioned.
Q. What kind of soil was it?
A. Medium heavy, a mixture of sand and clay loam.
A number of rows of early peas were planted without regard to irri-
gation, but when the drouth came on, water was distributed over one half
the plot, which was ten rods in length, and sloped at the rate of a foot in
three or four rods. The water was turned on and held back from the
lower half by a dike of soil. The water was applied three times, in May
once and in June twice. The first picking was on Juné13. At that time
the irrigated peas were making a good growth, they looked vigorous, and
the pods were well filled. The others, without water, and yet on the
moistest part of the lot, had become dry; many were brown in leaf, and
the pods small and only partly filled, and yet with the water we only had
94 pounds, and without water 11 pounds at the first picking, from sec-
tions containing three rows, each two rods in length. Finally, how-
ever, we found that we had 544 pounds from the irrigated portion,
while without water there was only 21 pounds, or two and a half times
as many with the use of water. Figuring it for the acre, we found a gain
of 3,537 pounds for the use of water three times. It cost us to apply
it about $1.75 per acre, without considering the cost of the pumping
plant.
We tried it also with cabbages, upon two varieties. Of the Wake-
field we irrigated 700 plants, and from these we obtained 633 heads.
Every head that formed was in good condition, but the cut-worms had
destroyed the buds from a number of the plants, and that accounts for
the failure of 67 plants to head.
From the irrigated section we commenced to cut on the 28th June and
had 1,161 pounds. Without water, the 700 plants only gave 248 heads,
and these were very small, as most of the cabbages were this season.
The others failed to form any heads at all. The average weight of
these was 1 lb. 54 ounces, whereas the remaining 400 and over were too
poor to use, and in fact the best would not sell for one half what was
received for the larger irrigated heads.
Figuring the rate per acre, with water they would have weighed
28,000 pounds; without water, 6,400 pounds.
Potatoes were also irrigated. We had an area planted to Early
Ohio, and it was divided into four sections. During the first of the sea-
son, a dam was placed across the middle, cutting off the two lower sec-
tions, and water was applied to the two on top of the hill. After the plants
ploomed, we applied water to sections 1 and 8 and left sections 2 and 4
without water. _We had thus given to one section four waterings, to
another two waterings, before they bloomed; a third plat had two after
blooming, and the fourth was grown without water at all. Before har-
vesting, the plants were cut off into areas 30 x 75 feet. We left margins
204 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
all around the edges, and with four waterings we had 2,201 potatoes, that
weighed 635 pounds, of a marketable size. The small ones were 1,327
in number, and weighed 120 pounds. Per acre it would be 211 bushels of
the large and 40 bushels of the small.
With two waterings before they bloomed, we had 1,660, that weighed
374 pounds, of the large; and of the small, 340 weighing 90 pounds.
Comparing this with the four waterings, we had a third more in the
latter case, and the weight was even more in excess.
With two waterings, late in the season and after blooming, there were
1,678, that weighed 398 pounds, of the large, and 1,224, weighing 77
pounds, of the small, or 132 bushels per acre for the large, 25 bushels per
acre for the smail.
Without any water, we had 1,110, weighing 240 pounds, of the large,
and 1,530 small, weighing 110 pounds.
Comparing these, we found that by applying the water four times we
gained 130 bushels, over the use of no water at all. Applying it twice,
early in the season, we gained 50 bushels, and twice later in the season
42 bushels. Making the estimate in weight, we had almost three times
the yield by using water four times, and almost half as nany more by
applying it twice, and there was no great difference whether it was twice
earlyortwicelate. [tisoften said that it is advisable to wait until tubers
begin to form, while others advise early watering; this present season
there seemed to be no great difference. Had we used it on late potatoes,
it might have been well to have applied it early in the season.
I wish to give you one or two conclusions in regard to the use of water
in irrigating. The first would be, if the soil is not fairly moist at time
of sowing the seed or putting out the plants, provide the necessary moist-
ure by applying it in furrows, say four feet apart, made with the plow,
and give the ground a thorough soaking before planting; (2) never apply
water to start the seed after planting. Wait until the plants have three
or four leaves. This is of considerable importance, particularly upon
clay soil. (3) In applying water, use 500 to 1,000 barrels per acre. We
found the past year that 750 barrels, a little less than an inch, gave as an
average the best results. Again, avoid running the water over the sur-
face of the ground. Apply it through the furrows, and as soon as the
water dries in, cultivate thoroughly, thus holding the water.
' TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEDTING. 205
EXPERIENCE WITH IRRIGATION IN 1895.
BY MR. MANFORD KE. WILLIAMS OF DOUGLAS.
It is generally known that there are several methods or systems of
irrigation in nse, but it is not so generally understood that these varia-
tions exist of necessity and grow out of differences in the surrounding
conditions, and that a system which works admirably in one place might
be an utter failure, or only partially successful, in another; and the
Michigan fruitgrower or farmer will probably fail if he attempts to fol-
low too closely the methods of irrigation in use along the mountain
streams of California or Colorado or around the artesian wells of the Da-
kotas.
T will mention a few of the conditions which determine the method of
irrigation to be adopted. First, the source of water supply. Where
from natural causes the water is elevated above the land to be irrigated,
and can be applied to the land by gravity ditches, as in the case of moun-
tain streams, one of the most perplexing and expensive questions which
confronts the Michigan irrigator is eliminated, because, as a general
thing, water to irrigate Michigan farms must be raised by artificial
means; and here again the character of the water supply has an impor-
tant bearing on the method of elevating it. -Where the supply is ample,
power and machinery may be adopted of sufficient capacity to force the
water directly to the place where it is to be used, as fast as needed; but
ifthe water supply is not sufficient for that purpose, some plan for storing
it must be devised, either by damming back natural water courses or by
building reservoirs in which it may gradually accumulate until needed;
and where such reservoirs can be built cheaply and effectively it will
greatly reduce the expense of raising the water, as a cheaper power, like
windmills or hydraulic rams, may be used to fill the reservoirs.
Another cause of variation in methods of irrigation, is the character
of the soil, and this is of more importance than is generally supposed.
The writer once lived in a Dakota town which had a fine artesian well.
Water was struck at a depth of 1,145 feet, and the pressure was so
great that it required a strong hose to withstand it, affording excellent
fire protection. The streets were piped, and I had a hydrant in my yard;
and with the aid of about 100 feet of inch hose and open ditches I could
irrigate my entire garden, consisting of two village lots. When the
ground was dry, the water would work its way down the ditches very
slowly, owing to the large amount taken up by the soil, and with ditches
ten feet apart I could soak the entire space between, so that anyone at-
tempting to cross it would sink into the mud over his shoe tops. The
water in my cistern, a rod from the hydrant, was ruined by the seepage, -
as the artesian water was very hard; and I have recently received a com-
plaint from the tenant in the house that the cellar is being flooded from a
leak in the main in the street, twenty-five or thirty feet away, and a
neighbor was annoyed by water from this well working into his cistern
from an open ditch on the opposite side of the street, a distance of not
206 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
less than sixty feet. This shows the marvelous capacity of some soils to’
conduct water laterally by capillary attraction. Early in our experience
in irrigation, at Douglas, J] was struck with the difference in the soil we
now have to deal with in this respect. After the water had been flowing
in an open ditch for hours, it had apparently penetrated the soil only a
few inches, laterally, and we have often dug down a foot or more, near
such a ditch, to find the ground as dry as ever; and this has led us to
adopt what is known as the basin method of irrigating trees. Much of
our land is sandy to the depth of several feet, with but little humus in
its composition. Water applied to the surface soon disappears by the
action of gravitation, and there seems to be but little capillary attraction
to either draw it sidewise or to bring it to the surface again. We have
heard and read with interest discussions of the dust-mulch theory, by
which frequent shallow cultivation of the surface is to take the place of
irrigation, and possibly of rain, moisture being supplied by capillary
attraction from below, and from a limited trial we think well of it, but
still I believe the efficacy of this practice will depend largely upon the
character of the soil and subsoil, and that the owner of a deep, sandy
soil, though he scratch it ever so diligently, will still occasionally sigh
for a little rain or water to freshen things up.
Again, that method of irrigation which has been practiced with such
excellent results by some fruitgrowers, of hauling water in tanks or bar-
rels and pouring it into basins around the tree, and covering the moist
earth with loose, dry dirt to prevent evaporation, depends largely for its
success upon the power of the soil to retain moisture, and I question
whether it would be found profitable in a dry, sandy soil.
Other causes, which produce many variations in methods of distrib-
uting water in irrigation, are the contour of the ground or the lay of the
land, and the nature of the crop to be irrigated. Thus, with land that is
level or nearly so, and for crops whose roots do not penetrate the ground
permanently to a considerable depth, and which pay a sufficient profit to
a given area to justify the expense, there is no doubt that sub-irrigation,
by means of tiles or other conductors laid under ground, works well and
is specially useful if the water supply is limited; for, while it is costly in
money, it is economical of water. But for general orchard use there are
serious objections toit. First, it is too expensive; second, there is danger
that the tree roots will penetrate the tiles and clog them; and third,
where the ground is undulating it seems to me that sub-irrigation must
fail, as the pressure of the water in the tiles will force it to the surface at
the low points, and produce such an unequal distribution of the water as
to render the system unsatisfactory.
Now, a few words as to the methods we have adopted and our reasons
for adopting them. The land we desired to irrigate consists of about
sixty acres, elevated from forty to forty-five feet above the Kalamazoo
river, which is our water supply, and about twenty acres more of bottom
land along the river, from five to ten feet above the water level. The
contour is gently rolling, with a main ridge running nearly through the
farm from east to west, from which, generally speaking, the land slopes
to the north and south. But this general slope is occasionally broken by
slight ridges and ravines, which interfere seriously with the flow of water
in ditches run from the main ridge. We first satisfied ourselves that
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 207
water would not sink away so rapidly in such sandy soil as to render irri-
gation in open ditches impracticable, by pouring water from pails into
small ditches and observing how far successive pailsful would flow, and
from the first we have been surprised to see how far water can be con-
ducted over the hot, dry sand. Then the more serious question came, of
how to raise the large quantity of water we would need to the height of
more than forty feet.
Two general plans presented themselves. One was to use a large wind-
mill or several smaller ones, and store the water in a reservoir until
needed. The question whether the windmills would do their part gave
us no trouble. We knew they would, but the building of a reservoir on
that sand ridge, to hold such a quantity of water, was more than we cared
to undertake. To merely scoop it out of the sand and try to fill it would
be like pumping water into a sieve; and whether we could fix it by pud-
dling with clay or by cementing the bottom and sides so it would hold
water and withstand the action of frost, were questions which we could
not answer; and, having an abundant water supply, we decided to force
the water where we wanted to use it, as fast as needed, without storing
it. We therefore procured a ten-horsepower traction engine, such as is
commonly used with threshing-machines, a rotary or centrifugal pump
with a capacity of twenty barrels per minute, and 2,500 feet of four-inch
iron pipe, with the requisite elbows, tees, plugs, water-gates, etc. We
lay the pipe through the middle of the field to be irrigated, as nearly as
may be, following a ridge when convenient, placing tee-openings or water-
gates every few rods. Then we make small ditches or furrows with a
horse and single shovel-plow, along the rows of trees or crops. Then,
where the land slopes away from the pipe, we admit the water directly
from the pipe into these ditches, dividing it between several of them, as
the flow is too great to be confined in one ditch, and it usually requires
two men to manage the water in the ditches. They dig shallow basins
around the trees, varying in size with the size of the trees, in which the
water is allowed to stand until the ground around the roots is thoroughly
soaked. We were at first greatly puzzled to know how to get over or
around the slight ridges and ravines that actually exist in a field which
appears to the eye to be quite level. It was evident that it would be
impracticable to be continually moving the heavy iron pipe so as to reach
all of the little elevations, and to reach them by conducting the water in
main ditches, by banking up through the depressions, or by going around
them, required much time and labor and resulted in great loss of water;
but we finally hit upon a plan for making water run up hill, by using a
home-made hose of heavy ticking or of duck, making it an inch or more
larger than the iron pipe, so as to reduce the pressure of the water; and
this plan works admirably. We can carry the water across small ridges
and ravines with but little loss, and much more expeditiously than we
could in open ditches. We make the hose in lengths of forty or fifty
feet, and for couplings had galvanized-iron pipes made about eighteen
inches long, a little smaller than the hose, and with a few ridges run
around each end, like those around the ends of a length of stovepipe.
With a little practice two pieces of hose can be quickly connected by
inserting the ends of this pipe into the ends of the two pieces of hose and
tying them firmly with twine. The ridges around the pipe keep the hose
208 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
and twine from slipping. We had about 300 feet of this hose in use, and
it is just the thing for conducting the water over slight undulations, but
of course would not stand much pressure.
Now, a few words as to the results of our experiments. We have had
but little opportunity of trying the effect of irrigation upon bearing
fruit trees. We first commenced pumping about August 1, 1894, and
the only bearing trees watered that season were 400 peach trees; and,
late as it was, these peaches when run through the grader showed a grati-
fying increase in size, when compared with others from the same orchard
not watered. That season we also watered a young plum and cherry
orchard with strawberries between the rows. The drouth had already
seriously injured the strawberries, but we had the satisfaction of seeing
everything within reach of the water revive and put out a fresh, new
growth. Last spring we commenced pumping about the middle of June
and kept it up for six weeks continuously, until the rains began the last
of July. The peaches on this farm, and the bearing strawberries, had
been mostly killed by the May freezing, and the only bearing fruit trees
watered were about 200 pears and a few apples. The pears were very
fine, much finer than they had been for three years before. The apples
were noticeably larger than those in the same orchard not watered, but
most of our irrigating this year has been on land set to young peach,
cherry and plum trees, with strawberries, potatoes, beans, and corn
between the rows. The trees have done finely, most of them having made
as much growth as we wished, and the beneficial effect of the water upon
the crops grown among the trees was very noticeable when compared
with similar crops grown upon similar land without water. Both years
we were delayed in beginning our work by unsuccessful attempts to
get our water supply from two creeks which proved inadequate, and the
early drouth had done considerable damage before we were ready to com-
bat it; and if any one succeeds in putting a system of irrigation into
practical operation in a new field, without meeting with some vexatious
delays, and without learning some things that he did not know before,
and paying full tuition for his schooling, his experience will be that much
happier than ours. But we now have our machinery and fuel ready to
begin operations on short notice, with an ample supply of water and with
everything in excellent working order; and, while we realize that much
of our work is still in the experimental stage, we are in no wise discour-
aged in our determination to test the practical value of irrigation in a
Michigan orchard. We have upon this farm ten thousand trees—peach,
pear, apple, plum, and cherry—to which we expect soon to add four
thousand more, all within reach of our irrigating plant; and we believe
that if the benefit to our young trees could be shown it would even now
prove a profitable venture, and as our orchards come more fully into bear-
ing we hope to be able to furnish convincing proofs of the cash-in-hand
profits to be derived from irrigation by the fruitgrowers of the state.
‘N
DISCUSSION.
Q. Will Mr. Williams give us an idea as to about the number of acres,
the area, and the cost?
A. The question is a difficult onewto answer. It depends on what
you are irrigating and the lay of the land.
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 209
.
Q. I would be glad if you can tell us, in your own case, of the number
of acres you planned for and the cost.
A. In irrigating corn, we ran the water along the rows and between
rows. With this method of irrigation, we could water, I should think,
two, three, or possibly four acres per day, where the land lies very well.
Just watering trees, I think we could, on our ground, water from five to
_ten acres per day of young trees. Old trees take more time, water, and
work, and the cost of running the plant is from five to six dollars per day.
Q. The point I was especially anxious about was the first expense. I
wish to compare it with other figures. For instance, Prof. Taft told us
that the amount properly chargeable to ten acres is $500. If you are
irrigating twenty acres, what would be the total cost of your plant, ready
to irrigate those twenty acres?
A. We have a plant that is ready to irrigate about eighty acres.
Twenty are bottom land and sixty acres are upland. The cost thus far,
for engine, pump, and pipe and appliances, would fall between $900 and
$1,000. We obtained our engine cheap. It was a second-hand engine,
and the owner was willing to dispose of it reasonably, and we took a
mechanical engineer there and he said he could make it as good as new.
The repairs cost us more than the engine, but altogether the expense was
‘not much more than a third the cost of a new one, and we have 2,500
feet of pipe that will go clear to the other end of the farm; and by the
use of this hose we can reach every foot of ground on the farm.
Q. A thousand-dollar plant, then, with its appliances, can irrigate
eighty acres of land?
A. Yes, but that does not include the- work, and there is much work
that must be put into the first cost of the plant. If you could just have
a plant set down on your farm, that would be the cost of it. If you are
going to put it there yourself, it will cost something to do it. That
would be a considerable part of the cost of the plant with us, because of
those experiments that I have mentioned, where we undertook to get our
water supply and save a few hundred feet of pipe. The experiment cost
us five or ten times what the pipe would.
Mr. Fifield: At what time is it best to make this application for sur-
face irrigation—what time of day?
A. O, any time of the day, but don’t apply water to the foliage; we do
not do that at all.
Q. Wouldn’t you prefer, as a matter of economy, the latter part of
the day?
A. We have followed the habit of having a cultivator follow after the
irrigation and keep the surface stirred; just as soon as the water sinks
out of the way, to have the surface soil stirred.
Prof. Tracy: I would like to call attention to one fact, that I think
those who have not had experience lose sight of. It is not a question so
much of the contour of the land as it is of the character of the soil.
Many of our Michigan fields which lie level, people think because there
is a stream near they can be easily and cheaply irrigated. That is not
necessarily so. So far as my observation has gone, upon the irrigated
plains of southwestern Kansas and California, the question of the char-
~ acter of the soil and its availability for irrigation is an important one,
and in order to decide what soil can be irrigated—well, it is a question
27
210 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
®
which can not be answered except by some such experiment as Mr. Wil-
liams reported. It is a matter that must be examined carefully before
any expenditure can be profitably made. .
Mr. Vandervoort: Is it possible to irrigate a few acres with a driven
well, where you have to draw your supply from seventy feet?
Prof. Taft: Ithink so. If one well will not do, drive four or five, and
pump from all, and have reservoirs to provide for the dry season. Store
up in advance, and use the water as necessary; but seventy feet are
rather more than I would care to pump. If you can get water within
thirty to forty feet, you can get twice the water with the same power
that you can at seventy feet.
Mr. Morrill: Many of these tubular wells find water at seventy to one
hundred feet, and it rises readily to within twenty or thirty feet of the
surface. It is the water level that counts.
Prof. Taft: By the use of gasoline engines, something of that kind,
that you can rely on to furnish power, you can irrigate sandy soil and get
a large amount of water upon it. In this section there are a number of
pumping plants, using in some cases traction engines, and pumping
perhaps, in one case, a thousand gallons per minute—thirty barrels, per-
haps, per minute. That comes from several driven wells fastened to- |
gether. Smaller plants have a smaller number of wells and apply directly
to the surface.
Mr. Tracy: In southwestern Kansas, near Garden City, the majority
of the farmers have individual irrigating plants. Those plants are, with-
out exception (I have seen hundreds of them and examined many of
them), run by windmills of the ordinary size seen on farms, or perhaps a
twelve-foot mill, and they use a pump made especially for the purpose,
of greater calibre than the ordinary pump. The ordinary pump is seven
inches—that is, the tube is seven inches in diameter, and they pump the
water into earthen reservoirs, built by scraping out the soil, the man doing
it himself during the winter months; and they line these reservoirs with
puddled clay and with brick laid sidewise, and then covered with cement
or clay; and then are careful to keep this full during the winter to prevent
injury from frost. In one case I found a man had protected his by cover-
ing it with coarse manure; but those plants are to be seen everywhere
near Garden City, and they have revolutionized the whole country. I
would say that thousands of dollars have been spent by eastern capital-
ists in that same section, running irrigating ditches from the river, and
these individual plants which pump up the water are evidently going
to lead to disuse of the ditch almost entirely. These individual plants
have been proven to be the most profitable way and the cheapest, to solve
the problem in that section, and I have often thought that in Michigan,
with all due respect for the possibility of irrigation on those desert plains,
that there is no state in this country where the possibilities of advantage
and of added profit are so great, from irrigation, as in the state of Michi-
gan. AsI pass through the state onthecars,it is rarely that there is not in
sight from the car window some field which, if the soil is suitable, is so
located that it is perfectly possible to irrigate it and make it profitable.
I believe that in the future this question of irrigation will come to be one
of the factors which will help greatly in solving the problem of profitable
farming in Michigan.
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 211
Mr. Morrill: Professor Tracy, in speaking of Garden City, I think
there is one thing that you perhaps omitted to mention. You know the
conditions there. Their water supply is almost inexhaustible, and only
from twelve to eighteen feet below the surface. It is a subirrigated
country. I know that I have seen the plains near the Arkansas river,
with the sand driven over them in clouds by the wind; then there would
come a drove of cattle to the spot, three to five hundred head of them.
They would stop and soon be drinking the water around their feet. They
would leave that and go on, and in two hours the sand would be flying
again. You will understand that that is the case in Garden City, that the
power required is slight.
Mr. Tracy: The supply is apparently inexhaustible, but hardly so
near the surface as reported. Most of the wells need to be dug twenty
or thirty feet. Most have to raise water twenty feet to bring it to the
surface. Their reservoir is usually nine feet high, making thirty feet to
raise the water.
Mr. Collar: There are some lands not susceptible to irrigation. How
can we find out what is best to irrigate?
A. Every man will have to determine that for himself, from informa-
tion gained from books, and at such gatherings as this, and so on.
Prof. McCleur: There is one place in our state (Illinois) where irri-
gation is being tried to a considerable extent—at the asylum for insane
at Kankakee. It was started this year. Their source is the Kankakee
river. They had their own pumping plant for supplying the asylum with
water; and for irrigating, the pipe was simply extended to the farm.
They did not do any experimenting; they had a man from the west, famil-
iar with irrigating, to do it for them. I happened to be there this fall,
when they were putting water on one field, and was much surprised at
the apparent amount of water they used in irrigating the cabbage field.
Thev had the rows banked up and were running a furrow of water
between every two rows; the rows were perhaps forty inches long; and
while they did not know how much water they were putting on, it could
not have been less than six to eight inches at one application. I asked
the man about this water, earlier in the season. He said that when they
began they put on enough water to start the tiles to running, and that
means a good deal of water. They had watered their fields from one to
three times. I was there in September. That is not very often, but
they said it was often enough. They didn’t keep an account of the
results, but, in a general way, there was no doubt that their crop of this
year was at least double that of last year, the two seasons being some-
what similar.
Q. Do you mean that for an entire covering of the surface?
A. Yes.
@. That would mean six or seven thousand barrels to the acre.
A. It means lots of water, but the water was covering half the ground,
as [sawit. The furrows were forty rods long and the water standing in
these furrows the full length; and the man didn’t know exactly, but it
looked as though it had been standing there some time, and you couldn’t
have gone on to the ground at all.
212 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
PROPER IRRIGATION.
BY MR. J. N. STHARNS OF SOUTH HAVEN.
From my observation I have no doubt that more trees are killed every
year by the improper application of water than are saved by right appli-
cation.
How often we see the newly planted tree treated to two or three pails
of water on the surface, and then left to its fate for several weeks, until
perhaps the appearance of the tree warns the planter it is suffering for
the want of moisture; and then the same mode of watering is again used.
Water should never be applied to the surface about a newly planted
tree, unless the tree is mulched with some coarse material or the water
put on just at night, and then the soil thoroughly stirred the next morn-
ing. My mode of planting, if the weather is very dry, is, when the roots
of the tree are covered, or about two thirds of the hole filled, to tramp
thoroughly, and then turn in a pail of water. When this has settled
away, around the roots, fill in the rest of the soil and never tramp this.
A tree so planted will stand for weeks without suffering for moisture,
if the surface is kept stirred with cultivator or steel rake.
If it should become necessary to apply water, never put it on the sur-
face, but make a hole near the body of the tree and over the roots, of suf-
ficient size to hold a pail of water; and when soaked away about the
roots return the soil and leave it loose as it is raked in.
AsI suppose this topic is to deal more with bearing fruits, I will simply
give my experience and practice along this line. The four past seasons
have been extremely dry, so much so we begin to think that we, like
California, will have to depend on some plan of irrigation; and I have
been practicing this more or less four years, and I am fully satisfied,
in respect to plums alone, for the past two years, I have had from 500 to
1,000 baskets more by this means, as I have had four good crops in suc-
cession, which is a rare thing in plums, as they bear so heavily that, in
such dry seasons, the trees are taxed severely to mature the crop, and,
unless they can have some help, in the way of water and fertilizers, they
will make no new wood and fruit buds for the next season.
_ Now, what is true of the plum is true in a measure of other fruits.
But I will say here, if I had just the right soil (and that would be a
good sandy soil) and plenty of well rotted manure and ashes, with the »
proper amount of cultivation, I could grow a good crop of plums and
peaches if we had no rain from time of blossoming to that of maturity
of the fruit, and without irrigation. Here comes in the importance of
intensive cultivation, at which I have only time to hint. But it so hap-
pens that a large portion of my orchard is planted on heavy clay soil,
and with all the cultivation I can give I can not keep up the proper
amount of moisture without the application of water; and having so
much to do I have made it a study to make the least amount of water do
the most good. I have found this to be accomplished by keeping the sur-
face pulverized, and as fine as possible, up to time of commencing the irri-
gation, which is done by hoeing the soil away from the tree, down nearly
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 213
to the roots. This forms a dam out nearly as far as the branches extend.
Then turn in from thirty to fifty gallons of water, according to size of
tree and amount of fruit it is bearing. When this water soaks away,
the soil should be immediately hoed back into place. This fine soil acts
as a mulch, holding the water about the roots, and it is of much benefit
if the surface can be stirred as often as once each week afterward. I
have found this moisture plainly discernible two and three weeks after
application.
To derive the greatest benefit from irrigation, it should be commenced
as soon as there is any danger of the trees suffering from drouth, and
should be repeated in two or three weeks, if sufficient rain has not fallen
in that time.
While I have not been able to materially increase the size of the fruit
by irrigation, I am fully satisfied I have added quite materially to the
quality, and kept up the vigor of the tree, thus enabling it to produce a
700d crop the next season; and I believe if we commenced soon enough,
and applied often, it would increase the size considerably.
I have to haul water about one mile, and with two men and team
can irrigate about eighty trees per day. With water on the farm, and an
additional man, this number could be doubled. |
IRRIGATION IN 1896.
BY MR. S. S. BAILEY OF EAST PARIS.
The subject of irrigation has lost none of its interest during the great
drouth of the past season. People have felt as never before the neces-
sity of availing themselves of all the accessible water that can be hus-
banded and utilized for watering crops.
The question of cost is the main one hereafter to be considered. Where
water is available without first elevating it, the cost is a mere fraction
compared with the benefits derived. The extra crops in one year of seri-
ous drouth often pay all the first cost of the irrigating plant. Such
has been my experience in several instances, and besides paying all
expenses they leave a large profit.
By a little engineering, small streams and spring brooks can be carried
around and along the feet of hills and turned upon land where the crops
are suffering for want of water; or conveyed into reservoirs or ponds, t»
be used when wanted. After establishing the grade with a level, so that
you know just where the line is to run, the necessary excavation can be
made mostly with the plow and scraper, at a very small cost.
Where the water must first be elevated and the supply is ample, and
the plat to be irrigated is not too extensive, a large hydraulic ram can be
used, if there is sufficient fall from the source to where the ram is located.
An arrangement of that kind once established may be considered a
permanent fixture, for the ram never tires and seldom gets out of order
if properly set up and well protected.
214 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
If windmills or steam or electrical power are to be used, the cost will
necessarily be increased, and crops must be selected that will warrant
the investment. Intensive culture must be resorted to to make the
investment pay.
Two great mistakes in irrigation are made, one in not commencing
soon enough, expecting rain to come in time to prevent serious drouth;
and the other is in giving too much water without long enough inter.
mission. Such has been my experience, this season, especially the first.
‘The length of time needed between the waterings depends very much on
the nature and porosity of the soil and the subsoil. Plants want air to
breathe as well as water to drink, and they get it mostly through their
leaves; but they need air at the roots, and the ground should be allowed
to dry out to a certain extent, so that the surface may be cultivated and
the air allowed to find its way to the roots of plants, conveying with it
such fertilizing elements as it may contain. The fertilizing elements in
air, question it as much as we may, are a very potent factor in the growth
of plants. Experiments with the feeding of roots in connection with
other foods, shows that better results are obtained than the nutritive ©
elements in roots would warrant. Soit may be with a good supply of air
mixed in with the food of plants. The nutritive elements may not be
great, but such as they are they seem indispensable, and we should
practice airing as well as irrigation.
Wherever I have irrigated judiciously the past season, as well as the
year previous, the crops have been more than double those on similar
land not irrigated. Late planted corn for silo, on land where it could
not be watered, gave very poor returns; but of such as was irrigated,
planted at the same time, the yield was all one could ask. Rye sown the
last of August, for fall feed, where irrigated, got an enormous growth
in a very short time; while that not watered made slow and feeble
growth and gave very little fall pasture.
On my brother’s farm adjoining my own is a flowing well about 150
feet deep. This gives a continuous stream through an inch-and-a-half
pipe. The water has been utilized the past summer for irrigating the
vegetable garden, with most decided benefit. He never had such a pro-
ductive garden before. This well will pay big interest on its cost every
year, for the garden only. This well, including piping, cost less than
$75.
This state is well supplied with water, within as well as around it.
The surrounding waters are of vast benefit to the state, without any
effort or outlay on our part. The waters within the state, a vast amount
of them, are at our service, and can be made to contribute to our pleasure
as well as profit, so soon as we can by experiment and intelligent investi-
gation learn how best to use them, at a cost warranting the expenditure
for their control and distribution.
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 215
AN EXPERIMENT IN KENT COUNTY.
BY MR. M. HUNTER OF LOWELL.
As I experimented some during the severe drouth of last summer, [
will state my mode of doing the work and the benefits I received from
it. We have two peach orchards, one of them on as good soil as there is
in' Kent county, the other on light sand with a sand subsoil. As the dry
season continued, we found we had to do something for our sandy
orchard, if we were to get any fruit fit to put on the market. The fruit
was all drying up and becoming badly withered and shriveled. First, we
uncovered the roots of the trees, made a basin or reservoir large enough
to hold a sufficient quantity of water. We used a tank that would hold
all the water a good team could draw from a brook half a mile away.
We use from fifteen to twenty-five gallons of water, according to the
size of the trees. The next thing we did, as soon as the water soaked in,
was to put the dry sand and dust back, level up nicely around the tree,
stopping evaporation and holding all the moisture we had put in, and in
from twenty-four to thirty-six hours our withered and shriveled peaches
were plumped nicely and looked all right, and when the time came to
market them we had nicer and larger fruit of all varieties in our sand-hill
orchard than we had in our best orchard on good fruit land. The latter
was well cultivated but not irrigated nor watered. I wish to make one
more remark, and that is, on examination of the trees we watered I never
found that the water we put in entirely evaporated or came nearer than
within about three inches of the surface. This is my first experience
with irrigation and it netted me a large profit.
TWO IRRIGATION EXPERIMENTS IN ALLEGAN COUNTY.
BY SECRETARY REID.
Concerning this matter.of irrigation in actual practice, I chance to
know of two experiments which have been made in Allegan county, each
so successful as to be worth noticing.
The first relates mainly to farm crops, but it no less demonstrates the
feasibility of the principle applied to fruit plantations. It was made by
Mr. Alfred Lonsbury of Watson, who applied water to a field of about four °
acres. Much of Mr. Lonsbury’s farm may be very easily watered from a
spring brook, and all of it may be irrigated without great expense simp!y
by damming the brook and making it operate a ram or wheel and pump.
There are hundreds of acres along the valley below him which may be
almost as readily treated. The result of his experiment this year has
caused him to determine to clear a lot of about fifteen acres for irrigation
next year if the season requires. In the field he had this year three
varieties of corn, but mostly two kinds of dent, one known in the county
as “Pony” (having small ears of very hard grain of excellent quality) and
216 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
the other Early Mastodon, a kind having exceedingly large ears, origi- |
nating in Yates county, New York. During the last week in August, Mr.
Lonsbury brought to my office stalks of the latter, which were only a fair
sample of the whole, which were then eleven feet high, and the “Pony”
kind was not much shorter. Every stalk in the field, practically, had
a well-developed ear upon it, many having two. Planting was done May
15, and on the 12th of August the kernels were so far matured as to show
their dents.
The field was irrigated by two methods, part of it by running the water
over the surface, between the rows, the other by simply stopping the ditch ©
(a flowing brook) and letting the water soak out through the soil. There
seems to be no difference in result between the two treatments. Five
applications of the water were made, the first June 17, the others at
intervals of about two weeks. Cultivation followed as soon as possible
after the first three waterings, but after that the pumpkin vines pre-
vented. Another portion of the irrigated land was in cabbages and pota-
toes, both of which crops grew wonderfully. The corn was planted only
three feet apart between hills, Mr. Lonsbury thinking that sufficient in
view of the advantage of irrigation. The soil is a dark loam, not mucky.
In the autumn, Mr. Lonsbury brought me samples of the crops. The
pumpkins, to begin with, were of the common variety, but of most uncom-
mon size. The cabbages were Burpee’s All-Head Early, and produced
many heads ten to fifteen pounds in weight, although it is not a large-
growing sort. I have not learned as to the yield of potatoes, but it was
very large and the tubers were in fine condition and quality. At the
time of bringing the samples, Mr. Lonsbury had not husked the Early
Mastodon corn, but the Pony kind had been found to yield at the rate of
160 bushels of ears per acre. The result was on the whole so satisfactory
as to convince Mr. Lonsbury of the practical utility of irrigation, in his
case, at least. He will next season convey the water to his field of straw-
berries, and use it if necessary.
The second experiment was made by Messrs. George E. and Perry P.
Weed of Saugatuck township. Adjoining their peach orchards is a brook,
and a small one, too, it seems to be for the accomplishment of so much
good as it is capable of doing. A dam makes a pond, and from this the
water is taken by means of a hot-air compression engine of a few horse-
power. Water is taken along the highest land in the orchards by means
of 3,800 feet of two-inch pipe. At distances of eighty feet are plugs for
use of hose and troughs. By use of these they practice the basin system
of irrigation, the same as that of Mr. Stearns of South Haven. The earth
is scraped back from the tree several feet and about ten barrels of water
applied to each tree, the earth being replaced so soon as the water dis-
appeared. This was done each two or three weeks, and this is deemed
sufficient for such a dry season as that of 1895, although the watering
should have begun earlier and therefore been applied once or twice more
in the fore part of the season. It was not applied till the middle of
June, by which time the very light soil had become exceedingly dry.
This equipment is sufficient for ten to twenty acres of orchard, but in the
case of these gentlemen it can be extended simply by use of more pipe.
They applied the water to their strawberries, using hose and practic-
ing surface irrigation. Two pickings had been made before application of
the water, and the fruit had grown small in the heat and dryness, but
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 217
increased in size so much afterward that the last picking was better than
the first. The berries were watered during two weeks. Next year an
earlier beginning will be made, should the season require it.
The cost of operating the plant was found to he but $2.40 per day.
The owners of this plant were so well pleased with the results of its
operation that they will extend it another year. Their peaches, which
must certainly have been very small, in the light soil, were as large as
in favorable years, were more highly colored, and in quality left nothing
to be desired, according to their kind.
SHADE TREES.
BY MR. GEO. B. HORTON OF FRUIT RIDGE.
“A place for everything and everything in its.place,” is the maxim of
the good housekeeper and the successful farmer. In fact, this principle
is at the bottom of all successful operations. Shade trees give protection
from the hot suns of summer and the cold blasts of winter; they please
the eye, they gratify and refine the tastes, and they ornament the fields,
the lawns, the parks, and the roadsides. To make them useful and
pleasant to the fullest extent, their location must be carefully studied
and their care adapted to the needs of each.
Dame Nature, in her profuse decoration of the earth’s surface, does not
to the casual observer seem to follow the rules of order very much; but
if you study, and learn to understand her ways, you discover a kind
of careless adaptability of everything to the place it occupies, that is
really charming. Every tree, shrub, and flower seems to be perfectly
located, and surrounded in a way to give the best effect. Who has not
peered out from the car window, when riding along through rustie
parts of the country, and noted, as the ever-changing panoramic views
flashed across his vision, how appropriately the trees skirted the brows of
the hills, while others stood guard along the winding streams, and the
foliage was all so beautifully blended? The little evergreens and vines
cling to the creviced rocks, and so gracefully hang as if to hide from
view the source of the little rill of water that courses down. How we
would all like to roam through woods, over hills, and along streams
where the despoiler, man, has never trod, and witness for once the
unbroken works of nature! Man destroys and then attempts to replace
and rebuild, but he always falls far short of the original. Genius is lack-
ing and life is too short. He can not, however, do better in all his
efforts at ornamentation with trees than to study and carefully observe
nature’s ways, in their location, and then let time and nature do the
perfecting part. It takes many years after planting to secure a perfect
effect with trees, for some of them should be sufficiently large that the
_ buildings may be seen through under the lower branches for best effect.
“What a ruthless destroyer is man, to cut down a fine shade tree from
the roadside or garden, that he may raise a few more hills of corn! The
only blame I Jay at the feet of the pioneer is that he did not anticipate the
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218 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
beauty of the country fifty years ahead, and so leave here and there, in
out-of-the-way places, more trees that nature had planted and rooted.
It could have been done in so many places, with no material disadvantage
to the cultivation of the soil.
Shade trees about the home speak of refined tastes within. As you
ride through a country naked and barren of trees about the buildings
and other favorable places, you are at once impressed with the thought
that the people are behind the times and lacking in progressive spirit.
In such localities we naturally look for poor schoolhouses. True, that
natural conditions have much to do with this. A low, flat country that
needs all of the warmth of the sun, and thorough drainage, to make
it productive, is at a disadvantage; but even there a man can
with his own labor so build and elevate by grading that his lawn
and farm yards can be beautified with trees, and thus add com-
forts and value to the home. Shade trees in the fields should be
placed around watering-places, along lanes and short bluffy places
that can not be cultivated. It is also useful and ornamental to
set trees in a thicket, and of such kinds as will make dense shade
from the ground up, and so located on the north and west sides of barn- .
yards that they may serve as a shield against the cold of winter. Great
improvement has been made in the general appearance about barns, the
last few years, and chief among them was moving the straw stacks
and stock from the front to the rear of the barn, so that the front yards
may grass over. Now, by setting out two or three trees in suitable
places in such a yard, still further attractions will be added to the place.
Those who have shade trees in lawns must make the best of them
where they are, and so surround and fill in the margins as to give
artistic effect. In preparing for new lawns with trees, take plenty of
room. The ground is not wasted, and a large farm lawn can be more
easily cared for tham a small one. Properly grade the ground before
setting out the trees. Like a picture, a lawn must have a background.
Of all the attractive places one sees in riding through the country, none
is more pleasing than the home built on the side of a hill, and the rise
of ground back of the house covered with orchard or woods trees. It
does not give a good effect to have the row of trees by the roadside in
front of the house, so that the passer by looks under and through them
out into nothing beyond. The rows of trees should be back of the
house and set quite close together, for a background to the scene; and
then in front set a very few in irregular order, so that the term “careless
adaptability” will apply.
As to the kinds of trees each one must set, use judgment in accord-
ance with location, soil, etc. Trees must be healthy to look well. Com-
mon forest trees that are natural to the place will always thrive best.
In a fair-size lawn, two or three evergreen trees set a little at one side
and back will give a pleasing variety. No improvement about the premi-
ses is so perpetual in dispensing satisfactory results as growing shade
trees. As you sit in old age under the branches of the maple or elm you
planted when a young man, with your children and even to the third
generation about you, what field work of your life will give you more
pleasure?
We answer, none.
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 219
GARDENS FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY HOMES.
BY PROF. W. W. TRACY OF DETROIT.
In the very beginning of the history of our race the edict was pro-
nounced, that henceforth man should live by the sweat of his brow; and
ever since then he has been trying to escape it, even trying to find some
way to live without labor. And has he succeeded? The regular click-
thud of the spinning jenny, doing under the guidance of one hand that
which formerly required an hundred, and doing it better than they could
possibly do it; the clitter-clatter of our mowing machines and reapers,
taking the place of aching backs and stiffened arms in the cutting of our
grass and grain, all answer, yes. But the weary, tired Jook on the faces
of the men who pour out of our mills at night after their ten, twelve,
or fourteen hours of labor; the shortened lives of our professional and
business men; your experience and mine, all give a far more emphatic.
if not a louder, negative answer. And this must always be so, for he who
uttered that edict was not a man that he should lie, or the son of man that
his words should come to naught; and whatever might have been, we are
so constituted that no sooner do we by wit or wisdom contrive some
plan by which we can do in one hour that which formerly required an
hundred, than some new want or desire, the gratification of which is
absolutely essential to our happiness, to our comfort, even, springs up to
demand the labor of the remaining ninety-nine.
The great question, then, is not how to escape labor, since that is
impossible, but how may we get the greatest good from our labor? In
considering such a question it is well to look at the past and see how the
labor of man nas been expended. Beneath the desert sands of Egypt we
find buried cities, the monuments of the labor of those who lived thou-
sands of years ago. If we examine this work we will find it replete with
ornament, and evidence everywhere that these workers aimed to please
the eye. Travelers tell us that modern towns of Greece and Italy are
built of the fragments of sculptured marble that formed the ornament of
the ancient cities. Surely, if we judge of what our predecessors valued
by the products of their labors which they have left behind, we must con-
clude that a large part of that labor was for the sake of the beautiful.
But ours is a utilitarian age, and in it and among our busy, money-
making, money-loving people, we shall find no such foolish waste of labor
for the sake of appearance. Are you sure? Think of how large a pro-
portion of the labor necessary to convert the wool into the clothes you
wear was spent to please the eye. Look about you here, or in the plain-
est home, and see how much of the labor, the evidence of which you see,
was spent for looks’ sake. No, man always has—he does and he always
will—spend a large proportion of his labor, over and above what is neces-
sary to supply his mere animal wants, those he has in common with the
brute, for the sake of the beautiful.
Let us go higher and look at the work of the Almighty, as we see it in
nature. A leaf is a contrivance to expose a large surface of matter to be
\
220 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
acted on by the atmosphere without hindering the circulation of the air
or liability to injury by wind and storm. For this purpose a simple disk
hung on a pliant stem is the easiest made, and as good aformasany. Are
all leaves made that way? How much of the labor we would have to
expend to clothe the earth as it is with plants, would be saved if we would
make all trees and plants alike so far as form is concerned. And doesn’t
the extra labor necessary to give them the varied and beautiful forms
they wear indicate that their maker cared for the beautiful? Was not
the beauty of the lily, exceeding that of Solomon in all his glory, cited
in proof that God cared for it? Can we look at God’s work anywhere
and escape the conviction that he loves beauty? There is not a mother
here but has seen her baby smilingly stretch out its hand for the bright
ribbon at her throat. Was there ever a child that was not pleased with a
bright fiower? But how often the beauty-loving child grows up into a
man who cares nothing for beauty, who thinks any time spent for the
sake of beauty is time wasted!
_ Why should this be? Is it not clear that it is the result of want of
exercise of the faculty of seeing and enjoying beauty? We are told that
were a man of the highest intellect shut up so as to have absolutely no
intercourse with his fellow-men, and no chance for the exercise of his
mental powers, it would be but a short time before he would become
insane. Is it strange, then, that a child growing up and never hearing
beauty referred to, with no opportunity to express and develop his love
for it, should lose that love, should become a man to whom
‘*A primrose by the river’s brim
A yellow primrose was to him,
And it was nothing more’’?
But you say that there are no fixed principles nor rules of beauty; that
it is a matter of taste and not of education. The belle in Africa bores a
hole in her nose from which she dangles her ornaments, and covering
her neck and breast, for modesty’s sake, dances with bare arms and legs
and body in the sunshine, proud to be so beautifully dressed. The belle
of Adrian bores holes in her ears from which she dangles her ornaments,
and covering her body all but her neck and breast, for modesty’s sake,
dances beneath the electric light satisfied that she is dressed so as to
show her beauty to the best advantage. Everywhere men make things
which they think are beautiful, but which others look upon as hideous.
But does this want of unity of opinion as to what is beautiful prove that
there is no such thing as absolute beauty? The thugs of India believe
it is their duty to rob and murder. In my own city there is a group of
people who believe it is the right thing to do what other people consider
wrong. Everywhere some men consider certain things wrong that their
neighbors consider right. Are we because of this to sing the song of des-
pair, and cry out
“There is no God, there is no good,
And faith is a heartless cheat
That bares the back for the devil’s rod,
And seatters thorns for the feet’?
No, the want of an universal conception of what is right does not prove
that there is no such thing as absolute right—no need of studying its prin-
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 221
ciples. No more does the want of a universal conception of beauty prove
that there is no such thing as absolute beauty, nor advantage in studying
its. principles.
But how shall we educate our children in these lines? It is a fact
that the human heart is naturally so selfish and vain that it is always the
tendency of the leaders in any branch of human knowledge to so formu-
late the statements of it as to magnify the importance of their own
specific knowledge on that subject. Thus, the doctrines and dogmas of
the church all tend to magnify the importance of the clergy; our laws are
so shaped as to give increased importance to the lawyer; and when artists
try to educate people in knowledge of beauty, the tendency is to direct
attention to the art rather than to the beauty of which the art is an
expression. Ruskin tells us that all beauty has its origin in some thought
of the Creator expressed in; natural forms. Certainly every form anil
shade of beauty finds an expression in the plants which one may grow
even in the temperate climate; and as a horticulturist I naturally tend
to magnify the value of the garden as a school of beauty.
But a child’s moral character is developed far more by the daily influ-
ence of those about him than from a study of the doctrines of the church.
A man’s habits of lawlessness or law-abiding are more the outcome of
his daily experience than of his knowledge of the statutes, and I am not
sure that a large garden is the best place to develop a boy’s love of the
beautiful, especially if he is asked to do most of the disagreeable work
of caring for it.
Did you ever think how everything that is really worth anything in
this world is free to everybody, is the free gift of the Creator, thus show-
ing the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God? How much is
honor worth as compared with love? Can you buy love? Is it not just as
possible to the beggar as to the king? How much is wealth worth, com-
pared with health; and can anybody own, accumulate, any more health
than he can use? Can the health of the world be “cornered”? George
Vanderbilt may own a Carolina landscape to the horizon, but can he get
any more of its beauty than the poorest man that looks at it? My neigh-
bor may, at the cost of hundreds of dollars, establish a beautiful garden;
but after he has enjoyed is beauty to the utmost, there is just as much
for me. Love, health, beauty, are the gifts of God to his children, and
he gives them so lavishly that every one can have all he can enjoy, and
no one, be he ever so strong, ever so shrewd, can take a single iota more
than he can enjoy.
What I plead for, then, is that we strive to develop the capacity for
seeing and enjoying beauty, with which every child is born; that we give
the baby the bright ribbon; that we let it pick the flower, and, as it grows
up, we talk to it of the beauty he will find everywhere. Our boy comes
to us with a beautiful snow crystal upon his sleeve, and we ignore it,
and gruffly tell him he had better sweep off the path. Charmed with the
beauty of the spring, he asks to go Maying. No, he must stay and dig
the dandelions from the lawn.
Are God’s works so inferior to those of man? Is all floral beauty cen-
tered in our cultivated flowers—the tulip, the rose, the canna? Is there
none in the plants of the field and wood—the trillium, the sweet briar,
the cardinal flower? Are we to look for beauty only where man has.
spent his labor, and so laid claim to special rights, and ignore it in the
7
222, STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
millions of common things that God scatters so lavishly, so freely, on
every hand?
Pardon me if I have spoken earnestly; but, friends, I once knew of a
child born into a community of deaf and dumb people. It grew up and
was supposed to be deaf and dumb. It had no chance to use those senses,
and, like those about it, learned to depend upon others. It was not till
a friend who could hear visited the family, that it was discovered that the
child could hear, and it soon learned to talk as well as any one. Whata
crime it would have been to have let that child grow up as a deaf mute!
Yet are you less blamable if you let the sense of beauty, with which your
child is born, die out because of neglect?
“He prayeth best, who loveth best,
All things, both great and small;
For the good Lord, who loveth us,
Hath made and-loveth ail.”
DISCUSSION.
Dr. Beal: When I was a boy I used to like to hunt squirrels, rabbits,
and such things so well that I would take my gun out to the woods and
shoot a few squirrels while the rest were at their dinners or resting, and
then I would return with them to the harvest field and think I had had
great sport. Since then I have learned to study botany and zoology, and
my pleasure in hunting has disappeared. I have something better. I have
friends who, every time they get a little tired, spend several weeks up
north, fishing for trout or shooting deer. It seems to me—maybe it isn’t
the thing for me to say—but it seems to me that I have reached a little
higher point in enjoyment.
I don’t brag about it, but I have had the opportunity to study these
things, and it has taught me to enjoy the things right around me—trees
and shrubs and little animals. If I am obliged to wait for hours in the
day time at a depot, for instance, it is not tiresome. I can walk up and
down the track and find pleasure in studying the weeds and find new vari-
eties of plants. I can go out into the woods and swamps, and all my
troubles are lost for the time. I am overwhelmed with the beauty on
every side. It seems to me, as Prof. Tracy says, we are often likely to
lose sight of some of these things. I wish to speak of a subject in which
most, perhaps, take little interest—something about trees and shrubs
and forestry. When I was a boy, teaming up and down the roads here,
to Adrian, the old men who helped clear off this timber said, “The timber
is growing scarcer. After awhile we will not have enough for firewood.
There wont be enough for the railway engines.” We have now found
coal,and wood isn’t so high now as it was a few years ago. We wondered
what we would do for railway ties, after the forests were cut off, but we
‘shall use steel. We can dispense with the use of trees to a great extent.
But notwithstanding this, trees will always be useful for ornamentation
and also for timber for furniture and many other things. I notice, as I
pass around the country, that many are interested in preserving some
of this timber. I don’t advocate tearing up good land and planting out
trees, neither argue keeping trees for trees’ sake. I wish to make use of
them when they are ready to cut, as much as the man who raises trees for
other purposes, but once upon a time this was a fine timber state. I
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEBRTING. 223
don’t expect to make any impression on these older heads, who have
looked upon trees as their enemies, to be cut down to make room for
wheat and barley, but I am talking to the young men who will be hunting
some day for a quiet spot in the forest where they may go and study na-
ture. These spots are coming to be very rare in this state, in the south-
ern part especially. As we go north, where they have cut off so much
pine and hemlock, and other forest trees, many of these kinds are dis-
appearing. The railroad comes in, and the fire from the locomotive
throws sparks into the young growth, and it is swept off in almost no
time. One point I want to make is in regard to this young growth. It
is left often in an exposed condition, with rubbish all around, and after
having gained perhaps twenty or thirty years’ growth it is swept away
by fire. What I am pleading for is some scheme by which these young
groves may be preserved for future use. A large percentage of the fires
spring from the railways, and this is one of the hardest things we have to
contend with—to see what can be done to prevent the locomotives from
setting fire, in dry times, to the forests. At the last meeting of this soci-
ety, at Traverse City, I offered a resolution something like this: “We, as
a society, should not be satisfied until the state has a forestry commission,
somewhat like the one of 1886-1890.” The society voted unanimously
to sustain that resolution. I call your attention to it today, because
we have some new members here, two new members of the executive
committee, and I wish to remind them of what the society has committed
itself to, and I trust you will sympathize with the sentiment, and do all
possible in urging this matter upon the next legislature. A forestry com-
mission would cost but little, five or six hundred dollars per year. You
don’t realize, perhaps, that one third of the wealth of the state is coming |
each year from the trees of the state. Is it not clearly worth while, then,
with such a vast amount of wealth in question, when it is such a vast
interest in this state, to look after it? We spend considerable money in
the protection of game. We have our game wardens, and that is popular
enough. Can not we do the same thing for this industry of for-
estry? I mention this much more freely than I should if I had an axe to
grind; than if I expected to push this bill through and get to be commis-
sioner and receivea salary. I held this office once for four years, and the
newspapers said that the on y reason for having this office was on account
of the salary received. The fact was that there was no salary accom-
panying it, and I had to do lots of work. Germany and many of the
European countries have been through this same wasteful process that
we have in the United States, and they have learned to husband their
resources and try to save what is left. I hope every time this society
meets it will discuss this question and get the sense of those present.
Any one who has travelled through our state and seen the immense .
amount of barren land, that for years is not likely to be of use for agri-
cultural purposes, will see that it might, by a little care, be retimbered,
greatly to the advantage of the state. JI never travel through the north-
ern part of the state without feeling a little indignation at the destruc-
tion created by a good many lumbermen. I remember that one of the
pleasantest calls I made, while at Los Angeles, was spoiled by a state-
ment made by a friend whom I had known in childhood. He probably
took out of this state somewhere in the neighborhood of four or five mil-
lions of dollars. He lives in a palace at Los Angeles, and he made this
224 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
remark, as emphasizing the beauty of that particular climate, which
was pleasant enough; he said that if any one had the power to say to him
that he might have one year in California or ten years back in old Michi-
gan, he would take the one year in California. I wanted to tell him,
that I considered him extremely ungrateful. I hope, my friends, this will
be a question freely discussed until something tangible shall grow out of
it, to retimber the state of Michigan, especially in certain localities
where nothing else is likely to grow for some years. Last winter, at our
farmers’ institute, Gov. Hoard was with us. He said, “We have had in
Wisconsin some ten to twelve thousand dollars to carry on our insti-
tutes.” I asked how that happened. “Well,” he said, “about six
or eight years ago, six men in Wisconsin put their heads together, and
they said, ‘we will pull together until we get these institutes.’ ” . It shows
what a small body of earnest men can do in such matters. The more,
of course, the better; but if we are in earnest and pull together, we can
accomplish ever so much.
CULTIVATION OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM.
BY MR. ELMER SMITH OF ADRIAN.
The chrysanthemum derives its name from the two Greek words
chrysos, gold, and anthos, a flower; hence the literal meaning, gold flower.
Thinking it might be interesting to many present, I have taken the lib-
erty to depart somewhat from the subject by giving a few historical
notes.
From almost prehistoric times the Chinese and Japanese have culti-
vated this famous flower. The chrysanthemum, or kiku, as it is called
in Japan, is one of the crest badges of the imperial family, and is used as
an official seal. The hilts of the swords forged by Emperor Go Toba, in
1186, had the kiku figured upon them. AI Japanese manifest the great-
est enthusiasm in their culture, Jooking forward with pleasure to the
coming of these flowers, and the Chinese are no less ardent in their de-
voted admiration. It is more than two hundred years since the first
plants were introduced into England. In 1754 it was first cultivated by
that celebrated gardener, Miller, at Chelsea, but by accident was lost,
being again introduced at London in 1795. As it is known today it ap-
pears modern to many, but the foregoing assures us it has not been re-
cently introduced. It is simply the improvement in cultivation and
varieties that has given them such popularity the past few years.
They were introduced into this country in 1826, and in 1830 such va-
rieties as Quilled Flame, Curled Lilac, Tasselled White, and Changeable
Buff were exhibited at Boston before the Massachusetts Horticultural
society.
I will first give the method generally employed by the florist, and fol-
low with a few hints to the amateur. The old plants that have nearly
passed their usefulness for this season are sending up new growth at the
root. These are taken off in the form of cuttings, inserted in sand which
has a gentle bottom heat, and if kept well watered will in ten or twelve
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 225
days be sufficiently rooted to receive their first potting. Planting usually
takes place in June and July, so it will be necessary to have ample stock
ready before beginning this work. Selecting the strongest plants, they
are planted rather firmly from eight to ten inches apart, on tables or
benches containing about four inches of good, pliable soil, followed by a
copious watering and the first important step has been taken. Constant
attention will be necessary from this time until the flowers are developed,
giving abundance of air at all times and attending closely to the water-
ing. They are lovers of water, yet should not be treated as aquatics,
or the soil will become sodden and the foliage assume a yellow coat. A
_moderately moist condition is what they enjoy. As the plants advance
in height they will require staking and tying.
To produce specimen blooms the plants are restricted to a few flowers,
generally from one to three. After the middle of July, all growth except
that intended to flower is removed as fast as it appears, to concentrate
all the energy of the plant to its flowers. By the end of August, many
varieties are in bud, and then begins the task of removing the surplus
and retaining the most perfect.
This is disbudding, and will need to be repeated several times till all
are removed except the one at the apex of the stem, which is usually the
most perfect.
The next important step is the application of additional food, which
should be given in the form of liquid manure or chemicals that are soluble
in water, beginning with a weak solution and gradually increasing until
the limit is reached. A half bushel of fresh manure to forty gallons of
water, and five ounces of concentrated chemicals to thirty gallons, are
considered maximum doses. When the flowers are half expanded all
watering should be done in the early part of the day, to secure as dry an
atmosphere as possible for the night, as the dew, which is very heavy
under glass at this season, is very injurious, causing the petals to damp-
off or decay. A slight ventilation over night, or the application of a little
heat, is also a good prevention, but I prefer the former as long as there
is no danger of freezing.
To those who are not favored with greenhouses, are not desirous of
having well-grown plants, I will give a few suggestions, beginning with
the pot system. Procure the desired number of plants the latter part of
May, which, as they are generally bought from the florist, are in the
smallest size pots. These should be changed at once into the four-inch
size, and plunged to the rims in the open garden, or in some light ma-
terial like sawdust or tanbark in an open frame. By the first of July
they will need another shift, using an eight-inch pot for those which have
made the strongest growth, and a six-inch for those less vigorous. The
watering, staking, and feeding should be attended to the same as when ©
grown under glass. Should the wish be for nice, symmetrical plants, with
abundance of bloom, pinch out the tip of the plant at the first potting,
repeating this from time to time as the new growth is four inches long,
continuing until August 1, by which time the plants will have from fifty
to one hundred branches. When the buds are the size of small peas,
rub off all but one at the end of each branch. This will make the flowers
larger and of better quality. If specimen blooms are desired, defer the
pinching out of the tip until July 1 to 15,and allow the two or three shoots
, 29
226 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
which follow to grow on, removing all others as fast as they appear,
and disbud, leaving but one to each branch. They may also be very suc-
cessfully grown with somewhat less care by planting into the garden.
The same care will be necessary as when the pot system is used. They
should be lifted and potted or boxed, not later than August 1, to allow
them to become well established in their new quarters before the buds
begin to form. Lifting after the buds have set, and subjecting the plants
to frost, are the principal causes of deformed flowers.
The chrysanthemum is partial to low temperature, but the varieties
now grown will not endure severe frosts. It does not kill the plant, but
blackens the buds. At the approach of frosty nights, a snug harbor can .
easily be prepared by setting four posts, to which an ordinary hotbed
sash is fastened on the south side, with the other sides closed up with
boards or heavy cloth. Such protection is generally ample until Novem-
ber 1, and sometimes later.
American homes are not blessed with this beautiful flower as are those
of our English cousins, where nearly every household has at least a few
plants. Repeated failure in their cultivation no doubt is the cause of their
being so sparingly grown by the amateur. I think you will have no fur-
ther trouble, by remembering these few simple rules: Give abundance
of sun and air, keep roots moderately moist, stake, tie, and attend to the
feeding and disbudding; never disturb the roots after the buds are
formed, nor allow Jack Frost to get at them, and success will crown
your efforts.
DISCUSSION.
Mr. Morrill: The cultivation and improvement of the chrysanthemum
has been making wonderful progress in the last few years, and the gentle-
man who has just spoken to us is one of the most wonderful propagators
and improvers of this flower. Many of you perhaps have a particular
liking for the chrysanthemum, and I hope you will take this matter up
and ask whatever questions may be on your mind.
Mr. Vanderwert: I have tried to raise chrysanthemums without a
greenhouse and there is an insect that tops them a little too soon and
keeps at it a little too long. After they get to be a foot high, I can do no
more with them. The insects which attack them are about two thirds
the size of a lady-bug, and flatter than that, and unless you look pretty
sharply you will not see them. They slide off and disappear. How to
manage that insect I have never learned.
Mr. Smith: I had some talk with Mr. Allis on this subject, and since
then I have learned that the tarnish bug is very active (and they are as
you describe) and so quick in their motions that you can scarcely catch
one. The best remedy I know of is either tobacco in the liquid form or
dry tobacco. But if you plant them out in the garden and do not watch
the bugs very closely, they will destroy every chrysanthemum. They
puncture the plant and extract the sap, which checks the growth and they
will keep on until there is not a leaf. The best remedy I know is tobacco.
Mr. Reid: Mr. Smith, I understand some of the specimens here are
your own productions. Will you give us a little talk on these, and tell
us something of your processes?
Mr. Smith: Of course all of these new varieties are obtained by fertil-
ization, or applying the pollen of one flower upon the pistils of another.
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 227
If I had a chart here, I could show you more plainly. At the base of
every petal, there is a little pistil. It is extremely small. We take the
plant when the flower is in a half-developed condition, and with a pair of
scissors shear it all off closely until we get to the pistils. Then we allow
them to stand a day or two; at first they come up closely, then they spread
out, and then they are in condition to receive the pollen. The next con-
sideration is, what do we want? Of course there are some varieties, some
forms, more popular than others, and those we wish to increase and per-
petuate. So we look around. For instance, we have a loose flower, this
one, for example (taking one from those on exhibition); and yet I would
like to have one in this form, for it is larger (displaying another flower).
Some bright morning I will open this to the center. There are a few cells
in there which produce pollen; we then take a fine, camel’s-hair pencil,
collect the pollen and apply it to this. This one is the staminate parent,
and this the pistillate parent. Most of us keep a record of the parentage
of all our seedlings. In fact, I can tell you the parentage for five or six
generations of every seedling we have produced. This (showing a flower)
is a variety that was awarded the silver cup at Denver. It has also been
before the committee of the Chrysanthemum society of America. Per-
haps I might better tell you more of this. We have (just as our nursery-
men have) a great many men who have not the best of scruples in send-
ing out new varieties. They send out a thing under a glowing descrip-
tion, and it is not half so glowing when you come to grow it. People
are getting tired of buying new varieties; and so, with this idea in view,
the society has appointed five committees, at Cincinnati, Boston, New
York, Philadelphia, and Chicago, consisting of prominent chrysanthe-
mum-men. To them we submit our seedlings. We have a scale of
points, embracing color, form, and size of stem, and all things that are
necessary to a good bloom. This variety has been submitted to five of
these committees. Last night I received the last report. It has received
at least eighty-five points before each of the committees, and more than
that before most of them. At Boston it scored 100 points, at New York
85, Philadelphia 95, Cincinnati 87, Chicago 93; an average of 92.
228 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT TOMATOES.
BY PROF. W..W: TRACY, OF DETROIT:
National and family resemblance in character is a universally recog-
nized fact. We expect a Scotchman to be serious, earnest, industrious,
frugal; and we are not surprised if a negro is happy, careless, lazy, shift-
less. In like way, there are race and family resemblances in plants. A1Il1
the grass family are quickly affected, as to quickness of maturity or earli-
ness, by the climatic conditions under which they are grown. Corn taken
from Vermont to Florida will in a few generations become later and lar-
ger, and if taken back to Vermont will hardly mature at all. But culti-
vate it there a few years, and it loses its size and regains its earliness.
Wheat, oats, and grass are similarly affected. On the other hand, I have
known of watermelon seed being taken from Michigan to Georgia and
grown there for five generations, and then brought back to Michigan, and
mature just as early as seed that had been grown here the same length of
time. By taking special care I have grown a very late-maturing Persian
melon here for six generations, but without gaining an hour in earliness,
and I have never known of an instance of plants of the cucumber family
gaining a single day in earliness through cultivation at the north.
Now, I think the tomato family (the tomato, egg-plant, pepper and po-
tato) have a characteristic which has an important bearing on their cul-
tivation. It is this, that in order to produce a full crop the plants must
grow at a steady and uniform rate from the starting seedling to the ma-
turing crop. Perhaps I can make my meaning more easily understood,
and enforce its importance, by illustration. A few years ago I took 100
tomato plants, about two inches high, they having just made their first
pair of true leaves, and divided them into four lots, as uniform as possible
in the size and character of the plants. Two lots were set in a long box
and the other two in another, and the boxes set together on the side bench
of a greenhouse. One box was turned end for end every day, thus giving
each lot in it an equal chance. The other was not moved; and the result
was that, when it came time to set the plants in the open ground, the two
lots of plants in the box that had been turned were uniform in size and
character, while in the other box the lot at one end were nearly twice as
tall and much softer than the other. The four lots of plants were set and
given an equal chance. In six weeks they all seemed equally large and
healthy. The crop from the four lots was picked and weighed separately,
and between the two lots from the first box there was less than two ounces
per plant difference in weight of crop; but between the other two there
was a difference of over 20 ounces per plant. Last summer, Mr. E. A.
Starr of Royal Oak started .a lot of tomato plants. When fit to prick
out into cold-frames, he divided with a neighbor. Mr. Starr’s plants
were set in a cold-frame and so managed that they grew slowly and stead-
ily up to the time of setting out. They were carefully set out, so care-
fully as to be scarcely checked at all. During the season they were
so cultivated that they made a steady but not rank growth up to the
time of fruiting. The result was a yield of over 700 bushels per
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 229
acre of excellent fruit. His neighbor set his seedlings in a _ hot-
bed and induced a rapid growth, so that before it would do to
set them in the field they were nearly twice as tall as Mr. Starr’s,
and had to be held back for want of room for further growth. When
set they were checked, so that Mr. Starr’s plants caught up with them
in size. They then took a start, and, the ground being very rich, they
outgrew Mr. Starr’s and were larger at the time of ripening than his.
The result was only a fair crop of less than 300 bushels to the acre. Iam
sure that any one familiar with the plants, soil, and other conditions of
these crops, would believe that the difference in yield was chiefly due
to the greater steadiness of growth of Mr. Starr’s crop.
Our experiment stations have made a good many experiments as to
the best fertilizer and method of treatment for tomatoes, and while these
are very valuable, the results are often contradictory, and I think they
are so because of the fact that difference in the steadiness of the growth
of two lots had more influence on the crop than the difference in fertili-
zing or treatment.
Now, as to a practical point in growing tomato plants. Mr. J. H. Me-
Cotter of Pontiac has developed a method which gives the most satis-
factory results. The soil in his cold-frames is packed hard and smooth,
and on the sides of the frame he makes marks three inches apart. He
finds a bit of tough, thin sod in some old pasture, and with the aid of a
marked board and a sharp spade he cuts bits of turf about 2% inches
square. These are taken to the bed and, by the aid of a strip having pegs
three inches apart, and the marks on the side of the frame, they are ar-
ranged in rows across the bed so as to be three inches apart from center
to center. They are then covered with about an inch of rich soil and the
bed is ready for the plants. In setting the plants, a strip three inches
wide, having pegs three inches apart, is placed in line with the marks on
the side of the box, and pressed into the soil, thus making a hole over the
center of each bit of turf, in which to set the plants. AIl this, as I have
told it, seems a fussy and a slow job; but in practice it is easily and
quickly done, and Mr. McCotter finds that the plants root into the turf
so that they transplant fully as well, often much better than from plant
boxes, and the whole operation, including cutting and placing the turf
and setting the plants, takes but very little if any more time than the
filling of plant boxes and removing of them at the time of setting, with
a net gain in the cost of boxes.
DISCUSSION.
Mr. Allis: In regard to the tomato question, we have a tomato-canning
establishment here in our town, and last year our people saved selected
seeds, with the desire of planting them; but the manager of the canning
works obliged our'people to use the seeds that they furnished, and after
these had been sown and some little time had elapsed, some of these
other seeds were sown, and they went clear ahead of the others. But
now it is understood that the late seeds are used for canning purposes to
a certain extent. ‘These others were selected, as Prof. Bailey says, for
the quality of the tomato and for.the time in which they ripened. They
were not those late in the season, but those which did the best, and the
offspring did much better than the others. Now, I would like to ask
230 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Prof. Tracy if he would attribute it to better method in the growing, or
would he consider that the selection of the seed would have anything to
do in producing a better tomato?
Prof. Tracy: I have no hesitation at all in saying that the selection
of seed does make a material difference in the maturity, the quickness
of development; but I would also say this, that from the same plant I
would as soon have a seed from the last-ripening tomato as from the one
first ripened. We have observed in our trial cases a certain tendency.
For instance, here is a tomato plant which branches out in three or four
branches. When that fruit has five per cent. of crooked, irregular fruit,
mostof it is upon one branch and most of the smooth fruit is upon another
branch. We have been selecting with more reference to saving seed
from that branch which produced the best fruit as a rule. But what I
wanted to say was this: From the same plant, I would as soon have seed
from the last-ripening fruit as seed from the first-ripening fruit, and any
process of selection by which you secure seed from the best plant, and not
from the best fruit, will surely result in improvement in your general
stock.
RELATION OF GLASS TO COMMERCIAL GARDENING.
BY MR. SQUIRE JOHNSON OF ADRIAN.
Having had a working experience in some of the departments of mar-
ket gardening, from my earliest manhood, I am far more at home in its
manual operations than its literature. All gardeners do not use glass in
the growing of vegetables, but nearly all vegetables require the aid of
glass if they are placed upon the market when the people want them, and
are willing to pay good prices for them.
The starting of plants under glass, if properly done, will cause those
plants to mature from one to three weeks sooner than if the seeds were
sown in the open ground. To illustrate, we will compare two men who
are in the business, both calling themselves gardeners, and selling their
produce in the same market. Mr. A uses glass to start his plants, and in
some cases to mature his product. Mr. B has no glass, but grows about
the same varieties of vegetables, and is fully as well posted in the busi-
ness as Mr. A is, so far as knowing when to plant and how to tend the
crops. When the cold winter weather begins to give way to warmer,
spring-like weather, people in the city want spring vegetables. The
enterprising dealer has perhaps imported some lettuce, radishes, and
spring onions, and had them on sale through the fore part of the winter;
but the demand is usually light at that time, and the growing of them
for a small market usually results in a loss to the grower. Mr. A. has
these products about ready for market, and soon comes to town with a
load. He finds ready sale, and his home-grown products are much
fresher than the imported produce and takes preference over it. He is
plied with questions as to how he grows such things so early, it being
some time in February. People supposed that all green stuff was shipped
into their market from the south. He tells them that they are grown by
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 23 1
himself near by, with the aid of glass. That is surprising. The ground
is yet covered with snow and frozen hard. Mr. B has not yet been able
to plant any seeds. Mr. A will have the market to himself a long time
yet, before he has any competition from B. All he has to compete with
is the commercial drummer from the wholesale house in the larger city,
which does not amount to much, as the people will buy the fresh produce
at an advanced price before they will the imported. So, week after week,
Mr. A comes on regular days with his load of fresh, home-grown spring
vegetables. The dealers buy his produce at a good price. The people
keep using more and more, and Mr. A, knowing that as spring advances
he can sell a large quantity, has prepared himself for it, and brings in all
they want, taking care not to overstock the market. If he has a surplus
he ships it off and takes what he can get for it.
But what of Mr. B? Where are his spring vegetables? It is now the
month of May and he has not yet begun to sell garden truck. He has
been very busy ever since warm weather came on; has plowed and
planted and worked hard to get early vegetables to market, but they don’t
grow fast enough—too much cold weather, winds, and rain for the young
plants to thrive. However, he manages to get a few baskets of lettuce
and onions, toward the last of May, and takes them to market. He finds
that Mr. A has supplied the dealers for some time back, and that they are
slow to buy this out-door produce, which is much inferior to that grown
under glass. The consequence is, he is hardly able to get enough for it to
pay for the gathering and hauling to market, let alone the cost of grow-
ing. The people have been eating these vegetables that came from Mr.
A’s garden for some time, and they are getting tired of them. Well, Mr.
A has something new by this time, young beets, and in a few days will
have new cabbages. With the aid of his glass his are several weeks
ahead of Mr. B’s, which were planted in the open ground; and when the
latter brings his to market he will not realize nearly the price that Mr.
A has obtained. And so it works through the whole season. Nearly
all vegetables, by the aid of glass, may be forced ahead of the natural]
season.
Thus we see that glass is indispensable in the growing of garden vege-
tables for market. If the home gardener has no glass and relies wholly
upon the natural season for his market produce, the dealers in his town
will not wait for him, but will import the vegetables from other cities.
Mr. B and Mr. C, and all engaged in the business, come into town about
the same time with the same kind of produce, and the city lot is in with
the same, and down go the prices until it is hard work to get people to
buy at any price.
Still, it would not do to put up more glass than the market would sup-
port, unless we are pretty sure of a place to ship to and realize paying
prices. Glass is costly, and the man who fits up a market garden with
hot-houses and hot-beds should be reasonably sure that he will have a
home market for his produce before he undertakes it. We think there
are many cities in this state where the business could be made to pay
well. About most of the large cities the business is already overdone.
Years ago there was big money in growing vegetables under glass, at
such places, but every year adds to the number of men in the business,
and the consequences are that garden vegetables, both early and late,
are sold very cheap.
2a2 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
A city of 8,000 to 10,000 inhabitants will support a good market garden
with 5,000 to 8,000 feet of glass; and when the second garden of the same
capacity starts in on that market, down will go prices; and the third will
have the same influence. ‘The city people gain by it; the gardener loses.
But it can not be helped. If one man has a good thing at the start, others
soon see it and try the same plan. |
In this particular line many fail because they have not sufficient knowl-
edge of the handling of glass. It requires constant and close attention
and is a business, we think, that can not be learned without practical
experience. Most men learn by beginning with a few sashes, and
increase the number as they get to understand the requirements of the
trade. But let no man deceive himself by supposing that he can attain
a profit by investing in glass without steady personal application.
Commercial or market-gardening has grown to wonderful proportions
in the past thirty years, and in these days of keen competition the gar-
dener is taxed to his utmost ingenuity to get at the most expeditious and
economical methods to produce the finest crops. Glass bears an all-
important relation to the business. By the use of it our northern mar-
kets are supplied with lettuce, parsley, radishes, green onions, cucum-
bers, and many other green vegetables through all of the winter months.
The south ships to our markets like produce that is mostly outside grown.
But the home-grown hot-house products always take the preference and
sell for the highest prices.
RESULTS FOR THE SEASON AT THE EXPERIMENT SUB-
STATION.
BY HON. T. T. LYON OF SOUTH HAVEN.
I had hardly expected to be in attendance at this meeting, and my other
duties have been such that it has been impossible for me to prepare a
paper for the purpose, and hence I can only state, on the spur of the
moment, what has been done, in a short time. If there are any ques-
tions, it will be a pleasure to answer them.
It will be understood that the commencement of planting the station
at South Haven was in advance of the purpose to use it for such a work
as this, hence the arrangement and the varieties that have been tested
there to some extent are not new, but old; and it is as well, perhaps, that
it should be so, because we need something about which we know to
make comparisons with those things with which we are not acquainted.
It is the practice there to plant, as a rule, about two trees of a kind, or
a half dozen to a dozen plants of the small fruits, for experimental pur-
poses, and only that number.
To.commence with the earliest planting, the strawberry. It has been
the custom, so far, to set about two dozen plants of each kind, one dozen
being kept in hills (the runners kept entirely off) and the other dozen
allowed to form a matted row of the same length. The fruit from those
two rows has been gathered separately, each dozen by itself, and
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. . 233
regarded distinctly according tv the weight of each picking, we finally
computing the full weight of the product for the season; and in the same.
manner the other dozen which were allowed to form matted rows. How
long it may be thought best to continue this process may be a matter of
doubt. It will require more than one season’s trial, you will readily
understand, to secure a result that can be relied upon as an average for
the variety. Consequently it has been continued during several years,
until more recently the single year’s crop has been harvested and then the
plat has been kept clear of weeds, and another year compared with a
similar plat planted a year later. In other words, a comparison between
a first year’s plat and a year-old plat.
This has been rendered difficult, on account of a good many visitors,
and in addition to that the tramping of pickers, to keep the ground in
good condition, and this last year it was almost impossible to prevent the
ground becoming so packed that at the time the ripening was in progress
it was impossible to cultivate the soil without making it disagreeable;
and consequently, with the effect of the drouth and the heat at the same
time, the results have been very little modified from what they probably
would have been under more favorable circumstances. I think I will
hardly be going beyond the probabilities when I say that from one to
two thirds of the crop has been ruined by the drouth and the inability to
take proper care of it on account of the peculiarity of the season.
That is practically the case with other small fruits as well as straw-
berries. We had, three years ago, a very wet spring in that locality, and
the ground on which the plants were growing had not been fully tile-
drained, and consequently some of the plants, then just coming into bear-
ing condition, were very seriously injured, and up to the present time the
plat of small fruits has been so uneven that it has been impossible to
make anything like fair estimates, either by weighing or otherwise esti-
mating the crop, such as we could rely upon as giving the real character
and capacity of the varieties as compared with each other. During the
last spring that plat was replaced, or rather a new plat made upon adja-
cent ground, and it is hoped to remove that difficulty after the coming
year.
So much for small fruits. With the larger fruits there has been less
injury on account of drouth; and in fact, with the constant cultivation we
have been able to keep up, keeping the soii constantly mellow, I can
hardly think that there has been any real loss in growth or productive-
ness on account of the drouth. In fact, during the past season, when the
drouth was more severe than ever before in my recollection, the growth
of the trees had been very satisfactory, and they have done well, espe-
cially the peaches, which produced a large crop.
_ With the ripening of peaches, since many of them are entirely new, and
nowhere described, even in the catalogues, it has been the practice to
watch not only the blossoming, but also the ripening, and to make a com-
plete description of each variety as it matured. In doing so we have met
this difficulty, which ought not to exist to anything the extent it does,
that, as the trees come into bearing, a large percentage, more than ten,
and I guess more than twenty, of fruit would be spurious—not the varie-
ties purchased or sent for trial; and inasmuch as most of these varieties
are without any kind of description, either in catalogues or books, it is ,
30
234 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
sometimes exceedingly difficult to detect which is spurious and which ‘s
genuine, or if either is genuine.
As an illustration, by accident rather than by intention I planted four
trees, instead of the usual two, under the name “Muir,” two received from
one source and two from another. One of the varieties under that name
proves to be a very small, indifferent fruit; the other a large, very fine,
and promising fruit. Which is the correct one we can only infer because
one is better than the other.
This is only one case. A great many similar ones occur. Two trees,
planted as the same, have proved one good and the other poor; one of one
class of flower, another of a different class, showing that they are either
partially seedlings, or that there is a mixture of varieties.
These are some of the difficulties we have to contend with in testing
the varieties, for the reason that our books on pomology are all of them
more or less stale. Downing’s last edition of “Fruit and Fruit Trees in
America” must be now about twenty years old. The consequence is that
it is only the older varieties found there described, and that is true to a
greater or less extent with all books on the subject, except possibly one
or two small ones of recent date. So there are some pretty serious diffi-
culties in the way of arriving at a certainty in regard to a great many
varieties.
In making these descriptions we have found this difficulty, that any-
thing like an expression of size is hardly more than a guess. We speak
of two apples, if you please. One of them is large, another is small, and
another is medium, perhaps, and the consequence is that we are quite at
sea. There are hardly two persons that would call an apple “large” of
the same size. Some would call it medium, and some small; so there is a
great degree of uncertainty when expressed by the ordinary pomological
programme.
For the purpose of avoiding that difficulty, and arriving at something
more accurate, a couple of years ago the Division of Pomology proposed
to adopt what they called the displacement of water as a means of meas-
uring the actual capacity of each variety. Of course, that would require
the use of a graduated vessel in which the fruit could be immersed in
water, and the difference in its level represented by the graduation; but
the difficulty with this is that few of us will be likely to have such a grad-
uated vessel ready for use, whenever we wish to determine the size of the
variety. There are other difficulties and objections. Some have large,
open cores, and the size includes that core, which is worthless, and some
apples, on the other hand, and different classes of fruit, are dry, light,
and spongy, and comparatively worthless when reckoned by size.
It is proposed then, with the concurrence of Prof. Taft, who is really
in charge of the station, and we have adopted the process of weighing,
taking an average specimen of a variety as nearly as we could arrive at it,
and noting the number of ounces or fractional part of an ounce; or, with
cherries, the number required to make an ounce, and then determining
the value, comparatively, by weighing, and with the idea of, ultimately,
if accepted by the public, dispensing entirely with the idea of size, and
substituting weight. But enough of this.
In the first variety of tree fruits ripening, the cherry, there are quite a
number of trees obtained from Iowa which form a part of the importation
made by the Iowa Agricultural college from Russia. These have now
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 235
errived at such size that they are bearing quite freely. I think, with an
exception or two, they have proved to be most admirable growers and are
very much superior to our Morellos, and generally they are very late; and
notwithstanding that, so far as I have observed, they are not much sub-
ject to the attack of worms, and consequently promise to be of consider-
able value. They are quite acid, to be sure, but good for canning. It
strikes me, from the experience we have had so far, that several may be
quite desirable in place of some that have been very popular.
Quite a large number of varieties of sweet cherry are also on trial there
and perhaps I might as well say, as some of you know, I have a great pref-
erence for what we may call low-branching of trees, and more especially
so at the lake shore, where we have very high winds, and everything,
whether cherries, apples, pears, plums, or peaches, are branched quite
low compared with the general practice of the country.
The collection of cherries embraces quite a number of the Dukes
as well as the Morellos, and nearly all the varieties planted, with the
exception of a few are now bearing more or less, and it would perhaps
be premature for me to say which are better and which poorer, but
they will be classified in the report, when it shall come out, in such a
manner that every one can form some estimate, from the results given
there, as to which are likely to be most productive, and also something
of their character.
In the case of peaches, they were the first fruit taken off this year,
with the idea of making a description of each variety. The first item
of description has generally been their season of ripening; the next, their
weight; then a description of the form, of the color, and of the quality,
expressing the quality and also the weight in figures, the weight being in
ounces, the quality on a scale of one to ten, one being the highest, ten the
lowest. That is adopted because that is the common scale, generally
used in cases where a scale is deemed desirable. In the case of descrip-
tions transferred from the books, a scale of one to five is almost a neces-
sity, for the reason that it translates the original mode of expression so
much better. In the case of peaches, as I said, there must be about 200
varieties on the place, and perhaps 150 have borne this year, enough so
that we have had descriptions of them.
In plums, there are some dozen or fifteen varieties of the Oriental or
J2panese plum, and perhaps fifteen or twenty varieties of the Americana
(that is, our wild western plum) that have been picked up for use in the
region west of the Mississippi and also in Wisconsin, where our domestis
varieties are not successful. The Oriental varieties, nearly all of them,
have borne this year, all except one or two, and they have proven them-
selves to be, so far, enormous bearers, so much so that it has been neces-
sary to thin them severely, and even after that, to relieve them to pre-
vent their being broken down. This is not true of every variety. One,
the Yosebe, was ripe this year on the 13th of July, fully ripe, and they
drop about as soon as they are ripe. But this is a comparatively thin
bearer; is of tolerable but not of the highest quality, but so early that it
may be desirable where people want something out of season. But with
the exception of that and perhaps one other, all of the Japanese varieties
have been exceedingly productive. It is claimed, and I think it is true,
that their tendency to bloom very early may make them a little more
uncertain in our climate, but that is not so much an objection near the
236 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
lake shore, where we are located, for the reason that everything is kept
dormant there a little later. We are perhaps a full week later with the
same varieties and under the same general circumstances, than would be
the case ten to twenty miles away from the lake. But I think it may
safely be stated that, with that exception (the danger of early blooming)
these are very promising market varieties. I can not feel safe in saying
that I think they are superior to some of our best domestic varieties, or
that they are even equal to them; but they are very pleasant in flavor,
generally; and more than that, their color and general appearance, and
their apparent ability to withstand rot, is quite in their favor as market
varieties, and it is my opinion that several, among which I might name
Burbank, Mara Chiros, Mono, Red Nagate, and Satsuma, are quite sure
to be abundantly productive, and their appearance is such as to render
them popular. There is just this difficulty in excess of the same difficulty
with others, and that is that just as soon as they are fully ripe they leave
the stem upon the branch and drop. They must be picked rather
unripe or else picked from the ground. They keep very much better,
apparently, than the average domestic varieties, after they are ripe.
In addition to these, there are quite a large number, not only of the
well-known yaricties but also comparatively new ones, that have borne
the past year, and a few that have not vet borne.
There are a few yarieties that perhaps I might name, that have come
to be quite superior as market varieties, and I will mention one received
from western New York as the Kingston, which is a very large plum,
somewhat like the Yellow Egg plum, which we all know so well, and of
somewhat that form, but of a very dark purple or black. Another com-
paratively new variety, a little later than that, is Grand Duke, which has
borne a heavy crop for a young tree. It has the same general form, but
is a little later in season than Kingston, and I apprehend, if they con-—
tinue as they have begun, that they must prove desirable as market
varieties, from their large size, fair quality, and attractive color, besides
which they come late in the season, and that in itself will render them
very desirable in the market.
We have from sixty to eighty varieties of pear on the premises, on
trial. A few only, perhaps twenty or twenty-five, have borne yet. I
find an extreme difficulty with them, in getting them properly pruned.
It is impossible for me to do all the pruning myself, with the other things
I have to do, and unless I can direct almost every case of cutting J can
hardly get them pruned as they should be. Their tendency is to run up
very tall, although I aim to branch them close to the ground. Despite
this, they run up so high that in that windy climate it is becoming neces-
sary to head them back severely.
There are among them a half dozen or more varieties of the same batch
of importations from Europe of which I have already spoken, the Russian
varieties. Not one of them so far seems to be worth keeping, in com-
parison with what we have. They are indifferent in quality, though
claimed to be hardy. They are good bearers, but not attractive in
appearance, as a rule, and very inferior in quality. One variety, as an
illustration of the difficulty we have in making sure of varieties, I
received with the name of a common market pear of ours, and it proved
to be one of the older European varieties.
| TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 237
The ground has been taken up so fully with trial varieties that there
is very little room left, enough perhaps for 100 trees, and what shall be
done in the future, for the trial of varieties still to make their appear-
ance, is something of a problem. We must either dig out or regraft, or
have additional territory on which to work.
There are still more than two thirds (yes, more than three quarters) of
the apples on the place yet to show their fruit. Among them are quite
a large number of varieties, from that Russian importation, and not long
since, some three years ago, we received quite a number of scions from
Bohemia. None are fruited yet, of course, and quite a large number
were received in scion from Mr. Hathaway, who is engaged in the effort
to find something that in his estimation will be hardy enough for south-
western Michigan, where they are a little out of range of the lake, and
get more or less of the climate of northern Illinois and Indiana. ‘Those
will be worked and planted, and that will very nearly fill up the ground,
when we get them all into the orchards, but it will of course take quite
a number of years to produce fruit from them and test them thoroughly.
IN CALIFORNIA WITH THE AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL
SOCIETY.
BY HON. C. J. MONROE OF SOUTH HAVEN.
At our last annual gathering I was elected a delegate to the meeting
of the American Pomological society, to be held in Sacramento, Califor-
nia, Jan. 16 to 18, 1895. It is the purpose of this paper to give a brief
report of that journey and the meeting; also, some observations which I
trust may be of service.
To one taking the trip for the first time, across the continent, the
temptation is strong to say something of the vast plains, the grand
scenery of mountain, gorge, and canon; but this has been frequently
written and spoken of in well-rounded sentences, and more eloquently
than I can do, so I will simply say to those who have not had the pleasure
of this trip that I hope you may some day take it.
I had a chance to realize the pleasant transition “from snow to flowers”
in a few hours. Just before our descent from the mountains, I looked
out of my window and saw winter scenes where the houses and trees
were nearly buried, and the storm raging at a lively rate, so that the
trains following us were delayed several days. Two or three hours later
we were in the midst of flowers, growing shrubbery, and the ground was
carpeted with grass as green and fresh as on a June day with us.
The hall where we met was large and comfortable, trimmed with a
profusion of evergreen, smilax, and flowers in endless variety, with dis-
plays of fresh and preserved fruits of all kinds on a scale to sustain
California’s World’s Fair record.
One unique feature was the dried fruit, which was bountifully served
by five or six young ladies, who gave the varieties and the manner of
238 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
preparing and cooking. It was greatly relished, and was a good adver-
tisement for the dried fruits.
The address of welcome was given by one of their most eloquent
speakers, who was evidently accustomed to such duties.
He said he wanted to talk to us “about the days of old, the days of
gold, and the days of ’49.” He mentioned the days of gold, the great
rush from all parts of the world, how it advertised the state; the days of
cattle, when the valleys were filled with herds exceeding anything pre-
viously known in this country; then the days of wheat, wherein the large
fields have only been rivaled in later years by the Dakotas and the Red
river valley. I will digress to say that about the only farm operation
witnessed by us in traveling through the state, was putting in wheat. I
saw in one field eight eight-horse teams, each drawing a four-gang plow,
a seeder on the plow, and a plank behind to cover the grain, so that about
thirty acres were completed each day. Some of the larger ranches have
a traction engine which draws a gang of eleven or more plows, with
seeder and plank, putting in from twenty-five to thirty acres per day,
requiring one extra man and team to supply fuel and grain. In harvest-
ing, this engine is hitched to a header which puts the wheat into bags,
the straw and chaff furnishing most of the fuel, conveyed by machinery
to the engine. It is coupled to several wagons, and the bags of wheat
taken to the elevator. No buildings or fences or horses are to be cared
for; and the engine is left by the wayside without shelter, food, or drink
until needed to repeat next year’s operation. Little hope for us in Mich-
-igan to compete with this sort of wheat-raising.
Our speaker assured us the days of fruit were the most important of
them all, and that they had come to stay. As we traveled about the
state, we could better appreciate why Pomona received his highest
praise.
The days of gold brought few permanent settlers to the state. The
‘same was true of the days of cattle and wheat, which were controlled by
large ranch owners living in cities, or in other states or foreign countries.
This encouraged no building of houses and barns, or other homelike sur-
roundings. A few cities and villages came into existence, but the
country remained unoccupied.
It was the days of fruit which gave birth to Riverside, Redlands, Orange-
vale Colony, Chula Vista, Fresno, Santa Rosa, Ontario, Napa, Colton,
Pomona, and many other places around which cluster vineyards,
orchards, and the small fruits. It has greatly augmented the popula-
tion of the commercial cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento,
San Jose, and San Diego, increasing their trade and stimulating their
prosperity.
The greeting was not only cordial and enthusiastic, because it was
addressed to pomologists, but it was the horticultural industries which
were attracting emigration, settling the state, improving its lands, erect-
ing houses and barns, school-houses, and churches. People, these, who
verily made the “desert blossom as the rose,” building cities and villages
with model houses and grounds, embowered in trees and shrubs and
flowers, with all the social equipment of a refined and intelligent society.
A hearty greeting and a generous welcome were accorded us by all -
classes, the governor and state officers giving a reception at the capitol,
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 239
showing us through all its departments, and the citizens tendering us
another at the Crocker art gallery, supplying lunch and an opportunity
to meet many pleasant people of Sacramento.
A railway ride took us to the state’s prison and mining camps.
We visited old forts and the ruins of mission buildings, many of which
have been partially restored.
The governor provided a steamer, and members of his staff, city
officials, business men, and others, with their wives, cruised with us
about San Francisco bay and out through the “Golden Gate” for a turn
on the Pacific ocean.
We were escorted through Sutro park, had a pleasant call upon Mayor
Sutro, who lives in the midst of this magnificent park, which he is fitting
up for the city. His private secretary conducted us through what is
claimed to be the finest and most complete bath-house in the world.
For nearly three weeks, by special train, we visited most of the promi-
nent fruitgrowing sections of California, from Sacramento to San Diego.
The foremost topic, whether with the pomologist, the day laborer, the
merchant, banker, man, or woman, was the fruit interest. It seemed
well-nigh universally recognized as the crowning business or industry of
California.. It was this which gave the greatest impetus to its late boom.
It attracted people with means who could purchase land and plant
orchards and vineyards, thus giving a more substantial growth and pros-
perity to the state.
The topics considered at the Sacramento meeting were mainly of inter-
est to the Pacific coast.
Among those of general interest were two papers upon spraying, the
mixtures similar to those recommended here. The Bordeaux seems to
be the most favored, and used for the greatest variety of purposes.
Strong claims were made for the necessity and the good results of the
applications; and it was shown that spraying is more relied upon as it
becomes better understood. I think the growers there use it more fre-
quently and thoroughly than with us. Their warm and genial climate
favors the propagation of diseases and insect enemies of tree and fruit,
requiring more persistent and diligent warfare to destroy or keep them
in check.
Prof. Ragan of Indiana sent a paper entitled “Place of Pomology in
Horticultural Classification.” He claimed that pomology should stand
first. The schedule of the Columbian Exposition, which was dictated by
the California commissioners, placing vine culture at the head, was
severely criticised by him. The applause and favorable comments
showed that his views were shared by many, although one of the com-
missioners was present and protested against it.
G. B. Brackett of Iowa discussed in an interesting manner the “Modi-
fications of Fruits by Changes of Locality,” claiming very marked alter-
ations by change of place and soil. The substance of his paper
emphasized the helpfulness of experiment stations to determine the varie-
ties most desirable for particular sections. Luther Burbank, of potato
fame, of Santa Rosa, California, had an exhaustive paper upon “New
Fruits and Flowers and How to Grow Them.” It covered a wide field,
and showed great care in its preparation.
\
.240 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
“Dried Fruits as Food,” was the title of an excellent address by Prof.
Allen of San Jose. The dried fruit, already mentioned as being served
by the young ladies, was under his supervision. He pointed to this as a
practical object lesson. The audience had a chance to sample sun-dried
apricots, peaches, pears, prunes, nectarines, cherries, and many of the
small fruits. He claimed that fruit was very digestable and economical,
that its medicinal qualities were not properly appreciated. He declared,
“If you would retain the bloom of health upon your cheek, the elasticity
of youth in your step, the vigor of manhood in your brain and brawn, eat
fruit.” Quoting from another, he added: “Fed by the best milk drawn
from the breast of old Mother Earth, fostered by the pure rains of heaven,
ripened by the glorious, life-giving sunshine, it is not a symbol or type,
but the very embodiment of a perfect food for the human race.”
I have given prominence to the pleasant manner we were received and
shown about the state, and to how our attention was frequently called
to the productions of each locality as displayed in some room or building
in every village and city we visited, the fine appearance of their orchards
and vineyards; and even in their royal hospitality the possibilities of
horticulture were constantly spread before us in fruits and flowers and
_ after-dinner speeches.
The overshadowing importance which Californians attach to their
products was strikingly illustrated in their wonderful display at the
World’s Columbian Exposition. The state has shewn its appreciation
by making liberal appropriations for the encouragement of fruitgrowing,
and in passing stringent laws for protection against disease and insects.
A menth’s contact and observation with this sort of enthusiasm
impressed me more than ever before with the like importance of our own
horticultural! interest, recalling political conventions, Fourth of July
orations, and many other gatherings where state affairs are considered;
and you will remember our frequent boast, “Michigan: first in lumber,
copper, iron ore, and salt.” How little we have to show for the rapid
disappearance of what was once the grandest forest on the continent!
True, it built up villages and cities, gave employment to men, stimulated
railroad building, and the establishment of boat lines, but its great
wealth has mainly gone out of our state, leaving vast areas of barren
land with little permanent improvement of value. With what pride we
talk of our immense deposits of copper and iron ore! The mines are
principally owned in other states, and not much of the profit remains for
- the development of our own commonwealth. It seems to me we shall
repeat California’s experience in finding that horticultural pursuits lead
in the production of home wealth, in occupying and improving its vacant
lands, building homes, school-houses, churches, and the usual equipment
of a progressive state.
I remember selling many parcels of land for eastern owners to those
who bought for the timber, the purchaser often remarking there was
_ little value after the timber was taken off. Of many notable examples,
I will mention one in Allegan county, near South Haven. Eighty acres
sold for $10 per acre; the timber brought a good price, and five acres of
it netted $51 per acre for the timber. The purchaser declared this would
be the most valuable crop it would ever produce, and was pleased when
he sold it for $7 per acre. Soon after, ten acres, which included the said
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 241
_ five acres, were set to peaches. For twenty years it has borne crops,
except three years, and these have brought the owners from $100 to $300
per acre, and more than one third of the orchard is still alive. While
_ this is better than the average, there is abundant proof that, for the past
twenty-five years, there are hundreds of acres of fruit, vegetables, celery,
and other horticultural products which have given a better average profit
for the same money and time, than the timber or any other business in
our state, when we consider the amount furnished as food to our people
and the money left in the community. In most places the locality gets
the benefit of labor and money put into the production, up to the point of
delivery at the cars; and, where the boats are owned by residents, the
cost of transportation remains in the place. I wish to enlarge on this
point.
Take the manufacture of furniture or wagons. Most of the material
and much of the living of the men has to be imported to the place of man-
ufacture, and the money sent out. In horticulture, the clearing of the
land, preparing for the trees or plants, the growing of the trees in the
nursery, transplanting, subsequent care and cultivation, preparing for
market (including packages), and money paid out is mostly retained in
the immediate vicinity. The horticultural product tributary to Grand
Rapids, the celery at Kalamazoo, the small fruits and vegetables at Ben-
ton Harbor, the grapes, plums, and peaches in Allegan, Ottawa, and Van
Buren counties, and the apples generally over the state, are notable ex-
amples illustrating this point.
Much has been written and said about California fruits in the past few
years. Their great advantages are the climate, permitting the growers
to work the year round; irrigation, which is pictured as doing away with
drouths and floods, or the interruption of work, it being only necessary to
turn the gates, and the water is supplied at the right time and in proper
quantities; the push and co-operation of the people, as shown by the
extent of their marvelous exhibits at the World’s Fair, in which individ-
uals, companies, towns, counties, cities, and villages, and the state asa
whole, spent over half a million dollars; their enterprise, which sent
fruits in carload lots to more than fifty cities in 1893, ranging from Spo-
kane, Washington, to Boston, Mass., and from Houston, Texas, to Winni-
peg, Canada, in spite of long distances, steep grades, and sharp curves,
obtaining cheaper rates and about as quick time as Florida. For these
and other reasons, it was evident that, if California possesses unusual
facilities in production, then we might expect a competition which
would make us hustle to meet. Hence it seemed to me the problem of
production was of vital concern to Michigan fruitgrowers.
I gave most thought and time to the peach, apple, pear, and plum, as
these were of greatest interest to us. I improved every chance to exam-
ine and inquire as carefully as possible into the details of the cost of the
_trees, the price of water, including the land, the preparation for planting,
subsequent cultivation, trimming, thinning, care of insect pests, and dis-
eases of tree and fruit, of picking, packing, and marketing. After the
most careful consideration of advantages and disadvantages, it seems
clear to me that the cost of production is about the same in the two states.
In marketing it is decidedly in Michigan’s favor, for all the above named
fruits, and many others, especially in the fresh or natural condition.
31
242 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
There is probably no place on the continent where the producing terri-
tory is so near the consuming territory, as Michigan, or where land
specially adapted to producing the tender classes of fruits is so limited
compared with the large number of cities, villages, and country within
easy reach, by means of excellent transportation facilities.
Having these natural advantages, it only remains to use equal intelli-
gence, energy, and business management to profitably compete with the
world.
In conclusion I feel warranted in saying that the officers of the State
Horticultural society believe in the fortunate location of Michigan, that
they will use all the means they can command to gather the latest and
mostaccurate information in all lines of its work, ever aiming to give this.
information the widest possible distribution to horticulturists, that the
state may reap larger benefits from its golden opportunities.
HONESTY IN FRUIT PACKING FOR PROFIT.
BY MR. D. WOODWARD OF CLINTON.
This is one of the subjects that is not only threadbare, but the bottom
-has dropped out. Nothing new can be said to the old grower. Yet the
new beginners are numerous, and, regardless of what may be said, many
of them suppose they can fool the public by facing packages regardless
of all the poor fruit at the bottom. Iam sorry to say that many of the
older ones have not learned, and never will learn, that honesty in the end
pays a profit.
What pertains to one kind of fruit would, if the packer did by others
as he would be done by, cover the whole ground.
As the many fruits are largely grown by different parties, I shall com-
mence with berries; and they of all others are the most difficult to get on
the market uniform as to size and color. They are largely picked by
children at a stated price per quart. The pickers are after the quarts.
‘Size, quality, and condition are to many of them of no account. Herries
picked by the quart must be inspected, all rubbish and inferior berries
removed, and put into clean, well-filled baskets if you would get a profit.
A case in point I found in the Rural New Yorker of Nov. 30. “A. A.
Walladay, near Bellows Falls, Vt., says: ‘My raspberries brought twenty
cents per basket all through the season, and my strawberries eighteen
and twenty cents, while other growers about here were having hard
work to get ten and twelve cents for berries that were just as good, as
they grew on the vines. The difference was in putting them on the
market; and between baskets scant, even full, just as they came from the
pickers, and baskets heaping full and all carefully assorted, every berry
guaranteed a good one or money refunded.’ Mr. Halladay reports sales,
1895, from his farm of six acres, $1,200. That must represent honest
packing and profit, worked by himself and two boys.”
We now come to the peach, which has this year given the most bounti-
full crop ever grown in Michigan; and on trees properly pruned and
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 243
thinned, it wasof good size and quality, even beating the extreme drought.
The market was glutted from start to finish; prices low, considering
other years, yet what abundant crop can you name thatis high? To pack
good peaches you must prune and thin; to get a profit you must grow to
good size, and pack honestly. You will make more clear money by
throwing small peaches to the pigs than stuffing your baskets with them.
Your small ones, such as will not pass through a 14-inch slot up to 1}-
‘inch, will sell. Those of 1} to 24 inches, will bring as much money per
bushel, as a rule, sold as they came from the trees. Above 24 inches
will always sell at a fair price, and that without peddling. Use clean
packages, give full measure, make the bottom as good as the top, or better,
avoid saving those extra fine specimens for the top, let them mix in, or
put them at the bottom—when you empty them out, you have a customer
_ “for keeps,” provided you remain honest. This is honesty in packing for
profit. I do not have to peddle.
It does not seem necessary at this time to speak of apples, it is so long
since we had them. Yet I have faith like a grain of mustard seed that
those that have their lamps filled and burning, or have their apple trees
in good condition, will next year get their reward, provided they faith-
fully fight the enemies. It is expected you will set the head with good
specimens. Itis hoped you will fill the barrel with good apples, clear from
worms and scabs, brand with your name, and call them No. 1. Make
No. 2 the same, except of smaller size. I personally know what that
means. I have standing orders, and carried them over for several years,
for many barrels of such apples, at any reasonable price. The small ones
are the best keepers. Treat pears the same as apples.
Let your light shine, show your fruit, make your reputation by honest
packing for profit. You can spoil it by stuffing one shipment.
DISCUSSION.
Mr. Tracy: I am greatly encouraged. Our speaker says that the bottom
has dropped out of the berry boxes, and that is a blessing for which to be
devoutly thankful, because, in my experience, the bottom has been creep-
ing nearer and nearer the top for several years.
Q. In packing your peaches, would you put the sunny side at top or
turn them over?
Mr. Woodward: This year I have been using a patent sorter, and that
_ is why I spoke of the slots. Anything that will drop through a 14-inch
slot goes to the pigs. From 14 to 1 will bring medium prices, and 2
to 24 will bring more money than the majority of peaches from the or-
chard if sold as picked. What won’t go through the 24-inch slot are No. 1
peaches, and to get more of them through I have placed on the side of this
picker, as it runs along, blocks with a piece of rnbber packing on, to turn
some of them. Occasionally a peach will not go endwise, and it won’t
drop through; but I want it turned endwise so it will go through.
@. Mr. Woodward didn’t understand my question exactly. In finish-
ing your basket, do you pay any attention to which side up you place your
peach with regard to color?
A. Yes, in some cases. When I am putting up the early peaches, I
always turn them right side up, but when it comes to the later peaches,
they go to the baskets as they come from the sorter. The size will sell
944 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
them, and if they turn them over they won’t find any fault if they find
the bright side down. I can not stop to do it when I am putting up a
hundred bushels per day. But I shake the baskets down; they are shaken
as the peaches go in, and again when they are ready, but they will yet
settle somewhat when you put them on the train. When they get to the
dealer I say, “Turn your basket over carefully, if it don’t look quite full,
and then you have a full basket and the best peaches are on top.
Mr. Hamilton: Perhaps that is why the gentleman packs his peaches
with the best ones in the bottom. [Laughter. |
COLD STORAGE WITHOUT ICE.
*BY MR. JOSEPH H. BILLMEYER OF HOLLOWAY.
The room used is situated beneath a portion of the barn running toward
the north; is 35x35 feet, and eight feet high, and has repeatedly carried
over 1 100 barrels of apples from storing time till ready for disposal ;
the object being to hold fruit so late as desired, until markets advance
in spring. The doors are cut in two between top and bottom, and sit-
uated on east and west sides. ‘here is no stone wall above the ground,
and the floor is on a level with the ground. The sides are composed of
three thicknesses of board with building paper and air spaces between.
Windows are of double sash, triple glazed; doors constructed same as
sides—no sawdust.
One or two kerosene lamps are seldom needed, and never more, to carry
the fruit through the coldest winters without injury. I have never had a
frozen apple, mildew, or mold.
_I control the temperature by opening and closing doors during cool
and warm times. The room has not been above thirty-eight degrees
since apple picking. I have an entrance way with tight doors at each
end, to prevent air escaping during ingress and egress. The floor is of
brick. If kept close the room will not change one degree per week
during warm weather. The barn bay floors, above this room, are double
and filled with mortar at the end of each board. |
BY MR. W. C. SMITH OF WESTON.
To obtain the very best results in storing fruit it is desirable to begin
right. Care of the fruit must begin the moment it is gathered. A very
practical way in picking apples is to place the fruit in barrels so fast as
taken from the trees and leave it in the shade till the next morning, en-
tirely uncovered and exposed to the night air; and in the morning remove
it to the barn or storehouse while yet cool. In this way a lower tempera-
ture may be obtained than in any other that is not expensive. This will
rid the fruit of the heat of an October afternoon, which sometimes unfits
it for keeping. I consider this quite as important as anything in connec-
tion with storage, where outside air is depended on. Piling apples on the
ground under the trees is principally objectionable because the fruit is
TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 245
so often left there too long; also on account of the warmth of the ground
at that time of year, which ripens the fruit, the one all-important aim of
cold storage being to keep the temperature as near to freezing as possible
without freezing the fruit, thereby retarding ripening.
- In construction of storage house, the more nearly air-tight the room the
more readily an even temperature can be maintained. The walls should
be frost-proof. A ready means of changing the air when the outside air is
cooler than inside is necessary. This is readily done when the basement
of a building several stories high is used, by means of a flue to the roof
that can be opened and closed at will. I use an exhaust fan run by steam
power, pipes from the upper part of the store-room conveying the air to
the fan. :
Shutting off the ground heat is an important feature. This can best be
done by planing-chips eighteen inches deep on a cement bottom. There
are other important features to be kept in view in construction, such as
convenience in storing and removing fruit and safety from fire.
The use of such storage from October to April is nearly equal in its
advantages to storage with ice, but is of no use, or but very little, during
the summer. o | #3
ca © Z a . =| ee eles
g r-) a @ > oe = pe po ° A) q
B Sex = Es NS Ea = 3 = CS | oo
Zz he Gee zs | S |&la|8/ a l/elee
Je lsAecomac)._-..2 ...=-_- b | 1892 | May 2_-| June 10_} June 29_} 9%] 9 = |_____-|____-. 8 y%
Pi |e Naito) er p | 1892 | May 2_.| June 7_| June 29_| 20%.| 21% | 6 22 5] 1
3 || AUUG yo fire eS ee Dp 1894-1) May «6_-| June: 3_| dune l7_| 8% | 12. - eo ---.|- 22. Gait tl
Co |) DIES (ae p | 1894 | May 4.._] June 5-./} Jane 21_| 12 BAG a et 1 Wd ig ae |
4) || UU Ero 6 p | 1894} May 1.-| June 1-.| Jume17_| 16% | 14% |_____.|__ Le. 3 %
Gelvaroma” 2.35.5 23..5-.- b | 1894 | May 6_.| June 10_| June 26_| 14% | 6% |_____.|____-. 5 y,
Biel AmbOIn: ...- 2-3. -|. p | 1892 | May 6_.| June 8.| Junel19_| 6% | 8% }___-_.|__-_-. On '¥
esl Auewitk ...-.....--. p | 1&92 | May June 3.| June 24_| 5% | 16%] 7 14 7 1-5
9 rie hort (Crim.).--| b | 1891 | April30_} Jone 3_| June 8. Sey te Pee. 8 yy,
10 | Australian(Everbear.)| b | 1890 | May 2_.| June 3.| June 21_| 18 OG pegs ste 5 y%
i) Jpenddet........---.-- p | 1892 | April29_| June 3-.] June 21_| 20 37 244% | 48%) 3 VA
PANTO). 2-52... p | 1891; May 2__| June 1_| June 26_} 20 39 20% | 18% | 6 14
io | Beauty .....-2-..=..- b | 1892 | April 30_| June 1_| June 24.) 84% | 41%] 8 38 3 VA
1a eeebe =. —o22 «<2 ---~—- b | 1894} May 2_-_| June 5-_| June 24_| 18% | 17 |....-.|.-~--. 3 yy
15 | Beecher ______..------ b | 1894 | May 9_-| June 12_|} June 24_| 18 20 hese eee 2 %
U8 Bi: a i b | 1892 | May 4..| June 5-.| June 26.| 10% | 29 8914 | 32 8 14
iP eeveriy....-...-.-4--. b | 1892 | May 3_-| June 5-.} June 26_} 14%] 7% 15 A A
18 | Bickle_____. Fel OD p | 1894 | May 1_.|] June 5-_| June 24_| 25 7 ecg (ai he 2 4
| Boynton. ..-..--.-.--. p | 1891 | April 29.| June 1_| June 14_| 29 2814 | 481% | 4644) 2 yy,
20 | Brandywine -.-_____.-- b | 1893 | April29_.} June 1_| June 24.| 8% | 12% |______}____-. y%
O..)) Bromette 2........... b | 1893 | May 2_.| June 1_| June17_| 11 1G ho hk eee %
ge) eabach-5.-._-........ p | 1888 | May 4__]} June 1-| June 26_| 22 281% | 1444 | 84% 2 VA
28 |. Californian _____.___. b | 1891 | May 2_.| June 10_| June 26_| 3% |138 |_____-|_-___- 2 %
24 | Cameron 2_________._- b | 1894 | April 29_| June 1-_| June 24_| 18% | 8% |___-_-]_--_-- 4 %
25 | Cameron 6.__-_.._._-- np | 1894 | May 8__} June10_| June 24.| 5 | 8 = j____-]_-:_-: 1 Yy
26 | Cameron 18__________- p | 1894 | May 6__} June 10_| June 30_| 24 QA ep bebe To Bots 2 %
27 | Cameronian ___.-____- p | 1892 | May 38__|] June 7-_} June 26_| 10% | 138% |_____-_]____-. 6 A
2S al COL ct) Cy: fee a rr p | 1898 | May 2_-_] June 7_| June26_| 31% | 15% | 28% | 20%] 5 WA
a9 | Charlie —....2....-._- p | 1894 | May 4__|] June June 2b" ||-4534, 30> ses. =. jen Se 1 42
30 | Cheyenne_-___________. p | 1894 | May 8__| June 7-_} June 30_} 22 Use a | Se ee 4} 1
BEC) a b | 1892 | May 2_-| June 1_| June 26_| 6% | 16% |_____.]}___--. %
82 | Cleveland ______.____. p 1888 May 2__| June 8_} June19_} 11 8% | 36% | 25%] 6 %
83 | Columbia ._____._-_-- b 894 | May 2__] June 5-_| June 26_| 8 1 Ty (RY Pee ay |r 4
84 | Consensus-_-_-___._.__-- Dp jolcga |) May S =) June 10_| June 26.) 1244 | 11° =| ---2--].- 2; 5 A
35 | Copernicus. ___..____- p | 18983 | May 8_-|] June 10_} June 26_} 11 16 21 40 5 V4
36))|, Crescent__........-..- p | 1888 | May 3_-) June 1_| June 21_| 18% | 18% | 72% | 56%] 7 %
OF) Wrtige- 2-5... .2._-. b | 1894 | May 4..| June 7_| June 24.| 12% | 22% |_____.].-___.|---- “
isu la CUinin (ja ae b | 1892 | May 2_.| June 1_| June 26_} 24% | 15 27% | 51 8 yy
ao | (Curtis 150... p | 1892 | May 2__|] June 1_/} June 26_| 37 241 | 39% | 63 9] 1
40 VORONG@ 2 es b | 1894 | April29_| June 1-_| June 24.| 20 1 Lert Coke gl | Boe 6 1-6
C0 p | 1890 | April 29_| June 1_| Junel17_| 8% | 25 554% | 79 6 %
42 | Dan Bisel nae b | 1894 | May 4_-_| June 3.| June 29_| 42 Dei Ie eeee Male ee 1-5
As i Waybon< 2-225. 22. b | 1892 | May 2__] June 1_| June 21_| 18 16 41% | 48%) 5 A
44 | Barly Jack ____.______- b | 1894 | May 1__] June June 19.) 48% | 74 - |---| se2c_-
any dear’ ooo p | 1890 | May 4_.| June10.| Junel7.| 2%] 3% | 32 56 5 y,
46 ot (Pav,)i 223.2: b | 1894 | May 8__| June12_| June 29_| 6% | 17% |.____.]_-___.]_-_- y%
28 (81) 1 340 1°) ot 6 i a p | 1894! May 9_.| June17_| June 26_| 5 hal aa ew Beer yy,
48 Wiiwerds Spee ee ee b 1894 | May 7__|] June 12 | June 29_| 6% |.17% | 27% | 46% 4 %
ou) emaries .W/_ 5." .- b | 1890 | May 2_-| June 10_| June 29_! 28 20 21 58% | 4 %
boo) sep ping 3. _-..-_.....- p | 1894 | May 4_.| June 7.| June 26_| 22% | 14% j|______}___-__- | %
Bis) Hauinox .2--.-..2<.-- b | 1894; May 2_.| Junel7_| June 27_| 8% | 11% |___._.|.----.]---- %
Heebiptelle 225520 525cccc. b | 1891 | May 6__| June 14_} June 26_| 5%] 3% | 24%/14 |._L. %
53 | Hureka..__....._.--_-- p | 1888 | May 6__' June 10_|} June 24_; 15 16% | 17% | 29% |_---
54 | Fairmount -.-..-.---- b | 1891 | May 1-_-} June 2_| June 26_| 22 86% | 52% | 60%] 5 15
De event a... =... -.....-- b | 1894 | May 4__/ June 3_|} June 21_| 12% | 16% |___-_-|_-----
268 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
STRAWBERRIES.—ConrINUED.
| Ounces.
¢ g
Fc cH 1st year. 2d year. | + 4
Boel S|. Pp | | EF
Names. 232) Pp S a be : -|a|3
Baa) 'g is i - g Be] we
> Ilel $ + 2 ° = A [ww ]oO.
8 sil Booty | a | & 3 clas
a = 2 a | 3 ; | 3 5
Fl | (enone z @ |/212)a) 8 lees
Z al Le ea Fy 4 oo) a] ee) oe ee
BG jisiKeicht3 2525 p | 1894 | May 4__| June 5_| Jume 29_} 19% | 22 |___.__]__-__. 5 A
LG fl os ae ieee a Pe ee De b | 1894 | May 2_-| June 3.) June 24_| 15% | 7 |-______|.__._- 6 Ig
58 | Florence ._......--.-- b | 1888 | May 2..| June 1_| June 26_| 17 21 441% | 75 4 yy
59.) Ginee ts eos p | 1894 | May 2_-| June 38_|] June 21_| 35%4 | 40) |_-____]_-____ 3 yy
60 | Glenfield -.____..--_-- b | 1894 | May 2_.| June 3_| June 24_| 17 114 ||. 3 3 ae y
61 | Greenville.____..___-- p | 1891 | May 4__| June 38_| June 26_| 43 50% | 66 61 1 %
62 | Harmon -____-.---.=--- b- | 1894 | April 29_| June 1-_|] June19_| 144% | 11 |______|_-__- 2 \%
63"! (Hattie: 25.22.20 iss p | 1892 | May 4__| June 5_| June 26_| 50% | 36 72 67 2 Ig
64 | Haverland _____-___.- p | 1887 | April29_| June 1-_| June 26_} 44% | 31% | 40 42 4 Y%
65 | “Hermit :<0 50-2 b | 1892 | April 29_} June 3_} June 24_| 10% | 19% | 45 90 6 15
86:3 VEtinmane-) 2220s se b | 1890 | May 38..| June 7_| June 24_| 21% | 14% | 36 61%) 4 %
Bt) Woard > 2 ee b | 1888 | May 2..| June 5_| June 21-_! 14 16 21 21%} 2 \%
68 | Holyoke..___..----._- b | 1891 | May 2__} June 7_| June 26_; 24 8644 | 38% | 60 2 y%
O69) Heal od. ee b | 1891 | May 2_-|] June 5-_| June 29_|} 8 7 lea ee 6 yy
70 | Huntsman -_______._-. b | 1892 | May 2_.| June 5_| June 24_| 18 21%/ 9 29 1 yy
@) iorivslop 22:0 2ee6 0. b | 1892 | April 29_| June 5-_| June 19_} 12 18 12% | 88% | 2 Ig
Wank MOWSs oe oo eee ee b | 1892 | April 29_| June 7._| Junel7_; 4% | 4% }|___._-|.--__. 8 Ig
TEU Sh Ce ee ae p | 1894] May 2_-_| June 5_| June 26_| 31% | 87% |.-_--_].-___- 2 Ig
ES OAS Bi eee eas epee ore p | 1894} May 3_-_| June 5.) June 26_| 25 1) 2865) 45aaa 1 %
ab | Karas -2. 2.2 5. b | 1894 | May 2-_-| June 3_| June 24_| 36 50) 22a eo 1 yy
A6 |. Kation= 2.22 25.22% b | 1892 | May 2__| June 3_| June 21_] 11% | 11 27 38 Sa) el
07 -| Wiiekita.. 2.222502 222 p | 1894 | May 4..' June 12_| June 24_| 8%} 7 |_----2}-----. 1 14
78.) (Kossuth -..:2-...f 2 b | 1894 | April 80_| June 1-| June 24_| 18 15 Woes 3 %
79 | Lacrosse .___.__.__-_- np, 1898 | May 6_-| June10_| June 26_| 3 10 19 45 1 My
80. | ieader so. 222 20.4.- 2. b | 1892 | April 29_| June 1-.| June 21_| 28 $5) [Se see 3] 1
SL) ehign .-2). 3528 oo p | 1891 | April 29_} June 1-| June 19_| 374% | 9% | 64% |1144%] 2 145
B82 | WuOrGy. 200 sce ee p | 1892 | April29_| June 1-| June 26_| 13 11% | 22 22 2 1
83 | Leviathan______.____- b | 1892 | May 6__} June 1-_| June 26.| 24% | 28% | 15 21 2 %
64.) Lincoln ...2...2-:.-2- p | 1892 | April29_| June 3_| June 29.| 66 42144 |} 82 |126% | 1 %
85 | Little 26__.........__- b | 1894 | May 4._} Junel2_| June 24.| 9%{| 5 |{_-----}.--._- Deicesre
860) Wittle 4222) <"25. 8 np | 1894 | May 3__| June 5_| June 24_| 21 yb Reg eon eS 1 %
87 | Longfield ._____.__-_- p | 1894} May 2__| June 1_| June 24_| 37 1714 ||\-2 5 | eee 2 YY
68:1 Movett 0)... 2 b | 1891 | April30_| June 1-| June 24_} 42 19 394%, | 41% | 1 yy
RON Mower... ans Le b | 1894 | May 8..| Junel2_| Junel9_| 34%] 3 |__--_.|------ 1-5
90 | Magnate_______-______. p | 1894} May 1-..| June 1.) June 19_} 14% | 14% |-_.__.|..--_-| 2 Ig
91 | Marshall ..___..__-__- b | 1894 | May 6__| June 11_| June l9_| 2 (Aas eee eer
O20 Mary: soo tena es p | 1894 | May 6__| Junell_| June 24.| 144% | 5 |. __].----- 1 1%
93 | Maxwell___._____.___. b | 1894 | April 30_| June 1-} June 21_| 20% | 15 | ____-.}--.-. Lz}, ‘1
54°) Meeks 222.5255 5-228. b | 1894 | May 1-_| June 3.) June 21_| 3% | 12 |______}_---_- a 54
95 | Miami ____.___- fue p | 1889 | May 4.-| June 5.| June 2l1-_| 11 19% | 35 66 3 %
O67) Maller 22 i yee b | 1890 | May 8_-| June 12_| June 24.) 14% | 8 |{_____2}.----- 1 1-6
97 | Monroe_-____.-._-____- b | 1891 | May 2_-} June 7_| June 24.) 15% | 17% |_____.|.----- 5 4
98 | Muskingum _-___.__._. b | 1892 | May 6_-_} June 12_| June 29_} 59% | 26 81% | 75%] 2 Ig
99) Mystic... 2-2. oo ace b | 1892 | May 6__|] June 14_| June 29_| 6 12% | 15%/]10%)] 5 1g
100 | Neptune_____________- p | 1890 | May 6-.| June 12_| June 26_| 5 8% | 31% | 46% | 5 %
101 | No Name -_.____.-_--.. np | 1894 | May 7__| June 3_| June 26_| 26 22% | 252s 4 Ig
OZG INO: Ble coe e tee ascn b | 1898 | May 8._| June 12_} June 26.) 5%] 8 30% | 44 1 4%
103 | Odessa -_____________- 1894 | May 4__| June 10.| June 26_| 6%| 9 |.____.]------ 1 1-5
104 | Ohio Centennial ____-_ b | 1893 | May 6__| June 10_} June 29_| 8% | 24 87% | 42 5 %
O53) Ona t228c3 2 losis p | 1894 | May 2-_.|] June 3-| June 24_| 17 2S ee 4 4
106 | Oregon _______--.___-- p | 1891} May 1--|} June 5-_] June 26_} 9%] 10 = |_____-}.----- 5 Ig
107 | Oregon 278 __._______- b | 1894 | May 4..| June 7.] June 24_} 8 644 | sosceeeeeee 8 %
108" | ‘Osear 202 ee b | 1894 | May 6_.] June10_| June 21_| 4 236 | 222252 eee 7 1-5
109 | Ostego -__.___. --_._-- p | 1894 | May 4_.| June 5.| June 26_| 28% | 31. |{_____-|.----- 2 ig
410) Pacific... 5252--582225 p | 1890 | May 1_-| June 5-_| June 26_| 47 22 36 81 1 %
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS.
STRAW BERRIES.—ConrTINnvED.
269
Names.
b—bisexual.
n—nearly
p—pistillate.
When received.
Earliest bloom,
First picking.
Rio
Richmond. _-_.__-.___-
Riehl 6
Surprise
Standard
Thompson 40
Thompson 66
Timbrell
Westons..-..:.:.-.-.-
Wilson = 0252.2...
Wood (Beder) --__-_---
Woolverton
April 29-
BYn dice
(ae
6_-
May 6--
ba
ay 1_-
April 30.
May 2_-
April 29-
as
i a
' ' '
©
<
CP Ft CO 0 bet
'
©
<4
co poss
| et J
June 1-
Jane 12.
June 12.
June
June 5.
June
June
June
June
Vigor of plant, 1-10.
poet Com Com COCO
OU t CO 3
b-_
3
1
1
2
3
~
1
2
2
3
2
1
Weight of berry in
RAR SRR
re
SRR ANAK
FARKAS
WE de eke a
—
7s
ao
| el
RRR
Ounces.
1st year. 2d year
ap . 2
A E E
a 2 E
= no]
ea el ala
a = oS = 3
ra se) = ee |
June 24_| 22% | 18% | 31% | 81%
June 29_| 32 PE ea | ee Ses
June 26_| 12% 39 Bail jan eh a RE
June 29_| 21 20% | 29% | 36
June 24_| 22 ps A [ee fe
June 29_| 27% | 22 60 719%
June 26_| 81% | 17% |-__--_|_-----
June 14.| 18% | 27% | 22% | 57%
June 29_| 10 4% | 48 57%
ogmue 29.) 1246) 15 |e eee
June 26_| 38 DL A EET Vege
June 26_| 24 13% | 20% | 25%
June 17_| 14% | 24% |_.-__-]_--.--
une a4 Ve UL. |oee sees
June 24_| 35 50% | 47% |103%
June 24_| 154% | 15% | 2414 | 42
June 26_| 23 33% '115% |126
June 24_| 14 6% | 59 | 59%
June 26.) 29% | 18%4 |.--.... |..----
June 29:| 8 (27 ao Fee
June 29.| 17% | 14% |.-----|------
cane lie) 146 117 bie ke c
gmne 4s.) 2656 (Sl flocs secs tee
sgune 29_| 31% | 27% |...-.-|------
June 24_| 24 184% | 4214 | 58%
June 29_| 88%4 | 25% | 54 70%
June 24.| 30 45 16% | 52
Junge Os | So [282 ef eee
June 21_| 8% Ol6, Wee eG Re
June 24_| 14% | 10 16 32
June 24_| 32 44 14% | 81%
June 26_| 29 7h Oe | eee |
June 19_| 42 1934) (Ae
June 26_| 28 251% pa See Te
June 29_| 29 3 16 284%
June 24_| 5% 7 eee | ee
ENO At. | one) Ol cece fore ee
June 21_| 104% | 19% |_--___]__-__-
June 26_| 1914 | 3814 |___.__]_-__-.
June 26_| 19% | 29 |___.__]_--__-
June 26_| 23% | 19% | 47% | 56
June 26_| 30% | 26 17% | 54
June 29_| 26% | 21% | 40% | 77
June 24_| 16 18 2 57
June 21_| 27% | 34% | 42 97
June 29_| 18 474% | 49% |109%
| RR Ao
j
270 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Notices are appended of a few varieties which have shown the highest produc-
tiveness during the past unusually unfavorable season; although it may reason-
ably be inferred that, owing to such exceptional conditions, and possibly also to
peculiarities of soil or environment, such results may not properly express the
real relative values of the varieties noticed, and their ultimate status as compared
with many others under trial along with them.
The varieties are noticed in the order of their productiveness during the past
season, and the weights of single berries are those of such crop, which doubtless
may be assumed to be rather below than above the average of ordinary seasons.
larly Jack, bisexual, was received from Kansas and planted in the spring of
1894. So far the plant manifests great vigor and hardiness; in weight of berry it
ranks very high, many specimens weighing an ounce each; firmness about six,
upon the scale running from one downward to ten; quality, four; total product
from the twenty plants, 112 ounces.
Lincoln, pistillate, was received from Delaware and planted in 1892. In vigor
and hardiness it ranks one; firmness and quality, each five; weight of berry, half
an ounce; total yield, 108 ounces. This is apparently distinct from the Lincoln
(a very early berry) of some fifteen to twenty years ago.
Greenville, pistillate, was received from Ohio in 1891. It possesses superior
vigor and hardiness; firmness, two; quality, five; weight of berry, half an ounce;
total product, 98 ounces. It is worthy of extensive trial as a market berry.
Kansas, bisexual, was received from the state of that name and planted in 1894.
So far it ranks one in vigor and hardiness; in firmness, five; in quality, as high
as three; weight of berry, half an ounce; total product, 86 ounces.
Hattie, pistillate, was received from J. H. Haynes, Delphi, Ind., in 1892. In
vigor and hardiness it ranks two; firmness, four; quality, five; weight of a single
berry, one third of an ounce; total product, 86 ounces. Relatively it has proved
more productive this season than usual. .
Sadie, pistillate, was received from Ohio in 1890. In vigor it ranks three; in
hardiness, two; firmness, four; quality, six; weight of berry, one third of an ounce;
total product, 85 ounces. During this season of excessive drouth this variety
appears to have proved relatively more successful than in more favorable seasons.
Haverland, pistillate, was received from New Jersey as early as 1887. It has
slowly but steadily won its way to a somewhat prominent position as a market
variety, and at the same time as an excellent variety for the home plantation. In
vigor it ranks as low as four; hardiness, two; firmness, three; quality, two; weight
of berry, half an ounce; total product, 76 ounces.
Beauty, bisexual, received in 1892, from Michigan Agricultural College. Vigor, ’
three; hardiness, one; firmness five; quality, three; weight of berry, half an ounce;
total product, 76 ounces.
Swindle, pistillate, was received from G. H. & J. H. Hale, South Glastonbury,
Conn., in 1892. Vigor, four; hardiness, one; firmness, three; quality, six; weight
of berry, one third of an ounce; total product, 76 ounces. This forbidding name
was apparently bestowed with the hope that the variety might be kicked into
notoriety aS a consequence.
Charlie, pistillate, was received from Virginia in 1894. Vigor and hardiness
rank, one; firmness, three; quality, four; weight of berry, one third of an ounce;
total product, 75 ounces.
Gipsy, pistillate, was received from Michigan Agricultural College in 1894. Vigor
and hardiness each three; firmness, four; quality, five; weight of berry, half an
ounce; total product, 75 ounces. A variety under this name was tested here many —
year's since. The present one is apparently distinct—the plant being more vigorous.
Splendid, bisexual, was received from Illinois in 1893. Vigor and hardiness each
one; firmness, three; quality, one; weight of berry, one ounce; total product, 75
ounces.
Mary Marshall, and several others were planted either in late spring or in sum-
mer, for which reason the tabulation does not in such cases properly express their
relative character so far as productiveness is concerned.
RASPBERRIES (Rubus).
For several years past, the plat of raspberries (including blackberries, which
alternate with them), has been in an unsatisfactory condition, such as could only
be effectually remedied by replanting in other ground. This was accordingly done
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 271
last spring, so far as plants were available for the purpose. The remaining vacan-
cies will, in most cases, be filled during the present autumn or next spring, witb
plants propagated for the purpose upon the premises, except in the case of varie-
ties too rare or recent for the purpose. Of small fruits, ten plants constitute a set.
The foliage of many varieties of raspberry, especially those of Id@us and
strigosus parentage, is frequently attacked by a fungus and which is confined to
the lower surface of the leaf, seriously affecting the size and quality of the fruit
and capacity to aid the growth of the plant. This season has not proved an excep-
tion, though the attack may have been slightly less severe than usual. A few
varieties of strigosus parentage, such as Cuthbert, Golden Queen, and perhaps a
few others, appear to be in a measure exempt from this malady, as is the case with
the varieties of occidentalis. The spray of copper sulphate, so generally effective
against fungi, appears to be ineffective in this case, possibly for the reason that,
as usually applied, it rarely reaches the under surface of the foliage, where only
this parasite occurs. Another season’s experiments are needful to solve this doubt.
Anthracnose continues to manifest itself mainly upon the blackcaps, although,
with the free use of the spray of copper sulphate, its depredations have not proved
very serious. Most of the suckering varieties have, thus far, escaped the malady
in whole or in part.
The only insects which have been at all troublesome this season are the leaf-
miners, which, apparently, are merely estrays from the adjacent blackberries.
' The general spraying given raspberries, in common with the entire plantation,
in March, was repeated upon raspberries April 27, with one pound of copper
sulphate dissolved in 250 gallons of water.
May 3, raspberries were sprayed for anthracnose, using Bordeaux mixture of
the usual strength.
June 21, repeated the spray for anthracnose, with a solution of one and a half
ounces of copper sulphate in fifty gallons of water.
Special notices are appended of a few comparatively recent varieties, as well
as of several older ones; some of them as worthy of increased attention by planters,
while others are apparently unworthy.
American Everbearing, blackeap, has been on trial here, two years only. Thus
far it has shown no everbearing tendency, nor does it otherwise give promise of
valuable qualities. .
Cardinal was received from Kansas, and has been noticed in previous reports
as Greisa (the name of the introducer). It is intermediate, possibly a hybrid,
between strigosus and occidentalis. It roots somewhat reluctantly, from both suck-
ers and tips. It is hardy and fairly productive of more than medium-size fruit,
though scarcely prolific enough to prove satisfactory as a market variety.
Champlain was only planted last spring and has barely shown a few imperfect
specimens, from the appearance of which, as well as from the habit of the plant,
it is apparently identical with a variety grown here several years ago and con-
demned as unworthy.
Church (Royal), a native of Ohio, was received in 1892. Although put forth with
a “flourish of trumpets,” it has not developed qualities such as would warrant a
recommendation for extensive planting.
In the following tables the weight of a specimen in ounces or fractions of an
ounce is given, instead of size, as a more accurate indication of the relative value;
while their productiveness is estimated upon the scale running from 1 to 10, 1 rep-
resenting the highest degree of productiveness.
272 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
RASPBERRIES (Rubus).
: EF 8
ap : :
a a | #. {8S
. om mM
My Name, Species. so 3 ic a OQ £2
£ 5 g a a 285
E 2 : g e | 3, \e3
z ca = 3 3 Ba ine
1| American Everbearing-.---------. Occidentalis ___.. 1893 | May 28.) June 29.| July 29_| 1-25 2
41 Brandywine 2.422 2ck 5. cule euch Strigosus ___. ___. 1888 | May 31.| Joly 5.| Aug. 14.| 1-16 4
Oo) OAR inale soo oy oe Re Neglectus ______-- 1890 | May 29.| June 26_| Aug. 5. 1-7 1
4 Cannan 226 2a ho eee Occidentalis ____- 1890 | May 24-| June 24_| July 19. 1-17 1
Bb) Camolimety Soro) i vik tie ioe as Neglectus ___.._-_- 1888 | May 80.| June 28_/ July 10_| 1-10 1
6) Centenmial =-.), 4.2. ew eee Occidentalis ____. 1888 | May 23_| June 25_| July 10_| 1-13 1
4: "Ohegniplein 220 os ae ee Strigosus_.__.___- 1895
8) 4G bane nee obi Se ee eee Strigosus____.___- 1894 | May 31_| June 28.| July 10. 1-14 2.
DT OGRPRI Re oo Sate ae me ees Occidentalis ____- 1893 | May 30_| June 28_| July 10_} 1-9 2
AG 3 (Crommyell oe a ee Occidentalis ___-_- 1889 | May 28_| June 25_| Aug. 7. 1-15 1
20 1 Cuthbert i 2! ici 2. eee Strigosus___.____. 1888 | May 31.| July 5.| Aug. 7_| 1-10 1
12) | Doolittle: v2. ee = ee Occidentalis ____- 1888 | May 24.| June 26_| Aug. 7- 1-17 1
BS ARYANS 22 oo ela ee See Occidentalis -____- 1888 | May 29.| June 24.| Aug. 5_| 1-22 1
M4) arly King io) | 26 is oe Strigosus-____.._-- 1894 | May 31_| June 28_| Aug. 7- 1-8 2
15) mm ete oo. ) oot eee Strigosus________- 1895
i) Merete seo BS se) SR eee Occidentalis ____- 1895
a9: 1 Farnsworth) 22s. te Occidentalis -.__. 1891 | May 30.| June 26_| Aug. 2- 1-20 1
18 | Gladstone -.......... ---.---.-_-- Strigosus-____._-_- 1893 | May 80.} June 26_| Aug. 2. 1-16 2
19 | Golden Queen_-___.__._..-_----_-- Strigosus____.___. 1888 | May 81-_| June 29_| Aug. 10- 1-12 2
20: Greeni(Now) 2-8 eee Occidentalis -____| 1895
Bi Greer 2 etn ee ssl ek pases Occidentalis -.__. 1888 | May 31.} July 3-} Aug. 7- 1-13 +
20) JHensell 62 oe oe ye ee Strigosus_._..___- 1888 | May 30_| June 20_| Aug. 10- 1-12 2
OS Seratindg 2265232 oe ae UB hus ee 1888 | May 31.] June 25._| Aug. 5.| 1-10 8
24 Ebon 40% eee eas Occidentalis ____- 1888 | May 30.| July 6-.| Aug. 5- 1-27 3
Oi) MORN Sn ie ab daedet see Occidentalis -___. 1890 | May 29.| July 1-} Aug. 19_| 1-16 4
PO \anidiana, 0 CoO ee So ea Occidentalis -____- 1888 | May 30.| June 26_| Aug. 7.| 1-12 2
an) Johnstons). 72222-2255 Fe ee Occidentalis ____- 1888 | May 80.) June 29_} Aug. 7- 1-24 1
fC a i ee Ss RS) Occidentalis ____- 1892 | May 30_| June 28.) Aug. 7. 1-12 1
201) Kenyon 20 ee bie. Pe ee Strigosus____.___- 1895
BO") Ms@uidOm bee PLE Seek Strigosus___..__.- 1895
Bio) AGOVOCG oi ae oan ee ee Occidentalis ..__. 1891 | May 29.| July 1-| July 29_| 1-14 1
Bo): MLerIDOrO! eee eh tN ge I Strigosus__.____.- 1888 | May 30.) June 26.! Aug. 7- 1-8 1
Sai amen ew co Sa Be shy Foe a Strigosus_.__.__-_- 1895
Ot Malia U5 2: bo ee oe kN Occidentalis ____- 1895
Ob) Muskingum... 222 Strigosus________- 1893 | June 8_| June 28_| Aug. 5- 1-15 1
$6 V Normalan co. oe oes seeest aes Occidentalis _.__. 1888 | May 30.
SY BL 8.100 Co Ome See AR en a ws ON haar Occidentalis ____- 1888 | May 29.| June 26_|} July 29. 1-15 1
» LENG Us 75 Se ERIS sree SB SOON Occidentalis .___. 1898 | May 28.| June -8_| July 25.| 1-10 1
Goi "Palmor' sie ie eee _.| Occidentalis ____- 1890 | May 24_| June 26_| July 31_ 1-14 1
ROE TORTOBE oon sbee wearer aes Occidentalis --_-__- 1890 | May 29.| June 28.| July 22_| 1-18 5
BE OCR BY Sek oc a ee Strigosus_._..___. 1888 | May 31_| June 25-} Aug. 5.| 1-9 1
49\iReliande 25.00 5 eee Strigosus___...... 1888 | May 31_|} June 26_} Aug. 10.| 1-10 3
AB i) PROB ON ce eee eas Neglectus ____.__. 1888 | May 81.) June 28_| Aug. 5.] 1-10 1
A) Bist Ginnt oo ee Occidentalis ____- 1892 | May 29.) June 19.! Aug. 7.. 1-12 4
453) Smith Prolifie -.. 320 Occidentalis ____- 1898 | May 30.| June 20.| July 17.} 1-12 1
AG | ASOUNERAN |22) os aoe eubeee ees Occidentalis ____-. 1888 | May 28.| June 25_| July 29. 1-14 2
Ay) Superlative —. 2c coco eet ce Strigosus.______-- 1895
48) Thompson oo es eect ee Strigosus__.____.- 1490 | May 80.) June 24.| Aug. 5.| 1-12 2
40 UR WACK. ok ates eke Strigosus.___.....| 1895 ay 381.| June 28_| Aug. 5-. 1-16 4
OE UE Ws ot =) et oa a a SN Strigosus____-__-- 1888 | June 8.| July 1-.| Aug, 10. 1-21 4
(A De 1 eS A a ea ee ae eee Occidentalis -___- 1888 | May 25_! June 25.) July 19.| 1-16
G2 | WW One eee oe esos Occidentalis -__-. 1895 | May 29.| June 26_| July 31- 1-16 1
WAR fee re Sees Occidentalis -___- 1895
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. os
Conrath, a Michigan occidentalis seedling, has already won more or less reputation
as a profitable early market variety, comparing very favorably with others of its
season, both as respects plant and fruit.
Cromwell, a Connecticut seedling, is much like the preceding in season, as well
as in general character, though scarcely its equal in size of fruit.
Early King is apparently a variety of strigosus, possessing the vigor and hardiness
of that species. So far it is productive of fruit of fine size and good quality.
Farnsworth was received from Ohio in 1891. It possesses valuable characteristics
as a market blackeap, and is well worthy of trial for that purpose.
Gladstone, though bearing an honored name, has proved to be a disappointment.
The fruit is far from attractive in either appearance or quality. The young canes
produce an autumn crop of fruit, a large proportion of which, however, in this
climate, is usually ruined by frost before maturity.
Palmer is vigorous and productive. In weight of berry it is fully medium, while
its bright color and good flavor render it very desirable for either family or market.
It is early, though not the earliest.
Reeder (formerly Reder, by an error of the introducer), is still one of the most
excellent red raspberries, so far as weight of berry, bright color, and fine flavor
are concerned, only needing greater vigor and productiveness to adapt it to com-
mercial purposes.
Thwack was received last spring. It is an old variety, which was tested here
ten or twelve years ago, and although large, hardy, vigorous, productive, and a
good handler, it proved so utterly deficient in quality that it was dropped. It is
yet occasionally planted for market.
»
BLACKBERRIES (Rubus villosus).
The stand of blackberries having been for several years in a very unsatisfactory
condition, a new plat was planted last spring, which when well grown is intended
‘to supersede the former one.
Blackberries having been sprayed April 1, together with the entire plantation,
were again treated, April 27, wih a weaker solution, consisting of one pound of
copper sulphate in 250 gallons of water, to prevent anthracnose.
May 23, anthracnose beginning to appear upon the young canes, the plat was
treated with a spray of Bordeaux mixture, consisting of four pounds of copper
sulphate and nine pounds of stone lime (that quantity proving necessary under
the prussiate of potash test) in forty gallons of water.
June 21, repeated the spray for anthracncse, using one and one half ounces of
copper sulphate dissolved in fifty gallons of water.
The only notable insect which has depredated upon the blackberry during the
season is the leaf-miner, Tischeria malifoliella Clemens, which has proven increas-
ingly troublesome for several years, and has this season become so numerous as to
nearly or quite ruin a very large percentage of the foliage. So serious has the
injury become that some means of preventing or exterminating it seemed indispen-
sable.
Saunders, in ‘Insects Injurious to Fruits,” pages 114 and 115, notices the apple
leaf-miner as also attacking the foliage of the blackberry, this being assumed to
be the insect in question, although this may be doubted since he does not accurately
describe its habits as observed here, adding, moreover, “It has never been known
to do any material injury.”
Finding it indispensable that a remedy be applied, and observing that the larvze
were protected by the upper and lower tissues of the leaf, between which they
operate, it was obvious that no poisonous spray, whether caustic or otherwise,
could effectually reach them. As a dernier resort, in view of this dilemma, the
infected leaves were removed and burned, while the larve were yet at their work.
Later a few leaves were again attacked. These were treated in the same manner.
The result of such treatment can only become manifest when it can be observed
through its influence upon the growth of the coming year. Quite possibly a better
knowledge of the life habits of the insect in its transformations might point to
amore effective or economical method of attacking it.
35
274 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
BLACKBERRIES (Rubus villosus). +
B (sls
. z 2 @Q
aoe # |4 fg jes
-_ w 2 1a
Pe Name. : 8 ic rs oS ll |e
& = wa) "6 om Yq iy om
2 a Qs ltSlbo
g a 2 7 = 2° lass
re} & A=] A= we Sq i509 eg
Z A cm 4 BE |OoF la
at? Agawam. (22 c52 46h pba! js eee 1888 | May 25.| July 12.| Aug. 1-_] 1-5 2 4
a) Ancient(Britom2 ce 2 oc. ooo eee 1888 | May 28-_] July 13_| Sept. 10_| 1-8 7 2
33) Bonanzay oso eto oa a eee 1888 | May 81_| July 13_| Sept.14_| 146 4 1
A Childs! ube nen. SEE LOe Go oa eA ie ae 1892 |.
OL) Manly Cimeter ce. 5 ero. eke eee ee eee 1888 | June 1-.| July 12.| Aug. 16.| 18 3 1
6)\\ Barly Harvest 262_ 2. st 5c<0 he Sees 1888 | June 1_| July 8-_| Aug. 26_| 1-9 2 6
A Marly Kane Ne dee i bo at eels ie Ee 1890 | June 1-_| July 8_| Aug. 5_| 1-7 2 4
8)| Marly Mammoth --23)22.525) 05) eee eee 1891 | June 1-| Jaly 13_| Aug. 31_| 1-5 4 1
Ol SEidorado: 65.02 Na oe) ee en ee 1892 | May 80.| July 13_| Aug. 14_| 1-7 4 1
1 [i Do (pe ee eee Pete Ley eget | PREP TREY US 1888 | June 6.| July 20_} Aug. 1-_} 1-5 5 9
AMeHeuitland, 2226 260k. fe a ey Ra ene 1892 | June 6-_| July 81_| Aug. 14_| 1-8 5 6
DA Mittatinny 2.02520 eee Bee Ae aa es 1888 | June 1-_| July 19_| Sept.14_| 1-6 3 5
13 NOX LE: Ces ci ge aera Teese. eee see Cae 1888 | May 81.| July 18.) Sept.16_| 1-6 3 1
1A SA WUON 2225 Soo soe ee eee. 2 keene see 1888 | June 1-_| July 16_| Sept. 14_} 1-6 3 6
LBS wizincolns 225 $2) - Fila ee ee ee ae ee 1891 | May 30_| July 16_| Aug .| 1-9 5 3
AOoy Maxwell oo8 oo eo a 2) ee i se 1894
Lis Minne waske) 22.50 o-oo ceecanns tee ee 1888 | June 1-_| July 18_| Aug. 31_| 1-5 5 5
MSH NEVER 2324-1 eo a ake Co a eae ee 1888 | May 31.| July 15_| Sept.12_| 1-5 4 1
19} Ohmer «56 525-11 ee es RI eae Fe 1892 | June 6_| July 17_| Aug. 31.| 1-6 3 5
20 | Oregon (Everbearing) __.....-.....---._--------- 1892 | May 31_| July 25_| Sept. 14.
Ali Sanford ox st23) cee 2 ee oe Sh A Ae Sealer ne 1894
22 | Snyder _.._ nce seen cacs coceeccwaccecccecaces--| 1888 | May 282) July 132)Septse eee 1
BAW GOH wes so. Oona ie ea ee) tre eh seme ee ee 1890 ay 30.| July 19_} Aug. 16_| 1-10] 5 4
P02 g Co 0 MA RST a ONE ATTIRE 1888 | May 31_| July 17_| Sept.15.| 1-11] 1] 4
20 LOM PSOM 2:55..2222 2e4sh oe POT ee a ee es 1890 | May 81-.| July 13.| Aug. 24-.| 1-5 5 4
201 WaChUGett -2o 20 eg A te Ve eee 1890 | May 29.| July 18.! Aug. 7-_| 1-16} 3 1
Ziale Wallacd):2.. 02S). See RT Es Sees oe 1888 | May 29.| July 16.| Sept.12_| 1-8 3 3
28:1, Western ‘Trinmph. +: -j2.255-22e 20-2 ee eee 1888 | May 31_] July 15.) Aug. 14.| 1-8 4 1
2ON WEIBOR oo eV oes eS, ie A a Le 1888 | May 380.| July 13.) Aug. 26.) 1-4 5 4
May a July 18_| Aug. 26.) 1-5 5|. 4
Ancient Briton and Western Triumph are both vigorous and hardy, though small
and inclined to overbear. The former is popular at the west as a market variety.
Both require superior cultivation and close pruning to maintain an acceptable size
for market.
Bonanza, Early Cluster, and Nevada have given better results this year than
usual. Childs, thus far, has given little indication of value. Having been trans-
planted last spring, it has not yet shown fruit.
Harly harvest was badly injured by cold last winter. It must have winter
protection to succeed even in our lake shore climate.
Harly King and Early Mammoth are comparatively recent varieties, usually
quite productive of fine-size fruit. They are apparently well worthy of trial for
market, though they may perhaps prove deficient in hardiness.
Eldorado, Lincoln, and Ohmer have been too recently planted here to warrant
a conclusion, as to their measure of success, although they are well spoken of in
certain other localities.
Maxwell, Piasa, and Sanford were first planted here last spring, and must there-
fore have further opportunity to develop their characteristics.
Oregon (Everbearing) is a curiosity, with cut-leaved foliage, a vigorous, semi-
trailing habit of growth, blooming and fruiting in succession.
Stone (Hardy) is a vigorous, spreading grower, said to be unusually hardy. As
generally grown its fruit is quite too small for either home use or market.
Wachusett (and Hoosie also) is chiefly notable for the absence of spines, although
Wachusett is of fine flavor. Both are quite too small. So far, no spineless variety
of practical value has been introduced to the public.
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 275
SERVICE BERRY (Amelanchier).
Only three varieties of this species, all of them of dwarf habit, have so far been
planted here. These are, an unnamed variety, designated in our lists as common;
one known as Success, and one received from Indiana as Mammoth.
So far as either plants or fruit are concerned, the difference between these alleged
varieties, as grown here, is very slight, if even perceptible.
The fruit is so specially attractive to birds that the entire crop is invariably
appropriated by them, even before fully ripe, unless protected by netting or other-
wise. Indeed, so decided is such preference, that this fruit might perhaps be
profitably planted as the means of diverting the attention of the birds from other
fruits of similar season.
In quality, this fruit is by no means equal to the huckleberry, which it closely
resembles.
CURRANTS (Ribes).
A new plantation of currants was made last spring, so far as plants were avail-
able for the purpose, and at the same time the plants in the old plat were earthed
up to insure the rooting of sufficient additional plants for the filling of the new
plat next spring.
March 18, while yet dormant, currants (in common with the entire plantation)
were sprayed with a solution of two pounds of copper sulphate in 50 gallons of
water.
April 27, being then in foliage, they were again sprayed with a solution of one
pound of copper sulphate in 250 gallons of water.
May 8, the currant worm (Nematus ventricosus} having attacked the foliage, the
infected plants were treated with a spray consisting of one pound of Paris green
in 250 gallons of water.
May 27.—Previous season’s trials fae shown that liver of sulphur (potassium
sulphide), the antidote for gooseberry mildew, is also a preventative of premature
loss of currant foliage, the spray of this preparation was also applied to the cur-
rant, and this was repeated June 4, June 19, and July 5.
Later a spray of buhach in water was applied to subdue the second brood of
currant worms, which appeared just as the fruit was ripening.
Aside from the currant worm already referred to, the twig borer (Ageria tipuli-
formis) has been the only troublesome insect this year. A careful search for this
insect will scarcely be made prior to the pruning, next spring, though the indications
are that (owing doubtless to persistent efforts for its destruction during the past
two or three years) its numbers may prove to have considerably diminished.
In the following table, in the column of weights of single berries, expressed in
fractions of an ounce, it will be seen that in all cases the denominator of the frac-
tion gives the number of berries in an ounce. The extreme drouth of the season
doubtless considerably diminished the weights as recorded. The quality and pro-
ductiveness given are relative, being arrived at by comparing each with others of
the same species.
276 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
CURRANTS (Ribes).
ba ae Al!
i=] @
i=] @® d
zg |e
i a >
Fi Name. Species. 3 8 3 ¢ 5 t 28
-|5
5 a g a 2a |69 E 5
Z Au ea) em E= |e
1 | Champion (Black) ._..-....__-.-_-.-------- Nigrum__-____- 1889 | May 2__| June 27 1-17} 1 4
2 Pees Pe BR oes 511k a eh aan ae memati <8, Rubrum --_-__-- 1888 | May 1__| June 21_ 1-28} 3 3
Bl MOranagen : 24 3 So ed snk ces eee Aureum ..____. 1889 | May 1..|] July 2- 1-20 | 10 2
4 eae ee 3£23.6296.25|Nigrum. See 1892 | May 3_.| June 29 1-18 | 5 4
BS) ay oe ae a ee pe ae Rubrum __-___- 1888 | May 1__| June 21. 1-27 | 8 2
6| Holland (Long Bunched)-___-_--.-_-2__-_-- Rubrum --__-_- 1889 | May 2_-| June 24. 1-44] 5 2
een ehten(improved) 22 2k ee ee 1895
8 = pei OOC GER e lig oil JS ee ee Rubrum ..___- 1890 | May 1-_| June 21- 1-25 | 8 6
Sf Tea as OR mma gi epee ORS AL cee Pee Nigrum..__...| 1888 | May 3-_-| June 29. 1-21} 7 2
10 Toniion CIRO tts ici s ane alee ce eee Rubraum ..___. 1890 | May 2._| June 22_.| 1-37/| 6 2
Ati WMoore Rubys6 26s aie ee ee ee ee Rubrum ..___. 1890 | May 1__| June 21- 1-32 | 2 2
12)| “Moore Select). 22204-2053 725 pile we Rubrum ..___. 1¢90 | May 2__] June 21. 1-35 | 5 2
133) (Naples (Black)... 202.553 -2- ees Nigrum_._-___. 1888 | May 3-..| June 29_ 1-37 | 5 5
TaeNorth: Star... 3.2. - ete ya ES Rubrum .-..__- 1890 | May 1_-_| June 21- 1-45 | 8 1
15 itRed: Dutch) 2h Usk Sieh thay tie et reete Rubrum -.___- 1888 | May 1-_-} June 22. 1-43 | 2 2
AG) Seay COable. 25 22 ee ees Rubrum .--_--- 1892 | May 1__| June 21- 1-45 | 4 1
RT| aS ADNOCLE. 2 2 occa we ed no eee Nigrum._____- 1890 | May 4_.| June 29. 1-28 | 7 4
183) Versailllaipe ix cia) ee ie i eee ete Rubrum _.__-- 1888 | May 1-_-_} June 21- 1-39 | 3 3
OF WI CTORIAE == oe ok et ee ts Rubrum ._-____. 1888 | May 1-_-_| June 21. 1-41 | 5 2
20:1 - Wales (Prince Of) 22. sc Nigrum_._.__- 1890 | May 4_-| June 29. 1-15 | 7 4
i Nihetbes: Dhestielah 32 fe 2t de a Ls eb Rubrum ..._.. 1888 | May 1..| June 21.| 1-44| 1| 2
an i White Gondoin, 23) 232. c520-udoeskaeeee Rubrum ..._.- ; 1890 hed 2.-| June 18.; 1-30} 1 1
23) OW hite: Grape = 2222. See oe) ae ais Rubrum .-_-__-. 1888 y 2__| June 21- 1-83 | 2 1
BH) Wilder 2 Lacs Lie ope TLE Bae ye, Rabrum _____- 1890 | Me 1.-| June 29-| 1-20] 8 Maes UU! 3
Ghierry is large but with short clusters, quite acid, but popular on account of its
large size. An indifferent grower.
Crandall, a variety of the old yellow-flowering currant, though large is of no
practical value. It has been omitted in our recent planting.
Fay is much like Cherry in both plant and fruit. It apparently requires superior
culture to fully develop its best characteristics.
Holland (Long Bunched) is the most vigorous variety in our collection. It holds
its foliage more persistently than any other variety, if we except Victoria. It is
late in ripening, with long bunches but small berries. Productive.
Lakewood is a recent Ohio variety which, so far, has shown few valuable
qualities.
London (Red) is supposed to be identical with London Market; it is vigorous and
very productive, and, though neither large nor of high quality, is a profitable
market variety.
Naples (Black) is very vigorous and productive. It has long been considered the
leading market variety of its species.
North Star, a recent Minnesota variety, is exceedingly vigorous and said to be
productive, a characteristic not yet determined so far as this locality is concerned.
The clusters are long, but, so far, the berries are not large.
Red Dutch, so far, everything considered, has no superior among red varieties.
Victoria, on account of its partial exemption from attacks of the twig borer
(Ageria tipuliformis) is the leading commercial variety in localities in which that
insect is troublesome. It is slightly later in ripening and retains its foliage longer
than most varieties.
Wales (Prince of), a comparatively recent variety of nigrum, although less pro-
ductive has this year produced larger specimens than any other of its species.
White Dutch and White Gondoin are very similar. In mild, rich flavor they have
so far no superior.
Wilder has been grown here several years without developing specially valuable
qualities, although in a few other localities it has recently been highly commended.
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 217
GOOSEBERRIES (Rives).
Gooseberry and currant rows being adjacent have received the same treatment,
so far as spraying is concerned, and since both are alike subject to the attacks of
the currant worm (Nematus ventricosus), their treatment for this malady was also
the same, excepting only the Industry gooseberry, which, June 21, was treated with
a spray of zenoleum (a preparation manufactured by a Detroit firm and represented
- as a non-poisonous insecticide, fungicide, and disinfectant). The application was
effective against mildew, for which purpose it was applied.
Liver of sulphur, applied as stated under the head of currants, has apparently
proved to be a specific in both cases, except that in the case of a plant or two of
Triumph gooseberry, under the shelter of some evergreens, spoken of in last year’s
report, which, perchance lacking free exposure, should for this reason have
received unusually thorough treatment.
The crumpling of the terminal leaves, mostly of such varieties as Houghton and
Pale Red, has again appeared this year. It is supposed to be the work of a minute
aphid, which attacks the under side of the leaves and which, in consequence, are
drawn so compactly together that a spray can scarcely be made to penetrate the
mass effectively. The remedy resorted to has been to cut away and burn affected
tips. The attack this year has apparently been less severe than heretofore.
Except as noted, the gooseberry has been exempt during the season from serious
attacks of either insects or fungi.
As in the case of currants, the plants were “earthed up” last spring for the pur-
pose of securing rooted plants to be used next spring in completing a new plantation
of this fruit, with a more even stand of plants, for this reason better adapted to
Station purposes.
GOOSEBERRIES (Ribes).
iy = a
B o |Z=
2 .|8 |do
- wo 2 2 Saat
Re Name. Species, : ; 8 Ne © = Ps
8 | 2) ® [sé lege
g g 2 7) Ke) | =(3 9
i=] “4 = a @ = =] fe) 9 |
a = ce a | EA SP ia
A i a Cynosbati ....| 1898 | May 2_.| Aug. .._- 16 / 2
2A Teri) SET Ta RE I a ode Grossularia __| 1890 | May 8__| July 2__| 1-2?) 1 7
pn. SS rae See eee Grossularia _-| 1894 1-7
ume See Grossularia __| 1891 | May 2_-| July 2__| 1-6| 2 2
ie eenGhuoue _..... 2... ---...-----..--. Cynosbati ..-.|. 1892 | May 2__] July 2__-] 1-4] 2
6 aac (oan) See ay a 1895
Syd SoS ee eee Cynosbati -...| 1888 | May 2__| July 8__| 1-8 | 4 1
8 Galan | (Prolific) 2 ee A ae ee Grossularia __| 1891 | May 2--
2 eae Hirtellum ___-| 1888 | May 2__| July 2__} 1-13} 1
_| 7 > (i es Grossularia __| 1889 | May 2__| July 1__| 1-2] 3 1
NIMH OTIS KG ek ce Grossularia __| 1894 | May 2_-
12 Vernuhehivs ee en eonen Grossularia __| 1894 | May 2_.
fa porange (Manly)o.--.-2--_ 2.2 -------2 Grossularia __! 1890 | May 2_-_| June 24.| 1-5] 2 4
LLG) TESA oy 3 Oot cae a RS re Hirtellum _.__| 1890 ay 2-:|.July 1_.| 1-13; 1 1
vis) LE @min es sae a ge Grossularia __| 1890 | May 3__| July 2._| 1-7] 1 1
Hen miGGOReae@ kG se Grossularia __| 1890 | May 2__| June 8__| 1-4] 2 4
LIT] Y SUva Thi) a oe San le Cynosbati ..._, 1888 | May 2-__| June 28_].____- 1 5
Leo) Sipura] Gye ge See eS ee eee Cynosbati...-_| 1892 | May 2-_-
os IME‘. SS Se Cynosbati ..-_| 1892 May 2_.| July 16 1-14; 3 5
Peiamph oehe eesti oe eee Grossularia __| 1890 | May 2_.] July 16_| 1-3] 3 3
Apex, a native of Oregon, has the habit and foliage of the Europeans, though
apparently distinct in fruit. It is yet too soon for it to have properly manifested
its peculiarities.
Auburn is a name temporarily applied to an unknown foreign variety of excellent
quality, early, and of large size. . ‘ ase
=~
278 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Bendelon (the name of the person from whom the variety was received), is an.
untested seedling of foreign parentage, originated at Detroit, Michigan.
Champion, Industry, Pearl, and Triumph are all of European extraction and have
been sufficiently tested here to justify their commendation for extended trial, but
ouly with persistent spraying to ward off the attacks of mildew.
Chautauqua, though highly spoken of elsewhere, requires further trial here.
Columbus, Golden (Prolific), Keepsake, Lancashire (Lad), and Orange (early), are
all understood to be of foreign parentage. With persistent spraying they have
so far escaped mildew, but further trial is needful to determine their value here. .
Downing is beyond doubt the most popular of our alleged native varieties, for
commercial planting, though not of superior flavor. Smith is even larger and of
superior quality, but the plant lacks vigor and productiveness.
Houghton and Pale Red are much alike, so far as both plant and fruit are con-
cerned. They are healthy and vigorous, though of slender habit, but the fruit,
though abundant and of good quality, is quite too small to suit the popular taste.
Red Jacket, judging from the habit of the plant and the size and general appear-
ance of the fruit, though an American seedling, is probably of foreign parentage.
With persistent spraying it is healthy and vigorous and the fruit of fine size.
Further trial is needful.
Strubler, from Illinois, and Tree, from Ohio, are unmistakable natives, healthy
and vigorous, but have yet to develop their full qualities here.
CHERRIES (Prunus).
Notwithstanding the renewal, and even increased intensity, of the drouth of the
past season, aS compared with that of 1894, frequent and thoroughly clean cultiva-
tion has sufficed, in the case of the cherry, as also with the other tree fruits, to
secure a very satisfactory growth of wood, as well as a fair development of fruit
upon such trees as were in bearing. Even the few trees which, up to last year, had
failed to repair the injury due to the excessively wet spring of 1893, have now so
far improved as to afford the promise of permanent recovery.
After the spray applied to cherries in common with other fruits in March last,
further treatment was not found needful till June 24, when cherries (and pears also)
were given a spray of strong tobacco water, as a remedy for the slug (Hriocampa
cerasi), which made its first appearance at that time. A very few appeared subse-
quently, but yielded readily to a repetition of the same treatment. Except as already
described, neither insects nor fungi have been observed to attack the cherry, either
tree or fruit, the curculio apparently having confined his attention to early peaches
and plums.
In the following table the quality of the fruit is arrived at by comparing each
variety with others of its species, as Duke varieties with Dukes, Morellos with Mor-
ellos, ete.
Under the head of weight, as in the case of small fruits, it will be observed that
the denominator of the fraction gives the number of fruits in an ounce.
The degree of productiveness as given under that head, has reference to the
product of the year 1895 only.
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 279
CHERRIES (Prunus),
' = et mi, Ds
5 ® S
& fa [#2
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u Name. Species. os 3 eed os tad ee
a 2 g 4 Op |£s|5c
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E E ao) a or ge ey
Z a ea) a Es ior ia
TI ERB G et ee en eee tec n clee eee Morello _-_ ___- 1888 | May 2__| July 3.) 1-8] 2 8
Py dl Min 0) 0i! V:yo0 | Morello ___-_-- 1888 | May 2_.| July 8.| 15] 2
RRIPPIBUIHOCGONGI 8 oo oe) eset ona wean enn. Avivimntcces =. 1894 -| May 4__
co) in ivi i 3.322 el ll RS ipa Morello ___.-. 1892 | May 3.
PIMEIPRBATADIEM ss 2 cs oe oe cow e ee Morello .___-. 1888 | May 2_-| June 26_| 1-7 2 2
6) Brusseler Braune .........-.-..--.--------- Morello ___.-- 1888 | May 3__| June 26_} 1-7} 1 8
vy) |) COP ERIE) 00) cae ee Duke 5.5: 1891 | May 38_-_| June 24_| 1-4
PP@entennigiiss 29000. sen- eel cee Avium__..___. 1893 | May 4--
co |) COURG NT fy 2S Dake ei 1888 | May 2_-_| June 20_} 1-5 |___ 6
IND) || CORES) ste LIz Ta Avium __.__-- 1891 May 2__| June l19_| 1-4
Tt} Coe (Transparent) -/-_.-....-....-.--.._-.. ALVilIEe ee see 1888 | May 2_-| June 20_| 1-4 |___. 7
PAMMOWMONi se. Sogo. ccs eben ewe eee eden oon Aviniielise. 1888 | May .2_.| July 1.) 1-5 |__-- a
0 ee Morello ___.-. 1891 | May 3_.| June 12_| 1-9 |-_..| 3
Pees amie (i aCH) ou. .2-..-..---.------<»------ Avinm..25-2-- 1888 | May 1--.| June 28 1-5 5
py plsariveburplejss cs —-o.2-.-----.-------=--..-. Avium.-_-_--_-- 1892
VE | TES te a AViInm >. 1892 | May 2-..| June 18_| 1-4
IPIMRUR ETON fe sa) ooo eo cece oce cane ce Morello _____- 1892 | May 3-_-
1S) |) USNS Oey TU (ee See Duke ii. i222 1888 | May 2_.| June i8_| 1-5 |. _- 6
TS) ehiverpesring! ooo we enna Morello, 2-2. =" 1892 | May 3_-
DUM MEOLENGR eee ee Coe ccc ann eel ewe cee Avium:. 22.2.5. 1892 | May 38--
21 | Frauendorfer Weichsel __-._-__...._-_.----- Morello ___-_-_- 1888 | May 2__| July 3.| 1- 1 2
2M (Gyo 9 lS a eee Morello ____-_- 1891 | May 8 _.
Pah |] CS Soe Vp Sa Morello ____-- 1888 | May 8_.| July 38_} 1-8] 5 5
Griottedm Nord 2... =. .2-.-.--------4..--- Morello ___.-- 1888 | May 3-..] July 18.| 1-7] 4 5
MUMIPELOTEGUBO © Seo oes on pee wwe wane - Dukes see-2 5 1888 | May 2-- 1-5] 3 8
Ply |) LG be oo sass a i a a a nee AVION = oo 1898 | May 4_-
au eine Amarelie:. 222 025.-02-. 2-5 Jo eee ee Morello ___.-- 1891 | May 3-__| June 18.
Ponmienioihemanty oo. a ce oe cee ce mac accoue Avium.__.__-- 1891 | May 38--
ee || LOSS) 1D rl a) Se Duke. 2 1890 | May 3_-
80 | Lithauer Weichsel .___........--._--.__--_-- Morello ___...| 1892 | May 3__| July 10_} 1-8] 3 1.
Col TEAS 8 OR LS) ES a ee er Morello ____.- 1888. | May 3__| July 8.} 1-4] 2 4
Cy oo in fo yr i a ake) eee 1888 | May 4__| July 13_.| 1-5] 3 9
Map|) Wrst) of See 2 eT ee eens Mahaleb_-_-_-_- 1898 | May 4_-
Sey eMeny (Kirtland) 9.8.2. bees ceee ee) Avium....... 1891 | May 2_-_| June 18_| 1-4
aoreieerodon (Black) .....-.....-..----.--.--. Avium_______- 1893 | May 4_-
BOM AWE KOE oto oe eeu ec eee Duket.25 22 1888 | May 2__} June 18_} 1-5] 2 7
37 | Mezel_____ 1s eT Se eee Avinim . 3.655 1891 | May 2_-| June 18.
88 | Minnesota (Ostheim) ___.__-.._---________- Morello ___-__- 1892 | May 8__| June 29_| 1-6] 5 4
a0) |p Montmorency, ...—.. ..2-.--=.=-.---=.-.-.--- Morello _____- 1888 | May 8_._| June17_| 1-7 |___- 2
40 | Montmorency, Ordinaire _______._______--. Morello _____- 1891 | May 8_-_| June 25_| 1-6
MIG ROR ELOUees es ee oe eee Duke 222. 24: 1890 | May 3_-_| June 26_| 1-5] 5 2
MORIMNFIO CON ee ee Avium____-_-- 1892 | May 2_-| June 24_| 1-4
Ce eee eee Morello -__-.-- 1893 | May 4..| July 8] 1-12) 4 1
ZeVOnIOi beauty) o-oo ob. saa eee VITMo 2 Ls 1891 | May 3_-
OB UG Lee a ee Duke. 2.22: 1890 | May 2_-| June 24_| 1-4 {____| 6
BtRImOCe eae eee ee Morello __-...| 1898. | May 4_-
0 et = a eee Morello -----. 1893 | May 4-_-
LS |] COU ere oye ps I aa ee ae eee Morello _____- 1891 | May 2_-_| July 1_} 1-11) 5 2
RUPE RIR@ es es 5 .------ Morello ____-_- 1893 | May 4_-| July 12_] 1-8] 6
Doe mltppe (louis) ..—2 22. .-......_._- Morello .__--- 1888 | May 2_-} June 24.| 1-4| 4 8
G6 | ae Morello _____- 1892 | May 2_-_| June 20_| 1-7] 3 1
eGR DOF oe oo). c lec. s-.a------- Avium_______- 1891 | May 2.__| June l4_| 1-4
pieetowal OMe...) 0-2. oo 3. Dukes: 1891 | May 38_-
aS SSIS Si a Pe Morello ____-- 1888 | May 2_-| June17_| 1-6 ]_--.| 8
BD) spate Amaroelle.___:- -._._.--......._-.-_-- Morello ____-- 1888 | May 3__| July 3.| 1-7] 5| 6
56 | Strauss Weichsel______.---_.__-.___-..__--. Morello ___.-- 1888 | May 2__} June 27_.| 1-5] 3 4
fo aes ee See ee Morello -__.-- 1893 | May 4__| July 15.| 1-5] 3 1
be) @artarian (Black) .._...-...........--..--.- Avium..-_..--. 1888 | May 2_-| June 24_}. 1-3] 3 6
2) a ene Morello -_..-- 1893 | May 4..| June 22_) 1-7
ee ee ene Aviume oo 2 1891 | May 2__| June 22.| 1-4
Bannon CrOV.) ce. __.| Avium.._..... 1891 | May 2__| June 18_| 1-5
62 - 2 Se ee eee Morello _____- 1892 | May 4..| July 1.| 1-6] 6 8
63 | Spanish (Yellow) -________. ae LES RED Avium.__._..- $891, |) May 2.422... 2... 1-4 | 1
280 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Abbesse, Angouleme, Bessarabian, Brusseler Braune, Frauendorfer Weichsel,
George Glass, Griotte du Nord, Lithauer Weichsel, Lutovka, Sklanka, Spate Amar-
elle, and Strauss Weichsel were all received from Prof. Budd of lowa Agricultural
College, and are understood to be among those imported by him from eastern
EKurope.
Of the above Abbesse is, so far here, a slow, weak grower and a moderate bearer
of rather small, acid fruit.
Sklanka, another of these, is a moderately vigorous grower, in habit of growth and
productiveness, aS well as in quality of fruit, much like Montmorency.
The remaining ones are vigorous growers, generally rather upright for Morellos,
ripening from late to very late; the fruit of good size, dark color, and acid. So far
they have improved from year to year in productiveness and size of fruit. They are
apparently slow in developing their characteristics in these respects.
Badacconyi, Baltavari, and Moduyansky, apparently of the sweet or avium class,
received through the Department of Agriculture from southeastern Europe, may be
expected to fruit here next season.
Baender, Everbearing, Galopin, King Amarelle, Minnesota (Ostheim), Northwest,
Orel 25, Orel 27, Ostheim, Ostheimer, Suda, and Wier 2, have been received at
sundry times from various sources. All are Morellos and several are known, while
others are believed, to be of western origin. Nearly all have now fruited here, but
many of them so lightly that special notices and descriptions are deferred till they
shall have more fully developed their respective qualities.
Carnation has so far proved a shy bearer, though a vigorous grower.
Centennial and Mastodon (Black) are understood to be California seedlings, of the
avium class. They have not yet shown fruit here.
Choisy, a Duke, though but a moderate bearer, is one of the most beautiful and
excellent of cherries. Where the Dukes succeed, no farmer’s or amateur’s garden
should be without a tree or two of this variety.
Cleveland, Downer, Napoleon, Rockport, Tartarian (Black), and Wood (Gov.),
are all valued as market varieties, where the sweet cherries are employed for this
purpose.
Coe (transparent), very beautiful and excellent, also Hagle (Black), Early Purple,
are of the earliest, with Elton, Florence, Ida, Knight Early, Mary (Kirtland),
and Mezel are all more or less popular amateur sweet varieties. They require
further trial here prior to comparative characterization.
Dyehouse is an early and productive Morello, with a very slender, drooping habit.
Neither tree nor fruit has much, aside from earliness and productiveness, to
recommend it.
Esperen, though it bloomed last spring, has not yet fruited here. It has the
habit of growth of the Morellos.
Eugenie is a fine duke variety, which apparently deserves more attention than it
has yet received. The fruit is excellent, though its productiveness here can not yet
be vouched for.
Hortense is vigorous and productive, and the fruit large and excellent. In season
it is about medium.
Late Duke is an old variety, which has not so far been largely planted. Appar-
ently it lacks productiveness.
Magnifique is desirable on account of its extreme lateness as well as its fair
size and quality. Its reputation for productiveness here is yet to be established.
Mahaleb is the stock, largely used by nurserymen, on which to work cherries.
Its fruit is of little account. The dwarfing influence of this, when employed as a
stock, appears to be more a myth than a reality.
May Duke is the type of its class. It is too well known and valued to need
either description or characterization.
Montmorency, Montmorency Large, and Montmorency Ordinaire seem to need
investigation. Whether they are really three varieties, as would appear from
current nursery catalogues, or two only, or in fact but one, seems uncertain.
Montmorency Large, received here from a prominent eastern establishment, proves
to be Dyehouse.
Montreuil is an early and prolific bearer of good quality, apparently only second
to May Duke.
7
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 281
Olivet promises well but requires further trial here.
Phillippe (Louis), is every way highly satisfactory, save that it sadly lacks the
essential quality of productiveness.
Richmond (the Kentish of Downing) is universally known as a leading market,
culinary cherry, although Montmorency is to some extent superseding it.
Rocky Mountain (Dwarf) has recently been widely and apparently extravagantly
lauded. Those tested here are very dwarf and have borne while very young, but
the fruit is utterly worthless.
Royal Duke is an old variety, which seems never to have attracted much atten-
tion. Experience here so far would seem to justify this.
Windsor, a recent, late, sweet cherry, originating near Windsor, opposite Detroit,
has fruited here twice, though but lightly. It promises well as a hardy variety.
Wood (Governor) is valued as a market sweet cherry for localities adapted to
this species.
Wragg, originated in Iowa, is popular as an acid cherry, where superior hardi-
ness is requisite. Here it proves to be a slow grower and quite late, though an
early and productive variety.
Spanish (Yellow) (Bigarreau of Downing) is a type of the class of firm-fleshed,
sweet cherries. It is not even yet excelled in high quality. But for its unfortunate
tendency to crack and decay in case of warm, moist weather during the ripening
season, it would doubtless even yet hold a leading position in its class.
MULBERRIES (Morus).
The varieties of mulberry which ripen their fruits in succession, during several
weeks, and hence are said to be everbearing, are the only ones grown here for trial.
Of these Downing is very vigorous, though scarcely hardy, even at the lake shore.
New American is hardy, vigorous, and productive.
Hicks is a southern variety, evidently out of its proper latitude here.
Russian is a spreading, drooping variety, valuable, if at all, on account of its
hardiness, for screens or windbreaks. Its fruit, though abundant, is of no value.
Teas Weeping, when grafted upon upright stocks of suitable height, makes one of
the finest of weeping trees.
PHACHES (Prunus Persica, Amygdalus Persica or Persica vulgaris, of various -
botanists).
A large number of varieties of peach have fruited here this season, many of them
for the first time. Of these an unexpectedly large number have proved spurious,
indicating an inexcusable amount of error, carelessness, or worse. So far the pro-
portion of error proves to be far greater among peaches than with other classes of
fruits. This is stated the more confidently with the hope to induce increased care-
fulness. The practice here is to keep an accurate record of the source from which
each tree is received. A careful description is also made of both fruit and tree of
each variety when at maturity.
April 1 to €, peaches in common with all other tree fruits were sprayed with a
solution of two pounds of copper sulphate in fifty gallons of water.
May 15, peaches were sprayed to prevent leaf-curl, using a solution of one pound
of copper sulphate in 500 gallons of water.
Early in May the peach trees were “wormed” to eradicate the larvze of the
borer, which had escaped the scrutiny of the previous autumn, and the process
was repeated in the following September to dispose of the current season’s colony.
May 29, commenced jarring trees for curculio, but so far as peaches were con-
cerned it was mainly confined to the early, smooth-skinned varieties. Even this
was soon found to be unnecessary, the attacks of the insect being mainly confined
to the adjacent plums.
A few rose chafers were also caught upon peaches, when jarring for curculios,
though their depredations were mainly confined to the plum.
36
282 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The spray to prevent curl-leaf was apparently unnecessary, since the disease, so
prevalent in other years, has this season been conspicuously absent, even in un-
sprayed orchards.
As has been stated in previous reports, the fungus usually so injurious to the
young wood and foliage of serrate peaches, has been found to be amenable to a
spray of Bordeaux mixture. This fungus also has been entirely absent during this
year.
Except as already noted, neither fungi nor insects have been observed attacking
the peach during the season.
As a remedy for the unprecedented drouth, the soil has been kept mellow by
the persistent use of the cultivator, with the effect that the trees have been main-
tained in vigorous growth and their fruit developed more perfectly than had been
anticipated.
The productiveness as given in the following table is that of the current season.
It is given without regard to the size, age, or condition of the trees.
Many of the varieties on trial and noted in the following tables were received
without history or description, and hence with no possible means of determining
their identity. In a few cases their identity or incorrectness has incidentally be-
trayed itself. Quite possibly, however, other cases of spuriousness yet remain un-
detected.
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 283
PEACHES.
| | TALE ge (2 |
os \a.° te
paige One ig.
aa [eg haa
Name : 7 [a8 I elke =o
8 g | = |BBlae| = | Sela is
g Dm jos. q @ o®|Ho |so
E 2 | 8 [ES (RFs) & | 28/88 \o3
— = | a8 —_ - al
ZA iw a Be ieee er a | E° |p, 2
SNS pV SWa) ya Se a 1892 | May 3_- 1 g
hi) kN ote ole pe EI a a a 1893 | May 4-- 8 r | Aug. 28_ 1 4 6
SN) GN.) 5055 es 1890 | May 3_-_| 5s g | Sept.24_| f 5 6
Bmpexangers =~ 2-2 2_.252--------------.-.- 1892 | May 3-- 1 =| daly. 27-|\\8 3% | 10
Ge | AU Roya (SCE 5) a 1890 | May 3__] 5s r |b.m.Oct; f 5 3
6 | Allen eat clic = ia ee eee 1890 | May 38_-| 58 r. |“Septe 7.| £ 4 6
ini Alien (Cleftey), See 39 ..-..2-...-.........- 1890 | May 8_-_| 5 r | Sept. 7-| f 44% 6
fo) Galle. oy a SS Sa 1890 | May 3_-| 5 r | Sept. 2.| ec 5 10
OaipAmelrd (©aroling) =)_..~-......-...---___- 1890 | May 3-- 8 fT | Aue. 2h. one 4 )
tho) | AM Ce E10 (eye) SE te 1890 | May 3__| 1 g | July 22_| 5 4 3
PUMIMATIONO WB eto ose ot ek 1890 | May 3__| 1 r
TP | INOS es 1894 | May 2_- ] r
ot || OR YSYeie 2 2S Sl 1893 May 3-- ] r |m.e. Sept] f 5 2
ide MEPEESTSMVOCK.-——_--..-2.----24...2-2-.---2- 1890 | May 8-__| 5 r |}b.m.Oct] f 5% 5
lls) MOTEL SROL (COV) a) | a 1890 | May 3_-| 5 r | Sept.19.| f 5 10
iosieneauevte (i ree))2_--..---.--..2. 2-2 2_-u 2. 1890 | May 3__| 5 r | Sept. 12. f 5%
17 Bremner 5.22 -o2 ok See Se tate ae ee 1804 |: May 32.}..._.- r
mG eee 2 ee ek 1890 | May 3..- 8 Gr | ms Oct. it 3 1
EIEN ee eo ee ee 1890 | May 3__| 5 2 | Aug. 14.) -£ 4 1
PUM EOGGrnantes sl 1890 | May 2__| 1 ro l|cbxOcts_ |. .¢ 2% 4
MMMEMDEIRUEI ee ee ee lh 1890 | May 3_-] 58 r |'m:.e. Oct! 8 8
Aes | RGGI Ge eS ae ee ee 1890 | May 3-_-. 8 g | Sept. 3. f 3 1
28 ene 2 2 0 ae pee ee OEE VE | ao did 1890 | May 38__| 5 g | Sept.25.; £ 5 7
Pal VLE SUE fice: aks = SS ae Seer ee oe ener! 1890 | May 4.-| 8s r | e.Oct._-| oc 8% 4
25 Baden C55 2G |) a eee aes Saeeenh 1890 | May 3_-| 8 g | Sept. 3.| f 8% 6
Sp | LS SCS) Seg 2a Pe 1890 | May 3_-| 58 =.) Rept. -32|) -£ 4 6
PELRETISOT ey eee Ss 1894 | May 2_-| 8 r | Sept.12_| f 2% 1
28 TON ETO), asp Re Ee a 1894 May 2-- 1 r | Aug. 19 f 8 1
Sila) |) 1S irl G2) eteetall eS A a a ee ee 1892. | May 3__| 1 r | Sept.13.| 5s 5 7
MMI ATITOEDIG: 0 es oe sna ace Obes Mave tee r
31 ma a bale ees SOS ee es Sie Cae ees 1892 | May 2__|; 1 g | July 25_| 3s 4 1
Sa |) DUE Te 2 Sade Sis Ra wt oes a ee a 1890 | May 8__| 8 r | Sept. 27 1 4, 4
33 Giempion (iil) ke Sie ped ain Rie ares 1892 | May 2-. 8 gx | Aug. 27_| f 5 10
84 | Champion (Michigan) __._._._..._.__.___-- 1890 | May 8_-| 1 si duly. 27|-> —s 4 5
mG MTN ERDND) S25 eek 1888 | May 8__| 1 r | Sept.10_| f 8 1
Som mnie (Pmele) a. - -- 5... =. 2-2-2. 1888 | May 2-- 8 r | Sept.14_| f 5 1
Biman (Hnele) =...) coe 1888 | May 2-_- 8 r | Sept.14_| f 4 1
BemmmnbnOBO nine. Si = ek 1890 | May 8__| 1 r |b.m.S8ept} c 5 3
Soeeeweresy (ation) ---° ____..2 .-.-...-----..-- 1892 | May 38.-| 5 r. | Sept. 4.) 5 18 4% 6
CAD) || COL SE yaa) OVE) Si a 1890 | May 3__| 1 r | Sept. 26. f 4 3
41 ries mere ntetece =! ers 1890 | May 3__| 8 r | Sept.17_| f 4 4
wed | (OMG HLS eS a 1894 | May 2__ 1 r
43 Coolidze (Manimoth) = 2..2.)..... 2-232 1892 | May 3._| 8 g | Sept.19_| f 6 6
44 QTY aul. ae 1890 | May 3._|' 8 r | Sept. 11_{- -£ 4 2
OMIM EOR DYE Settee se 1892 | May 8__| 8 r | Sept.24_| f 4 5
MED ATEIENOLA M2 een ee Scud 1890 | May 8__) s g | Sept. 17 f 4 1
Li) Lay waig) ee eS ee 1890 | May 2__; 1 g | Sept. 4.| f 24, 1
Bema TMIONG ss 8 see te 1892 | May 4_- 8 Tog | ee ae a oe 10
ci | LOG he by U Sse eee a 1890 | May 3__| 5 g | Sept. 23_| f 5 7
PUTIN GM bese o ee ee le ek 1894 | May 6_- 8 r
SL |) LOA ea Sy cy Si a 1892 | May 3__| 5 iE pepte ein f 5% 2
on iplwartiubas 2222-552 eo. cee nnn 1892 | May 4_- 8 r
Honiebariy barmard....._ 222) neue 1888 | May 2_- 8 r | Aug. 29. IF 4 1
Beaerariy, OrawlOrG 2). 2022.52 cancun aan 1888 | May 2_- 8 g | Aug. 28 f |-6 4
Hos barly Orawtord) 1 .--2-. 2... -- ae eee 1888 | May 2.. 8 g | Aug. 29_| f£ 4 | 8
|
284 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
PEACHES.—ConrTinvueEp.
3; |9% wo} a ||
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Name. ‘ a. |e Tele is
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56 | Early Crawford 9 02.2020. be eee 1888 | May 2.-| 8 g | Sept. 6.) f 4% 3
b7 |, Early Michigan 15 2.._~_......2.- 22222-2222 1894 | May 2__| 1 @ | Aug. 27.| £f
58 | Marly Michigan 16______.._._.--_-_-._-.___- 1894 | May 2__} 1 r | Aug. 27.| f 4 1
69) arly. Silver... 6:23. 8. ss = eee 1888 | May 2.-) 1 r | Sept. 3_| f 3 1
60 Bie ced ioc Be Sn Be Bere ee ee 1890 | May 3_-; 38 r | Sept.12_| f 6 3
Rt Welvertr 2 te to et eC eee 1890 | May 8__| 58 r | Sept. 11 f 6 8
Gaia MOMABGR 2 J ree bo eS ee nee 1889 | May 3._| 5 r | Sept.24.| f 3 2
So) Eagie (Mammoth). .2.-.-.-0 2... 25 2S 1892 | May 3_-_| 8 ge |} Sept. 3.| f 4 3
64) Mord (New 22 yo oe i ee ee 1894 May 3_- 8 g
63 Ford Reds) 2. 22252 Se eS ee | | 1882) Maya sss g
O64 Ord. 1 de soca a eee ee ee ee pC il See ee eee) eds WS r | Aug. 14.| 8 8%
GT Bord 225i) ee ie een 1894 | May 3._| 38 g
GB i) cM Grd) Sei: 2 ese ae ne ee 1894 | May 4__| 38 r
Ory we SE Or Be a ae Sa 1894 | May 2-.- 1 r
NO ea Oster 5. 2es eee Te eee i ee ae 1888 | May 2.-| 58 @ | Aug. 24.| f£ 4 4
MEA AO oe Ek Beet so a ae 2 ee 1890 | May 3__| 53s g | Sept.24.| f 5 3
12 | Garfield (See Brigdon)-_-_-..__-.____._. __- 1892 |! May 3__| 8 g | Sept. 5.| f 4 10
“ot (Geary, (HoeldOn) 2012 3. 28 ee ee 1890 | May 3__] 5s r |b.m. Oct.| f 5 4
74:| Gem Cling (No. 5) ..-...-...........-......| 1890 | May 3_.| s r | Sept.20_| c 7 1
164) GHObe S224 ee ction SL ee eae 1888 | May 3..| 5 g | Sept.12.| f 7 8
164 Gold Drop o.2 62 [23 aoe ee 1890 | May 8_-| l r | Sept. 18. f 4 1
77 | Grant (General) #20. 2.4 2 ee se ae 1890 | May 8__| 38 r | Sept. 27 c 4% 8
18.1 °(Great: Weatern 22502. 2 Se Se ee 1892 | May 2__| 8 r | m.e.Oct c,| & 10
79 wdReOn)| §s2 22th re ee ee 1890 | May 8._| 8s r |b.m.Oct.| f 4 4
90) Higias oF 3 ee a ee Be ee 1890 | May 3__} l r | Aug. 12.} f 3 2
RIAA) oe ee ee be als Se ie ae i 1888 | May 2__-} 1 ge | Aug. 10_| 58 2% 1
823! Hale Crosa tse) Lo doo Te ee BEE 1888 | May 8__} 1l g | Aug. 8_| 8 2 1
$3: || Hance Golden 28205222 Le Se 1890 | May 3__| 5s gz | Sept. 7| .f 4 6
64) Hanee Smock 222 525 eA ee ae 1890 | May 8__| 5s r |b.m.Oct.| f 4, 3
Oo 7) #Heath Cling: — 20-7 a ee ee os ee 1890 | May 3-- 8 r | m.e.Oct.| c 6 10
S65) Hughes ik. oe 2 ye Ee ee eee 1892 | May 38__} 1 Y |cccccecse = eae 10
BTA ya Gt 62 1 See ye a Gee eee 1888 | May 2_- 1 g | Aug. 10_| 8 2% 1
88 | Hynes (Surprise) ---......_-._--..---___-_-| 1890 | May 3__| 3s g | Aug. 10_| f 2% 5
BO MESO phicssa so. AES Ge. Se Bes ht cn eee 1892 | May 2_-] 8s r | Sept.24.) c 5
90"; Tee Mountain’ oi o02. 2-2. bo Le kK 1894 | May 3..} 1 r
91s) ‘Infant Wonder? 225.202 82-2) es ee 1892 | May 2__| 5 g | Sept. 3.| f 4 1
92'}| Jron:-Mountdin-2222_ i222 bo ee 1894 | May 3__}------ r
03)'| Jacques Late 2.26052 eke BS 1890 | May 3__| 5 | eS lS | NS 5
| Pepan. wart: 225.2 2 oe ee ee eee 1894 | May 1__| 1 r
96 .| Jersey. Yellow 22.02.) 22 ae AI Re, 1895 | May 3-_-_]-----. r
OG i cD ONGB 2c. ca Seer be Bea 1892 | May 3_-| 5 g | Sept.17.| £ | 6 10
OF i JONG Roses... 2). ee Ee eee 1894 | May 2_- l g | Aug. 28.) f 4 1
OS AO ONG). 2 oe ee: 2 ie 0 Oe ee eee pes? Ue Meenas ene | [Sas te r
OO Kelamazoos- 2s 2tl oe cccocteee eee ee 1890 | May 8__] 8s r | Sept.12.| f 4 1
1003) Kelliplets: Soe ee eee 1892 | May 2.-| 1 r | Sept.17.| f 5 4
108 Whe lpge 26) See i ee ee 1894 | May 2..| 1 r
102°) ate; Barnard 222202.) ee eee 1894 | May 2_-| 1 r | Sept.12.| f 4 2
108i Wate wWitibe 22) e722 Lee is EO eee ee 1889 | May 2.-| 8s r | Sept. 24.| f 4 1
104.) Temon: Cling ie 4b ee es 1888 | May 4__| 8s g | Sept.10_} c 4 2
105)}) uemoni reas 32258. be eee 1894 | May 2_-| 1 r 5
1067) ‘Tiewis {22 et eos he ee ee 1890 | May 3__} 1 r | Aug. 14.) f 3 1
107.1 Look Cling 22237 es eae 1892 | May 8__| 5 r | Oct. 22.| c 4 8
108i duengharst) pos see es ee eae ee 1894 | May 2-- l r
400 | Lavell... Joo. eee aes eaes oe eoucs ueoeeeee 1894 | May 2.-| 8 g | Sept.19_| f 4 1
110 | Lovett (White))<10 aie es Ceara 1890 | May 3..| 8s r | Sept. 24.| f 5 5
165
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 285
PEACHES.—ContTiInvuEp.
- lon yw |
oo 8 @ BA | :
. DE log O° |B r=
A = ae -s/4 |€s
zi a g 7 @® hap
Name. : ce | tae ale fe
x 3 | = ° a Oa ° . of
Z a B oo ® Sei} eg |e
a | & |eelges) 2 | 22/33 [$3
ga | 8 jesia's) & | ah | 38 lg
ay ea) fF lo» a ae) ei
O70) ID, ee 1890 | May 8_-] 3s r | Aug. 28.| £ 2% P
oo ee 1890 | May 3..| 8 r | b.m.Oct,]..---- 4, 8
0 Ss 1892 | May 2.-| 8 r | Sept.24.| f 6 8
memevite (Cling)... ...4.--.\..-......---.- 1892 | May 8__| 5 g | b.m.Oct c 4
ilhizer___..__- ns SL ke A ee ee ae eee 1892 | May 2-- 8 g
PMOL ees eee te een ep 1892 | May 4.-| 8 r | Aug. 28.| f 4% 9
on Rae Re 1890 | May 4. 8 g | Sept.10_| f 4 4
OS ee ee eee eee 1890 | May 4.._| 5 r | b.m.Oct f 4 1
Wilowre i) VA Lihh ee 1 May.2.-| 58 r | Sept.10_| f 3 1
Oe ee Seen 1888 | May 2.-) 8 g | Aug. 17.| f 4 1
wileyo US 2 eS ee ae ea 1890 | May 4..| 1 r | Sept.12_| f 1% 1
Wu eH De 2, coat a Ra ae 1889 | May 2_- 8 r | Sept, 24) £ 4 1
8 ae A pa RS I Se eer 1888 | May 2_.| 5s yr.) Aug. 19:\" f 5 6
gle AGI) ENO 1892 | May 8..| 1 r | Sept.17.| f 5 +)
WSs TTI Gy oS a ee ee 1889 | May 2.-| 1 r | Sept.10.| f 3 2
Sy | 1890 | May 3..| 58 ry | Aug,'31.| 2 3% 2
raw) (marenall). 0... ....-....-..-...--.----- 1892 | May 2_.| 1 r*| Oct, - 2i-«2 4% 6
Newinwton free... -2..2.-22....---.c2-.--- 1893 | May 8. 8 r
Os 1894 | May 2.-| 5 g
PUCSIEYEOINI CL eee etc oe ee 1892 | May 4..| 8 r |m.e.Oct.| c 4%} 10
Oldmixon cling-.-.--- AS SN Sey ee 1888 | May 2.-| 5s g | Sept. 7-| c 3 1
LD NEROE TOP TY 67 a ea a el 1898 | May 2.-| 58 g | Sept.12_| f 7
CONE OY LS DE an a 1894 | May 2-. 1 r
CPST SL eek a ee ee SORT eee eee oe ee Phas 2 b.m.Sep.
RI eee ar aw en ew 1892 | May 3_-| 5 g | Aug. 20_.| f 3% 5.
Ve; SIG IS phe WE BE eee a 1834 | May 3__, 1 g
PEG INIBER DOMME eee ee ae eo Sk 1890 | May, 8__} 1 g | Sept.23_| f 8 4
a 1 ee 1890 | May 4__| 8 rr) Aug. 15.) -£ 4 10
Exerrrs ee ete ek ee oc cht 189 | May 2.-| 58 g | Sept.10_| f 3% 2
Peninsular (Yellow)....-------------------- 1894 | May 8__| 8 g
L2TREI SG) Wg Sat pA OE ee eee ee 1890 | May 3_.| 1 r |b.m.Oct.| c 4, 8
TUDE D ae ER Se ee 1890 | May 8__| 5 rp. (Sept. S2te, +: 8 4
PEO Bi oe oo ts ne ele nee 1890 | May 8_-| 58 2 | Sept. 6.| f 4% 5
(ers ove) yz) RE a Ce ee ee ne ee 1894 May 3-- ] g
Princess (of Wales) --.-.------------------- 1889 | May 2._| 1 g | m.e.Sep.| f 7 1
oe a ee ae 1892 | May 2_-| 38 g | Sept.24.) f 5 o
Jetitege tL Lees OS RS nee Oe eee eee 1890 | May 4__ 8 r | Sept.18_| f 4 1
Hed Cheek (Mel.) ........-.... -..-----.-.- 1893 | May 8__| 8 g | Sept.16_| f 4 5
Meciseodlinge. ete ene 1898 | May 8__| 1 g | Aug. 80.| f 2 2
rere me Tee kee ccee| - 1890) | May 8..| «6 .g | Aug. 27.| f 6 8
SONS SS) 1890 | May 4._| 38 g | Sept. 7 f 54 6
0 Sl 1890 | May 4.-| 8 r |b.m.Oct.} c¢ | 6 9
ISSKToe LET SS SBS ee a ee 1892 | May 2__-| 1 g | July 24.) 38 8 2
a 2 TS Sa 1888 | May 2_.| 1 r | Aug. 5.| 8s 4 a
eG eee ees lie he 1892 | May 22 1.4 r | m.e.Oct f 4 q
LCDS SCALE) SS a 1892 | May 3__| 1 r | Sept. 20 c 4 ‘10
es ol: 1891 | May 3.__} 38 © | Sept... 9.) of 3 10
eee yee epee ee eo eee 1890 | May 3_-| 3s r | Oct. 15.) f 5 1
(SHEE ye ete ea pt Ale a Se 1890 | May 3_-} 8s r | Sept.17_| f 3% 1
SOR La ets ee ee 1888 | May 2_-. ) r | Sept.14_| f 6 10
TL Ele Se a a 1890 | May 2..| 38 g |Sept.17.| f 6 10
PIIKIOCHANPOO Ro eee ea Sacew lee 1888 | May 3. 8 r | b.m.Oct f 5% 1
RUNTGre: Kaen eames Cen ne kth Wee) eee 1892 | May 8-- 8 r |m.e.Oct.| f 4 6
IB OMUMIGAL OP eee en ee ake 1890 | May 3-- 8 r |Sept. 3.| f 8% 3
Bengtnern Marly os ec nue. 1890 | May 3..| 8 r | Aug. 28.) f 4 3
286 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
PEACHES.—Cono.upep.
A. |os ee
oa |S” sai |
ze gs SS iE ig.
i pd ae f g £¢
ame. ‘3 7 ee | aD ke ar 3 5 g
8 g | 2 |gbloe | & | 85) a8 |s-
~~ pe | = Oo , Q2o aD 8 yo K.»)
g a 9 BUS /aZge ® See q o's
5 & = Se ik -8 A= oO. | OB |x
Zi Ay aa] aM (ciel) Me = qe“ | E° la2
166°) Spottswood 22) 344-2 Sb te eee 1892 | May 4__ 1 r
167 |. StarkyHeath 220523 loose kt ae ee aes 1892 | May 2__| 8 r |m.e.Oct.} c 6 6
168 teadlly 2° Seo Siete Pike kc Eas 1888 | May 2__| s8 r |b.m.Oct.| f 4, 2
£60(|( Stevens Tate l2s i 2: fo 5. 6...) 1. t2 eee 1890 | May 3_ 8 r |b.m.Oct.| f 4 1
170 | Stevens Rareripe._._._.. -.-----.-------..- 1890 | May 2__| 8 r |Sept.19.| f 4% 2
RTL | aSteo ones he hee he ee 1890 | May 3__| 58 eg | Aug. 19.) f 3 1
172 | Strong (Mammoth) -_._-.--_-._-_--__--__-___- 1892 | May 2_-] 8 g | Sept. 9-| f 5 a
173 | Stamp (the World) ..-........2---2.22-22. 1892 | May 2__| 5s g | Aug. 14_| f£ es 1
174 cmmoer Snow. <2: 222 ss ees te eS 1 PET hai pe Se a a | re r
175 | Surpasse (Melocoton) ..__-_.----.--.-____- 1890 | May 3._| 8 r | Aug. 28215 *£ 4% | 10
LG Switzerland) 2) 22-2 Sete eee 1890 | May 3-__ 8 g | Sept. 16_ f 4 4
177 Oledo) 42 - 3s fe Eo a ae eee 1884 | May 2._} 1 ge | Aug. 12- f 2
7S 3). OgUIn an 28; sek 1, i ie ee 1892 | May 8__| 1l rt | Sept. 9. £ 3 10
1791 Townsend.) 632 cee S46 Bey ee 1892 | May 3-_ 8 g | Sept. 24- £ 6
180 ROG 2s d2¢- 8 as See Se a Ee bee ee 1890 | May 3__| 8 @& ) Aus. 262) 3% 8
81% se Toekena 2c. te se ie Bee Be 1892 | May 6__|_____- g
182'|,Wager(Spurious) 2.2228 1892 | May 2__| 58 r | Sept.27.; f 8 10
SSeS Walker: cco. 5. 52h: See ee 1892 | May 2__| 8 g
oO4 ls Walker Vata. 20-2. S-Scic bUReba ee 1893 | May 3_-| 8 g | Sept. 24.| f 5% 5
185))| Washington. 22.2] 22. ees 2 ee 1890 | May 8__]_____. g | Sept.12.| f 3 5
186 | Waterloo: 0 eve © Beis Bes eee 1888 , May 3__| 1 r | July 20_| 8 3 1
LST a SWallotth ics ks See ee ee ee 1894 | May 2__| 1 r
188) Williamson: 2222262; NeoPa ee 1892 | May 2-_- 8 g | Sept. 29_ fy | see.
189-\" Wonderful )270 44.0535, Sue eee | 1890 | May 3_- 8 r b.m.Oct.| f 4% 2
190 7Northern 3 et Pt ee A ee oe 1892 May 2-- 8 r | Aug. 30. f 3
191} Yellow Barerine 222255 ee eee | 1888 | 8 g | Aug. 24.) f 2 1
The following notes are intended mainly to invite attention to new and prom-
ising varieties, to such older ones as appear to deserve increased attention, and to
give such further particulars as are supposed to be of more or less general interest.
Two varieties of peach have been received and planted here as Allen, also a third
as Cleffey Allen, which appears in our lists as Cleffey (Allen), with the anticipation
that the portion in brackets may be ultimately suppressed. Upon further trial one
of the former may prove to be identical with the last.
Alexander, Amsden, Canada, River Bank, and Waterloo are all semiclings, and
for practical purposes may be treated as identical, though the last named is prob-
ably the best of the lot. A variety coming from Texas, erroneously as Lady Ingold
(which should be yellow), is also of this class.
' Barber, a variety understood to have originated in Allegan county, Michigan, is
also known as Hinman.
Bequette free and Bequette cling, as received from Texas, both prove to be free
and identical.
Bickell, received from Delaware, ripens here in late October, quite too late for
this latitude.
Bonanza may perhaps justify so pretentious a name in a more southern latitude.
Here it is so late as to be worthless.
' Brett is also too late, poor, and small to be of any value here.
. Brigdon is a fine yellow peach of good quality, a popular market variety in cen-
tral New York. Garfield is probably identical with this.
Brunson, although coming. to us from Delaware, is understood to be the variety
of this name originated at Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Brown (Brown’s Early) originated with the late W. A. Brown of Berrien county,
Michigan. It is an early, pale-fleshed variety, an early bearer, and productive.
Ripe in August, but less desirable than several others of its class and season.
Champion, originating in Illinois, but disseminated by an Ohio establishment, is
a beautiful and excellent pale-fleshed variety, an amateur peach, rather delicate
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 287
for the rough handling of the markets. It ripens here the last of August. A ser-
rate-leafed Champion, originated in Allegan county, Michigan, is so liable to mil-
dew of the young wood and foliage during summer, as to be of little value. This,
however, may be prevented by persistent spraying with a solution of copper sul-
phate.
Chili 2 and Chili 3 are seedlings by C. Engle of Paw Paw, Michigan, from the
well known (Hill’s) Chili. The two are much alike, ripening a little later than the
parent, of slightly larger size and superior quality.
Crosby ripened a few specimens, late in September. It manifests good market
qualities, but is apparently a somewhat tardy bearer.
Dunlap is a rather large, yellow peach of good quality, productive, ripening
about Sept. 1. It promises to be a superior market variety.
Harly Crawford seedlings, 1 and 3, seedlings of C. Engle, are results of his quest
for a variety similar to the original Early Crawford, but with hardier fruit buds.
Experience with these so far indicates a possible improvement in this respect.
Harly Michigan originated several years ago near Lowell, Michigan, with J. D.
Husted, then of that place, now of Georgia. His numbers 15, globose, and 16,
reniform, are very much alike in fruit, so much so that they are grown and sold in-
.discriminately, by many nurserymen. Grown here separately, there are so far a
few days’ difference in their time of ripening. Both are valuable.
Lewis, which is understood to have originated some time ago, in Allegan county,
Michigan, closely resembles the foregoing, and by some persons the two are as-
sumed to be identical. The fruits are scarcely distinguishable, although Early
Michigan appears to be slightly superior in quality.
Elberta, though originating at the south, is attracting much attention at the
north. It has now fruited here two seasons, the fruit proving to be large and fine.
Its productiveness here is yet to be determined.
Hugle (Mam.), another seedling by C. Engle, has been disseminated to some
extent as a promising market variety, ripening early in September.
Fox is a rather large and fine pale-fleshed peach, of good quality, which is
apparently worthy of « trial, to at least a limited extent.
Globe is large, beautiful, and good, but so far unproductive. Ripe this season
m. September.
Gold Drop (possibly an old variety renamed), ripe this season m. e. September;
also Kalamazoo, ripe Sept. 12, are both too well and generally known as popular
market varieties to require description.
Haas (John), and Hynes (Surprise) are a few days later than the semiclings
heretofore mentioned. They are freestones and for this reason desirable as early
varieties for the home plantation.
Hale, Hale X No. 1 (a seedling by C. Engle), and Hyatt also, are all nearly alike
in season and general character. All are semi- -clings.
Hance Smock, in season and general qualities, is quite similar to the old Smock
free, slightly larger, though scarcely its equal in flavor.
Late Barnard is quite similar to Early Barnard in general qualities, but ripens
two weeks later.
Late White (one of C. Engle’s seedlings), although of only medium quality, is so
far very productive, and for this reason may prove valuable as a late market
peach.
Magdala, Nectarine, and Wales (Princess of), are fine amateur varieties of English
origin. They are mainly desirable as fine- flavored varieties for the home plan-
tation.
McCollister, ripe Sept. 24, is a large, attractive-looking, late, yellow peach of good
quality. It promises to be a regular and profuse bearer, worthy of extensive trial.
Moore (Fav.) is a pale-fleshed peach of more than medium size, and of fine flavor.
It is popular at the east.
Morris White has long been valued for the home plantation as a superior variety
for canning.
Muir, in season m. September, is a fine yellow peach, of above medium size, of
good flavor, and productive. Promising for market.
Murat, a seedling by C. Engle, is a yellow peach of more than medium size, ripe
e. September; and Pearl, another from the same, with pale flesh of superior flavor,
is ripe Sept. 10. Both are worthy of trial.
Mystery (Yellow) is a very beautiful and excellent variety, ripe Sept. 24. So far
it is comparatively unproductive.
288 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Rivers (Early), ripe August 5, has scarcely an equal as an early peach for both
dessert and market. It is of English origin.
R. S. Stevens is the name under which trees of a yellow variety were received
from a western New York nurseryman for trial. They have now fruited two years
but very sparingly. Not promising.
Salway is an excellent variety when well ripened, but it is too late to be reliable
in this climate.
Steadly, ripe here b. m. October, is apparently a tardy bearer and rather late for
this latitude.
Stevens Rareripe proves so far to be a heavy bearer of fruit of medium weight
and size and good quality. It promises to be profitable. Season, m. e. September.
St. John is somewhat popular as an early yellow variety; ripe here August 19.
Crane’s Early is alleged to be a synonym, but trees received under this latter name
from Allegan county, Michigan, ripened fully three weeks later and are obviously
distinct.
Wonderful, of New Jersey, is quite too late to be useful or valuable here. Its
season in this locality is b. m. October.
Yellow Rareripe is an old variety and there appear to be a number of varieties
deing duty under this name. A variety under this name some fifty years age was
of fine size and high quality, while the one grown here is of small size and low
quality.
APRICOTS (Armeniaca vulgaris).
A few of the so-called Russian apricots were planted here in 1888 and still others
in 1890. Several of these have shown bloom from time to time, but have invari-
ably failed to set and mature fruit. The trees also have most of them died from
some not very obvious cause till only a few remain.
Two years ago, trees of the new Harris apricot (a recent New York seedling) were
planied. These have grown finely and remain in apparently perfect health. Bloom
may be expected upon them next season.
Some fifty years ago the writer worked the Breda, and also the Black, apricot
upon plum stocks. These were planted and trained against the south side of a
building, in which situation they bloomed and fruited freely for a series of years,
until their removal became necessary to accommodate building improvements.
Such experience seems to indicate that the failure of this fruit in this climate may
be due to either innate lack of hardiness, or to its habit of very early blooming, one
or both, and point to the need of a sheltered location.
Under the circumstances, the Harris plants will be carefully watched with the
hope that, as a genuine American seedling, it may prove the forerunner of a new
and hardier strain.
They have been treated for insects and fungi in connection with peaches and
plums, to which reference is therefore made.
NECTARINES (Persica vulgaris).
The nectarine, being closely affiliated with the peach, has been given a place in
the peach plantation and subjected to the same general treatment, although, owing
to its special liability to the attacks of curculio, only a single variety has thus far
been planted.
For treatment, as against insects and fungi, reference is made to the section on
peaches.
Pitmaston Orange is the only named variety thus far planted. This is reputed
to be a vigorous grower, but the plants which were received in 1892 prove to be
persistently feeble, and so far have not even shown bloom, a condition probably
due either to disease or to the unfriendly influence of the stock upon which it was
worked.
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 289
GRAPES (Vitis).
The number of varieties of grape now growing upon the Station premises is one
hundred and sixty-seven.
Last spring proved unfortunate for the grape. The earlier part of May was
rather mild, though with occasional paroxysms of cold, dangerously near the freez-
ing point. Yet the young grape wood had made satisfactory growth, and in most
cases the incipient clusters were already formed when, after several threatenings,
# severe frost occurred during the night of May 21 and 22, killing nearly the entire
new foliage and wood, and thus ruining the prospect of a season’s crop of fruit.
The warm weather which followed, however, soon forced new growth from dor-
mant buds, while more or less of the older buds upon the new canes proved to be
so far uninjured that they finally burst into growth. It soon became obvious that
sO Many young canes were being started that at least very many were likely to be
too weak to become satisfactory fruiting canes for next season.
To at least partially escape this danger, a large portion of the weaker canes was
pruned away, the result being the increased growth of those remaining. Still, it
seems possible, if not even probable, that a still better result might have been se-
cured by at once removing all the frosted young wood.
While this subsequent growth has produced a small crop of secondary clusters,
which a very favorable summer and autumn has ripened fairly well, its amount
will scarcely be claimed to have exceeded one tenth, perchance not above one
twentieth, of a full crop.
Aside from this, the relative dates of ripening, as well as the comparative pro-
ductiveness, are, aS an unavoidable result, so seriously disarranged that any at-
tempt to tabulate them seems likely to prove rather misleading than beneficial.
This, therefore, is omitted for the present season.
PLUMS (Prunus).
The plums upon the station grounds, both trees and fruit, have been notably
exempt from attacks of fungi during the year.
Among insects, the curculio has been present as usual, also the rose chafer, the
latter perhaps in somewhat reduced numbers. The cherry slug, though attacking
the cherry, pear, and quince, has not been observed upon the plum this season.
The spray of copper sulphate applied while growth was yet dormant, included
the plums. No subsequent applications were found to be needful.
May 29, the crescent mark of the curculio beginning to appear upon the young
fruits, jarring was commenced, and was continued daily with only occasional inter-
missions until June 29, when the insects had become so rare that it seemed no
longer needful.
The same process was adopted against the rose chafer, its season being mainly
coincident with that of the curculio, although more or less hand-picking was found
to be necessary in the case of the chafer.
Plums bloomed from the 1st to the 6th of May, and the young fruits were there-
fore yet enclosed in the remains of the calyx during the frost of the 21st and 22d,
which was probably the reason why they escaped the calamity which befell the
grapes on that occasion.
The bloom of many varieties was very profuse, notably that of most of the Jap-
anese varieties, some of which, although hand-thinned while yet small, were still
so borne down by the weight of the fruit when fully grown, that more or less of
them were broken, although carefully supported.
Several of the more heavily laden trees were given a thorough drenching with
water to enable thm to carry through and properly mature their heavy burdens
of fruit during the heat and unprecedented drouth then occurring. This was done
by forming a trench about the tree, filling it with water, and replacing the earth
after the water had been absorbed. This process was repeated once or twice per
week while the necessity continued.
37
290 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
PLUMS.
= Q
ae E |fs
oa (es
P Name, Species, 3 5 bel i a 3 es
2 g =| a ir
E & 3 4 ‘3 > 3 @
A = ce Fe BA |a!
1A bundance:eele Wee ees ae bt Hattan coc i pees 1890 | May 1__| Aug. 9-_-_- mr
Ais) Agen Prune taste ces sx oe Domestica.._.......-.-- 1890 | May 4__
3+ Archdale: mated’ - 4. Ries rs Ba ee Domestica___-_..-_---.-- 1893 | May 3_-
4 tie A RCE es See eee Domestica.-_.__......--- 1891 | May 3..| Aug. 14._.| % 7
bit (Batley (8 iS.) se sonnets al eee Domestica._ .-=. -2-+1--- 1890 | May 2__| Aug. 12___| 3 6
6. Baker prame 2) s4-6.- ta a ee Domestica.___--.--._--- 1898 | May 3.-
TG (RAVAN Ee see ie. ee Pee eee Domestica._.._.---.---- 1892 | May 1-_-_} b. Oct.____| 1% 6
S | Black Diamond2. 2). 2522. 2 Domestica.._...---_-_-- 1892 | May 1__} Sept. 1...| 1% 4
OF) Black prune? sce eee eee Domestica_-_.....--.---- 1888 | May 3_-_
105). Barbank' to) ss. Jee a eee Hattan™ 352 (esac Sees 1893 | May 2._} Aug. 26.__| 2 10; >
| pporbank:2 ss. 3. <3202 4 oe ee Hattan 2.6: 232) 25. ao 1890 | May 1__| Aug. 9__-| 1
TAS BOrbankil: soceeccet ooo ee eee Mume? °-- sek 1890 | May 2__|] Aug. 22._-| 1% 8
13. 5-Burbank 116) °4 seek ee ee Hattan fii See ee 1890 | ‘May 1__| 22 22 Pee ees 10
14a Chabots 3.28 ee ee ee ae Hattan fect. sees ee 1893 | May 3__
At. | Oheney. 632 sese ee ee ee Amoricand 225: j25 52.2" 1888 | May 3__|} Aug, 15__-_| 1
AGA Wooke tea eee AUT) hc Ae Hortolanat-2e ess 1890 | May 4__| Aug. 20___| 1 5
Zi Al Ozaris eee Se eae? Mee Domestica -___. --_-.---- 1892 | May 3__| July 28___| 1 10
1S seDe Seton! 2203. eee Americana _____.---_--- 1888 | May 4_._| Aug. 25.__| 1 10
O49 @lo>. SP Ae) sd ae MEE ae Domestica _..__.___--__-- 1890 | May 2_-| Aug. 6. __| 1 7
20ninBnnelobert.. =. i= ee ee Domestica ...........--- 1890 | May 3__| Aug. 24__.| % 9
PA Tl fal ca (=) Co Re etc SU pal ee os Domestica -.__-_______-_- 1892 | May 3__| Aug. 16_._} 1 10
204 ;Morest Garden\. seca eee eee Hortulana._222 eS 1890 | May 6__| July 26__ % 8
45 | Naples (Beauty of) -.._..........____. Domestica 2.22.20 1889 | May 8__| Aug. 25.--| % 1
ADT), PRO PUIBD oO E oo ot on, oem aacpio aan Angustifolia ______. ___- 1890 | May 6--
ATMIRINIRQHTON oe eee See Domesticea _.-.!..3 5 1890 | May 3._| Aug. 25__- % 1
48 || Nicholas (White) 2.2. 2).2.22. 5285 Domestica 2. . 1890 | May 38-_-
AO) OpOnee eaten ce 2 Ee ia hee ey Hattan. 2... ee 1890 | May 2__| July 24__- % 1
BO MO rolea0 been So pe oO 2c Fe oS OR ee Domestica -..._-_------. 1888 | May 4__|] Aug. 27._-]}..---- 9
51 | Pissard___.- Veh te isseee (eit) Bo rec tee Myrobalan? __________-- 1889 | May 2--
52.) Prairie (Flower) J0i 02 wud eon dk Hortulana var. Mineri-..| 1890 | May 8_-| Oct. 1._-| 1 9
Bo | Hed. Nags sick su eec teenies ised Fiahtan 2) gece eee 1890 | May 38_.) Aug. 9..-| 1% 1
be Robinson) feb es AE ea aa Sit Angustifolia .__....._-_- 1890 | May 6_.| Aug. 17_-- % 1
65 |: Kollingstone Gilg Fe ed Americana ...___-_------ 1888 | May 4-_-_| Sept. 12 1% 8
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. : 291
PLUMS.—ConoLuUpDED.
~~
_ 2 =
E |88
: 3g 2s
P Name, Species, = oS 8 ins
8 B| 3 B |ssles
g a S 2 Mo |3o
FI 3 ac} =) Sq j2T
Z Ay m9 m4 ee ja,
cin | (Shinto 7) ys 0 rr Domestica ...__._..----- 1890 | May 3_-| Aug. 24.__| 1% 1
aif) || (SIDViG\r inn 5 ar Hatten 32245 2aie es oe 1890 | May 3._| Aug. 28__- 1
noMipesninwer Ceride)._....-..--...-..-..-. Domestica = =/222 sent 2 1890 | May 3_-| Aug. 19___| 2 10
ie nico SmOmo __.._--.....--..---....- Pathan... 2 vee oncnt 1890 | May 3_-| July 23__.| % 1
GUMINMIrODEnITG: ~5—...__..2. -...-.--...-- Domestics iit 2"... 1890 | May 4.-| Sept. 9..-| %| 10
ES ee ee Bimiont. 25h asec 1888 | May 1-_-| Aug. 25._.| 2 1
G2niepanish, (King) .................._.. Domestica = 2.454 224. 1890 | May 3_-| Aug. 29___| 1 6
GR) | AY a Wau 134 0g) « ea Americana var. Mollis..}| 1890 | May 4_-|___..-_____.|__-___ 7
Bemimvicvoriatu_--..-...-- 2-2. lke = 2 |e Domestican seis. 4 1890 _ May 3_-| Aug. 1$___| 1% 6
PamieWanmennolm 22.225. ..-....---.--... ‘Domestics. 22224. - =. 1890 | May 4--
TO |e AUTEN S) ches oS a Americana var. Mollis_.| 1890 | May 4_-| Sept.25._.| 1 4
Mi MV aT te ib 5 Bee RS Americana var. __-.---- 1888 | May 4__| Aug. 22__- % 10
Lfoh |) Merial s) SC eS Sa Amoricana: &. .22=. 2. ~2.- 1890 | May 4__| Sept.18.__| 1 5
iBall wallow Anmbert...........-....-.-...-. Momestica @2-) t3 <- 1888 | May 3_-| Aug. 27__-; 2% 2
UP SBR ee en ee nce oe Eiatten 7 tooo. Sort eee" 1890 | May 1-__| July 13___ x% 9
Ti) eromice Furple:._....-..-.2....-.-- Americana --..--...---- 1892 | May 4.-! Sept. 6...| 3-5 9
dane vosemite Yellow... ....:..'-2-2.2.... Americana |...) 522-2. 1892 | May 4_.| Sept. 7 % 9
NOTES RESPECTING SOME OF THE PLUMS FRUITED DURING THE
PAST SHASON.
European or damestica varieties.
Bailey is a variety received in scion from §S. S. Bailey of Kent county, Michigan,
without name, and is temporarily designated as above. The fruit is large, yellow,
nearly free, and of excellent quality. The tree is vigorous, of upright habit. Pro-
ductiveness yet undetermined.
Bavay was originally introduced from Belgium as Reine Claude de Bavay. But
that type of high quality among plums, the true Green Gage or Reine Claude, havy-
ing. long since preempted both these names, their application to this is sure to
occasion confusion. For this reason, and in the interest of brevity, the word Bavay
(the originator’s name) only is used to designate this variety.
Black Diamond, round; Grand Duke, long oval, and Kingston, of similar form,
are each very large, with dense blue bloom and very showy. The trees are vig-
orous and productive.
Black prune (probably incorrect), Hungarian (?), Merunka, Moldavka, Orel 20,
and Yellow Aubert (received as Dame Albert), are all from Prof. Budd’s Russian
importations. Yellow Aubert promises to be the most valuable of these. So far
nearly all are but moderately productive.
Czar has only fruited this year upon small trees. The fruit is large and attractive.
Engle, received without name, from C. Engle of Paw Paw, Michigan, is a rather
small yellow plum of good quality. It is understood to be the originator’s purpose
to withhold it on account of its deficient size.
Gueii, Lombard, Naples, and Niagara (as received here), are all very similar so
far as their fruits are concerned, although the trees differ more or less in habit of
growth.
Saratoga is promising as a market plum. Color purplish red, a rare color among
the domesticas. Tree vigorous and productive.
Victoria fruited here for the first time this season. Weight of a specimen, one
and a half ounces; color, red, with yellowish-gray dots; flesh firm, moderately juicy,
nearly sweet, freestone. A market variety.
| ; ;
292 . STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Native plums.
Few if any of these are desirable in Michigan, except, possibly, in localities in
which unusual hardiness is requisite.
Cheney, De Soto, Hawkeye, Moreman, Robinson, and Rollingstone are among the
most desirable of these so far as quality and reasonable productiveness are con-
cerned.
Cook (Fav.), Forest Garden, Forest Rose, Nicholas (white), and Prairie Flower
have so far proved only moderately productive.
Garfield is very vigorous, very late, and exceedingly unproductive. It is value-
‘less here. :
Golden Beauty is exceedingly vigorous and enormously productive. The clusters
of fruit are very beautiful, but too late to acquire even tolerable flavor within our
season.
Jewell, Makquoketa, Van Buren, Weaver, Wolf, Wyant, Yosemite Purple, and
Yosemite Yellow, so far are neither sufficiently productive nor otherwise desirable
for this region, so far as tested here.
Oriental or Japanese plums.
Abundance is an objectionable name avparently chosen for purposes of trade.
Its adoption can only be justified by the fact that it applies to one of the two varie-
ties originally introduced to our country as Botan. In common with several other
Oriental varieties, although of only medium size and quality, it is so enormously
productive that, unless severely thinned, the tree will surely ruin itself by overLear-
ing. Ripe b. August, and continues a long time.
Burbank is similar to the foregoing in habit of growth, though more spreading,
the fruit larger and of better quality, and ripening later. It promises to be pro-
ductive.
Burbank 2 is much like Abundance, equally productive, and ripens about the
same time.
Burbank 11 is of finer flavor, larger size, and ripens later, but is less productive.
In both tree and fruit it gives indications of a possible admixture of domestica
blood.
Long-Fruited.—Trees received under this name are so far comparatively unpro-
ductive, the fruit small and round, ripening July 15. It is perhaps spurious.
Maru and Shiro Smomo are quite similar in most respects, though the latter dif-
fers in flavor and ripens a few days later. Both are enormously productive. Their
fruit is similar to Abundance in general appearance.
Ogon has pale yellow fruit, slightly larger than the foregoing, but lower in quality.
It is similarly productive and ripens about the same time.
Red Nagate is abundantly productive, and the fruit larger and of higher quality
than is the case with most others of its class tested here. It ripens the lasc of
August.
Satsuma is an oddity among plums. When fully ripe, both skin and pulp are
very dark purple. Weight of fruits, two ounces. This, as well as most others of
this class, keep unusually well after ripening.
Yosebe is the earliest plum with which we are acquainted, ripening here this
season July 138. Its size is rather small, and quality only passable. So far it is a
thin bearer.
Simon (quoted in catalogues as Prunus Simoni) is not recognized as belonging to
either of the foregoing classes. The tree is a fine grower and very productive, and
the fruit large and beautiful, but nearly or quite worthless, so far as quality is
concerned.
Pissard (Prunus Pissardi) is only desirable as a novelty on account of the dark
purple color of its foliage. :
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 293
PEARS (Pyrus communis).
This second year of excessive drouth has proved even more severe than the pre-
ceding one, while even during the intervening dormant period the supply of moist-
ure was by no means adequate. This deficiency must be supposed, at least to
some extent, to have affected both wood and fruit growth. Quite possibly, during
both seasons, it partially prevented the development of fruit buds and thus partially
or wholly delayed the fruiting of some varieties. Be this as it may, the trees have
continued in a healthy and vigorous condition, and a considerable number of varie-
ties have matured more or less fruit.
There have been no fungous attacks upon pear trees except in the case of two
trees of Vicar, in which the blight of last year compelled their entire removal last
spring, together with one or two adjacent trees, the disease in which was not dis-
covered until the planting season last spring.
The larvz of the codlin moth were so effectually subdued by the sprays applied
to the first brood that a treatment for a second brood was deemed unuecessary;
but, too late, it became obvious that either the remaining progeny of the first brood
or an immigration from outside had sufliced to largely colonize the scattered prod-
uct of the newly fruiting trees.
The slug (Hriocampa cerasi) appeared upon the pear at the usual season, but
yielded readily to the usual spray of tobacco decoction.
The three or four trees which were supposed to have been overlooked in the pre-
liminary spray of the spring of 1894, and which apparently for that reason were
afflicted last season with scab (Fusicladium dendriticum) were, together with the
entire plantation, thoroughly treated, April 1 to 6, with the strong copper sulphate
solution, with very satisfactory results.
May 3 and 4, a second treatment was applied, using a solution of one pound of
copper sulphate in 250 gallons of water.
May 20, a spray was applied, consisting of four pounds of copper sulphate, nine
pounds of lime, and two and one half ounces of Paris green in forty gallons of
water.
June 1, the above was repeated as a remedy for the codlin moth.
June 24, the slug having appeared, they were treated with a strong dose of
tobacco water, which was thoroughly effective.
The following table includes such varieties of pear as have shown bloom and
fruit, one or both, during the current year.
\
294 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
PEARS (Pyrus communis).
| 2 les
& |g |8s
wale |e2
: Name : 3 ; og |f |e
o z % 3 vale |o8
2 £ g a: As lXs\sa
g a ° ® 0 |ARlg 8
5 s o A=) Og |SQ/F |
Z a aa) a BE oF la,
1 Angonleme a2fh 68. a. de eee ee ee ee 1891 | May 8_-_| Oct.-Nov._| 12 5] 10
8 ANS OU oe ore am ai Reet ee ee ed 1888 | May 4__] Oct -Nov..| 5 4 9
: year PS EN EE bo Lg eo TANS OPE ae OR Mes Ser eS ake ee es pd aa b.m. Sept.| 6 8 3
Brny 25 tle te ote cb cee) fe Gee ee eee eee é ay dL.
be Bartlett. 22s se. foe a ee ee ee 1891 | May 5__| b.m.Sept.| 6% 5 9
6*| ‘Bessemianka’(508),. + iy: sor eas i Sa) es ok eee 1888 | May 4_-
i ae Ae D eeAp eek = Les phos ee eet nets a meer tes, Sere ae ne a 8..| Aug. 3....| 34 | 8] 6
eireean:: £302) oo Pee ee eee a ee eee th ee: ay 4__
OP eClappiGHay,) 5c. = ete ea a ee bo es ee 1888 May 4__|eAug-b Sept} 7 4 8
10.) *Comice/(Doyenne dua) 2 Ses eee Bae eee 1891 | May 4__| Oct.-Nov._| 4 2 8
. none (Sony) 2) clean Stok eee a ee ee ee sr atey a N 4 1 7
ana Hovey. 2822 eis. Se A ee eA ay 4_.| Nov. -_-_----
13h Dohamoelts-<--vone a Cie [Tye RL ade ieee eee 1891 | May 4__| b. Sept.___| 7 2.3
als Marly Duchossersn 3. eeee ee ee ee 1892 | May 5_-_
159,| “Bitzwater os. ju) eee ee ee a ee ee 1891 | May 5-_-
1G™ Gakovelei(Sii) i co ee ae ea OR eee eee 1888 | May 4__| b. Aug.__-- 8 7} 10
a7 al Gaittand o/s Ne oe ea ae eo ene 1888 | May 4__| b. Aug.___.| 4 2 7
18:4} (Gray Doyenne.22) oa i i a ee ee Ree a eee ee 1888 | May 4__| m. Nov.__.| 4 4 4
19 OWOlL 22 2p yee ee he poner dee eels 1888 | May 4__| m. e. Sept 3.4 4
20 7|) JONES A scer ene ea PO AE LE eae a Ee eee ee 1889 | May 4__| e. Oct.___- 4 2.3 9
2ks| sKorskaya(392) 2s. 2. tee Pa ee ee Ee eee 1888 | May 3__|m.e.Sept.| 4 7.8 8
= Lewrenee eer ERT eariar cay ae eae i aH lay el Nov.-Dec.._| 5 2.3 7
OUisel(Jersey) 2222.22 8S ees (Sen S es eee eae ay 4__
4d I CPAtTVO so. see Se oe ee ee eee ee 1888 May 4__|b.m.Sept.| 5% 2 1
25a Margaret: <2). 2 tae ee tele ee ee en 1889 | May 4__| July 25__..| 2 4 4
Ane age eee aR oS
ount; Vernon’ 00 3220 2 eee Sea ay 4..|2322S ee
peorena meh Le ae oe eee ORE a ee lee re ot es ae Oct.-Dec.-_| 11 4.5
mpmastony. 26 he ee hel wor eae ee ae ees ay 5.
Be MP OUNG 2! Ae ae ok ea ea eae ee 1889 | May 4__| Winter__--.| 12 10; 10
OIF ROCU OR feo oe et eis = hte ha eh eer eset ne ne 1891 | May 4__] m. Oct._...| 7 2.3 1
go | 4hontiozer oo. se tke ee Set) ee ee gee ee 1888 | May 4__| Aug. 18__.| 8 1 6
See ee fei
CCK Ole 28 orien ree) ae a es bees 2 es 1 ay. 4.2|2. 53.5 ee eee
35 | Bammer Dovenne. 22 5.0 eee ee ee ee 1888 | May 4_.| July 18___} 1 5 8
SG Victoring ss oo) at eae Sth ese As Ee ee 1888 May 3._| Aug. 12__.| 4% | 8.9 7
87-7 Winter! Nelis) »-. 8-2 252 Uy en ee ee ea | 1888 | May 5-_-| Oct.-Dec..| 7% | 1 4
Angouleme (usually known as Duchess) is reputed to be only desirable as a
dwarf, for which purpose it is doubtless one of the best. It may, however, be
doubtful whether this assumption is not due quite as much to the preference of
nurserymen for this method of propagation as to any actual advantage of dwarfs
over trees grown upon free stocks. The experience of the writer, both at this
station and elsewhere, is quite in favor of the latter.
Anjou, though reputed to be a tardy bearer, has this year produced a few good
specimens upon trees planted as yearlings in 1888, branched low and managed
as dwarf standards.
Ansault (Bonne de Puits Ansault) is an early-bearing, very prolific variety, and
the fruit of fine size, though of only moderate quality.
Bloodgood, an old variety, is an early and profuse bearer, fruit of good size
and finely flavored, ripening early in August.
Clapp (Favorite) ripened in advance of Bartlett. It is large, beautiful, and good,
but must be picked early to prevent rotting at the core.
Dana Hovey is small but excellent, and the tree very satisfactory. It is one of
the very finest early winter pears for the home plantation.
Comice (Doyernne du Comice) is a large and excellent pear, which was received
and planted in 1891, as Howell, to which it is far superior in both size and
quality.
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 295
Gakovsk, Kurskaya, Bessemianka, and Victorina are from Prof. Budd’s impor-
tations from eastern Hurope. None of them compare favorably with our well-
known varieties of similar season.
Giffard, an early August pear of high quality, is admirably adapted to use in the
plantations of critical lovers of this fruit.
Gray Doyenne is an old and excellent amateur pear, ripening in October and
November. It is now rarely planted.
Howell is well known as a desirable market pear for late September.
Jones is a scarcely medium-size pear, of very good quality, ripening in October
and November.
Lawrence has many desirable qualities of both tree and fruit, which render
it desirable as an early winter market variety.
Lucrative is an old and excellent pear which every lover of this fruit should
plant for home use. With better color it would doubtless be valued as a market
fruit also.
Margaret.—_Several varieties have been received and fruited under this name.
Further trial is needful to determine the identity of each. A small, very early one
is of fair quality and very productive.
Mount Vernon.—Two varieties have been received and fruited under this name,
and further trial is needful to properly determine their identity.
Ogereau, a large pear, season November and December, is a vigorous grower
and an early bearer. Worthy of trial for market.
Pound is a very old variety, very large, but only valuable for show and for the.
kitchen.
Reeder (Dr. Reeder) is a fruit weighing seven ounces, of high quality, keeping
through November. The tree is thrifty and so far an early and abundant bearer.
Rostiezer is an old European variety, weighing only three ounces, not
attractive appearance, but of exquisite flavor. Season, August. Tree, vigorous,
very spreading, requires severe cutting back to produce a satisfactory head.
Seckel is well known for its exquisite flavor. Its diminutive size is its chief
drawback, which, however, is compensated by its productiveness. The tree is
healthy and remarkably free from blight.
Summer Doyenne (Doyenne d’Ete) is the earliest reasonably good pear.
Although of diminutive size, this is compensated by its productiveness. The tree
is vigorous and healthy.
Winter Nelis ranks among winter pears as does Seckel among the summer and
autumn varieties, as the type of high quality. The tree is of a straggling, irregu-
lar habit, and doubtless for that reason is not popuiar with nurserymen, who usu-
ally double-work it.
APPLES (Pyrus malus).
Apples, in common with other fruit trees, have made satisfactory growths, not-
withstanding the prevailing drouth, and a very considerable number of varieties
have shown more or less fruit.
Whether due to the spray applied April 1 to 6, or otherwise, no fungi have been
discovered attacking either trees or fruit during the season, and the only insect
noted was the second brood of codlin moth larve, the appearance of which had not
been anticipated, as the first brood had been conspicuous by their absence.
Following the general spray of April 1 to 6: May 38 to 4, apples were sprayed
to prevent scab, with a solution of one pound of copper sulphate in 250 gallons
of water; May 20 they were again sprayed, this time with Bordeaux mixture con-
sisting of four pounds of copper sulphate, nine pounds of stone lime, and two
and one fourth ounces of Paris green in forty gallons of water; June 1, the spray
was repeated, using the same mixture.
Further treatment should doubtless have been applied to destroy the second
brood of codlin moth larve, but the apparently thorough destruction of the early
brood had left the conviction that no second brood need be expected, and this
error was not discovered till too late for remedy.
The following table includes the varieties which have bloomed and fruited, one
or both, during the current season.
Under the head of productiveness the results of the current year only are given.
The word crab attached to a name is not to be understood as any part of such
name.
In grading as to quality, crabs are compared with crabs only.
2.96 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
APPLES (Pyrus malus).
2 |e |
be |
ae |
N 33 : 59
2 ame. : a @
fa ; 3 ° 3
Fe 2 g 8 aqd\2 (83
a ) ® Bo | a
| & 2 ey Sg | 5s 38
Fe os eq 5 Em | om la
1 ay ae (Crab) 2282) 206 Se Be eee ae ee Sees 1890 | May 5--
2: hf Babbitiecee thee (oe. ee ee ee OP eee 1890 |||. Mayii$:-|¢_2 23. Sale 6 5.6 q
3 Saran ENDED Dills APU ed Saas wae y a eg eB i Ng SE aa 1888 || May. 92" 16. 28 eae 8% 8.4 )
4 Bataleon 25 ees fn Se ee ee ae 1888 | May 6__
S|) Bhae Agmis . 5032 Ue a i ee 1890 | May 6_.| Sept. 15____- 5% | 451] 10
Ga tBoroyinika oe a ee ee Se ee 1888 | May 4..)| Aug. 7_-..-| 8 5 3
7 (Oa Y= 1 ieee Ue RI I Oi 8 apt e ok ahs SEA ah Sea a Cer OL 1888 | May 6__} Aug. 12___-- 6% 3.4 8
Bo MBradfordl 2 tito fo ee ere ee eaters 1890 | May 6__
Out Garloug hyo 3r che Se ee yee ek ee a 1889 | May 8-_-
MO Chenango oc ae ae ee ee ee ee 1888 | May 7__} Aug. 18____- 6 8] 10
1. | Gogswell = 2s! uoc ee ea ie are a eee 1888 | May 6-_-
M2 @oltone 2-222 Sao ae he ce eo ee ee 1888 | May 4__| July 22___-- 6 4 7
RSC COnme et ee Noe nee ce ee er Meee 1890 | May 5-_-| b.Sept.____-. 6 3.4 2
14S) Craine e232 2, ee a ae eae eee 1888 | May 7-_-
BS i@ alin «dd eee cs ibe Be Pow oo) eee al eo ee ee 1890 | May 6--
16) Dartmouth: (erab) 2222262520 eee eee 1890 | May 5_.| Sept. 1. _-- 2 1 2
17 Ac onlapme BS Se eae TE Ee ee ie a a ee 1889 | May 7-_-
TT) (cg ee Te eee NTS ST eee) Oe f” 1888 | May 6_-
19 easly Straw bDerreyt 2 ae ee ee 1888 | May 7-_-
20; 4) bey ptian 22 ice Na ee eee ae ee ee ee ee 1888 | May 8-_-
21) iixcelsior:(crab) 2s 2.22 onc sass eceeceche ace e eee eee 1890 | May 5_.]} Aug. 24____- 6 4 7
22.) Kalb Pippo soo a ee ee eee 1888 | May 7-_-
oie Manip s tenes oe Toe! OR ae oe Ae ee ee 1892 | May 7--
24:) Florence (orab) . 2.22. 2. deatwn mend anne bhe_ dane aes 1890 | May 4--| Aug. 10._--. | 1% 5.6 1
25 Mshing 355625. oS ae oe eee eee 888 | May 8-_-
267 Gan eee eae oe eg rr i Sea ee 1890 | May 6__] Sept. 16____- 10% 5 U
27 Garden Royal 2: 5. steicus.. eee eee eee 1888 | May 8-_-
28 i GD D AOEAD) cos cun aooehownse as sit oe eee antes 1892 | May 4_.| Aug. 15____- 2% 2 5
ON GROGOS eee oe ears ee eee eee eet See eae Seer 1890 | May 5_.| Sept. 1-__-. 6% 5 q
308 | Gloewes.cs foe Serre ee ta) eee eee ee ae 1888 | May 6-.
31.| -Golden|Reinette 222 a eee eee 1888 | May 5-_-
32 | Golden Russet. (N..%..) 2as-32222 oon cane s oeene nen 1888 | May 5_-| Dec.-Mar._.| 5% 8 v |
SR (Grimes) 2. 3 oo ee Pe ee ee ee 1890 | May 5-.-| Dec.-Mar.-_-| 6 2.8 q
Oa GOB *.. set seeGes hee a Ae ee Se ean eee 1890 | May 6--
25.) Hagonkopt 0322) eo ee ae 1888 | May 7-_-
’
SG a) HOPeTOVG cesec ont asec eee oe ee ee eee 1892 | May 6_-
Git RE WWLOY oo oe eee a re ee ee ae 1888 | May 6-_-
Soni tlubbardston’<. so aero ae ee ee neues 1888 | May 7_-
Sonisindian: ff beh sick ee le, (ECR See | ee ese 1892 | May 10__
‘4 ilowa Keeper 24 2 eee eee eee 1891 | May 6_-
AVS | SV eierig. 220. 25223 Ses OR ONS aa es eee 1888 | May 5-_-.| b. Sept.__._- 1% 2 6
42 Selly (oral) 206. 2c 4 ens ek ee eee eee Oe ee 1890 | May 5_._| b. m. Sept.} 2 5 5
AG MOVEeY MWeebs2. coc ote chee eee A Vis | TO eer 1888 | May 5_-_| b. Sept..__._| 6 2]' 4
Ae Jonathan in: Seek ole Lae So et eer eee ast 8 ee 1888 | May 6__| Nov.-Mar._.|} 5 2 6
ApeinKWeswieks 2. uti ay eo eco eens 1888 | May 5_.| Aug.-Sept...| 6 6 1
AG se wVer-) 3- lols eae" 2 ae Sere ee eee 1890 | May 7_-| Jan.-May --| 7 6.7 6
47 Muongetiold 22) 22) Bo er a ee eee 1892 | May 5-_-| Sept. 14___.- 7 5 8
48 | Lou eh Merial tele is Med ieee eee eeeeee ate 1890 | May 5..| Aug. 6__--. 6% 5 9
MON i welll ta ee oe eee See 1888 | May 6_- reek 19____.| 10 8.4 a
it) 0c: ee i ee ane cys Wie soe ee. 1800 |-May 7_-| 203-25 22oese
51'¢).: Maiden Bloshs 82 re 9 ch ee eee ee 1888 | May 5--
53>) Marmalade. 2c ee ee a ee ee 1888 | May 8_-
Oo 1 Martha (ordi). fds coc ech et oe ee ee eee nee 1890 | May 6__| b. Sept.___.- 2% | 1.2 8
54-|) Mason Orange. ocn oo coe cabot eho eee ee eee 1890 | May 9_-| Nov.__------ 8 5.6 | 10
$514 Minbkler ice: os: 008 sa eh oe Sa ee ee 1892 | May 5-.-| Jan.-Mar._-| 9 6.8 | 10
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 297
APPLES.—CoNoLuDED.
2 |2 |
fee ees
Sn i Rae f=
Name ; S32 e £
8 = E 2 = FE & Qn
g = ro) a oS = 34
B Co iS} = ‘Og ce 29
Z, Ay ca a BA | = la®
bibs | PSG. 2 fo ee = SR 1890 | May 5-_-
PMID TET Orie eee oes kk Sen meen ceee nce enone 1890 | May 5-_-
ei) eke), 2 Dp se Sa 1890 | May 7__| Aug. 31____- 8 4 8
yl} leaky Leviyal Ls, (Sie a) la a 1888 | May 5__| Nov.-Mar...| 5% 4] 10
Sb} Oye iyet so fo I ee eee 1890 | May 5__| Sept.-Oct. | 5 3.5 5
Renee MR EREEU Vipin ee chee nce 1890 | May 6__| Jan.-April-_.| 9 3.5 |
pemmeock (Pleasant): 22 ..).- 2 Lae sell 1888 | May 8_.
Ga) Traine ob 332 0s SS eS ee ee ene 1890 | May 5_-| b. Sept._.___| 10 3.4 3
col) LEY a EGY oo Se eS a 1888 | May 8_.
UISEITOR MUNI tee ae eo oo eee env eewocacd 1892 | May 6--
PIRI Le eye ee to oo eee wenn cate 1888 | May 5-_-| July 20____. 8 2 8
Giiplnvor Ben poedling ......._.-.---..--..--..---.-2..--. 1888 | May 8_-_
68 | Pyrus malus, rosea plena____.-_-._.-._--.--------__-. 1x92 | May 8__
69 CERDLSCEYD poe od Sl A Se 1891 | May 6-_-
70 SYEDIG) net So ee eS es 1888 ay 92.
ef DES: Goo el a ea 1888 | May 7__| b.m. Sept..| 11% 5 7
PMO ABGPACH EIN | oe. oes ook. ecle bec nceeecceecsccce~ ec] 1888°| May 5_.| Aug. 1. _..- 6% 4.6 5
POS | Deo) (Oris) 200 FS a a 1888 | May 6.-_| Jan.-May __| 6 2.3 8
Wikk | Site | JVe yee a hj gl 1888 | May 5_-_| b. Sept.____. 1% 5 7
Pte |) UASSSSC AT ASYSPES 55 ce 1890 | May 10_-
MOMMIMPELOTOR GOLO GIs eee non fo ok tae cle cn wate noone 1890 | May 6..} Aug. 9____.| 5 5 7
ipo] Ledlagsvo ley ic sy es | a aaa i en 1888 | May 6_._| Nov.-Feb.._| 10% 2.3} 10
eM IMIROBBINAGOP. s25 28 u ooo nae seers boone oe nen occeoee--nH. 1888 | May 8__| m.e. Sept.__| 12 4.5] 10
Ss [VR ore Vari a SS Si ae ee 1888 | May 6__| Jan.-June__| 6 3.4 8
A | SEAL SOE ee ee ee en ee 1888 | May 9_-
81 | Scarlet Cranberry--...--.....------_-- ie Pe a4 Be 7 1891 | May 6__
POMUBMNRCRMIGLONG Ms poe oe eet la tee eden one 1893 | May 9_-
coo!) ES LACST ES an ae 12 ce SA as a ae 1891 | May 6_-
MAME MINGG RONOURG ise so noose cede ene cece een non ewe cece 1898 | May 7-_- |
MOM IMBOMOrREtIING .s))..cuet so ok. ek ee dele eebl ece ence 1893 | May 7__| Aug. 19.___. 34% 21 10
cubs pun TUPLES op ie RS MEI SS SE a 1888 | May 6_.| Jan.-May __| 8 7.8 2
cl) |) SVT Ge ce a a 1890 | May 7_-
‘gts! |] IS uleraey © [M9 ee 1889 | May 7-_-
Pee emer Pearman. .........2.......2<---..-_------ 1888 | May 5__| b.Sept._--_- 5% 1 8
MOMS GINGER MOSEL] - 25k. canna an awe eee manne cence 1892 | May 5__| Aug. 12____. 4 2} 10
RMRMBMUAIGETE RC) ett sel ek te ea. 1892 | May 6_-
SB. |) UMenawkty fo ae es eee 1888 | May 5__| Aug. 5-_.-.- 9 4.6 4
Cy | ESN eRe Tie 5S Ss, 2 1888 | May 7_.| Nov.-April__| 6 3.4 9
ik |) Lkooseiivergy eta LoS poe Ok a Ped ea eg fe ee 1890 | May 7_-
Gpulpeeranscenaent (Crab)! ...+2----22.2--.-.-22..2.-.2---- 18938 | May 6__|} Aug. 21___-_- 2 5 7
96 | Washington (Strawberry) _-.......-.-_-_-----_------_- 1890 | May 5__| Sept.-Oct.__} 934 |..---- 10
Uh |) MONS IEYE Gale NS a od 1890 | May 6-_.| Oct.-Nov....| 6 5 9
ame | MURS Tat pe co Cea cca ce 1890; | May 6= | Septs.. sss le22 5 ses 5
Dea wwincormcroiling 2.22. =. ee ck ne eee ga 1888 | May 5__!| Aug. 20____- 5 5 8
LOGMieVellow transparent... 2. .-.....2---.--=- 2... --- 1888 | May Le July 22_....| 5 7 5
VTE || MONOCOTS TE LS TA aS a 1890 | May
298 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
It should be understood that the fruit trees at this Station are yet young, many
of the apple trees bearing their first crop of fruit this year, and that for this rea-
son the results noted may be modified as they come more fully into bearing.
Babbitt comes to us from Missouri. Little can yet be said respecting it from
actual experience here. If valuable here it will probably be on account of color
or productiveness rather than for superior quality.
Barty is a sweet apple whose first specimens here weigh eight and one half
ounces. In quality it grades 8 to 4, one being the highest. Should it prove pro-
ductive it may rank as a desirable market variety.
Blue Anis, Longfield, Red Dettmer, Rosenhager, Titovka, and Winter Streifling
are all of reputed Russian origin. Nearly all are of the J. L. Budd importation,
very subject to blight in the northwest, and most of them ripening in winter only
at the extreme north. So far they have been free from blight here, but nearly
all ripen in August and early September.
Borovinka is also one of the Budd importations. If not identical with Olden-
burg it so closely resembles it both in tree and fruit that it is difficult to distin-
guish the one from the other.
Bough, generally known as Sweet Bough, is our earliest good sweet apple. Its
chief fault is that it is a thin bearer.
Chenango is well and favorably known as one of the numerous group of “straw-
berry” apples. When well grown it has few superiors as a dessert or family
apple. It is also esteemed for a near market.
Colton is a comparatively new variety. Here, so far, it proves to be an early
and prolific bearer, specimens weighing six ounces and ripening the latter half
of July; quality 4, of the scale 1 to 10. Desirable for both home use and market.
Cornell originated in Pennsylvania, and is successful in Michigan. Its most
serious fault is ripening in early September, when even the best apples are at a
discount, aS compared with the more delicate peach and plum.
Dartmouth, Excelsior, Florence, Gibb, Jelly, Lou, Martha, No. 2 New, and Tran-
scendent are all crabs of the Pyrus baccata type, ripening in August and early
September, varying more or less in quality, but ali possessing the distinctive flavor
of the species.
Gano has ripened its first crop of fruit here this season. The specimens are
beautifully colored, weighing ten and one half ounces, and ripening September 16.
It will rank as a market fruit if sufficiently productive.
Gideon, October, and Peter are all seedlings by Peter M. Gideon of Minnesota,
as is also Wealthy. All are very hardy and adapted to the extreme northern
climate. They are claimed to be partially or wholly of crab parentage.
Golden Russett (N. Y.) is too well known to require either description or char-
acterization. It lacks size, unless with good and rich cultivation, and must be kept
in tight packages to prevent shriveling.
Grimes (Golden) is reputed to have originated in Virginia. It is one of the very
few varieties which maintain their quality when grown at the north.
Jeffers is a native of Pennsylvania. It has few if any superiors as a beautiful
and excellent dessert fruit, for late August and early September. Specimens grown
here this year weighed seven and one half ounces.
Jersey Sweet is perhaps the very best sweet dessert and baking apple for early
September.
Jonathan is generally popular as a’ beautiful and excellent mid-winter apple,
for either dessert or market. Its chief defect for the market is lack of size, well-
grown specimens weighing scarcely more than five ounces.
Keswick (Codlin) is one of the very best and most productive culinary apples.
Too acid for other uses, it cooks well even’ when half grown.
Lawyer is a long keeper, of supposed western origin, of mild subacid flavor,
ranking as low as 6 or 7 in the scale of 1 to 10. Tree vigorous and hardy.
Lowell is an old variety, ripe in early September. It is of fine appearance and
very productive. Weight, ten ounces. It is doubtless less popular on account of
the wealth of the more delicate fruits contemporaneous with it.
Magog (Red Streak) is a western variety valued especially for its hardiness. It
is not yet sufficiently tested here.
Mason Orange, received from Kansas, ripe here November to probably January
or February, weight eight ounces, is a roundish or slightly oblate, irregular fruit,
yellow, with a faint brownish blush; flavor, mild subacid; tree vigorous, spreading,
needs further trial here.
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 299
Minekler is an old variety, grown mostly at the west, season January to March,
weight nine ounces, quality low, 6 to 8, tree vigorous, spreading.
Oakland is known in some localities as Oakland Co. Seeknofurther. It ripens
here in September but is said to be a winter keeper. Weight five and one half
ounces; color, yellow, blushed and striped with two shades of red; flavor, mild
subacid; quality 3 to 4; growth of tree slender, spreading.
Ontario, originated by the late Charles Arnold of Paris, Ontario, is a cross
-between Northern Spy and Wagener. The fruit is in season from January to
April. Weight, nine ounces; color, pale yellow, with a bright red cheek; flesh,
tender, juicy, sub-acid; quality, 3 to 5; tree vigorous, upright, spreading, an early
bearer.
Primate is well and favorably known as one of the very best summer dessert
apples, ripening in succession through a considerable period. The fruits when
large are sometimes water-cored.
Red Aport is one of Prof. Budd’s Russian importations. Its weight is eleven and
one half ounces, season b. m. September. In form, color, and quality it is much
like the well known Alexander.
Red Astrachan is too well known as a leading summer market and culinary
apple to require description. It ripened here this season August 1; weight, six
and one half ounces.
Red Canada is the apple so long and favorably known in the markets of Detroit
and Chicago as Steele’s Red. In some soils and localities it is inclined to scab
and crack. It is a slender grower and should always be top grafted on vigorous
stocks. Season, January to May; weight, six ounces.
Reid Golden comes to us from New Jersey without a history. It ripens here
August 9; weight, five ounces; form, oblate; color, dark, rich red on a yellow
ground; flesh, white with red stains next the skin; quality, 5. A culinary fruit.
Rhode Island Greening is universally prized at the north and east as a leading
winter apple; in season here from November to February or March; weight, ten
and one half ounces. Further south it becomes an autumn fruit.
Roxbury Russett, long known and prized as a superior, long-keeping, culinary
market apple; in season from January to June; weight, six ounces. It is open to
the objection that the tree lacks hardiness at the west.
Somerset (N. Y.) ripened August 19, weighing three and one half ounces. The
fruit is conical and not attractive in appearance but sprightly, high-flavored, and
rich; quality, 2; tree an upright grower and an early bearer.
Stark hails from Ohio. It is a long-keeping, winter apple. Weight, eight ounces;
quality as low as 7 or 8; tree very vigorous, hardy, and productive. A market
apple.
Summer Pearmain is a beautiful and excellent fruit for the home plantation,
ripe early in September; weight, five ounces. Unfortunately the fruit is liable to
seab and crack. The tree is hardy, but of scarcely medium vigor. It requires
good, rich culture.
Summer Rose is a beautiful and excellent little fruit for the home garden; ripe
early in August; weight, four ounces; quality, 2. The tree is moderately vigor-
ous and very productive.
Tolman is a long-keeping, winter, sweet apple; weight, four ounces; tree, very
hardy; generally popular.
Washington (Strawberry), ripe in September and October. Weight, nine and
one half ounces. Is a roundish oblate, yellow apple, splashed and mottled with
rich red; flesh a little coarse; tender, juicy, brisk, sub-acid. Culinary, market.
Water, ripe October and November; weight, six ounces; quality, 5; is a culinary
variety; so far only moderately productive.
Yellow Transparent is reported to be of Russian origin; ripe July 22, weight,
five ounces. The fruits are usually free from imperfection and of even size; color,
pale yellow; flesh, a little coarse, white, tender, juicy, acid; culinary. Tree vig-
orous, upright, very productive.
QUINCES (Cydonia).
No indications of fungi have been observed during the past season.
The only insect attacks demanding attention have been those of the slug (Hrio-
campa cerasi) to subdue which a single spray of strong tobacco water proved
sufficient.
\
300 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
\
Quinces have fruited much less freely than usual the past season, due appar-
ently to the frost of the morning of May 21, at ater time the plants were in
bloom.
Quality being a somewhat variable characteristic, devendada upon peculiarity
of the season, and the more or less perfect development of the fruit, the grading
given in the following table will be liable to modification in other and more favor-
able seasons.
QUINCES (Cydonia).
2 |38
=] a] D
ra C) Bs
wi @ r an
o| 9 &
; Name. : rd : 9S he ale
5 3 © 2 edie ls
2 = g q a6 |e. 5g
E g| 8 & |32| ag [38
Zz Ay aa) fa ie QA fy Au o7) Fy ‘é) o
TD ek EE 95 | June 8| July 1/]| 9.0 m r gb 8
NE oe wan weawaenne- 9.0 | May 31] Joly 1] 75] m r lo 8
ee eee 9.5 | June 8| July 8] 9.8 1 ro p 8.5
ile? ots Re ee 9.3 ay 31 | June 29} 9.0 ] r b 8
aa) a 7.5 | May 81 | Juone25| 7.0 | m r b 8
Vinheeays, |B.3)7) 0h (575 OE 8.5 | May 31] July 1] 6.5 m re b 7
PSD Gn) So u 92 | May 31] July 1] 9.0 l r b 8.5
EOS) 2 Se tS ee ee 9.5 | May 31 | July 3] 9.8 1 r |bpu 7
[eqoyo nie: oS oe a en 8.5 | May 81 | June 29 6.0 m r b 8.5
waekson's May King)... .......-........-..- 8.5 | May 28 | June 27 | 7.0 8 re b 7.5
GHUSLOM SwWOOl.---...---2---. =.-----2s--------- 5.0 | May $1} July 1/| 60] m r gb 8
UL SU LON. pevet le 9.5 | May 31] June 28] 9.8 1 r gb 8.5
8 EE ene 9.0 | May 81 | June29 | 7.5 | m r b 4
ICG D)EG SS 0S a 9.2 | June 3/| July 5| 7.0 | r |bpu 7
OVERDUE aa aa a er 8.0 | May 31] June29 | 7.0 8 r b 8.5
BGP. aes eee re 9.5 | May 31 | July 1] 9.0 r b 9
nD 2! 2Ns (he i a err) ee 9.5 | May 30 | June30/] 8.6 r b 6
LED aye L aie eee a a a ea 8.5 | May 28 | June25] 8.5 m r b 8.5
HE iSer NAR re se ee ee 9.0 | May 31 | June27} 7.5 | m r b 8.5
SHV? oo 25 aS eS ae ee 9.3 | June 6| July 8] 9.0 1 ro p 8.5
SYPECUAD (CLES C0) 1 Te) ie a 8.0 | May 31 | June 27| 8.5 1 r b 9
eee 8.5 | May 81 | July 2| 8.5 1 r |bpu 8.5
eee ee eee ceec), 9.0 | May. 28 | June 25 | 5.0 1 re b 8.5
ee ate nin 8.7 | May 31 | June25| 8.0 | m r b 8
A OE a ee een 8.2 | May 81] July 1] 7.0 8 r b 8
NOTES ON VARIETIES.
Ada.—The bush is quite vigorous, and withstood drouth and attacks of anthrac-
nose as well as any of the blacks. Few blossoms were injured by frost, and a
good crop of good-size fruit of fair quality was borne. An excellent sort.
Caroline.—If one desires a sort bearing yellow fruit, this is one of the best.
Columbian.—Growth of cane strong and vigorous, and but little injured by win-
ter; blossoms not hurt by frost. This variety bore more fruit than any other in the
plantation, and was taken as the standard of productiveness. Columbian differs
from Shaffer in being of stronger and larger cane growth; the new canes lack the
purple tinge of Shaffer, and the spines are fewer in number, but are considerably
larger in size; the leaflets of Columbian are also larger than those of Shaffer. The
berry closely resembles Shaffer but is drier, more seedy, and a little better in qual-
ity. Toward the close of the season the old canes were badly injured by anthrac-
nose.
Conrath.—Canes slightly injured by winter; seven per cent. of blossoms killed by
frost. The plant is fairly vigorous and is productive. The fruit is of large size,
firm, and of fair quality. It is medium early and holds out well in season; consid-
erable anthracnose toward close or season; growth of new canes excellent.
Cromwell.—Canes injured considerably by winter; 25 per cent. of blossoms
killed by frost; canes badly affected by anthracnose and drouth. An early ripening
sort but did not do well the past season.
Ebon Beauty.—Somewhat injured by winter, and considerable anthracnose on old
canes; few blossoms killed by frost; fruit rather small in size, round-conical in
form, deep black with considerable down; is quite soft, and rather poor in quality;
of fair cane growth.
‘
310 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Farnsworth.—Stood winter well; quite free from anthracnose, and but few blos-
soms killed by frost. The plants are vigorous, healthy, and productive. The fruit
is large, firm, and of good quality; an excellent variety for home use or market.
Gregg.—Canes quite badly killed back by winter. Ten per cent of blossoms
frosted; old canes have considerable anthracnose; bore a good crop of large-size
fruit. The best late market sort.
Hopkins.—Badly winter-killed; twenty-five per cent. of blossoms injured by frost;
bush of weak growth; fruit small, of fair quality, but soft and a small quantity
borne.
Jackson’s May King.—Bush of fair growth and stood winter well; seven per cent.
of blossoms killed by frost; fruit rather small in size, round-conical, jet-black, with
considerable down between seeds; not of very good quality; did not bear much
fruit, old canes dying with anthracnose and from drouth before crop matured.
Kansas.—But little injured by winter; some disease on old canes; new growth
strong; five per cent. of blossoms frosted. This was the most productive blackcap
grown this season. The fruit is large, jet-black, firm, and of fair quality. A most
excellent medium-season sort.
Lovett.—Quite badly winter-killed; much anthracnose on old canes; ten per cent.
of blossoms injured by frost; fruit small in size, and but a small crop borne. There
are better sorts ripening at the same season.
Nemaha.—Quite badly injured by winter; bushes did not do well the past season,
and but few berries borne. Usually a good late-ripening sort.
Norfolk.—Nothing special to reeommend it. Others better.
Older.—But little injured by winter; much less disease than most other varieties;
few blossoms frosted; bush of vigorous growth and productive. The fruit is of
large size, rather soft, but of high quality. An excellent sort for home use or near
market.
Ohio.—But little injured by winter; twenty per cent. of blossoms frosted; consid-
erable anthracnose, but bushes bearing a good crop of fruit; one of the best me-
dium-season market sorts. The leading variety for evaporating purposes.
Palmer.—Cane injured somewhat by winter, but not badly; ten per cent. of blos-
soms killed by frost. A good early-market variety.
Progress.—Very similar to Palmer, though scarcely so productive.
Shaffer.—For canning and home use this variety has no superior among the bet-
ter known sorts. Quite badly injured by winter.
Smith (Prolific)—Canes were most injured of any variety by severe winter; badly
affected with anthracnose; twenty per cent. of blossoms killed by frost. The bush is
of strong growth and fairly productive. The fruit is large, jet-black, not very firm,
but of good quality. A good variety.
Surrey.—Cane but little injured by winter; ten per cent. of blossoms injured by
frost; bush vigorous and healthy; fruit closely resembles that of Gregg, but is not
So late in ripening.
Virginia.—Cane winter-killed but little; thirty per cent. of blossoms injured by
frost; bush not of vigorous growth this season, but little disease present; an early
ripening sort. In past seasons this variety has done well.
Winona.—Canes were injured by winter, but not badly; few blossoms killed by
frost; much disease on old canes; new growth excellent; fruit of medium size,
round-conical, black, with considerable down; seeds rather large, lacking in quality
and firmness. Not sufficiently tested.
Wonder.—Tips of canes winter-killed; new growth strong; considerable disease
on old canes ten per cent. of blossoms injured by frost. Fruit large, jet-black, with
down between seeds; good quality but not very firm. Requires further trial.
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 311
RED RASPBERRIES,
ABBREVIATIONS,
Size. Form, Color.
68, small. r, round. d, dark. O, orange.
m, medium, c, conical, r, red. b, bright.
1, large. oO, ovate. Pp, purple.
+» @
: : 3 @
Bind Sune
Variety. eh 5 a Be
scl eek «hes . (8
fe) 2g 2 Tr o § 5 |
bo o E am S| 3 ) ]
e a Ay m2 oy ) o
oO) seed ep a 9 June 3.| July 8_| 6 vl Oo br 9
eR ONUATIO Me en nee co an wee we ne 9.38 | June 5_| July 8} 8.5 m re dr 8
rT bee te ee ec cccecauacesacece 9.5 | June 5_} July 8-_| 9.5 l re r 8
OS Ova | a a eT ee 8 June 8.| July 2.| 8 8 re dp 8
ee 9 June .| July 6.| 8.5 l re oO 9.5
esearch ewe owede 9 June 3-_| June 27_| 8 m r dr 9
BOOB UNUM IOSes 22-20 one meen new ecennneue 9 June 8.) June 27_| 8.5 1 re bdr | 9.5
CAP ey GS a 8 June 3.| June 27_| 9 m r r 8.5
Muishigan marly... ...2..2-.--=--.--- teete 8.5 | May 31_| June 25_| 8.5 m r r 9
Leiiiicslejeo] 1h 8 2 Si a oe 8 June 8.| Jane 27_| 7 1 re dr 9.5
Cee Geet) 2 a a 8 May 31.| June 26_| 8 m r r 8.5
Rosa! Paurck - 2. bao ee a re 8 une 8.| July 1.| 85 | re dc 8.5
RHR IOMCTOI eet e ce cece ences 6.5 | June 3.) June 26_| 6 m r br 9
Mhompson Prolific ....2.......-...-..-<-.- 8.5 | June 8.| June 26_| 7 m r dr 9
a cle eennunes on 9.3 | June 8-.| June 27_| 9 1 c r 9
\
NOTES ON VARIETIES.
Brandywine.—Stood winter well; growth of cane vigorous and healthy; fruit of
medium-size, bright red color, quite firm, and of fair quality. It is a late-ripening
sort of some value.
Cuthbert.—But little injured by winter.. The plant is vigorous and healthy. The
variety has yet no superior for general planting.
Gladstone.—Canes hardy but quite badly affected with anthracnose. New growth
good. The fruit when ripe is purplish, soft, and of fair quality. The variety, if
valuable at all, is only so as a continuous bearer. The bushes bore a large crop of
fruit in October.
Golden Queen.—The bush is hardy and of vigorous growth. The fruit is clear,
bright yellow in color, and of high quality. It is a desirable variety for the home
garden.
Hansell and Michigan Early are hardy in plant and fairly productive. As early-
ripening sorts they may find a place to a limited extent.
Marlboro.—The bush is hardy, but not of very strong growth. It occupies a prom-
inent place as an early-ripening market berry.
Royal Church.—The bush is hardy, of vigorous growth, and quite productive. The
fruit is of dark, rich crimson color, and good quality, but crumbles easily.
Turner.—The bush is extremely hardy, of good growth, and productive. The
fruit is of high quality but soft. Valuable for home use or for near market.
Arnold, Lost Rubies, Philadelphia, Rancocas, and Scarlet Gem are now but little
grown, their place being taken by better varieties.
BLACKBERRIES.
The severe winter of 1894-5 gave a good opportunity to observe the hardiness of
the several varieties grown here.
Early King.—Quite badly injured by winter, but some of canes left; canes of up-
right growth; leaves light green, rather small, and pointed; few blossoms left unin-
jured by frost; fruit very large; seeds large, round, loose; very sweet, and has a
small core. More hardy than any other early sort grown here.
312 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Eldorado.—Stood winter as well as Snyder; new growth good; most blossoms
killed, and the fruit remaining is imperfect; closely resembles Snyder in cane and
growth, though leaflets are a lighter green and the cane has more red, with larger
and longer spines. A very promising, hardy sort.
Lincoln.—Stood winter almost as well as Snyder; new growth excellent; no fruit.
Minnewaski.—Stood winter fairly well; new growth very strong; no fruit.
Snyder.—Quite badly injured by winter; canes killed half of length; new growth
strong; bore but little fruit.
Stone’s Hardy.—Did not stand winter as well as Snyder, but some cane growth
left; bore little fruit.
Taylor’s Prolific—Stood winter about the same as Stone’s Hardy; some fruit, but
small and imperfect.
Agawam, Jewett, and Kittatinny were killed nearly to ground; no fruit borne.
Childs Early Cluster, Erie, Ford’s No. 1, Ohmer, Wilson Early, Wilson Jr., and
White Blackberry were killed to ground and bore no fruit.
AGRICULTUAL COLLEGE, MICH.,
February 1. 1896.
SeME INJURIOUS INSECTS.
Part of Bulletin No. 132.
BY ‘G. .0.,DANIE.
CLIMBING CUTWORMS.
Climbing cutworms have rarely been found injurious to orchards on clay or
clay loam soil. For this reason a large proportion of Michigan orchards are not
subject to attacks from this insidious pest. ‘The writer has occasionally found their
work on light clay soil, and in one such instance several cherry trees had quite
a percentage of the buds eaten out, but such cases are exceptional. There are many
sandy strips through the state, and particularly along the shore of lake Michigan,
where we have our greatest fruitgrowing section. The lighter and more sandy the
soil, the more likely it is to be infested with climbing cutworms. In such sections
they are present in sufficient numbers to be destructive almost every season.
TACO CU
IN ON Voie
Fig. 1.—The speckled cutworm, Mamistra subjuncta: At the right is the full-grown cutworm and behind
it a younger one; above is the moth, all natural size.
My own experiments and observations have been largely at Muskegon the past
two seasons. In this work much credit is due Mr. H. C. Rood of that place, who
kindly gave me access to his apple orchards of nearly 5,000 trees, and also gave me
many valuable suggestions from his practical experience with the climbing cut-
worms. His first letter to us gives something of an idea of the conditions under
which he was laboring at that time, and we can not do better than quote the first
part of it, which reads as follows:
40
314 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
“T send you by mail a box of climbing cutworms that have been damaging my
orchard. They are still at work, but the foliage is so large and tough now that they
do but little damage. They like the tender buds and shoots, but will eat anything
if they can not get the buds. They are also at work at my grape vines. We have
killed as many as 1,500 on some trees, not all in one night, but I did kill on a tree
the other night 412, and the next night 114, and the next night 141 on this same tree,
at one time, where I had been hunting them for two weeks before. I did not have
time to count them very often, as I have between four and five thousand trees.
They have ruined a half or two thirds of my crop. ‘They go straight to the top of
a tree and leave the lower limbs. The tops of some of my trees look as though they
were dead, while the bottom limbs are white and full of blossoms.”
This statement is a very moderate one, for the next season Mr. Rood and myself
found them equally abundant in a portion of his orchard. On trees in a neigh-
boring apple orchard, where the climbing cutworms had not been killed the year
previous, we repeatedly counted from 500 to 800 cutworms on the trunk of a single
tree by ten o’clock at night. These trees were probably twelve years old and
about eight or ten inches in diameter. ‘They were in timothy sod. Mr. Rood’s
orchard had been in clover sod for two years preceding, and much of it had died
out the fall before the cutworms were the worst.
Ht
«EN Catt meg
gain
A
Ww
Fig 2.—The white cutworm, Carneades scandens: a, moth natural size; b, moth twice natural size;
c, cutworm, twice natural size *(after Slingerland).
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 315
Climbing cutworms make their appearance in the spring as soon as the soil is
moderately warm. This is some time in April, and before the last of May the
injury of the season by them is over. They are rarely abundant more than two
or three weeks, and, by the time the apple trees are through blossoming, the cut-
worms are for the most part gone. They work exclusively at night, and the
darker the night the more plentifully they appear. About eight o’clock in the
evening they begin traveling, and by nine o’clock their movements remind one of
the activities on a business street in a large city. By daylight they have again
disappeared, and all is quiet. They have buried themselves in the soil for the day
or hid under some loose rubbish that may afford them shelter from the hot sun.
Wau |
Nii
Ni
4) y
ie
WG
Avi
A\e
\ I WE” R\
ge
: Je
Swe
Np, \\\ AK mS
Fig. 8.—The spotted-legged cutworm, Prosagrotis vetusta: m, moth, natural size; mm, moth twice
natural size; 1, catworm, twice natural size (after Slingerland),
316 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
If one watches them on their nocturnal raid, he will see most of them coming
from the soil within a radius of five feet from the trunk of the trees, but others
can be seen that start far beyond even where the branches of large trees reach.
They usually take a direct course to the nearest tree, and in climbing it the tendency
is to go into or near the top of the tree, and the terminal buds will generally show
their work first. Often only the central portion or tenderest part of the bud is
Vb
Yt
Ly NG
! Ville hidihiggly \ i
Fig. 4.—The well-marked cutworm, Noctua clandestina: Cutworm, baneath. side and back view, twice
natural size (after Forbes). a, moth, natural size; b, moth, twice natural size (after Slingerland).
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. S17
eaten into, but when the buds are not plentiful the whole is eaten, and some-
times the tip of the twig or the bark. When checked on the trunk by a band, the
caterpillars often become so hungry that they will girdle a tree beneath the band
by gnawing off a part or all of the bark. If one listens under a tree at night, he
can plainly hear the rasping of their jaws as they are at work on the buds.
QT SAY
WAR Pa ‘\s |
Fig. 5.—The dingy cutworm, Feltia subgothica: m and f, male and female moths, natural size; mm and
ff, male and female moths twice natural size (after Slingerland). Beneath is side and back view of the
' cutworm, twice natural size (after Forbes).
318 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
\
Grape vines are particularly subject to attack from these cutworms, as they
have such large, tender buds. Of the fruit trees, perhaps the peach is the most
likely to be attacked, as it is usually grown on sandy soil, but the apple, plum and
cherry suffer quite as much. The currant and berry bushes are also attacked, and
in fact there are very few trees and bushes which are not known as food plants
of the climbing cutworms.
iif Hh) iN ‘
i)
Y
=
7
==
Fig. 6.—The variegated cutworm Peridro saucia; a, an egg greatly enlarged; b. cluster of eggs,
natural size; c, moth, natural size; d, moth, twice natural size (after Slingerland). Side and bac
views of the cutworm, twice natural size (after Forbes).
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 319
In a bulletin issued last November by the Cornell experiment station, on ‘‘Climb-
ing Cutworms of Western New York,” Mr. Slingerland has prepared a comprehen-
sive table of the species known to be climbing cutworms, with date and references
of first account of the climbing habit of each species, and its common and scien-
tific name. The table, which I take the liberty to quote, is as follows:
_
1852. Harris, Injurious Insects, p. 349.
The yellow-headed cutworm (Xylophasia arctica Bdvy.).
1866. Riley, Prairie Farmer, June 2.
1869. Riley, First Missouri Report, p. 69-79.
The variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia Hbn.)
The dark-sided cutworm (Carneades messoria Harr.).
The white cutworm (Carneades scandens Riley).
The well-marked cutworm (Noctua clandestina Harr.)
1883. Cook, Report Mich. Bd. of Agr., p. 422.
The black-lined cutworm (Noctua fennica Tausch.)
1887. Murtfeldt, Bull. 18 U. S. Ent. Dive., p. 60.
The mottled grey cutworm (Rhynchagrotis alternata Grt.)
The white-spotted cutworm (Homohadena badistriga Grt.)
1894. Davis, An. Rep’t Michigan Expr. Station, p. 89.
The speckled cutworm (Mamestra subjuncta Gr. & Rob.).
1895. Davis, paper before Assoc. Ec. Ent., Aug. 28.
The red cutworm (Rhynchagrotis placida Grt.).
1895. Slingerland, Bull. 104, Cornell Expr. Sta., p. 570 & 574.
The dingy cutworm (feltia subgothica Haw.).
The spotted-legged cutworm (Porosagrotis vetusta Walk.).
All or nearly all of these species are common over the eastern United States and
Canada. The species found at Muskegon were the speckled, red, white, and dark-
sided cutworms. Of these fully nine out of every ten were the speckled cutworm,
Mamestra subjuncta. The red and white cutworms were usually present, but not
abundant.
When the caterpillars become full grown, they are about an inch and a half
long. They are now through feeding, and they bury themselves deeper in the soil
than when they are hiding through the day. Here each one constructs an oblong cell
in the earth, by the use of saliva and pressure of the body, and in this cell it trans-
forms to what is known as the pupa or chrysalis. From the pupa stage they issue
as moths between the last of June and early August. These moths are the
parents for the next year’s brood of cutworms. They lay their eggs, according
to Dr. Riley, in the fall, in batches of from fifty to sixty, and generally in two
layers. The eggs probably hatch in the fall, and the young cutworms partly mature
on grass or some similar green food, before winter, as do many other species whose
habits are better known. They never molest the fruit trees at this time of year.
In this partly grown condition they remain until spring, when they awake from
their long fast to feed on the early vegetation. Their growth is very rapid at this
time, and in two or three weeks they are full-grown and ready to follow in the
line of their ancestors.
This in general is also the life history of our other destructive species so far as
we know it at present. Some species remain in the pupa stage a much shorter
time, which is the case with the red cutworm that is later in reaching its growth
but appeared in the breeding jar June 15, or in about two weeks after attaining its
growth. Other species are slower in their transformation, and winter in the egg
stage, and some are even known to hibernate in the pupa stage and appear as a
noth the following spring. Undoubtedly these latter do no harm as climbing cut-
worms, as they would be too late to injure the buds or tender leaves.
Means of Control.—There perhaps is no one item more important for the orchard-
ist to observe than this. All of my observations, and those of many others, give good
evidence that the climbing cutworms do not breed to any extent in carefully tilled
soil. In Mr. Rood’s case the orchard had been in clover the past two years. Through
the dry summer season, miuch of the clover was killed out, leaving enough still for
the young cutworms to subsist on during the autumn. Mr. Rood felt very certain
that the clover and its death had been the cause of the attack on his trees, and con-
sequently, as soon as the attack in the spring was over, his orchards were plowed
and, so far as could be, were kept under thorough cultivation the remainder of the
320 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
season, allowing no grass nol weeds to grow even close to the trunks of the trees.
As a result these orchards were not molested last spring by climbing cutworms, and
last fall he wrote me that he had never had a finer crop of apples nor a larger yield.
There was one orchard which had grape vines between the rows of trees. This
was plowed and cultivated, but could not easily be kept entirely clean, and it was
here that the cutworms were almost as plentiful as the year before. In neighbor-
ing orchards similar conditions were noted. Those orchards that were in old sod
or under partial cultivation suffered the most severe attack. This same relation
between clean culture and freedom from cutworms has been reported to us from
Benzie county, and Mr. Slingerland found the same to be true in western New York.*
Had Mr. Rood plowed his clover under at or before the time that it commenced
to die, and kept the soil thoroughly cultivated from that time on, the climbing cut-
worms would probably not have been plentiful enough to cause any injury the
following spring.
From what we know of the life history of these climbing cutworms, it seems
safe to say that if the ground is kept free from grass and weeds from July to Octo-
ber of each year, there is little danger of injury from climbing cutworms, and
probably if a crop of clover or grass is left over one year and plowed under in June
of the next, the cutworms will not increase to any great extent in this short
period. This would give an opportunity for using wheat, rye, or clover as a green
manure of desired.
Trapping the moth is an old method, long since discarded by those of experience in
this line, but occasionally people ask regarding it; for this reason it is inserted here.
In early times this appeared to be an ideal remedy, as it was thought that the
inoths could easily be caught before the female deposited her eggs. A few years’
practice proved the fallacy, as most of the moths caught were males or old females.
Moreover, many beneficial insects were also taken in the same traps, and the harm
nearly equaled the benefit.
The tin collar was tried last spring, and was found to be little better than noth-
ing. When the cutworm comes to the collar it will travel around beneath until
it comes to the lap, or where the two ends meet, and then will climb up almost as
readily as on the bark. The tin collar is more difficult to fit to the tree than the
band, and is more expensive.
The cone-shape paste-board collar I have found in more general use over the
state than any other one method. The collars are cut to a scale from stiff glazed
paper and, when pinned around the trunk, form an inverted funnel over which the
cutworm must travel to go further. These
paste-board collars were already on the grape Ti TATA arg
vines on my arrival at Muskegon. Other WH Wt hi ich Hf Hh
bands were put on above, to see if the collars nl
were a success. We found no instance, to my
present remembrance, were a cutworm was i ee eee.
known to pass over the paper funnel, and if it ast er tas ‘if i init Hy HE ia
fitted tightly it appeared to be a protection; rae ye ‘yA dic
but the collars could not be made to fit every i ih sat
little irregularity of the trunk with sufficient | are Wa bi
accuracy to prevent the cutworms from find- “hy vy ih Nb
ing a crevice to push their way through, and Rie hall
hence many were found above the paper cone. “j fie a ih
The cones are also very easily tilted or moved , aun ‘ar Mi
in cultivating and working around the trees hy rine, Pe
and vines, and this unintentionally opens more nee sun id
“Ad \
crevices. “Ailes Mg ny i i
He
Three kinds of band were tested in the |i et i
orchard, viz.: Wool, cotton, and one of imu tu} :
material from Germany, resembling wagon 5 Li al. I
grease, and known as caterpillar lime or “rau- it a ra nal S j if rte,
penleim.” {UP ee “ll SM ee st |
The caterpillar lime was furnished by Wm. deh
Menzel & Son, 64 Broad street, New York a STP BAL Of 0 eae ee
city, and did very nicely. It was applied
directly to the trunk of the tree, in a band of from one to two inches in width. The
cutworms did not attempt to climb over it except on a very cool night when the
material became too stiff. This defect can quite likely be overcome; in fact, a
7}
/
all
|
‘Jae HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 321
similar substance known as ‘“‘Dendrolene,” compounded by Prof. F. L. Nason of
New Brunswick, N. J., is said to obviate this difficulty. The former costs 13 cents
and the latter 6 cents per pound in 25-pound cans. Neither of these materials,
however, are so cheap or so quickly applied as either of the following bands.
The cotton band was tested very thoroughly by Mr. Rood the first year, who
says of it, “So long as the cotton was kept dry, it stopped their upward climbing,
and there would be a great mass of moving worms just beneath the cotton. After
it rained on the cotton, they walked right over it and got in a good night’s work.
Next day, as I had no more cotton, I put a daub of tar on top of the band. That
worked like a charm for awhile, but as soon as the tar got too cold and lost its
smell they trotted over it and I had to put on another coat.’’*
The next year there was no rain for the
two weeks in which the cutworms were
the worst, and the cotton bands protected
as well as anything tried. After: being
wet it was hoped that the edges of the
cotton band could be somewhat pulled
to pieces and again made to protect, but
in this we failed. The use of cotton bat-
ting for a band is therefore quite uncer-
tain and undesirable, as the weather is
usually rainy at the time of year when
the climbing cutworms are the worst, and
they would do much harm before the
bands could be replaced, if a large
“i rl ‘ty orchard is to be protected in this way.
at WN ii vil A roll of cotton will make bands for a
a ie We ; great many trees, and is the cheapest of
f all bands at the start, but may not be in
the end. For this reason fruitgrowers
will find that the wool band is the cheap-
est and the best of all. It always protects,
whatever the weather may be, as rain or
cold make little or no difference with it.
The band need not be over an inch and a
half wide, and should be tightly bound
by common wrapping-twine wrapped once or twice about it in the middle. In
practice it will be found essential to have the bands this narrow of either wool or
cotton, as the birds appreciate this material for a downy nest, and if it is not
securely held by a cord, large chunks will be pulled out, leaving holes through
which the cutworms can easily climb. If the wool is properly cared for, the same
material may be used for bands for several years in succession, thus reducing the
expense to a minimum.
If to prevent the cutworms from reaching the tree tops were sufficient, the keeping
of a wool band on the trunk would be enough; but every fruitgrower should try
to rid his fields of them. He should not only keep them from his trees, but should
keep them from developing on other plants when they can not get into the tree
tops. He must at least protect the trunks of his trees below the band or they may
. be girdled. The following methods will be found helpful:
Crushing by hand was the method adopted by Mr. Rood, who found it a sure
one, though rather laborious, as it kept one or more men at work all night. He
would start out about ten o’clock with a lantern in one hand and a leather mitten on
the other that crushed the cutworms without merey. Usually each tree was visited
about twice each night.
Around the base of each tree were placed three of four old boards or shingles,
and a large share of the cutworms that escaped the crushing would hide under
these traps for the day. Often hundreds would be found attached in a bunch to the
under side of a single board, but it was either a rotten one or a rough one, for a
smooth board for some reason was always avoided by the masses. Another thing
worthy of note was that the white cutworm (Carneades scandens) was never taken
under the traps. This species always came to the trees much later at night than the
lees |.
ey
hh
Ha
Hh ad
it os
HM (aA
fh D
1) aa
TVR PL ha
| AN A
Vy \ i
i ‘
YH
nny
I
Fig. 8.—Illustrating the wool and cotton bands.
*Perhaps the statement should be made here that coal tar, if used at all on trees, should never be
permitted to touch the bark, as avery small amount will leave a brown dead spot beneath. Young
trees are very susceptible to injury by it.
4]
O22 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ‘
others, and always came some distance from the trunk. The speckled and red
cutworms are easily trapped, but they should be gathered early in the morning
while it is yet cool, for as soon as the boards become heated the cutworms will
bury themselves in the soil where it is cooler and there is more moisture.
Bran, given a green tinge with Paris green, was dropped around the base of
each tree as an experiment. The cutworms ate it readily, both as they passed it -
in starting up the tree and as they came back hungry from their vain effort to get
beyond the band. The next morning more than half of the cutworms were found
hanging to the bark, limp and dead, or in the same condition on the ground. In
some cases 90 per cent. were found dead. No doubt many that were not found
buried themselves in the soil and died there from the effects of the poison. Where
much bran was eaten the poison acted very quickly. Bran with and without sweet-
ening was tried, but the cutworms seemed to eat one kind as readily as the other.
Possibly a supply of freshly poisoned bran will be desirable every few days. The
experiment of poisoned twigs was made by dipping freshly cut twigs in Paris
green water and standing them in the ground around the trunk where the cut-
worms could easily reach them near the band. This served as a good decoy and
killed about the same number that the bran did. ‘This makes more work than dis-
tributing the bran but if one does not prune his orchard until this time, he can
quite easily cut some fresh twigs every few days and apply poison to them.
Spraying the trees with the arsenites will be found to be of very little practical
value. The leaves are still in the bud, and the cutworm eats comparatively little of
the outside, and hence the poison is slow to act. Mr. Rood says of it, “I sprayed
the trees twice, as it rained after the first application, and could not see that it did
a particle of good. I had no idea that it would, but in my desperation I would try
anything.”
It is not uncommon for people to have their fruit trees injured by climbing cut-
worms for some time, or even for several seasons before they can ascertain what
has done the injury. One may look carefully over the tree through the day, for
an insect, but there will be nothing to indicate the identity of the depredator
except the injured buds. To one who has had experience with this ‘‘thief in the
night,” the conspicuous absence is characteristic, for no other insect is likely to feed
in this way and leave the tree during the day. Another method is to go out in the
_ evening, if one suspects their presence, and listen for the chewing at the buds which
is quite noticeable; or, better yet, put a band on the trunk of a few trees and
examine below the bands for them by lantern light. If they have been troublesome
in years past, or there is likelihood of their being present, the trees should by all
means be protected against a sudden raid that might destroy a year’s crop of fruit
and endanger the life of the orchard as well.
Veow ADELE FESTS.
Part of Bulletin No. 131.
BY H. P. GLADDEN AND U. P. HEDRICK.
BUSH BEANS.
Forty varieties of bush bean were planted May 23 and 24. The plants started
well and, when the drouth came on, water was supplied from the irrigating sys-
tem. This always available supply of water kept the plants continually growing,
and a large crop of pods with general freedom from rust was the result.
: Time . Time
Variety. Seedsman. a hio: Variety. Seedsman. ciithin.
Blne Podded Butter__.| Vaughan-_..______-. July 25 || Marvel of Paris______ Thorburn. =.=: July 19
Canadian Wonder.---- DMrear es) ee Aug. 2 || Nettle Leaved Bagno-
Challenge... .__- __- Bering oo 26 8 July 16 Vetye Seer 3 oe fat ah Be ae 20
Cylinder Black Wax __| Henderson ___-.-_- a NO. 71 ete en A. N. Jones._____- oe 28
David Kidney Wax .._-| Hicks ___.___.___. Tah CHAI esl B52 Fon ?2"s ne Horry ee sae es 23
Davie Wax-\_......_.. BOUTS 55.2 225 ven ‘* 20 || Roides Vertes..__...-- od otc ae aS O28
Davis Wax_-_-__---.---- A. Brown &Co._-}| ‘' 20 |} Queen -__.__- Cent esi 2 97.) Pee eee a 18
Detroit Wax_________. Heerye = ee “© 90 || Saddle-back Wax___- Burped-2222... oe . 21
Dwarf Horticultural__| ‘ _-______..__.. “© 6-23 :'|| Six Weeks Round
Flageolet Victoria__._.| Henderson ______. eS Yellows:22. 22> Ferry <2. 5. 2 3 oy 28
Flageolet Wax___.___. Dept. Ag...-s<—-. ** 20 || Stringless Green Pod_| Burpee ____._____- ge 23
German Wax_-______._- MOETy. 22 See ‘* - 23 || Stringless Green Pod_| Vaughan.._____-_-- + 28
Golden Wax -_________- + Eo as CLF eA * 18 || Speckled Wax___----- Parry = Sirf kee ak 21
Golden Eye Wax.__...| Buckbee______.___ “© 20 || Valentine—Cleve-
Goddard’? _.. 22.2... erry. 2s dee aE land's Imp; 222°; Harris). =. 2; Os 28
GolmeDoteses 42k LEN Ce) qf: ae ee ee ‘© 18 || Victoria Flageolet ___| Ferry ........---_- < 23
Holstein. ._._..___.___- Buckbee. ___.___. ‘© 23 || Wardwell’s Kidney
Lonegfellow_.___- Henderson _.____- ey 7:93 Wax. ds meer hoe ESS eb ey oe ete ee 20
Market New Prolific__| Thorburn _____... Sey P28 | Wartenvcs ceo.c. eo - Vaughan.____.___- < 28
Marblehead Horti- Yosemite Wax--_-__-_- a ial ob a1 aes aa os 22
eultural’. ooh os Merny. Souk ay sf) 18
Challenge, D. M. Ferry & Co., Detroit——A small-growing sort and the first to
mature edible pods. The pods are of good size, tender and of excellent quality, gol-
den yellow in color. The plants are very productive, and maturing so early it is
a valuable variety for the market or home garden.
Davis Wax, Alfred Brown & Co., Grand Rapids.—New. Plants of large growth,
quite upright in habit; leaflets large, medium green, with slight yellowish tinge.
Pods six to seven inches long, flat, straight, light golden color, tender and excel-
lent in quality; valuable for vigorous growth of plant and productiveness, for the
large-size, regular pods of handsome appearance and good quality; bean white.
324 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Dwarf Horticultural, Ferry.—Plants very productive; excellent as a shell-bean
when partly ripened; also can be used as a green-podded snap sort.
Longfellow, Peter Henderson & Co., New York.—New. Plants strong, vigorous,
upright growth; leaflets very large, slightly wrinkled, color medium dark green.
Pods six to seven inches long, curved, somewhat flattened; quality fair, color light
green; valuable for strong, healthy growth and productiveness.
New Prolific Market, J. M. ‘Thorburn & Co., New York.—New. Plant a vigorous,
growth; leaflets somewhat wrinkled dark brown color; pods five to six inches long,
round, light green in color, flesh solid and of good quality; rather late, but plants
very productive; an excellent sort.
Marblehead Horticultural, Ferry.—New. Earlier and superior to Dwarf Horticul-
tural; an excellent early shell-bean.
Stringless Green Pod, W. Atlee Burpee & Co., Philadelphia, J. C. Vaughan, Chi-
cago._New. Plants of medium growth; pods 4% to 51% inches long, nearly round,
slightly curved and twisted; light green in color; flesh tender and of best quality;
the pods remain long in edible condition; even when the beans are large the pods
are not stringy. Valuable for good quality and lack of stringiness.
Cleveland’s Improved Valentine, Joseph Harris Co., Moreton Farm, N. Y.—Plants
of medium growth and very productive. Pods four to six inches long, curved,
round, green in color, tender and of best quality; an excellent green-podded variety.
Improved, Department of Agriculture.—Plants of vigoreus, spreading growth,
inclined to climb; pods three to four inches long, narrow, flattened, light green in
color, tender, juicy, and of best quality; lacks productiveness.
No. 71, A. N. Jones.—New. Plants of strong, vigorous growth and very product-
ive; pods five to six inches long, round, curved, golden yellow; flesh thick, tender,
and of good quality; a good variety.
Holstein, H. W. Buckbee, Rockford, I1l—New. Seed did not germinate well and
but few weak plants grew; beans peculiarly marked in red and white.
David Kidney Wax, D. C. Hicks, North Clarendon, VYt.—New. Plants of strong
growth; leaflets somewhat wrinkled, dark green color; pods five to six inches long,
broad, flat, rich golden yellow color; flesh solid, crisp, and of best quality; very pro-
ductive; an excellent sort.
Of the older and better known varieties, Cylinder Black Wax, Golden Wax, and
Saddle-back Wax, among the yellow-podded sorts, and Red Valentine and Marvel
of Paris among the green-podded, are up to the usual high standard of excellence.
Gold Dot, Detroit Wax, German Wax, Queen and Blue-podded Butter are good
varieties.
Goddard, Flageolet Victoria, Nettle-Leaved Bagnolet, Refugee, Roides Vertes,
Speckled Wax, Wardwell’s Kidney Wax, Warren, and Yosemite Wax are not so
good as the varieties given above.
The following Wax sorts did best with us: Challenge, Cylinder Black Wax,
Davis, and David Kidney Wax. Green-podded sorts: Cleveland’s Improved Val-
entine, Longfellow, New Prolific Market, and Stringless Green Pod. As a green
shell-bean, Marblehead Horticutural was the best grown.
POLE-BEANS.
The pole-beans were planted July 14-15. The following table :shows the time the
pods or beans reached edible maturity:
= Time = Time
Variety. Seedsman. edible, Variety. Seedsman. édible:
Black Lima_____-_ --- Dept. Ag........-.| Sept. 18 || Mastiff... -.._._.- Johnson & Stokes Sept. 7
Get aR ee a Hernyy suse. oe ey Aug. 20 || Southern Prolific ___.| Ferry -.--.__--__-- 10
Carolina ___..__.___.-- Landreth-___.___-- Sept. 20 || Sunshine Wax-__-___-_- Burpee... s2ecesees Ws 6
Golden Ginetas es ae Horry \n222 3 3222: Aug. 20 |} Willow Leaf-_.._____-. Dreer) -i-82 552 eee
Golden Champion.-_-_- faba) SiG oh £2 DBS TERS “15 || White Creaseback.-- Ferry Te eee Aug. /17
Kentucky Wonder ---. pW bs east apie aa, Sea s 23)|| White Lima.) 2 as. 3) oS Se eee eS 21
King of the Garden__- OO Sopra eet ee Sept. 21 || White Zalu___.______.| Burpee ___--___-_- od 20
Lazy Wife 2.2.22. 22-2 Dept. Ag...-------| ‘‘ 26 || Worcester___.__--_--. Rawson _...-.--- va 28
Brockton, Ferry.—Plants are,small growers and most of the pods are borne low
down; pods dark green, mottled with purplish red, and well filled with large
beans; a good shell-bean variety.
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 325
Black Lima, Dept. of Agriculture.—The seeds did not germinate well and the
plants were weak; usually the first of the Limas to mature beans, and an excellent
variety.
Golden Cluster, Ferry.—The best snap pole-bean.
Golden Champion, Ferry.—The first of the poles to mature edible pods; valuable
for earliness and good quality of pods.
Ixentucky Wonder, Ferry.—Plants are very strong-growing, healthy, and pro-
ductive. A very valuable green-podded variety.
King of the Garden, Ferry.—Plant a strong, healthy grower, bearing a large crop
of pods; pods five to six inches long, one inch broad; beans large, four to five in
pods, and of good quality; an excellent Lima bean.
Mastiff, Johnson & Stokes, Philadelphia.—New. Plants are of medium growth;
pods somewhat resemble Golden Cluster, but not so broad nor so bright yellow, and
each pod has a line of green on each side. It is later in maturing than Golden
Cluster, but is a good variety.
Southern Prolific, Ferry.—Plants of strongest growth and very healthy; a wonder-
fully prolific variety; flesh thick, tender, and of high quality. It has a long season,
pods in all stages of growth until frost comes. Valuable.
White Lima, Ferry.—Plants very strong growers, running to tops of poles, eight
feet high. Plants are very productive, bearing pods in clusters from bottom to top
of poles; beans medium in size, three to four in short pods, and of excellent quality;
a good Lima bean.
Worcester, W. W. Rawson & Co., Boston.—Plants of low, stocky growth, quite
productive; beans large, broad, thick, of good quality. An excellent shell-bean.
Sunshine Wax is similar to Golden Cluster.
White Creaseback, White Zulu, and Lazy Wife are not of special merit.
As snap poles, Golden Cluster, Golden Champion, ota tied Wonder, and Southern
Prolific are recommended.
Black Lima, White Lima, and King of the Garden are among the best Limas.
Brockton and Worcester are excellent as shell-beans.
BEETS.
The following table shows the time of maturity of the several varieties grown:
= Date of . Date of
Variety. Seedsman. Ceetubity Variety. Seedsman. Gatustty
meegirou Persia...) .._-.----..2....-.. July -8 || Market Gardeners____| Maule _____-_____. July 8
Columbia -__-....-_--. Burpee-.___-..___-. D | / Stansen ooo 2. mrpees 2 = ee: Aug. 16
Crimson Chief___-__-. Zohacna & Stokes] ‘ Bi] (PUP PEISG 26 aes s cc. DiGi Ses ee July 5
t,o bY 0}: (- eee Vaughan .___-_.__- June 30 || Crosby’s Egyptian_._-_ alee Ae ENE June 28
Mong Blood 22... - ==: Landreth ___.__-_- July 163} -Sunsetz.- 22.22 522222. Buckbee._-____---- July 11
Columbia, W. Atlee, Burpee, Philadelphia, Pa.—Tops small and of a dark bronze-
red color; flesh bright red with dark rings; quite early, of handsome appearance,
solid flesh, and good quality; several seasons’ trial has proved this to be a desirable
sort.
Crimson Chief, Johnson & Stokes.—Root of Eclipse type, but darker color, tapers
more slowly, and top of root larger and longer; flesh solid, sweet, dark crimson with
light streaks; smooth, regular form; early; an excellent variety.
Stinson, Burpee.—New. Tops very small; leaves long and narrow and of a dark
red color; round root, 2144 to 3 inches in diameter, rather long tap-root; flesh fine-
grained, dark color, and of best quality; a late-maturing sort.
Surprise, Johnson & Stokes.—Root four to five inches in diameter at top, flat, taper-
ing gradually to long tap-root; flesh light, almost white, dry, hard, and of fair qual-
ity; valuable for excellent form.
Sunset, Buckbee.—New. Top, quite large; root four to five inches in diameter;
round top, tapering slowly to long tap-root; skin dark; flesh rich, dark red color,
and of best quality; an excellent late sort.
Beet from Persia.—Leaf-stalk and leaves light green; root four to five inches in
diameter, round top, cylinder-shape, tapering quickly to a spongy tap-root; very
irregular and rough in form and appearance; fiesh very hard, dry, and woody,
almost clear white in color; of poor quality and little value.
326 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Crosby’s Egyptian, Dept. of Agriculture.—The earliest sort to mature; excellent
form; flesh dark but not of best quality; valuable for earliness. F
Eclipse, Vaughan.—One of. the best early-maturing sorts.
Long Blood, D. Landreth & Sons, Philadelphia.—An excellent late sort and one of
the best for winter use.
CELERY.
The place selected for planting the celery has a loose, black soil of considerable
depth and was in a good state of fertility. The larger part of the plot was so
arranged that a row of tile was placed at a depth of about six inches under each
alternate row of plants. The ends of several rows were connected with cross tiles
so that the water could be distributed through one opening. This plan worked
very successfully and a good crop of celery was grown. Rows purposely left with-
out this arrangement of underground tiles, but watered by surface irrigation to
give the plants a good start, did not give as good growth, and much more rust was
present than on the sub-irrigated portion.
Crawford, Burpee.—A medium-growing sort; stalks large, thick, yellowish white
color, and of good quality; easy to blanch but does not keep well.
Dwarf Golden Heart.—A small-growing variety, but blanches very easily and is
of fine quality; rusted quite badly and is not a good keeper.
Giant Pascal.—A large-growing sort; stalks large, thick, with a rich, nutty flavor;
does not blanch very easily; rusted but little, and a good keeper; one of the best.
Golden Self-Blanching.—A rather short grower but close and solid; blanches
readily; is of good quality and quite free from rust; a good keeper; an excellent
variety.
Imperial Burpee.—A small-growing sort; rusted very badly, and many stalks ©
were rotten; a poor keeper.
Perfection Hartwell, Burpee.—A large-growing sort; stalks large, thick; consid-
erable rust present; hard to blanch, but of excellent quality when well blanched; a
good keeper.
Pink Plume, Henderson.—A good grower; stalks medium large, thick, of excellent
quality, and a good keeper; quite free from rust; an excellent pink sort.
Red Pascal, Vaughan.—New. Not so large a grower as Giant Pascal; outer stalks
have a pink color; excellent quality and quite free from rust; does not seem to be
as good a keeper as Giant Pascal.
White Plume.—Of small growth; tops almost white; stalks small, but blanch eas-
ily and of good quality; perhaps the best early variety, but not a good keeper. -
CUCUMBERS.
The cucumbers were planted June 10 and 11. The following table gives the varie-
ties planted and the dates when they became ready for use:
= Date = Date
Variety. Seedsman. adibile, Variety. Seedsman. edible
ALBINO toe eee Perry foe July 25 || Japanese Climbing__| Vaughan.-_-_--___-- Aug. 21
Arlington White Spine| Vaughan--_______. Aug. 2 || Long Green___.____-- Gregory .....---.- ae teeas FF
Bennett’s White Spine ai ieee Shi ns ie 4 |) Monarch White Spine] Buckbee____- Eanes &
Chicago Giant ___.__- HON Ty Se soe ee 7 8 || Giant Peras iz. 2..-- Dept. Agi ee a 21
Commercial Pickle.._.| Thorburn ___--__-. Bi 9 || Nichol’s Medium
Cool and Crisp-_-_---_-_-- Henderson. .-.__-- te 4 Green eee ee Vaughan..____--_-. July
Everbearing---_-.___.-- Thorburn 2.2 July 28 || Parisian_____...____-- $8 vy Dea -Aug. 15
Everbearing---__-.__-- Vanghan-- o-5--o- platy | Jal (A) So Vth 5 aa dO Gregory .._..--.-- July 22
Evergreen White Spine| Johnson & Stokes} Aug. 4 || Sikkim ___.-.-...___-- (0. eee Aug. 21
Fordhook White Spine| Burpee___..._____- ne 9 || Westerfield ___.._...__| Vaughan_.___.---- July 28
Green Prolific____.___- Vaoghan...__- ._.. e 1 || White Wonder_-_-_---- Burpee. .__-.--2-- Aug. 2
Ivory Monarch_-_-_-_-_-_- Childs esse as ‘© 15 || White Wonder. .-_-_--. Dept. Ag..--. ----. July 31
Albino, Ferry.—Fruit when mature 8 to 10 inches long, 2 inches diameter; nearly
round, with slight ridges; color, golden yellow, with few, short, black spines; the
small fruits are white, but soon have a yellowish tinge; the flesh it thick and of a
good quality, and seed cavity small; plants are productive; a good variety to furnish
small, white pickles; also good for slicing.
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 327
Ivory Monarch, John Lewis Childs, Floral Park, N. Y.—Vines are the strongest
and most vigorous in the patch. Fruit, when mature, 12 to 14 inches long, 2 to 8
inches in diameter, somewhat curved and twisted; color almost white, with few
short, darker spines; flesh solid and of good quality; seed cavity small; plants are
not productive.
White Wonder, Burpee, Dept. Agriculture—Vines of medium growth and
healthy; fruit, when mature, 5 to 6 inches long, 21% to 8 inches in diameter; smooth,
triangular, regular form; color, white with mere dots for spines; seed cavity large
and seeds numerous; quality fair but not enough flesh; attractive in appearance and
plants productive.
Everbearing.—Plants are of smali growth, but set a large amount of fruit; fruits,
when mature, 4 to 5 inches long, nearly round, smooth, thickly set with fine black
spines which come off easily; an excellent sort for early pickles; for slicing it is too
small, has too many seeds, and lacks quality.
Russian.—Vines of vigorous, healthy growth, and very productive; fruits 3 to 4
inches long, smooth; perhaps the best sort for small, early pickles; also excellent
as an early slicing variety.
Westerfield._Vines are of medium growth, blossomed full and set many fruits,
5 to 6 inches long, two inches in diameter, somewhat triangular, smooth; small
fruits have large, short, black spines and are quite rough; very productive; as a
sort for general pickling, it is one of the best; good quality for slicing, but there
are others better for this purpose.
Arlington White Spine, Vaughan.—Plants strong-growing, healthy, and the most
productive of the White Spines; 5 to 6 inches long, 2% to 8 inches in diameter;
differs from others of the class in having shorter fruits and ends more blunt; seed
cavity large and quality not of the best.
Bennett’s White Spine, Vaughan.—Plants are the strongest and best growers of
the class; fruits 7 to 9 inches long, usually somewhat curved; flesh solid and of
good quality; perhaps the best of the White Spines.
Evergreen White Spine, J. & 8.; Fordhook White Spine, Burpee; Monarch White
Spine, Buckbee, are quite similar in plant growth and in appearance of fruits;
excellent sorts.
Cool and Crisp, Henderson.—Plants are of good growth and healthy, bearing a
large crop of fruit; closely resembles the White Spine class, but perhaps more slen-
der and tapering more from center to ends; excellent in quality and a good slicing
sort.
Nichol’s Medium Green.—Plants of good growth and very productive. One of
the best varieties for slicing that matures medium early.
Green Prolific, Vaughan.—Plants are not of strong growth, do not spread f
from hill, but are very healthy and productive for growth; fruit 5 to 6 inches long,
21% in diameter, quite prominent black spines until mature, when fruits are almost
smooth; flesh solid and of best quality; a good table sort, and also good for pickling.
Parisian.—Plants of good growth and productive; a valuable sort for long, slen-
der pickles.
Chicago Giant, Vaughan.—-Vines of very strong growth, healthy, and productive;
fruits, when mature, 12 to 14 inches long, 2% to 8 inches in diameter; flesh solid,
small cavity and few seeds; of best quality; the pickling size are very solid and
crisp; valuable for pickles or for slicing.
Giant Pera, Dept. of Agriculture.—Vines of strong growth, but set few fruits;
very solid and crisp, and of best quality; good for pickling; lacks productiveness.
Japanese Climbing, Vaughan.—Vines are very strong-growing and very produc-
tive; fruits large and of best quality, but rather slow to mature; a most excellent
variety; will climb if poles are provided, but does well on ground.
Sikkim, Gregory.—New. Plants of strongest growth, healthy and very produc-
tive; fruits 10 to 12 inches long, 2 inches in diameter, nearly straight, slightly
smaller in middle; ends blunt; dark green color; smooth, a few blunt black spines;
flesh very solid and firm; small seed cavity; seems to lack flavor and quality; might
do for pickles, but others superior; not a table sort.
As pickling sorts, Russian and Westerfield for small, and Parisian for large-size,
pickles are good varieties. As table sorts, Nichol’s Medium Green, Cool and Crisp,
Bennett’s White Spine, and Japanese Climbing would make an excellent selection.
_Albino is one of the best white varieties, either for pickling or table use.
328 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
LETTUCE.
Seed of the varieties thought to be suitable for hot-bed growing was sown in the
forcing-house, March 25. April 18-19, the plants were transferred to hot-beds. The
table shows the dates at which the several sorts were ready for market.
Variety. Seedsman. Date of Variety. Seedsman. Date of
maturity. maturity,
Black Seeded Simpson| Vaughan __--.._-- June 5 || Hanson -__.-_-.._-.-- Vaughan -.___.-.--- June 20
Black Seeded Butter_.| Ferry .---..--.---- ‘** 11 || Mignonette_.___ ._-.-- Henderson...__-_-- ne 18
Boston. 62) ...-c~SGss Thorburn ---.---. “Oo DA) Perpignan. 3-2) 22s Vaughan --__.___- os 9
Buttercup..___...___-- Soe ta ee ee ni 7 || Sensation ___ _ .---_. Src dlspaoe 46 15
Cabbage __.._-_--------.| Burpee __-...__/_.| ‘* 7 || St. Louis Butterhead_| Vaughan _-_______- ‘ 5
Sateen Forcing.-.--- ee es aa . 5 || Tom Thumb ___--.___- Barpee:s. e 9
PSs 2 ee BT Deer errs ane ee nS 5 || Treasure ____._._.....| Henderson_..._...| ‘“ 7
Half entkey fy Sere tae Gri pee Pores ‘© 23 || Denver Market -_-_-_-. .| Dept. Ag.-_------. f 20
Boston, Thorburn.—The first variety to mature. Heads rather small, 5 to 6 inches
in diameter; light, rather golden yellow color; leaves small, somewhat waved and
slightly notched; forms a loose head; tender and of excellent quality; a good forc-
ing sort.
Black-Seeded Simpson, Vaughan.—A few days later than Boston. A most excel-
lent loose-headed, large-growing sort; very valuable for hot-bed purposes.
Deacon, Burpee.—Heads 6 to 8 inches in diameter; loose-growing; leaves dark
green, regular in outline, not waved nor notched; very tender and of best quality;
a valuable sort.
St. Louis Butterhead, Vaughan; Perpignan, Vaughan; Black-Seeded Butter,
Ferry; Silver Ball, Vaughan; Treasure, Henderson, and Buttercup, Thorburn,
differ in shades of green, date of maturity, and in more or less loosely formed
heads; all are good forcing sorts.
Blonde Beauty, Vaughan.—An excellent grower; leaves curled, wrinkled, and
blistered; forms a loose curled head, yellowish green in color; good ‘quality and ten-
uer; 2 few days later than Black-seeded Simpson.
Tom Thumb, Burpee.—Heads small, 5 to 6 inches in diameter, rather loose, dark
green color; not a good-growing sort; runs to head quickly.
Sensation, Johnson & Stokes.—New. Matures a few days later than Silver Ball
and is somewhat of same type, but leaves are more waved and crinkled; forms a
loose, open head of good size; light green in color; does not seem to grow as tender
or be of as good quality as some others.
Mignonette, Henderson.—New. Matures 5 te 6 days later than Silver Ball;
heads 6 to 8 inches in diameter; forms a rather loose head; leaves large, crinkled,
and waved; light purplish tinge on edges; inner leaves light, delicate green; a very
handsome lettuce, tender and of best quality; very valuable but rather late in
maturing.
Denver Market, Dept. of Agriculture.—A rather coarse-growing sort and late in
maturing; some of the heading varieties are preferable for forcing use.
Hanson, Vaughan.—An excellent large-growing, loose-heading sort; color light yel-
lowish green; later than some of the smaller-growing varieties.
Half-Century, Childs.—Matures 10 to 12 days later than Silver Ball; heads, 8 to
10 inches in diameter; when fully grown, forms a close head; leaves entire, a little
wrinkled, very dark green color; excellent in quality and very tender; regard it as
a very desirable sort, though its dark green color may be objectionable.
Lettuce out of doors.—The forcing varieties above mentioned, together with
eleven other sorts, were transplanted to the garden May 23. The following are a
few of the varieties that did best with us and are recommended for garden use:
Iceberg, Burpee.—The heads are of good size; leaves somewhat curled and
wrinkled, edges brownish-red. Its high quality, handsome appearance, and its
ability to form good heads during dry weather, make it a very desirable variety.
Hanson, Black-Seeded Simpson, and Blonde Beauty, are large-growing, loose-
heading sorts, well suited for garden growing.
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 329
Prize Head, Chartier, and Onondaga form loose heads, with leaves curled and
wrinkled; color, purplish. They are of excellent quality and have a long season.
Mignonette.—New. Mentioned above among the forcing varieties; is also an
excellent out-door sort; one of the best.
RADISHES.
The seeds of twenty varieties were sown in the hot-beds early in March and
careful notes taken of their behavior to determine their value for forcing purposes.
' Rapid Forcing, Henderson.—This was the first variety to become of edible size;
mature in 26 days after sowing; tops small; root irregular; olive-shape; red, white-
tipped, with slender tap-root; does not remain long in edible condition; a valuable
sert for early maturity and good quality.
Bright Breakfast, Burpee.—Mature in 34 days. Tops of medium size; root dark
searlet color, round top, slightly olive-shape; tap-root long, tapering gradually,
white; good quality and tender but not very early; not of special merit.
French Searlet Turnip, Thorburn.—Mature in 36 days; tops of medium size; roots
light scarlet color; vary in form from irregular tapering to round; tap-root long;
flesh firm, crisp, and tender; not early, but of best quality.
White-Tipped Scarlet Turnip, Thorburn.—-Mature in 34 days; form tends to olive-
shape; rather sharp in flavor; nothing specially noticeable.
Searlet Button, Burpee.—Mature in 32 days; tops quite small; roots deep dark scar-
let color, round, with long, slender tap-root; handsome in appearance and quality
of the best.
Bird, Salzer.—Quite similar to above.
Roman Carmine, Thorburn.—Mature in 34 days; tops of medium size; root round;
bright, dark scarlet color; tap-root slender; excellent in quality and flavor mild.
Rose Turnip, Henderson.—Quite similar to above.
Garnet Turnip-rooted, Landreth. Mature in 38 days; tops quite large; roots deep,
dark crimson color, flat top, tapering quickly; tap-root large and long; flesh white,
very firm and crisp; excellent in quality but scarcely as early as most of the other
small-growing sorts.
White Box, Harris.—Mature in 84 days; tops of medium size; root flat, turnip-
shape; color white; flesh very firm, crisp, and of good quality; one of the best of
the white class.
White Forcing, Burpee.—Mature in 30 days; top small; root long, olive-shape; an
eariy-maturing sort of mild flavor; becomes pithy very soon.
White Olive-Shape, Henderson.—Mature in 36 days; not a good grower; some are
small and irregular in shape.
White Summer Turnip, Thorburn.—Similar to White Box.
Golden Dresden, Burpee.—Mature in 388 days; this variety did not grow well
here; too small in size; flesh firm and of good quality.
Olive-Shape Golden Yellow, Thorburn.—Mature in 40 days; excellent in form, but
sharp in flavor and rather late in maturing.
Yellow Oval-Shape, Henderson; Surprise, Burpee.—Mature in 34 days; root large,
oval-shape; light golden-yellow color; flesh crisp, tender, and mild in flavor;
remains a long time in edible condition; perhaps the best of the yellow sorts.
Eldorado, Henderson.—Mature in 34 days; tops small; root flat-topped; turnip-
shape, with long, slender, tap-root; golden-yellow color; flesh very firm and crisp;
au excellent yellow sort.
Whiute-Tipped Scarlet Ball, Burpee.—Mature in 30 days; tops very small; root
round, bright scarlet color, with white tip; flesh mild, crisp; an excellent forcing
sort.
Out-door radishes.—Long Scarlet Short-Top, Thorburn.—Edible in 33 days; a well-
known sort and one of the best for out-door growing.
Chartier, Thorburn.—Edible in 34 days; roots larger in size, but usually not as
long as the preceding; a most excellent sort.
Cardinal, Burpee.—New. Edible in 30 days; tops small; root 5 to 6 inches in
diameter, bright scarlet color. Its handsome appearance, crisp, tender flesh, mild
flavor, and early maturity, make it a very desirable sort for garden purposes.
Kose China, Ferry.—Hdible in 41 days; tops large; root 6 to 8 inches long, one
inch in diameter, pink-scarlet color, lower part nearly white; un excellent later-
maturing sort, remaining a long time in edible condition.
42
330 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
White Lady Finger, Buckbee.--New. Edible in 30 days; in form closely resembles
Long Scarlet Short-Top, though a little thicker; color white; flesh tender, crisp, and
of mila flavor; an excellent white sort.
White Chartier, Henderson.—New. Edible in 36 days; sinailen in form and
growth to Chartier; color white; a fine white variety.
White Vienna, Thorburn.—Closely resembles White Chartier, though a few days
earlier in maturing; a good sort.
Wonderful, Landreth.—New. Edible in 18 days; tops quite small; root 3 to 4
inches long, % to 1 inch in diameter; an excellent grower; perfect in form; color
a bright searlet; valuable for earliness and handsome appearance; it is as early as
the ball forcing sorts, and as it is larger in size it should be largely grown.
Half-long Deep Scarlet, Thorburn.—Edible in 24 days; larger in diameter and
shorter than the preceding; not so attractive in appearance nor so early; hence,
the other preferable.
Unless the soil where radishes are grown is sandy and rich, the roots grow too
Slowly and become tough and wormy. For this reason, some of the smaller-grow-
ing sorts, like Wonderful, Rapid Forcing, or Scarlet Button, are preferable to the
larger-growing varieties. If seed is sown every week or ten days a succession of
good radishes can be had in every garden throughout the season.
SQUASHES.
Owing to the extreme drouth of the past season, many plants did not make a
good growth and the crop was far below the average in size and number grown.
Many varieties produced no mature squashes.
Bay State, Vaughan.—A recent introduction. In color it is dark green. It has a
thick, hard shell, making it an excellent winter keeper. The flesh is thick, dry,
fine-grained, and of good quality; an excellent winter variety.
Bush Scallop, Vaughan.—One of the best varieties to grow for early summer use;
color, white.
Chicago Warted Hubbard, Vaughan.—Does not seem to differ greatly from ordi-
nary Hubbard, which is a well-known and standard winter sort.
Chicago Orange Marrow, Vaughan.—An excellent fall and early winter variety.
The skin is of a rich, deep, orange color. The flesh is thick and of good quality; per-
haps the earliest of the long-keeping sorts.
Coccanut, Vaughan.—A small-growing sort having fine-grained flesh, sweet, and
of good quality. This variety is almost sure to bear a large crop of fruit and can
be relied upon when other sorts fail. It is also a good keeper; valuable.
Cocozelle Bush.—A variety of little practical value.
lissex Hybrid, Vaughan.—Short, cylindrical-shape, having cap-shape enlargement
at the blossom end; varies in color from light orange to green; flesh dry, thick,
bright orange color, and of good quality. The plants are productive and the squash
a good keeper.
Iiureka, Vaughan.—New. Vines of strong growth and very productive; squash 10
to 12 inches long, 8 to 10 inches in diameter, surface roughened; color, a light gray-
ish-green; good in quality and a late keeper.
Delicata, Henderson.—Plants strong-growing and productive; squashes 6 inches
long, 38 to 4 inches in diameter; rich, creamy-yellow color; flesh dry and of excel-
lent quality; quite similar to Fordhook, but not so ridged and is more oval in shape;
a fine variety and a good keeper.
Der Wing, Burpee.—A small-growing and. early-maturing sort, scarcely as good
as IFordhook or Delicata.
Faxon, Vaughan.—This variety as grown here varied from lighi, Orange Marrow
color to dark Pike’s Peak; also, form varied greatly; type probably not fixed.
Fordhook, Burpee.—An excellent early-maturing sort of good quality; not of large
size, but a good keeper.
Golden Heart, Vaughan.—New. Squashes 6 to 8 inches in diameter; round, with
deep grooves, tapering to sharp point; color golden-yellow with green point and
splashes of green around base; flesh thick, yellow, fine grained, and of best quality;
matures early in the fall but is a good keeper.
Perfect Gem, Vaughan.—The squashes are from 4 to 6 inches in diameter, white
or light yellow in color; skin thin, smooth, slightly ribbed; flesh dry and of good
quality; good for fall or winter use, but too small in size.
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 331
Pike’s Peak, Vaughan.—Vines of good growth and productive; squashes of a pale
green color, good size and form; skin thin, but hard; flesh very dry, of fine grain
and best quality; a little later than Hubbard, but a longer keeper and of better qual-
ity; an excellent winter sort.
Summer Crookneck, Vaughan.—One of the best early summer varieties.
Golden Cluster, Dept. of Agriculture.—Vines of small, bushy growth; very few
squashes on vines; resembles bush scallop, but more circular in form, and not
dented on edges so much; color dark, golden yellow; very early in maturing.
1
TOMATOES.
The seed of seventy varieties was sown in the forcing-house, March 27. When
the plants were two inches high they were removed to flats and plenty of space
allowed for stocky growth.
The ground, a light sandy loam, was well manured and thoroughly prepared,
and the plants set out June 6 and 7. The rows were five feet apart and the distance
between the plants in the row was four feet.
The plants were thoroughly irrigated during the season, as occasion required,
and a very large crop of fruit was grown. No trellis was provided, but the plants
were allowed to spread over the ground. Very little rot made its appearance and
no spraying was required.
In the table below will be found the date of first fruit ripening; the number
of fruits and weight grown on one plant; the average weight in ounces of a single
fruit, and the amount in pounds of green fruit on one plant at the time of killing by
frost, October 1. The yield from the one plant is divided into two periods, so that the
early productiveness, often an important point, can be noted.
332 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Yield of ripe fruit
to Sept. 15.
Yield of ripe fruit
Sept. 16-Oct. 1.
Total weight of
ripe fruit.
lbs.| oz. |lbs.| oz. |lbs.| oz.
Total No. of ripe fruits.
Average weight of
a ripe fruit.
Weight of green
fruit on vines
after frost.
:
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Democrat. ee Thorburn..______. Aug. 17
Owarf Aristocrat...._.___. Buckbee.__...__-- 80
Dwarf Champion.--__..__-- Vaughan... ..-i_.=. ae
Early Ruby ._--- Sie Coe aera ee Henderson _.____- 5
Ferrisiwheel2) = eM. ATC ee Sept. 2
HWordbooks. v2 eee eee Vaughan.._--____- Aug. 29
Golden Queen_.____------- ec iceed, | MOPARS Sept. 6
Golden Sunrise___.____-__- Henderson -__-_-_-_. Aug. 17
King Humbert—white____| W. A. Manda.___. , vee
ay PLS —yellow-._- Se a ane ee oi EG
HybridiNos teen seen Landreth_-___.___. Sone
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Pmiperials oo oo oe ees Maule 2. 2ib tt.
yor ballet he eae Landreth. ___.___. “29
Jersey Ex. Early ____._.__- Signs wet eeee i= ae
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Large'Red_..-. .--. 2... oe ig eer en. sn 20
Lemon Blush.____.___..._. Thorburn_.... .._. fee re)
Liberty; bells Sa Vaughan> 22222) on wt
Livingston’s Favorite.____ ih ERE Pile oe: S26
Long Keeper.__.._.. ..__-- Am we eee Oe 8 ee way |
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McCollum’s Hybrid_-_____. a dibalige e ET AE © ae
Money Maker.....___.____. Landreth-_-___.___- sti ae | |
New stonet2 2 oe ne Vaughan.________- Sept. 2
Northern Light ___________ Me A. Cs ee hit
Optimns - sea ha Vaughan. _-___.-__- a 2
ct apad wee See Aint BURRS. WaptiiAg....- 325-2 Aug. 29
PATagOn 22 oe) eee tt Vaughan: ia 45)
Peach new 20s...) Dept. Agi ee
Pear-shaped Yellow ...___- Landreth-_______. io -1 20
Perfection __......._...___- Vaughan. .__.___- sgt 42)
Ponderosa.) eae Henderson.... ___- 20
Potato-leaf Ignotum .__-__. 1 A Oe 2 Re Ly i ee
Poriten. 2242 ee ee Thorburn________- #8, 20
Seedling. 23.2.0 el eee W. Va. Station __.| Sept. 12
Shah). oe ee ees MA, Oe eee ug. 29
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HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 333
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Werre Cotta ....<2... ae Thorburn..______. Ang. 20:)_.-2/ 10} 4) Bl 4/3 22 8.68 | 25 |._-.
Tom Thumb..........-.-.. | 3 ae Sept. 6} 1/10] 7/| 9] 9 49 + eee Sates eae
che pee neneoe--) Dept, Ag.__.....-- Aug. 29 5 18" 14 | 23) 14 95 A OSE ieee
Turner’s Hybrid._________- Vaughan.___.___-- wore) 2 ae) 10) £2) ek) 8 9 1286'1- 6 Pee
Turkenbund.___.__...... -- ee: oe a hs Sept. 2 |__ 5/ 9] 6| 8 1:18 Shee
Vick’s Criterion__________- cl toh epee aiee ae! Aug. 10} 3| 9|11 | 4) 14] 138 85 2B ee eee
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Lhe following are sorts of recent introduction:
Autocrat, Thorburn.—Fruits very large, round, slightly flattened, and irregular;
purplish pink; flesh very solid and cells small, few-seeded; skin thick, making a
good keeper and shipper; closely resembles Ponderosa.
Dwarf Aristocrat, Buckbee.—In plant closely resembles Dwarf Champion, though
leafiets are larger and grow closer together; fruits are round, regular in shape, and
of a bright red color; early; productive; an excellent variety.
King Humbert Yellow, W. A. Manda.—An improved and enlarged yellow, pear-
shape tomato.
King Humbert White, W. A. Manda, South Orange, N. J.—Similar in shape to
preceding, though much lighter in color.
Hybrid No. 1, Landreth.—Fruit of medium size, round, inclining to heart-shape;
dark red in color; flesh firm, solid, and of excellent quality; plants of strong and
healthy growth; productive.
Hybrid No. 4, Landreth.—i‘ruit of medium size, almost spherical; light red in
color, firm, and an excellent keeper; type not yet fixed.
Hybrid No. 22, Landreth.—Fruits medium to large in size; Acme color; almost
spherical in shape; solid, and an excellent keeper; of best quality; an excellent
sort.
Hybrid No. 25, Landreth.—Fruit about the size and shape of an egg; rather ten-
der skin, but of fine quality; plants of low, spreading growth; fruits are too small.
Hybrid No. 50, Landreth.—Fruits larger and more spherical than preceding; Acme
color; quality of the best, but skin tender; productive.
Seedling, W. Va. Station.—Plants of low, spreading growth; leafiets small, deeply
cleft, thin, and papery; fruits very large; considerably larger than any other grown
here; round, often quite irregular; Ponderosa color; cells small, with few seeds;
thick walls; flesh rather coarse, but of fair quality; late in ripening.
The varieties of tomato catalogued by seedsmen are numerous. Often but slight
differences mark varieties. Many appear identical. An attempt has been made
to group together the similar sorts grown here the past season:
Ignotum Group.—Fruits large, round, regular, flattened, medium red in color.
Democrat, Thorburn.—New. Perhaps a brighter red, and colors better around
stem. Cross No. 1 and Cross No. 3, Va. Ag. College, Brandywine; New Stone,
Vaughan; Ten Ton, Landreth, and Optimus, Ferry, differ slightly in plant growth;
otherwise similar to Ignotum.
Volunteer, Vaughan, and Paragon, Vaughan, are a darker red and have a thinner
skin. Liberty Bell, Vaughan, and B. B., J. & S., are smaller in size, not so firm, and
leaflets are larger and coarser.
Livingston’s Favorite is of _Ignotum type, though a brighter red, more regular in
form, and usually smaller in size. The periods of ripening of above sorts differ as
seen by table given.
Atlantic Prize, Buckbee; Early Ruby, Henderson; and Jersey Extra Harly, Lan-
dreth, appear identical in fruit and plant. These have fruits of. good size. The
334 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
plants are vigorous and productive and as early market sorts are excelled by none
grown here.
Dwarf Champion and La Crosse are similar, though La Crosse fruits will average
larger in size.
Autocrat, Thorburn.—New. Appears identical with Ponderosa, though ripening
earlier.
Golden Queen and Lemon Blush are quite similar, though Lemon Blush is earlier
and usually has more of light red around stem and apex. If a yellow-fruited sort is
desired, one of above would give satisfaction.
Beauty, Imperial, and Northern Light are of Acme type and closely resemble that
well-known variety.
Buckeye State, Cross No. 2, Ferris Wheel, and Turner’s Hybrid are of Acme color,
hut differ slightly in form and in period of ripening from that variety.
Vaughan’s Earliest still holds its place as the best early-ripening sort. The fruits
are small and somewhat irregular in form.
Of the smooth, rather small-fruiting, early sorts, Advance is one of the best.
For an early-ripening sort, having fruits of good, marketable size, Early Ruby or
Atlantic Prize is recommended.
For the general crop any of the following would give good satisfaction: Ignotum,
Beauty, Perfection, Acme, Optimus.
AN EXPERIMENT IN IRRIGATION.
Four rows of equal length, set with plants of the same variety, were used to test
different methods of applying water.
Row No. 1 was watered by having a row of two-inch tile placed at a depth of
eight inches beneath the surface and close to the row of plants. The hose was
placed in the opening at one end and the water allowed to distribute itself through
openings at the end of each tile close to the roots of the plants.
Row No. 2 had a row of tile close to the plants, but the top of the tile was so
placed as to be even with the surface of the ground and water was allowed to flow
through the tile as in Row No. 1, but was applied near the surface.
Row No. 3 had a furrow made close to the plants and water was thus applied at
the surface. After the water had soaked away the soil was replaced and the sur-
face leveled.
Row No. 4 had no irrigation but was used as a check row.
Water was applied the same number of times to rows 1, 2, and 3, and the hose
allowed to run the same length of time, about 750 barrels of water being used per
acre at each application.
The table below shows the dates of picking and the amount gathered from each
row during the season.
Dates of picking and amount of fruit gathered. Green
: Total | fruit on
Row. amount | vines at
Aug. 26.| Sept. 4. | Sept. 11. | Sept. 14. | Sept. 18, | Sept. 20. | Sept. 25.| Oct. 8, | Picked. | time of
1_._.| 32 Ibs. | 25% lbs. | 114 Ibs. | 3£ lbs, | 212 Ibs. | 160 Ibs. | 282 Ibs. | 57 Ibs. | 866% lbs.) 580 lbs.
EE fr ee 2 a 1B BON AN et Se 217 68: ** Sania 566
Pi ads 87 “ 47 1188 | 100 “200. IS eee
Bee! Aer ch wal ee. 6“ jae * 1108 SF 185 MO |
An examination of the table shows that row 1 gave a little better yield, though the
difference is but slight between the irrigated rows.
The yield from row four is considerably less than from any other.
The water was applied to the tomatoes at a very slight expense after the plant
was oncein. If the plot had been much larger the expense of watering would have
been proportionately less.
The experiments will be repeated the coming season.
¥ HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 335
a
io PEAS.
Work with peas has been carried forward this year on a somewhat extensive
seale. All the named sorts offered by the United States seedsmen, that have not
been tried and discarded before, were grown. ‘The varieties were 60 in number,
about 200 plants of each sort occupying a double row 22 feet long. The peas were
planted May 17, but a rather poor stand was obtained. A rain following the plant-
ing was the only one until after the peas had ripened. They were, however, irri-
gated several times and a very good crop was the result.
The numerous varieties were not grown for the single purpose of testing varieties.
Three objects were kept prominently in view.
The prime object was, perhaps, testing varieties, for at this station it has always
seemed worth while to grow all vegetables, especially the novelties, offered by the
seedsmen, simply to give the public information regarding them. Secondly, the
determination of duplicates as synonyms was considered a practical problem, for
the varieties of pea have become so numerous, the nomenclature so confused, and
the individual merits of each one so highly praised, that even the experienced gard-
ener is sometimes perplexed in making his selection of seed. Lastly, it is apparent
that the limit of improvement of varieties is by no means yet reached. Since so
many varieties are grown under the eyes of the experimenter, it is possible for him
to throw some light upon the matter of improvement, thus enabling an intelligent
gardener to do something toward improving and originating new varieties. So we
have attempted to describe the ideal pea of the several types, and to give a few
hints regarding cross-breeding and selecting seed.
Class I.—Plants tall, exceeding four feet; seeds white or cream-colored; pods
curved.
White Marrowfat.—Plant four to six feet bigh, much branched at the base; stem
slender, foliage light green; stipules large; pods very light green, two to three
inches long; borne singly; very plump; blunt at the apex; peas light green, round
or compressed when quite old; seeds smooth and round; season late; very prolific;
quality excellent. An old variety, at one time extensively grown in this country.
Introduced by Thorburn in 1880 from England.
Black-Eyed Marrowfat.—Very similar to the former; distinguished from it
because of a round, dark brown or black spot on that part of the seed called the
hilum. It is a little later than White Marrowfat, and matures its crop more slowly.
Also introduced by Thorburn from England.
French Canner.—Plant three and a half to five feet high, branching at base;
stem slender; dark green foliage; stipules small; pods dark green, long, slim; apex
pointed; peas small, round, dark green; quality good when young; very productive.
Used almost exclusively for canning, for which it is probably the best variety
grown, because of quality, productiveness, and the fact that it retains its dark
green color after canning. Introduced from France a few years ago.
Marblehead Early Marrowfat.—An early marrowfat pea; vines strong and vig-
orous; pods large; crop matures slowly. Introduced by Gregory in 1890.
Petit Pois.——The same as French Canner.
Class II.—Plants more than four feet tall; seeds green, bluish-green, or green and
cream-color; seeds shrivelled; pods nearly straight.
Champion of England.—Plants three to five feet high, branching both at base and
above; stem rather stout; foliage pale green; stipules numerous and large; pods
three to four inches long, often borne in pairs, curving slightly, plump, blunt at
apex when fully developed; peas five to nine in a pod, light green, very large, com-
pressed; season late; quality unsurpassed; very productive. One of the oldest and
most extensively grown varieties.
Telephone.—Differs from Champion of England in being dwarfer, several days
earlier, and in having larger pods, which are slightly incurved instead of recurved,
as are the Champion of England.
Sanders’ Marrow.—Differs from Champion of England but little. It is a great
favorite in England where it is said to be superior to the Champion of England.
Telegraph.—Very similar to Telephone; it is a little dwarfer and a few days ear-
lier; foliage darker green, and the plants are stouter.
For a late main crop the wrinkled marrowfats, as the class just described is
called, are the best, since in quality and productiveness they are unsurpassed.
=> Dao to be staked, however, and this by many gardeners is considered a serious
efect.
336 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
,
Class III.—Plants half dwarf, two to four feet high; seeds smooth or sient
indented; seeds white or cream-color; pods straight or nearly so. Type, Dani
O’ Rourke.
Daniel O’Rourke.—Vines two to three feet high, branching at base; slender; fol-
iage dark green; pods lighter green than foliage, two to three inches long, borne
in pairs, rather blunt at apex; peas five to eight in pod, somewhat compressed,
small; seed very round and smooth, sometimes shaded with green; extra early; not
very productive; quality fair. The progenitor of this type of pea originated about
1850 in England. Now superseded by newer sorts.
First and Best.—Most of the peas called First and Best and Earliest of All are
improved strains of the old Daniel O’Rourke. They differ but little, though some
strains are far superior to others, and care should be taken to get seed from a care-
fully selected stock.
Kent.-—An old variety of this class, not much grown now. It matures its crop too
slowly, and is not prolific. Introduced by Sibley in 1888.
Hancock.—An improved strain of Daniel O’Rourke; old, but still grown by some
gardeners; hardly so good as the newer sorts of this last. Introduced by Gregory.
Morning Star.—A variety obtained by the Station from Buist in 1890. The pea is
a poor strain and not worthy much attention.
Maud S.—Another pea from Buist, introduced a year later. Seemingly the same
us Morning Star.
Bergen Fleetwing.—A good strain of the early smooth varieties, introduced by
Gregory in ‘1889. It is enormously productive, with peas and pods of good size;
said to be a great favorite with Long Island market gardeners.
Sunol.—A carefully selected strain of this class, in which earliness has been
obtained at the expense of productiveness. To be recommended for the very
earliest.
Class IV.—Vines half dwarf, seeds blue, or bluish white; pods straight; type,
Kentish Invicta.
Kentish Invicta.—Vines two or three feet high, stem much blanched at base;
foliage glaucous; pods pale green, usually single, two to three inches long, blunt at
the apex; peas four to six in a pod, light green, round, small; seeds round, dull
bluish white, smooth and small; season extra early; quality rather poor; crop
matures slowly. Introduced from England in 1870; not grown much now.
Alaska.—An improved strain of Laxton’s Earliest of All, which, in its turn, was
a selection from Kentish Invicta. Alaska is a little earlier and ripens its crop more
promptly than either of the former. The crop can generally be gathered at one
picking. One of the best of the early blue peas. %
Sitka.—The same as Alaska.
Clipper.—Introduced by Rawson several years ago; now almost out of date.
Lightning.—_Superseded by new varieties.
Sapphire.—A blue pea introduced by Northrop, Braslan, Goodwin Co., in 1892.
It is a few days later than others of the early blue sorts, but is a little better in
quality. A good feature of the pea is that most of the peas may be gathered in one
picking.
Blue Imperial.—Differs from others of this class in being taller; foliage deeper
green; pods borne in pairs, long, tapering to apex; peas few in the pod, oblong;
seeds bluish green, shading to cream-color, somewhat flattened; season late, crop
maturing at one time; quality good; very productive. A very old: variety, said to
have been introduced in 1828; still grown by some gardeners.
Blue Beauty.—Vines very stocky, the distinctive feature of the variety being its
regular habit of growth; a second-early variety, following American Wonder;
quality is not so good as that of the wrinkled sorts, and because of this, since it
follows them, its value is impaired. Introduced by Henderson in 1890.
Class V.—Vines half dwarf; seeds green, bluish green, or green or blue and white,
and cream-color; seeds shrivelled. Type, Alpha.
Alpha.—Vines two and a half feet high; foliage light green, scanty; pods usually
single, two or three inches long, plump, blunt at apex; peas four to six in a pod,
compressed, large; seeds greenish white, much shrivelled; very early, crop matur-
ing at one time; prolific; quality good.
Originated by Laxton in 1867, often called Laxton’s Alpha, said to be a cross
between Laxton’s Long-Pod and Advancer. Introduced by Thorburn in 1882.
Bliss’ Everbearing.—A variety of this class introduced by Bliss in 1884, at one
time largely grown; season medium; quite prolific; crop matures slowly; quality
Tait;
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 337
Abundance.—Much like Bliss’ Everbearing; season a little earlier; more prolific,
thus making it a better strain.
Yorkshire Hero.—Another pea resembling Bliss’ Everbearing; differs in being
dwarfer, later, more prolific,.in ripening its crop more promptly, and in better
quality. :
Market Garden.—One of the best of the second-early peas; pods are rather small
but are very numerous and of very best quality. Originated with Hosford, who
secured it by crossing Alpha and American Wonder.
Paragon.—A new, late pea of this class, somewhat resembling Stratagem. It is
productive and of good quality, its point of superiority, however, being its hand-
some, plump pods and large peas. Introduced in 1894.
Quantity.—Very similar to Bliss’ Everbearing. Introduced by Burpee.
Profusion.—A strain of Bliss’ Everbearing similar to above, a little later in sea-
sen. Introduced by Burpee.
Queen.—An English pea introduced by Henderson a few years ago; resembles
Stratagem very much, except that it is not so dwarf. It is just a little later than
that pea. One of the most promising of the new peas.
Advancer.—A second-early variety bearing an abundance of long, well-filled pods;
peas tender and of good flavor. One of McLean’s peas, introduced a number of
years ago.
Dwarf Champion. Almost identical with Advancer, except that it follows in a
few days. Said to be a favorite with Long Island gardeners.
Duke of Albany.—A pea very much like Telephone, placed in this class because of
its dwarf vines; plants about four feet high; stems stout and coarse; light green
foliage; pods large, straight, dark green; peas very large; tender, and of excellent
flavor; season late, ripening with Telephone and Stratagem; productive.
American Champion.—Practically the same as Duke of Albany.
Fillbasket.—A second-early pea of this class, once largely grown, not so now.
Shropshire Hero.—Said to be an improved Yorkshire Hero, which is doubtful;
more likely an improved Stratagem, which it resembles very much, though earlier;
originated with Mr. Eckford; a good acquisition for the market gardener, since it
is very prolific; handsome pods, good flavor, ripens its peas at one time.
Station.—An early wrinkled pea which should become popular from the fact that
it is almost as early as the smooth white and blue varieties. It is several days
earlier than American Wonder, which it resembles, except that the plants are not
so dwarf. Originated at the Geneva experiment station, and introduced by Gregory
in 1894.
Class VI.—Vines dwarf, one half to two feet high; seeds green, bluish-green, or
green and white or cream-color; seeds much shrivelled; pods straight or nearly so.
Type, McLean’s Little Gem.
McLean’s Little Gem.—Plant 18 inches high, branching much, dark green in color;
. pods light green; borne singly; two or three inches long, blunt at apex; peas six
to eight in a pod, compressed and slightly flattened, large; seeds cream-color or
pale bluish green, much shrivelled; second-early, very prolific; crop matures
promptly. Originated by Dr. McLean in England in 1868; still grown, though better
kinds have largely taken its place.
American Wonder.—A pea remarkable for its earliness, productiveness, and qual-
ity; vines very dwarf, 8 to 10 inches. It is said to be a cross between Champion of
England and McLean’s Little Gem, and was originated by Charles Clark of Canada,
introduced by Bliss in 1882; for a long time the best early wrinkled pea.
Premium Gem.—An improved strain of McLean’s Little Gem, introduced in 1882;
later, dwarfer, more productive than Little Gem.
William Jiurst.—A very dwarf variety of this type. Plants 8 inches to a foot
in length, branching but little; pods recurved, tapering at apex; peas four to seven
in a pod, large; seeds flat and shriveled. Very prolific, one of the earliest wrinkled
varieties, and of excellent quality; the crop ripens rather slowly and the
vines are so dwarf that it is not profitable for the market gardener. Introduced
by Gregory.
Chelsea.—-Almost identical with William Hurst, except in color of seeds, which
are white; if anything, a better strain than William Hurst.
Admiral.—The same as William Hurst.
King of Dwarfs.—A variety growing a little taller than Little Gem and is a day
or two earlier; a good bearer, but the pods are rather small.
43
338 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Nott’s Excelsior.—An introduction of a few years ago which promises well; lar-
ger pods, and more prolific than American Wonder, but a few days later; quality
about the same.
SYNONYMS.
Probably no garden plant is more difficult to study in regard to synonomy than
the pea. Varieties are characterized almost entirely by qualities which are varia-
ble at best. Height of vine, color of pea, shape of pod, smoothness of seed, are
characteristics upon which classification must depend; yet they are not always
constant, and this makes an accurate synopsis difficult. Add to this the haste of
seedsmen in securing so-called new varieties, the variation of varieties on different
soils and under different cultivation, the mixing of stock by careless or unscrupu-
lous seedsmen, and the task of determining duplicates becomes exceedingly difficult.
But when seedsmen are annually introducing great numbers of new varieties
it becomes important that garden nomenclature should be exact. Inexperienced
buyers need a guide, that they may not purchase old varieties at fancy prices under
a new name. '
Old market gardeners know well that seedsmen constantly transfer names for
the smooth, round, early pea generally known as First and Best, that pea being
now known under nearly a score of different names. Other well-known varieties
have their names less frequently transferred. The same pea from different seeds-
men often varies as much as different peas from the same seedsmen. Varieties
differ somewhat from year to year and in different places, if descriptions
given are accurate. Modifications are often slight and variable, making a cer-
tain strain differ from another in some minor characteristic, which soon disap-
pears, so that it is almost impossible to distinguish many market varieties from a
written description, and one can hardly ever be sure that his varieties are true to
name. In order to be sure of the identity of a variety the. grower must raise it in
considerable quantity for several seasons, observing closely those characteristics
which are constant.
It is at once apparent that in determining synonyms there are many chances of
error, and if the expert gardener can not endorse the disposition of varieties in the
foregoing selection, he will bear in mind the difficulties to be surmounted, and that
he can obtain some good from it. It may aid him somewhat in selecting a desir-
able strain, as undoubtedly he can choose from a few varieties better than from
many.
For home use it is a good practice to plant one of the early blue varieties as soon
as the ground can be worked; then, about ten days later, plant Premium Gem,
Advancer, and Champion of England. These peas follow each other so closely in
the order named that they will afford a constant supply for three or four weeks.
Additional plantings of Champion of England or other good late varieties may be
made at intervals after the second planting. The varieties here nained may not be
absolutely the best, but they are all good, and experience has proved that they can
be trusted to come into bearing in such regular succession as to make the supply
continuous. For home use an early pea is wanted, and one that will continue to
supply the table for some time. Fine flavor is essential and productiveness of less
importance. The early market pea sold by every seedsman need not be planted
in the home garden, as the market gardener wants a pea that is early and matures
its crop all at once, so that he can clear the ground and prepare for a succession.
It will pay those who are fond of green peas to use a spot otherwise vacant for
sowing a crop of Premium Gem peas with a succession a few days later. The
chief trouble will be with mildew, and if they escape that, the crop is reasonably
sure.
PEA MILDEW.
Late peas, especially when grown in damp ground, are often so badly mildewed
that it is not worth while growing them. ‘The pea mildew is one of the powdery
mildews, Hrysiphe communis, belonging to the same family as the powdery mildew
ot the grape. It grows entirely on the surface of the host plant, covering it with
a white coating of delicate, interwoven fungous threads. At certain points pro-
tuberances appear on the threads, which serve as suckers, drawing from the cells
the nourishment required for the growth of the fungus. The spores are produced
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 339
in delicate sacs which in turn are enclosed in dark-colored spore cases. The lat-
‘ter appear as black specks, just visible to the naked eye, among the fungous
threads. The disease attacks leaves, leaf-stalk, pod, and stem so that the pea
plant is thoroughly infested with it, much to the detriment of its growth. Fre-
quent cultivation or irrigation will do much to hold the disease in check, but the use
of some fungicide will be desirable upon late varieties in hot, dry seasons. Among
the best for the purpose is a solution of 1 pound of copper sulphate in 500 gallons
of water.
DO VARIETIES OF PEA RUN OUT?
It is apparent to any one who has had much to do with peas, that varieties run
out, or at least lose their original characteristics. In all cases, running out does
not mean deterioration. Sometimes it is simply a changing of character. In our
work with peas, accurate descriptions, often illustrated with drawings, are kept of
the varieties grown. From these biographical records of the varieties it is easy
to see that varieties change from year to year, even the old standard sorts, the
characters of which are supposed to be firmly fixed. Studies of the question have
been made, too, by growing the same variety from different seedsmen, and if seeds-
men really sell the same thing under a certain name, varieties of pea vary greatly
in the course of their history. It may be said that in the cases to be cited the
variations were due to a change made in the seed by a careless or unscrupulous
person; but such is hardly the case, because some of the characters appear well
marked and distinctive of that variety throughout all the samples. It is specially
noticeable that the foliage and habit of the plant is less variable than the peas,
they being generally the object of selection.
Stratagem was grown from three seedsmen. In all, the characteristic dark green
foliage, stalky, angular veins, and exceedingly short nodes of the Stratagem were
apparent and varied but little. But the pods, though irrregular and varying in each
sample, yet taken as a whole were distinctly different. Pods were fairly uniform,
but in the third they were so irregular, probably reversions to one of the parents,
that the peas were almost worthless.
It is a matter of common observation that seed peas of the same variety, espe-
cially the wrinkled peas, differ in color when sold by different seedsmen. In sey-
eral cases peas grown on the Station grounds and described four years ago have
changed color of seed.
The extra early peas of the Kentish Invicta type are earlier, more vigorous, and
more productive than the extra early peas of the Daniel O’Rourke type. But
ueither class is of sufficiently high quality to make it the best stock to work upon
for improvement. In the mere matter of eariiness both excel, but we ought to
develop an extra early variety of fine table quality, vigorous growth, and produc-
tiveness. What we need is the production of some well-flavored early sort which
will bear in sufficient abundance to be profitable for market and supersede the
fiavorless extra early sorts which are now universally sold. This ought not to be
an impossibility, as the earliest varieties of the American Wonder type now come
hard after the Daniel O’ Rourke.
PEACH-GROWING FOR MARKET.
Bulletin No. 38, U. S. Department of Agriculture.
BY ERWIN F. SMITH.
This bulletin is intended for the man who contemplates peach culture rather than
for the one who is successfully raising this crop. The latter needs no advice, but is
rather in a condition to give it; and if he who thinks of planting an orchard can find
a successful grower, by all means let him seek that man’s counsel.
In what part of the United States can peaches be grown, is one of the first ques-
tions likely to be asked by a foreigner or a person unacquainted with the subject.
This question admits of two answers. If peaches are desired simply for family
use, the answer is that they can be grown in nearly every state in the Union, and
in almost any part of any state, care of course being taken to select the right kind
of site, to plant varieties adapted to the climate, and to give suitable winter pro-
tection in the extreme north and in high mountain regions. Even in the inhospit-
able climates along our northern border, peaches may be grown out of doors with
considerable success if the trees are dug under, tipped over, and covered with straw
each autumn, and not uncovered and righted up until danger from late spring frosts
has passed. Some of the finest peaches the writer has ever seen were grown in.
this way at the Kansas state experiment station, following a winter and spring
which destroyed every blossom on unprotected trees for miles around. The grow-
ing of peaches in large orchards for commercial purposes is quite another matter,
and what follows will relate especially to such orchards.
Climate is one of the first considerations in the selection of a place for the planting
of commercial peach orchards, and the wide variety we have in the United States
affords every opportunity for selecting a suitable location. The old notion that the
peach is a tropical tree and must have a warm climate is not well founded. It is
a tree of middle latitude and does not like extreme cold nor extreme heat. The
climate of China, which is probably its native home, is in many respects like parts
of our own country.
Commercial orchards should not be planted in regions much subject to severe
winters or to late spring frosts. It is well also to avoid regions where the winters
are very mild, such as the extreme southern parts of the United States, owing to
the fact that the blossoms are likely to be forced out in late winter or early spring,
and afterward injured by frosts. It is best to select a climate which is not given
to violent extremes of any sort, and which has a considerable rainfall, fairly well
distributed throughout the year. Thirty-six to fifty inches of rainfall annually is
about the proper amount. If the quantity of water precipitated is much below this
the deficiency should be made up by irrigation.
There are many kinds of soil in which orchards can be grown successfully. At
present there are commercial orchards in New England on stony and gravelly soils
of poor character; in Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey, on fertile loams and on
very light pine sands; in Pennsylvania, on mountain soils derived from limestones
and sandstones; in South Carolina and Georgia, on light pine sands and on stiff
red clay lands derived from the local decomposition of granites; in Michigan, on
rather heavy clay hills, and also very successfully on loams and light pine sands,
even on beach sand so light as to be blown about by the winds; in northwestern
New York, on quite a variety of clays, gravels, and sands, forming the old lake
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 341
bottom of Lake Ontario; in Florida, on flat pine sands; in Kansas, on deep black
prairie soils. On all of these soils there are now growing very successful and
profitable peach orchards.
In general it may be said that the peach prefers
light, warm, well drained, sandy or loamy land
with a clay subsoil, although some very successful
orchards have been grown upon rather heavy clays
and many on deep sands. Muck soils, heavy clays
retentive of moisture, and in general all wet
lands and flat, frosty lands are especially to be
avoided.
In the planting of commercial orchards, prox-
imity to large markets and ease of shipment
should never be forgotten. An excellent location
may be worthless, owing to lack of facilities for
transportation. There are thousands of acres
of land in the United States suitable for peach-
growing which it would be folly to plant at
present, owing to lack of shipping facilities. Com-
peting railway and steamboat lines are a great
advantage in securing low freights. One of the
great drawbacks to successful peach-growing in
the south, until recently, and one which still exists
in many parts, is the fact that the growers are not
able to secure favorable freight rates.
In selecting a site for the orchard, several
Fic. 1.—Peach tree in a Maryland things should be borne in mind. Some fields on
orchard, showing customary way a farm may be much better adapted to the peach
of pruning. Stakeabout3feethigh. than others. In general, the higher lands are
to be selected rather than the lower, and in north-
ern regions a water front is preferable to an inland location; in inland regions, a
hillside with a northern exposure is generally better than one with a southern
exposure, this being due to the fact that the
northern exposure will somewhat retard the
opening of the blossoms, and in this way
orchards will escape late spring frosts, while if
set in more sunny situations they might be
induced to open blossoms a week or two earlier
and then be caught by late frosts. In the
Michigan peach orchards bordermg on lake
Michigan it has been found that the cold air
from the lake retards the opening of the blos-
som a week or ten days, the inland orchards
being in full blossom before those on the lake
front have opened. The advantage of this in
case of late frosts is obvious.
The fear has sometimes been expressed that
the ravages of yellows and other diseases
would finally put an end to peach-growing in
the United States, but there is certainly no
immediate danger. In North Carolina, South
Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Missouri, Arkan-
sas, Texas, and California, there are many
admirable locations for peach-growing as yet
unoccupied. California alone could grow
enough peaches to supply the whole United
States. :
Having decided on climate, soil, site, and loca- F Gey nee ere ae
tion with reference to market, the next thing pruning. Stake about 3 feet high.
is the preparation of the land for planting. This
should be plowed and cultivated as carefully as for a crop of wheat, corn, or cotton.
The land should then be cross-marked and holes dug for the trees at the inter-
sections. In general it is best to plant trees not closer together than 20 by 20 feet,
especially if the soil is in good condition. In some places, however, where the soil
is poor and where the orchards are not expected to last more than a dozen years,
the trees may be planted closer—for example, 10 feet one way by 20 feet the other.
342 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
At the time of planting, a map of the orchard, showing the location of each variety,
should be made for future use. The neglect of this frequently causes much incon-
venience. The preparation of the soil, the digging of the holes for the trees, and
all necessary work in connection with the
planting should be done in advance, so that
when the trees are received there need be no
delay and consequent drying of the roots
before planting. If it is absolutely necessary
to utilize flat land retaining moisture, fur-
rows should be turned toward the center of
20-foot lands for several years in succession,
and the trees finally planted on the middle por-
tion of these artificial ridges.
The selection of the trees themselves is a mat-
ter of great importance. It is not necessary
that they should be very large, but the trunks
should be smooth and well-grown and the
roots abundant and as little injured as possible.
To secure these desirable qualities it is well in
ordering trees to have a written agreement
touching the points in question, so that infe-
rior trees may be rejected. The roots should
not be close pruned, except for’ the
removal of mangled or splintered portions, and
the holes in which they are set should be of
such dimensions that it will not be necessary
to twist and cramp them in planting. Care
should be taken that they are not set shallow—
that is, on top of the earth—nor buried much :
deeper than they stood in the original nursery. se need tree aS ae
They should not be set into hard earth, nor
should the holes be filled with stones and rubbish, but with mellow earth well
tramped down. Experience
in the United States has
shown pretty clearly that
peach trees in open orchards
do best on peach roots, but if
the situation is low and the
soil rather heavy, plum roots*
may be substituted, in which
latter case the trees should
then be closer together, say 15
by 15 or 15 by 12 feet. In the
United States peaches are
not grown to any extent on
espaliers or in houses.
Judgment differs as _ to
whether it is best to set June-
budded or August-budded
trees. Generally it will be
found convenient to buy the
trees of some reliable nur-
seryman, and such are usual-
ly propagated from buds set
in August, but if the planter
prefers to grow his own trees,
and time is a matter of conse-
quence, the seedlings should
be budded in June so as to ob-
tain a grafted top the same
year.
In the selection of trees
special attention should be
paid to secure those which
are free from fungi and injur-
rious insects. The greatest care should be taken that the trees are not infested by
Muttow
Fia. 4.—Peach yellows the fourth year.
* In selecting plum stocks care should be used to secure a variety which makes a good and lasting
union. The Marianna should not be used for a stock.
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 343
borers, scale insects, or root aphides. Unfortunately, trees of this character are
sometimes sent out, and orchards planted from them are sure to give trouble. In
general it is best to avoid trees grown in regions much subject to peach yellows and
peach rosette. In buying trees the planter will do well to deal only with nur-
serymen who have by honest dealing gained a well-merited reputation. It is better
to pay two prices for trees of an assured character than to take as a gift trees from
doubtful sources.
The selection of varieties is a matter of considerable importance, and no general
rule applicable to the whole United States can be laid down. Many choice peaches
hy
Fic. 5.—Peach rosette. A budded tree attacked in spring and photographed in June.
do well only in restricted localities. Some are likely to be winter-killed or to be
caught in bloom by late frosts; some are uncertain bearers; some mildew and others
rot badly; some are too tender for long shipment by rail; some ripen at the same
time as better sorts, which are to be preferred; some, like Elberta, have many
good qualities but fall short of the finest flavor. A variety for commercial pur-
poses must combine as many good points as possible. The tree must be hardy and
productive; the fruit must be of good size, fine color, and superior flavor, and must
be firm enough to stand shipment. The grower who contemplates setting an
orchard for profit will do well to stick closely to the old and well-tried sorts. If he
344
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
is planting for home use or pleasure, then he may select a wider range of varieties,
including all the choicer sorts, irrespective of other considerations.
is in the business to make money can well
afford to let his neighbors try all the new sorts.
The remarks which follow on the selection of
varieties apply especially to the eastern United
States, and with the limitations already
expressed.
For market orchards the following have
been found the most generally profitable vari-
eties: Alexander, Amsden, Troth, Rivers,
Louise, Hale, St. John, Mountain Rose, Craw-
ford Early, Foster, Oldmixon, Stump, Elberta,
Crawford Late, Reeves, Wager, Fox Seedling,
and Beers Smock. These varieties ripen in
about the order named. Owing to special con-
ditions which prevail in the extreme north and
at the far south, some of these varieties would
not be successful. For instance, in Michigan it
has been found that Crawford Early is very
likely to be winter-killed or caught in blossom
by late spring frosts, and a number of other har-
dier varieties have been substituted for it. The
same is true in Connecticut, where many of the
old varieties are likely to be caught by late
spring frosts and where Crosby has proved
exceptionally hardy. On the other hand, in
Florida many of our choice sorts are nearly
worthless, owing to the earliness with which
they bloom. There and in Texas the so-called
Chinese sorts—Peen-to, Honey, and crosses—
Fia. 7.—Peach curl (Tapharina deformans).
The man who
Fic. 6.—Peach mildew (Sphwrotheca
pannosa?) on stem and fruit.
have proved more successful.
In middle and upper Georgia,
Elberta has proved one of the
best peaches. Husted No. 80
is also an excellent peach for
that locality, ripening a few
days after Alexander. In gen-
eral for that region, early vari-
eties are to be recommended
rather than late sorts, which,
however fine, would come into
competition with Delaware
and New Jersey peaches on a
falling market. In the moun-
tains of Maryland certain late
varieties, not suitable for the
lowlands of Delaware and New
Jersey, have proved exceed-
ingly remunerative, reaching good size and fine color, and coming in late, when the
markets are comparatively empty and prices are high.
mentioned Salway and Bilyeu.
Among these might be
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. : 345
The orchard subsequent to planting should be cultivated as carefully as a field of
corn. The practice of successful growers varies a good deal in this particular.
Some cultivate the orchard from the start without crops; others plant corn or
toniatues between the trees for the first two or three years—that is, until the
orchard comes into bearing. There is no objection to this, provided the soil is
strong and well fertilized; on the contrary, there appear to be some advantages.
There is a choice, however, in crops that should be grown, and on no account should
potatoes or wheat be cultivated in orchards. So soon as the trees come into bearing
no crop of any sort should be grown between them, but each year the orchard
should receive a shallow spring plowing and frequent cultivation until July. Most
of the growers in the middle eastern states prefer not to cultivate the soil later than
this, but in some regions it is the practice to cultivate almost the year round, and
even in Delaware very successful growers have followed this practice, keeping the
soil stirred from early spring until late autumn. Asa rule, deep plowing should be
avoided. 'The peach tree is almost as sensitive to clean cultivation as cotton or
tobacco, and no man can expect to be very successful in the cultivation of the peach
who allows his trees to stand in sod or fails to give them clean tillage during at
least a part of the season.
Opinions differ as to the proper method of pruning. When the trees are planted
they should be cut back to within one or two feet of the ground, the entire branched
top being removed. The remaining buds will push vigorously, and three or four
of these should be selected to form the new top, care
being taken that they come out from different sides of
the stem and not too close together, but at a distance
of several inches up and down the trunk. When the
branches from these buds have grown to be several
inches in diameter they should support a spreading or
vase-shape top (figs. 1, 2, 3). The proper starting of the
new top is a matter of some importance, for if all of
the branches have been allowed to grow out from
nearly the same point on the trunk, when the tree
has matured, the giving way of a single limb under
weight of fruit or stress of wind is very likely to
involve all the rest and split the trunk from top to
bottom. Such mishaps could be readily avoided by
starting the main branches at different heights.
For orchards on most of the peach lands of the
Fic. 8.—Black spot of the peach eastern states, comparatively little pruning appears to
Cladosporium carpophilum. be necessary. Some growers practice “shortening in”
annually over the whole top, but in general this is
not desirable. However, if the tree has made an exceedingly vigorous growth it
can be practiced to good advantage, and is generally best done in early spring.
The aim in pruning should be to get a tree free from dead wood and full nearly to
the main trunk of small branches capable of bearing fruit. Care should be taken
in pruning to avoid cutting away bearing branches from the base of the limbs,
for by this method long, straggling branches, having fruit-bearing limbs at the top
only, are often produced. Some growers prune the trees so that the main trunk
shall be four or five feet high, but in general this is not to be reeommended. It is
much better to make them branch low in vase form. The only advantage of the
other method is greater ease in cultivating close to the tree, and it has on the whole
disadvantages which more than counterbalance, one of which is the greater expos-
ure of the trunk to hot suns and another the increased danger of injuring the bark
ot the tree by plows and cultivators.
Some words are necessary on the use and misuse of fertilizers. Unless the
trees are on strong land it will be necessary, as soon as they come into bearing,
and yearly thereafter, to give them each spring or autumn some special fertilizer.
There can be no objection to the use of well-composted barnyard manure. Where
this is not procurable dependence must be put on clover and commerical fertilizers,
taking care always that the latter are obtained from reliable sources. In general |
the dependence should be on potash salts and phosphates rather than on nitrogen-
ous fertilizers. The peach can be injured readily by excess of nitrogen. Its effect
upon the trees is to produce an excessive growth of wood and foliage at expense
of fruit. Fifty to a hundred pounds per acre of nitrate of soda or its equivalent
in dried blood or sulphate of ammonia is usually as much nitrogenous fertilizer as
44
346 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
any orchard requires, and many orchards do not need it at all. Muriate of potash,
kainit, or sulphate of potash may be used in large quantities without injury. Four
to five hundred pounds per acre will do no harm, provided it is not put too close to
the trunks of the trees.
The same remarks apply to dissolved
rock phosphates and to bone superphos-
phates and various bone mixtures.
They have been applied in large quan-
tities, even as high as a thousand
pounds per acre, without injury; gener-
ally lesser quantities will suffice. Pot-
ash salts and phosphates should be put
on and plowed down in the autumn
and nitrogenous fertilizers always in
the spring. Usually the effects of the
latter disappear the same _ season.
Where the grower has opportunity to
procure unleached hardwood ashes
these also may be used, and can be ap-
plied in large quantities without
injury. A good home-made fertilizer
can be prepared by composting broken
or coarsely ground bones with un-
leached hardwood ashes until the
bones become soft. The grower who
has not tried the effects of regularly
fertilizing bearing orchards will be sur-
prised at the difference in quantity and
quality of the fruit which will result
from careful fertilization. Judicious
fertilization will bring large returns in
the way of fine crops and good prices.
Mven the most barren-looking yellow
sands without clay subsoils can be
made to produce enormous crops of
luscious fruit year after year by
proper attention to cultivation and fer-
tilization. Where it is impossible to
procure fertilizers the grower must
rey ae
yy,
Fad
{ P
Fia. 9.—Root knots due to nematodes.
depend on prolonged cultivation of the soil and the occasional growth in the
Fira. 10.—lhe peach tree borer (Sannina exitosa).
(1 and 2, original; 3 and 4, after Riley).
orchard of green crops for plowing
under, such aS cow peas, crimson
clover, etc. Much can be done in the
way of furnishing an orchard food by
repeated stirring of the soil.
The peach tree is subject to various
diseases, and no one should venture
upon peach-growing in a commercial
way without having a reasonably
good understanding of what the diffi-
culties are in this direction. Peach
yellows (fig. 4) and peach rosette (fig.
5) are two of the most destructive
diseases. No remedy is yet known
for either, but experience seems to
show clearly that yellows may be
held in check by the destruction of
. affected trees as soon as it appears,
provided all the growers of a com-
munity unite in practicing it. In
planting an orchard the grower will of
course, if possible, select a region free
ornearly freefromsuch diseases. These
diseases attack all varieties. Mildew (fig. 6), on the contrary, is a fungous disease
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 347
which appears to be restricted principally to certain sorts—the serrate-leaved vari-
ties. It is seldom troublesome except on the Pacific coast. In the eastern states
9
Fig. 12.—Pupa of the pin F 1s pi hs béett
borer. Side view, 20 IG .—Fin borer beetle, «
diam. (Forbes.) diam. (Forbes.)
Fie. 11.—Larva of the pin
borer (Scolytus rugulosus),
enlarged 22diam. (Forbes.)
ee] aS y
ang Ms
n
Fie. 14.—Branch of peach,
showing perforations of
the pin borer, natural,_size.
(Forbes.)
Fiqa. 15.—Denuded branch showing
breeding chambers, larve chan-
nels, and pupa chambers of the
borer, natural size. (Forbes.)
the only remedy yet known is to pull out the affected varieties and plant others.
Peach curl (fig. 7) is a disease distorting the folige and causing it to fall in spring.
348 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
It is widespread and very serious some years; other years it is but little prevalent.
This disease has also been more troublesome in California. It is due to a fungus
which may be held in check by spraying, as appears clearly from recent experi-
ments. in California by Newton B. Pierce. The peach cercospora has also given
some trouble in California. A fungous trouble known as black spot (fig. 8) often
leads to cracking of the fruit and subsequent rot, especially in rainy periods. This
is most prevalent on late varieties. Rot is one of the most serious troubles that
visit the grower. The disease is due to a fungus, and in wet, hot weather, it
spreads with great rapidity from fruit to fruit, and even attacks the peaches in
baskets on the way to market and while on the fruit stands. It is a disease that
winters over in the rotted fruits of the previous year .
which either remain hanging on the tree or have fallen
to the ground, and is to be combatted by carefully
removing and burning all affected fruit. If this is not
done systematically the crop may be destroyed even
before it is out of blossom. Spraying with copper
fungicides has been recommended for this disease, but
as yet the evidence in their favor is not entirely con-
clusive. Sulphur dust blown into the trees during the
prevalence of the rot has also been recommended and
appears to have some value. A safe, efficient powder
or spray for prevention of this disease would be
invaluable.
Crown galls or root galls are irregular tumors on the :
trunk and roots. These are often of large size and sr yrs sie
occur most frequently at the junction of the root and common, wingless, Vivi-
stem. This disease occurs in many parts of the parous form. (Slingerland
United States, in nurseries as well as in orchards,
and is seriously prevalent in parts of New Jersey, Texas, and California. No rem-
edy is known, and even the cause is yet to be determined. Many growers think the
Fia. 17.—Black peach aphis (Aphis persicw niger), viviparous, winged form. (J. B. Smith.)
disease is communicable, and in planting orchards it is safe to reject all trees show-
ing any signs of it.
The root knot, which should be carefully distinguished from the preceding, is
a disease caused by a small “eel worm” or nematode. The knots (fig. 9) due to this
cause are generally much smaller than the preceding, and on miscroscopic exami-
nation of fresh knots it is usually not difficult to find cavities containing the eel
worm in various stages of development. This nematode attacks the roots of a
great variety of plants and is quite troublesome to the peach in parts of Georgia,
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 349
Yiorida, and other gulf states. The only symptom which the writer has seen
above ground was scanty growth. No good remedy is known. Of course trees
affected with root-knot should never be planted.
Borers (fig. 10), are exceedingly troublesome in some regions, especially on sandy
fs soils. A great number of washes and vari-
ous labor-saving devices have been recom-
mended, but the best method for dealing
with them is the old one of carefully uncov-
iG
3
wee
ey
ope
mae ering the trunk of the tree at the earth sur-
om face and digging them out with a sharp
knife. In sandy lands they should be
attended to twice a year—spring and fall. It
is back-aching work, but can scarcely be
trusted to an inexperienced hand, who will
often do more injury to the trees than an
army of borers. Of labor-saving devices,
one of the best, especially for young trees,
ere
ATA
VQ
LS
R)
:
) SOENTS KS
OCS MT
Fe CS © is the covering of the base of the trunk in
ae a early spring with straw or cheap Chinese
az LEO matting, the lower end of which should be
tag ae oor, buried an inch or two in the soil. This com-
ES lov} AC) pels the insect to oviposit on the upper part
Po I ex of the trunk and on the branches, where
os Pa the larve are easily found and where they
Oy KY re do less general and permanent injury.
WY Or The pin borer, a scolytid beetle of Huro-
AG HORA pean origin (figs. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15), has in
ong ere recent years become rather troublesome in
és Hos the eastern part of the United States. No
Ss OA good remedy is known, but some trouble can
aes re be avoided by annually removing all dead
wood from the orchard and taking care that
it is not piled anywhere in the vicinity.
rT This should be done in the fall or. winter.
rz See _ The insects prefer sickly trees, but while
Meet ee eee ee the larvee are generally confined to such
form; c, second; d, third; e, whip joint; f, top trees, the mature beetle often migrates to
Os eae view of a single sense pore. healthy trees and feeds upon them, to their
great injury, the gummy trunks appearing
as if peppered with fine shot. The most serious depredations the writer has seen
on healthy trees were where piles of dead
wood from old peach orchards were placed
near healthy trees. Two cases in particular
—one in Maryland and the other in western
New York—were very striking, the injuries
beginning in trees near large piles of dead
wood and becoming less and less in trees
more remote from these piles until all trace of
injury disappeared.
Brown or black root aphides (figs. 16, 17, 18)
are very common in the sandy lands of New
Jersey and Delaware, and also occur in other
parts of the eastern states. The insect some-
times eae parts above ground, but the Fig. 19.—The curculio (Conotrachelus nenu-
chief injury is done while it is out of sight. phar) 1, Natural size (original); 2, much
As before stated, care should be taken that enlarged (after Howard).
this insect is not introduced into the orchard
on the roots of the trees when they are
planted, and if there is any reason for thinking that the roots are infested the trees
should either be discarded or dipped in some insecticide before planting. The
underground depredations of this insect stunt the tree so that it dies or makes very
little growth for several years. Stunted trees may, however, be started into a more
vigorous growth by heavy applications of tobacco dust dug into the earth, and
they may sometimes be brought out and induced to make a good growth by the
application of strong stable manure. ;
4
a
at
(Y
~E
350 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The curculio (fig. 19) is always present, and no safe remedy is known. It can be |
depended on to take a considerable part of the crop each year, and in years when
the yield is scanty it is sometimes content with nothing short of the whole crop.
This is especially likely to be the case when spring frosts have unduly thinned the
crop or have restricted it to particular orchards. Arsenical sprays will hold the
curculio in check, but are scarcely to be recommended for the peach, since they
are very likely to cause its leaves and fruit to fall and may even kill small branches.
If used at all the greatest care should be exercised. In some cases it might pay to
capture and destroy the beetles by jarring them upon a framework covered with
sheets.
Seale insects have thus far done but little injury to peach trees in the eastern
states; but the enemy is present, and one species in particular, recently introduced
from the West Indies (a white scale entirely covering trunk and limbs and quickly
killing the tree), is already so far north as Washington, D. C., and is likely to be
very troublesome when more generally distributed. Growers should be on the look-
out for this pest (fig. 20) and burn infested trees at sight.
A word about sprays and tree washes in connection with peach tree diseases is
(i
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i aa ie
OANA
Fia@. 20.—The whitewash scale (Diaspis lanatus). a, section of peach trunk with male and female
scales in situ, natural size; b, scale of adult female; c, do. in natural position, enlarged. (Howard.)
not out of place. Many have been recommended without proper inquiry as to their
merits, and the results of their use have been in some cases so disastrous as to
prejudice the whole community against any kind of fungicidal or insecticidal treat-
ment. Twice the writer has known of fine orchards being ruined by the application
to the trunks of washes containing tar, soap, and arsenites. In one case the grower
was obliged to remove a whole orchard seven years old, the trees being either killed
by the application or injured beyond recovery. Spraying the foliage for insect and
fungous diseases must also be followed with unusual caution. The leaves of the
peach tree are very sensitive to acids and to arsenical poisons. However, peach
trees may be sprayed with Bordeaux mixture without danger, provided proper care
be taken in its preparation. The lime must be freshly slaked and must be in excess.
The first crop of fruit is always a matter of special interest, and the inexperienced
grower is likely to allow the trees to overbear if not specially cautioned. After the
June drop has passed, if the trees are heavily laden a very considerable number of
the peaches should be pulled off. It takes much less labor to pick them at this
time than when they are ripe, and the remaining fruit will be enough larger and
better in flavor and color to more than compensate for this thinning. Thinning is
not very generally practiced by peach-growers in the United States, but if judi-
ciously done no work in the orchard will give better results. Some of the quali-
ties specially desirable in a crop of peaches are size, flavor, and color. These
desirable points can not be expected when the tree is allowed to overbear, in which
event the fruit is likely to be small and green and inferior in color, and will bring
a corresponding poor price when put upon the market. The extra labor involved in
handling a large crop of inferior fruit is also a matter not to be forgotten. Some
HORTICULTURAL BULLETINS. 351
_ years thinning will not be necessary, but in years when the trees are burdened
with fruit it should not be omitted.
Picking and packing are matters which require the personal attention of the
grower. These can not be trusted to hired labor without strict oversight. The
peach should be picked and packed as carefully as an orange; should never be
poured from basket to basket; should never be bruised in handling; should be
carefully assorted by grades; and should be put up for market with an eye to
attractiveness, so that the best prices may be obtained. It is not strictly proper,
however, to put red netting over green fruit. There is just the right time to pick
for market, and this is something to be learned by experience—a day too early and
the peaches are green, a day too late and they are overripe and will be soft and
bruised and unsalable before they reach the consumer. No fruit requires greater
expedition and better judgment in picking and marketing, and in these particulars
the peach is strikingly in contrast with the orange, which never worries the
grower, but may be picked and marketed any time from November to April, barr-
ing accidents from unexpected frosts.
In general, peach-growers in the eastern states are very careless—almost indif-
ferent—as to manner of shipping fruit to market, and the result is such that fruit,
while often of a very superior quality, rarely brings as good prices as inferior
fruit put up with special pains to make it attractive. The baskets in general use
in the eastern states are too large for retail trade. Growers of peaches on a large
scale in New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland seem to think that they can not
handle their vast quantities of fruit in small baskets. Growers in Michigan and
California* have learned better and send their fruit out in much more attractive
form, the result being that they get better prices. Florida fruit also comes to mar-
ket in good shape, and the Florida crate is one of the best. The choicest grades
of peaches should never be sent to market in large baskets, but each fruit should
be wrapped separately and sent with as much care as eggs if the best prices are
desired. For the canning-house and the wholesale trade the Delaware basket is
undoubtedly one of the most convenient forms for shipment. Inferior fruit should
be kept at home and dried or fed to the pigs. The unprofitable handling of a large
part of such fruit might be avoided by thinning, as already suggested. :
On some aceounts it is highly desirable that the fruit should be transported by
water if the distance is not great and the journey can be made rapidly, otherwise
it must go into cars and the extra jar must be compensated for by rapid delivery
and sale. Of course when peaches are shipped long distances in warm weather
particular pains must be taken to see that the cars are properly iced and that
there are no delays in transit, and when they come from the Pacific coast they
must necessarily be picked green. Eastern growers have an advantage over those
on the Pacifie coast in the much finer quality of fruit grown and in being near to
market, so that their peaches may be allowed to ripen on the tree, something very
necessary to the full perfection of this fruit; but these great advantages are largely
lost by carelessness in packing and shipping, and consequently the California peach-
growers are generally able to command a better price in New York markets than
eastern growers. Mention has already been made of the desirability of planting
orchards where competition in transportation exists. This affords to growers of the
choicest fruit a reasonable guarantee that the whole of their profit will not be swal-
lowed up by exorbitant freight rates.
-In years of great abundance another serious cause of loss is what are known as
“slumps” in the market. Most eastern-grown peaches find their way to a few large
markets, where prices necessarily break down when a large quantity of fruit is
suddenly thrown upon them. At times when a glut exists even the best fruit will
scarcely pay for the baskets in which it is shipped, much less for transportation,
picking, packing, ete., and this may happen several times during the season. This
ruinous state of affairs is not attributable to overproduction, but to maldistribu-
tion. ‘ihe crying need in the eastern states is for a system of distribution which
will prevent gluts in the market. It is well known that at the very time when
these “slumps” occur in New York and other large centers, hundreds of smaller
towns in the interior can not procure peaches at any price.
The writer has frequently paid five cents apiece for quite ordinary peaches in
interior towns of New York and Pennsylvania and further west, when the finest
*The California crate brings the fruit safely in car load lots so far as Chicago, but from this point
eastward, in the hands of express companies, sometimes as much as 20 per cent. of the peaches are
bruised so as to be unsalable, owing to the thin side of the crate. These packages should be made of
thicker material or should have a partition through the middle.
352 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
peaches could scarcely be given away in New York and Philadelphia. This sug-
gests that much loss could be avoided by a well-organized system of distribution.
Just how tiis shalt finally be brought about is a difficult problem to solve, but it is
certainly one of the things which peach-growers must study to accomplish. It is
worth the earnest consideration of pomological associations, boards of agriculture,
and ali who are interested in growing peaches.
—= tC
SSS
————————
——_
Fic. 21.—Peach crates. 1, California; 2, Florida; 2, single basket from same; 3, Michigan; 4, Dela-
ware; 5, North Carolina.
It would seem that there might be some arrangement with the local dealers in
many of the smaller towns in the eastern United States, and with large dealers in
the cities, whereby telegraphic advice could be sent every day during the season,
to some centrally located place in each peach region, and thence communicated to
all the growers. In this way it would be known where the market was full and
where empty, and shipment could be arranged accordingly. Co-operation is the
keynote of success. Indeed, without hearty co-operation and compact organization
little or nothing can be accomplished, and yet to secure and maintain such organiza-
tion presents the chief difficulty. Home consumption is another way to avoid
gluts in the market; also, the judicious use of canning and drying houses.
One of the chief difficulties in the way of successful peach-growing is undoubt-
edly the ignorance of the grower. The man who will not grow choice varieties,
prefers seedlings, will not properly thin his fruit, will not properly grade it, will
not keep the culls at home, will:send to the market when he pleases and where he
pleases, and who will not combat insect and fungous pests, can not make peach
culture profitable, and the only thing for him to do is to go out of the business.
Many of the serious troubles which beset growers can be measurably overcome
by intelligent foresight. The thing which is least within the range of control is the
weather; yet, while growers can not entirely avoid the mischief of spring frosts or
the results of hot and rainy weather, even these may be guarded against. The
judicious selection of advantageous orchard sites, and, in special cases, smudges and
spraying with water, will tend to avert the former, while prompt removal of rotting
fruit, extra prompt marketing, and particular care in packing for shipment will do
much to remedy the effects of the latter.
In conclusion it may be stated that the labor involved in peach-growing is great
and the discouragements not a few. The proportion of failures to successes is at
least as ten to one, and very few indeed are the men who become “peach kings.”
The man who is not full of energy and does not enjoy seeing the sun rise every day
in the year would better venture his money in some other business.
bawWs OF MICHIGAN RELATING TO
HORTICULTURE.
YELLOWS AND BLACK KNOT.
AN ACT to prevent the spread of the contagious diseases known as yellows, black
knot, peach rosette, and pear blight, among peach, plum, cherry, prune, almond,
apricot, nectarine, and pear trees, or the fruit thereof, by providing measures
for the eradication of the same, and to repeal act number one hundred twelve
of the public acts of eighteen hundred ninety-three, approved May twenty-fifth,
eighteen hundred ninety- -three.
Section 1. The People of the State of Michigan enact, That it shall be unlawful
for any person to keep any peach, almond, apricot, plum, prune, cherry, nectarine
of pear tree infected with the contagious diseases known as yellows, black knot,
peach rosette, or pear blight, or to offer for sale or shipment, or to sell, or to ship
any of the fruit thereof, except the fruit of the plum, cherry and pear tree; that
both tree and fruit so infected shall be subject to destruction as public nuisances
as hereinafter provided. No damages shall be awarded in any court in the state
for entering upon the premises and destroying such diseased trees or parts of trees,
or fruit, if done in accordance with the provisions of this act. It shall be the duty
of every person as soon as he becomes aware of the existence of such disease in
any tree, parts of trees, or fruit owned by him, to forthwith destroy, or cause said
trees or fruit to be destroyed.
Sec. 2. In any township or city in this state in which such contagious diseases
exist, or in which there is good reason to believe they exist, or danger may be justly
arprehended of their introduction, it shall be the duty of the township board or city
council, as soon as such information becomes known to either such board or
council, or any member thereof, to appoint forthwith three competent freeholders of
said township or city, as commissioners, to be known as yellows commissioners,
who shall hold office during the pleasure of said board, or city councii, and
such order of appointment and of revocation shall be entered at large upon the
township or city records: Provided, That the commissioners now appointed and
in office shall continue in said office until their successors are appointed and
qualified: Provided, That in case commissioners have already been appointed to
prevent the spreading of bush, vine, and fruit tree pests, such commissioners shall
be ex officio commissioners under this act.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of said commissioners, within ten days after appoint-
ment as aforesaid, to file their acceptances of the same with the clerk of said
township or city, and said clerk shall be ex officio clerk of said board of commis-
siorers, and he shall keep a correct record of the proceedings of said board in a
book to be provided for the purpose, and shall file and preserve all papers pertaining
45
354. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
to the duties and actions of said commissioners, or either of them, which shall be
a part of the records of said township or city.
See. 4. It shall be the duty of the commissioners, or any one of them, upon,
or without complaint, whenever it comes to their notice that either of the diseases
known as yellows, black knot, peach rosette or pear blight exist, or are supposed
to exist within the limits of their township, village or city, to proceed without delay
to examine the tree or fruit supposed to be infected, and if the disease is found
to exist, a distinguishing mark shall be placed upon the diseased trees, and the
owner notified personally or by a written notice left at his usual place of resi-
dence, or if the owner be a non-resident, by leaving the notice with the person in
charge of the trees or fruit, or the person in whose possession said trees or fruit May
be. The notice shall contain a simple statement of the facts as found to exist,
with an order to effectually uproot and destroy, by fire or as the commissioner
shall order, the trees so marked or designated, or such parts thereof, within five
days, Sundays excepted, from the date of the service of the notice, and in case of
fruit so infected, such notice shall require the person in whose possession or control
it is found to immediately destroy the same, or cause it to be done, or the com-
missioner may destroy the same. Said notice and order to be signed by one or more
of the comniissioners.
Sec. 5. In case any person who is interested in any tree or trees so ordered
to be destroyed shai} feel aggrieved by such order and shall believe that such
trees are not so diseased, he may serve a written notice upon all of the commission-
ers in the township in which such trees are situated, which notice shall specify the
part of such order to which objection is made and the particular tree or trees
included in such order which it is claimed are not so diseased, and shall request
al examination of such tree or trees by all of said commissioners, which notice
shall be served personally upon each of said commissioners within the five days
given for the destruction of said trees, and it shall thereupon be the duty of all
said commissioners who have not already done so to personally examine such
tree or trees as soon as practicable and within said five days, and if a majority of
all the commissioners shall agree that such tree or trees are so diseased, they
shall order the same to be destroyed forthwith by the owner or custodian thereof;
but if a majority shall decide that such tree or trees, or any of them are not
so diseased, they shall revoke the order of the commissioner to destroy the same
as far as it relates to the trees so found to be free from disease, but this section
shall not apply to fruit ordered to be destroyed.
Sec. 6. Whenever any person shall refuse or neglect to comply with the
order to remove and destroy the trees or parts of trees so designated and marked
by the commissioner as aforesaid, it shall become the duty of the commissioner
to cause said trees or parts of trees to be removed and destroyed forthwith, employ-
ing all necessary aid for that purpose. The expenses for such removal and
destruction of trees or parts of trees to be a charge against the township or city,
and for the purpose of such removal or destruction the said commissioners, their
agents and workmen shall have the right and power to enter upon any and
all premiscs within their township or city.
Sec. 7. If any owner neglects to uproot and destroy, or cause to be removed
and destroyed, as aforesaid, such diseased trees, or parts of trees or fruit, after
such examination and notification, and within the time hereinbefore specified, or
any other person who shall sell or offer for sale such diseased fruit, such person
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and punished by a fine not exceeding
one hundred dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding three
months, or both, in the discretion of the court, and any justice of the peace of
the township or city where such trees may be, or where such nursery stock or
fruit is sold, shipped, disposed of, or delivered, as aforesaid, shall have jurisdiction
thereof. The words “parts of trees’ wherever used in this act, shall refer to
black knot and pear blight only, and not to trees affected with yellows.
LAWS RELATING TO HORTICULTURE. 355
Sec. 8. The commissioners shall be allowed for services under this act two
dollars for each full day, and one dollar for each half day, and their other charges
and disbursements hereunder, to be audited, as well as any other charges and
disbursements under this act, by the township board, or city council, all of which
costs, charges, expenses and disbursements may be recovered by the township,
or city, from the owner of such diseased fruit or nursery stock, or from the owner
of the premises on which said diseased trees stood, in action of assumpsit: Pro-
vided, Said owner has refused or neglected to remove said diseased fruit or nursery
stock in compliance with the order of said commissioner or commissioners.
Sec. 9. All of act number one hundred and twelve of the public acts of eighteen
hundred and ninety-three be and the same is hereby repealed.
This act is ordered to take immediate effect.
Approved May 4, 1895.
SPRAYING.
AN ACT to prevent the spreading of bush, vine, and fruit tree pests, such as
canker-worms and other insects, and fungus and contagious diseases, and to
provide for their extirpation.
Section 1. The People of the State of Michigan enact, That it shall be the
duty of every owner, possessor, or occupier of an orchard, nursery, or vineyard,
or of land where fruit trees or vines are grown, within this state, to spray with
a poisonous solution or disinfectant, of sufficient strength to destroy such injurious
insects or contagious diseases, all fruit trees or vines grown on such lands which
may be infested with any injurious insects or worms, or infected with any con-
tagious disease known to be injurious to fruit or fruit trees or vines: Provided,
That no such spraying shall be done while said fruit trees or vines are in blossom,
except in case of canker-worms.
See. 2. In any township in this state where such injurious insects or contagious
diseases are known to exist, or in which there is good reason to believe they exist,
or danger may be justly apprehended of their introduction, it shall be the duty of
the township board, upon the petition of at least ten freeholders of such township,
to appoint forthwith three competent freeholders of said township as commis-
sioners, who shall hold office during the pleasure of the board, and such order of
appointment and of revocation shall be entered at large upon the township record:
Provided, That in townships having a board of yellows commissioners, such com-
missioners shall be. ex officio commissioners under this act.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of said commissioners, within ten days after appoint-
ment, as aforesaid, to file their acceptance of the same with the clerk of said
township, and said clerk shall be ez officio clerk of said board of commissioners, and
he shall kept a correct record of the proceedings of said board, in a book to be
provided for that purpose, and shall file and preserve all papers pertaining to the
duties and actions of said commissioners, or either of them, which shall be a part
of the records of said townships.
See. 4. It shall be the duty of said commissioners, or any one of them, upon,
or without, complaint, whenever it comes to their notice, that any orchard, fruit
trees, or vines, are infested with canker-worm or other injurious insects or con-
tagious disease, within their townships, to proceed without delay to examine such
orchards or vineyards supposed to be infested, and if such injurious insects or
contagious diseases are found to exist, the owner shall be notified personally, or
by a written notice left at his usual place of residence; or if the owner be a non-
356 STATE HORTICULTURAL. SOCIETY.
resident, by leaving the notice with the person in charge of the trees or vines, or
the occupant of the lands upon which such trees or vines shall be growing. The
notice shall contain a simple statement of the facts as found to exist, with an order
to effectually destroy such injurious insects or worms, or contagious disease by
spraying such trees or vines with a poisonous solution, or, in case of contagious
disease, to effectually disinfect said diseased trees or vines, within such time from
the date of the service of the notice as such commissioners shall designate, said
notice and order to be signed by the full board of commissioners.
Sec. 5. Whenever any person shall refuse or neglect to comply with the order
to spray or disinfect the orchards or vineyard designated by the commissioners,
as aforesaid, it shall become the duty of the commissioners to cause said trees or
vines to be effectually sprayed with a poisonous solution, or disinfected, as occasion
should require, forthwith, employing all necessary aid for that purpose, and the
expenses for the same Shall be a charge against the township; and for said spraying
or disinfecting, the said commissioners, their agents or workmen, shall have the:
right and power to enter upon any and all premises within their township.
Sec. 6. If any owner, township officer, or commissioner, neglects or refuses to
comply with the requirements of this law as set forth in the preceding sections,
and within the time therein specified, such persons shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor, and punished by fine not exceeding fifty dollars, or imprisonment
in the county jail not exceeding sixty days, or by both such fine and imprisonment,
in the discretion of the court; and any justice of the peace of the township where
such trees or vines may be growing shall have jurisdiction thereof.
Sec. 7. The several commissioners shall be allowed for service under this act,
two dollars for each full day, and one dollar for each half day, and their other
charges and disbursements hereunder, to be audited, as well as any other charges
and disbursements under this act, by the township board, all of which costs,
charges, expense, and disbursements shall be recovered by the township from the
owner of said infected or infested orchards or vineyards, from the owner of the
premises on which said trees or vines may be growing, in an action of assumpsit.
bint provisions of this act shall not apply to the contagious disease Enoye as
yellows.
This act is ordered to take immediate effect.
Approved May 4, 1895. %
PILFERING FROM ORCHARDS.
AN ACT to protect vineyards, orchards, and gardens, and to repeal act number
181, public acts of 1869, entitled ‘““An act to protect vineyards in the state of
Michigan,” being section 9195 of Howell’s annotated statutes.
Section 1. The People of the State of Michigan enact, That any person who
shall enter a vineyard, orchard, or garden, during the months of July, August,
September, or October, without the consent of the owner, and pick, take, carry
away, destroy, or injure any of the fruits, vegetables, or crops therein, or in
anywise injure or destroy any bush, tree, vine, or plant, shall be guilty of a mis-
demeanor, and on conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment in county
jail, not more than ninety days, or by fine not less than five nor more than one
hundred dollars, or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the
court.
Sec. 2. That act number 131 of the public acts of 1869, entitled “An act to
protect vineyards in the state of Michigan,” being section 9195 of Howell’s anno-
tated statutes of Michigan, be and the same is hereby repealed.
Approved April 17, 1895.
‘
LAWS RELATING TO HORTICULTURE. 357
MARKING FRUIT PACKAGES.
AN ACT to provide for marking on packages, designed for the shipment of certain
specified kinds of fruit, the number of pounds which each of said packages shall
contain.
Section 1. The People of the State of Michigan enact, That all manufacturers
of peach baskets and other fruit packages designed for the shipment of peaches,
grapes, and plums, and all shippers and dealers in the same, shall mark or cause to
be marked, in a plain manner, on the outside, otherwise than the bottom, of such
baskets or packages, the capacity of each basket or package, in pounds, at the rate
of one pound for each 43.008 cubic inches of space contained in such basket or
package.
Sec. 2. Any manufacturer of or dealer in peach baskets or other fruit packages
designed for the shipment of peaches, grapes, and plums, who shall sell or offer
to sell such baskets or packages without complying with the provisions of this
act, shall be deemed guilty of misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof in any
court of competent jurisdiction, shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars
nor more than one hundred dollars, and stand committed to the county jail until
such fine and costs are paid.
Sec. 3. All acts or parts of acts contravening the provisions of this act are
hereby repealed.
This act is ordered to take effect January 1, 1896.
Approved May 31, 1895.
FRUIP “CATAROGUE 1690-7
ARRANGEMENT OF THE CATALOGUE.
In making the present revision few radical changes have been made and the same
plan of arrangement has been used; in fact with an occasional note the explana-
tions given for the last catalogue would apply to the present one.
So many improvements have been made, particularly in small fruits, that the
starring has been considerably altered.
Each variety is given a number in the column at the left and this is repeated on
the opposite page to prevent mistakes in carrying the variety across. In the col-
umns given up to the descriptions of the varieties, the usual abbreviations are used,
the explanations for which are given at the head of each section. As in previous
lists the columns headed ‘‘Use and value” show on a scale of 1 to 10 the value of the
fruits for the different purposes, but attention is called to the fact that, in the sub-
columns headed ‘“‘Dessert” and “Cooking” the quality of the fruit and its adaptation
to the purpose alone are considered, without regard to the productiveness and other
characteristics of the varieties.
In the third column under ‘‘Market” all of the qualities which go to make a variety
profitable for market are considered. If a variety stands high in the “Market”
column and has either the “Dessert” or “Cooking” that will bring the total to fifteen
or over, it indicates that it is a valuable one for the purpose noted.
From the fact that a variety does not prove equally valuable in all parts of the
state, the columns under “Locality” are arranged to show by means of symbols their
value in the various sections. When two stars (**) are given, it shows that the
variety is very generally successful and that it is one of the most desirable kinds for
planting. When one star (*) is used, the variety is one that has much merit, but it
is less valuable under most conditions than those of the first class; there are also
many sorts which will do well in some localities, but are not generally suc-
cessful and at any rate are of less value than those given one star; these we have
marked with a star (*) followed by an interrogation point (?) to indicate that they
are at best of doubtful value.
To show the sorts that are of even less value, but which have been found profit-
able in some localities and for some purposes, we have included them in the list, but
have left blank the columns which show their value in the different sections of the
state. In using the list one should select the sorts that bear two stars, if only a
few kinds are wanted, and, if a longer list is desired, the kinds that have the highest
marks in the columns of “Use and value” can be drawn from to complete the num-
ber, those with one star being as a rule most likely to succeed.
We have also included in the list quite a number of new sorts that seem to be
especially promising, and have marked each of them with a dagger (7).
In dividing the state into districts for the sub-columns we have followed the pre-
vious lists and have grouped the counties of the lower peninsula into sections as
follows, viz.: first district, the eastern tier of counties; second, the central counties
of the state, omitting the row of counties along the east, south and west sides; third
district, the counties along the south border of the state from Lenawee to Cass;
fourth district, the counties bordering lake Michigan from Berrien to Muskegon
inclusive; fifth district, from Muskegon county northward along the lake shore. In
reality the eastern district does not extend much above Bay county, although many
FRUIT CATALOGUE. 309
of the hardier fruits can be grown with success even to the north of Alpena, while
the central district can not be relied upon for the tender fruits for the counties
north of Gratiot.
As will be seen from the rejected list that is placed at the end of the regular cata-
logue, a large number of sorts have been excluded. Many of them have shown
themselves unworthy to be longer carried in the regular list, while others have con-
siderable value and have for a long time been known, but hardly a tree can be
found in the state, and, moreover, they are not offered by any of the nurserymen.
By rejecting them we are able to reduce the number of sorts mentioned in the cata-
logue and thus lessen the confusion that a long list makes for many persons. The
foreign grapes and nectarines are so little grown that it was thought well to leave
them out, especially as no changes would have been made in the last list.
NOMENCLATURE.
The nomenclature used in this revision is in accordance with the ‘‘Rules of Pom-
ology” of the American Pomological Society, and several changes have been made
that bring the list in harmony with the names recommended by the Division of
Pomology of the Department of Agriculture.
In preparing this list, errors have without doubt crept in and, that they may be
corrected in future lists, any person who notices any rating that is incorrect for a
given locality is urged to inform the writer.
L. RB. TANT,
Chairman of Committee on Revision of Catalogue.
Agricultural College, Aug., 1896.
360
oO et om TOF WMH | Number.
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
FRUIT CATALOGUE FOR 1896 AND 1897.
ABBREVIATIONS, APPLICABLE THROUGHOUT THE CATALOGUE.
Size. Quality.
1. large. b. best.
m. medium. g. good.
8s. small. Vv. very.
Vv. very.
Adhesion.
_ ¢. cling.
f. free.
SECTION I,—APPLES.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
value.
Scale 1 to 10.
Use and
PO LW
_
Oo
Form.
a. angular. o. oblong.
c. conical. ob. oblate or obtuse.
f. flattened. Ov. Oval or ovate.
1. lop-sided or oblique. r. roundish.
Description.
Names. ry
; B d
S A 5 = g
N ° ro) | S
09) ic @) Cc wm
AVOXanGernsezsocceustencerecesee vl rc gyr g | Oct. Dec
American Golden Russet.-...--- Ss r Ov yru b | Oct. Jan
Autumn Swaar. 22.2 2-28.22 cee=es 1 re oyruivg Sept.
Autumn Bough. sesaeceee ess ee m ca y v g| Aug. Oct.
Bailey’ Sweet.cs..2s.ceencseec ss 1 re ydr |v g|Nov. Mar.
Baldywintestse cee oe seee oe ee eeee 1 Tic ycro |v g | Nov. Mar.
Belimontees cess ee sce cee eee m rfe yv Vv g | Nov. Mar.
Ben Davis.2.2.3.225. e532 6-025. 52 m l re yr g | Dec. May.
BRON 2K eee ees skate eee reno ms/robc]|] ydec v g | Aug. Sept.
Black Gilliflowenr.22-sessssaca--c2 m oc gdr g | Nov. Feb.
BON REIN a)
oO F 2 a d mw | A o
E ee eee ae S 1 2)3(%
om = a
ZA aI fer 5 o a 6 Aldsls
AgwBredait ec. owen st eens oecbeeeee m r oO vel b. Aug. Eur Riel seals
2 ger lyaGolden ss. fee ooo ee ae ae 8 r Ov ro) vg] m. July. Am: 2) S65)\ eieaiseee
BA MATS OMVaTIY! ose be caasneateeeete m 0 co oO b m.July. | Eur IN| heroes eee
4+), MOOTDATE coc dense actetes une nacces ] 1 Oy b b. Aug. Eur. O CeCe es
Dil Gachics aotean oe aean er oecee et see aes vlj|rdco yo b b. Aug. Eur 10.) Seale.
FRUIT CATALOGUE. 369
SECTION II.—APPLES—CRABS.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Color.
b. brown. g. green. ru. russet.
c. carmine. o. orange. 8. scarlet.
cr. crimson. p. purplish. v. vermillion.
d. dark. r. red. y. yellow.
Locality.
F ela Remarks.
= O|m oO
S| || a (sslge
gi+ 2 a rs o|ro
B|2|8| 8 |Bx\ox
zlalola |pslas
1) ** | #* | #* | ** | ** | An exceedingly rich looking crab. Keeps well. Sells well.
2| *| *| *| *)| * | A vigorous tree, productive. Has the calyx large and prominent.
3; *| *| *} *| * | One of the most beautiful and prolific. Bears in alternate years.
4 | *k | ** | ** | * | ** | Unexcelled in beauty of appearance. Said to be less beautiful at the north.
5 | ** | #* | ** | #K ) ** | One of the largest, most productive and beautiful of the older crabs.
6| *| ** | * | ** | * | Very large, beautiful and excellent. Tree vigorous, upright, productive.
SECTION III.—APRICOTS.
Apricots are recommended for dessert or amateur purposes, with little reference to actual profit
as owing to occasional loss of the very early bloom, and liability to injury from extreme cold in
unfavorable localities, together with extreme liability to the depredations of the curculio, little
pecuniary return can be confidently anticipated from them. Since they are recommended oniy as
amateur fruits, they are not quoted for cooking or market.
Locality.
o|_o Remarks.
ei 1 2] . |ES|es
glz/2/ 48 lssigs
Blals| 5 |B4lS%
1|; *| *| *| *] *| Hardy, productive, excellent. Kernel sweet.
2) +t} +t] t{| +t] +! Tree vigorous. Branches long, slender. Freestone. }
3/ +t] t{| t+] +]! + ¥igorous. One of the best early varieties. Freestone. Kernel bitter.
OS a Sa One of the most popular. Stone perforated. Kernel bitter.
5| *}| *| *]| *1| * | Considered the finest variety. Stone perforated. Kernel bitter.
i
=]
370 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
SECTION IV.—BLACKBERRIES.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION,
Form.
c. conical. Ov. oval.
0. oblong.. r. roundish.
. Use and
Descriptions. value.
Scale 1 to 10.
Name.
be 3 é o8) hen tees
a ; e | 8) 8) ae
2 é| & s qa | 4 > |8\|8/%
5 N ° ° 5 S Fa o|6/8
7. wn oa 'o) o 7) .) AlolaA
Ae) A eran to theca eateries 1 ro b vg m Am. A eee eee |
21 Ancient Briton... 2.22.26. 2-.-.. 1 0 OV b \ig fee 1 Ark, oval Mal fo ea
ay\eWarly Harveste sco. b ccesscecece g ro b veg ve 111. 8 8
cA lied OG Koy GY Ko Papeeee es eee ee ee 1 ro b veg e Ohio. | 22/22 |2=
hd Oh p (pee See JO ak sh a ee eee 1 ro b Vg m Pa. S48 tee
6. Kittatinin yu eee ee eee 2 ee 1 re b b m Nid. 10°) 1027 7
7 | Lucretia (Dewberry).-....--.------ 1 0 ob b veg ve Va. om ees (ed
Soe Minneweaskttesss8e8 SP Soccl ee [ O OV b ve m ING Ys RW Ts) bef
SN ASHY. GOL cp oon este tne ae ae eeee eee m r OV b veg e Ind. 7 | 8 | 10
TOs Stone. 23: eee sets fhe ee ms r b vg e Wis el Bete ee (oh
Tb eP ey ler, sha seen Le os Ustte tn de ce wen 1 ro b veg e Am, 10; 10| 9
Ts | PNM La COer ee ea ces ecole eee 1 0 ov b veg m Am. D3) ale oe
13 | Western Triumph................ m OV b ve m 1 Am OF] OUEAS
14 | Wilson (Junior)........----------- 1 O OV b g e N. J 9 948
SECTION V.—CHERRIES.—HEart anp BIGARREAU.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Form.
a. angular. © conical, l. long. ob. obtuse
co. compressed. . ovate or oval. h. hours shaped. Yr. roundish.
The numbers under the head of “ cooking *’? recommend strictly for canning or drying with sugar
as raisins.
Use and
Descriptions. value.
Scale 1 to 10.
Names,
rs . es ap *
2 ba E »~ =)
2 : : + ql q we | Alo
: é| £ | 8 la) 3.1 gS ae
s N 3 iC 5 5 si a 2]
Z a fy e) 7) 7) S) o eGrita
1 | American Heart........-.----- 1 h abr g |mJune, h Am, 64) Re ¥
2 | Bigarreau, Yellow Spanish .---| vl | obhco] yer b e June b Eur. | 10| 9] 7%
6) Black Male i. venice set ne m | obh pb | bJuly |_h | Eng. | 9] 8] 9
2 sack AWE . Joo loc dtceeaawn oe 1 obhco | pb | vg} eJune | h b} Ohio. | 9| 6] 9
D | Black} Heart: 222200352022 seen ] h b vg]|eJune h Eur. 9} 6] 9
62), Black, Partanian. on csaseanecs w= vl obh pb vg|mJune|h b/} Rus, ! 9] 8] 9
(a\Oleveland -~ 3.1 2-225 2-42. see 1 rh ry vg_gzsim June b | Ohio. | 9] 6] 8
Sa DO WHET S foe oe cen peepee eens m | rhov ar ¥ 24 bIuly h | Mass.| 9] 6} 10
9-) Warvly Pabp ieso0 oe eae med m ph drp |vgj|bJune| h | Eur, 9| 6] 6
UCR CA cn aeneage | Me e afat 2 "GR ag ae NE 1 lh ybrr|vg{/mJune| b Bug: ae
11 | Governor Wood...........----- ] vh yr |}vg|{m June! h | Ohio.| 9] 6] 8
12:)| “Kirtland Mary. 22 o.cen-< seeaee ] rh ¥Y Treauvwe | bully b. | O10.) 8 ease (aan
io) Knioht Wary oo eee 1 obh dpbi|vgi{m June} h Eng. |-8| 6] 6
14 | Mezel, Bigarreau De Mezel....| v1 obh drb| g b July b Eur. | 6| 6] 8
Great Bigarreau.
15: "Napoleons c ss sco. pt eee ee vl lh yr g b July b Eur. 6} 6] 8
AG ROCKpORiz assess cece cee ebeaeee 1 robh ra b |m June b | Ohio; | 93 “Tsie8
17.4 Valine Sweet. --sos>..seees weaves 1 rh ry g | eJune h Russi || das) Seen
LST WVANGBOR Se la Ue eee | | eee ae RS oe b July b Nt, >| sowelda eee
FRUIT CATALOGUE. 371
) SECTION IV.—BLACKBERRIKS.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Color.
b. black.
w. white.
Locality.
| _o Remarks,
FS ; BS/E6
FI 8 | 4 |gza0
gi #/ ee] lSel¢eo
s/a|6s| 5 |S¥\o¥#
Zl/R/O|a |nalas
1} *j| *2 | *? | * |___.| Not fully hardy, but productive and fine.
2; *,; *| *] *1|___.| Strong grower and prolific. Well worthy of extended trial.
“ol ag DS ae eg Brunton has been disseminated under thisname, The genuine is claimed
to be hardy, but does best with protection.
4) *| ** |} */] *)| * | Plants hardy and fruit of good size.
5 | *2 | *2 | *? | *P |._..| A strong spreading grower. Productive in some localities.
' 6 | *? | *2 | *2 | *? | *? | Too well known to need description. Sometimes rusts or mildews.
AT Ee oe or The largest, most productive and best.
8 | *? | *? | *2 | *2 | *2 | Vigorous, hardy, productive.
Q | ** | #* | #* | HK | KK | Not large, but good. Very hardy and prolific.
10 | *2 | *? | *2? | *2 | *? | Bears heavily. Size rather small. Hardy. In Lenawee county equals
Snyder for market.
ly *| *| *| *| * | Nearly as hardy as Snyder.
...-| Nearly hardy; vigorous; productive.
13 |; * *| *)} *| * | Hardy, vigorous and prolific. Valuable in Lenawee county.
* | One of the largest. Lacks richness. Needs winter proctection.
SECTION V.—CHERRIES.—Heart anp BIGARREAU,
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Color. Class.
a. amber. cr. crimson, w. whitish. b. bigarreau.
b. black. d. dark. y. yellowish. h. heart.
br. bright. p. purplish.
c. carmine, r. red.
Locality.
{-?) oO
= d Ele : Remarks.
2 o - jogo
Sue 2) 2 acco
5ia|3| 8 |8¥io#
ZAl\H|Ola lasizs
1; *| */| *| *{J___.| Vigorous, spreading, productive; but variable in quality.
2 | ** | ** | ** | ** | ** | Downing says: ** Largest, most beautiful, and delicious of cherries.’? Often
cracks and rots in wet seasons.
3/ *| *| *| *| *| Excellent. Requires age before it will bear profusely.
4; *| *| *| *1].__.| Finetree. Fruit much like Bigarreau in its general qualities.
5| *| *| *| *| *{| Veryold. Tree large and hardy. The abundant fruit is of fine quality.
6 | ** | ** | ** | ** | ** | A rapid, erect grower. Prolific. Fruit very large and showy, but not of
the highest quality. Tree lacks hardiness.
7) *| *|} *| *] *)] A seedling of the late Dr. Kirtland, of Cleveland, Ohio. Tree thrifty,
spreading, productive.
8 | ** | ** | * | ** 1 ____| One of the finest and most valuable late cherries. Of New England origin.
9; *| *{| *| ** | * |. A moderate grower. One of the best of the very early cherries. Hardy for
a Mazzard; but tender at the north.—[Parmelee. ]
10} * | **| ** | * | ** | Originated in England in 1806. One of the best of its class and season.
11 | ** | ** | ** | ** | **# | Seedling of the late Dr. Kirtland. Every way desirable except for its
liability to rot.
12); *| *| *| *1|____| Seedling of the late Dr. Kirtland. Desirab’e for either dessert or market.
13 | *? | *2 | *? | *2 | *? | A week earlier than Black Tartarian. Fine quality. Tree spreading.
14 | *? | *? | *? | *? | *? | Supposed to be identical with Great Bigarreau and large Red Prool.
15 | ** ** | ** | Very large and showy. Very firm. Most valued for the market.
16 | ** ** | * | Seedling of the late Dr. Kirtland. Very highly esteemed. A good bearer —
* | *
«| *
17 t t/ t| t] t| A very promising sweet cherry. :
t/ t! tT] Tf] Promising, but less hardy than is claimed.
372 3 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
SECTION VI.—CHERRIES—DvkeE anp MoRELLo.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Form, Color.
co. compressed. ; a. amber.
h. heart shaped. b. bright.
ob. oblate. d. dark.
OV. oval. p. purplish,
Yr. roundish. r. red.
y- yellow.
| Use and
Descriptions. value.
Scale 1 to 10.
: Names. bat Be
fh . e on .
>) ba . »
2 ; ‘SI | | w |. |] ©
E 3 eae S|) oa e | eae eee
=| N i) i) =| S 8 ‘3h o| 6] 8
ZA a) om e) <) 7) is) © ‘las Ora
‘1 | Brusseler Braune...-..-....---- i rh pr ve|mdJuly.} m Rus Ti oO ee:
2 VP WOnTMaiOn- ascent cat 1 r ywr 2° ap Jaly.|ici cous ri? 6| 6
Bh | {ChOIS Wee tena ae cee aol. S | aa rob yar b |mJune.| d Fr. 10| 6
4} Early Richmond, Kentish..---| m rob diar ve|mJune.| m Eur 5| 91. 10
BNE ENIO. S sete oe ene ee 1 rob dr vg|mJune.| d | Eur. ie
Oil Date Duke 2 oes. owes Seas ws 1 obh dr |vgi|m July d | Eur. A. oe 6
7 | Late Kentish, Common Red..--| m rob ar g |m July.| m Eur. 4) 8 8
ON GND os hae oe eee eee eae m r r g July. m | s m m sh r 4 b
Wioodruit 3.22223 Ao eee sb l sh r r veg
W ordén 22.3 3.3 et 1 1 csh]| r b ve
WiVominge sito5. see oe 8 m c m |UD vee
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Berry.
r. round.
0. oblong.
ov. ovate or oval.
Use and
value.
Scale 1 to 10.
: : of, 07) 38
S a |s\/2e/38
aw A= a|'o| &
>) Lal ) [o)
D fo) Al/o/a4
b Sept N. Y. al REA Nf
m Sept. | h Mass (fe estore
m Sept. | h Mass Snleeee 7
m Sept. | h Mass.| 7 |-.---] 7
m Sept. | W.N.Y.| 10 |----| 9
Oct. Md. Ce oes 6
b Sept Am 4 | Sas.) a
Oct. N.Y + a ee ee
m Sept Mass. (fer es fed)
b Sept Mass. Bij seee 5
m Sept. IN Geel AO a] eee 9
m Sept ING WS Ose SSSI we
e Sept Mass. 6 | 232 6
m Sept Mass. 44224 48
m Sept N. ES | eee cae}
m Sept N.Y: Os iceen se
e Sept Mass Sizes 20
b Sept Conn Eero
Sept. Mass. Siseee 6
m Sept. | h Mass Suleee2 7
m Sept Ni, 10 alesse 6
e Sept S. Car 6)j/-2.2) G8
m Sept Ohio Fl al Phas)
m Sept Am. A EN ta
b Sept Ont. UBS es, Sa;
b Sept Kans Sait) ST.
m Sept Ohio LOM | nin
e Sept N. Y GY fe 8
m Sept. | h Mass.| 7 |}----} 8
m Sept. Mo. A ee (3
m Sept. | h Mass.| 7 |----| 7
m Sept. | h Mass.| 6|.-.-| 6
m Sept. Mich. Geek
e Sept. | N. Y. Pa RS a)
b Sept. | Mass. Cate SB
b Sept. Ont. ‘tl eee Reel
mSept.| N.Y. Fs ee fe C0)
e Sept. | N. Y. fae ee ae)
m Sept. | h Mass.} 7 !...-| 7
e Sept. | h Mass.! 7 ].---| 8
m Sept. | Penn. B Wdecet tage!
m Sept. | N. Y. RS eR EL
b Sept. Ver. Bt Pee) em
b Sept. Kan. ol PRE bra as CG
m Sept. | h Mass.| 7 |----| 8
bm Sept. Ver. |.10 [.2s.] 10
m Sept. | Mich. ie eee ig
mSept. | N. Y. Ti eee |
m Sept. | N. Y. Ci (ae ee |
FRUIT CATALOGUE. 377
SECTION IX.—GRAPES.—NatIve.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Color.
a. amber, Ls Sight: r. reddish.
b. black. li. lilac. w. whitish.
d. dark. p. purple. y. yellowish.
g. greenish.
Number.
Locality.
de ah
s HO}|HS
te - 1/00/00
eA Oo; 4 /Q7dm
“) ~~ Y |Y oO Fo
2/6 | 5 |5%\o%
H)/O|M |naAlaea
es ns
* * | eK | RK
*? * *? * Be Pate
** | RE | RK *
co) ee eI a A
** | #e | KK | wK | ke
Peles ts ile? |---
*K | ke | RK | RK | RK
* * * shel |S eee
*? *? * “|g
momen ee ee ue
* * * one
ae Se] he FP i.
*?
uee | | e
«| «|{[o«] «| «
Beenie HR pbi P| S|
Pees a ee ee
oa so] |
pees | | f
#2 | #2 | #2
gael ae |.
#] +) 92 |? 0
x | el ox] *
Re
*p | #2 | *p | #2 | 2
eh a a ed
* |e] ox] x] ox
t]t| +] +] ¢
#2 | #2 | #2 | 42 | _
x lax | ox | ox | ex
#9 | «2 | #9 | *p | #2
we | ak | ee | xe | x
“| el eo ee
#2 | ¥p | #2 | #2 [777
x | xk | ee | xx
*2 | #2 | #2 | #2 | *
*| *| «/] «a! «
a eS eo
*| «| «2 | 42 | *
ae) |e | #9
we | ee | ek | ee | ee
#9 | «2 | #2 | KD | #2
we | ok | ok | ae |e
*Vine hardy, productive.
Remarks.
Subject to mildew of the foliage. Rarely successful.
Keeps well after gathering.
Very well esteemed by those who have fruited it. Excellent keeper.
One of Rogers’ very numerous hybrids. Inclined to mildew.
One fourth foreign. Highly satisfactory. Needs pollenizing.
It is yet one of the best in localities where the season is long enough to
ripen it. Good two years out of three at the south.
Very early, vigorous and productive, but its poor quality condemns it.
Is seldom good or even passable till ripened by frost. Fruit best on high,
warm, gravelly soils.
Here, as elsewhere, this is the “grape for the million,” since it can take
care of itself.
Seedling from Concord, by E. W. Bull. Far from satisfactory.
Slow grower. Fully as productive as Concord when well established.
Fruit sometimes fails from dropping of the leaves.
Vigorous, healthy, promising as a variety for amateurs.
Rather foxy, with a thick, tough skin. One ofthe best keepers.
bearer on strong soils. Better on dry, warm soils.
Very large in botn bunch and berry—market.
Promises well for both dessert and market.
A good dessert grape. May in same localities do for market. It seems to
lack constitution.
Rather late for even southern Michigan.
Still prominent as one of the hardiest and most productive for early
.market; but very liable to drop its berries. Generally discarded.
Vigorous, hardy. Of fine quality. Valuable for amateurs.
Another of the Massachusetts hybrids, of fair quality.
Generally esteemed as the finest of our natives. The vine seems to lack
constitution, and is not generally successful.
An old favorite. Still popular where it is sure to ripen.
successful.
Valued for hardiness, vigor and productiveness.
Hardy and vigorous. Ripens with Concord.
Not satisfactory in some localities.
Promising early dessert grape.
Seedling of Concord, and as hardy and healthy; but not as vigorous and
productive. Quality superior.
Valuable in locations where it will ripen. Ripens with Isabella.
A vigorous and productive vine. But little grown in this State. Worthy.
Much sought for on account ofits color. Very sweet but too foxy.
aod ey avely vigorous and productive; like most of the hybrids, liable to
mildew.
Vigorous and prolific. Much like Wilder in quality and season.
Worthy of trial.
A good dessert grape. May prove profitable.
Vigorous grower. Excellent; especially for the north.
A thin
Is not generally
A good wine grape.
Much like Delaware, but less sprightly in flavor.
A promising white, market grape. Very vigorous, healthy and productive.
Hardy, beautiful. Rather late.
Promising here, but requires further trial. E ;
The largest, most attractive and popular of the Rogers hybrids. Vigorous,
productive. Bunches often imperfect. Mildews.
Hardy and vigorous. Ripening with Hartford and similar in quality,
Hardy, productive. Promises superior excellence.
Hardy. Ripens with Concord. Not of high quality.
A promising very early dessert variety.
One ot phe finest and most popular of the Rogers hybrids. Will do for
market.
The finest of the early white grapes. Green Mountain is identical with it.
Hardy, vigorous. A market grape only.
A week earlier than Concord and better in quality. Very desirable.
sl Pee ee ee Showy, but not desirable.
378 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Number.
COOR Sew wm eH
—_
SECTION X.—PEACHES.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Form. Color. Flowers. Glands.
c. compressed, Ov. oval. b. bright. p. purple. l. large. g. globose.
d. depressed. Yr, round. c. crimson. r. red. 8. small, o. obscure.
o. oblong. d. dark. w. white. r. reniform,
g. green. y. yellow. 8. serrate.
oO. orange.
ae Use and
Descriptions. value.
: Scale 1 to 10.
Names, z qd
Ce ee a ee g |#/#/%
A | =) 7 z q wv ° 7 A mm | 4
2.1.2]. 2.4) So es a Wael ed
| S) Oo) hoa D aM f= one be
AlbereGic ccc. Sees: m r ypr g 8 g f e Aug. | Fr. Gh 8
Alexander 2<<- 2.2.5... m r |gwriveg 1 g cf | eJuly. Ill. ft os 9
Ameden..-s2ueccu. 222. m r gwrivg 1 g cf | eJuly. | Mo. Lee ee
Barmay;rd. o.ctet oes. se mljr ydr g 8 ro f b Sept. | Am. Eh mey 9
Beer Smock........--- 1 ov r g 8 r f | mOct.| Am 6; 9; 9
Chilis! ae oe ease m jove|] ydr g 1 r f e Sept. | N. Y.| 6] 8 9
Conkling... .25..6.- melrov| yr |vg| 8 r ft °\| m Sept. es 9 bee 8
Coolidge. 825.-6—. . 1 r we \/vg s g f | m Aug,’| Maas, | (Oiicz) oe
ONG. see ee oeeee fh eesti | Spa || ee 8 ee | Pee e Sept. |) Mich. | =-23)2224)222-
Crawford, Early ...... 1 (0) yr veg 8 aed f e Aug. | N. J. | 91 10 9
Crawford, Late-.--.... vl r ydrivg 8 g f eSept. | N. J 8 | 10 9
OresDy 2. = acto ae ee m r ry g 8 r f |mSept. | Mass.| 8] 8 9
Druid} Hill ess 22-: 1 i gwr Db s g f e Sept. d LOD ess 7
MIMO 6 coe niceseweee 1 r dyr g s r f |mSept. | Mich.| 8] 7 8
Early Michigan..-.... e r wrivg 8 rg f e Aug. | Mich.| 2] 8] 10
Early Newington free! 1 re |ywr b 8 g i e Aug. |. Am. |) 10)}2-22)" 7
Hilbertaeea ee os25 2 cee 1 ro ry vg 8 r f bSept. | Am. | 8} -.| 9
Engle (Mammoth) ...-| 1 ro yr veg 8 g f m Sept. | Mich 8] 9 9
Noster. cot os.cesece cess 1 rd | dor jivg 8 g f e Aug. | Mass.| 8] 8 9
George the Fourth...-| m r |jlywdr| b 8 go f e Aug! | NOY. 10/2225
GoldtDrop sc. .25 cess. ml j|rov by |vg 1 r f e Sept. | Mich?|} 7] 9] 10
Grosse Mignonne..... 1 rdjigypr b 1 g f e Aug. | Eur. | 10] 9 6
BAO Se ee teens m Yr ewri ve 1 g fc | m Aug. | Ohio. | 10}....| 9
Heath Cling-....._.-- 1 joovlywrbivg 8 r c b Oct. Md. 9; 9 7
JACOUCS, 72- be oe een as se 1 re | dyrivg 8 r f |mSept. | Mass.| 7] 9 9
Kalamazoo...__.-.---- 1 ro by |vg 8 r f eSept. | Mich.| 8 | 9] 10
Reypert soe) ace e. 1 r we g 8 r f b Oct. | Am, Ci % 8
Lady Palmerston...--. ml r ydr | g 8 r f e Sept. | Eng. 5a ody 7
Large Early York...-| m 1 r wriveg 8 g f | b Sept. | Am 8| 8 8
LOWS] Stes eee m re lgwprivg 8 r f b Aug. | Eng Ses ns
Lemon Cling........-- l 8) Viree | Vie 8 r c e Sept. | Am 6] 7 8
OWilsieaeee Se 1 r wr g 8 r it e Aug. | Mich.| 8] 8 9
DIOOPE kaon oeele des Lvov we ve 8 g f |bmSept.} Mass.} 8] 6 8
Morris White-_--.-...- m ov|gwDiveg 8 r f e Sept. | Am 7} 10 8
Mountain Rose. .-..... 1 re wrfivg 8 g 4 bSept.| N.J.| 9] 8 8
Oldmixon Cling.....- 1 jrovijywr b 8 g c |mSept. | Am. 8.9 7
Oldmixon Free.-__-_--- 1 |jrov|/ywr|vg | 8 Zz f | m Sept. m, 8| 8 9
Red Cheek............ 1 rov| ybr g 8 g f |mSept. | Am CS le
Richmond.....-.....-- mlj| re|ydrjivg 8 T f b Sept. | N. Y. | 8/ 9 9
Pope ek lo Sak 1 r |ypink| b 1 r f | mAug.| Eng. | 9] 9 8
St wonnees ee seco osee 1 re yr vg 8 r f b Sept. | Am. Oe saen la,
Crane’s Early.
BAUWOWi ko eke eat 1 rd|ycr|vg 8 r is b Oct. ae 8} 9 8
Smock Free.....-.-..... 1 jovecloydr| g 8 r it Oct. N.J. | 6| 9 9
Snow Orange........-- m 1 r ;bydr|vg 8 r f b Sept. | Mich.| 6] 7 9
Stead ley.cis-c.ceeeeeees l rov| wr |vg 8 Tr f b Oct. | Am. Oa Ones
Stumipici=s2. eneeeeee vllro|jlwbrivg 8 g f e Sept. | N. J 8] 8 8
Susquehanna......--.- vl r yr veg 8 r f |mSept. | Penn.| 7} 9 6
Switzerland...........] m r yr Ve eee oe f e July.).| (Gas. eiceaiee eee
Trigwoph 22. so.vocceses m r ywriveg 8 g ii m Seéept.i|e-ecuces Cla haley f 9
MvOthiee Sonos eee eee m r wbr g 8 g f e Aug. | N. J 5] 7
Wi One eoceuocere ot oe m |oov y veg 8 g f bSept. | N. Y. | 8] 9 8
Yellow Rareripe.....-. 1 YO, |20 yr alae & 8 g f b Sept. | Am 8] 8 8
FRUIT CATALOGUE. 379
SECTION X.—PEACHES.
Since the peach is generally used in its fresh state, or for canning, which is only a mode of pre-
serving it in a nearly fresh condition, we have generally omitted to give values in the column headed
“cooking.’”? Throughout Central Michigan, except in favorable localities, occasional severe winters
prove fatal to the fruit buds of the peach, and sometimes,even to the trees, These facts can not be
_ properly expressed in the starring, and hence are disregarded.
Locality.
_ akla’ Remarks,
& z Olmo
2 8) 4|salaa
g Sle ls |SolSo
Bi/a| | 8 |Bx¥\jex
%iHlO!] wm lnaiZs
Date Sate +P | #P ee " one of the earliest of yellow-fleshed peaches, and only desirable for
that reason.
2; *| *| *| *| *| A partial cling, much like its supposed parent, Hale, and two or three
se ie weeks earlier. Profitable for market.
3 Be ls ke * | Almost exactly like Alexander in tree, fruit, and season of ripening.
4 oe a ae ** | When thoroughly thinned, size is large; often overbears, becoming small.
BG - . ig * | Preferred to Smock by some growers.
6 *| *| ** | * | Hardy; a good bearer and a profitable late variety on young trees. Lacks
quality. Losing reputation.
7) t/) +] t] t] t | Worthy of planting.
8 . * | * 1 One of the best pale-fleshed, early market peaches.
9 id at fi oe Tt | Grown and valued for market in Allegan county.
10 ‘| * | Very popular with both market men and fruitgrowers. Much used for can-
ning. Others often sellunderthisname. Bloom tender, hence uncertain.
be are a hana on light soils, and on young trees. Many placeit first
or profit.
12 t I A 1} t | A hardy and promising market sort. High colored but only of medium size.
13 y ----| An excellent late pale-fleshed peach that should be better known.
14 oe eg Gg Se Cre Tree and buds hardy. Shipping qualities best.
5 | y oil * | ** | Worthy of extensive planting.
- vad me as md *? | Sometimes clings slightly. A fine amateur peach. Fruit largeand beautiful.
** | Well worthy of trial. Hardy, productive and brings the highest price.
* | Promising. Hardier than Crawford.
* | A good market peach, but almost identical in season with Early Crawford.
*? | One of the best for home use. Too tender and delicate for market.
* | Probably an unrecognized old variety. Largely grown for market.
----| The true variety is cne of the most delicious of peaches.
** | A fine peach and a vigorous tree. Sometimes rots before maturity. By
many highly esteemed formarket. A semi-cling.
24 |----|---- *? | *? |___.| One of the finest clings, but needs a long season in this latitude. Very
25) .* Profitable, but not of high quality.
26 + se Has * | Highly praised by all who have fruited it. Brunson is much like it. |
27 |----|---- ? m3 ----| Does not mature perfectly in unfavorable seasons. Surer on light soils.
28 |--:- Pesan a i ----| Originated by the late Thomas Rivers. Promising.
29 * | Has not become generally popular in Michigan.
*? | Ripensin advance of Hale or Beatrice. Very high quality. At Lawton
said to sell well.
----| The largest and best of the yellow-fleshed clings. Does not sell well.
** | An Allegan county seedling. A very valuable market peach.
33 aes ah ner A beautiful and promising perch. May be valuable for market if productive
34 ee eae h ae * | Valued for preserving and canning on account Of its color.
35 ** | A valuable market variety. Highly prized where fully proved.
86 | *2 | *P | $2 | #2 | *2 | Where a cling is desired, this is one of the finest of its season.
a7 | Sinise * | ** | A very old variety, which still holds a high position as a market peach.
2 Bet a ee x * | An old sort. The parent of Crawford’s Early and Late.
39 * | A new and valuable variety. A few days later than Early Crawford, and
less acid.
* | An excellent very early sort; lacks color. Fruit large and beautiful, At
Lawton very profitable.
* | Identical with Flaters St. John, Crane‘s Early and Yellow St. John.
----| Will only ripen at the south with certainty; fails in unfavorable seasons,
-- -| One of the latest profitable market peaches in Southern Michigan. Valuable
*? | Similar to Barnard; bright in color, and slightly later. Must be thinned
to insure good size.
45 |----|----|----|---- .---| Excellent for either dessert or canning.
* | A large and beautiful market peach of fair quality. Very profitable.
ae | ae | ae |g | pProfite ble when it ripens fully.
ok
* | * | A promising market sort.
48 | *? | *2 | *? | #2 |__| A large, beautiful and fine, rather late peach. Lacks productiveness.
t| t | A seedling of Early Michigan and a promising early ye llow variety.
50 Pg bo ee Gee ee An early and productive white fleshed peach of only medium quality.
51 | *2 | *? | *2 | *? | *? | Said to be the most profitable variety in Mason county.
* | * | The genuireis a fine early peach.
380
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
SECTION XI.—PEARS.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Form.
ob. obtuse.
obo. obovate.
ov. Oval or ovate.
p. pyriform.
r. roundish.
t. turbinate.
a EI | | | ——————_ | | | ——_ | ——_
a. acute. e. elongated.
d. depressed o. oblong.
s Names.
~
F
5 BS
A mM
1 Angouleme, Duchess....-.------ vl
yA aay oan 8s zai ee cer 1
Ol SSATbLOb be ao eas see See eee oe 1
4 ‘Bloodgood! 2.2 o3---28 6 cee aoe m
ih ISOC Sec ceeee eesti ee eee ce cee nae il
6'-| BOUsSOCK 4552 s2e- ce ele beseeic ale 1
brandy WING eso scce cee cca Soccee m
Srl aoe WIN oe See eee Coes weer m
OA Clairveau ere cece ooo al Seeece 1
10 | Clapp Favorite_............-.-- 1
i Colum bier. Ncescte oc cee ]
12 | Comice, Doyenne du Comice.-.-..| 1
1S) | PORN HLOVOYcsccec oon on cecoeees 8
14°) Dearborn i 22cee. state tense ee ese 8
ial IG ees. aes i fh a A es 1
16;>|: Raster Beurre--) os22- | #2
“ay gel st dil Waa
eh |
SP EP RP
“#2 | #> | #2
* | *> | *
* ** **
tenlict oe oe
E * *
* * *
& * *
* ** *
* * *
* * *
* * *
« * *
* * ok
** * **
* * *
7 A) ay Sl bo
helene eee
** ** *
*] #«] x
* * *
& * *
*2 | *2 | *?
** RK **
x] *&] x
* | * *
GP eS ES
SPF 2) FP
a ie
* * *
FRUIT CATALOGUE. 381
SECTION XI.—PEARS.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION,
Color.
d. dark. l. light. r. red. y. yeliow.
g. green. oO. orange. ru. russet,
Remarks.
When neglected proves unproductive. Profitable under good treatment,
and on dwarf stocks. , At north loses quality.
One of the best late autumn pears, whether for market or home use.
The leading market sort. Too musky to suit some tastes.
No garden should be without this. Fruit best when house ripened.
Fruit fair and even in size. Will bear to be planted for market.
Popular asa market pear. Also a good amateur fruit.
But little disseminated. A good early amateur pear.
ee on account of the health, vigor, and productiveness of the tree.
arket.
Scon becomes dry and insipid, after ripening. A showy market pear.
A strong grower. Fine large fruit. inclined to rot at the core. A good
market pear if gathered early.
Liable to drop or be blown from the tree prematurely.
New; gives promise of value.
One of the few winter pears of high quality.
Well known and esteemed, but too small to become very popular.
Fruit apt to be astringent on young trees. Should be house-ripened.
In a warm exposure and favorable season, this will be found satisfactory.
Better south.
Little disseminated. A fruit uf high quality.
Vigorous tree. Large, showy fruit, which decays soon at the center.
Drops, and sometimes scabs or spots.
Fruit requires to be gathered before maturity—decays rapidly.
On old trees, when well ripened, this is an excellent pear.
Excellent for the amateur.
Not as well known as it should be.
Quite freely planted and generally esteemed.
Promising. Much like Sheldon.
Not as freely planted as it should be.
In this climate only valued for market and canning and that only at the
south, but when well grown it is a very profitable variety.
Tree healthy and vigorous. Should be grown on dry, warm soils.
A good market pear. Should always be grown asa dwarf,
An excellent and profitable old variety.
The earliest pear of good quality. Sometimes slightly astringent.
One of the most desirable amateur pears of its season.
A promising late autumn and early winter pear. Bears young.
An early and abundant bearer. Lacks quality, ‘
A good, constant bearer of large, showy fruit of fair quality in most
seasons.
Tree vigorous, productive. Fruit sufficiently good for the market.
Fruit somewhat like Beurre Bosc, but more variable.
Chiefly valued for the kitchen. Trees, strong, healthy.
A new York seedling from Winter Nelis.
Tree vigorous and productive. Fruit excellent, but unattractive in ap-
pearance.
The standard of high quality among pears. Tree forms a beautiful pyra-
mid. Protitable when buyers come to know it.
A hardy, productive tree; and a good fruit for general purposes; not at-
tractive in appearance.
Very large and beautiful. Variablein'size. Not of high quality.
Both tree and fruit well adapted for the market.
An excellent and fine looking pear, but soon decays at the core.
The best and most satisfactory very early pear. Valued forearly market.
A fine pear. Sometimes a little too acid. Productive.
oat tree. Fruit grown to some extent for the market. A tardy
earer.
Too tardy a bearer. Is being abandoned; probably for this reason.
Quite productive; fruit handsome and of good quality.
Tree a eerete and productive; its greatest recommendation for this cli-
mate. :
This old favorite is seldom successful in this State as it scabs and cracks.
Much like Seckel but earlier.
The fruit if well grown and ripened, is scarcely inferior to the Seckel.
The tree must not be allowed to overbear.
382
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
SECTION XII.—PLUMS.
In the g rading and starring of plums no reference is made to the prevalence of the curculio in the
district; nor yet to the tendency of the variety to the premature rotting of the fruit or loss of foliage.
Number.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
d. depressed.
n. necked.
Names.
obo. obovate.
r. roundish.
Use and
value.
Scale | to 10.
Abundance. .--sc-5_s--cteccns
Bavay
DAIMNSONE: tes es Peewee
DuaneiPurples2- =. en see coos
Fellemberg, Italian.......---
Gilets Oe ere ancte a etee
Grand | Duke..-.:.........5-..
JOILGUSOM:- "sae ceeaceenceccense
Kingston. 22-2 eee on ce eeeeue
Lawrence Favorite......_---
Mom bard 2 ooo ee secre eee
Melaugchilin = 232-8. See.
Miner #25250 eee eee ee eee
Prince Englebert-.-..... .-....
Prince Yellow-....-....-..--.-
Quackenboss ........- -.....--
Ked Magnum Bonum....--.-
Shropshire Damson.......-...
Smith Orleans.._.............
SLANCOMSE SS onl soe eetees
ee eer
eee ee eee ee eee
Form.
ob. oblate. l. long.
Ov. oval. o. oblong.
Descriptions.
=|
°
< le
g om = ®
© Ry. BS) ES a
S iS iS) =} oS
Nn ic 6) Go D | *p | #2
ek | ¢ | x
*| «| x
eR | Ok | kK
elox| x
Bene
ee le ree ok
frre |) se
* * | x
Remarks.
| Northern
*# lake shore.
Very productive. The hardiest of its class.
Nearly or quite as fine as Green Gage. Tree a better grower.
** | A large handsome late plum, productive and of good quality.
* | Hardy. A good regular bearer. Shoots downy.
.--.| Similar to Abundance except in color.
** | Grows and bears well. A superior market variety.
+ | A promising Japanese variety.
*? | Probably an unrecognized old variety. Very hardy and productive in
Mason county.
** | Beautiful. Excellent. Perhaps may not ripen with certainty at the
extreme north.
? | Valued for market and enoking:
* | A slow grower. Productive. alued for preserves. Nearly free from rot.
* | Too soft and uneven in size for market.
* | Tree vigorous, spreading, branches smooth.
Promising, as it ripens ten days earlier than Bradshaw.
*? | Does not succeed well in Mason county.
** | Valued for drying and preserving.
** | One of the most valuable of the new plums.
** | New. Wherever tested it has made an excellent showing.
*? | The standard of quality among plums, Tree a slow grower.
*? | Tree very vigorous, upright, moderate bearer.
* | Productive, excellent; shoots dark, downy, vigorous.
*? | A slow grower, good bearer. Profitable at the north.
** | An early bearer, Very productive. Valuable.
*? | A seedling from Green Gage. Productive.
** | Tree vigorous, hardy and productive. The leading market variety. Tree
not satisfactory at St. Joseph. Too much grown to be profitable.
* | Nearly or quite equal to Green Gage. Hardy, vigorous, productive.
*? | Comparatively unproductive if standing alone. Very hardy. One of the-
best of the Americana species.
*? | Vigorous. Branches gray and very downy.
*?2? | Tree upright, vigorous. A moderate bearer.
** | Productive, vigorous. Branches smooth, grayish. Dorr’s Favorite of
Oceana county is identical with this.
** | Tree a great bearer. Valuable for market.
*? | An old favorite. Hardy, productive.
** | A rapid, upright grower; productive. -
** | The genuine has slender, smooth shoots.
** | Better than Damson for market.
* | One of the most vigorous; shoots glossy, reddish purple; very productive,
T | Worthy of trial as a late sort.
** | One of the largest and most beautiful, but inclined to rot on the tree. Free
from rot atthe north. |
*? | An uncertain bearer at the north; probably from imperfect pollenization.
A variety of the chicasa species.
** | A fine market variety, but rots in some seasons at the south, and as far
borth as Mason county.
384
Number.
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
SECTION XIII.—QUINCES.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Form.
ob. obtuse. p. pyriform. r. round.
Use and
Descriptions. value.
Scale 1 to 10,
Names. :
B di a ees
riot (Oe Pe fees = a m |e/e\%
N S) ) e] S a o|/o|8
n fy 6) Cc on) fo) Aloe
Cham pioni22. --cenatee eat ones ee vl ob p y Nov. Am 2231.28 8
NIEECH 2823-2 se es beabed ] robp y veg Oct. Nov. Nid. 2s aos es
Orange, Applet ees ese ecccese see 1 rp y ve Oct. Nov. Eur -.-| 10} 10
eine See SBE Ne i m |robp y Oct secu Orit LO
SECTION XIV.—RASPBERRIES.—Rvusvus Ovcuseieaere AND SUPPOSED HyBRIDS
RooTinG FROM THE TIPS OF THE BRANCHES.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Form.
c. conical. ob. obtuse. r. roundish,
Use and
Description. value.
Scale 1 to 10.
. Names.
i= j tel) s
2 Tee thee : a (5/2/8
= E 5 8 = & ae | o|aia
B N 3 iG 3 BS i o|o|&
Z a) fy ') <7 D o) Bl viet
1) Oe 2 8h od ce weaes ae es m r b vg m July. | Conn a. ee 6
2 WOEroume..: 2. cates saunas m r oy vg m July. N. 9/9 6
3‘| Columbian, (Red) ----.........--- vil r pr vg e July. N. Y 8; 10] 10
Ooh OT TRUIA Sw aniseg aS aeedn ee cd mae athe m 1 r b Veg July. Mich 8; 9 9
Da Wren Well? cou8 5s S52 ce canecoleeeee m r b vg b July. Conn Saha 8
6 | Doolittle, American Black....... 8 r b g m July. INGE Ys Bale 7
(ARMaUvNATt ssi 42 Seco ke loo. we tees m r b vg July. Oct. | Conn OM rovG 4
SS AAR ee Ste cee eels ane vl r b vg m July. Ind 7/°9)}.N
Of REID OP Noe es eae tages cad wakes vl r b vg m July. Ont. 9/ 9; 10
DUI Ral e Dy) 4 ba) eae ee eS eee a m 1] r b g m July. Kan 6] 6 8
1L-| Johnston, Sweet 0 den acccws coeine m ca b g b July. N. Y. 4| 4 i
IOP | (Range oso. co ress ecn eee aeee m 1 r b veg b July. Kan 808 9
13 |} Mammoth Cluster, McCormick..| m1} obec b vg |July, Aug Am 6; 9 9
14 | Muskingum (Hybrid?)........... 1 r pr vg m July. Ohio. 8| 9 8
15:3) Nemaha- noo -eee oes eens 1 rob b g m July. Neb. 5] 5 9
16 Oona eae coe ke eee 1 r b g meJuly. | Ohio. 8; 9 9
Ti (hOld ere er ee eae eee m 1 r b veg m July. Iowa. 8} 9 9
16 APalnier:. As wee see aces | m r b veg b July. Ohio. 8| 9}, 9
19 | Shaffer (Hybrid?) ........-...---- r pr vg meJuly INGaYe 8; 10}; 8
20 |): Souheran, ‘Pyleniscs sce cece weee ne | m r b g bmJuly.| N.H. 8; 9 8
‘Number.
Locality.
qe ae
S HO|HS
fh - |od/o00
Oo} 4 |quj\qa
~_ ~Y |e odie oO
a Bios 6e4
2/1 lo8\58
O11 |NAlZa
* * * SPA
oo) ee ae Ie
ee | eK | bE
mia) Ml oe
wm ODO
FRUIT CATALOGUE. ) 385
SECTION XIII—QUINCES.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION,
Color.
y- yellow.
Remarks.
An early and prolific bearer. Very downy. Very late.
Said to be very productive and of superiol quality.
Well known and universally approved.
Larger than the Orange and equally good. Tree thrifty.
SECTION XIV.—RASPBERRIES.—Rvsvus OccipEnTALIS AND SupposeD Hysrips
Number.
¢
RoorinG FROM THE TIPS OF THE BRANCHES.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION,
Color.
p. purple. r. red, y. yellow.
}
4
Remarks.
| | | | I ee
b. black.
Locality. |
©|_o
. aSlh&
H - |od)o9
Oo} 4 |qQ2\do
~ ~~ IY O|Y oO
S| § |bM) ex
UO] |InalZe
cal mace
| a
x] *« |] *x] x
ae | ok | ak | ek
e] «| #] x
a} *] «| *
A | ORK | RK | KK
** * *
Of medium quality only.
Supposed hybrid between Idzus and Occidentalis. A family berry.
Hardier, healthier and fruit firmer and of better quality than Shaffer.
One of the most promising of the new early sorts.
A new and promising early variety.
Desirable when great hardiness is required. A little better than Souhegan.
Fruits on new canes till killed by frosts.
Larger than McCormick. Is now the leading Black Cap.
Nearly as large as Gregg; better in flavor, and clear black in color.
A very popular sort.
Very seedy. For this reason profitable for drying.
One of the largest medium early black caps. :
Plant Moa vigorous with stout thorns. Very productive. Formerly very
popular
Apparently an improvement upon Shaffer. Fruit firmer.
Much like Gregg, and claimed to be hardier.
A profitable market variety; good for drying. Very hardy.
A promising new variety.
The best early Black Cap. : f
Enormous grower and bearer. Fruits ripen in succession. Superior for
canning.
A good, early, market Black Cap.
386 . STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
SECTION XV.—RASPBERRIES.—Rvusvus Ipmus anp Stricosus, INCREASING BY
SucKERS OR SPROUTS.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION,
Form.
c. conical. ob. obtuse. r. roundish.
Use and
Descriptions. value.
Scale 1 to 10.
‘ Names. ;
he ° tet)
a ts S 5 = ‘ I s
E ribs ste die eR? Eee % @» |2|3/4
=) N 3 ° 5 $ he o|/6/8
Z a fy ) o or fo) AlOlAa
Ic Brandy withtss: oss secnec ce eas m |robc]| br ve July. Am Sai 9
2 ‘Clarke so. 50 eee ee fee no od] ee c be g e July. Conn 8] 8 7
3 | Crimson Beauty..........2.-.-..- m re be vg b July. Kas. he 6 8
A Cutb pert. 22eese ere cco wees eee tk snk l re be b m July. INCY: $1782.10
5 | Golden Queen.___.........-----.-- 1 re C0) b m July. Neds 8} 8 9
6. (Hansell 2 seg oeeeee cae. eeese 8 r r g b July. Nee! la VE
Pi) Oud ...cpNscks oan cece wend e re be veg m July. Wis. 8 | Siisad
Ole DARI DOTO S22 oe ets anne Seed 1 r r gz b July. N.Y. 7) 0 9
9 PRRCOLoweccacesic ea ae oe 1 c oO b July. Penn. | 10} 10 4
ROwteg er sco scare Ji ied ene eo. 1 r br ve m July. Mich. 9| 9 6
Slo Reliante ce se-ccccceessceseae esos m r br g e July. N. Y. 9; 9 8
123| MROrnGr Mio ssc cee een sone eee m r br vg July. I. 9/| 8 9
SECTION XVI—STRAWBERRIES.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Form. Color.
c. conical. o. oblong. b. bright. p. pale.
co. coxcombed. ob. obtuse. c. crimson. r. red.
. long. OV. Oval or ovate. d. dark. 8. scalret. -
n. necked. r. roundish.
Use and
Descriptions. value. -
Scale 1 to 10.
: Names. Es;
. 5 e tel 1] e
2 : a £ 5 8 a 5 5 2
E 61 Bye she ag ieee a m | 2/314
— ° = ov
7, wD r= Sl|e|/a]eé D 3 als|s
Ae VA phase ee sces Som cece se m ove r g b m 9 June. Ont 8| 9 6
2 | Beder Wood.....-..-.--.... 1 re c g b mi’ i) Oa Til. 7 | 20)" 10
3) Bid well.) 23a) te: vli len} bs | ve b ft 12." t* Mich. 9 6
41 Boupach No. 6225..22.0026: vl jobre|be|vg p m, | 2 \* 8 | 24 10
& VP Gresceitsees «cies ctetes ee 1 c ds g |bobs; s ia Conn f 9
6 | Cumberland............... vl |robc| be | vg b melGde. * Penn, | 91753 8
Y | Enhances occee cee deeeee 1 cco dr g b f iba Ohio ye a
S| Epping to scess coo see mI) rd.e,| bs g p f 1Gar re INGE Sissel eee
9 | Mureka.<.22:220 vl oc beivg p 62-0 I ee dad Ohio Bites 8
FRUIT CATALOGUE. 387
SECTION XV.—RASPBERRIES.—Rvusgvus Ipmus anp Srricosus, INCREASING BY
SUCKERS OR SPROUTS.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Color.
b. bright. c. crimson. o. orange. p. purplish. r. red. 8. scarlet.
Locality.
¢|_o Remarks.
A . SS\ES
S| .| | 4|g2/32
Alelals leslie
=) a cS)
Zila lo| oa lacizs
1 | #2? | *2? | *2 | *? | *2 | Its beauty, size, color and firmness are strongly in its favor.
et Wh all aed | RS a Anearly red. Does not set well. Not fully hardy away from lake pro-
tection. Unproductive on southern lake shore.
3 | *? | *2 | *P | *2 | *2 | Not self-fertile. Must be planted with other varieties,
4 | ** | ** | #* | ** | ** | Very firm, productive and hardy. Has come to be the leading market
variety of its class.
5| *| *| *|] *| */]| Like Cuthbert, except in the color of the fruit.
6; *| *} *] *)| * {| Hardy. Lacks vigor and productiveness.
7 | ** | ** | ** | ** | ## | Plants hardy and productive. Fruit large, firm and of good quality.
8} *| *} *|] *| *{| Fairly vigorous and productive. Is being extensively planted.
mete 1 te | 2 | ¥2 | FP i ae at winter protection. Unequaled for amateur purposes; but very
ender.
10 | *? | *? | *2 | *? |_. ..| Highly esteemed where fully tested. Canes not always healthy.
11 | *? | *? | *2 | *2 | *2 |. Berries good, even size. Profitable, but its color is too dark.
12 | *? | *P | *2? | *? | *2 | Very hardy, productive. Suckers profusely. Lacks firmness. Old but
still valuable.
SECTION XVI.—STRAWBERRIES.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THIS SECTION.
Sex of blossoms. Texture. Season.
b. bi-sexual or perfect. f.. firm, The date (in June) of the ripening of the first perfect
Dp. pistillate. m. medium, specimen is given in each case as the most con-
s. soft. venient mode of indicating the relative season.
Locality.
: eae Remarks.
5 s|] .13al za
2 -| oO] 6 lo ala@m
gsgie|e| ee lSeoleo
5|23]8| 8 |os|/6é
Zl/alO| a laeizs
1 | *? | *?2 | *2 | *2? | *? | Hybrid of the late Chas. Arnold. A fairly productive early sort for home
use.
2| *| * | ** | ** | * | Plant healthy and vigorous—Market.
3 | *? | *2 | *2 | *2? | *? | Does not always ripen well at thetip. Valuable no longer.
4 | ** | ** | ** | ** | ** | One Of the best varieties for market. ;
Peed er uk | OF a! vigorous plant. Very prolific, but lacks quality and firmness. Foliage
ealthy.
6| *| *|] *| *] *1| Excellent as a berry for home use, or for near marketing.
7 | ** | * | eR | HK) FE] One of the largest and most productive late sorts.
8 i +! t!| tl +t { Promising for market.
9 | *2 | *2 | *? | *2? | *? | Bears profusely. Will not remain long on the list.
388 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
SECTION XVI.—STRAWBERRIES.—Conrtinvuep.
; Use and
Descriptions. value.
Scale 1 to 10.
: Names.
fea ° ro) : e tli] as
F) ; 2 | 3 5 8 2 g/a\e
g es Seale fan al a m | a als
5 aS C Bi = a er ge 3 2 Be
Z na fy 6) oS 77) Bw 79) fo) Al. es
OS (Gandy: lo bh ee ees vlJ{ obe be | vg b m /|19June.| N. J. Ue ae 9
11 | Gem (Nehring).-....--..-- vl c br g p 1 eee| Urge LD Til. Gita salrne
12 | Greenville__.....-----..-.- re be g p me Tite ss Ohio. Sse
13 | Haverland.___..-...-2_.--- 1 oc be| vg p 1 tha |G) es Ohio. i ieee | ee
14 | Jersey Queen.-....._...... m obe c g p m | 1b--** N.J Repro
1G JOSSIOn cco eee ee vlJ| obe be|vg b ne Cl UC Wis. Le Se ec
16 | Manchester....-..-.....-.- 1 cr Cc g p £26 ares N 8 8
MinoMarcshalls ese tees ce vl1l|oce)| bg g b m, | 16 9% Mass I Peel boys
18 (Miner e028 See ye i re c g b Fa Boe bel EO eek N. J. 8 Fe i
19%) SMt. Vernon... 5.202.2o ct 1 cr bs g b Mm Qe t es «fs Fe (fad We 8
29 | Mrs. Cleveland..-_--..-.... 1 ea pee big es2e2 Dole prs 28° Ohio. 6 | eclb8
21 | Parker Earle...-....-.-...- m 1 le c Vv b forbes es Texas 8 jcc Sele
CPpA| BE OR=Y)) i) Diya RSS i SRS EE m oc Cc b b m /}16 ‘* N. J. 9) | ee
23 | Saunders.-.___-...-.-------- 1 c c ve b perk sen Ont. (a) 9
24 | Sharpless, Ontario........ vljocco| br|vg b mm ables os Penn 8. 2a eS
26 .| Shuckless: 22 2.42 on eee eee ocho c eo ce eho See | Soe eee oe ee
26' || Timpbrell-s 22... eet so] ccc ce eS ee Sec cee ec oe) ok eat] ee ee
27 | Triomphe (de Gand).-.--- 1 |robc|! br b ag NG Pe Bel. 10 occ sie wo
Ss | WAG eos co se eee Be m re c veg b 5 Ran i) Ly eats Mo. Se EAE ely
29 | Warfield No. 2.._..---..--- m c dr|veg Pr fo S|: 1Bne 8s Ill. te ees fea}
BO AIAG 205 do" 5 one ce l re de b CRM ie © bg ag 6] 9 9
American Beauty
American Pippin
Anglo American
Aunt Hannah
Better than Good s. ... aston ccpsneet-aeeve ae Hall
Bolt Bree rca ad a MSC RGAE coR Harvest Red Streak .........-----ss2sesee
Bush. ---esss cose sivcessecceccececcceeccncc| 1899 || Herefordehtze--.. .--0----cee scenes ese
= og Island Sweet....-5 -.-...-ote--seceenee
Cabashea...-. 2... -----0----20- 20reee soneee 189"! Folland Pippin...
Canada Remoette: cu. ce ccdvusccclcccleuesese 1895 || Hollow Crown.......--.-----.-- -----+----
OGhronicalt:2.0 2 Se eee ea i ee 1890
Oraie*s Aas ust oe. ee ence eee 1888 || Horse. .cs22....... 5.252520... J iseee eee
Cumberland Spice............. . 2.0. ----00- 1893 || Housum’s Red..-.--........ Jo.cccceeenemee
Danielit22 35 tego hacen ese ee. eae 1890. || Hunt. Russett.2-c252......L 6 beeeeeeeeere
Detroit Black
Detroit Red
SUMMARY OF REJECTED VARIETIES.
List oF APPLES.
(The dates, 1893, etc., show the year the variety was dropped.)
Names.
Beauty of Kent
Belle et Bonne
Bently Sweet
-See eres cosese es
aoe ene als Beas 1879 || Fort Miami.-_-.--....--
on cc eene wana ccnss 1893 |) Foundling
ween enna co eenen ee Fourth of July
werece cweeesanan= oa Gabriel (| adies Blush)
ene Soe nnans sascen 1 9 Garden (Comstock’s)
we ener anne cecenen 1893 || Green’s Choice. ....-..-.---- -----0---- 2-2"
Se pect eee ERE 1893 || Hulburt ......-.......-.
BR aT Date 1893: |) Indiana Favoritet..2--2-\ 2c... cee eee
Year. Names.
eet ee Pee 1893 || Drap d@or.2...-- 225. $s. cae
SUE > Sa py BBs 1893'|| Early Long: Stem..:.---- 2222222.
a ee BW ae 1893.|| Evening Party .....:-cgee-see see eee eee
Sy Te ee 1890 || Flower (of Genesee).-....-..-..--.---------
ee
_— | ——_ | ——. | —— ] ————] ——
weee [www e | em ee | ewe ne] we ee
Locality.
42
LA; a
eo Se
o | 8 | Be
Ola |as
A *K *
*? *? *?
t| +] +
** a *
*? *? *?
*? *? *?
* *? *?
+| +1 4
*9 *? *?
*? *? *?
* * *
KK #* *A
*? *? *?
* * *
* * *
*? *9 *?
*? *? *?
*9 *? *9?
IK kK *
* * *
Northern
lake shore.
FRUIT CATALOGUE. | | 389
SECTION XVI.—STRAWBERRIES.—ContinvuEp.
Remarks.
Desirable late market berry. Good dessert fruit.
Plant exceedingly vigorous and productive. Fruit very large and showy.
Very promising for local market.
| Plant vigorous. Proves valuable in many places. Stemweak. Fruit soft.
Variable. Sometimes productive, but is little grown.
Highly praised when produced, but not generally productive.
Has been a leading market berry.
A highly praised new sort. Requires strong land and good care.
Vigorous and productive in some sections.
Very highly praised as a market variety by some growers. Quite late.
An Ohio seedling of fine promise.
Of good size and quality. Hardy. Very productive. Valuable if given
high cultivation. i
A promising fruit of high quality. Subject to rust.
A promising market variety, originated by John Little of Ontario.
Is attracting much attention. Lacks firmness for distant marketing.
does best in hills.
Introduced with high enconiums, but of little value.
Generally a failure.
aka men excellent. Must be grown in hills to warrant success for
market.
In plant and fruit much like Captain Jack.
A vigorous plant. Very productive. Best for market.
Colors early. Only good when fully ripe. Later pickings fail in size.
Formerly the leading market berry with the mass of growers.
SUMMARY OF REJECTED VARIETIES.—Continvep.
APPLES.— Continued.
Names. Year Names Year
wetrerson County--------£-22.----..2...---- SOs ||| PEROPRCRS sate es ie OS ee ee et ee ete 2 1888
JEG ECE; Sosa ee er 188s" Pompkin, Russet. --:..cc-4..2-5-20-ees555- 1888
ENO RCO a ee re LS9s3 | WOuarrenden. 26202 fo. a se caackods=sance 1893
LOGIN acco SOT PRO DCCCR Es etc eee ee ee oe eee 1893
LOI nu ts 6 ee TSOP CHATARONY--o.t=2c cue eceetewe te ck ee 1893
[vine linayt Lo. Se eS ea SBS Waive neereee = es oe soe eg ee Ae 1888
Lancaster Greening...... EAT Pm en eee 1879 || Rose Red (Autumn Red).--.---.-------.-- 1893
TE 26 | aay Sig eT) 1 1893 || Scarlet Pearmain--.._-....-....-----.----- 1893
LOD IRG LO a Sees ey SOs siSine! OWwarwNOne-- os. s-coe be wees nee eee 1893
SUD GO a eels as Ges Se ee No BinllisisNbbevegsou bes oYa | Se Sa a eee Se Se eee 1893
PIELE SHON Pee ere eee a eee wk cee eescnee TSOS IM SOMOEESCHCUNG Ve) oe. c-nocckescucedcece acon. 1888
May (Seek-no- further)..........-..---..--- 1B9Si4|||POVICEG SWeCbl2= las. c.; cacseeueeddslacueees 1890
Sgn SO ee et enc Uc wickin econ ee cewe ne BOSH Stillmaie cess. fo le one n oe eere ee tect ckeccee 1893
Melt-in-the-mouth.....-.....-....---.------ 1888 ;| Striped Belleflower........-.-.------------ 1893
Thgyn se SE Be aE ae eae eae 18957 Summer Pippin.-222-5...j2.2-22- soceee fale 1893
INE wank Pippine 222.2. .clel. eee -..-| 1888 |} Summer Rambo, Rambour...--.---------- 1895
NC Ree C Ke eee ee en oo cece cee we anes 1893 || Summer Rambo (Mich.) -....-....---.-.-- 1893
INOTthnern Sweet. -....2....-..--.- -2...----- 1888 |} Summer Bellflower (N. Y.).--.-----.------ 1888
(Ovinehuyestey 125 (0) ota ae ee ee 1893 || Summer Greening.-.........-...-.-------.- 1888
Ortley (White Detroit)..._.-.....-...---_--. 1893 |} Sweet Baldwin... ._....--.-...----.------- 1888
ethos) Orel ed 055 ee ee ere een eee 1893 || Sweet and Sour...-..-.... ...-..---.-------- 1890
Pound Royal (Winter) .-..-----.-- pent Sot 1 HBOS lS weet Ramos. .Ssetseses ool cc oeesecees 1893
390 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
SUMMARY OF REJECTED VARIETIES.— Continvep.
Names. Year. Names. | Year.
APPLES.— Continued. Red Heart... 2. a eee 1888
Sweet Vandevere......-----neeee-n--n-ne0e 1808 || Rivers ‘Amter 7 ae 1885
wee MiCGAN coe. cc ee etc ee LD OL. ~~ =a - = wa ene wwe eennn= anne
Table (Greening) VIE EON Leas Sane 1888 Rumsey 8 Late, Morellos..2.2-2e eee 1885
People Indign Yo i:.% nese ete eee ae eee 1893 Sparhawk. oY DUS ee 1993
radescant.-..-522) 52-0 ee eee 1888
Wolncle nae | ES | rensperent G@ulene. so 1888
Washiteton Royalso.- 2 cscs oo cccnccnnc. 1893 || Lecumseh.-....--------...0nnnnnennne enenne 1893
Water... ---ee- onneee ene ences en neee ee eeee- 1893 td ie reat iS bee eee Hes
ite Tartarian -:.-).~ co. see Geen eee 1888
Westra Spy cern] ago || Weilitnsom. anos 2 oo eceacecene 1888
Wetherell (Sweetie et 2 ew cee 1893
Whitt Doctors... 52 2e se eek nw co nene .--| 1893 CURRANTS.
. Anger’s (Fertile de Anger)........__..-.... 1893
White Juneating cox. Stee ok. cece 1890 1Vec:..ctene ee 893 _
ay nite Sb ners woe Weta et ee ae We Hative 1
Fitter Pippin (Mien jos.cp 2 ove cccee eed RAPES.
NV ARLOE (PAT AG ISG 2. base cee sc cera On em nesoap 1893 ‘Alten te a 1888
AWinthrop-Greening 2523. ww tecoee 18938 Alyey io. oe ee 1888
APPLES—CRABS. Belvidere rt 2
Brigra*Sweeto5. hace ee eee 7 Black Hawkuiock. 2 eee eee 1888
RO a ign LSS) A el as OR SS 1 5
Red Siberian: sso eee a ee eee 1893 || Canada (Arnold’s 16) ..... .-....--.--..-.- 1893
Boulardec. 3220 so ee ee eee 1893 |} Cornucopia (Arnold’s 2).__...-...-.---.-.- 1888
Creveling:.2.: 02. ee eee 1893
APRICOTS. Croton ..: 22.025. 225+-- <<. 4500 ea
ehatet dade Seg dee ee bee Elvira ~-...---------22--22--e2eees eeeee eee
e BSECWINCG oe oon ese eee et eke Se eee : AL) oe ee eee 1893
St..Am broise--.-.--- on... -- 2.05 -5--0--4 0-5 1893 lle ago al ‘ : AIOE Sf 1893
WER CY. in cmeais wo one weed een tecenis ansee 1893 || Tsraella.......... cc csse eon eee 1293
Kalamazoo... 3 .22322c . oe eee 1893
BLACKBERRIES. Mottled.............. ow ee 1888
IBATNATOS Seo We 2s, oe ee ae aN aes 1893
ELSON lie ae ie” SURE eer SINE LESS, 1s90 || Newt (eo hk) ao tee eee as
Dorcheeterys-<5.700 2060 sh see wben eee ecu 1893 || Norton’s Virginia... ....--.-.--------------
Wachusett 1893 ,| Othello (Arnold’s Ist)..........---......--- 1888
White Seedling_.....-..--.------«---.-----| 1881 || Perkins.--—-------------------- 2-20. e0e-=- 1893
DEWBERRIS. BN wane ence enn eee eee eee ee enee oe a
Barbie sch ct Serer ee eee ay 1893 '|| Roger's 20....-22.. 2c ices ese nee 1888
I IIGED oor nn ed wae aaa ee ee 1893 || Senasqua....~. 2265-ccSacccee sence 1888
CHERRIES. javlaes Bullittic uc ntes eee pe
Arch Dukes. ...--2-2-eeeeeeeeeeeroeeeeoe 1898 |! Tinton Villagessocwvcsssssessosceee] 1088
Batiier’s Yellow... .5.>..-c---cecn~one cone 1888 iva. 1888
Bauman May 1893 York Madeira... .-------------------=-+-- 1893
Belle D'Orleaie -caos-ccsscocssescssosenece| © 1808 |] NOMCE aona-n- aaa oe
Brant... .-..2.-------- 2220+ senses eeeeee eee: 1893 NECTARINES.
Red. Romanc | NE ee 1805 12S ask hy 7 ee ee as 1895
PSI CATO Weccenc cs ccce cane eenecadesco 188
a ti apg Bie eames geen |peeek. Deflance.. 2.20 J... 26 --nne ened cccss- 1893
ie ae 1888 ee iss evar eae a ee i
eas 8 oyden (Se OVOGR i. asewe tee
Bese hnn arr down =n none cnn i Bright Pee 1893
I ae Ug) Ae as ee at aCe een ee, eT
E25, Sea 1895 Burr Oak........ 222. -------- 2.2. ---02--50- 1883
| Gees || Burr's New Pino._..c.. aetna. 1888
"SST US Su a a ee 1895
CE pee | Rae oi eso ened denen an ees 1883
el 1583 |} Centennial Favorite..--.......-..........- 1883
etidee wart T yo ee Chari plone: ease sat css ee set ae ee 1893
BLACK CAP. OBO WHINE. Sooo cys cnds wee ew 2 cecictes 1895
pen White....-.-....-....--...------ pes RREMRR eeper key kh kon Lb. 1893
te Bee pire nes oe OOo oe Was ece ots oes atrene'a sn 1883
ee eee ee
BOAO ~~~ 220 ~~ 22 ene won e ne owen nee n ene Gaimaan Clistercs. 8.2.25. ce asck ve woctecne 1893
Florence ...........--.-----2+. +--+ -+-0+0---- RPS.) Criminen Cone... ...1-. 20 ..s nu 1883
RR eee oe os scan eccuwn omen 1885
Golden Thorniass...... 22222022 72770777: ln a on
emia Kverbearing...........-..--.------.- Le | EOS” eS eee ie a aa re 1883
Miami ~~... --..---2seeoneeeeeen eee eneeee oe CL ORR OR De a ST RITE 1893
New Rochelle__-- 202 side 2 RN a UN NESE
CD 1888
eae aa me emnata so Ser 1898
PINON ETI one aie cn canine we ncne oo ne “jess ofall MRO Sede an ama oh
Seneca 1888 Early Hudson. .....-...------------00---++- ee
Spee = naan esi aaaas acewns ME DOUERG cer eas oe Liss eet ae ink SRM
Sete eeerena ea )--- 8-2 n= = 22 - =-= 1888") Wessex. Beauty ......_....2..cclcuuccc eek, 1883
PEACHES. Beeeintnrs 6 ei 5 od Met Sa 7 1885
oh is a BG tl PU IGEOS ae en oo come ee os eons 1883
rE a SES eae 03S BONES E TLOSBe so 20 coats 5 cece ~ Sen 1885
oh SE 5 2 5 SE area 193.() Bowlers Seedling. -._.. 2-0-5 iden. o2-n 0 1883
ee ices (0 230 ee ee ee LISLE Re) Te Oey ad a ie er Gee oP 1883
Re eco ane ce ndce naan
Columbi 1893 Gone ae ee 1383
I Sa gee EURO) NS. 57 t1 a nO a
Coopers Mammoth......_....-_.......-.... Siar pitino Lee i 1890
(EE CO See 2 eee PCN EBLE seats 2) 2 ae ea Sa a ee Oe ee 1893
LE 6 ae en 1893 || Golden Defiance..................---.-.--- 1885
CL a) tS a 1893
is ee ee ce nee 1893
ES a ae ae eee 1893
Maree White Cling.._.-..............._... 1893
So Sc) ca a ir 1893
Late Red Rareripe._.............--........ 1893
ROPE COCR oe oso ee cone sewn n nn 1893
LS 2 Ga 1888
Sn eh ee Sa ern 1893
NEC cece merece ea anaes sie Oa a sie clain ate aoe
Piendersomisescuy sr Sees Noes steko
Hooker
Hovey
392 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
SUMMARY OF REJECTED VARIETIES.—Conciupep.
STRAWBERRIES.— Continued.
INICANOR oe Lo CERT awe es eee es 1880 i) Woodruthi. tee 2s eee ‘eadcste hee “x
Ingia ne sat sees. oa ee ee ea eee 1893; ||| Ohio J... --2 22 6 c8 2222S 2252
Jowar Prolunics octes cicero eerste 1888 || Phelps(Old Iron Clad)-...................-
Dewelli2iay ces. Bs Pe eee aes 1893 || Photo (Martha) :-.2 22-225 -seseenee eee
JMCUNGS oc Phos st eee ea eee 1898. || Pioneer. ic... icceses 35 sas ce eee eee
WOeEntuGky oes cose ee be oe eee roe eese 1895°||| Pres, ‘Lincoln.... 2222252220222
Krk wood si2e0 eos oo cee ae ee 1885 || Pres: Wilder.. 2. .:2. 322225 20 eee eee
TSR AY Gost nook Nik cree vanlsces on annabiend 1883 || Romeyn .. <2... 0 2-asode5 eo eeeeee
hiatee My. SCATICt 26.620. asncncen cnn teens 1883:||. Russell ... .. sc. .cc.jemncne. cca ene eee
Miennie’s: White: 6.2 -- aoe cce te masa 1883 || Russell’s Advance...........---.--.-------
Pinel lO 2s 6 sin ooane eee ao paca ecaeas 1890 || Scarlet Globe-._.c: . 2. 0s sscadeee beans
Longworths Prolific... ov. onc ecco. ese 1888 || Seedling Eliza...../.... Jol ogeeeueeeeeee
ToUNCKHMYSEo aac aa skse eee ee ae sec bec ouseoe 1883 ||) Seneca Chief:22:i:-:.. - 222.2 22eesoeeeeeee
NRO CIB Ne aes eee een Be ee 1893 || Seneca Queen ............------------------
Major McMahon cic cen sco ece ca caselcnwances 1883 || Springdale .-222-2022.-_-. 522232
Viste Viti = 2025 oe een eo ect ce cana 1885: || ‘Shirts _.....-..sscesee:- --55 Cee
Wier til ey bs Ste ee ee eS eee 1885 ||. Star of the Wests..2-:.- 2202 2ee2e eee
Bigg WE ine So Poe eae on be Cet cia wee datatoaee 1893) || ‘Star: icccic.5 “se see eee ae eee eee
Wetcalis 2s 222. Saeco eS Le oes 1885. || Sterling: 22. .-cccbee oe. oe eee eee eee
TYG EB oh SRE Sg a Ne ae pare Ores 1893 || Sucker State isso 22-5 canes poeee seen ee
MCh can 22 25 Se see eos aol eee eee 1885: || Summit: 32st aeeeeeee ease eee aiden mance en
PRIMM ESOGR 32 cee eo es eee enews ws coos 1885 | Victoria (Golden Queen)..-......-........
Monarch of the West.-....-....--...------- 1888 || Warren -...i225.4..:22) eee
Napoleon TL Sees ee ee 1883''|| Walden i225 22225222 6555.
INeW Dominion 2s -c5- 6b ceee ce eee eee 1893 || Wilding Seedling... ..........----....-.--
‘Windsor Chief-_2.-2:2¢..22_ eee i
New Jersey Scarlet.............----------- 1888 |
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS.
ARTICLE I.—-NAME, TERRITORY AND OBJECTS.
The name of the society shall be the Michigan State Horticultural Society, and
its territory shall be the state of Michigan. Its objects shall be the development
of an adequate appreciation of the peculiar adaptation of the soils and climate of
the state to the pursuit of horticulture in all its branches; and the collection and
dissemination of information bearing upon the theory and practice of the same,
as well as upon the arts and sciences directly or indirectly associated therewith,
or calculated to elevate or improve the practice thereof.
ARTICLE II.—OFFICERS AND MODE OF ELECTION.
The officers of the society shall be a president, a secretary, and a treasurer,
together with an executive board of six members, aside from the president, secre-
tary, and treasurer, who shall be ex officio members of the said board.
Said board shall designate one of its members as eer ee oe The officers shall
be elected by ballot.
The society may, at its discretion, elect an honorary president, whose term of office
shall be for life, said’ office to be an honorary one, without duties, and established
to express the sense of obligations which the society may feel to one of its members
who may unselfishly give a lifetime of earnest effort to promote its interests, and to
further the horticultural interests of this state.
ARTICLE III.—-A QUORUM.
Four members of the executive board shall constitute a quorum for the transac-
tion of business at any meeting of said board: Provided, That each of the mem-
bers thereof shall have been notified, in the usual manner, of the time, place, and
object of such meeting.
ARTICLE IV.—ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
The annual meeting of the society, for the election of officers specified in Article
II, shall occur upon the first Wednesday of December in each year.
ARTICLE V.——TERMS OF OFFICE.
The officers specified in Article II shall hold their offices until the thirty-first day
of December of the year for which they were elected, and thereafter until their
successors shall have been elected, and shall have signified to the secretary their
acceptance: Provided, That the terms of office of the six members of the executive
board shall be so arranged that but two regular vacancies shall occur in each year.
50
394 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
ARTICLE VI.—ANNUAL AND LIFE MEMBERS.
Any person may become a member of the society for one year by paying to the
treasurer the sum of one dollar; and the yearly term of all annual memberships
shall expire on the thirty-first day of December of the year for which they were
taken, but be regarded as continuous, except aS may be provided by the by-laws.
Any person may become a life member by the payment at any one time of the sum
of ten dollars into the treasury of the society.
ARTICLE VII.—AMOUNT OR LIMIT OF PROPERTY.
The society may hold real and personal estate to an amount not exceeding twenty
thousand dollars.
ARTICLE VIII.—BY-LAWS.
By-laws for the government of the society shall be framed, and when needful,
amended by the executive board; but changes thereof may be at any time proposed
by the society in general meeting.
ARTICLE IX.—AMENDMENTS.
This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the society by a
vote, by ballot, of two-thirds of all the members present and voting: Provided,
That notice of such proposed amendment, specifying its purport, shall have been
given at the last Gy ital regular meeting.
BY-LAWS OF THE MICHIGAN STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
I.——THE PRESIDENT.
1st. The president shall be the executive officer of the society, and of the execu-
tive board; and it shall be his duty to see that the rules and regulations of the
society, and of the executive board, are duly enforced and obeyed.
2d. He may, in his discretion, and in the lack of needful rules, during the recesses
oi the society and of the board, prescribe rules for the management of the interests
or business of the society, such rules to continue in force till the next session of the
executive board, and until, by its action, they shall have become no longer necessary.
3d. He shall act in conjunction with the secretary in the preparation of pro-
grammes or orders of business, for the sessions of the society; and in the devising
of plans and processes for the maintenance of its interests.
4th. He shall have the best interests of the society at heart, and shall lead in
forwarding any and all enterprises calculated to add to its permanency or to
increase its usefulness, and establish it more firmly in the public confidence.
II. VICE-PRESIDENT.
The vice-president shall perform the duties of the president in case of the absence
or inability of that officer; and may be called upon by the president to assume the
duties of the chair at any meeting of the society or executive board.
IlI.—THE SECRETARY.
1st. The secretary shall be the recording, corresponding, and accounting officer
of the society, and he shall also be, jointly with the business committee, its financial
and auditing officer.
BY-LAWS. 395
2d. He shall incur no expenditure of a large or doubtful character except with
dhe sanction of the executive board or of the business committee.
3d. He shall submit all bills or claims against the society to the business com-
mittee for approval, and indorsement to that effect, before drawing his order upon
the treasurer for the payment of the same.
4th. He shall attend all meetings of the society, and of the executive board, and
shall keep a faithful record of their proceedings.
5th. He shall sign all certificates of membership, and all diplomas and certifi-
eates of merit awarded by the society.
6th. He shall have charge of the society’s books and papers, excepting only such
as, by the advice or direction of the executive board, shall be placed in charge of
the librarian, and he shall be responsible to the board for the safe keeping of the
property placed in his charge.
7th. He shall be the custodian of the seal of the society, and shall have authority
to affix the same to documents when needful.
Sth. He shall seek by all suitable means to secure the fullest announcement of
the meetings of the society in this state, as well as in adjacent states, when such
shall be found desirable.
9th. He shall, so far as practicable, cause the transactions of the society, together
with such valuable or interesting papers as shall be read at its sessions, to be
properly published, and thus placed within reach of the state.
10th. It shall also be his duty, yearly, to prepare for publication the annual
report of the society, together with such other matter as he shall deem proper—he
being aided in the selection of such matter by an advisory committee of the execu-
tive board.
IV.—THE TREASURER.
1st. All the funds of the society shall be paid into the hands of the treasurer.
2d. He shall disburse the moneys of the society that shall come into his hands
only upon the order of the secretary, countersigned by the president.
3d. He shall keep the moneys received by the society for life memberships as
a distinct fund, and shall invest the same under the advice and direction of the
executive board, applying only the interest accruing thereon to the purposes of the
general fund.
4th. Immediately upon assuming his office, and before entering upon its duties,
he shall execute to the society an official bond with sufficient sureties, conditioned
for the safe keeping and disbursement of the moneys of the society, and for the
proper discharge of the further duties of his office, in such sum as shall be specified
by the executive board. Such bond shall receive the approval of the president and
shall be deposited with the secretary.
5th. He shall, at the close of each year, report to the executive board the amount
of money that shall have come into his hands during the year, the sources from
which it has been derived, and the disposition made of the same.
V.——THE, LIBRARIAN.
1st. The librarian shall have the custody of the library of the society. He shall
be appointed by the executive board, and may be displaced at its pleasure.
2d. He shall act jointly with the secretary in the care and arrangement of the
same, and in the reception, custody, and disposal of the volumes of the transactions
annually supplied to the society by the state.
3d. He shall have the custody of the rooms assigned to the society at the state
eapitol, together with such books and other property as the society or the board
shall direct to be deposited therein.
4th. He shall report annually, at the close of the year, to the executive board
the amount and condition of the property in his hands.
VI.—THE EXECUTIVE BOARD.
1st. The executive board shall enact all rules and regulations for the manage-
ment of the affairs of the society, determine the salaries of its officers, and assume
the control and management of its exhibitions.
396 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
2d. It shall have power to displace any officer of the society for neglect of duty
or abuse of position, and to fill all vacancies by appointment, to continue till the
next annual election. ) .
3d. The board shall hold four regular sessions during the year, to occur at the
times and places for the regular meetings of the society.
4th. Other meetings may be called by the secretary under the advice or direc-
tion of the president, or of a majority of its members, at such times and places as
may be deemed most convenient; but in all such cases each member must be notified
of the time, place, and object of such meeting.
5th. It shall be the duty of the board to carefully guard the general interests
of the society, to watch over its finances, and to provide for its necessities as they
shall arise.
6th. All important measures shall be submitted to this board, but they may by
the board be resubmitted to the society with recommendations,
7th. The board shall, at the annual meeting, submit through the secretary, in
connection with the reports of officers, such further report upon the condition,
interests, and prospects of the society as it shall judge necessary or expedient.
8th. Two members of the executive board are to be elected each year, to hold
the office for three years, but if any such member shall absent himself from two or
more consecutive meetings of the society and of the board, witbout reason satis-
factory to the board, the said board may, in its discretion, consider the office vacant,
and proceed to fill such vacancy by appointment, to continue to the next annual
election.
VII.—THE BUSINESS COMMITTEE.
1st. It shall be the duty of the executive board, annually, upon entering upon the
duties of the new year, to appoint from their own number three members who shall
constitute a business committee for the year.
2d. All accounts or claims against the society, when presented to the secretary
for payment, shall, before payment, receive the sanction and indorsement of the
business committee.
8d. Such claims shall be submitted to this committee and approved in duplicate,
one copy to remain with the secretary as his warrant for the payment of the same,
and the other to be transmitted by him to the president, along with his order upon
the treasurer, as his warrant for countersigning the same. J
4th. It shall be the duty of the business committee, upon application of the secre-
tary, during the recess of the executive board, to advise with him as-to the expedi-
ency of making any contemplated but questionable expenditure for which occasion
may arise during such recess.
VIII.——STANDING COMMITTEES.
1st. There shall be a standing committee on revision of the catalogue, to be
composed of cne member from each of the five districts into which the state is,
for this purpose divided, with one member chosen from the state at large, who shall
be the chairman of the committee.
2d. Each member of said committee (except the chairman) is empowered and
expected to choose a sub-committee for his district, of which he shall be chair-
man.
3d. It shall be the duty of each sub-committee to collect and report, each year,
to the general chairman, such facts respecting fruit culture in the district as shall
promise to be of value in the revision of the catalogue.
4th. 'There shall be a standing committee on new fruits, to consist of a chairman,
with as many associates as such chairman shall find it desirable to appoint. .
5th. Such other standing committees may from time to time be appointed by the
executive board as, in its discretion, it shall deem desirable or necessary.
6th. All standing committees are expected to report at the annual meeting in
December, any information of value to the society or its members that may have
come to their knowledge during the year, as well as any scientific theories, deduc-
tions, or facts that, in their opinion, may be useful in advancing the objects for
which the society is laboring.
BY-LAWS. 397
IX.—LIFE MEMBERSHIP FUND.
ist. All moneys coming into the treasury of the society in payment for life mem-
berships shall constitute a perpetual fund, to be known as the life membership
fund.
2d. The principal of this fund shall be invested by the treasurer under the advice
and direction of the executive board.
8d. All interest accruing upon any portion of said fund shall constitute and
become part of the fund of the society devoted to the payment of its ordinary
expenses.
X.—MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY.
1st. The society shall hold its first regular meeting for the year during the month
of January or February for the inauguration of the officers chosen at the annual
meeting held the previous December, as provided in article 1V of the constitution,
and also to arrange its plan of operations for the year.
2d. Its second regular meeting shall be held in the month of June at sucn date
as shall best accommodate an exhibit of the early summer fruits.
3d. Its third regular meeting shall be at its annual exhibit of autumn and winter
fruits, in the month of September or October.
4th. Its fourth regular meeting shall occur in connection with its annual election
of officers, in December, as provided in article IV of the constitution.
5th. The times and places for the occurrence of these regular meetings (except-
ing only the time of the annual meeting), shall be determined by the executive
board. |
6th. Other meetings may be called by the secretary, under the advice or direc-
tion of the members of the executive board, at times and places by them deemed
expedient.
7th. In case of the calling of a special meeting for the election of officers of the
society, in consequence of any failure to elect at the annual meeting, as provided
in section IV of the constitution, all persons entitled as members to vote at such
annual meeting shall be considered as retaining such membership for such purpose
until such election, and until such officers so elected shall have been inducted into
office.
XI.——-RULES FOR DISCUSSIONS, ETC.
1st. The deliberations and discussions of the society shall be conducted in
accordance with ordinary parliamentary usages.
XII.—AUXILIARY SOCIETIES.
1st. The society shall, in all reasonable and proper ways, encourage the forma-
tion of local horticultural or pomological societies auxiliary to this society in all
such counties or other municipalities of this state as shall afford a reasonable pros-
pect that they will be able to effectually maintain the same.
2d. It shall be the policy of ¢his society in supervising the organization of such
local societies to secure an identity of constitutional provisions throughout, and in
so doing to insure harmony among them; but at the same time it will not discourage
the including by them of special or local objects in cases in which such shall be
found desirable, so long as the introduction of the requisite provisions therefor
into the constitution and by-laws of the auxiliary society shall not be deemed
likely to interfere with the harmonious workings of the whole.
3d. Any person who shall become a member of an auxiliary society for one
year, and comply with its regulation as to fee, shall thereby ,.become an auxil-
lary member of this society also for the same time, and entitled to all the rights
and benefits of full membership, except that he or she shall not have the right to
vote at the annual election of officers or upon questions of the expenditure of
money.
398 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
4th. On receipt by the secretary, from the secretary of such an auxiliary society,
of a list of officers and members of that society, he shall file the same; and upon
issuance of the Annual Report shall supply such auxiliary society with a sufficient
number of volumes to provide one for each of its members. He shall also transmit
the names of such officers and members, with their postoffice addresses to the
secretary of any and all experiment stations and societies willing to supply bulletins
and reports and to the national department of agriculture for the same purpose;
and the secretary shall issue to such auxiliary society a certificate of membership
for the year.
5th. Reports of auxiliary societies shall be made to the secretary of this society
on or before the fifteenth day of January of each year, and shall include the officers
for the ensuing year and a statement of the proceedings of such society during the
past year, which shall be incorporated into the Annual Report of the preceding
year.
XTI.—AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, SUSPENSIONS.
ist. Amendments or additions to these by-laws may be made by a majority vote
of the executive board, at any meeting; but if objections shall be made the same
shall “‘lie upon the table” till the next regular meeting of the board.
2d. These by-laws, or any one or more of them, may be suspended for the time,
by order of a majority of all the members. of the society present and voting.
3d. A proposition in the general meeting of the society for an amendment or
addition to these by-laws shall be referred to the executive board for consideration
and decision; but the society may submit therewith its advice or request.
INDEX.
A.
Adrian, annual meeting at, 78.
American Pomological society, California meeting of, 237.
Annual meeting, proceedings of, 78.
Annual message of the President, 84.
Aphis of the peach, 348.
Apple culture in Michigan, revival of, 75.
Apple growing, some reflections upon, 134, 151.
methods of, 1384, 159, 161.
to be profitable in the future, 156, 158.
Apple orchard, a profitable, 152.
the, fertilizers for, 159, 160.
desirable new sorts of, 153.
Apple orchards, best soils for, 162.
feeding of stock in, 159.
ravages of cutworms in, 314.
tillage of, 136. ‘
Apples, kinds of in Indiana, 74.
tests of at South Haven substation, 295.
Apples of Michigan, catalogue of, 360.
crabs, catalogue of, 368.
Apple trees, San Jose scale upon, 118.
Apricots of Michigan, catalogue of, 368.
tests of at South Haven substation, 288.
Arsenite of lime, how to make, 29.
cheaper than other arsenites, 29.
_Arsenites, use of against cutworms, 322.
discussion upon, 30.
B.
Bailey, Prof. L. H., lecture by, 92.
paper by, 1384.
Bailey, S. S., paper by, 31, 213.
Bands, use of against cutworms, 320.
Barrows, Prof. Walter B., paper by, 127.
Beal, Prof. W. J., paper by, 46, 56, 63, 68.
Beans, bush, experiments with, 323.
pole, experiments with, 324.
Beetles, blister, 18.
June, 16.
Beets, experiments with, 325.
Billmeyer, Joseph B., paper by, 244.
Bird, W. F., paper by, 142.
Birds and horticulture, paper upon, 127.
Birds, destructive kinds of, discussion upon, 132.
protection against, 131, 182.
kinds harmful to fruits, 129, 138.
51
402 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Blackberries, how to grow, 145.
of Michigan, catalogue of, 370.
tests of at Agricultural college, 311.
South Haven substation, 278.
Black knot, law for suppressicu of, 353.
Blooming, excessive, weakening to germs, 187.
Borer of the peach, 182.
illustrations of, 346.
Borer, peach tree shot-hole, 17.
sinuate, of the pear, 106.
Botanic gardens, benefit of to horticulture, 46.
of Michigan Agricultural college, 46.
Bradish, H. C., paper by, 1738.
Buckwheat destructive to cutworms, 195.
Bulletins, horticultural, 265.
C.
California fruitgrowing, observations upon, 237.
Canning industry in the east, 196.
is it desirable for Michigan, 196.
Celery, experiments with, 326.
Cherry, the, cultural methods for, 40.
preferred varieties of, 40.
Cherries at South Haven substation, 234.
of Michigan, catalogue of, 370.
tests of at South Haven substation, 279.
Chidester, C. P., paper by, 163.
Chrysanthemum, cultivation of the, 224.
Chrysanthemums, exhibit of, 78, 79.
Cold storage without ice, 244.
Commercial gardening, use of glass in, 280.
Committees, 52, 79, 80.
Constitution and By-laws, 393.
Constitution, amendment of, 48, 52, 79.
Cover crops, value of, 137.
Crimson clover in Michigan, 148.
Cucumbers, experiments with, 326.
Culture of young orchards, 180.
Curculio, illustration of, 349.
on the peach, 349.
Curl-leaf, remedy for, 198.
Currants of Michigan, catalogue of, 372.
tests of at South Haven substation, O75.
Cutworms, climbing, 15.
bulletin upon, 313.
illustrations of, 313-318.
means of control, 319.
methods of combatting, 15.
repressed by growing of buckwheat, 195.
D.
Davis, G. C., bulletin by, 318.
paper by, 18.
Diffusion of plants, 95.
Diseases of the peach tree, 346.
E.
Exhibits of fruits, reports upon, 53, 79.
plants and flowers, reports upon, 55, 79.
Ixperiment station, Geneva, work at, 154.
Michigan, bulletins of, 265.
work at, 157.
Illinois, work at, 157.
South Haven, results of season at, 232.
Evolution of the plant world, 93.
INDEX.
F,.
Fertilizers for peach orchards, 185, 345.
: tests of at South Haven substation, 301.
Fertilization of young orchards, 181.
Flowers, use of on home grounds, 65.
Forest fires, paper upon, 68.
Forestry, remarks upon, 222.
Fruit catalogue for 1895, 358.
Truitgrowing, conditions for success in, 163.
in California, 237.
intensive, the most profitable, 177, 187.
Michigan’s advantages for, 168.
past, present, and future of, 150.
Fruitgrowers, lack of organization among, 246.
Fruit, stealing of, how punished, 356.
Fruit transportation, future of in Michigan, 71.
Fruit trees, not trimmed enough, 177, 186.
Fruit packages, law to compel marking of, 357.
Fruit packing, honesty in for profit, 242.
Fungicides, chemistry of, 28.
use of, 30, 76.
G.
Garden, value of to the family, 88.
Gardens for town and country homes, 219.
Gardening, commercial, use of glass in, 230.
Garfield, Hon. C. W., paper by, 73.
Geneva experiment station, work at, 154.
Gladden, H. P., bulletin by, 323. -
Glass, relation of to commercial gardening, 230.
Gooseberries, cultivation of, 247.
English in America, 247.
of Michigan, 374.
preferred varieties of, 248.
tests of at South Haven substation, 277.
Graham, Hon. R. D., paper by, 71. \
Grading of peaches in packing, 248.
Grafting of grapes, 170.
Grape, the, a few thoughts upon, 173.
fertilizers for, 176.
preferred varieties of, 166, 178.
culture under glass, 168.
Grapes, effects of frost upon, 22.
methods of grafting, 170.
of Michigan, catalogue of, 376.
spraying of, 164.
tests of at South Haven substation, 289.
Grape-growing, necessary conditions for, 165, 173, 175.
Grapevine, the, enemies of, 166, 167.
Grapevines, when to trim, 172.
Greenhouse gardening, 230.
Greening, Charles H., paper by, 253.
Hawley, Smith, paper by, 75.
Hedrick, U. P., bulletin by, 328.
Honesty in fruit packing, 242.
Horticulture, practical value of to professional men, 87.
Horton, G. B., paper by, 217.
Hunter, M., paper by, 215.
403
404. STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
I.
Indiana State Horticultural society, notes on meeting of, 73.
See insects, 18, 101, 148, 166, 167, 182, 185.
bulletin upon, 313.
discussion upon, 19.
harbored in old orchards, 112.
increase of, 13.
methods of combatting, 19, 143.
Insects, injurious, ease of travel, 102.
no protection provided against, 108.
to the raspberry, 1438.
Irrigation at Michigan Agricultural college, 12, 41, 198, 334.
South Haven, 45.
in Hast Paris, 218.
‘ Kent county, sl.
Illinois, 211.
Lowell, 215.
Saugatuck township, 216.
Watson, 215.
by cultivation, 45.
expense of, 209.
for farm crops, 32.
remarks upon, 135.
tests of at Douglas, 205.
Insecticides, chemistry of, 28.
use of, 30, 76.
Insect pests, federal laws needed for suppression of, 109, 115, 121, 123, 125.
foreign, 101.
generated in old orchards, 182.
home-grown, 111.
Implements for use in peach orchards, 182.
Intensive fruitgrowing the most profitable, 177, 187.
J.
Japan plums at South Haven substation, 235, 292.
Johnson, Squire, paper by, 230.
K.
Kedzie, Prof. R. C., paper by, 28.
Kellogg, R. M., paper by, 145.
Kerosene, pure, used as a spray, 118.
Kirk, James L., paper by, 247.
Kirkpatrick, Mayor, address by, 81.
L.
Laws of Michigan relating to horticulture, 353.
Lawton, C. D., paper by, 22.
Lettuce, experiments with, 328.
Lyon, T. T., bulletin by, 265.
paper by, 26, 232.
M.
Michigan Agricultural college, visit to, 10.
Michigan, advantages of for fruitgrowing, 163.
peach orchards of, 177.
Mildew of the peach, illustration of, 344.
Mistakes of nurserymen, who responsible for, 257.
Monroe, Hon. C. J., address by, 82.
paper by, 237.
Morrill, Hon. Roland, annual message by, 84.
paper by, 179.
INDEX. 405
N.
Nectarines, tests of at South Haven substation, 288.
Nickerson, Miss Helen, paper by, 250.
Nursery industries, American, 253.
Nurserymen, responsibility of for mistakes, 257.
Nuts under test at South Haven, 300.
O.
Oats, for sowing in peach orchards, 196.
Officers, annual election of, 79.
_ of the society for 1895, 4.
Oldenburgh apple, profitable orchard of, 152.
Orchards, culture of, 18.
fertilization of, 181.
implements for use in, 182.
law to prevent pilfering from, 356.
old, harbor insect pests, 112.
training of, 181.
young, care of, 179.
Ornamentation of streets and roads, 56.
Organization, lack of among fruitgrowers, 246.
r.
Packages for fruit, law compelling marking of, 152.
Park areas, treatment of, 63.
Peach, the, best varieties of, 177, 184, 188, 194, 165, 343.
black or brown spots of, 1938.
Peaches, defective distribution of, 351.
grading of in packing, 248.
picking and packing of, 251.
transportation of, 351.
tests of at South Haven substation, 281.
various packages for (illustration), 352.
Peach orchard, best size of trees for, 184, 345.
cultivation of, 185, 194.
distance to plant, 183.
fertilizers for, 185, 345.
location for, 341.
mode of planting, 184.
planting of, 342.
soil for, 183.
when to plant, 342.
Peach orchards, Michigan, 177.
Peach trees, early planting of desirable, 195.
how to select, 342.
diseases of,
Peach tree, pruning of the (illustrations 342, 343), 345.
pruning of, 185, 195, 196.
Peach, the, rosette, illustration of, 342.
yellows, illustration of, 342.
Peach, Aphis, illustration of, 348.
Peach, borer, 182.
mildew, illustration of, 344.
yellows, law concerning, 353.
Peaches, of Michigan, catalogue of, 378.
not thinned enough, 178, 186.
Peach-growing for market, 340.
Pear borer, Stinuate, work of, 106.
Pears, of Michigan, catalogue of, 380.
tests of at South Haven substation, 236, 293.
406 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Pear trees, severe pruning of desirable, 177.
Pea, synomys of varieties.
varieties of, do they run out, 339.
- Peas, experiments with, 335.
mildew of, 338.
Pests, native and imported, 101.
Post, L. J., paper by, 183.
Potency, loss of by excessive blossoming, 187.
Plant world, evolution of the, 92.
Plants, how diffused over the world, 95.
Pruning of fruit trees insufficiently done, 177, 186.
Plums, domestic, at South Haven substation, 236.
of Michigan, catalogue of, 382.
tests of at South Haven substation, 289.
varieties of in test, 236.
Q.
Quinces, of ‘Michigan, catalogue, 384.
tests of at South Haven substation, 300.
R.
Radishes, experiments with, 329.
Rainfall, has there been a diminution of, 167.
Raspberry, the culture of, 1438, 149.
preferred varieties of, 144.
Raspberries of Michigan, catalogue of, 384.
Raspberries, tests of at South Haven substation, 270.
Agricultural college, 309.
Reid, Edwy C., paper by, 65, 215.
remarks by, 82.
report by, 268.
Resolutions, 13, 52, 53, 80.
Roads, ornamentation of, 56.
Rose, the, culture of, 250.
Rye in peach orchards not desirable, 196.
S.
Secretary, annual report of, 268.
Sigler, Artemus, paper by, 168.
Scale insects, 18.
Seale insects of the peach, 350.
Scale, San Jose, 118.
whitewash, of the peach, 350.
Shade trees, paper upon, 217.
trimming of, 187.
Slayton, A. W., report by, 264.
Spraying, 19, 15, 30, 76, 113, 166, 193.
law to compel, 355.
with pure kerosene, 118.
Strawberry, the, effect of drouth upon, 35, 36.
frost, 36.
fertilizers for, 37.
methods of culture of, 38.
preferred varieties of, 34.
Strawberry-growing, discussion upon, 34.
Strawberries of Michigan, catalogue of, 386.
rejected varieties of, 388.
Strawberries, tests of at Agricultural college, 302.
South Haven substation, 266.
Small fruits, profitableness of, 155.
Smith, Elmer D., exhibit by, 78, 79.
paper by, 224.
INDEX. 407
Smith, Erwin F., bulletin by, 340.
Smith, W. C., paper by, 244.
Stearns, J. N., paper by, 177, 212.
Spot, black or brown, on peach, 193.
Subsoiling, where desirable, 185, 141.
Substation at South Haven, work at, 26, 232.
Street ornamentation, paper upon, 56.
Summer meeting, proceedings of the, 10.
Squashes, experiments with, 330.
T.
Taft, L. R., catalogue by, 358.
paper by, 198.
Thomas, Dr. Denison, lecture by, 87.
Tilling desirable in other than wet soils, 135, 140.
Tomatoes, experiments with, 330.
paper upon, 228.
Tracy, W. W., paper by, 219, 228.
Traverse City, meeting in, 51.
Treasurer, annual report of, 264.
Trimming of shade trees, 197.
Trine, Mrs. M. A., paper by, 149.
Vegetables, tests of, 323-329.
Webster, Prof. F. M., paper by, 101.
Weeds as incentives to tillage, 1388.
Willard, S. D., paper by, 205.
Willow leaf beetle, 14.
Windbreaks, value of for protection to orchards, 164.
Wood ashes, value of as fertilizer, 37, 154, 160.
Woodward, i008 paper by, 242.
¥.
Yellows of the peach easily repressed, 177.
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