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TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
sea Cue Di Wawa 4
OF THE
STATE HORTICELTORAL SOGIETY
OF
MICHIGAN eee
Pes at ar YORK
BOTANICA
%
V4 a pet:
BY AUTHORITY
LANSING
ROBERT SMITH & CO., STATE PRINTERS AND BINDERS
1893
3 -
ee ihe A x ~~
A
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY
OF THE
MICHIGAN STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
ALLEGAN, MIcHIGAN, |
December 31, 1892. \
To Hon. Jonn VT. Ricu, Governor of the State of Michigan:
J have the honor to submit herewith, in compliance with legal
requirement, the accompanying report of 1892, with supplementary
papers.
Respectfully yours,
EDWY C. REID,
Secretary of the Michigan State Horticultural Society.
LIBRARY
; NEW YORK
BOTANICAL
GARDEN
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
: PAGE
ISTEMOGUCLOTY: NOG a = oes Bese ees oe SP oe ae hs Se ee: UT al eT
PRO Tena DOR Gee eee oer a ney ee ee ee ee ee eee vi
Ofhcersiot State: Horticultural Society formes! 222-22) 2 ee ee ee vii
Newey allows Waws Obs MIChi Panes -< Lae 8 ee Lee a ce i ee Ee ee vit
Constitution and By-Laws of State Horticultural Society__________._____._....-.___--_.__..--L2------- 1
ecOncrorine winter GOULN Be 8 aoe Mes aoe ek woe oe oes mie ih eee ade 2 Os Ne le 9
Erocssaines ot wontievh Annual) Meeting... sos! fe is Po LO es ee eso ee eee 52
Michigan! Hx periment sta wonvSmletgins t= 4.056 oe oko LU ee eee ies ed Se ee ee 116
Worellaliniversity Hx periment: station buolleting!.2. 202122 ee ee eee 214
Reports of District and Local Societies in Michigan for 18922-_----5----___. _- 222222 ee 835
mite; Members of statevHorticultural Society. =5-=. 2-2-" 2-2 eee ee oe oa eee 364
LSC pe ha he A eS Se DP ee Se aE ee are ST Ng ek er a ERE LE ee SOE Wr ee sree ees et) 369
*
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
? PAGE
Foliage and Flowers one-half natural size._____-______---------------------- Pats Gate oe Eee ae Nig P| 221
IBEnIbstangcStones, LUT e1 Zee ea eee SR es Fa Pe ee Se Ad Ol 221
SPE MAW V0 Lege CLT yee Oe (0 et ee De Se eh Ce Per ee ee eee 222
munidhe nore Plame 2 ohe 2S a 2 Ta. ee eee ge Oe PS cs ee 225
hen Gorin tombe try. 2k ees ee a Ng Oe i he Nye ek IB Cree gk ee, eee Un LU ale ee a i a 227
MATTE SELO MEP) UIT ee sw ee eee eta ae, 2 Se ue fe Se a pene A pe A ee 228
Newinanselammebalfisize: i022 os he oo Oe es oo a Nek an Se ee 229
NewmanvPlum*fnlligize coe fay se ee hl Ny yw ony lh apg EE, Se See a ee 229
INGWaAD IU Sa GUL SIZ O\ eee oats NTE TN DR i Se ee ek OC ee 231
Marianna plum {_.---2*--- Wy op MR a A i a. GIA A TAR die Se Sale a CRG GAL ENT Re a eal ee as 234
IBGachipltmeee coe oe. Se ky eee NEA Os SS Ee ey en ie Nd ee 236
BassopAmorican blur! 2. sae ak he EAS Ne eee ea eee RR ED Nn SO OU ny See 237
Mruitocdb; natural sizes 20 ove Ue Pe ec RT ee ee pe ee oye Dene a 243
Hrs pot. MAabtaralSizensen Yost he Eek ee ae ie oy ae ee Ce a ef ee 243
Sangi@henryer sete 2 ot Nel yb 2 Sean Ee ee FO ae hs ek Le LA an eek IR nee RR ee Bee 244
Pcansinsectaece teh fra, tse foes tees tL Soe ye The ol See Cy ease a ae 2 eg re ee eS Boe 256-61
Pears oleunly and late ipickings< os 2. oes et oe a Se ee eee oe ee
pPonthernvorsnield: Bluightof the tomato) 2) 0. see ae eee =k ye Se ae np ene Mea 282
German: Striped Tomato, 346255 cee ee ae a CR) Ue PENNE ae LS cane el PR, gS 284
NeweAmerican! Mulberry. 0. obs in So 8 oe a eee
RUSSIA R MT LbOrry. ccs. bles a RS Ms 2 ee ae ee ee eae Sot ee ae eee 290
NenvosauMinilibarrys, (ot i ieb? ls 2 ted kaye B.S ile Cee ene Mae en snes eet ae Seen e, Ss 5 See eee 293
Downing s})verbearing:; Mulberry, “ieaves' —..- 2 hee ae ee ee oe Re ey ee eee 294
‘Downing Mulberry’. 7.26 1h Ee a Se A Be eee ee en eh ee 295
Witldiheduiialbermny. 2. 2-22 ea es ee eee ee ee ie a ei Re he os ee aN cs ey See =i eae
Wrldnkedt Mulberry: fall) eiize sey fue se pee ik he i ee Ge UR eR Pe el ee 298
Scion-pudaine for ithe Malbernys-2-- oo. oe ee ee a a a ene Pe NU cas 300
Mimizstortherbrivebs= 22 '.5sst de ee eT Ne tg Oe eSATA Il cigar evict on eae 313
ihe blackiPeach Winsect 2.12 he Oe ee ee ES LI OS DLA 320
Hep-blanti Crosses 22.5) a= ee Nise ea Oe TENS a eS ds mmr as Oh Ne BF,
Mexicana wWiuldyPotatoys kee oe ee ee ee ieee Bee e eww Seb Oe) ae ean
é
OFFICERS
OF THE
SPATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY FOR 1893.
Presipent—T. T. LYON, South Haven.
Vicr-PREsIDENT—CHAS. J. MONROE, South Haven.
SECRETARY—EDWY C. REID, Allegan.
TREASURERS. M. PEARSALL, Grand Rapids.
Liprartan—ROBERT L. HEWITT, Lansing.
EXECUTIVE BOARD.
R. MORRILL, Benton Harbor, | year. a W. GARFIELD, Grand Rapids, 2
C. J. MONROE, South Haven, 1 year. years.
CHAS. A. SESSIONS, Mears, 2 years. (L. R. TAFT, Agricultural College, 3 years.
L. W. WATKINS, Manchester, 3 years.
STANDING COMMITTEES,
On Fruit Catatocusg, T..T. LYON, South Haven, Chairman; Ist district, L. B.
RICH, Port Huron; 2d district, E. H. SCOTT, Ann Arbor; 3d district, D. G. EDMIs-
TON, Adrian; 4th district, W. A. BROWN, Benton Harbor; 5th district, GEO. C.
McCLATCHIE, Ludington.
On New Fruirs—'’. ‘T. LYON, Chairman; C. A. SESSIONS, Mears; S. R. FULLER,
Eaton Rapids; C. ENGEL, Paw Paw.
On Finance—C. J. MONROE, R. MORRILL, C. W. GARFIELD.
On Entromotocy—ALBERT J. COOK, Chairman.
On VEGETABLE PuystoLogy—L. R. TAFT, Chairman.
On Lanpscarpe Garpentnc—JAMES SA'TTERLEE, Chairman.
On VEGETABLE GARDEN—W. W. TRACY, Chairman.
On Forrestry—C. W. GARFIELD, Chairman, Grand Rapids; L. R. TAFT, Agri-
cultural College; C. A. SESSIONS, Mears.
THE NEW YELLOWS LAW.
AN ACT to prevent the spread of the contagious diseases known as yellows and black knot among peach,
plum, cherry, prune, almond, apricot and nectarine trees, or the fruit thereof, by providing measures
for the eradication of the same, and to repeal act number one hundred and fifty-eight of the public
acts of eighteen hundred and ninety-one, entitled ‘‘ An act to prevent the spread of yellows, a conta-
gious disease among peach, almond, apricot, and nectarine trees, and to provide measures for the
eradicatior of the same, and to repeal act thirty-two of the session laws of eighteen hundred and
seventy-nine,’’ approved April four, eighteen hundred seventy-nine.
SroTION 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 or nectarine tree infected with the contagious dis-
eases known as yellows or black knot, or to offer for sale or shipment, or to sell, or to ship any of the
fruit thereof, except the fruit of the plum and cherry 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.
Sxo. 2. In any township, city or village 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 apprehended of their introduc-
tion, it shall be the duty of the township or village 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 freebolders of said township, village or city as commissioners, who shall hold office during
the pleasure of said board, village or city council, and such order of appointment and of revocation
shall be entered at large upon the township, village or city records: Provided, That the commissioners
ale Bppainted and in office shall continue in said office until their successors are appointed and
qualified.
Src. 8. It shall be the duty of said commissioners, within ten days after appointment as aforesaid, to
file their acceptances of the same with the clerk of said township, village or city, and said clerk shall be
ex officio clerk of said board of commissioners, 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 to
the duties and actions of said commissioners, or either of them, which shal! bea part of the records of
said township, village or city.
Sro. 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 or black knot, or other
contagious diseases 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 owners notified person-
ally, or by a written notice left at’his usual place of residence, 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
treesor fruit may be. The notice shall contain a simple statement of the facts as found to exist, with
an order to effectually aproot and destroy. by fire, or as the commissioner shall order, the trees so marked
or designated, or such parts thereof, within ten days, Sundays excepted, from the date of the service of
the notice; and in case of trees known as nursery stock, or fruit so infected, such notice shall require
the person in whose possession or contro! it is found to immediately destroy the same, or cause it to be
done. Said notice and order to be signed by the full board of commissioners.
Src. 5. Whenever any person shal! 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,
employing all necessary aid for that parposse. The expenses for such removal and destruction of trees or
parts of trees to be a charge against the township, village or city; and for the purpose of such removal
and destruction, the said commissioners, their agents and workmen shall have the right and power to
enter upon any and al! premises within their township, village or city.
Src. 6. If any owner neglects to uproot and destroy or cause to be removed and destroyed as afore-
said, such diseased trees, or parts of trees or fruit, after such examination and notification, and within
the time hereinbefore specified, such person shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and punished by a
fine not exceeding one hundred dollars, or by imprisoument 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 suld, 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 only, and not to trees affected with yellows.
Src. 7. 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 andited, as
well as any other charges and disbursements under this act, by the township board, village or city coun-
cil, all of which costs, charges, expenses and disbursements may be recovered by the township, village
or city from the owner of said diseased fruit or nursery stock or from the owner of the premises on
which said diseased trees stood, in action of assumpsit.
Sro. 8. All of act number one hundred and fifty-eight, of the public acts of eighteen hundred and
ninety-one be and the same is hereby repealed. ;
This act is ordered to take immediate effect.
Approved May 25, 1893.
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
MICHIGAN STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
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 bearin
upon the theory and practice of the same, as well as upon the arts aA
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 treas-
urer, together with an executive board of six members, aside from the
_ president, seeretary, and treasurer, who shall be ex officio members of the
said board.
Said board shall designate one of its members as vice president. The
officers shall be elected by ballot.
ARTICLE III.—A QUORUM.
Four members of the executive board shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at any meeting of said board: Provided, That
each of the members 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 during the time between Dec. 25 and 31 of each
year, according to call of president and secretary, and the election shall be
eld during the second session of such meeting.
“
2 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
ARTICLE V.—TERMS OF OFFIOE.
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.
ARTICLE VI.—ANNUAL AND LIFE MEMBERS.
Any person may become a member of the society for one year by pay-
ing 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 mem-
ber 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 exceed-
ing 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 therefor 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 pur-
port, shall have been given at the last previous regular meeting.
BY-LAWS OF THE MICHIGAN STATE HORTICULTURAL
SOCIETY.
I.— THE PRESIDENT.
Ist. The president shall be the executive officer of the society, and of
the executive 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
BY-LAWS. 3
the recesses of the society and of the board, prescribe rules for the man-
agement 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
programmes, 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 perma-
nency 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.
III.— THE SECRETARY.
Ist. Thesecretary shall be the recording, corresponding, and accounting
officer of the society, and he shall also be, jointly with the business com-
mittee, its financial and auditing officer.
2d. He shall incur no expenditure of a large or doubtful character,
except with the sanction of the executive board or of the business
committee.
3d. He shall submit all bills or claims against the society to the busi-
ness committee 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
certificates 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 ee and shall have
authority to affix the same to documents when needful.
8th. He shall seek, by all suitable means to secure the fullest announce-
ment 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 executive board.
4 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
IV.—THE TREASURER.
Ist. 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 member-
ships 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 geueral 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 excutive 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.
Ist. 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 recepticn, custody, and disposal of the volumes of
the transactions annually supplied to the society by the state.
3d. Heshall have the custody of the rooms assigned to the society at -
the state capitol, 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 axecuinne
board the amount and condition of the property in his hands.
VI.— THE EXECUTIVE BOARD.
Ist. The executive board shall enact all rules and regulations for the
management of the affairs of the society, determine the salaries of its offi-
cers, and assume the control and management of its exhibitions.
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
direction 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
BY-LAWS. 5
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 re-submitted 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
without reason satisfactory to the board, the said board may, in its discre-
tion, consider the office vacant, and proceed to fill such vacancy by appoint-
ment, to continue to the next annual election.
VII.—THE BUSINESS COMMITTEE.
Ist. 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.
~~ 3d. Such claims shall be submitted to this committee and approved in
duplicate; one copy to remain with the secretary as his warrant for the pay-
ment 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.
4th. It shall be the duty of the business committee, upon application of
the secretary, during the recess of the executive board, to advise with him
as to the expediency of making any contemplated but questionable expendi-
ture for which occasion may arise during such recess.
VIII.—STANDING COMMITTEES.
ist. There shall be a standing committee on revision of the catalogue,
to be composed of one 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 chairman.
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 desir-
able or necessary.
6th. All standing committees are expected to report at the annual meet-
ing in December, any information of value to the society or its members
6 ' STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
that may have come to their knowledge during the year, as well as any
scientific theories, deductions, or facts that, in their opinion, may be use-
ful in advancing the objects for which the society is laboring.
IX.—LIFE MEMBERSHIP FUND.
Ist. Ali moneys coming into the treasury of the society in payment for
life memberships 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.
3d. 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.
Ist. 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 IV 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
such 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
(excepting 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
direction 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 LV of the constitution, all persons entitled as mem-
bers 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.
Ist. The deliberations and discussions of the society shall be conducted.
in accordance with ordinary parliamentary usages.
XII.—AUXILIARY SOCIETIES.
Ist. The society shall in all reasonable and proper ways encourage the
formation of local horticultural or pomological societies auxiliary to this
BY-LAWS. | 7
society in all such counties or other municipalities of this state as shall
afford a reasonable prospect that they will be able, effectively, to maintain
the same.
2d. It shall be the policy of this society in supervising the organization
of such local auxiliaries 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 may become a full member of an auxiliary society, for
one year, by paying into its treasury the sum of one dollar; and a com-
pliance with the provisions of clause fifth of these by-laws shall constitute
him also a member of this society, for the same term.
4th. The wife, and the resident, single or unmarried daughters of any
fuJl member, may also become members of such auxiliary society upon the
peeent of fifty cents each: Provided, That in such case such entire
amily shall become entitled to a single copy, only, of the current volume
of the transactions of this society.
5th. On receipt of the names of such members, with the required fees,
the secretary shall immediately transmit their names and_postoffice
addresses, together with half the membership fee of each, to the secretary
of this society, who shall record the same and pay the money into the
treasury for the benefit of the general fund.
6th. It shall be the duty of the secretary, on receipt of such remittance,
with list of members, to supply such auxiliary society with a certificate of
membership in this society for one year, together with a copy of the cur-
rent volume of transactions for each fuil member so remitted for.
7th. The proceedings of such auxiliary society shall, at the close of the
year, be forwarded, in succinct form, to the secretary of this society, to be
by him incorporated into the annual volume of transactions, accompanied
by a list of its members for the year.
8th. The auxiliary societies shall, as far as practicable, be made the
medium for the distribution of the annual volumes of the transactions of
the society, the nuclei for its meetings, and the means of creating interest
therein, as well as the means of collecting such facts or other information
or material as shall, from time to time, become needful or desirable in the
conducting of its various operations.
XIII.—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 amend-
ment or addition to these by-laws shall be referred to the executive board
8 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
for consideration and decision; but the society may submit therewith its
advice or request.
4th. All amendments of the constitution and by-laws of auxiliary socie-
ties shall, before they shall take effect, be submitted to the executive
board of this society, by whom their approval or rejection shall be con-
sidered upon the principle provided in section XII, clause 2, and the
determination of said executive board shall be final and binding upon the
auxiliary society.
Ae
meVCEE DINGS OP. THE. WINTER MEETING:
HELD IN PORT HURON, MICHIGAN. FEBRUARY 17-19, 1892.
When it was decided to hold the winter meeting of the State Horti-
cultural society at Port Huron, Feb. 17 to 19, there were grave doubts
whether at such a time a good attendance could be obtained in a locality
where there was presumed to be so little interest in fruitgrowing. But
assurance was had from Mr. L. B. Rick that nothing would be left undone,
in the way of local committee work, and the sequel proved how thoroughly
he did his part; for, both in attendance and interest, the meeting was suc-
cessful in great degree, and this despite the score or more of Canadian and
Michigan fruitgrowers who were detained at home by the prevalent
epidemic of grip, and who by letter expressed their regret for non-
attendance.
The sessions were held in a very pleasant hall in the new White block,
provided with all the comforts of good seats, light, and warmth. Mr. M.
ULLENBRUCH, a florist of the city, beautifully decorated the hall with
palms, blooming azaleas, dracenas, and other plants, and cut flowers of the
rose, carnation, hyacinth, narcissus, and a number more. Pleasant
quarters were provided at the Huron house, and every provision made for
the comfort and enjoyment of the visitors. A memorable feature of the
occasion was the excellent vocal music furnished by Miss Greta RIcE and
Mrs. Lena Jones. The society has seldom been favored with anything of
the kind of equal quality.
The first session, that of Wednesday evening, the 17th, was not largely
attended, owing, perhaps, to a misunderstanding as to the programme,
between the locai committee and the secretary; and as the latter was not
2
10 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
present, Mr. L. D. Warxins of Manchester, was chosen to temporarily
take his place.
Waiving the programme, President Lyon spoke at some length upon
Michigan’s exhibit at the World’s Fair. A committee has been appointed
to prepare the exhibit, and this has been divided into six sub-committees
to secure the different classes of fruits, etc. For the present the com-
mittee will have to work without compensation, but the legislature will be
called upon to settle with the committee later. It was all speculative,
however. ‘The speaker believed Michigan would be found in the lead at
the Fair. Trees will be taken up and shipped to Chicago, where they will
be set out in orchards near the Michigan building on the Exposition
grounds. Whatever is taken from Michigan to the Fair should be first-
class. The fruit must be gathered at the time of harvesting, to secure the
best. In strawberries and other perishable fruits, the exhibits will be
changed from time to time as may be necessary to keep the exhibit up to
standard. All this means continuous work by the several committees.
Circulars will be printed and supplied to horticulturists at a later date.
Mr. L. B. Rice was called upon for a speech. He said that this part of
the state should be worked for the Fair, inasmuch as the season for fruits
in this locality is later than in other parts of Michigan. The “Thumb”
of Michigan can supply fruits, strawberries, etc., when fruit from other
parts of the state has rotted. Mr. Ricr thought that a great deal of work
should be done in St. Clair and the upper counties on the east side of the
state.
Mr. Rice asked, “Is it good policy to mulch an orchard, especially if
the trees have begun to bear?”
President Lyon stated that he never would mulch under ordinary cir-
cumstances. Where the ground is likely to freeze he might mulch, but
not on general principles. The roots will come nearer to the surface if the
ground is mulched.
Mr. R. Morriutt of Benton Harbor did not believe in mulching, unless
it be with manure. The practice had not been profitable with him.
In fact, he had lost several crops by mulching.
Mr. JoskpH Porter believed in mulching with a cultivator. Mulching
for winter protection does not pay.
Dr. Harris gave an account of his observations, but did not commit
himself either way as to mulching.
Mr. JosepH PorteEr did not believe in off years in the fruit business.
He thought the idea was all moonshine.
Mr. Joun M. Horrman thought Mr. Porter was altogether too fast. He
never knew a tree which would bear good crops two years in succession.
‘PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEBTING. LL
Mr. L. B. Rice was of the opinion that trees experience off years.
Mr. R. Morriuu gave his views on setting out strawberry plants. He
believed in selecting plants from young and growing beds, but never from
an old bed. Select plants from hills after they have headed.
Mr. JosepH Porter asked the president if he considered the coming
season a good one for fruit.
President Lyon replied, ‘ We must never crow until we are out of the
woods. Let us wait and let the trees speak for themselves.”
Mr. L. B. Rick stated that the severe weather the past few days had
injured fruit trees, causing many of them to crack.
The meeting then adjourned till 9:30 o’clock next morning.
Thursday Morning Session.
President Lyon called to order, nearly fifty persons being present, a
number which later was considerably increased. As so many of the essay-
ists were detained at home by sickness, a rearrangement of the programme
was made, the secretary meantime reading the letters from the absentees.
As had been originally arranged, Mr. L. B. Rick of Port Huron read
the following paper upon
FRUITGROWING UPON THE WEST SHORE OF LAKE HURON.
By the west shore I would be understood to mean that portion of “ the
thumb” bordering upon the lake and extending from the St. Clair river
around to Saginaw bay. ‘Take a strip several miles wide and it would
embrace a variety of soil. There would be clay land, hard and heavy,
gravelly loam, sand ridges of the poorest kind, intermediate sand, generally
cold and wet in the spring, and swamp muck.
In the early days these sand ridges produced great quantities of the
finest wild berries, rivaling the cultivated in flavor and size.
Along the streams the wild plum and crab apple grew in great pro-
fusion, showing, even in a state of nature, that this was the natural home
of the small fruits and the plum and apple.
The best land for orchards, in its natural condition (that is, without
underdraining), is the gravelly loam ridge a few miles back from the lake
and extending to the end of ‘‘the thumb.” The heavy clay and the wet
sand need underdraining before they will produce healthy orchards, and
the sandy ridges have so far developed so many enemies that I do not
now remember a good orchard on that kind of land.
SOME. BESETMENTS.
The worst enemies that I have ever known, however, are poor fences and
poor care, followed by depredations of cattle. The next was the cut worm
/
12 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
that would eat out the buds in the night and thus destroy the vitality of
the trees. Orchards over this entire territory produce as fine apples,
pears, and plums as can be found in any part of the country. Of cherries,
only the Dukes and Morellos succeed. The Heart cherries last but a few
years and then go. Ofthe thousands of trees brought into this vicinity,
by agents who either did not know any better or did not care, not a dozen
have succeeded; and just here let me say it is hard to estimate the loss to
the country caused by the worthless trash that these agents have crowded
upon the people. It would amount to thousands of dollars—yes, here in
this city alone it amounts to hundreds of dollars every year.
In the early days of the settlement of the country, as in other new
places, the peach seemed at home; but later the trees were killed, either by
cold or neglect, till we were supposed to be outside the peach belt of the
country. But more recently several energetic men have had more faith
in the peach, and planted several hundred trees each, and they have had
their reward in several fine crops of peaches that have made their
orchards famous.
PEACHES ARE POSSIBLE.
Lands for peaches need to be thoroughly underdrained. The interme-
diate wet sand lands, so far, where deeply uncerdrained, have proved to be
well adapted to the growth of pears and plums, and particularly of small
fruits. But this is not the point that I wish to establish—it will be
admitted by all. It is the fact that peach trees may be grown on the
sandy ridges along the lake shore, and that with success. I have brought
here samples of the sand and gravel taken from these ridges, the one taken
from the surface and the other from two feet below. You will see that
this is a very poor-looking soil, with a still poorer bottom; and had we
gone down two feet further we would have found clean gravel and sand.
Now, here I wish to show you limbs taken from three peach trees which
I helped to plant before the war, either in the spring of 1858 or 59. The
ground where these trees stand, in all seven or eight in number, has been
open to commons the past twelve years, subject to the depredation of cattle
and hogs and men; and yet there they stand, loaded with fruit buds, and
ready to do their part in supplying the world with fruit, notwithstanding
they have stood in these drifting sands for thirty-four years, and have
borne many fine crops of peaches. Here, again, I have a branch taken
from the only survivor of an orchard of apples and peaches set twenty-two
years ago. The rest were destroyed by cattle and this one broken down.
The present tree came from the natural root below the bud. The only
care and trimming it has ever had was done by the cattle, and yet it is a
zood-size tree and has had a number of crops, particularly in the last two
years. The third sample is from an orchard of three trees which I set out
last spring in this same sandy land, and where I shall set 2,000 more so
fast as the ground can be prepared. It is of the Barnard variety and came
from the shores of lake Michigan.
Now, I submit to this society the question, can we grow peaches on this
sandy land?
As regards the climate, I have seen the thermometer stand at thirty-two
degrees below zero, within the life of the first two samples of trees; and I
will herewith show you the record of the lowest range of the thermometer
since the establishment of a weather station in this city—that is, since
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 13
1874. You will see by this that in 1875 it touched twenty degrees, and in
1885 twenty-five degrees below; and that twice it has touched fifteen, twice
gone to fourteen, and three times to thirteen below; while in the two win-
ters preceding this, two above was the lowest range. When it touched
twenty-five below (that is, in 1885), many young peach trees were killed,
while others were not, as shown by the exhibit I have made. Why this
was so, I can not tell. It is a subject worthy of the study of this society,
to ascertain all of the conditions relating to these trees, and see if drain-
age, rich soil, improper covering of the ground with snow, especially
exposed or protected location—any or all of these—exerted any peculiar
effect that made them more susceptible to the cold. If so, what was
that influence?
BAD PRACTICES ALL THROUGH.
Another and serious trouble with our people here is, that they do not
dig out the borer as they should. Last fall I visited a number of orchards,
large and small, and in every instance I found the peach trees infested
with borers, and some of the trees nearly girdled by them. This cause
alone will destroy the trees in a few years. The fact is that, as a commu-
nity, we neglect our orchards to such a degree that the wonder is that we
get so much and such fine fruit from them.
Again, when we get the fruit, not more than two thirds of it is saved
‘from the orchards. The rest is eaten by stock, or frozen on the trees, or
left to rot on the ground. Of the two thirds saved and gathered from the
orchard, one half is lost by the poor care given it, or by the methods of
marketing. <A very large proportion of the small lots of apples are mar-
keted in meal bags; and as the grocerymen refuse to buy them in that con-
dition, they are peddled about the city at so much per bag.
THE MATTER RESTATED.
In brief, what we need is: (1) thoroughly and deeply drained ground
for planting trees; (2) a proper selection of good, hardy varieties of mar-
ketable fruit; (3) these should be carefully set in well prepared soil and
intelligently cultivated; (4) study all the improved methods of combatting
the insect pests; (5) learn to pick the fruit carefully, selecting the best only
and putting it into neat packages in an attractive style, and then you will
not be obliged to drive about the streets seeking buyers, but buyers will
seek you. When these conditions are followed, there will be no reason
why we can not raise immense crops of apples, pears, plums, cherries, and
peaches, and all of the hardy small fruits.
Now, a word more, about our outside market for perishable fruits. Our
elimatic influences ‘are such that our fruits ripen after the great rush of
other fruitgrowing sections has passed. We have at our door the finest
line of fast-sailing steamers in the freight business that can be found in
- any part of the world. We can ship with equal facility to the centers of
population to the south of us, as to the great northwest that lies outside the
fruit-belt. This is the last point within the belt at which the lake Superior
steamers stop and there is no other stopping place within sixty miles of
us, so that we may virtually control this vast lake Superior market. With a
large crop of pears, plums, or peaches, load down the Duluth boats, when .
they are passing up light, and have a good distributing agent at Duluth, so
14 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
that when the market is full there the fruit could be sent on to other points
along the railways. I don’t see why a market could not be developed for
a great outlet for fruit.
OOMMENTS.
President Lyon: This region has certain advantages for fruitgrowing.
It lies west of a great body of water; and when weat the west suffer from cold
coming in from the northeast, growers here would be protected, and a crop
at such times is of the greater value. Our Michigan fruit-belt extends so
far north that varieties grown to the south of us are gone when ours are
ready. On the western coast of the state, ability to grow fruit extends to
the straits and perhaps beyond. An increasing interest in fruitgrowing
exists even upon the southern shore of lake Superior.
Mr. A. G. GuuuEy of Agricultural College: Markets here must be very
good, and I have often wondered why fruitgrowing was not more engaged
in here. Mr. Rice’s chart shows that the temperature of ten out of nine-
teen winters was very severe, so much so that peach-growing here would
be quite hazardous. But much depends upon condition of the buds. As .
to sand, some of the best orchards in the western part of the state are on
sandy ground. So I see no reason, except the temperature, why peaches
may not be grown here.
Mr. Rice: It is warmer at the northern end of lake Michigan, than it
is here at the southern end of lake Huron, because that water is warm and
flows to the north, while Huron’s water is cold and flows to the south.
Mr. S. D. WiLuarp of Geneva, N. Y.: I was unaware that there was
such a possibility for fruitgrowing here. The matter of care is the main
trouble everywhere. Borers must by all means be kept out of the peach
and quince.
‘Mr. R. Morriut of Benton Harbor: Have you not found a better way
than digging the borers? 7
Mr. WitLarD: No, only to get at them before they go in.
Mr. MorriLu: Some have tried whitewash in which was some sulphur
and carbolic acid.
Mr. Lyon: About South Haven we heap the earth up about the trunks,
a few inches, the early part of June, covering the soft bark at the crowns
where the insect deposits the eggs. If they are laid above, they either do
not hatch or the grubs can not penetrate the bark. The earth is removed
in August, so that the bark may harden and water not find a settling place
about the trunks. Some wrap tarred paper around the trees.
Mr. GuLuEy: It is the practice in some places to put Paris green into
the whitewash.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 15
Mr. Lyon: The insect has a peculiar liking for low crotches, so it would
be well to keep crotches (if they are permitted) 14 feet above the surface,
as the insect is not likely to search higher.
Mr. WituarD: I have seen tarred paper used, but damage came in
some cases from not removing it in time, the bark under it becoming
tender and the tree winter-killing in some instances.
Mr. A. M. SmituH of St. Catherines, Ont.: We have had very little
trouble with borers since we began earthing up. _
Mr. I. H. Bourrerrietp of Lapeer: Proximity to water here is
not an advantage, as the cold air of spring, blown over the water, is more
likely to do harm than the colder air of winter further inland. Therefore
there is not much hope for peaches, but apples, pears, and plums do well.
Huron county is engaging somewhat in fruitgrowing, but there are very
few men who make it a business. It is mainly an accessory to general
farming and is neglected, and so failure often results.
Mr. A. M. Howuister of Monroe: I have for fifty years sent much
nursery stock north of Saginaw, but the trouble is, there as here, people
know more about pine trees than any other kind. They have just as good
~ conditions as have the growers of this region, with better soil. Mr. Ho1-
LISTER cited several examples of successful fruitgrowiag in the region
referred to.
Mr. Morgi.u, referring to Mr. Ricr’s remark about bad fences, said that
any township that pleases may vote to restrain stock and do away with
road fences entirely. It is so in Berrien county and the roads are kept
clear of brush and trash, and cultivation extends up to the line or beyond it.
Continuing the session, President Lyon read the following paper upon
THE TESTING AND INTRODUCTION OF NOVELTIES.
Previous observation and experience have convinced me that in such
gatherings as ours, the interest is best aroused and maintained by such
concise announcement of facts or principles as shall effectually beget free
and general discussiou. Assuming such to be the fact, I may perhaps be
excused for presenting my views of the subject assigned, briefly, leaving
its amplification to the chances of subsequent discussion.
Ample experience has long since established the fact that, of the mass
of novelties originated or discovered, and offered the public as worthy of
trial, scarcely even one out of one hundred succeed under the crucial test
of general cultivation.
Not merely a favorable opinion, by even an expert to whom specimens
may have been sent for an estimate of their value, nor yet a careful trial
by fruiting them under his own eye, can be deemed to have determined
the value of a novelty to the public at large. Nor yet will a more general
trial of a year or two in fruit suffice to determine the ultimate or perma-
16 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
nent value of a variety for such purpose. The Concord grape came out at
a juncture when the public mind was in condition for its acceptance, with
the result that it was readily and promptly assigned the position which it
has so long and so steadily held; while, on the other hand, its even more
worthy descendant, the Worden, has for nearly or quite a quarter of a cen-
tury failed to vindicate its right to the position which genuine merit would
surely entitle it. In the case of the Delaware grape, notwithstanding its
great beauty, productiveness, and (at the time) unequaled quality, a full
quarter of a century had elapsed before it was able to take an assured
position as a general favorite.
With only the old Hovey as a competitor, many years elapsed before the
Wilson strawberry received the meed of general approval which it has so:
long and so persistently held.
The Shiawassee apple, a probable descendant of the old, well-known
Fameuse, and every way its superior, has now been nearly a half century
before the public and has not even yet been generally accorded the rank
to which its real merits entitle it.
In earlier years there was no special effort to hasten the notoriety of
novelties, but they were left mainly to win their way to popularity upon
their individual merits. More recently, however, with the growth of the
nursery and fruit-planting interests, the origination and introduction of
novelties has assumed the dimensions and dignity of a commercial enter-
prise, and is far too commonly conducted with the inflated descriptions,
exaggerations of picturing, and even the unscrupulous sharp practices, so
common in operations of a so-called business character.
WHY MANY NOVELTIES FAIL.
Doubtless one reason why many of these novelties fail to meet the prom-
ises or assurances of originators may be found in the fact that the average
cultivator operates on far too low a plane as compared with that of the
originator or disseminator; and that, while the latter may by high culture
have brought his plants up to a condition enabling them to resist disease
or fungus, or to outgrow insect depredations, following which the processes
of the average cultivators may be, and doubtless in far too many cases are,
effective rather in exhausting such accumulated vigor, thus incapacitating
them for developing their accustomed results, though it may reasonably be
assured that, but too frequently, their true capacity may have been overes-
timated by a sanguine and partial originator.
It is but too true, as the rule, that few if any varieties are generally
successful. While occasionally one, like the Wilson strawberry, the
Bartlett pear, the Red Astrachan and Maiden Blush apples, are widely
successful under varied conditions of soil and climate, others must be sup-
plied with special conditions to insure success—a defect which only wide
dissemination and more or less lengthened cultivation can fully develop.
A very common modern practice is for the introducer to supply nursery-
men and dealers with plants, often grown by the originator, by him
shipped to the introducer, going from him, perchance, to yet another
nurseryman or dealer, and thence to the planter—thus, perhaps, subject-
ing the plants to two if not three repackings and shipments during a
single season, an ordeal which, if not fatal, is at least far too trying for the
ultimate good of the plants.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING, 17
HELP FROM EXPERIMENT STATIONS.
Within the last two years, under the influence of a federal enactment
with an accompanying appropriation, an extensive system of experiment
stations has been brought into existence, with facilities for the thorough
testing and characterizing of natives, in the way of both fruits and plants,
such as can scarcely be reasonably anticipated from individual effort,
since both the person in charge and the government are pledged to the
efficient and careful conduct of the experiments, to guard against the
pirating of varieties and to carry forward each trial to a finish, whether
under the charge of one or a succession of agents, in one or a series of
years.
These stations must, from the circumstances of the case, be unbiased in
their conclusion; while it is a duty which they owe to the public, as well
as to their own reputation, to keep well up with the novelties introduced
and to be introduced, as well as with the most approved system of cultiva-
tion and management.
In order to provide for the widest possible dissemination of the results
_ of their experiments, bulletins are provided, which are distributed free to
all who apply.
With the means for an early and trustworthy determination of the real
value of novelties as they appear, as well as of the various processes, both
old and new, for the benefit of horticulture, as well as for the extermination
of fungi, insects, and all the varied obstacles or enemies which the horti-
culturist must be expected to encounter, it would seem to be the dictate of
the highest wisdom that the mass of the people should let novelties severely
alone till, through the careful investigation of these horticultural labora-
tories, the chaff shall have been winnowed out and only the worthy left to
invite the desired investment.
With this purpose realized, the mass of random experiments would find
their occupation too unprofitable, and the field would be left clear for
those who, from careful and scientific study of the principles involved,
may be able to work more clearly and definitely to the desired end; or, by
a fuller knowledge of the qualities necessary to a successful result, assure
themselves of the propriety of putting their productions before the public.
PRIVATE EXPERIMENTS SHOULD ALSO BE MADE.
Mr. Morrit: Is it not a fact that a new variety is now recognized and
understood much quicker than it was some years ago? Is there not much
more private experimentation ?
Mr. Lyon: Possibly; but such private work may not be disinterested,
and be not carefully made. Those in charge of experiment stations should
keep in advance and test new varieties before they have been generally
distributed. Private tests may be made under peculiarly favorable cir-
cumstances, and the varieties tested be successful nowhere else. There-
fore, tests by experiment stations are more generally to be relied upon.
Mr. Rice: There is need of more sub-stations in this state, such as
3
18 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
that Mr. Lyon conducts at South Haven, to save the people’s money from
waste.
Mr. S. D. WitxLarp of Geneva, N. Y., commended Mr. Lyon’s ideas of
experiment station tests; the stations are grand things, and their number
should be increased. ‘If I were about to start in fruitgrowing, I would
go to Mr. Lyon and find out what is successful at his station, and then
test that on my own ground. I can not grow prunes, though successful
with plums; yet, five miles away, at the experiment station, they are
highly successful with prunes.”
Mr. Morritt agreed with this. “ Kach must test for himself. Not that
the experiment station does not do excellent work, but that one can not
rely absolutely upon any tests beyond one’s own farm. I experiment for
myself upon almost every new sort that’s offered.”
Mr. Rick: Most of us can not do that.
Mr. Morritt: Twenty-five dollars will be enough to test a great many
varieties.
Mr. Lyon: Mr. Wituarp spoke of the failure of the Great American
strawberry. It was originated by Mr. Duranp of New Jersey, who had
many others, but not one of them all is now grown, and for the reason that
no grower equals the thorough, intensive culture under which these varie-
ties were produced. The experiment stations aim to test by average
modes and conditions of culture. They are the best media between the
originator and the grower.
Mr. Morritu: J tried the Great American and failed; but tried the
Parker Earle and succeeded, and made money by it. Five hundred dol-
lars would not buy my present stock of the Parker Earle.
Mr. Porter of Port Huron advised caution in trying new varieties,
except by testing a few by the same cultivation given standard kinds.
Mr. BurTerFiIeLp of Lapeer (a member of the state board of agricult-
ure): My impression is that if as favorable terms could be provided as
were made at South Haven (gift of land to the state), a horticultural sub-
station might be established in the eastern part of Michigan.
Mr. A. M. Smiru of St. Catherines, Ont.: We make tests of varieties
by sending them to our members (Fruitgrowers’ association of Ontario),
and having them experiment and report.
x
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MERTING. 19
Secretary Reip followed with the subjoined paper by Mr. Wm.
Frreuson of Detroit, superintendent of Belle Isle park, upon
SOME HARDY SHRUBS, ROSES, AND PERENNIALS.
I am requested to present a paper on hardy flowering plants, describing
twelve hardy roses, as many flowering shrubs, and as many perennials, the
object being to awaken a new interest in their cultivation in the society.
There are so many descriptive catalogues spread over the country now-
adays, that it strikes me I would be wasting my shot to do that, except, as
I may refer to varieties in what I shall undertake to say.
It is important, in undertaking the cultivation of anything, to have the
best varieties, as it costs as much to care for a poor one as a good one; but
the knowledge of how to get the best results is of first importance.
I will suppose that those present love flowers, and perhaps some have
not undertaken, for some reason or other, the cultiv aoe of them to any
extent, but would like to do so.
Now, I will suppose Mr. or Mrs. Blank has a nice, caine amine residence,
or perhaps a small cottage—at any rate, plenty of room in some part of
the lot, perhaps at one side against the fence, or it may be in the middle
of a grass plat, although I would prefer to keep a nice grass plat free from
shrubs, etc., as it is always pleasing to see a plat of grass when well kept.
_ However, wherever it is located, there ought to be at least one foot (more
is better) of good surface soil enriched with a liberal dressing of good, old,
rotten manure, well mixed into the ground. Now, what shall we plant?
Well, let us suppose again that here is the fence. It runs east and west.
It is fifty feet long, and we can make the bed six feet wide. That will give
room enough for four rows of plants, and we may have grave-vines on a
trellis on the fence; or, if you do not want grapes, it may be honeysuckle,
clematis, wisteria, etc., flowering vines; then, in first row, two feet from
the fence, we will plant, say, two lilacs (Persian is best) one purple
and one white; one syringa, say two varieties of spirea (S. prunifolia f. p.
and S. Reevesii), two flowering almonds (white and pink); two wigelia
(roseum and amabilis); one Forsythia (yellow flowering), two varieties of
althea, one Prunus Pisardii. These may be planted from three to four
feet apart, and between them, for the first two or three years, may be grown
hollyhocks or dahlias.
Now, in the next row, we can place hardy roses—say one dozen—and
between we can place varieties of perennial phlox, perennial larkspur
(delphinum ), peonies, or deutzia gracilis, etc. Now, suppose we make the
next row of monthly roses—say one dozen varieties or less, but a dozen
varieties may be selected that, with protection, will winter safely for several
years. As to varieties I will name a few: Agripina (red), Adam (red),
Bon Silene (pink), Duchess de Brabant (pink), Hermosa (pink), Souv-
enir de Malmaison (blush), Catherine Mermet (blush), Saffrano (sulphur),
Devonensis (shaded pink), Douglas (dark red), Isabella Sprunt (canary
yellow), Marie Guillot (white), ete. I enjoy fully the rich fragrance and
glorious display of the hardy or June roses; but, like the beauty of a fair
maid, they are not lasting, while a bed of monthly roses well cared for is
good ‘for the whole season.
The outside row may be of daisies, pansies, forget-me-nots, moss pinks, .
ete., which will complete the bed.
20 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Another matter of importance is, where are you going to get your stock?
And, what is of importance, how shall you treat it when you have? First,
get it of the nearest reputable nurseryman or florist. The hardy shrubs
should be pruned of at least one half of their wood, and hardy roses to
within six inches of the ground. Herbaceous plants, being simply roots,
need to be carefully planted. Thousands, and may be tens of thousands,
of dollars are spent annually on such things, and because they are planted,
very often, by merely taking up sod in the grass, and covering the root
with some dirt, the result is disappointment and discouragement, as well
as loss
It may be that in about two years these lilacs, syringas, etc., may be
crowding each other, and you have some spot in the yard in which you
could place them to advantage. To do so, dig a hole three or four feet in
diameter and two feet deep, and have some good ground, as previously
spoken of, to replace the poor ground. Then carefully dig up the plant
you wish to move, saving all its roots, but again reducing the wood on the
plant at least one third. Tn the case of a hardy rose, cut back the same as.
at first planting, as it is very rare that a rose can be lifted and retain any
dirt with the roots.
These remarks have been made with reference to limited conditions, but
the methods of getting and handling the stock, the preparation of ground,
etc., are the important basis to success, and there is no limit to their appli-
cation, whether at the cottager’s home or the millionaire’s palace.
The paper was greeted by warm applause, and Mr. WILLARD remarked .
that we make a mistake in not giving more care to those things that make
home beautiful and pleasant. Educate the boy and girl to a love for flow-
ers and for embellishment of home, both indoors and out, and they will
not be very bad; and such adornment makes more valuable the property—
so it has practical value in another sense. Several other members expressed
warm commendation of floriculture and a desire to have more papers
upon the subject at the society’s meetings.
The chair announced committees as follows: On exhibits—Messrs. WIL-
LARD, MorrRILL and GULLEY. On resolutions—Messrs. SMITH, WATKINS.
and MONROE.
Thursday Afternoon Session.
Beginning the Thursday afternoon (Feb. 18) session of the State
Horticultural society’s meeting, remarks were made by Mr. 8. D. WiLLARD
of Geneva. N. Y., delegate from the Western New York society. He con-
gratulated Michigan horticulturists upon their advancement and the
opportunities afforded them of soil, climate, and markets; and upon the
_ intelligence they display in applying these to the successful prosecution of
their work. He spoke of the interests New York and Michigan pomolo-
4
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 21
gists have in common, and the influence they wield in promotion of those
interests. The agricultural classes in general, he contended, must con-
tinue to organize and make their power felt in behalf of the two para-
mount interests of this country, agriculture and horticulture.
Mr. A. M. Smita of St. Catherines, delegate from the Ontario Fruit-
growers’ association, expressed his pleasure at meeting, for the first time,
with Michigan horticulturists. ‘‘It is my first visit, although I have often
heard of your famous society and enthusiastic and vaiuable meetings.”
He extended greetings and best wishes of the Ontario society, and
expressed a hope for better acquaintance in the future.
GRAFTING AND BUDDING.
Mr. A. G. GuLuLEy followed with the subjoined paper upon “ Grafting
and Budding.”
It is not my intention to go into the history, nor yet into the theories, of
the processes to be described; neither is this article written for the benefit
of professional nurserymen, if any are present, but for that class of horti-
culturists who are usually well posted in the general care of trees and
plants, but when the subject of grafting is broached they at once confess
they know nothing about it; also for those who have not had an oppor-
tunity to see the operations performed, and could not get a clear idea of
them from the descriptions found in horticultural works. Time and again
have I known men who were well posted in all ordinary work pertaining
to fruitgrowing, and never thought of asking help in any other work, who,
if they had a few grafts or buds to set, had to look up some one to do it.
This is the more surprising, as the operations are not difficult to perform,
and are needed often by every practical horticulturist. For those
especially have I prepared this paper. It will be limited to work adapted
to hardy plants for this latitude. I shall try to make the work so plain
that any one may easily perform it for himself, and after a little practice
make the successful result as certain as if performed by a professional.
Indeed, it can be said, when one understands the principles involved, he
has only to practice to be a successful budder or grafter.
TWO FIRST PRINCIPLES.
As to the principles, there are two that must be remembered. First, so far
as is known, perfect union can only take place between plants’of the same
natural order or family, botanically related, and only those that are clearly
allied in those families at that. I have talked with men who had an idea
there was no difficulty in putting a grape on a maple, if one understood
grafting, and be surprised when told that it could not be done; then be still
more astonished when informed that a pear would grow readily on the
mountain ash. But the statement just made, that plants, to unite, must be
closely aliied, explains the different results. The rose family, which
embraces all our valuable fruits except currants, gooseberries, grapes, and
cranberries, can not by any means be united indiscriminately, as the rasp-
berry and apple, or either with the cherry. We have cases were different
v
22 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
species of the same genus will not unite as readily as individuals of differ-
ent genera, showing them to be closer related in internal structure if not
in outward appearance. However, the general use of grafting and bud-
ding is to change varieties of the same species; and, except in ornamental
propagation, the ordinary horticulturist will have very few cases where he
will be called upon to unite different species.
The second principle is that the growing parts of the plant must be
united. That is, as all new growth takes place at the surface of the wood,-
that portion of the stock and scion must come into contact at one or more
points; and the more of such points of contact we can make, the more
sure is our graft to grow.
THEIR PRACTICAL USES.
The principal uses of budding and grafting are: First, to change the
variety of trees already grown and bearing to one more desirable. By
using trees already grown we save several years of time. For this purpose,
grafting is generally the operation performed. Second, to increase kinds
that will not grow true from the seed, which embraces practically all tree
fruits; or to grow those kinds that seed very little, as is the case with
double-flowering trees. Third, to rapidly increase uew varieties. In both
the latter instances, both grafting and budding is used, but the latter to
far the greater extent.
GENERAL DIRECTIONS.
It will be understood that the operations of grafting and budding are
the same in result, only being performed ata different season and in a
different way. In grafting, both stock and scion may be dormant, and in
ordinary operations the scion is always so. In budding, the stock must
be in a free, growing state, and the scion is usually so. Outside grafting
. / ° . . J
is always done in the spring, at seasons varying with the plants. Apples
and pears can be worked at any time after hard freezing until the trees are
in full leaf. Cherries and plums usually take better worked very early
before the sap starts. Peaches are never grafted in this latitude—always
budded. Ornamental trees can be grafted just as the growth starts. Root-
grafting, by which means apples are largely propagated, is done at any time
during the winter, when convenient, in a warm room, and the grafts packed
away till time of planting in the spring. Scions for grafting may be cut
at any time during the winter, when not frozen. They must be made of
wood of the past season’s growth. Should the scions be taken from a
tree which is old, or bore heavily, the new growth may be too short for
scions. In that case they can be cut enough Jonger from the older wood
to make the joint, leaving the new portion to grow.
After gathering the scions, pack them in damp moss or sawdust and put
into a cool place till they are used. This is to keep them from drying—
also from starting before needed. For winter root-grafting, the stocks or
roots must also be taken up in the fall and packed where they will not dry
nor freeze.
Budding is usually done in late summer, when the trees or stocks have
about finished the season’s growth, but before it has stopped, and ata
time when well developed buds of the season’s growth can be obtained.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 23
Scions for budding are cut as needed, and the leaves taken off at once to
prevent evaporation. If shipped any distance, they must be packed in
damp moss, so as not to dry at all, nor yet heat, and used as soon as possi-
ble after being received.
PROCEDURE IN GRAFTING.
We will now consider the two operations separately. With our scions
cut and the proper season arrived, we are ready to graft. There are but
four modes of work with which the ordinary horticulturist need be familiar,
and even one of these he will have very little occasion to use. Of the
large number of other ways to set grafts, nearly all are simply modifica-
tions, to be used on special plants or occasions, with which the common
grower has nothing to do. Those to be described and illustrated are whip
or tongue, cleft, crown, and veneer grafting. One material which we shall
need in all kinds of work, is grafting wax, and it is made as follows: take
by weight one part of tallow, two parts beeswax, and four parts of rosin.
Be sure about the proportions. Melt thoroughly together, then pour off
into cold water; and as soon as cool enough to handle, pull it the same as
you would molassess candy. When done it will have much the same
appearance. ‘T'o make the waxed string, simply put balls of fine darning
cotton into the hot wax till they are soaked; and the same for waxed cloth,
using any cotton cloth that will tear readily into strips. For whip-grating
we need only, in addition to these materials, a sharp knife. Simply make
a slanting cut across the ends of stock and scion, about an inch long; then,
about one third of an inch from the thin end of the cut, and parallel to it,
make a straight split into both, one third of an inch deep. Place the two
cut surfaces together, end to end, pushing the tongue made by the cross-
cut in each, into the slit of the other, being sure the bark joins on one side
at least of the two pieces. Then cover the joints with wax or waxed cloth,
air tight, and itis finished. If it is a root-graft, instead of using the wax
bind a few times with waxed string to hold the pieces in place till planted.
If well made, even this is not necessary. This kind of grafting may be
used readily on any stocks of an inch or less in diameter, provided they do
not havea pithy center. It is by far the easiest and most rapid method of
grafts. Itis so well adapted to the needs of the ordinary grower that
every one should be familiar with it. It makes a perfect union and ina
short time it is often impossible to tell where the joint was made.
Cleft-grafting is principally used on large trees, where it is desirable to
change the variety. To do this the operator will need a strong knife or
chisel, a small hand-saw, a sharp knife to prepare scions, a mallet, a small
wedge, and wax. Saw off the limbs to be grafted, being very careful not
to tear the bark. Then split the stock across the middle with the strong
knife or chisel, opening it down about three inches. With the wedge, open
the slit and insert the scions—one, or, if the stock is large, two, one at each
end of the split. The scions are cut about five inches in length, or with at
least three buds. These are made wedge-shape on the end to be inserted,
thus being about one and a fourth inches long, one edge being thicker than
the other. Cut the scion so as to have a bud just at the upper end of the
wedge on the thickest edge. Place the scion in the split of the stock with
the thick edge at the outside of the stock, being sure that the surfaces
of the wood, not of the bark, of stock and scion are joined. Now remove
the wedge in the end of the stock and the split will close up and hold the
24 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
scions firmly in place. Cover the end of the stock and the splits, also the
upper ends of the scions, with wax, and the job is done.
The operation of side-grafting takes readily on all fruit trees except the
peach, and is used by traveling grafters. The objections are that the ends
of the stock often do not heal over completely, leaving a place where decay
sets in that increases with the age of the tree. This is very likely to occur
when the limbs operated upon are large. One very common error is to do
this work too high in the tree. This is universal with traveling grafters,
as they go up high to find plenty of thrifty limbs of suitable size to work,
and that the grafts may grow more readily. As a result, the new head
must be very high from the ground, and we have a very ungainly tree and
are put to much more trouble to get the fruit. Instead, select small or
medium-size limbs as near the ground as possible, in which to set the
scions. If none suitable are to be found, go into the tree and cut it back
heavily. A large number of suckers will start. Thin these out, leaving
only enough to make a new head. Then, the next spring, set the scions on
these. Whip or cleft graft as you think best. I prefer this method
always when the tree is not in a very thrifty condition.
The third process, crown-grafting, can be used wherever cleft-grafting
would be practiced, and can be used at roots or crotches where the stock
would not split readily. It can only be done after the sap has started so
the bark will separate from the tree. The stock is not split, but instead a
one-sided wedge is made of the scion, with a shoulder at the upper end of
the cut. The bark is then opened a little on the stock and the wedge end
of the scion is: pushed down between the bark and wood, letting the
shoulder rest on the end of the stock. Two or even four scions can be set
around the end of the stock if it is large. When grafting in this way, the
scions must be tied in as well as waxed, otherwise, when they are growing,
the wind may blow them out. It will be necessary, the first season, to look
over the graft two or three times, and see that the bands do not become
too tight. This style of grafting is to be preferred to cleft-grafting. There
is no split in the stock where water may enter, and rot is prevented. By
using several scions, the end heals over more readily. It is not so rapid a
method, and the first needs a little more attention.
Veneer-grafting is of so little impcrtance to the common propagator
that but little time need be given to it. The only place where it is of value
is in grafting small plants with large piths. Simply cut off the end of the
stock and take a thin slice off the side, about an inch long. Then make a
shouldered cut on the side of the scion, of the same length, taking care not
to cut through the hard wood into the soft center. The two cuts are
joined, letting the shoulder of the scion rest on the end of the stock. _ Tie
in place and wax thoroughly if above ground. It is aslow process and the
scions are very likely to become misplaced. No matter what mode is
practiced, the work should be looked over occasionally the first season, to
see that sprouts do not start on the stock and take all the strength. If
tied in, the bands may have to be loosened once or twice during the
season.
On cleft or crown grafts, the wax may crack and expose the end of the
limb, so look them over. In top-grafting large trees I prefer to do the
whole job at once, rather than take two or three years as is often recom-
mended. Should any fail that are needed, be sure to replace them the
next season. But if the tree is large, take two seasons after the grafting to
remove the remainder of the old top. In many cases, where two scions
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 25
are set in, the same limb, and both grow, one should be removed after a
year or two.
PROCESSES OF BUDDING.
Budding belongs more particularly to the nurseryman or propagator
than to the fruitgrower, as it is a process adapted only to small stocks;
but it is such a simple operation that there 1s no reason why the latter
should not be able to do it when necessary. It is a cheaper and more
rapid method of propagation than grafting. The only tools needed are
two knives, one heavy for trimming the stocks and the other thin and very
sharp for cutting and inserting the buds. Budding knives, also, usually
have one end of the handle shaped to use in lifting the bark of the stock.
Some material for tying the bud is needed. Common cotton yarn can be
used for the purpose, but basswood bark or raffia is usually used. The
latter is now furnished very cheaply by seedsmen. A pound is sufficient
for 2,500 stocks. Budding consists of taking a bud with a piece of bark
from the scion of the variety we wish to use and inserting it under the
bark on the side of the stock in a T-shape cut, being careful to cut just
through the bark. This is usually lifted a little so the bud will slip in
easily and still fit closely. The cut is then tied down firmly with the band.
As already stated, the stock must be in a thrifty, growing condition, so
the bark will separate readily from the wood; but on the other hand, it
~- must be so near the end of the season that the growth of the stock will
not flood or overgrow the bud and killit. In from ten to twenty days after
the buds are set, the bands should be removed. This can be rapidly done
on all ordinary stocks by running a sharp knife across the band on the side
of the stock opposite the bud. It will then open with the growth of the
stock and remove itself. The stocks will need no further attention during
the fall except to see that they are situated so that no water shall stand on
or around them during the winter. In the spring, just as the buds begin
to grow, cut off the stock just above the bud. My rule is to cut just where
I made the cross cut in budding. Do not, however, unless the plants are
very valuable, cut it off some inches above, as is often advised, and then
cut close later in the season. It is very hard work to take off the dry stub
you will find at the second cutting, and the only object is to prevent the
bud drying out from cutting too close the first time.
Sometimes, when a variety is new and it is desired to increase it rapidly,
spring budding is resorted to, with dormant scions, the same as we use in
grafting. In this way we have to use only one bud instead of three or four,
as In a graft, on each stock. Of course it can only be done after growth
starts. Thin as soon as the bud has grown in. The top of the stock is
removed as before, and the bud starts to grow at once. This method is not
often necessary. The object of removing the top of the stock is to throw the
whole growth into the bud. There will probably a lot of suckers start up
from the stock below the bud. These must be removed. This may have to
be done two or three times during the season, until the bud shall become
large enough to take the whole strength of the root.
The proper season for budding our fruit, is: plums, latter part of July;
pears and cherries, first to middle of August; apples, any time in August,
and peaches, middle of August to middle September. At the end of one
or two seasons, according to kind and growth, the buds will make trees fit to
4
26 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
\
set in the orchard. As will be observed, the process of budding, as
described, refers only to small stocks, and they are usually worked close to
the ground. It may, however, be used to change the tops of small trees
by budding into the limbs. It is difficult to make budding successful in
the old bark, hence it is not used on trees of much size; but for propagat-
ing all kinds on small stocks is very successful, and if they are pithy or
soft-wooded, it is the most desirable method.
Mr. Wiuxarp: I have used mutton tallow in making grafting wax, and
found it better than beef tallow. I am now engaged in cutting off tops
and removing brush from an orchard I am about to top-graft, so as to get
that much done before the crowding of spring work. I will recut the
limbs when I am ready to set the grafts.
Mr. Morriuu asked if there was not more danger with the cherry than
with other fruits, in cutting out the ungrafted wood. Mr. WILLARD said
there was not; but the ungrafted wood should not all be taken off the first
year. It is alla matter of wise cutting. Mr. GULLEY agreed to this, say- °
ing, as to the cherry, no trouble would occur if not much wood was removed
at a time.
Mr. Morritu: I have lately been pruning my peach trees, and cut some
limbs from one to one and a half inches in diameter, and have been told
serious harm will ensue if cold weather follows.
Mr. WituarD: If the cutting is merely for the purpose of heading in,
I would not hesitate to do it at any time after the leaves fall.
After a duet, ““Mother’s Songs,” by Mrs. Jones and Miss Rics, the fol-
lowing paper was read by Mr. N. A. BEECHER of Flushing, upon
EXPERIENCE IN ROOT AND TOP GRAFTING.
I came into the state of Michigan in the fall of 1857 and settled where
I now reside, in Flushing, the next spring, for the purpose of securing a
home. There was no orchard, and little to attract the occupants save the
soil and a log cabin, in which my wife and I were made quite comfortable.
In the spring of 1859 I planted a few thousand root-grafts, mostiy apple, -
and began the propagation of fruit trees, more to grow an orchard than to
supply any outside demand.
The orchard grew in size, while the nursery slowly multiplied. I soon
learned that certain varieties did not do well, but I clung to them as we do
to our children, for they were my pets and I could not bear to give them
up, but a few years’ experience taught me something was wrong, and I was
obliged’ to discard from the nursery the Roxbury Russet and Esopus.
Spitzenberg, not knowing that freezing was the trouble.
EXTREMES AND EFFECTS OF FROST.
In the winter of 1874-75, the thermometer touched:33 degrees below |
zero in Flint, Genesee county; at Kalamazoo, Feb. 9, 34 below; Grand
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 27
Rapids, 40 below; Beloit, Wis., 40 below; Sparta, Wis., 48 below, while at
South Haven, Mich., it touched 16 below, for a few minutes; and, if my
memory serves me right, there was only a light crop of peaches in the
southwestern part of the state the next season.
The effects of King Frost were no longer a mystery. This frozen penin-
sula had rendered her verdict, and the dead and dying witnesses were
found plentifully in the apple, pear, peach, and plum orchards all over
Michigan. For the first time in my life I had learned that freezing was
the trouble, and is what makes so many trees black-hearted, feeble, and
sickly.
I was now able to trace the effect to the cause. My observation was
aroused as never before. Since then I have been permitted to study many
interesting lessons in this wide field of investigation, and shall now try to
give you some of them.
TENDERNESS OF SEEDLINGS,
I have learned that many of our seedlings (apple stock \ are tender, and,
without doubt, the cause of many evils that crop out in fruit culture. This
is likewise true of the sweet cherry on the Mazzard, and of the pear om
the quince.
I find, also, that the tender varieties are more subject to the ravages of
_ the borer and the armies of insects that prey upon our fruit trees, and that
among this class we find the largest percentage of inferior and wormy
fruit. If any one will take the pains to visit the orchards, as I have done,
in this and adjoining counties, as to the health, hardiness, and quality of
fruit borne, I think they will bear me out in this conclusion.
SELECT HARDY STOCKS.
In selecting the stocks and scions of the different species to be propa-
gated, it is as necessary that we study the character of the two to be united,
as to what is desired in the plant and fruit, as though we were about to
engage in the propagation and perpetuation of the choicest breeds of
horses, cattle, sheep, or swine.
Ground once gained by judicious selection, in this way, becomes fixed,
and upon it we may enter with safety. By this process, this law of
assimilation, combining health, strength, vigor, and hardiness, we are able
to multiply and perpetuate the choicest selections of fruit.
If we will select such trees as the Lyscom, Talman Sweet, Northern
Spy, Westfield Seek-no-further, and Golden Russet, of known merit as to
hardiness and vigor, upon which to top-graft or regraft our tender
varieties, such as Baldwin, Greening, King, and Red Canada, we shall
make a great advancement in the right direction, forit is upon this point
that success largely depends—perhaps more than upon any other.
This plan or system of ‘“ double-working”’ our tender varieties and
feeble growers, on hardy stock, is like building upon the rock, assuring us
not only of hardiness but of uniformity of growth and development (a very
important point), at the same time increasing the longevity and fruitful-
ness of our orchards, and the quality of the fruit borne, a hundred fold.
28 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
MR. HATHAWAY'S PREDICTION.
I am happy to inform you that I am not alone in the pursuit of this sub-
ject. Mr. Bensamin Haruaway of Little Prairie Ronde, an old nursery-
man of nearly fifty years’ experience, a farmer, horticulturist, a forester, a
gentleman of wide fame in the state, forsaw the impending disaster to the
fruitgrowing interests of all the west, from this cause alone, and at the
first meeting of the Northwestern Fruitgrowers’ association, held in
Chicago, gave the first note of warning and presented to the members of
that meeting the facts of his experience. He then and there prophesied
that “ Before twenty years should go by, the, unwisdom—not to say the
criminal folly—of the almost universal method of root-grafts, would be
made plain to the dullest comprehension.” He went further, and said:
“Tf there are any who are disposed to cavil, and say I put it too strong,
let them come with me and go through a score or two of orchards in Cass
county that I know all about. I will point them to trees, both of the same
variety, one a root-graft the other a top-graft, the first of which has not
borne one fourth the apples of the other since they were set out, thirty or
forty years ago. And theseare not isolated cases, but are the universal
experience in all this region, where there has been a fair opportunity for
comparison.”
VALUE OF DOUBLE-WORKING.
I am proud to be able to quote the valuable experience of the above
named gentleman, whom I have had the pleasure of meeting, to more fully
substantiate some of the principles involved in this important question,
especially of the double-working of our tender varieties and feeble grow-
ers on what I call a uniform standard stock, as the Lyscom, Talman Sweet,
Northern Spy, etc., and never upon seedlings, even as a gift. Never upon
seedlings, for they are not uniform in growth and development, some of
them being dwartish in their habit and as tender as a peach.
My experience in top-grafting the Red Canada on seedlings has not been
satisfactory in the orchard or nursery—I think it is the least so of any
variety. here is not a proper affinity or assimilation between stock and
graft, consequently they are not uniform in growth, while a large
percentage of them is worthless. This variety, root-grafted in the
nursery, is very feeble, while not one tenth of them are merchantable.
This is why all practical fruitgrowers recommend top-grafting the Red
Canada under all circumstances, not so much to make it hardy as to make
it strong and vigorous, for this variety is of itself quite hardy. Nursery-
men, as a rule, will not grow it; and allow me to say, in all candor and
courtesy, the individual who insists in ordering them root-grafted is not
wise, and some have found it out to their sorrow.
This plan of double-working tender varieties and feeble growers on a
hardy and vigorous stock, is the only method that holds out any promise
of success to the future fruitgrowers of Michigan, even in the more favored
parts of the state.
Some may urge that this system of top-grafting is unjust to nursery-
men. It is not altogether so, for no one knows the facts better than they,
and most of them know how to guard against them, and will do so, I am
bold to say, if you as purchasers are willing to pay the extra expense and
cost of propagation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 29
But is there not a safe and easy remedy outside of making the propagator
this extra trouble? I think there is, and that lies in yourself. Purchase
_of the nursery some of the above named hardy, strong-growing trees;
plant them out, and at the right time regraft them with those popular
commercial varieties that are known to be tender and not to do well root-
grafted.
ALL CENTERS IN THE MAN.
Here lies the strongest point in horticulture: the man. He is the main
factor, the one that needs to rise above his avocation, else his business
must suffer. He must be a close observer of facts and results, able to trace
cause to effect and effect to cause—the master of his business. He must
read as well as think, and that carefully, if he would select gold from the
dross. Good brains are invaluable in any business. He must learn how
to propagate, how to cultivate, and how to fertilize; how to pick and handle
the fruit, and how to market the same. He must learn, likewise, how to
combat the army of insects that prey upon the orchard and vine. A man
that can not overcome obstacles that lie in his power, is like one who lies
down in the shade and is forgotten. Take man out of horticulture, and it
will return to where he first picked it up—to the wilds and jungles of
nature.
Should any one desire help in this beautiful study, let me point him to
the popular works of the Michigan State Horticultural society.
SOME OBSERVATIONS.
Mr. GuLLEY asked about the age of stocks for top-grafting, and said he
would as soon whip-graft in the nursery row, at two years of age (not
sooner) as on transplanted trees two inches or more in diameter. A
Golden Russet, root-grafted, is on a seedling. Why use the Russet?
Mr. Beecuer: [ would use the Golden Russet, Spy, and Lyscom so,
because they are hardy and the seedling is not.
Mr. Wiuuarp: The stock affects the root and transforms it, so that there
is nothing left of the stock’s original tenderness.
Mr. Bescuer: These double-worked trees are thoroughbreds. We have
uniform stocks and so have uniform trees.
Mr. GuLLEY advocated his plan of double-working for the same reasons.
By use of the hardy stocks we get uniform roots and both roots and trees
are hardy and strong.
Mr. Morrity: Does it provide hardy tops also?
Mr. Rice said he asked the same question ata meeting lately in Ontario,
and they said such was the case, one gentleman telling how Spy had been
made hardy in Canada by grafting upon Talman Sweet stocks.
Mr. BEECHER .cited some cases, near Saginaw, in which some Russian
30 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
stocks had made the Baldwin hardy, other Baldwin orchards, near by,
having been killed by cold.
Mr. Hoxuuister of Monroe knew of the same instance, and said that
Red Canada on the same stock proved hardy at the same time; and he told
‘of similar success of this method with other varieties in Lapeer county—
Red Canada and Stark on Oldenburg, and King and Peck’s Pleasant on
Talman Sweet and Spy. All made hardy, fine, uniform tops.
NO SUCH APPLE AS STEEL’S RED.
Replying to a question, Mr. Lyon said there is no apple properly called
Steel’s Red and so recognized. The name is a synonym, an interloper.
In New York it came to be applied to the Baldwin, because a man named
Steel got Baldwin trees, not knowing what they were, and the fruit got his
name. In Michigan, near Plymouth, a man got some grafts for Greening,
but was told the red apples they bore were Steel’s Red, and they were so
disseminated, but were really Red Canada. So the name came to be
applied, in two states, to two varieties. Orders sent to New York for
Steel’s Red trees will bring Baldwins. Do not propagate Red Canada by
root-grafting, for it does not succeed so. Top-graft it always upon some
hardy stock.
THE SEASON OF 1891 IN NEW YORK.
Under this heading, Mr. 8. D. WiLLarp of Geneva, N. Y., presented the
following paper:
If in the few words I may say to you on this occasion, I should express
sentiments not entirely in accord with your own, you will, I trust, be con-
siderate and charitable, bearing in mind that we are residents of different
states, with different surroundings (climate, soil, markets) and hence have
different experiences.
We all have our varied experiences, but most of us are rather slow to
communicate them to others. Nevertheless, what is more interesting than
a good experience meeting, just such as fruitgrowers can have when all
take a part and no one waits for another? I always enjoy such, and invari-
ably have found that in meetings of this kind, where the gates are open
wide and each one tells all he knows (and perhaps more) and then some-
thing he does not know, there is much that is useful and instructive to be
gleaned and carried away to be added to my stock in trade. From my
childhood days, fruitgrowing has had about it charms that I have been
unable to see in any other department or profession of life.
The year just passed, to all fruitgrowers, I think, has been one rich in
experience, if not in dollars and cents, and were all the craft consulted,
from the north, south, east, and west, | imagine you would be informed
that the year had been full of instructive lessons; and further, that the
amount charged up to the debit side of educational expenses had been
somewhat in excess of former years.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. al
ALL MAKE MISTAKES.
Well, everybody makes mistakes. This is true in all professions. The
lawyer, the doctor, the preacher, the editor, and even the politician, ambi-
tious and sharp as he may be, as an aspirant for presidential honors, finds
disappointments and discouragements to face, as a result of mistakes made
that might have been avoided by judicious care and the application of well
known principles and good common sense, just at the right time and in the
right place.
No matter of surprise, then, that the fruitgrower, whose opportunities
have been in a iess extended scale, and whose field for observation has
been circumscribed by the limits of his own county or state, should like-
wise find himself a victim of his own folly. We fruitgrowers are not
unlike the rest of mankind, and in our experiences we fall into many
errors that might be averted, but which in turn serve to relieve us of any
burdensome surplus, financially. To consider some of these errors or mis-
takes is the object at this time, and the advising of such measures as may
aid in avoiding them in the future.
Stubborn facts are what we are called upon to face nee high prices for
what we buy and low prices for what we sell are affording problems, the
solution of which is taxing the financial genius of many a man to its
utmost capacity.
Each year seems to demonstrate more fully than the preceding, wherein
the mistakes are made, and therefore should the better fit us to avoid them
in the future.
We have journals, societies, state aid, and government aid, and men of
science, all ready to afford the required help and to teach us how to con-
duct our business with success. Let us utilize all these means at our
command and become masters of the situation. Our state experiment
stations are doing a grand work, but they should be wonderfully multi-
plied, until every good commercial fruitgrower should have astation of his
own where he should test at least one of every variety of those fruits
which he might wish to grow, and which, from such information as he
might be able to derive, he would regard as adapted to his soil, climate,
and wants. Were this course adopted, what an experience meeting we
would have here at this time, and what an amount of intelligence and
talent would be added to all horticultural meetings! Is it not safe to
assume that it is a mistake that there is not more of this practical work
done? Perhaps, however, you of this wide-awake state are fully abreast
of the times and far in advance of us in the east in this regard.
BALDWIN APPLES FAILED.
The failure of the crop of Baldwin apples, which has now been so gen-
eral for three consecutive seasons, has, we think, shown conclusively that
this variety has been planted too largely, to the exclusion of other red
apples, which, to say the least, should constitute a part of the orchard.
The Hubbardston, Sutton’s Beauty, McIntosh Red, Gilliflower, and Ben
Davis all have given average crops during this time of Baldwin failure,
and as they are productive and sell well in the markets, why should they
be so neglected or overlooked? I have named Gilliflower and Ben Davis
last, and yet the prices at which the fruit has been selling for years, being
much higher than that of Baldwins and Greenings, would indicate that
o2 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
they are worthy of more attention than they have generally received. Last
week’s quotations in New York were as follows:
Baldwin and Greenings__________--.______- $2 to $2.25 per bbl.
GUILE tal 4: Maa arb 4 DN EA Ie, NB, Sani oy $2.25 to $3 per bbl.
Ben Davis and Steel's Red __.- 2.222222 beck ee $2.75 to $3.25.
Ben Davis at par with one of the best.
It is possible that, the beautiful polish that follows the rub of the greasy
coat-sleeve of the Italian may have its effect, but this is no exceptional ©
quotation. It has been the rule for years, and probably no two apples can
be produced so cheaply as Gilliflowers and Ben Davis; and yet we fail to
grow them to the extent wanted, because not up to our standard of
- excellence.
Again, for years past there has been a scarcity of good fall varieties of
apple which are adapted to the city fruit stands. The high prices that
have prevailed for such apples fully illustrate the force attached to this
statement. Stump apples, put up in peck baskets, have within three
years sold at eighty cents per basket, while McIntosh Red (late fall and
early winter) have repeatedly sold at $2 to $2.50 in half barrels. Has not
the neglect to grow more good autumn apples been a great mistake?
DIVERSIFY YOUR PRODUCT.
The commercial orchardist, in my opinion, is quite apt to make all his
ventures in one direction. By this I mean to go too exclusively into one
kind of fruit. To illustrate, all apples or all peaches, and so on, when, in
fact, common-sense and good judgment would dictate a more general line
of such fruits as may be grown successfully upon his soil, and for which
there may be good market, so that in the event of a failure of one there
may be others from which may be sold sufficient to pay current expenses.
The pear, plum, quince, currant, gooseberry, blackberry, etc., are all
factors to be considered in this proposition. Said a party to me, two
years since, who has a fifty-acre Baldwin orchard from which he has
had only one full crop in five years, “ Had it not been for that plantation
of blackberries, I could not have paid my family expenses for the past
two years.’ Such instances could be multiplied, and show the wisdom of
the adoption of the plan proposed when feasible. We would say, then,
adopt the system of mixed husbandry, where possible, and grow as great
a variety as circumstances, of which you are the best judge, will premit,
and you avoid one of the mistakes too often made.
Much might be said as to the value of good crops of small fruits, such
as currants and gooseberries but our limited time will not permit. In
general, when a good market, is accessible, they are very profitable, and
prices as a rule, in western New York, have been well maintained.
In the state I have the honor to represent, it has been reported as a fact
that seventy-five per cent. of all the dairy cows fail to pay their owners any
profit. Think of it—seventy-five out of every one hundred cows stabled,
fed, milked, and product marketed at a loss! My own slight experience
in the cow business would incline me to the opinion that the statement is
correct. The fact is, they give no cream. The milk is worthless except in the
hands of the milkmen, who will buy only at very low prices so long as
good hydrants are within easy access.
We say this is a sad commentary on the intelligence and business saga-
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 30
city of the dairymen; and yet, if you will ride from Maine to Michigan,
I think you will come to the conclusion this is equally true of those
engaged in fruit culture, and that fully three fourths of the fruit trees
growing in the good fruit districts fail to pay the interest on the land
they occupy. They may produce fruit, but oh! such fruit. There is no
cream about it and it is simply forced upon the markets to compete with
and break down the market value of good fruit in time of a surplus.
“ By their fruits shall ye know them,” and that ye can not gather grapes
from thorns, etc., is certainly true.
BE CAREFUL HOW AND WHAT YOU PLANT.
We should plant only trees from reliable families that produce fruit of
the right sort, and if we have been so unfortnnate as to have a stock of
of others, graft them over to those wanted, at the earliest moment
practicable.
In planting new orchards, study adaptability thoroughly, give them
such excellent care and generous feed as will develop their surface in the
least possible time consistent with a _ well-ripened. growth. Much
more may be done in this direction than is generally supposed, by
judicious culture and the application of such wholesome plant food as may
be at our command. How often we pass the roadsides and fence corners
without once thinking that they often harbor much that is the best kind of
plant food. Those old sods are rich in just those elements we would buy
in a first-class commercial fertilizer. Thatmuck swamp, which for cent-
uries has taken the wash of the surrounding land, full of decaying wood
and leaves, as an absorbent of the salts and gases of your manure heap is
unequaled for that purpose and will hold them in readiness for the action
of the little rootlets of your orchard trees that are ever ready to perform
their allotted functions. Every one knows the value of wood ashes and
fine ground bone—nothing is better to:produce good, hard, ripened wood
from which are developed fruit buds that are especially adapted to stand
severe cold. The man who fails to make a good use of all these means at
his command makes a mistake. Much might be said on the experience of
underdraining, its effect on plant life, etc., but time will not permit. Let it
suffice to say, no fruit tree can be healthy with roots submerged one half
of the year, and artificial drainage should be provided when it is not
natural.
GREAT DAMAGE BY BAD PRUNING.
Observation and experience have taught me that good, judicious pruning
(ora lack of it) is a grave error into which a large number of otherwise
good fruitgrowers have unwittingly fallen, and that the operation of prun-
ing requires the application of much more good common-sense than is
usually accorded the subject. Thousands of good trees are annually ruined _
by the unwise use of the saw and axe, all of which might have been pre-
vented by beginning the second year from planting and following up
annually, as might be required, to let in the necessary light and air, and
in such a way that none of the vital forces are left to be expended in pro-
ducing waste material which, sooner or later, must. go to the brush heap.
This subject, in a short paper of this kind, can only be touched in a gen-
eral way. No iron-clad rule can be laid down which will hold good in all
5
34 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
cases or on different varieties—hence the difficulties surrounding the case.
No book I have ever read affords the required information or covers,the
ground that will enable the novice to go forward intelligently in the per-
formance of such work, hence the importance of a home experimental sta-
tion, where all such work can be done and the results observed. At the
age of fifteen years, following the outline of some reading on this subject,
some experimental work was done in this line which afforded lessons never
to be forgotten. They yet stand as monuments of the folly of the boy. It
was a grand object lesson for me, but came near bringing death to the
trees. The country is filled with unsightly objects that either have never
been pruned at all, or, if so, have been neglected until the cutting away of
large limbs here and there has left the tree only a fit subject for disease
and premature death. Nothing need be said further on the subject, save
the fact that different trees require different principles of pruning. To
illustrate, standard pears need none and should have none, save cutting out
interlocking limbs and suckers, while dwarf pears should have from one-
half to two thirds the annual growth of young wood removed, if satisfac-
tory results be attained; and so we might go through the whole list of
different sorts, to do which would fill a book; and we will simply add, all
trees and small fruits, to produce the best results, require annual attention
—the removal of unnecessary wood and cutting back the previous year’s
growth, when required to give good fruit of the best quality.
My attention was called a few weeks since to two orchards of apple,
planted some ten or twelve years ago on land of precisely the same quality
and divided only by a highway. One has produced three crops, one of
them being an average of two barrels to the tree. The other has never
yet made a single barrel of apples. The one has been under annual cul-
tivation, has been fed and pruned. The other has cared for itself, like
thousands through the country.
We are living in a period of the nineteenth century when success demands
interest, thought, word, and deed. -Life is too short and time too import-
ant a factor in the affairs of the world, to accept of anything short of
electric speed in the conduct of our business. Therefore, the importance
of making no mistake that shall involve delay and prevent our being among
those that get into the front ranks in this most honorable and elevating
of all professions.
So much has been said or written on the very great importance attached
to this question of picking, handling, and packing, which so often settles
the question of selling at a profit or loss, that Lam sure no reference needs
be made to this subject.
A WORD ABOUT VARIETIES.
As the question of varieties is a matter of so much importance, and I
have been especially asked to say something on this point, I will simply
refer to those fruits in which I am especiaily interested, leaving the ques-
tion of peaches to those who'I assume ought to be far better posted than
Tam. The varieties of pear grown for market purposes here has, during
the past twenty years, notwithstanding the large number of new sorts
introduced, been greatly reduced, so that to-day Bartlett, Clapp, Howell,
Angouleme, and Kieffer compose probably three fourths of all pears grown
largely for market in western New York. As for cherries, we find Mont-
morenci, English Morello, Napoleon, and Windsor by far the most profit-
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 35
able and best adapted to all commercial purposes, considering hardiness,
productiveness, and general market demands.
POINTS AS TO PLUMS.
The growing interest that has shown itself during the past twenty-five
years in plum culture, has led to the introduction of many sorts of the
European type, which in some regards have been a decided improvement
upon many of the older varieties. The first consideration has been hard-
iness in wood and fruit-bud, and then productiveness, style, good handling
qualities for market, and lastly quality. Most markets prefer high-colored
fruit. The Bradshaw has long been a standard as a large, early ripening
fruit, of fine style, but Schoharie county, New York, has given us the Field,
of equal size and style; wood more hardy, and ripening ten days earlier.
Maryland has given us the Prince of Wales, some two weeks later, which
is also very hardy, exceedingly productive, and for style all that could be
desired. England has also given us the Diamond, for mid-season, and the
Grand Duke, Archduke, and Monarch for lategipening sorts, all of which,
it would seem, will come to be regarded as great acquisitions to the com-
mercial plum-grower; while to France we are indebted for the French
Damson, in every respect the best of all the Damson family; and the Reine
Claude de Bavay, the choicest of the Green Gage family, but rather too
tender for many locations.
America has given us Peters’ Yellow Gage, the best of all yellow plums,
combining in an eminent degree all that is required in a first-class hght-
colored plum, to meet the wants of the most fastidious in taste; while
from the same source come a host of others of value, whose period of
ripening, however. is not in all instances exactly what we require. The
introduction of a little foreign blood in the vegetable, as well as the animal,
kingdom seems to be desirable in order to produce the best results.
While engaged in our experimental work, we may well investigate the
new Japan plums, which certainly possess some characteristics that may
be of great value- to some sections of our country. Like the Japanese
pears, they have a foliage unsurpassed in quantity and ruggedness which
is carried through the season and would indicate a wood sufficiently hardy
to fit them for the climate of New York or Michigan.
One very marked characteristic in all of these Japan plums, is their very
strong and rugged foliage, which does not so far seem to be affected by any
of the insect life or diseases that prey upon many of our choice European
sorts, and sometimes weaken them to such an extent as to unfit them to
withstand the severity of a hard winter following a heavy cropping.
Of these, there have been quite a large number of varieties introduced
into this country, among which are several under the name Botan; and
from information derived from the head of the department of agriculture
at Washington, this appears to be the name of a family. One of this
family has already been renamed Abundance.
In order to avoid confusion we have numbered the best two of this
family as No. 6 and No. 26. The latter, No. 26, is of very good quality,
‘productive, and markets well and ripens two to three weeks in advance of
any plum we have. In 1891 it ripened July i8. Another, and so far as
we can judge the best of all so far tested, is Burbank’s Japan. This vari-
ety seems to combine hardiness, good quality, and good productiveness in
an eminent degree, and may be styled a late ripening sort. In 1891 it
36 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
ripened from the 20th to 25th of September; and a single branch of
eighteen inches matured forty-five specimens of perfect fruit. This sort
seems especially hardy in the fruit bud. Several other varieties have been
discarded for lack of qualities that would fit them for desirable market
sorts. I should have stated that one, No. 6, is supposed to be the same as
Abundance.
APRICOTS INCREASING IN POPULARITY.
The introduction of the so-called Russian apricots, which in themselves
are probably of no value, may have served as a stimulus in the way of
growing and testing other varieties of this fine fruit, so that today there is.
a growing interest in this fruit that has never before been seen; and several
varieties have come to the surface that it would seem can be grown with
success. One party had 1,000 bushels the past season. They are wanted
not only on the fruit stands of the cities, but also by canning establishments.
The manager of one of these, a few weeks since, informed me he packed
500 cases the past season*and could easily have sold 5,000, affording a
profit which I venture to say would satisfy any of us. Is not this fruit
worth a trial on the east shore of lake Michigan? Varieties so far that
have done well are Harris, Early Montgamet, and Oliver’s Early Peach.
BY WAY OF CONCLUSION.
Notes have been prepared with reference to diseases and insect life,
which the successful fruitgrower is called upon to combat every year—
such as black-knot, yellows, apple-scab, and scores of a kindred nature—
but all of this is a subject so vast as to form a topic alone for considera-
tion. Therefore I leave it entirely, to be taken up in your discussion, as
interest may indicate, simply suggesting that, if not done already, a law
should at once be enacted by your legislature that will enable each town
to clean out black-knot in the plum and cherry wherever found.
Avail yourselves of the necessary apparatus and chemicals, at a season
of the year when you have time to give the business such consideration
as it demands, and have all in readiness to make your fight early in 1892.
against all enemies of whatever name and nature, and you will have no
reason to regret mistakes which your less cautious neighbors will be likely
to make.
THEY QUESTIONED HIM.
After concluding his paper, Mr. Willard spoke with great earnestness
in warning against tolerating even the slightest appearance of black-
knot, depicting its destructive ravages in Massachusetts and the Hudson
river valley. Questioned as to other varieties of the plum, he said the
Hudson River Purple Egg is one of the very best varieties we have. It
originated in New York and is a long, purple plum of the prune type and
is very productive. The only objection to the Lombard plum is that it
ripens in midseason when prices are likely to be low. The same is the
case with Shipper’s Pride. “ How much ground bone should be used to
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 37
the acre?” was asked. “O I don’t know,” said Mr. Wituarp; “ all
depends upon the quality and needs of the soil, so the amount that may
be profitably used greatly varies. I have seen wonderful results from use
of ground bone in Baldwin apple orchards. The French Damson is the
best of all Damson plums, because of its good foliage. It is hardy and
productive, but not an early bearer. Quackenboss is very late in coming
into bearing, and is large and fine but gives small crops. No American
plum does well in western New York, and I would not plant one, anyway
—I like a good thing. Probably Downtna is the best American goose-
berry, but I prefer the new English sorts. I keep mildew off from them
by use of the ammonia and copper solution. Liver of sulphur ‘does up’
mildew completely. Industry gooseberry is an excellent kind. I would
not put the English gooseberries on gravel, but on cool, heavy soils. I
did not mention the Anjou pear because, though of great excellence, it is
not in demand in the markets. I like the Victoria currant and it is profit-
able. I have known it, under careful pruning, to pay $200 net per acre
in Nova Scotia.
Thursday Evening Session.
The session of Thursday evening was given up to the social features of
such occasions, and it was in all respects most enjoyable.
After a piano solo by one of the ladies who did so much, musically, to
make all the sessions pleasant, Mayor McItvane of Port Huron delivered
an admirable address, which was promised for publication but has not
come to hand.
Mr. C. J. Monroe of South Haven followed, speaking of the pleasant
social features of these occasions. He came not from Allegan county
(alluding to an error of the chairman) but from within a mile of there.
That vicinity has been greatly benefited by the State Horticultural society,
which now meets here for the first time, though it is twenty-one years old
and has held, usually, four meetings per year. If it stimulates an interest
ia fruitgrowing in Port Huron and vicinity, we who have come here will
feel amply repaid for our visit.
Mr. 8S. D. WiuxarD, vice-president of the Western New York Horticult-
‘ural society, followed in one of his always felicitous speeches, first com-
plimenting the beautiful display of flowers. At the meetings of this kind
he has attended, he has seldom seen it equalled. As did Mr. Monrose also,
he spoke in high terms of appreciation of the music. He dwelt at some
38 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
length upon the great advantages the present generation has over its pred-
ecessors in point of educational facilities and a thousand other provisions
for their information, refinement, and comfort. Fruitgrowing, he said, is
now a success largely because of scientific development; and he urged
unity of action to secure legislative aid for advancement of agriculture
and horticulture.
The next speaker was Mr. A. M. Suits of St. Catherines, Ont., ex-presi-
dent of the Ontario Fruitgrowers’ association. Ontario, he said, has the
largest horticultural society in America; and we believe that, while Michi-
gan beats us in peaches, we may with truth claim to be the best region in
the world for apples. Ontario used to be regarded as hopeless as a horti-
cultural region, but now the greater portion of the province grows fruit-
They made a successful show at the Columbian Exposition. For their
inspiration and growth in pomology they owe much to the societies of
Michigan and Western New York. Mr. SmitH extended an invitation to
the fruitgrowers of both these societies to attend a great demonstration at
Grimsby Park—a two days meeting in connection with a farmers’ institute,
to occur at some date in June.
Judge MircHeLt of Port Huron said he had been for many years inter-
ested in agriculture and horticulture and had kept in mind their advance
in Michigan. The unoccupied lands spoken of by one speaker, are the
key to our situation. Years ago, “the thumb” was out of reach of the
improvement of the state, having no railways. We had only the pine and
the lumberman; and when the lumberman leaves a region he is worse than
fire and desolation. But gradually there were beginnings of agriculture,
and later the people began to talk about fruit. Judge MircHety highly
complimented Mr. L. B. Rice as the pioneer in horticulture in this region,
and thanked him for bringing the State society to Port Huron. “ These
lands,” he continued, “are producing the finest of apples, pears, and plums
and small fruits; and there is considerable advantage here from the lakes,
though the springs are late.” He thanked the society for this visit, and
expressed a hope that it would do something to help the really fine country
further up the Huron shore.
Mr. R. Morritt of Benton Harbor said the society was to be congrat-
ulated, not commended, for going to Port Huron, and he recited the many
pleasant features of the meeting. “If we can not gain some information
from you, we will have largely failed in the object of our coming. A man
once said to me, ‘ You horticulturists have peculiar ideas; they are not
business: you expose all your secrets.’ So it is, and ‘tis remarkable.
Thoroughbred horticulturists are not clams—they do not shut themselves
up when you approach them. They are not the wealthiest class of farmers,
‘
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 39
but they enjoy themselves. But what do we here? Why, simply seek to
add to the great competition which already exists.”” Mr. Morritt than gave
the financial statistics of shipment of horticultural products from Benton
Harbor which were recently printed in these columns and generally in the
state press.
After another musical selection, the session adjourned.
Friday Morning Session.
Opening the concluding session, the secretary read the appended letter
from Mr. G. W. CuinE of Winona, Ontario, upon
CANADIAN PLUM CULTURE.
As it is impossible for me to meet with you, I send you on paper some
of my experience in growing plums for the past twenty years. I have
_ found that, for my section, the list of good plums is larger than that of any
other of the cultivated fruits. I have grown and found good and profitable,
over forty varieties, and have not fruited all varieties recommended yet.
This list, as follows, has done extra well. In order of ripening it comprises
Imperial Gage, Washington, Bradshaw, Niagara, Duane’s Purple, Smith’s
Orleans, Myers’ Seedling, Lombard, Victoria, Huling’s Superb, Yellow Egg,
Monroe Egg, Glass’ Seedling, Columbia, Quackenboss, Pond’s Seedling,
Gen. Hand, Coe’s Golden Drop, Reine Claude de Bavay, German Prune;
but there are others, that I believe are just as good, that I have not had
long enough to judge of them, such as Jefferson, Shipper’s Pride, Gueii,
Stanton, Field, Peters’ Yellow Gage, Saunders, Hudson River Purple
Egg, Red Egg, Green Gage, McLaughlin, Dunston Superb, Shropshire
Damson, English Damson, Canada Orleans, Fellenberg. French Prune,
Peach plum.
The first list I am always ready to plant, knowing them as extra good
from my long experience with them; but the best advice I can give ‘any
planter is to look about among his brother growers and note the situation
and the soil in which the different varieties are growing and doing extra
well. I do not think it advisable for any planter to plant largely of any
new varieties, as the chances are older established varieties are the best.
How seldom does any of the new varieties of fruits that come out with a
flourish of trumpets prove equal to the old! But by all means try a tree,
or vine or two, and await results. You will make money by waiting,
ninety-nine times out of one hundred, over rushing in and planting
largely of new and untried sorts; but there is room for improvements in
our fruits, and in time we will get some if not all of them.
I am not favorable to any of the plums of the wild sort, as Wild Goose,
Moore’s Artic, Weaver, DeSoto, and many more of that stamp, as they
are worthless for this section, and I have but little faith in the Japanese
plums so much talked of and advertised. Still, we must try those we
40 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
think the best and judge for ourselves; but try them lghtly, as I feel
assured you will find none of them equal to our old well-tried varieties.
As to cultivation, I find that you can hardly give too much of it after
trees once commence bearing. Before that, if soil is very rich, too much
cultivation may cause a too thrifty growth; and if the growth is very long,
it should be cut back, early in spring, about one-half, or your trees will
become misshapen. For fertilizers, some soils may be rich enough in all
the parts that go to form fruit. Then, again, there may be plenty of
nitrogen but lack of phosphoric acid, or potash, or it may lack all these,
and that is often the reason people who have fruit trees do not get any
fruit. Where such is the case, I advise applying, in June, ashes to some
trees for potash; dissolved bone to others for phosphoric acid; to others,
a complete fertilizer composed of all these. You will then find out what
is needed and which has done the best, but you will not receive any
apparent benefit that season, as these fertilizers often require to be applied
a season in advance to give full benefit, where trees do not blossom; but
where trees blossom and fail to set fruit, early in the spring may answer
—as soon as snow is off and enough frost out to allow the fertilizer to soak
into the soil. These are points in manures that I have tried to my satis-
faction. But try them for yourselves, as soils differ so very much and
locations, climate, and all go to require changes from any formula for
growing fruit.
There may be some here who do not want to plant a large variety of
plums, or a large quantity of trees. For those I will here give a small list
of some among the best, in order of ripening: Washington, Bradshaw,
Lombard, Yellow Egg, Glass’ Seedling, Coe’s Golden Drop, Bavay.
Black-knot was very bad with me for several years, but I commenced
using commercial fertilizer on my orchard every spring, early, and cutting
the knots twice each year, always burning the knots. I always cut in July
and August first; then, as soon as leaves fall, cut those I missed before.
My orchard is very nearly clear of knots at present, and trees very healthy
and bearing large crops. But they would not, if I did not destroy the
curculio, which have always been bad with me. For several years I jarred
the trees and caught the insects on a sheet. This was very hard work, and
when spraying with Paris green came to my notice, some eight or ten years
ago, I bought a Lockport pump and went at it, and found it good—so good
that I have sprayed every year since, my pears, plums, and apples for
insect pests, and would no more think of trying to grow good fruit without
it than I would of flying without I was built that way. I use scant three
ounces of Paris green to forty gallons of water, kept well stirred.
Mr. WILLARD pronounced this a practical paper by a successful man,
having in it points worth remembering. He cautioned plum-growers to
exercise great care in use of arsenites, as the leaves of the plum are
exceedingly sensitive; and he had had losses from use of too strong mix-
tures. Spraying for curculio had not met growers’ expectations in New
York, and they were obliged to continue use of sheets. An implement is
made in Geneva, N. Y., for this purpose, being a sheet mounted on wheels
in nice shape. He had not been successful in efforts to stop rot. He
advised thinning plum crops, first by cutting back and afterward by remoy-
ing surplus fruit.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 41
Mr. GULLEY said the copper solutions have been used with great success
in restraining rot of the plum and peach, and all other kinds of fungous
diseases of leaf and fruit. Mr. WiLLArD expressed great faith in them.
ONIONS ON MUCK SOIL
was the subject of the next paper, read by the secretary, in the absence of
its author, Mr. W. H. ParMe es of Hilliards, Allegan county. It was as
follows:
By request of your secretary, [ send you a brief sketch of my experince
in onion-raising upon muck land. I should be much pleased to be with
you in person and share in your discussions; but, circumstances not favor-
ing, I must content myself with writing, hoping by this means to be of
some benefit to others, while I hope to be profited by your deliberations,
in due time, by reading them in print.
EVOLUTION OF AN ONION FIELD.
To begin with, I am writing no fancy sketch, neither am I giving the
opinion of others:solely, for |‘have been right there myself, crawling for
miles on hand and knee, weeding-knife in hand, using hoe and spade with
greater freedom than I can use the pen. The swamps of Michigan differ
much in their make-up. We have had no experience in reclaiming cranberry
marshes or swamps of a springy nature. Ours was simply a dish of about
five acres in extent, in which water would stand quite deép in a wet time,
but in a very dry fall would disappear entirely. Thirty-seven years ago it
was covered with a dense growth of tall pine, bordered with black ash. with
alders interspersed. Twenty-five or thirty years ago, a fire ran through it,
felling the timber in every conceivable direction, and there for a number
of years it lay, about thirty roads from my house, a perfect eyesore to gaze
at. It was the rendezvous of frogs which gave us many an evening
serenade in full chorus; while the wily rattlesnake, as if on picket duty,
lay in ambush on its outskirts. The spring rains would fill it with water,
from one to three feet deep, and there it would lie and stagnate in the hot
summer’s sun, and thus it became a fruiful source of malaria in the neigh-
borhood.
To remove this stench from our nostrils was the work undertaken—with
no reference, however, to the onion business at the time we undertook the
job. That was an afterthought. We had to go about ninety rods to find
a good outlet, from three to five feet deep through dryer land. We first
tried open ditches, ran the water out, cleared the timber off, and commenced
cropping it; but the ditches soon filled, and we lost the use of the land. It
became a skating-rink for the boys in winter, and they could paddle their
canoes over it in the spring. Though baffled we were not defeated in our
plans; but went at it again, made a careful survey, found we had sufficient
fall to give a line of tile through the ninety-rods outlet a grade of one
inch in four rods, and bring it two feet under ground in the swamp.
HOW THE TILE WERE LAID.
We purchased the tile, using six-inch for outlet, branching around in
the swamp with three-inch. We placed a large barrel in a suitable place
6
42 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
in the swamp, and from near the bottom of this the outlet started. The
small branch lines ran into it three inches above exit. Room for sedi-
ment was left at the bottom of barrel. The small tile ran on a light grade
to the outskirts. A box was placed over the barrel and all covered. Our
grade was very light from beginning to end. We therefore worked with
great caution, lest at any time we fall below our regular grade and thus
leave room for sediment to settle and choke the tile, diminishing its capacity.
A cord was kept stretched tight overhead, parallel with bottom grade, and
from this we measured down in grading and placing the tile. It was our
first effort at tile laying; yet, guided by the information | we gathered from
books and papers, we made a complete success.
About eight years ago the job was completed and the tile seem to be
working today as nicely as ever, apparently good for scores of years to
come. We have since dug an epen ditch on one side, cutting off a part of
the water flowing from high lands above, so that the tile may be able to
exhaust the water in case of very heavy rains, before killing of tender
vegetation can ensue. From first to last the draining has cost us $300.
The clearing, I do not know how much, but a good many hard days’ work,
I can assure you. But has it paid? We think so. A scar has been
removed from the landscape, and that pays well; a fruitful source of disease
has been removed from the neighborhood, and that pays.still better; and,
should you chance to drive by it next June, you can feast your eyes upon
one of the finest truck gardens you ever saw, dry and mellow and completed,
filled up with long, straight rows of onions, carrots, mangolds, or some other
“truck.” The first two years after tiling, we cropped it with corn. Then,
the land being well subdued, we tried roots of various kinds.
UPS AND DOWNS OF THE BUSINESS.
For the last six years, in the heart of this garden bed where the muck is
deepest, we have raised a patch of onions varying in size from one to two
and a quarter acres. The first year we had one and five eighths acres,
raised 911 bushels, and soid them at fifty cents per bushel. In 1888 we
raised 900 bushels, kept the most of them till spring, and then drew them
to the field and plowed them under. While we were harvesting them, a
gentleman driving past wanted some, as they looked very inviting, so we
placed a few in his buggy, for which he paid us fifteen cents, which was all
we received for the entire crop, the market being completely glutted. Of
course we were disappointed, but we do not carry all our eggs in one bas-
ket, so we managed to stand the loss. We follow general farming, onion-
raising being brought in as a sort of knitting-work to fill up the spare
moments. The crop of 1890 we were more fortunate with, as there was a
light crop in the country and they brought good prices. Taking one year
with another, fifty cents may be considered a fair average price, and four
hundred bushels a good yield per acre. Your crop will often fall below
this, through insect depredation, dry weather at the time of bottoming, or
failure of seed to germinate; while it is by no means impossible to grow
six hundred bushels to the acre when everything is favorable. We sow
the seed about the middle of April. Four pounds to the acre is the rule,
but three pounds are plenty if seed is good and evenly sown. It is better
to do some thinning than to have too many vacant spaces. We prefer to
have varieties that ripen early, as it is better to have them harvested before
wet, cold weather sets in. Early Red Globe, Yellow Danver, Early South-
‘
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 43
port Red Globe, are all good varieties and do well with us. The Red
Wethersfield is a strong grower and good keeper, but a little later.
METHODS OF PLANTING.
All plowing upon muck should be done in the fall, that frost may act
upon it. But after ground has once been thoroughly fitted, we prefer
not to plow at all, as the labor of weeding is increased thereby. We har-
row thoroughly, then smooth it with a plank “‘rubber.” We next draw a
line straight across the field and run the drill by this the first time across;
afterward the drill does its own marking. We use the Planet Junior drill.
We make rows 14 inches apart, and eight onions to the foot we consider
about right in the row. Still, if a little thicker they will bunch, rise out
of the ground, and make fair onions if the ground is rich enough. We
should guard against having them so thick as to cause them to spindle up
and lop over before time to bottom. It is a very tedious job to harvest a
crop of small onions, as they all have to be handled one by one in topping.
As soon as we can see the rows well, we run a Planet Junior cultivator
astride the row, and a skillful hand will run very close to the onions, and
on light muck can do a nice jobina short time. We run the cultiva-
tor many times over the ground through the growing season, and especially |
after every rain, to break up the slightest crust that may form. A mellow
surface acts as a mulch and helps to preserve the moisture beneath it. But
the cultivator will not do all the work. We must get down on our knees,
knife in hand, and clean out the rows.
Thinning should be done when the ground is quite moist, and as soon as
the plant is tough enough to draw without breaking. We never expect to
get rid of weeds entirely; but, by being very careful about letting any go
to seed, we can make the weeding much lighter. The last season we esti-
mated the hand weeding at about one quarter of what it had been in other
years. In onion-raising on muck we must take time by the forelock, for
weeds grow very fast and the pulling of large weeds from a row of onions
in a soil so loose is a bad job, especially if the ground is dry.
HARVESTING AND STORING.
We aim to grow varieties that will ripen the fore part of September, so
that they can be harvested when the days are bright and sunny, as they
seem to harden up and keep better. In pulling we throw six rows into
one, let them lie a few days in the sun to cure. Then they are ready to
top. They should be pulled soon after the tops soften and fall over, for,
should there come a rain, they are likely to throw out new roots and make
a second growth which impairs their keeping qualities. A dry, sunny day
should be selected for drawing and storing, using the middle of the day,
when the shucks will rattle like paper. They will keep much better by
so doing.
If we intend keeping in the winter they should be placed in a frost-
proof building that can be well ventilated. We place them on racks
about ten inches deep, building one above another, using common lath
supported by two-inch plank for bottom. In this way we can dry them
out, should they gather dampness. Do not let them freeze, but keep
them ata low temperature. We try to avoid, as much as possible, chan-
44 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
ges of temperature, by opening and closing the ventilators, guided by the
thermometer, which we closely watch within and without.
Onions do well year after year on the same ground, but we must use
fertilizers, for the richest muck will, after a time, need them. We are
giving ours a heavy dressing of manure this winter. It is very important,
I find, to have our muck well drained, so we can work it early in the
the spring; and, if too wet, the onions will run more to scullions, or be
soft and spongy and, of course, poor keepers. Still, if too dry when bot-
toming, the crop will be very much diminished. '
We hope to regulate, to some extent, the moisture in our muck by plac-
ing a cut-off in the outlet, which can be easily done by sinking a cistern
in the hard land, plastering it with cement, and running the tile through
it, and there fixing a gate that can be opened and closed at will.
I need not continue this subject further, but cheerfully submit it for
further discussion; and, if this short chapter from my experience shall
lead the way to the redemption and utilization of any other stagnant
pond, now marring the beauty of our noble state, I shall feel amply
repaid.
FRUITGROWING ON LIGHT SOILS
was treated in the accompanying paper by Mr. Rotanp Morriuu of Ben-
ton Harbor:
This topic may refer to a great variety of soils, ranging from an extemely
rich, sandy loam to the barren sand plains which are generally considered
worthless and no doubt have no value today but may have in the future.
The soil referred to can not mean any soil which contains much clay, clay
loam, or having a clay subsoil; at least I shall not consider such soils as
coming within the limits of my topic, and will treat only of such soils as
are composed of sand or sandy loam resting on a sand or gravel subsoil.
I would state also that my experience and observation have been confined
mainly to soils that grew heavy, hard-wooded timber, such as beech, maple,
and oak, and what I say may not be applicable to pine lands in all cases.
One of the first things to determine, if you are planting in such soils, is
whether you wish to plant for market or for home use only. If for the
latter purpose, you can plant anything that thrives at all in your vicinity,
as a partial success is much better than to deprive your family of a full
line of fruit; but if you are planting for market, the case is entirely differ-
ent, as you must then come into competition with men who are favorably
pene and you will not grow rich very fast from half crops or inferior
ruit.
Among the small fruits which succeed well on good light soils, I will
mention strawberries, grapes, raspberries, and gooseberries, about in the
order named; at the same time, fair crops of blackberries and currants can
be grown in good locations; and if it be pine land, I would place black-
berries first in the list of the above fruits.
The different varieties of each fruit seem to have their likes and dislikes
in soil, which makes it important that we make proper selection of vari-
eties. Of this I shall speak further on. For general fruitgrowing, J am
convinced that a rich, sandy loam, resting on subsoil containing a fair
proportion of clay, is superior to all others, the next best being the same
resting on compact gravel or sand, and the poorest is a poor sand resting
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 45
on loose sand or gravel; but even this can be made to produce fairly under
proper treatment, which in a general way I should undertake to prepare
as follows, taking just as many acres as I could apply to a fair dressing of
manure very early in the spring. Then plow not more than five to six
inches deep; then apply seventy-five to one hundred bushels of wood ashes,
broadcast, and harrow in; then sow one peck of Mammoth clover seed, and
roll or harrow in lightly. When the clover is nicely up, sow about 100
pounds of land plaster per acre; then, when the clover begins to show
heads, which will be the latter part of July, put on a mower and cut the
clover and weeds, letting it remain just where it falls. Next season let the
clover grow as it pleases, and in the fall orthe following spring plow under,
and your ground is in prime condition for fruit or any other crop, but
there is one thing that must be done to make this plan always a success.
That is, the seed must be sown as early as the ground will work well; and
another thing that must not be done, is sowing a crop of oats or other
grain at the same time. Recollect, I am not speaking now of fertile lands,
but of land that is naturally poor, or partially exhausted; and let me say
that any land that will not respond to this treatment is not worth cultivat-
ing. Where ashes can be secured in abundance, two or three hundred
bushels per acre will be much better than less, but clover is almost certain
to catch and grow well on any sandy land which has a dressing of ashes.
In many instances, clay is found very convenient to tracts of sandy land.
In such cases I have seen excellent results from a liberal application,
lightly plowed under; and for setting pears, apples, plums, quinces, or
roses, on very light soils, I consider it almost indispensable.
Now we will speak of the varieties of fruit that succeed on light soils,
after urging upon you the importance of thorough preparation of the soil
as detailed above. Commencing with the strawberry, we will name first
the old varieties which still have value, giving a short description of each
for the benefit of our friends who have not had experience, and I will
mention their defects, which is something you rarely find in catalogues.
Commencing with the old Wilson, I would say that it seems to have out-
lived its usefulness, except it is still useful as a fertilizer for early-bloom-
ing pistillate varieties, as it is almost universally attacked by rust at about
the time of making the first picking. Crescent is still a great favorite,
and is probably more extensively planted than all other kinds. It is one
of the most reliable and productive known; it succeeds well on light soils,
its principal defects being that it is rather soft for long shipments; it sets
large quantities of fruit and fails to give it suitable size after the first two
pickings; foliage is quite healthy, blossom semi-pistillate. Jessie is uni-
formly large, of high quality, has staminate blossoms, healthy foliage; is a
cross between Sharpless and Cumberland, with the Sharpless defect of
having tender bloom, easily injured by late frosts; but when planted on
elevated land it is quite desirable. Haverland has pistillate bloom, is one
of the hardiest, has healthy foliage, succeeds on light or heavy soils, its
defect being long fruit stems, nearly horizontal, requiring mulching to pro-
tect fruit; is large, enormously productive, firm enough for ordinary mar-
keting purposes; much superior to Crescent. Bubach—this grand berry
has only one defect: the fruit is too soft for long shipment. It averages
lar ger than any other, running twenty-five to fifty berries to the full quart,
just as picked from the vines; foliage healthy; pistillate; resists drouth
well. Warfield is the most popular berry now offered on Chicago market,
blace which it has won by some three or four years’ trial. The fruit is
46 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ;
large, absolutely perfect in form, dark crimson in color, enormously pro-
ductive, extremely firm, the only faults it has being rather short roots,
which cause it to suffer from drouth sooner than some other varieties; and
producing plants in excess, which must be kept down or the crop will be
swamped by them; bloom, pistillate; foliage, healthy. Parker Earle, a new
candidate for public favor, comes to us without a single defect being
reported from the experiment stations or by private parties, a record no
other variety can claim; makes enormous plants with very few runners;
bloom, staminate, and so late as to miss all frosts; fruit large, uniform,
good in color and quality, perfect in furm, and the best shipper I ever saw.
I sent a few crates to Chicago market in 1891 and they were promptly
taken at fancy prices, and I could have sold thousands of plants as soon as
they were introduced had I had them. It ripens from midseason to late.
Michel’s Early, while it has not filled all the claims made by the intro-
ducers, is still one of the most valuable I have, owing. to its extreme
earliness and the fact that it blooms early and resists frost perfectly, pro-
duces a fair crop of extra-early berries of same size as Crescent; foliage
healthy, bloom staminate, and the best variety I know for setting with
such pistillate varieties as Haverland, Bubach, and Warfield, as it remains |
so long in bloom.
RASPBERRIES.
In the blackeap varieties, the Palmer fills all the requirements for an
early berry, ripens with the Souhegan and Tyler and is more productive;
is also free from disease, a rank grower, with large, jet-black fruit, and
ripens heavy pickings at first, which is very much in its favor. I see no
defects after three years’ fruiting. For a late crop I have found nothing
better than Gregg, although it has some defects. It ripens late, produces
immense crops of large fruit with a dusty bloom, ripens its entire crop*in
a very few days; but ‘the cane is somewhat tender, showing bad effects of
cold weather at about ten degrees below zero when the plant is in normal
eondition, but will come through and bear a partial crop at fifteen degrees
below.
RED RASPBERRIES.
Turner is still the highest standard of hardiness and quality, ripens
early, and is very productive, but is quite soft for shipment—requires
careful handling. Cuthbert is a great favorite for late crops; is a rank,
straggling grower, later and larger than Turner: color, crimson; darker
than Turner, quite firm, a great market variety; but the cane is only mod-
erately hardy. Brandywine is quite a favorite with some growers. The
eane is a light grower, but produces wonderfully of large, bright-colored
berries of great firmness and poor quality. Marlboro’s foliage, owing to
its foreign blood, sometimes fails during our hot summers; but where it
succeeds it is a great money-maker, being earlier than Turner and larger
and firmer than any other; quality, poor. Shaffer has some friends; is a
strong grower, enormously productive of large, purplish, dirty-colored
fruit of good quality, excellent for family use, but not adapted to the wants
of a city market.
BLACKBERRIES.
The Snyder is a universal favorite on account of its hardiness and good
quality, being very productive of medium-size berries, but suffers quickly
4
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 47
from drouth owing to its habit of rooting near the surface. Early Harvest
-is the earliest blackberry in cultivation; is of medium size, more productive
than Snyder, of fair quality, an excellent shipper; not strictly hardy—kills
at about fifteen degrees below zero, and does not succeed on poor, light
soils. Early Wilson and Wilson Jr.—These varieties are so nearly identi-
cal that the difference is not worth mention; early, very productive of
largest-size berries, when properly handled and pruned, but quite tender
in plant, killing at eight to ten below zero. Lawton.—This is the old
standard for late crop, and has no superior in its season; is somewhat sub-
ject to rust and not strictly hardy. Erie is similar in season and all other
“respects to the Lawton,‘and generally pronounced identical by our
growers; but some of our most careful men pronounce it a different
variety, though as yet it has not proved to be superior, so far as my knowl-
edge or information goes. The Kittatinny and some other varieties have
friends in certain localities, but have not proved generally successful.
GOOSEBERRIES.
The Downing possesses more good qualities for Michigan planters than
all other tested varieties.
CURRANTS.
The Victoria is a prime favorite, as it blooms late, produces enormously
of large berries with long bunches, resists drouth and borers better than
any other, and holds its foliage late. The next best is the old Red Dutch.
Fay’s Prolific, I presume, has disappointed more people than any fruit
introduced in the last twenty years. I have never yet seen a man who has
made a success in growing this variety for market, although I have seen a
few bushes do fairly well in sheltered locations or when protected from
spring frosts. It is a general failure in Michigan. In black currants,
Lee’s Prolific and Black Naples are the best of the well-known sorts, but
the Black Champion may prove superior; but don’t waste any money on
the Crandall—it is a worthless thing.
GRAPES.
In this fruit the Concord is the standard of productiveness and _ hardi-
ness, and is a favorite with consumers at the same time. It is probable
that no grape ripening later than Concord can ever be generally successful
in Michigan, so we will use it as a standard for comparison. Worden is
the only variety that is at all likely to displace-the Concord on the market.
It is a week or more earlier, is sweet as soon as it begins to color, and |
when ripe is of the very highest quality. Vine and foliage are strong and
healthy; berry larger than Concord, bunch equally as large, and fully as
productive; and, having so many good qualities, I consider it the best
black grape for Michigan. Champion or Talman looks lke Concord, is
fully as healthy and productive; has a strong, healthy vine and foliage, and
is often sold as Concord, but it is some three weeks earlier. In quality it
is about as good as green persimmons—sour enough to make a pig saueal.
Its mission seems to be to destroy the demand for such grapes as Worden
and Concord, but the fact that good prices are realized for them is causing
the setting of large acreages. Moore’s Early is a very good early black
A
48 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
variety, ripening just ahead of the Worden, but not very productive. Still,
it is a favorite in northern localities. Among the red varieties, the Dela-
ware is still the best in localities where the foliage does not fail, with the
Brighton holding second place. Both ripen as early as Concord. The
Empire State and Niagara are the best white varieties I have yet seen, and
ripen with Concord. But, in growing grapes for market, remember that.
the large city markets will use more carloads of good black grapes than they.
will cart loads of either red or white varieties; yet this might not be true
of some small local markets.
TREE FRUITS.
Next we will consider the tree fruits adapted to this climate and to light
soils. Probably first in their adaptability to both comes the cherry; and
while I am familiar with its culture in a general way, I do not feel compe-
tent to discuss the merits of different varieties further than to say that
they are partial to light soils, and I hope you will call up some experi-
enced grower for information on varieties.
Next in its adaptability to light soils comes the peach; but as I infer
that this climate is a trying one during the winter, I will speak only of the
hardiest varieties with which I am familiar. It is quite well known that
our earliest varieties, while generally considered a poor excuse for peaches,
are at the same time among the hardiest in the bud; but being so poor in
quality and so subject to the attacks of curculio, I will not name the
earliest; and in naming the lowest degree of cold each variety will stand, it
must be remembered that it only has reference to buds that are in normal
condition, and might be subject to greater variations, as the buds are
affected by adverse or extremely favorable conditions. First in the list
I will name the Early Rivers, which can be classed as a second early sort.
This tree is safe for a crop at ten or twelve degrees below zero; fruit
of good size, white, with slight shadings of pink; ripens usually about
Aug. 10; fair quality; its defects are very tender flesh (bruises easily) and
pit cracks badly. Lewis was first brought to notice by a report made at the
meeting of the American society at Grand Rapids, when some gentleman
from Allegan county reported that a neighbor had thirty trees, from which
he picked 900 baskets, and sold them for $900, or at the rate of some $3,300
peracre. This was following the disastrous February of ’84 or’85, when the
thermometer went down to twenty or thirty below zero, killing many orch-
ards and all other varieties of peach in the vicinity in which these trees
stood; and I believe they have never been killed entirely since. This is of
.course a good record, and the variety ripens early—in fact, is the
earliest white freestone peach of fair quality; is of good size, wonderfully
productive of beautiful peaches, ripening at a yood time, and will succeed
where any variety can. <A variety called Early Michigan has been decided
to be identical. Early Barnard is a reliable old variety and is first-class
in every respect; has deep yellow flesh and skin, with dark-red cheek; of
excellent quality; generally overbears, and must be well thinned to get
best results. It stands twelve degrees below zero without material injury.
Snow’s Orange is practically a late Barnard, differing only in being larger
and about ten days later. Red-Cheek (Melacaton) is the parent of the
Crawford, and I very much prefer it today, as it proves to be much hardier
and more productive although not as large. Eiberta comes to us with the
unqualified praise of every man who has fruited it or seen it. Some of the
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 49
leading authorities pronounce it the only perfect peach, and all agree on
its extreme hardiness, productiveness, and large size. If it does as well in
Michigan as elsewhere, it will prove an acquisition. Hill’s Chili has been
the standard of hardiness for many years, and all hardy varieties are com-
pared with this; but, like many old varieties, this one is rapidly falling
from grace, and while it never was adapted to very light soils it is very
rare that a crop of really good fruit is seen on any soil. It suffers very
quickly from drouth and is subject to the black fungi, sometimes called
mildew. While I am not familiar with the Wager peach I am satisfied
that it is an excellent yellow variety, very hardy and productive; but in
Allegan county a peach called Bronson is disputing ground with it. Gold
Drop, wherever tried, is a favorite, owing to its hardiness, productiveness,
and good qualities. Under normal conditions, there is no doubt that it
will stand a temperature of fifteen to twenty degrees below zero and pro-
duce a crop; but unless it is properly thinned it will be small. The Smock
is probably the latest peach it is safe to set in this state. It is a very
hardy, large, late peach, bears young, and is in every way satisfactory.
Much more might be said about these varieties, and numerous other good
ones not mentioned here; but from those given a good hardy list can be
made which will produce fruit anywhere it is possible to grow peaches,
and to extend the list might be tedious.
In the matter of plums, I am as inexperienced as in cherries, and hope
to hear from some of our large plum-growers regarding soils, varieties, ete.
In pears I would name the following varieties as being grown success-
fully on good light soils: Clapp’s Favorite, Bartlett, Sheldon, and Seckel.
There may be others, but these have done best according to my observa-
tion; but it is very doubtful if any pear is a very great success on very light
soil. Still, I have in mind a few young pear orchards on light soil, all in
one neighborhood, where the owners prepared for setting by digying holes
about three feet across and three feet deep, then putting in five or six
bushels of clay mixed with the top soil, and setting the trees on that; and
nothing could be finer than those trees, now just commencing to "pear.
Another orchard of 100 trees was prepared i in the same manner, on poor
sand, but the holes were partly filled with green sod spaded off the surface of
an old pasture. These were four years set last spring, and twelve to six-
teen feet high, and most of them bore some choice fruit last year. I am
convinced that where clay is obtainable, pears and apples can be grown
very successfully by this method; but of course they can not be as ; long-
lived as they would be where the soil is just right naturally.
The varieties of apple which succeed best on light soil in my locality
seem to be Red Astrachan, Maiden Blush, Oldenburg, Spy, and Baldwin,
all well-known old varieties. Additions might be made to this list, but our
people do not find apples as profitable on such soils as some other crops,
and are digging out many orchards in order to use the land for other pur-
poses. Still, in any locality where it is desirable to grow them, I
am satisfied they can be grown successfully by the exercise of a little good
judgment in preparing soil, selection of varieties, method of culture,
fertilizing, ete.
In conclusion, permit me to say that any man who has a family and an
acre of land, if he fails to grow an ample supply, is neglecting his duty to
them; and any farmer in this state who does not grow enough fruit for his
family needs reforming—and many of them might find a snug little income
7
50 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
from the product of an acre or two of land that now scarcely shows any
profit. ,
An invitation from the Ann Arbor society, for the holding of the next
annual meeting of the State society in Ann Arbor, was presented and
referred to the executive board.
The committee on exhibits and on resolutions made the following
reports, which were adopted:
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON EXHIBITS.
Your committee beg to report some very fine samples of Princess Louise apples,
exhibited by A. M. Smiru of St. Catherines, Ontario. This very beautiful early winter
apple, by reason of its attractive style and exquisite quality, would seem destined to
become one of our standard apples. It has already been tested sufficiently in Canada to
establish the fact that it is well adapted to that section, and will justify efforts to grow
it in other parts of our country. It certainly is just such an apple as is wanted for
retail purposes on our city fruit stands, and would, without doubt, sell at high prices.
We also take great pleasure in calling attention to the excellent exhibit of palms,
azaleas, and cut flowers, consisting of some magnificent specimens of roses and carna-
tions, made by the Port Huron florist, M. ULLENBRUCH, and we suggest that any florist
who will turn out such a beautiful display of his choicest productions is entitled to the
sincere thanks of this society.
The Field Force Pump Co. of Lockport, N. Y., exhibit one of their five-gallon knap-
sack sprayers, which is a great improvement over the pattern made in 1891, and would
seem to be entirely adapted to meet the wants of those in search of such a machine for
spraying small fruits and such vegetables as require it. We would advise its trial.
S. D. Wriuarp,
R. Morriuz,
A. G. GuLLEY.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS.
It has been a long-standing custom of this society to express, by resolutions, its
thankfulness for the many good things usually received, and courtesies shown its mem-
bers at the places of meeting.
Finding abundant reasons for continuing the pleasant practice, the members of the
Michigan State Horticultural Society return thanks to Mr. L. B. Rice for the energy
and enthusiasm he has shown in organizing the St. Clair Horticultural society, as an
auxiliary to the State society, and in making such liberal inducements for the parent
society to enjoy the hospitalities of this its youngest offspring. We congratulate Mr.
Rice upon the large number he has interested to join, and we hope the discussions of
this meeting will increase its usefulness, and that it will continue to grow in numbers
and influence. ‘Therefore, we resolve as follows:
. That the paper of Mr. L. B. Rics, in relation to fruitgrowing on the western shore of
lake Huron, is one which should command the attention of fruitgrowers, particularly
in that portion of the state, and should awaken them to a knowledge of the fact that
there are immense undeveloped resources of wealth at their command, and inspire them
with a determination to work them out and to unite with the horticulturists in the
western and central parts of the state in making Michigan, what it is bound to be, the
banner fruitgrowing state of the American union.
Thanks are extended to the press of the city for its full reports of the proceedings,
thereby enlarging the audience that may secure benefit from its discussions;
To the St. Clair Horticultural society for procuring this pleasant and commodious
room in which to hold our sessions;
To Mr. M, Utuensrucs, the city florist, for his display of flowers and plants which
are always so pleasing to the eye and gratifying in their sweet perfumes;
To Mrs. Lena Jones and Miss Greta Rice of this city and Miss Martie Jones of
Detroit, for the music furnished, which greatly added to the pleasure of our sessions,
gave variety, and enlivened by the harmonious notes of voice and instrument;
To visiting brother horticulturists from other states, and especially those from over
the border, with whom we trust there will always exist a cordial feeling of mutual
interest and reciprocity;
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MERTING. dl
To the hotels that so generously reduced their rates while increasing our comfort by
thoughtful attentions shown us;
To the mayor and many other citizens of Port Huron and vicinity, who have given
us such a hearty welcome and extended numerous courtesies which we shall carry to
our several homes as pleasant memories of this meeting.
Mr. A. M. SmirxH described the Ontario system of farmers’ institutes.
Seventy-eight are held each year, and each receives $25 per year for
expenses from the government, which also supplies the speakers, one sent
to each of nine districts, who do very much to make the institutes success-
ful and valuable.
Mr. Barnes of New York remarked upon the practice of horticulturists
in “giving away secrets,’ concluding that “when a man is in a reputable
business he is not ashamed of it nor to tell of it.”
After congratulatory remarks by several gentlemen, the society, in the
best of good feeling, adjourned sine die.
PROCEEDINGS OF 2. Ties ST VW EIN Vo Eu
ANNU AT WEEPING:
HELD AT ANN ARBOR, DEC. 26-28, 1892.
One of the pleasantest of the annual meetings of this society was the
twenty-third, held at Ann Arbor, Dec. 26-28. The attendance was at all
times good and sometimes large, filling the spacious court room, and there
was a quite unusual number present from about the state as well as from
other states. Nearly all these took part in the discussions and added
much to their interest and value. Specially enjoyable was the evening
programme provided by members of the university faculty. There was,
the bad season considered, a remarkably fine collection of apples, pears,
quinces, and grapes, besides canned and dried fruits, jellies, wax models of
fruit and vegetables, and berry and other fruit boxes and crates, the whole
ornamented by numbers of potted plants.
The local committee were highly attentive to the wants of visitors, mak-
ing their stay pleasant and memorable in every way.
The meeting was called to order Monday evening, Dec. 26, by President
Lyon, but Vice-President GARFIELD filled the chair at all the sessions; and
prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. BRapsHaw.
Mayor Dory of Ann Arbor made the address of welcome, largely devot-
ing his remarks to hits at the city’s political affairs, which scarcely were
sufficiently well understood to be appreciated. Mr. GARFIELD made suit-
able response.
The Banjo and Guitar club of Ann Arbor, a large company of young
business men, delighted the audience with some of their unique and
nicely rendered music, both at this and other times; and the keen pleasure
they afforded was manifested in an encore and a vote of thanks.
President Lyon read, as follows, his annual message:
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 53
To the members and friends of the Michigan State Horticulturai Society :
At the last general meeting of the society, at Port Huron, it was proposed
to change the date of the annual meeting to the week intervening between
Christmas and New Year’s day; but, by an oversight, the proposition to do
so was omitted. The object sought was two-fold: (1), to bring our annual
meeting to occur on a different week from those of several adjacent states;
(2) and to enable our members to avail themselves of the reduced railroad
rates offered by most roads at that season.
Conference with various members of the society indicated a very general
approval of the proposed change; and, to enable the society to perfect the
change on this occasion, a meeting of the society was called at Grand
Rapids, on the occasion of the holding of their annual fairs, at which
meeting the proposition was submitted and unanimously adopted.
To complete such change the constitution requires that the proposition
be submitted and adopted at the next regular meeting. ‘To this end the
Secretary will doubtless submit at this meeting the draft of a constitutional
amendment, needful for the purpose.
Since the constitution already provides that officers shall hold over until
their successors shall be elected, it was deemed proper to defer the annual
meeting to the proposed date, thus lengthening the year 1892 by a month.
THE STATE COLUMBIAN COMMISSION.
To persons conversant with the needs of horticulture, it can not be
regarded as otherwise than unfortunate that, in the make-up of the State
Columbian commission, there appears to be no person possessing a known
and recognized acquaintance or sympathy with horticulture. This cir-
cumstance is the more to be regretted in a state which, like Michigan, has
heretofore won enviable prominence for its horticultural possibilities, as
well as for its actual development of this class of interests.
Recognizing such deficiency, and realizing that the State Horticultural
society included in its membership, and those in sympathy with it, a very
large proportion of our best horticultural experts, early efforts were put
forth to induce the placing of this class of interests in charge of this
society, at least to such extent as should enlist the hearty codperation of
its members and the active employment of the facilities at its command.
- HORTICULTURE IGNORED.
To indicate how thoroughly these efforts were ignored, it is only neces-
sary to analyze the composition of the committee to whom was committed
the task of bringing together material for such a pomological exhibit as
was expected to thoroughly maintain, and even more than maintain, the
well earned reputation of the state, at the approaching Columbian Exposi-
tion—a task which its more or less discordant composition has, to a consid-
erable extent, rendered nugatory; while the treatment meted out to it,
from the date of its organization, has, to a greater or less extent, served to
paralyze its operations.
Under existing conditions, so far as I have learned, very little has been
done upon that portion of the state horticultural exhibit required to be in
place at the opening on May 1, 1893. I have been able to put up twenty-
five or thirty cans of peaches, pears, quinces, and grapes; but this portion
54 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
of the work has gone into other hands under circumstances which I deem
not courteous to myself as chairman, nor creditable to the commission.
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE.
Mr. Monroe has Sevlied boxes for several bearing peach trees, which
have been placed in my hands through the summer, and are now apparently
in good condition to go upon the Exposition grounds next spring. The same
is understood to be true of a collection of small fruit plants, cared for by
a gentleman at South Haven. How much, if anything, has been done in
this way, elsewhere, I have so far been unable to learn.
I have learned of a collection of long-keeping apples by Mr. Houk of
Ludington, intended for the opening exhibition; but of its extent I am not
informed. In response to my inquiry the chairman of the committee on
long-keeping fruits writes that, having no assurance of remuneration for
either labor or expenditure, he has done nothing.
WHAT MAY BE DONE NEXT SEASON.
It is now quite too late to undertake an exhibit of fruit out of season;
but, considering the apparent danger of an inadequate exhibit from other
sources, it seems proper to consider the propriety of an effort, by the
society, to make a display of fruits, each in its season, as a means of sav-
ing its own reputation and, by possibility, that of the state.
To enable us to act wisely in a matter involving so much of effort, care,
and responsibility, I take occassion to state that I was recently called to
Chicago, by Chief J. M. SamvuEts of the World’s Fair department of horti-
culture, for the purpose of aiding to mature the rules and lists of that
department, which are now in a state of forwardness.
While I was yet there, the committee on awards, who have the control
of these matters, announced the following:
1. Awards are to be made by expert, single judges.
2. The decisions of each judge must be approved by the group of judges.
3. No comparisons of exhibts will be permitted, but each shall be judged strictly
vee merits, and the conditions upon which the award is based must be clearly
stated.
4. The award, in each case, is a bronze medal, accompanied by a certificate specifying
the grounds of the award.
5. The medals will be furnished by the United States, and parties may have their
medals of gold or silver by paying for the same.
6. Judges will be compensated for their services and will be expected to devote their
entire time.
7. In the case of the more perishable fruits, examinations will occur on Tuesday of
each week, though doubtless occasion may arise for examinations on other days.
8. Provision will be made to insure correct nomenclature.
9. New varieties will be judged under the rules of the American Pomological society,
which provide that, for a given locality, they must possess some valuable quality, or
combination of qualities. in a higher degree than any other known variety of the same
class and season.
The table space assigned to Michigan is upon two tables, side by side,
away from the wall, at ‘the south end of the southwest curtain. The total
length is seventy- five feet, tables each six and one half feet wide.
This is for the summer display. Later, when the mass of long-keepers
comes in, the space can be expanded indefinitely.
Upright cases may be built up from the centre of a table, for our
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 55
modeled fruits, and wires may be stretched above the tables, also, on
which zrapes or other similar exhibits may be suspended. All exhibits
should be tastefully arranged, subject to the’ approval of the proper
authorities.
Upon motion of Mr. E. H. Scorr, fhe president’s address was referred
to a committee of three, appointed by the chair, Messrs. Evart H. Scotr
of Ann Arbor, R. M. Krnioae of Ionia, and B. G. Burtt of Ann Arbor.
Mr. R. M. Kextoae of Ionia read the following paper upon
* “ECONOMY IN FRUITGROWING.”
The word economy, as generally accepted, is suggestive of self-denial
and privation, scant clothing, cheerless home, neglected family, and of
miserly undertakings. It may be said with truth that a man’s property is
but the aggregate of his self-denials; for surely, no income is so great in
this grasping, get-something-for-nothing age, but it can be readily disposed
of as fast as it accumulates, and yet it is true that a very large part of our
richest men have always been very liberal, not only with their families,
but public-spirited, entering enthusiastically into all patriotic undertakings
and public improvements. Their effort is not so much how to save a
dollar as to make every dollar earn another dollar. Money that can not be
made to contribute to this end has no value to them.
True economy, then, consists in marshaling every force that shall con-
tribute to the success of the undertaking.
The successful general commanding an army first acquaints himself not
only with his own army, its numerical strength, discipline, arms, and
accoutrements, but learns every possible detail concerning the enemy he
has to contend with. He makes himself familiar with the general topog-
raphy of the country over which he is to operate, every road, hill, ravine,
spring of water, creek, or river—every angle, or anything that will obstruct
or protect his foe, is constantly in his mind’s eye. He must calculate with
the greatest accuracy the marching time of his troops, from one point to
another, that perfect conjunctions may be made, and that the greatest
economy of men, time, and materials shall always be secured. The great
question that burdens his mind is, not what the cost of the maneuvers will
be, but will the victory be commensurate with the loss sustained in secur-
ing it? His glory is in his achievements, not in what he has not done. So
the delight of every man should be in what he has done to advance the
cause of his chosen profession. The pride of the horticulturist is in, his
magnificent crops and superior methods of obtaining and disposing of
them.
To gain a recognition among men, to create, invent, or bring into use
some new method or device which shall contribute to the happiness of
mankind, is a laudable ambition. Thus it is the men who invented mow-
ers, the Planet Jr. cultivator, with their adjustable devices, the Morgan
spading harrow, enabling the tiller to do his work with the greatest speed
and thoroughness, have conferred a benefit upon every fruitgrower in the
land. The greatest economizer is one who acquires the information that
enables him to accomplish the most with the least possible exertion, and
herein lies the value of these and kindred organizations, which through
56 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
their discussions throw a flood of information all over the land, solving the
knotty problems, and when such papers as the Allegan Gazette and Mich-
igan Farmer gather the cream of the whole, print and spread it before the
people in such an entertaining way, no fruitgrower practices economy who .
saves his dollar and loses all these good things for a whole year.
If I were to formulate a method for a man to remain poor all his life, I
should advise him to economize at every point, work very hard, early and
late, utilizing every moment at hard, unceasing labor with his hands, but
never to stop to think or read the thoughts of others. Our great men
have always made themselves great as thinkers.
IT once knew a man who never commenced his work till an hour or so
after, and always quit before, his neighbors. He found time to go to all
public meetings, always had time to do a neighborly kindness, and means
to relieve distress wherever he found it, and yet he was always in advance
with his work. His secret is revealed in three words: economy of time.
His work was well planned. He never moved till he knew precisely what
he wanted to do. No more was undertaken than could be done at the
right time and in the right way. His deliberations enabled him to act
with a clear mind and a correct idea of what he wanted to accomplish, and
no mistakes were made to be corrected at expense. The best results were
always obtained.
WHAT MUST BE DONE?
Fruitgrowing involves much painstaking and labor, and the man who
saves a day’s work in the preparation of his soil, and thereby loses three
days in the after cultivation, is not practicing economy.
We must learn to make the rows straight, to use tools that will do all
the hoeing with the horse, and to set plants and trees that possess the
greatest fruiting power. There are few fruitgrowers who have given this
subject proper attention. They waste their time on that which, in the
nature of things, can give no returns. They should lay their horticultural
books aside and attend the fat-stock show and give attention to the
methods of breeding and improving animals.
I would no more set a plant of whose history and pedigree I knew noth-
ing, than I would use a scrub animal if I were breeding stock. If we
study the analogy of plant and animal life we shall find the lines run
parallel and very close together. The law that governs in reproduction in
the one obtains with equal force in the other.
When a plant fails to respond to liberal and generous care, there is
something wrong and we must use the same remedy that we would with an
inferior animal—send it to the shambles or the brush pile. I firmly
believe our haphazard methods of propagating are responsible for the
want of liberal success with half our growers. With them a plant is a
plant, a variety is a variety. They either forgot, or never knew, that all
plants and trees propagated by budding, grafts, cuttings, or layers are only
the separate buds of the one original plant, and that when one of these
buds becomes seminally exhausted through the process of seed production,
that for a long time at least it will throw its energies into foliage and not
fruit. It will take time to recuperate.
STUDY YOUR PLANTS.
The Warfield strawberry has taken the highest rank as a market berry,
and yet you hear of its failure with many growers. Its great value being
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 57
recognized led it to be desseminated from beds which had borne an enor-
mous and exhaustive crop. With ordinary treatment, its fruiting vigor
will uever be restored. No matter how many runners are made, they take
with them the weakness of the parent plant.
I have found it very profitable to spend much time in the study of the
character of my plants, their adaptability to the different soils, of which I
have a great variety. We must learn to economize by throwing away, by
culling out, this inferior stock. We can not succeed with a sort not
adapted to our soil and location, and just what is best for us can only be
learned by experimenting, and practicing the law of the survival of the
fittest. Of course, we all understand the safest way is for. beginners to
confine themselves to those sorts which succeed over a wide area of coun-
try, but it is econony to do a good deal of testing. If strong fruiting
vigor'is to be maintained, we must have a separate propagating bed and
stock it with buds and cuttings taken from ideal plants, so that weak and
sickly plants shall not be permitted to multiply, but discard them as fast
as they appear, and that without regard to the cause that made them so.
NOD AS WAS EH LOW THIN] ERUIT
People seem to regard the thinning of fruit a great waste. They do
not get the correct idea of it. It means more quarts and bushels each
year, and an increase in fruiting power of the plant, as well as higher
quality and better remuneration. Markets are glutted with poor fruit
only. If we have an enormous crop of small berries one year we shall
have a succession of eight crops to follow, but we may have an equal
number of quarts of very large berries year after year. The reason of
this is that the exhaustive process lies in perfecting the seeds. The pulp
or fruit is only the receptacle for the seeds to grow in, and is not exhaust-
ive. A small berry contains as many, and nearly as large, seeds as the
large berry. All florists understand that, if the flowers are not picked
from perpetual bloomers, as soon as seeds begin to form they will cease
to get new flowers. The same is true of cucumbers, if a number of fruits
are allowed to go to seed. The raspberry, blackberry, and grape should
always be gone over after the fruit is set, and all limbs or branches should
be either pruned or thinned till they contain only such an amount of fruit
as can be brought to the greatest perfection and perfect its wood for the
coming year, especially if the wood is to be used for propagating purposes.
I have not the slightest doubt that herein lies the secret of the decline
of our apple, pear, and peach orchards.
A breeding animal, under the care of its owner, is carefully guarded in
this respect; but the plant or tree is allowed full play of all its energies
‘in this direction, until complete exhaustion ensues. My experiments con-
firm all my preconceived theories on this subject, that the greatest of all
waste comes from this source, and that it must be corrected at once if the
value of our favorite varieties is to be preserved.
HAVE NO LOST MOTION.
There is another thing that should claim more of the attention of fruit-
growers, and that is economy of motion; we make too many motions to
accomplish a given piece of work. When I enlisted in the army I was
_ put into camp and drilled for months. I was taught to load and fire a
8
\
58 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
gun, mount and dismount my horse, and do everything with the fewest
motions. Every movement was carefully prescribed and was gone over
again and again, so that, under the intense excitement of the battlefield,
everything should be done with celerity and in order. In setting plants I
do not allow my help to work at random, making a dozen moves where one
will suffice. I first adopt a method and then drill them until they can do
it accurately, and then we are ready for the field. When a machinist lays
down his tools they are placed where he can get them with the least pos-
sible trouble. A printer’s case is so arranged that he can reach and
distribute the type by moving his hand theshortest possible distance. A
careful examination of the methods employed on the farm will show that
loss of motion in having tools in the wrong place, the wrong kind of
tools, and a lack of knowledge in their proper use, is one of the greatest
losses in farm economy. We must not expend a large amount of labor on
a piece of land not sufficiently supplied with plant food: and, having once
properly fertilized, we must not lose the crop for want of cultivation.
We know plants in general will not thrive with wet feet, and in these
days of cheap tile and improved methods of putting them into the
ground, we do not economize by setting plants in cold, wet soil.
Study the causes that produce the effect, and work with a well-defined
purpose. Find out precisely what tools will do each particular kind of
work best, and keep them in the best possible condition. Learn the prin-
ciple of true economy.
The great study of the world is how to get on with less, curtail our
enjoyments, toil early, toil on, pinch! pinch! Give loud lamentations to
the fact that the world produces so much. Our politicians and economists
teach us to discontinue the use of this and that, until our factories shall
become idle and our fields barren. The great question should be, how can I
consume the products of your labor, that you may consume and enjoy
that which I produce? Consume all you can. The world stands ready to
supply it. Life is short, and God intended we should enjoy the whole of
it; that we should have an abundance of the luscious fruits and beautiful
flowers. The cry of over-production is a sham, and people are fast find-
ing it out. Notwithstanding the universal cry of economy and retrench-
ment, we are making progress. There are more of the luxuries of life among
common people than ever before, and he who shouts “ go slow ” does not
belong to the last decade of the nineteenth century,
Mr. W. E. Birp of Ann Arbor asked what is Mr. Kellogg’s method for
pickers handling berry boxes in the field.
Mr. Ketioace: I have baskets or frames made of lath, holding four
boxes. These are returned to the shed, and the pickers must return all
boxes taken. I begin picking when the dew is nearly off, and continue till
near noon. Pickers are from ten to twenty years of age, and mostly girls.
I pay by the quart—Ic for strawberries and blackberries, 1#c for rasp-
berries, with an additional 4c per quart to all pickers who remain through
the season. One person brings all fruit to the packing shed, so the pick-
ers save time, and there is less tramping over the rows.
The chair announced the following committees:
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 59
On Fruits and Models—NELSoN BoaueE of, Batavia, N. Y.; D. G.
\ Epmiston of Adrian; R. M. Keiuoae of Lonia.
On Plants and Flowers—CuHas. W. GARFIELD of Grand Rapids, Mrs.
STANLEY PotTer of South Haven, Miss Saran FLEeTcHeER of Ann Arbor.
On resolutions—Prof. L. R. Tarr, Agricultural College; R. Morri.t,
Benton Harbor; J. N. STEARNS, Kalamazoo.
Tuesday Morning Session.
Upon assembling, Tuesday morning, the society was called to order by
Vice-President GARFIELD, who introduced President ANGELL of Michigan
university.
Dr. ANGELL had been placed on the programme for an address in the
evening, but was obliged to appear now, or not at all, because of a meeting
of college professors and teachers. He extended an invitation to the
society to visit the university, although it might not be found a very inter-
esting place during vacation. He had once said, at a meeting of the
society in Grand Rapids, that he had a right to be there because he had
increased his peach crop 100 per cent. that year. It was one peach the year
before and two peaches that season; but he was now obliged to say it
perished utterly the next year. Horticulture was a matter of great interest
to him. He stood last year upon the field of Waterloo and had been deeply
interested in following the movements of the armies which there contended,
but doubted now if he was more excited and interested than he was in his
summer’s contest with the insect pests in his garden. He had seldom
found a very coarse man interested in horticulture. Such an one may
grow a crop of apples for the market, but, as a rule, the man who largely
engages in horticulture is of a refined nature. Horticulture seems as
much an art as sculpture or painting. Mr. ANGELL spoke highly of the
value to the state of the work of the society, and remarked that the people
of the southern part of Michigan must more and more engage in horti-
culture as transportation facilities and consumption increase. No society
is more deserving of aid and support, because it is promoting an industry
that must increasingly supplant wheat-raising. He thanked the society
for going to Ann Arbor to foster an already strong local interest. It had
seemed to him that the time is coming when the common schools must do
something in the way of imparting elementary knowledge of plant life—
not as a daily task, perhaps, but by one or two hours’ instruction each week
by a competent lecturer. The difficulty would be to secure teachers really
competent. The Germans do this successfully because they insist upon
60 ‘ STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
having thoroughly trained teachers. We have our Agricultural college,
which is doing a great work in this line and doing it well, but we have no
help for the vast mass of common-school students. But this is bound to
come some time. The people will demand teachers who will instruct the
boys and girls in the affairs of their everyday life, not from big books but
by plain talk.
Vice-President GARFIELD responded, commending especially the ideas
advanced by Dr. ANGELL concerning horticultural instruction in the
schools.
SECRETARY S ANNUAL REPORT.
How Michigan horticulturists feel when they have secured a full crop of
fruit, or even when they have one of good general average, it has not been
my fortune to know since becoming secretary of this society. The past
four years have been years of failure and disaster, not to the fruits alone,
but to the trees and plants as well, no season showing nearly a full crop of
more than one or two kinds of fruit and they not the most important.
What the results of the past year were, and what are the present condi-
tions, will be shown here by a series of reports which I have planned,
embracing the principal fruit centers of the state. It will be far from an
encouraging state of affairs which they will depict; and yet no one seems
to be discouraged nor to lose faith in Michigan as a horticultural region
second to none in the land for variety and excellence of product and mar-
gin of profit to the fruitgrower.
The same admirable spirit of perseverance has been manifested by the
members of this society in its welfare and advancement, and the year closes
with the society in better condition in several respects.
At our meeting one year ago it was voted to adopt the auxiliary system
of membership of local societies in the state society, and your secretary
was charged with its re-establishment. In connection with this was the
plan of codperation with the pomological division of the department of
agriculture. This was arranged readily, the department agreeing to rec-
ognize this society as its representative in Michigan, supplying its bulle-
tins and other publications to all our members. However, there seems to ~
have been a dearth of publications since that time, for all I have received
is asmall sack of back-number pamphlets. These were distributed, and
probably the near future will yield an increased supply and one of more
value as to timeliness.
The most notable accession of the year, to our auxiliary list, was the
association of Michigan manufacturers of fruit goods, who at their Janu-
ary meeting unanimously voted to join us as an auxiliary. New horticult-
ural societies have been formed in Port Huron, Ionia, and Sanilac Center,
during the year, and there will doubtless presently be one at Tawas City.
Interest in fruitgrowing is rapidly increasing along the Huron shore,
and surprising accounts of success with the apple, pear, plum, and small
fruits are given. All district and county horticultural societies in the
state, save two, recognize the auxiliary relation to the state society, and
seem to be heartily interested in its success. Much more could be done
in creating new societies and strengthening old ones were the state society
-TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 61
in possession of means with which to compensate some one for the consider-
able time and labor requisite to this end.
The society is in solvent financial condition, the result more of keeping
expenses down than of increasing the revenue. The receipts of the
year were:
AMMA Me Mm DOrsnkps ees eae +s em aoe nas ree OL SL ee ese $26 00
PT KA ave ROCLE IOS seme went 2 ia Re re el we ee See 96 72
interest on pbondsjang moricarese se se abe eee ee oe MoS
. $256 05
1B sileyorepewcorawd of ava |Gi De ’caes yan 12) Ne Raia St Wane AO Se eRe LAr AS Re ty ld Bem 190 98
Midiniipraltoralainss Met see wes eer SRR ed Pe 2 Ae es $447 03
ierexnenditunes fave beehh. 20h oe. > sae ke ore eg Lee St 387 93
INetibalanee aisd ale ms at ae ole ete it oe) Rae lk To EH OAG
The expenditures may be classified as follows:
Voted secretary asysalanyatorelSOki ssn! Se eel aa Ee S100) 00
PEreasUrels POSlLAP Ome ete Saye an Boe. Ne tebe ye 18
Expenses connected with Annual Report ________-___-___---____- 8 50
LP ONE essa) tS Ree ARE GL LA ele ge! be iey gn a Wen aE ok eee Pea OY een 12 50
rine a pM Bat a a kG ae eat 4 Sahin! Tint aera am NI)
Expenses of secretary’ Broticoee teh Tonga eet tie h art aon 46 87
ibixpenres of quarterly meetings. -— 22 272 tee pe ee 193 63
Miscellaneous! itenia: i yi bi Vives US Sade ee See 2 75
$387 93
I have expected te receive a smart scolding for not having here volumes
_ of the Annual Report for 1891, and perhaps merit what I have anticipated.
I can only say for myself that though my hours of labor extend far beyond
sunset each day, I still can not always keep abreast of the work which in
many forms comes to my hands. I began work upon the Report last Jan-
uary when confined to my home by illness, and had I been sick longer the
volume would have been ready sooner. But once more in my office,
demands of my private affairs were inexorable.
The Report has grown in size until quite 600 pages are printed and the
printers are getting into type as fast as they can the voluminous general
index of the precedi ing eleven volumes, which will make fifty to sixty pages
in small type. This portion of the book alone has consumed all the spare
time of three months. Although the Report will be so large. still, I do not
know of any part I would have omitted had I foreseen its great size; and
I have some matter reserved for the Report of 1892 which I prepared tor
91. The state printers assured me in September that they would do their
part of the work in time, but the big index seems to have been too much
for them. However, the volumes will be ready in two or three weeks,
when I hope your righteous displeasure may be somewhat mollified by the
book’s extent and value, though it would ill-become me to presume much
upon the latter. Epwy C. Retr.
A report was also made by the treasurer, corresponding to the above, as
to receipts and disbursements, but as it has been somehow misplaced from
the secretary’s files it will be printed later.
The reports were referred to a committee, Messrs. D. G. Epmistron, L.
B. Rick, and THomas JACKSON.
62 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
REPORTS UPON THE STATUS OF MICHIGAN HORTICULTURE.
Then followed a series of reports upon the present status and future
prospects of fruitgrowing in several of the prominent or promising pomo-
logical regions of the state.
IN NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN.
The season just past has been one of the most peculiar and trying ones
that Michigan fruitgrowers have ever experienced. Nature seemed to have
reversed the regular order of business to that extent that our most experi-
enced pomologists have been baffled and have involuntarily found them-
selves exclaiming, “Whatnext?” The season has been very favorable to the
development of fungus growths, so much so that those heretofore hardly
noticeable have done incalculable damage. All kinds of fruits have been
affected, but the apple and plum have suffered most.
Such seasons cause the intelligent, thoughtful fruitgrower to pause, look
about him, and see if he can see a why and a wherefore for all this.
Now, it appears very plain to my mind that nature, in her efforts to
equalize (in other words to keep the supply and demand alike), summons
to her aid some of her silent forces, thereby checking the tendency to
over-production. We can see the wisdom of this course in causing us to
study more carefully the requirements necessary, and the adaptability of
different sections of our country to meet the wants of the people.
If all sections of the country were alike adapted to the growth of the
tender fruits and vegetables, there would be alternations of feasts and
famines.
When new insect pests or new fungus growths appear, seemingly to
harass and injure the fruitgrower, our scientific men very soon come to
their relief with an effective remedy, and nature must take a new tack.
When the record of 1892 is written it will show a greater and more
marked deviation in nature, so far as the fruit interests are concerned, than
ever before in any single year.
Now, we believe that this can in a great measure be avoided. By care-
fully looking over the statistics covering a period of say ten years, you will
see that certain sections have almost annually produced good crops of cer-
tain fruits and vegetables. This law of nature has been very strikingly
exemplified during the season just passed. The northern half of the lake
shore region of the lower peninsula has produced a full crop of perfect
apples, also of peaches, plums, and pears, wherever there were trees of
bearing age.
The crops of the three last named fruits were very large in Oceana and
Mason counties, thus showing that that is a section naturally adapted to the
production of those fruits; and to such favored localities must we look for
our supply of fruits in such trying seasons. ‘To the fruitgrowers of that
region the season of 1892 has been a very satisfactory one, and as lake
Michigan will undoubtedly continue to exert the same influence in the
future that she has in the past, we can see no cause for failure.
It must be understood, however, that all the known insect pests and
fungus diseases are found there. So far as the insect pests are concerned,
the live, thorough, practical horticulturist has no fear. The attacks of
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 63
fungi are not so severe, where the natural elements of both soil and climate.
abound to the extent they do there.
When our fruitgrowers learn that fungicides, to be effective, must be
applied as a preventive, rather than acure, I believe there will be nothing
to fear in that direction.
In conclusion, to any one desiring to engage in fruitgrowing, I would
say, look well to the natural elements of soil and climate.
C. A. SESSIONS.
IN LENAWEE COUNTY.
The present condition of fruitgrowing in Lenawee county is rather quiet.
In years when the insect crop isa failure and fungus diseases do not
materialize, and when the sunshine and theshowers come at proper intervals,
and the fruit grows large and handsome without any labor, and prices are
exceptionally good, then many of our people become quite enthusiastic
horticulturists; but in years like the past two or three have been, when all
these conditions are reversed, then these same men may be found running
some other line of business, or possibly waiting for the good seasons to
come again.
We have, however, a few faithful, hardworking horticulturists who are
meeting every obstacle according to the best known methods, and are
making a fair degree of success and advancement from year to year.
At blooming time last spring, the promise for a fine crop of fruit was
perhaps never better; but June and July set these fair promises all aside.
Our orchards looked as though a fire had run through them.
The excessive wet of the spring and early summer was followed by
severe drouth, and the foliage on the apple and pear trees never seemed to
recover. Consequently it is believed the trees are not now in the best
condition for future usefulness.
In the northwestern part of our county, where peaches are grown to any
considerable extent, the crop was a fair one the last year, and the trees are
believed to be in fair condition for future crops. In many of the vineyards
the grape crop was almost an entire failure, from mildew and black-rot
and neglect, while in other vineyards, that were well cared for, the crop
was fair, and the present condition of the vines is good.
So, taking all things into consideration, we believe the prospects of a
reasonably good reward to the faithful, industrious fruitgrowers of Lenawee
county are not wholly discouraging. D. G. EDMISTON.
IN WESTERN ALLEGAN COUNTY.
Fruit trees and plants of all kinds here in western Allegan county went
through the winter of 1891 and 1892 in the best of condition, and the
prospect for a full crop of all kinds of fruit was highly encouraging up to
the first of May. About this time, or perhaps a little later, cold rains set
in and continued for some time; and as most kinds of fruit trees were in
full bloom, great damage was done.
The peach crop within one or two miles of lake Michigan has been almost
an entire failure in many of the orchards, owing, it is thought, to the fogs
that prevailed near the lake, together with excessive and continuous wet
weather. Peach orchards that were located inland and away from the
lake from three to six miles, produced full crops of fine fruit. The fogs
64 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
so prevalent near the lake shore did not extend inland far enough to affect
these orchards.
The apple crop in this part of our county has been almost a total failure,
not enough for home use. A great amount of injury has been done to the
apple crop by rust or blight of the leaf, and as a result the prospect is not
at all encouraging for a large crop the coming season.
Small fruits were injured very much by the extreme wet weather that
prevailed early in the season. Strawberries were greatly damaged and did
not produce to exceed one half a full crop. Yellows has prevailed to an
alarming extent in our peach orchards, where the parties in charge have
been negligent and have not complied with the requirements of the law.
In localities and orchards where the yellows law has been enforced, and
all diseased trees have been promptly removed and destroyed, root and top,
there is a perceptible decrease each year in the number of affected trees.
Very many of our peach-growers have fallen into what has proven to be a
very costly and objectionable practice, that of cutting down their diseased
trees and then permitting the stumps and tops to remain in the orchard
for an indefinite time. Experience has, I think, fully demonstrated the
folly of this practice, as whole orchards have been lost where this custom
has been followed for any considerable length of time.
After a number of years’ experience as commissioner under the yellows
law, I am fully convinced that the disease can be eradicated from an
orchard or locality by prompt and thorough work in destroying all affected
trees.
There will be about the usual number of peach trees planted the com-
ing season. Small fruits of all kinds are receiving more attention from
growers than in former years. Currants and gooseberries are being exten-
sively planted.
Pear culture is commanding attention here on the lake shore, and exten-
sive orchards are planting for commercial purposes.
Peach trees have made a good growth the past season and the wood and
buds seem to be well matured and in condition to withstand a pretty low
temperature if necessary; and, should the winter from this on prove at all
favorable, western Allegan county can be relied upon fora supply of
peaches the coming season.
Small fruits, as a general rule, have gone into the winter in fine con-
dition, and the prospect at present is favorable for a crop of berries next
summer.
D. W. WILEY.
ABOUT LAWTON AND PAW PAW.
In considering the condition of fruitgrowing near Lawton and Paw Paw,
at the present time, it is plainly apparent to an observer that considerable
change has taken place in the last fifteen years, in methods of cultivation
and varieties of fruit grown. The acreage of berries of all kinds is very
much less than it was a few years ago, and is plainly on the decline,
- these fruits giving away to grapes.
That the high lands near Lawton and Paw Paw were especially well
adapted to the growing of choice grapes, became evident as soon as vines
in these localities came into bearing, and in consequence grape culture
has been extended and enlarged until it has become the leading branch of
the fruit industry in this vicinity. The variety most largely grown is the
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 65
Concord, as it is well adapted to the demands of the general market and
is the only variety that is called for in carloads as yet.
Worden and Moore’s Early give good satisfaction and are being set
quite largely to meet the need of an earlier ripening black grape. Niagara
and Delaware are also grown in considerable quantities and are profitable
where proper care is exercised in marketing. Some of the less prominent
varieties are grown to a limited extent.
The vines are set eight or ten feet apart each way. The wider distance
seems gaining in favor. Wire and posts are used for trellises. The use
of stakes to support bearing vines is practically abandoned.
Two wires are used for making trellises, the upper one placed about five
feet from the ground and the lower one about one half that distance. An
excellent brace for the posts is a piece of strong galvanized wire with one
end fastened to the post and the other end around a stone buried in the
ground.
Of the insect enemies with which the grape-grower has to contend, the
climbing cutworm occupies the front rank, and in some vineyards does
great damage to the buds in spring time. The most effective check to
his depredations are pieces of tin of suitable size and shape, placed
around the base.of the vine and also around the trellis posts. The grape-
vine flea beetle, commonly called “steel beetle,’ also brings ruin to the
young buds. These beetles are usually more numerous in vineyards
adjoining woodlands or neglected fence rows. Hence the necessity of clean
‘culture and clean surroundings. Rose bugs and thrips also remind the
fruitgrower that eternal vigilance is the price of success.
Spraying with the Bordeaux mixture, as a preventive of grape rot,
has been practiced by some of our grape-growers with good results.
Four tons per acre is considered a good crop, although much more than
that is occasionally reported. An average crop for a term of years would
be less than four tons per acre.
On account of the excessive rains in the early part of the season, the
average yield per acre has been less than usual this season, but the large
number of young vines bearing their first crop has made this year’s yield
the largest in the aggregate ever grown here. From five to eight carloads
per day were shipped from Lawton during the grape harvest, the total
shipments amounting to over seventeen hundred tons.
Climax baskets are the only packages used for shipping. The size hold-
ing eight pounds is mostly used for Concords, while Niagaras, Delawares,
and other fancy varieties are generally put up in five-pound baskets.
The bulk of the crop is sent to Chicago commission houses, a few car-
loads being sold here on the track and orders from other towns being filled
through the express company.
A fruitgrowers’ shipping association was organized the past season to
get the benefit of selling and shipping in car lots.
About one third of the crop was sold through the association. The
price obtained for the eight-pound baskets of Concords here on the track
varied from 16 to 20 cents.
The acreage of young vines not yet in full bearing is at least equal to
the bearing vines, so we expect a large increase in the output of grapes
from this vicinity in the future. The probability is that the number of
grape roots set the coming spring will be less than usual.
In common with a large portion of our state, the apple crop was a total
Y)
66 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
failure the past season, caused, no doubt, by the excessive rains early in
the season.
The same cause seemed to affect the peach crop quite seriously, although
a few orchards, both at Lawton and Paw Paw, have borne fair crops. A
large portion of our peach crop is sold at home, to buyers who come with
teams, frequently from a distance of fifty miles or more. The great obsta-
cle in the way of peach culture is yellows. The disease appeared here
about fifteen years ago. Persistent determination in destroying infected
trees, with the aid of the law, seems to keep the disease in check. The
past season, however, yellows has seemed unusually virulent. To repair
the damage done to our orchards by yellows it is necessary to set young
trees each spring, and the usual number will probably be set.
At the present time our fruit buds of all kinds, except apples, seem to
be in excellent condition for a crop the coming season.
N. ATWELL.
ABOUT ANN ARBOR.
Ann Arbor is a city of about 10,000 inhabitants, besides 5,000 non-
resident students in its university and highschool. It is situated on the
Huron river at the intersection of the Toledo and Ann Arbor and the
Michigan Central railways, being forty miles from Toledo and nearly the
same distance from Detroit.
Ever since this part of the state was first settled, more than sixty years
ago, the clay hills of Washtenaw county have been noted for the excellent
quality and the uniformly good yields of wheat which they have produced,
the county being for a long time the banner county of the state at the time
when Michigan was the leading wheat-producing state in the Union. But
changes have taken place in the agricultural conditions of the county.
Wheat, though yielding good returns, unsurpassed in quality, is no longer
its controlling product. Stock-raising has succeeded grain-growing with
many farmers, while others have diversified their products in the direction
of horticulture.
From the time of the earliest settlements the apple has been freely
planted throughout the county, and it has proved so successful that at one
time this became the leading county in the state in the production of
apples. The area devoted to apple orchards in the county is now about
12,000 acres yielding a revenue in a favorable season of about $200,000,
besides the value of the fruit consumed at home. Within the past ten
years, however, almost no new orchards have been planted and many of
the older orchards have become neglected and are falling into decay. A few
growers give their orchards proper care and receive good returns, but as a
whole the apple industry of the county appears to be on the decline and
the yield probably does not now equal, either in quality or amount, that of
some of the newer counties in the western part of the state. The cause of
this decline is doubtless chiefly the increasing age of the orchards,
together with the fact that many of them do not receive the care necessary
to maintain their vigor and productiveness. Consequently, the yield has
become more fluctuating, being more dependent upon the character of the
seasons. Thescab and codlin moth have also apparently become more
destructive in recent years, and but few of our growers have yet made any
adequate efforts to prevent their ravages.
About fiteen years ago the bluffs along the Huron river began to attract
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 67
attention for their adaptability to peach-growing. The moderating influence
upon climate of large bodies of water had already led to the recognition
of a “peach belt”? along lake Michigan and the establishment of success-
ful orchards in that part of the state; but the equally important principle
of air drainage in its effect upon temperature was just at this time becom-
ing widely recognized by fruitgrowers, largely, no doubt, through the
publication of a discussion upon the subject which took place at a meet-
ing of the State Pomological society at Grand Rapids in the winter of
1872. This discovery of the value of elevated situations for the produc-
tion of the more tender fruits quickly led to the formation of a number of
peach-growing centers in the interior of the state. Among these none
has proved more successful than that at Ann Arbor, where the deep gorge
of the Huron forms an admirable drainage channel for drawing the cold
air away from the hills surrounding the city.
I am inclined thus to dwell upon the importance of elevation for the
peach, from the fact that it has been somewhat overlooked here, under the
impression that the peach planted anywhere at Ann Arbor was certain to
succeed. Hence we have some orchards planted on land which lies so low
that only in exceptionally favorable seasons is a full crop produced. The
experience of the past season of 1892 has been highly instructive on this
point, since upon the high elevations west of the city the crop was never
more abundant, while as a whole, and particularly upon the lower hills
east of the city, the peach crop was nearly a failure. The setting of peach
orchards has fallen off somewhat within the last few years, and I know of
but one plantation of any considerable size to be made in this vicinity the
coming spring. The discovery of yellows in a number of our orchards last
season has doubtless had some effect in checking the further planting of
the peach until it is determined what shall be the result of the efforts now
being made to exterminate or check the progress of this disease. The
varieties of the peach most generally planted here are Early Crawford,
Melocoton, and Smock. Hill’s Chili, which has been highly recommended
from this locality on account of its hardiness and productiveness, is being
generally discarded, as it has not been found sufficiently vigorous to bring
its fruit to full development except under high cultivation or in compar-
atively moist and fertile soils.
Small fruits do remarkably well here, though their cultivation has also
fallen off of late, owing to the low prices which prevailed a few years ago
when (in 1886) by vote of our horticultural society the cultivation of small
fruits in this locality was declared to be no longer profitable. During the
past two years, however, prices have advanced and there are signs of
renewed activity in this direction.
The strawberry, which was formerly exported in considerable quantities,
is now grown ouly for the home market. The varieties now chiefly culti-
vated are Crescent, Sharpless, Bubach and Warfield. Woodruff’s No. 1,
formerly extensively grown here, has proved to be wanting in vigor and
subject to blight.
The Cuthbért is now the only red raspberry grown to any extent and
gives universal satisfaction. Gregg is still the leading black-cap, though
not so hardy as could be wished. A new early black-cap called Conrath is
attracting some attention here. It is supposed to be a chance seedling of
the Gregg and was found on the farm of Mr. C. H. Woodruff, the well-
known originator of several new fruits, including the Woodruff strawberry
and the White Ann Arbor and Woodruff Red grapes. The new raspberry
68 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
is now in the hands of the Conrath brothers of this place, who have ten
acres of it in cultivation. It is from three days to a week earlier than the
Gregg, and as it ripens its entire product within the space of a few days
this enables the crop to be nearly marketed before the heaviest pickings of
the Gregg come on. In size the Conrath nearly equals the Gregg; it is
not quite so firm, being rather more juicy, and it is also more acid; it is
much darker in color, being almost devoid of the white, mealy bloom so
characteristic of the Gregg. It appears to be a good yielder and is pro-
nounced by Professor Taft of the Agricultural college to be the best of
any of the early black-caps he has had on trial.
Of blackberries the Snyder still takes the lead and no fault is found
with it. The Taylor, which has done well with some of our growers, is,
owing to its lateness, more likely to have its crop cut short by drought.
Grapes are successfully grown except when injured by black-rot and
occasionally by frost. The moderate prices realized, however, and the prox-
imity of large grape-growing districts elsewhere, have prevented extensive
planting, so that almost none are produced for export, and the home mar-
ket is largely supplied toward the close of the season from outside sources.
The Concord is still the leading variety placed upon the market; though
the Worden is generally preferred by those who have it, while the Niagara
is becoming more popular every year.
Of vegetable-growing less can be said for the vicinity of Ann Arbor
than fruitgrowing. The soil for the most part is somewhat unsuitable for
vegetables, and the special advantages in the way of fruitgrowing have
doubtless retained some in that industry who otherwise would have
engaged in vegetable gardening. Asa result, the city of Ann Arbor has
never been fully supplied through .the season with vegetables grown
in its own immediate vicinity. Large quantities of vegetables are brought
in by wagon every year by the market gardeners of Ypsilanti, who have
the advantage of a better soil but who are not situated advantageously
for general fruitgrowing. Detroit and Toledo furnish our grocers not
only with early vegetables, but also frequently, in the hight of the season,
with such common and easily grown products as squash, string beans,
cabbage, sweet corn, and melons. There are no hot-houses here for the
production of vegetables. It is a curious fact that the extensive importa-
tion of vegetables from other points, instead of awakening local growers to
the demands of the home market and leading to increased efforts to sup-
ply it, seems to have the opposite effect of discouraging production in the
face of outside supplies. As may be supposed, there is no canning nor
pickle factory here for the utilization of surplus vegetables, although a
flourishing pickle factory exists at Ypsilanti.
To the generally favorable character of the soil about Ann Arbor for
the production of vegetables there are certain exceptions which deserve to
be noted. Among these is a tract of reclaimed marsh some four miles
south of the city which is owned and managed by Professor J. B. Steere
of our state university. Here various kinds of vegetables as well as farm
crops have been grown with marked success for a number of years. The
soil consists of pure muck several feet in depth, which has been drained
by open ditches, while recently irrigation has been provided for by some
twenty artesian wells sunk at convenient points upon the farm. The lead-
ing crops the present season consisted of onions, potatoes, cauliflower,
carrots, hay, Indian corn, and celery, all of which grew well and formed a
marked contrast to the stunted and parched condition of many of the
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 69
crops upon the surrounding hills. The production of celery is a new
enterprise here, having been first undertaken in a small way last year. These
twenty acres were devoted to this crop by Professor Steere and the pro-
duct was remarkably fine, commanding a ready sale, some of it being
marketed as far east as Boston. There is hardly a doubt that celery-
growing will now become an established industry on lands adapted to that
crop in this vicinity.
In conclusicn, I see no reason why horticulture should not continue to
be profitable in this locality. The pioneer work is done. We have learned
something of the business and of the best varieties for this locality. We
now have satisfactory arrangements for marketing, with daily fruit cars
when needed, to convenient markets. If low prices prevail, some of our
growers have cold storage houses in which to hold their fruit, while a well-
conducted evaporating factory stands ready to take any surplus which may
exist. A. A. CROZIER.
BENTON HARBOR AND VICINITY.
Mr. Morritut: The spring opened with great promise of a big crop—
too promisingly, for it betokened a large product and a lean pocket-book.
But rain came in May and continued almost daily until the 8th of July.
Our locality is almost purely a horticultural one, and such reverses are
severely felt. There was fine bloom of the strawberry, but the rain caused
the Crescent to fail and the Warfield also where there were not enough of
the fertilizing varieties with it. Rain at time of ripening caused still
more loss, yet shipments were from 5,000 to 8,000 cases daily. The rasp-
berry crop was fair, the daily shipment being from 4,000 to 6,000 cases;
and that of blackberries was good, being 6,000 to 8,000 cases daily. The
melons were of good quality, the crop large, and prices low. Tomatoes
yielded largely and prices were high—500 per acre in some cases. Apple
and pear trees are in bad condition, because of the attacks of fungi, save
Astrachan, Hubbardston, Oldenburg, and Spy. I fear the young fruit, if
any sets, will drop next season. Peaches were good on our best lands (the
high ones) and sold well, bringing $2 or more per bushel in most cases.
Many peach orchards on low lands are dead, but others are looking very .
well. Many of our people became discouraged early, and so their planta-
tions are now in very bad shape. Through the banks, in 1891, fruit to the
amount of $800,000 was paid for in Benton Harbor last season, while the
payments by factories and those of other sorts made a total of one million
dollars or more. The total for 1892 was large, but somewhat under these
figures because of the failure of apples and pears.
IN ‘THE THUMB’ AND EAST COAST.
Our secretary desired me to write about the status of fruitgrowing
along the Huron shore and in northern Michigan in general. This would
embrace a region which, within a very few years, has been the richest
lumbering country for yellow pine in the world. Much of the wealth of
Detroit and the lake cities of Erie was drawn from these forests. Less
than forty years ago the only farming that was attempted was such as
would contribute to the lumbering interests, even about Port Huron,
while further north most of the land was owned by the government. The
soil varied from a light sand (a cold, wet sand with quicksand bottom),
70 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
or gravel and clay mixed, to a heavy clay interspersed with muck swamps,
all covered with the finest of heavy pine and hemlock; or, on the clay
land, hardwood timber.
As the lumbering interests drew away toward the north, more attention
was given to farming, and orchards were planted which seemed to thrive
very well and to indicate that at least some portion of the country would
be profitable for fruit. But it was soon demonstrated that the hardwood
lands were best adapted to its growth, unless of a heavy clay nature; and,
as most of them were of that character, there was little hope for very
much fruit. The trees had an unhealthy appearance, the bark was cov-
ered with scale louse, peach trees were killed, by the cold winters, as was
supposed, and the outlook was discouraging. The main supply of fruit
for the city of Port Huron came from the well drained ridge of gravely
land of the north part of Macomb county, which seemed to be the north-
ern limit.
The climatic conditions of the east and west shores are as different as
those of England and France. The waters of lake Michigan are fed by
warmer streams and flow northward, while Huron’s waters are largely fed
from Superior and flow southward, and are always cold; and this is why
its shores are so popular as a retreat from the summer’s heat.
We have always looked with envy at our more fortunate neighbors on the
other shore, with their orchards, vineyards, and gardens. For years it was
my ambition to own a small piece of land in that favored locality, which I
could plant to fruit-trees, and many were the day-dreamsin which I
indulged—never, however, destined to realize.
The soil of St. Clair county is diversified, as I said before, and a large
portion of it is certainly poorly adapted to fruit culture. The cold quick-
sand seems to invite late frosts in the spring and early frosts in fall; but
we find that these same cold soils, when deeply underdrained, make the
very best that we have for fruits of all kinds, large and small, and for truck
gardening. They seem to be especially adapted to the growth and pro-
ductiveness of pears and plums, and of late large peach orchards have
been planted on the drier ridges of sand or of gravel and clay loam.
One man, who is a “crank” on draining quicksand land (so considered
by his neighbors, at least) putting his tile from six to eight feet deep,
took seventy-five bushels of Lombard plums from twenty-four trees three
and one half years from setting, and at the same time his trees made a
good, long growth.
The cultivated varieties of cherry have not proved a success in St. Clair
county, nor in any part of the district of which I shall speak. Only the
natives have seemed to thrive and, at least half of the time, produce good
crops. JI have in my yard a few Empress Eugenie and Late Duke that
have not failed to give us some fruit every year, even when the natives fail,
and heavy crops nearly every year—at least two out of three.
We have been considered beyond the peach line, but some few trees
have persisted in living and producing fruit for years, in spite of all of the
vicissitudes of our climate. As we begin to understand the wants of the
peach, and the most hardy varieties, we have planted orchards that have
proved successful, so much so that a good many thousand peach trees were
set last spring. Our chief want is a snow covering for winter. We have
not had snow enough at Port Huron in three years togive us two weeks’
sleighing all put together.
The apple crop was a complete failure throughout the county, and south
a
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 71
through Macomb county, the past year. Some varieties of pear have done
well, as Clapp’s Favorite, Sheldon, and Flemish Beauty, though the last
named were very scabby with me. I have two trees of the Tyson that are
both vigorous and strong and have given good crops of fruit, clear of scab,
every year since they came into bearing. The greatest objection to the
Tyson is a tendency to come into bearing very slowly. It is a good orchard
tree if you can wait, and will pay well for the time lost when it does come.
With grapes, it is not every year that we can ripen the Concord. Of
course, anything later would be of no use. We can never raise grapes to
compete with those from the islands in lake Erie. If ours ripen at all, it
is when theirs have been ripe so much longer that ours seem very sour.
A few specimens of quince are growing, yet buyers say that they have
never known a peck of home-grown quinces to come in for sale.
Plums are grown but little, for market, but they do well and are fine. I
know of but one or two men who have made any pretense of combating
the curculio, and they use the sheet and have large crops. This year about
one fourth of the trees through the county had good crops, but fifty per
cent. of the fruit rotted just as it began to ripen. Last year was our year
for a good, full crop of plums.
Strawberries were a full crop, but as none were shipped out of the
country the market was very low—$1.40 to $1.75 per bushel. Black-cap
raspberries were not more than one third of a crop, and brought $3.20 per
bushel through the season. Red raspberries, about a half crop, and the
market was not fully supplied at $4 per bushel.
Sanilac county lies on the shore fifteen miles from the lower end of lake
Huron, with a shore line of nearly forty miles, its principal ports being
Lexington, Port Sanilac, Richmondville, and Forestville. The land is high,
rolling from the lake to Black river, and from there it is low and in many
cases marshy. What I have said of St. Clair county fruits will apply to
Sanilac county, except in the north part, were the apples were very good.
From 15,000 to 20,000 barrels were shipped from this part of the country.
Many new orchards of all kinds of fruit, but especially of peaches and
some plums, were planted last spring. Lexington lies twenty-two miles
north of Port Huron and seven miles north of the south line of Sanilac
county, and it is on the same latitude as Rochester, N. Y. The north part
of St. Clair county and the south part of Sanilac county are in the same
latitude as western New York, yet I doubt if you will find a single good,
healthy orchard, such as would be found there. Most of them show signs
of neglect and disease; yet, in favorable seasons, we have a good many
apples of very fine quality. It would be very foolish to think of planting
apples anywhere in St. Clair county, for profit, except in very favorable
places, or after the ground is well underdrained. Plums seem to do even
better than apples, and pears seem to promise well if the scab and cracking
can be checked; and on these same well-drained soils, the hardy varieties
of peach promise well. Yet I should not recommend promiscuous plant-
ing of fruits of any kind, except the small fruits, with any prospect of
making money. Only intelligent and thorough work will ever give us
favorable results.
Huron county occupies the end of “the thumb,” and might well be called
the “thumb nail.” It has a coast line of about sixty miles, bordering
about equally on lake Huron and Saginaw bay. It is scarcely thirty years
since the first settlers came with the great lumber firms that cut away the
pine. Their earliest clearings were planted with fruit trees, which grew
®
72 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
finely and bade fair to be a great source of comfort to their owners; but
the great fires of 1871 destroyed a larger part of the trees, and the people
were left in bad shape. In the ten years of prosperity that followed, trees
were replanted and many fine young orchards were started, when the fires
of 1881 swept over the country agaix, and destroyed most of the young
orchards and some of the older ones that escaped the fires of 1871. Now
there are a few of the old orchards, some of those planted between ’71 and
81, and many new young orchards, throughout the county. Every year
large additions are made, of apples, pears, and plums, a few peaches, and
some other kinds of fruit.
Plums have done remarkably well, and as a crop for profit have taken
the lead until this year, when apple trees everywhere were loaded with
fruit. Buyers came in from all parts, and Mr. Wm. R. Srarrorp of Port
Hope writes me that one buyer told him that his company bought and
shipped, from points along the bay shore of Tuscola and Huron counties,
forty thousand barrels of apples.
These counties seem to be better adapted to fruitgrowing than the
country further south, probably on account of a dryer and gravelly soil,
and more snow on the ground in winter. There is a section on the bay
shore, about Sebewaing, partly in Tuscola and partly in Huron county,
that is well adapted to grape culture, and many tons of grapes find their
way into the Saginaw market yearly. Quinces are grown to some extent,
and the small fruits thrive everywhere.
Thus far I think that very little scientific work has been done in the
way of selection of varieties adapted to the locality, and in special care of
trees. Agents have brought in and sold whatever they could induce peo-
ple to buy, without reference to adaptability.
I have not heard of any one who has followed out any line of experi-
ments in the way of combating insects or diseases, of either fruit or tree,
and I hardly think that very many have given their orchards any special
cultivation.
There is need that this society should extend its benign influence over
all of this territory, and teach the people how to care for and preserve the
productiveness of their orchards, and to select the best varieties for new
plantations. "
The future of fruitgrowing on the end of “the thumb” will undoubtedly
be a bright one. I have never made a personal examination of the soil,
but from what it has done under all of the adverse circumstances, it must
be well adapted to the growth of most varieties. If I were to advise or
give my opinion on fruits that would give the most profit, I should say
plums. For quality and quantity of this fruit, I know of no locality where
I would prefer to plant plums. Next I should plant pears. It would be
a question whether apples or peaches should rank third in the list. So, if
my soil was dry, and I intended to give good care, I should plant both. I
would have my apple trees thirty-three feet apart each way, and peaches
between, both ways, making three peach treesto one apple. I would, next
in the list, plant cherries of the new and more hardy sorts—Montmorenci,
Empress Eugenie, Late Duke, or something of that kind. I have never
seen any black-knot among these varieties.
In arranging my grounds I should certainly prepare a place for quinces,
and a few of the best varieties of crab-apple. These are very fine in this
locality and would bring a good price in market when those from other
places would not sell.
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 73
It would be of but little use to plant any but the earliest varieties of
grape except in that locality near Sebewaing, mentioned heretofore.
I should plant any good variety of small fruit and expect success from
it. I should expect best returns from those shipped by steamer to Detroit
and Cleveland, as there would be no other fruit of that kind in the market
so late in the season.
While this region may not equal the west shore, I think that all of the
fruits named may be set, with good prospect for profit, in all of the towns
of Tuscola and Huron, north of the Cass river and east of the Black river,
down the Huron shore at least to the center of Sanilac county.
On the west side of Saginaw bay we are on the main part of the lower
peninsula, so famous for its pine plains. These occupy the higher grounds
along the line of the Michigan Central railway, and seem to be almost as
worthless as the sands of Sahara. I know of nothing that can bé made to
grow on these lands, except blueberries or whortleberries as they are
sometimes called. Between this ridge and the bay, for the first thirty
miles, a large part of the land is said to be too low and wet. At Tawas we
find hardwood lands interspersed with the plains, where all of the hardy
fruits are reported as doing well. These ridges are found all the way
along the shore between Tawas and Alpena, and back nearly to the line of
the Michigan Central railway. There were good apples and plums
through this region this year.
Back and to the north of Alpena are some good orchards of apples,
pears, and plums. Fine fruit of these kinds was brought into the Alpena
market. I have not been able to ascertain the varieties grown, but the
samples of fruit were said to be fine and the flavor unexcelled. Small
fruits, so far as I could learn, have been cultivated but little, owing to the
abundance of the wild; but so far as they have been cultivated it has been
with good success. At all of the ports from Tawas north, whortleberries
are sold in great abundance, the ruling price being $1.25 per bushel. Wild
cranberries are found in limited quantities, but I am informed that condi-
tions favorable to their cultivation exist in many places through this
region. That is, low ground with facilities for drainage and water that
can be controlled for flooding. The future prospect may include this as
one of the important industries of this section.
Follow with the coast line to the northwest of Alpena, seventy miles,
and we pass through the north part of Alpena county, through Presque
Isle county to Cheboygan. Much of the way we get occasional glimpses
of the blue waters of lake Huron. All the way along we find places
where young orchards have been planted and seem to be doing well; and
about Cheboygan many fine apples and plums were grown this year.
Among the fruits named I find Spy, Greenings, Baldwins, Pippins, and
many others. At the Cheboygan county fair, this fall, the show of fruits
of all kinds was said to have been very fine, and that of vegetables better
than is usually seen at our fairs further south. Corn was excellent, pump-
kins enormous; one squash weighed 300 pounds.
Cheboygan county is so near the point of the lower peninsula that it
may partake of the mollifying influence of lake Michigan. Mr. John M.
Cline lives in Cheboygan, owns an orchard over toward Traverse City, from
which he took over 900 bushels of apples last fall. Wild fruits are plenti-
ful in this county, especially whortleberries. Thousands of bushels of
them find a market in Cheboygan, whence they are shipped to all points
10
7
>
74 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
down the lakes. My informant says that it was no uncommon thing to see
eight or ten two-horse loads in line, coming in, and buyers were there from
Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, and other places, during the season.
This may truthfully be called the fruit of the barren plains. Perhaps
these berries may be improved by being protected or even cultivated on
their natural soil, the pine plains.
Large quantities of wild blackberries were shipped from Cheboygan, and
strawberries and raspberries were plentiful.
Cheboygan is 240 miles in a straight line north of this place. The win-
ters are long and severe, but the ground is protected by the snow. From
reports, it would seem that they raise fruits in Cheboygan which are tender
in St. Clair county.
In conclusion, | would say that we have passed over a coast line of 300
miles from Port Huron, bordering on lake Huron and Saginaw bay. Along
the whole of this distance, apples, pears, and plums are produced, of the
finest quality. All kinds of small fruits may be cultivated with profit
along the whole line. At least one third of the distance the cultivation of
apples, plums, and pears may be called one of the leading industries. Over
one half of the distance is favorable to the hardy varieties of the peach, to
a certain extent, and truck-gardening may be followed at any point over the
entire distance.
In Huron and north part of Sanilac, the quince succeeds well; unless
there should be a change in climatic conditions, grapes will be profitable
about Sebewaing on the Saginaw bay shore.
Cranberries may be cultivated northward from Bay City, where land is
found to be favorable; and if any means may be devised for the cultivation
of whortleberries, it may become an important industry on the worth-
less sand plains. I think this is a matter that should be experimented on,
as it would bring into use a vast tract of land of no use even for pasturage.
AT SOUTH HAVEN.
Mr. Monroe: The general conditions about South Haven have been well
covered by Mr. Szsstons and Mr. WILEY, except as to the apple, and that
has been well described by Mr. Epmiston. As to the peach, the spring
gave great assurance of a full, even an excessive, crop; but the long con-
tinued wet weather caused failure in the orchards we thought best of all—
those nearest the lake. After good weather came, we thought we might
get one third of a crop, say 100,000 fifth baskets; but this estimate was
overrun by the shipments until 200,000 baskets were reached. This was
in part due to the yield of new orchards. The township south of us
furnished from 40,000 to 50,000 baskets, from young orchards of men who
have been thorough and intelligent in their methods. This has caused
renewed and great interest in setting new plantations which gives promise
of reproduction there of the great crops sent from Fennyille in former
years. Some old growers have become discouraged from one cause or
another, but on the whole there is quite as much interest in horticulture
as ever. The trees, vines, and plants have all gone into the winter in
excellent condition, except those of the careless cultivators. Apple trees,
however, are not in a hopeful state because of their suffering by attacks of
fungi upon the foliage.
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 15
It was decided to leave the nomination of officers to a committee, and for
that purpose Messrs. L. D. Warkins, L. J. Post, R. Morrity, E. H.
Scort, and D. WooparD were appointed.
APULTERATION OF FRUIT PRODUCTS.
Mr. A. Tucker of Ann Arbor read the following paper:
It is doubtful whether there is any one cause so disastrously affecting
honest producers and dealers as that of adulteration. First, a few words as
to the character of adulterations, without any regard to their effect upon
health. We will consider them as to their fraudulent character from a
commercial standpoint.
CIDER VINEGAR VS. DISTILLED VINEGAR.
We will consider vinegar under two general classes, namely, distilled and
fermented. Distilled vinegar is always water-white, being entirely devoid
of coloring matter unless artificially added, while fermented vinegar is
always more or less highly colored according to the product from which it
is made. Distilled vinegar includes what is generally known as white wine
vinegar, whisky vinegar, and that sometimes called corn vinegar, and all
made from low wines, and in its natural state is the color of water. Cider
vinegar has always and everywhere been regarded as the standard, not only
more palatable but more healthful, and costing more than twice as much
to produce as the distilled vinegar of equal strength. If these two classes
of vinegar were both left in their natural color, both branded and sold true
to their name, each standing or falling upon its merits, no injustice would
be done to the manufacturer or dealer in either class of vinegar, and the
consumer would get what he paid for. As it is now done, and has been
since the repeal of the national revenue law in 1879, relating to the tax
upon low wines manufactured and used for the making of vinegar, this
distilled vinegar is artificially colored to resemble cider vinegar, and is
branded ‘‘pure fruit” or “cider” vinegar, and the consumer, because of its
color, and being branded pure cider or fruit vinegar, and very conscious
that he has paid the price of cider vinegar, supposes he has what he paid
for; or, if finding out the fraud that has been perpetrated on him, he goes
to another grocer and asks for cider vinegar and is assured that the pack-
age is so branded, and was bought for cider vinegar. He tries it again,
only to find he is cheated. But some manufacturer says the distilled vine-
gar is purer and every way superior to fermented cider vinegar. My only
reply is, then why take so much trouble to counterfeit an inferior article?
I fearlessly make the assertion that, for the iast ten years ,in the fruit-pro-
ducing state of Michigan, not more than one barrel in 500, sold through
the trade, has been pure cider or fruit vinegar; but, out of every 500 sold,
499 were distilled vinegar, colored for no other purpose than to deceive.
Who is injured by this fraud? Every man who grows fruit is robbed of
his market for his cull fruit, which means, in an average year in Michigan,
a loss to the fruitgrowers, in their cull fruit alone, of a good round million.
Now, who is benefited? Some two or three manufacturers of distilled
vinegar in the state, together with the dealers, who mutually share in the
profits of this gigantic swindle. But, says some one, if the distilled vine-
gar is cheaper, and is not unwholesome, is it not to the interest of the poor
76 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
and laboring classes that this should be tolerated? There would be a
plausibility about this if the consumer got his vinegar cheaper by reason
of this commercial fraud. But he does not. He pays the price of cider
vinegar, and it is for the purpose of obtaining this price that the distilled
vinegar is thus artificially colored and branded, and the extra profits
resulting therefrom are shared by the manufacturer, the jobber, and the
retailer, and the poor consumer is the victim.
BUTTER FRAUDS.
What is true of vinegar is also true of butter. Some two or three many-
times millionaire corporations of Chicago, by the manufacture of oleomar-
garine or butterine, have driven thousands of cows out of Michigan as well
as other dairy states, thereby greatly crippling a very profitable farming
industry, resulting in the deterioration of farming lands, forcing dairy
farmers to produce other commodities with which the market is already
surfeited. Hog products are also depressed by counterfeiting lard with
cottonseed oil; and here, again, the farmers are the losers, to the full extent
of the profit gained by a few large packing-houses.
OTHER ADULTERATIONS.
Buckwheat flour is compounded with poor, musty, low-grade wheat and
corn. The hulls of buckwheat are used to adulterate ground black pepper.
Coffee in the berry is modeled out of a paste composed of flour, beef liver,
and chickory. Maple syrup is compounded with glucose. Jellies labeled
“pure fruit” are made from glucose, acids, and gelatine, matters so filthy
that no manufacturer of them would think of using them for himself or
family. Fruit jams are made from pumpkins or squash for their base,
fixed up with glucose and acids, flavored with fruit extracts, and seeds are
supplied by using timothy or clover seed to suit the flavoring extract and
the label on the package.
Who is benefited by all this array of adulterated goods, of which I have
mentioned only an occasional one? Are the honest producers benefited,
or are they injured? To ask the question is sufficient.
WHAT IS TO BE DONE?
What is the remedy? I answer, create the office of food commissioner
in Michigan, with at least two assistants and a state chemist who shall
analyze all products of food or drugs submitted to him by the food com-
missioner; and supply sufficient funds to enable this officer to do efficient .
work. Clothe the food commissioner with power to enter a man’s place of
business and inspect, and in extreme cases to seize, in case of harmful and
unhealthful products; to prosecute offenders without unnecessary delay by
postponements and adjournments and the like means, by which the ends
of justice are so often defeated; and if laws and penalties as now upon the
statute books of the state are not sufficiently explicit and strong to enable
the food commissioner to stamp out this nefarious business, see to it that
they are so amended and strengthened as to render them efficient. I have
already made this paper much longer than I intended when I began.
It is the duty of the state to prohibit all unhealthful articles of food or
drugs; to require all manufacturers and dealers in foods or drugs to make
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 77
and sell, and to brand their goods true to their name, and to prohibit the
use of coloring matter or any other device when the evident object for
which it is used is to deceive. I would let every man make and sell any-
thing he saw fit, if not unhealthful, but compel every manufacturer and
vender to brand and sell true to name, under heavy penalties, and so pro-
vide for the enforcement of all laws relating to adulterations that their
execution shall be swift and sure.
If a citizen of Michigan wishes to eat oleomargarine or butterine, or pre-
fers distilled vinegar to pure cider vinegar, he should have those goods as
cheaply as competition in their manufacture and sale can produce them,
and should not be compelled to pay the price that should be paid for the
genuine goods. On the other hand, if a citizen of our state wants pure
cider vinegar or pure butter, and pays the price for it, he should have it;
and those manufacturers and venders who practice these commercial frauds
should be made to feel the force of the law and public censure by a public
exposure.
I have merely touched on the commercial side of this question. The
more important side of it, as it relates to health, I leave for the doctors.
There is still another very important side of this subject, namely, the
effect on morals. Is it any wonder that important trusts are betrayed and
men of high standing in society are found to be false, and are ingloriously
falling, when the most common affairs of commercial business life are
thoroughly permeated with fraud and dishonesty? ‘Sow the wind and
‘reap the whirlwind.”
Mr. Tucker continued: Distilled vinegar is usually made from 80 per
cent. of corn, 10 of rye, and 10 of barley. One bushel of the mixture costs
thirty-five cents and makes forty gallons of vinegar. He did not care to
prevent the manufacture of such vinegar, but desired to have it sold for
what it really is. This society should try to have the legislature create the
office of food commissioner, and the state society of manufacturers of fruit
goods will do the same.
On motion of Mr. Kriioaa, the following committee on legislation was
appointed: Messrs. R. M. Keiuoae of Ionia, L. B. Rick of Port Huron,
and C. J. Monroe of South Haven.
Mr. Morritu: Very few people have any idea of the extent to which
food adulteration is carried on. I have seen no end of it in Chicago. No
one is allowed to see the inside of Perine’s canned fruit and jelly factory
in Chicago—that is, the general public is excluded, and very few indeed,
save the workmen employed, are permitted to know anything of the pro-
cesses used. But a mail carrier who makes daily visits there, told me that
the strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry jams made there contain not a
single berry of any kind. Something is used to imitate the pulp, and
timothy and clover seeds are used to counterfeit those of the strawberry
and raspberry. Glucose, gelatine, and coloring matter make up the rest,
and the whole goes forth as Perine’s best pure fruit jam.
Mr. Rice: There is something wrong about evaporated fruits. The
78 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
apple crops have been short, yet the price of evaporated stock continues low.
One cause may be the public’s fear of zinc poisoning from use of galvan-
ized wire trays. A committee should be had for investigation of the
matter.
Mr. Tucker: Apple drying used to be done almost wholly in New York.
Short crops there, however, caused the dryers to move to Michigan, and
the same cause has sent them on to Missouri and Arkansas, so that now
the whole apple-growing region is engaged in drying, and the product is
great, even when the crops are short in places or even on the whole. This
_ over-production will be remedied to some extent if the manufacture of
cider vinegar is encouraged. But hereafter the price of evaporated apples
will not be more than five or six cents per pound; because prunes and
other such dried fruits are so cheap. The high prices of other days will
again be seen only. in case of a general failure of the crop. There was
some trouble about the use of galvanized wire trays, but that was all a
“scare.” A pure-food law would be easy of enforcement, compelling the
sale of articles true to name.
A RESIGNATION WITHDRAWN.
President Lyon notified the society that when Mr. GARFIELD went to
Europe he resigned as a member of the executive board, but no action had
been taken upon such resignation. He spoke decidedly against accept-
ance of it, as did also Messrs. WATKINS, PEARSALL, and Rice; and, Mr.
GARFIELD not insisting, the resignation was considered withdrawn.
REPORT OF THE TREASURER.
The report of the treasurer, omitted from its due order in this report,
was made as follows:
To the Board of the State Horticuliural Society:
I have the honor to present to you my annual report.
mnbgireasurys December’ s,s) GON) ose kes vee RAE oa hs ee We Ne ee $190 98
Enna mem bershipss-23 se ts TSR ee Aye Pea hoes ee eee eee 26 00
STATIC hy SOCTOLIOSE meen ae ee ee IRE, aah a on LAE oe 24 00
interestion' bonds; Mort@ares: ClC.s shee ok eee ee ee ee eo eas
inecelvediirom HCA Reida sec ys. Ole) me Beet ES ey ee ee ee ee 72 72
ADO) TEP bibs ek DRA SIGE Ss Nae? SRM. ieiates Skee Alek eds SHR Sa gy PT ke eo Sool Le $447 03
DISBURSEMENTS,
Paid checksiaggregating 222 ote bo btu se pol eee ees
Balance on uhandee ec Shh 2 eR AE re ee Pe ee CT
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 79
Life members, 205, the fund secured as follows:
SEM VAL Oy LEMODUTAC CS seen a ae Se Some en es a eg ee Aa $1,000 00
a Glare L AD OSs trea ke cet ge ete ae Sn 350 00
LTA RE nie 12G) 8 STE OSS Dee I I eae UE EOE ee oe AN | Ra 300 00
TELM OLGA OS ener aime Cae NE Bere nates IML a Seg a ON et 2 300 00
UT PS DEE Se EE ES Ts cea Bae te Le) Oe (ar Ne BS 100 00
SOI Ren Ase ets A eh ES ye ee Ae oe OD OO
Grand Rapids, Dec. 24, 1892.
P S. M. Prarsaun, Treasurer.
Tuesday Afternoon Session.
Opening the afternoon session of Wednesday, Vice-President GARFIELD
gave a brief description of the work in which he is engaged, the collection
of a Michigan forestry exhibit for the World’s Fair.
The secretary read a letter from Mr. A. J. KNisELY of Benton Harbor,
concerning former action upon the question of Sunday opening of the
World’s Fair. At the Kalamazoo meeting, resolutions against opening
were passed, and in them allusion was made to the example said to have
been set by Edison the electrician in closing his exhibit on Sunday at the
Paris exposition. Doubting if such had been the case, Mr. KNIsELY
wrote Mr. Epison, inquiring about it, and was answered that the Epison
exhibit was not closed on Sunday, so far as Mr. Epison knew, and if
closed it certainly was not done by his order, as he believed in keeping
such expositions open every day.
Mr. Rice remarked that he “did not believe the society wished to take
the back track” on this question, and no action was taken.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
The report of the committee on nominations, as follows, was unani-
mously adopted:
President—T. T. Lyon of South Haven.
Secretary—-Epwy C. Rep of Allegan.
Members of Executive Board—L. D. Warxins of Manchester, Prof.
L. R. Tarr of Agricultural College.
Later the board elected C. J. Monroe of South Haven vice-president.
Mr. 8. D. Witiarp of Geneva, N. Y., read the following paper upon
POSSIBILITIES IN FRUITGROWING IN MICHIGAN.
Prevailing low prices for all farm products, including not only the
cereals but cattle, sheep, swine, and horses, that have existed for some years
past, have become a source of such anxiety to all land owners as to increase
80 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
the cry annually, “to what use shall we put our farms to make them
profitable? ”
This condition of affairs seems to be so universal throughout the eastern
states, and westward to the prairie region, that we are practically upon
common ground, hence we can with propriety reason together and unitedly
act and aid each other in attempting a solution of a question of more vital
interest to the land owner than has ever before engaged his attention.
In our characteristic liberality as a nation, our doors have been thrown’
wide open, emigration without limit has been invited to come in and ,
possess the land, and we find, when too late to call a halt, that we have,an
over-production of almost everything required, for which our lands have
been supposed to be adapted, and today we meet to consider the question,
“What is to be done about it?”
RESULTS OF AGRICULTURAL EXPANSION.
This is no wide stretch of imagination, a stubborn fact. Our honor-
able secretary of agriculture tells us that we have passed the limits required
to supply the world’s want for bread, and that acreage must be reduced to
afford living rates to the producer.
The presumption is that he is correct; and if so our system of agriculture
must be changed to conform to existing conditions or we shall have occasion
to regret our hestitation to act.
The country west of lake Michigan today has the lead in all farm pro-
ducts, no mistake. This acknowledgement may be distasteful to us, but
the fact remains the same, and it is folly for us to ignore it.
A few weeks since, fourteen boatloads of barley were unloaded where I
reside, produced in Dakota at an expense of sixteen cents per bushel (so
said the producer) and freighted through at fourteen cents, making a total
cost laid down at malt house of thirty cents. As this is far below the cost:
of producing the same grain in the state of New York, the question is,
what is to be the future of the barley-grower with us? In like manner we
might go through the whole list of grains, with any thing but a satisfactory
showing as to the present and future probabilities in production, because
of the sharp competition from the country west of us.
But if the lands west of your great lake can produce the grains and stock
cheaper than you can, you may be assured they never can compete in the
production of all those luscious fruits that can be grown with such mar-
velous success in your own state, and no one at all conversant with the
difference of conditions in soil, climate, and all essentials for fruitgrowing,
will for a moment question the truth of this statement.
Efforts without number, year after year, have been made, but the experi-
ments have been failures and their supply must be sought from more con-
genial sections.
True it is that, now and then, limited areas of Illinois, Missouri, and
Kansas give crops of the more hardy varieties of apple, but these only
cultivate and intensify the taste for the choicer peaches, pears, plums,
cherries, grapes, and other fruits which you are at liberty to supply and
which you can grow at profits far in excess of what can be realized from
any other purpose to which your land can be put.
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 81
FRUITGROWING HAS NOT GROWN SO FAST.
Here, then, is a basis on which to begin our speculations for our ‘future
possibilities.” In the economy of nature no one state in this great com-
monwealth has been so admirably adapted and provided with all of the
essentials for growing such a diversity of fruit products, while at the same
time enjoying the advantages to be derived from markets so easily and
economically reached, the demand for which, twenty years hence, no living
man of today can estimate.
Certain it is that the general fruitgrowing interests are not keeping pace
with the increase of the people, who, as they become more highly educated
and civilized, will consume in their living a much greater amount of fruit
and less of those foods of a carbonaceous character.
Let us, then, as practical men, give our subject practical thought, and,
if correct in our conclusions, proceed promptly to put into execution the
result of our convictions.
We often fail to do this. We read, we talk, we think, but we fail to
digest and put into practice. This is neither wisdom nor good sense.
Fruitgrowing has too often been regarded as a sort of sideshow of farm-
ing, and treated with a degree of neglect which would only insure failure
when applied to any other crops. It has been regarded as a fit field of
operation for him who, failing in everything else, might take this up as a
last resort; but the successful fruitgrower of this latter part of the nine-
teenth century requires a combination of practical good sense, with intelli-
gence in his profession, second to that possessed by no other man, no mat-
ter what may be his calling. It is a lack of required knowledge and
attainments, more than anything else, to which may be ascribed discour-
agements and crop failures in fruitgrowing.
We want a more intimate acquaintance with all varieties of fruit adapted
to our soils and climate, their habits and structure, their diseases and the
insect life that preys upon them—in short, give us botany, chemistry, and
entomology as applied to our business, and we will give you results less
unsatisfactory than those that too often characterize the slip-shod orchard
culture of today.
“Our possibilities,’ then, should not be sought for in the lines of ignor-
ance, while all required and needed information of a practical and scien-
tific nature can readily be had at those institutions of learning with which
your state is so amply provided.
At one of your meetings, a few years since, I was interested in listening
to a paper from one of the professors of your Agricultural college, on the
use of wood ashes as a fertilizer for fruit trees; and so strong was the
impression left as to their value for that purpose, that ever since then I
have been using them largely for this purpose and I have found them val-
uable beyond my anticipations, as a plant food, for everything in the way
of fruits to which I apply them, and it seems to me if we of the east can
afford to purchase and pay transportation a long distance for them you
certainly can not afford to allow them to be carried off from your fields.
But as I shall have occasion to refer to this subject in another connec-
tion, I will simply say, try two or three tons of wood ashes and two hun-
dred to three hundred pounds of bone meal per acre to your orchards,
once in two to three years, and watch for the results.
11
82 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
PREPARATORY WORK.
I am well aware that I am addressing men of wide experience and prac-
tical habits, who may doubt the wisdom and expediency of fruitgrowing
on an extended scale; and yet it is to just such minds that I desire to
appeal, with the hope that I may advance some ideas that may arouse you
to appreciate the possibilities within your reach, undertaken with intelli-
gence and prosecuted with the same zeal and enthusiasm that would be
required to succeed in any other undertaking.
Cease to regard trees and plants as so created that they can care for
themselves, with ability to derive their nourishment from the atmosphere
or some other unknown source, requiring no effort on your part. It is a
fatal mistake to suppose that a favorable response will follow such
treatment.
For years, nitrogen, potash, and phosphoric acid have been drawn from
the soil at a fearful rate, with no corresponding effort to their restoration:
and yet we are taught that these are the essential elements of all plant life,
and that potash, more than any other one element, will contribute to pro-
duce the hard, good wood, the well developed, rugged bud, and the vigor-
ous, strong leaf, giving a combination indispensible to the foundation of a
future crop of fruit.
This preparatory work must be laid out in eee by careful, judici-
ous culture and proper feeding, if satisfactory results are desired. Who
can say that, had this liberal policy been adopted several years since, and
these apple orchards been generously fed with these elements in one form
or another, they would not have been fitted to resist the fearful attack of
scab, the cost of which was the, loss of the apple crop the past season?
Preventives are often efficacious in all plant diseases, while curative
results are rarely seen.
It is said that varieties there are, whose foliage is so strong as to be
impervious to the work of fungus. If this be so, may not sorts more tender
and sensitive be rendered less so by the generous use of such fertilizers as
aid to this end? We ask the applegrowers of this state to carefully consider
this subject, as we assure you that you must manage to maintain a healthy
foliage, by some method, in order to be insured crops of fruit.
We believe in any and every appliance that will contribute to the gen-
eral health and vigor of everything we grow, for herein we look for our
possibilities. We are told that many varieties of fruit have not in them-
selves a sufficient degree of power to fertilize their own blossoms. It is
certainly so with strawberries, grapes, and our native or wild plum, and
recent experiments indicate that it may be equally true of many sorts of
apple, pear, and our finer cultivated plums and cherries. Certainly this is
a subject full of interest, and may possibly work a revolution in our future
systems of planting. Who can say that in this one condition may not be
found a solution of many crop failures?
We are living in a wonderfully progressive age, in which science as
applied to fruit-culture may yet play a part we little imagine. Let no man
ignore the grand work being done by state and government in our behalf.
DO NOT PLANT IN BLOCKS.
We suggest, would not a more general intermingling of varieties in our
commercial orchards be a step in the right direction? It is said that, so
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 83
closely allied are the plum and cherry, the pollen of the one will fertilize
the other. If this be so, this may in a measure account for an annual crop
of each ina small orchard planted in alternate rows. When we consider
that our experimental stations, agricultural colleges, as well as department
of agriculture at Washington, are all actively engaged in efforts to solve
problems of vital interest to the wide-awake fruitgrower, we think we have
great reason for encouragement, and one should prosecute this work with
great zeal while availing himself of all required knowledge now at his
command.
Faith and works, however, are required to go hand in hand, in this our
favorite occupation. The investment must be made before returns can be
expected, and sometimes the heart is sick in waiting.
RECOLLECTIONS OF A BEGINNING.
Well do we remember when our first venture was made, and the few
acres planted stigmatized as an exhibit of our folly. We had the land
and not much else. We could not sell it for half its cost. We believed in
the work, and thought we could see the future profits to follow; but how
to get the trees and plants, and carry all forward in such a skillful manner
as to insure the end sought, was a puzzling question. We read and
thought and decided to go ahead as best we could; and so often were we
called a fool that we were sometimes led to question our own sanity. No
mistake, our surroundings do have their influence, and often lead us to
doubt our own abilities; but faith and hard work will bring their reward,
and ten per cent. income on $2,000 valuation per acre, for successive years,
we regard as a saflficient reward for the hours of toil in the accomplishment
of our possibilities, while we have to smile at our doubting neighbors,
some of whom have fallen into line and are pursuing the same work.
We would not be misconstrued, however, nor would we wish to mislead
any as to the profits in fruitgrowing. It has its downs as well as ups.
Low rates of interest mean low prices for everything produced, hence war
prices should not be anticipated; but we do mean to say that no invest-
ment can be made in this or any other good fruitgrowing state, in the way of
soil tillage, that will pay a larger percentage, one year with another, than
when judiciously expended in growing such fruits as are adapted to the
soil on which they are planted.
Note, if you please, this question of adaptability. It is important, none
more so. A disregard of it has been productive of failures beyond com-
putation. We believe so thoroughly in the adaptability of certain portions
of your state for gowing certain fruits with such unerring success that.
were we twenty years younger, we should not hesitate to push some inter-
ests of this kind in a very large way on land now waiting for the work of
the skillful cultivator, only to afford returns that can not be overestimated.
Nowhere east of the Rockies can the stone fruits, as well as some others,
be grown and marketed with the same success of profit as on the east shore
of your great lake.
As plums are my favorite fruit, and the area of country where they can
be grown successfully is quite limited, you can readily understand that my
large venture would be on this fruit, with a fair intermingling of others
that might be regarded as desirable and fitted for the location.
84 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
SOME INSTANCES OF SUCCESS.
There are those in your own state whose methods of culture and experi-
ence could enable them to give you illustrations of their work and results
that would, I am sure, be quite astonishing; and I trust I may not be
regarded as overstepping the bounds of propriety in quoting instances of
what has been accomplished in the production of different fruits in other
sections, in illustration of “our possibilities.”
Several years since, a party in planting an orchard of apples was told by
an old man that he would never live to see a paying crop from it.: This
may have inspired him to accomplish results that, under other circum-
stances, might not have been attained. The eighth year from planting,
from seven hundred trees, he picked seven hundred barrels.
Not far away, upon the same ridge, stands an orchard of three hundred
trees, twenty-two years planted, that has never yet, in its entire product,
produced an amount per tree equal to the other in its eighth season. The
one is a striking illustration of the result of good care and judicious feed-
ing, the other an equal illustration of the folly of neglect.
Upon what was one of the best grain farms of our state, fifteen years
ago, was planted a small pear orchard. Said the owner to me last season,
“for four years those pear trees have given me more clear money than the
remainder of the farm of 131 acres—four acres against 131 acres. Whata
lesson in percentage!
Five years ago, a man of more good sense than capital paid $175 per
acre for 16 acres which he immediately planted to pears, quinces, plums,
peaches, and cherries. In compliance with my request, Jately he kindly
gave the facts and figures as to his operations. The fourth year his net
returns amounted to $600. The past season, $1,875. Total cost, $5,000.
Interest, $1,500. In all, $6,500. Returns, $1, 975. Another opportunity
to study the question of ‘percentage.
A small orchard of sour cherries, planted eighteen years ago, bas
returned to the owner an average of $10 net per tree for the past ten years.
As this fruit can be planted at the rate of 100 trees per acre, surely cherry-
growing ought to be regarded as sufficiently profitable, even though the
product be divided by two or three.
An acquaintance, with 100 trees of Fellenberg or Italian prune, sold the
erop of 1892 for $1,000.
Three years ago in October last, were planted 100 dwarf pears which, in
the June following, were rebudded or worked over into another variety,
and being exceedingly thrifty, the buds were at once forced out to save a
season’s growth. The crop from same was sold in the month of November
for $98.50. Multiply this by four, as 400 dwarf pears can be grown to the
acre, and the result is no mean comment on the much-abused Kieffer pear,
which ranks in the orchard list of profitable sorts.
A party engaged in growing currants for market bas for three years
kept an account of the disbursements and receipts from a single acre
SNe to this fruit, and he tells me that his average net returns are about
160.
On a more extended scale, an orchard of thirty acres, made up of an
assortment of all fruits, has given the owner for the past nine years net
returns equal to $3,500 per annum. ‘This orchard is seventeen years
planted but this sum does not include the crop of 1892, which yielded
about $6,000.
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 85
In these instances cited, good culture, good feeding, and business meth-
ods have prevailed in the management, and while they may be said to be
exceptional cases, no good reason exists why they should not be more
general. What man has done man may do.
AS TO SOME NEW VARIETIES.
Regarding varieties, we believe that no iron-clad rule can be laid down
that will apply with equal force to all sections and surroundings. Hardi-
ness, productiveness, and market qualities are the three important factors
to be considered in the growing of all fruits for market; and yet, how
rarely is this combination considered in the selection of an orchard list.
Experience goes to show that varieties are often fickle in habit and will
not do alike well on different soils, hence need of intelligence and discre-
tion in making the selection, while the three essentials above named are
considerations worthy the attention of the commercial orchardist.
We are among those who believe that there should be such a revision of
our fruit lists as would enable a planter to determine, by looking at a cata-
logue, what sorts could be regarded as specially fitted for the market
orchard, and what for table or house use. Quite too many that are
marked good, very good, or best, can not be grown for four prices over
what they are even sold for, in the markets to which they are shipped.
Any wonder that our friends shake their heads in doubt when told of “our
possibilities?”
I can give only a glance at these salient points, with the hope of awak-
ening thought and study on the part of the inquiring mind, while passing
on to the end of my already too lengthy paper.
As new fruits are constantly being brought to notice, some of which will
undoubtedly be found of value, we will name a few of promise.
The Sutton’s Beauty apple had its origin in Massachusetts. It is exceed-
ingly productive, hardy, of fine quality, beautiful in appearance, in size
corresponding to a medium-size Baldwin, and keeps well into April.
The Martha crab excels in beaut¥ and quality anything yet introduced
in the way of crabs, and as it sells at a higher price than anything ever
marketed in the shape of a crab, we believe that it may be worth growing
where such fruit is in demand.
The Longfield, an apple of Russian origin, promises to meet the demands
for a very stylish and good apple for our city fruit stands in the month of
September. It is very hardy and exceedingly productive.
A seedling of Early Rivers peach, known as Horton’s Rivers, combines
the early ripening of its parent with more firmness of flesh, and is as per-
fect a free-stone as a Crawford. In other respects it is much like its par-
ent. It certainly is an acquisition.
The Hynes’ Surprise, sent to us from Texas, is a stylish, hardy free-stone
of the Hale’s Early type, but so far, with us, has shown no disposition to
decay, as do most of that type. We regard it valuable.
A new apricot, having its origin in New York state, and known as the
Harris, has been found very productive, large, of good quality, and ripen-
ing in July, and is very profitable. One party, in 1891, had several hun-
dred bushels, a portion of which were purchased by a canning factory, and
he sold the product to Boston and New York houses at a profit of fifty per
cent.
Of new plums there is no end. The greatdemand seems to be for very
86 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
early and late sorts in the main, with some other better sorts to supplant
the old mid-season varieties like Lombard and others. Of these newer
ones we have the Field, a seedling of the Bradshaw, ten days earlier, other-
wise resembling its parent in size and general appearance. It is very
hardy, productive, and promises well. (Gueii, Hudson River Purple Egg,
Prince of Wales, and Peters’ Yellow Gage are all desirable, and cover the
ground well at their season of ripening, while Stanton Seedling, Grand-
Duke, and Monarch aid in extending the plum season late into September
and early October, and are wanted in all markets because of their size and
style. The Back Diamond, for beauty and productiveness, is unexcelled.
It ripens about September 10.
So far the newly introduced Japanese varieties show themselves very
hardy, and productive beyond our powers to describe. The name Botan
seems to be a general name for a family, of which we have a number
differing quite materially in character. The earliest we have, styled No.
26, is the poorest in quality, and yet, by reason of its early ripening, July
15, meets with ready sale in our city markets. Botan (Abundance, as it
is often sold) is very good, but we believe not equal to True Sweet Botan,
or the Yellow Japan; while as regards productiveness, Burbank’s Japan
excels them all. We have of this variety, grown one hundred fruits to the
square foot, while the same branches producing this fruit were making
from two to three feet of new wood.
To those interested in growing Damsons we desire to say, the French
Damson is superior in health and productiveness to any of this family, out
of seven or eight varieties that we have tested.
As for cherries, the Montmorenci Ordinaire and English Morello, as
sour; and Windsor and Schmidt’s Biggareau, as sweets, we regard as more
profitable than any others grown.
DEMAND VS. QUALITY.
The merchant must cater to the wants of his customers, and just so with
the successful fruitgrower. The markets require the very early and late
sorts as well as those whose style fit them for retailing from the fruit
stands, and in the production of vevieties that meet these requirements as
a rule, look for profitable returns.
We would not be understood as ignoring quality, but if compelled to dis-
criminate as between quality and quanity, with style and good handling
properties in favor of the latter, we should assuredly cast our ballot in
favor of quantity in planting the commerciai orchard.
To illustrate more fully the idea we wish to convey, let us take the cur-
rant. That variety having the strongest foliage; that will best resist the
depredations of the currant worm, that will produce the largest crop to the
acre, that will make the most jelly from a given amount of fruit, of the
most attractive color, and hence will give to the producer the largest
returns for his labor, is quite beautiful in appearance, and yet, if to be
eaten from the hand or from the table, would be regarded as the poorest in
quality of any currant grown (indeed, I should regard it as totally unfit
for table use), and yet in my opinion it should rank high in the commer-
cial orchard. I referto the Prince Albert. For table use, Moore’s Ruby,
as a red, and White Imperial as a white, by reason of their excellent qual-
ity, should be found in every family garden.
In like manner we could go through the whole catalogued list of fruits,
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 87
making selections here and there which, when compiled into an orchard
list, we believe would constitute a collection from which the commercial
orchardist could figure with a tolerable degree of certainty as to his future
possibilities in fruitgrowing.
Is this not a practical work for a practical fruit man of Michigan, thus
to compile a list of valuable orchard sorts that can be referred to by future
planters as thoroughly adapted to the purposes sought?
Sure it is that new interest is being awakened on this and kindred sub-
jects connected with fruitgrowing, and with a soil, climate, facilities, and
markets unsurpassed, abundantly accessible, we can but feel that a field is
open and ready for a rich harvest to all whose inclination and taste fit
them to engage in the most elevating, ennobling, and healthful occupation
in which mankind can engage. Hence we urge upon you, when consider-
ing the legacy to be handed down to the family now growing up, teach
the girls as well as the boys to love horticultural pursuits, educate them
thoroughly in botany, chemistry, and entomology, and neglect not to
plant such a variety of those fruits as can be grown with success in your
locality, on which practical results can be sought and attained, and the
coming generation will be in a position to reap a reward far beyond our
fondest anticipations as to the possibilities of future fruitgrowing in your
state.
ROT AND BLACK-KNOT.
At conclusion of Mr. Willard’s paper a question was asked by Mr.
Brrp of Ann Arbor, “ How do you get rid of plum rot?”
Mr. WiuuarpD: In the first place, I feed the trees well. In a measure,
rot may be averted by strong, healthy foliage. I also carefully remove
the rotting fruit; but, really, we do not have much rot in New York. I
think defoliation has much to do with it. Barn manure is a good fertil-
izer for plums, but I use wood ashes, getting them by the carload from
Canada, and bone meal. I think these make harder wood than do other
fertilizers. Plums, of all fruits, need abundant feeding.
Mr. JosHua Hutu of Pontiac had asked by letter if a ten per cent. solu-
tion of sulphuric acid would cure black-knot.
“ Well,” said Mr. Wituarp,” I would not care to try it. I would only
cut the dog off right back of the ears.”
Mr. Post: Have you ever used chemical potash?
Mr. Wiuuarp: O yes, I would not hesitate to use it, but ashes are better.
Something beyond the potash and phosphoric acid is obtainable from
them. I never saw such results as from two tons of ashes and 300 pounds
of fine-ground bone, per acre, to a worn apple orchard, on light soil in
Massachusetts.
Mr. Ketioaa: Use of ashes is all right, but don’t set the hired man to
do it. My man put ashes very thickly on raspberries, among the canes,
and when it rained the ashes “ate up” the acre of raspberries.
88 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
FIGHTING FUNGI.
Prof. Tart: I agree with Mr. WiLuarp, that much is gained against
fungous diseases by keeping the foliage healthy, and I would use ground
bone as a fertilizer. But we can fight plum rot with fungicides, and can
check leaf fungi by use of copper sulphate spray, and, earlier in the
season, the Bordeaux mixture. I know instances wherein the rot has thus
been either checked or wholly prevented. Cutting off black-knot is the
best thing to do, but the knots must be burned, otherwise spores will
spread from them. Sulphuric acid will kill the knots, but it will also kill
the trees. Cut them off and cover the cut with linseed oil, which will be .
fatal to any remaining spores. Tincture of iodine will answer the same
purpose. [In answer to a question from Mr. Kellogg.| Some Germans,
and some people in this country, have held that copper sulphate is harm-
ful to the roots; but I have found that, while five per cent. of it in some soil,
kills and three per cent. harms, one half of one per cent. has no effect. At
the strength the solution is ordinarily used, it would take many years to get
enough into the soil to do any injury. Corrosive sublimate in weak solu-
tion is said to prevent shothole fungus and rot of the plum. It is a good
insecticide also, but dangerous to have about.
Mr. D. Wooparp: My thriftiest plum trees stand in an old barnyard,
and I used both copper sulphate and Bordeaux mixture, yet there is where
I had most rot.
Prof. Tarr: The trouble was from the manure. There was too much
nitrogen and so a too soft growth.
Mr. Wixuarp, to Mr. Morritu: No stone fruit is proof against curculio,
though there may be slight difference in propensity to rot. There is no
better method than jarring to fight the curculio—I will let my wife’s
relatives do all the spraying of plums, for this purpose, and I will stick to
jarring. Irun fourteen “bugging machines,” and it don’t cost much to
operate them, not more than 15 to 20 cents per tree for the season. I
work the machines at any hour of any day but Sunday—the Lord looks
after the curculio on Sunday.
Mr. Stearns: The jarring process often results in injury to trees from
blows by mallets.
Mr. WiuuarpD: I have no such trouble. I use a crutch-shape tool and
push the tree sharply, not strike it. I would have the trees headed as low
as can be and yet get to them for “bugging.” I would have the branches
not higher than three feet from the ground. I roll the ground before
“bugging,” so as to have less trouble in wheeling the machines from tree
to tree.
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MERTING. 89
Mr. Wooparp: I fasten an old clothes-wringer rubber to the end of a
pole, place the rubber against the tree and strike the other end of the pole.
I use sulky wheels for the machine, but carry the sheet only ten inches
from the ground.
DISCUSSION OF WORLD’S FAIR MATTERS.
Prest. Lyon: When the state commission’s committee on pomology,
arboriculture, and viti¢ulture was first constituted it was composed of eight
' persons, but before a meeting had been called it was increased. It was
then divided into subcommittees and more members added, each sub-
committee charged with certain subjects and myself made ex-officio chair-
man of each. Messrs. WESTON and STEVENS were present at the organiza-
tion and notified the committee that $4,000 would be devoted to its objects,
but the committee was instructed to make no expense that could not be
paid outside of thissum. Several months later Mr. Wersron wrote me,
intimating that some of it might be used for present needs; and sol wrote
Mr. EpMisron and others that bills for boxes for trees would be paid. This
~ reached Mr. BELDEN, who wrote Mr. WESTON questioning this expenditure.
Both these gentlemen wrote me, saying I had gone too far. Later, Mr.
WESTON wrote me that he was ready to enter my order for fruit cans. I
answered that I would make such an order if it would be backed by the
commission. I heard no more for some time, and then from secretary
STEVENS, saying the order would be backed. Hence I supposed nothing
more would be expended, even if this was. The next event was a call from
Mr. J. J. Woopman of Paw Paw, who said he had been given charge and
was ready to make expenditure for canning. I thought this discourtgous,
though having utmost confidence in Mr. Woopman. I have therefore felt
there was nothing more for me to do, and but for the advice of friends I
would have resigned. The subcommittees have done nothing, because they
had the same understanding that no funds could be used; that the $4,000
must be held to pay costs of transportation and care in Chicago. I have
recently been in Chicago to help make the rules and premium lists for the
horticultural display, and was promised that a copy of them would be here
today, but Mr. SamugE.s has not sent it. I query if it is worth the while
of this society, since it has been ignored, to make an exhibit of next year’s
fruit; yet | asked Mr. SAMUELS about it, if space could be found and entry —
made, and was assured it could be. It might not be good policy to
antagonize the commission, but the complaints against it are by no means
confined to horticulturists. We were provided insuffivient means, and even
that was not available when it should have been.
12
90 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
AN APOLOGY FOR THE COMMISSION.
Mr. Woopman: It is a mistaken idea that the whole of this work of the
pomological exhibit has been put into my hands; but I was asked to go
and see the South Haven people about canning fruit. I am here to learn
what has been done or can be done about the matter. The commission
understands that you gentlemen are to do this, and I am here as a repre-
sentative of the commission to learn what you propose to do and how you
mean to do it. Mr. Weston has said to me, “They have the $4,000, why
don’t they go on and use it?’ Iam here to learn your wishes and inten-
tions, and will convey them to the commission at their meeting in Chicago
next week. The commission, in the beginning, thought they could get
everything done gratis, but soon found that everyone wanted pay. They
may not have been wise in all their measures. None of them are experi-
enced in such work, nor even in holding fairs. They set aside $10,000 for
agriculture, and $4,000 of this for horticulture. It is not too much, it is
not enough, for that, but there is not enough for the rest of the agricultural
exhibit. They have changed this somewhat, and seem well disposed to
correct errors. I think horticulture is better provided for than anything
else save mining and forestry. You made a splendid exhibit at the Cen-
tennial and yet had no money. Perhaps it would be better had there been
none now. We must all go into our pockets and help. Mr. Woopman
waxed eloquent over the grandeur of Michigan, which he pronounced the
garden of the world—and, as he had seen a deal of our globe, he deemed
himself qualified to judge of it—and continued: What is true of our state
otherwise is true also of her fruits, and this should be fully shown at the
fair. There have been too many committees and too little head. A man
of nerve and push is needed to superintend collection and forwarding of
this exhibit. Your president is one of the best experts in fruits in this
country. He should be in Chicago to care for the exhibit. He can not
run over the state, and should not be asked to doso. Select some good,
active, pushing man.
Mr. Lyon: There is no feeling between Mr. Woopman and myself, but
there seems to be a question between Mr. WESTON and me. He expressly
said I must not expend one dollar of the appropriation, and in this Mr.
STEVENS concurred. But he now says, ‘‘They have the money, why don’t
they use it?” Until Mr. WoopMAN came to me and reported this, I had
no assurance that any expenditure could be made from that fund.
Mr. Woopman: I scarcely like to think there is an issue between Mr.
Weston and Mr. Lyon. Mr. Lyon’s word is to be taken fully; but while
Mr. WESTON may have said so he must have changed his mind or there is
a misunderstanding.
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 91
ANOTHER SHOWING OF THE COMMISSION'S QUEER WAYS.
Mr. Morritu: At our meeting one year ayo, Mr. BELDEN, of our state.
commission, and CHIEF SAMUELS of the World’s Fair, agreed that this
society ought to be put in charge of the horticultural exhibit, and it was
understood that they would urge the state commission to take this course.
When the committee was organized at Grand Rapids, I was put in charge
of small fruits. This was in the early spring. I heard nothing more
until July, when Mr. BELDEN drove to my place and asked me to do some
canning. I was too busy and had been unable to arouse any interest
among my people, but finally agreed to fill the cans. I told him I might
have to buy some fruit, and asked if any money was to be had for such
purpose. ‘“ No,” said he, ‘there is some money but it must be used for:
transportation and other expenses.” Mr. BELDEN left. When I could, I
got about and secured some fruit. I waited three weeks for cans, and
then received a letter from either Mr. WrstTon or Mr. STEVENS, asking me
to do the same things. I answered, and later wrote for cans, but was told
Mr. Woopman had been given charge of the work. Now Mr. Woopman
comes and asks what we are doing? I wrote Mr. Lyon and he replied that
he had been relieved, but did not say how. There seems to be a great
deal of confusion between Messrs. WESTON, STEVENS and BELDEN.
Mr. Woopman: I received a telegram from Mr. WESTON to “ start that
pomological wagon” and get the canning of fruit started. I got JupGE
RAMSDELL appointed to take charge of the canning, and I suppose he has
done it. He had authority to go on and make bills and draw pay. But
I have nothing to do with the pomological exhibit save to start others to
work making it. I believe this society will be instructed that the $4,000
are yours and you must go ahead and use them. I am confident that it is
the commission’s wish that you go ahead and make this exhibit.
WHO TAKES THE RESPONSIBILITY.
Prof. Tarr: Are we to understand that this society can have $4,000
with which to make the pomological exhibit?
Mr. Woopman: I mean that the committee will do it, by and with the
advice and co-operation of the horticultural societies of the state.
Mr. Scorr: As I understand it, mémbers of that committee are to
expend their own money and take their chances of getting it back some
time or other.
Mr. WoopMan: It is a rule of the state, in all its dealings, to pay for
no service until it has been rendered. This is a rule of the state, not of
the commission.
92 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Mr. Watkins: Iam one of the committee on pomology. I have found
men who wish to make exhibits, or collect them, and they ask me if the
expenses thereof (they willingly give their time) will be paid. I ask Mr.
WoopMaN, what will be paid?
Mr. Woopman: I will not attempt to answer. I have no authority to
say. Let this society recommend a superintendent, who will be put in
charge by the commission and he may go ahead and make arrangements
and expenditures.
Mr. Watkins: Men of that kind are scarce and if one is found he must
be paid. He can not be secured for nothing.
Mr. Woopman: [shall leave tomorrow morning, and I ask to be advised
then of any action that may have been taken.
A paper upon the general subject of the World’s Fair exhibit was here
read by Mr. A. G. GULLEY.
j
MR. LYON WAXES EMPHATIC.
Mr. Lyon: I doubt if any one suspects I would not assume any
responsibility belonging to me in this matter. Had I understood the sit-
uation to be different from what I have described, I most certainly would
have acted. I believed it was the duty of the committee to gather the
exhibit, and some one to have charge would be appointed afterward.
When Mr. WoopMAN came to me’with different instructions from those I
had received explicitly from Mr. Weston, it was too late for all but the
very latest peaches. And such has been the trouble all through. The
commission is not “up” in its business enough to understand when to act,
nor how. I understood all the while that the commission would appoint a
superintendent at Chicago when the time of need of such a person came.
Not in all cases, either, has the commission’s plan of auditing been pursued
by the state; for in two cases at least has this society been given the
expenditure of such a fund.
Mr. W. W. Farnsworth, secretary of the Ohio Horticultural society:
Our state commission turned their horticultural exhibit wholly over to our
society, and we have the expenditure of the state fund of $8,000.
Chairman GARFIELD: This society has not been recognized in the
slightest degree by the state commission, and use of the word “society” by
Mr. Woopman is done unadvistdly. Discussion of the subject here is
tolerated only because some members of the commission are also members
of the society.
SIMILAR SITUATION IN NEW YORK.
Mr. 8. D. WiLuARD of Geneva, N. Y.: We have had much the same
trouble in New York. I insisted, before the commission, upon an appro-
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 93
priation of $25,000 in order to beat Michigan. The commission got up to
$10,000, but we refused it. So matters stood until September, when the mat-
ter was finally talked over, and our persistence was rewarded with $40,000—
“only go ahead,” they said. Meantime one of us had taken in hand the grape
interest and expended a large sum of money. He may get it back
sometime, and he may not. I made a collection of apples, but my work
has not been paid for. The trouble is that these men of the commissions
have no comprehension of the labor involved and the need of prompt pay-
ment. And besides competition with us New Yorkers, you Michigan men
must look out for the Canadians. Here sits Mr. Smiru of Ontario, listen-
ing to all this, and his people are getting ready to go to Chicago and beat
all of us in the apple exhibit; and, I want to tell you, you must be careful
and active or they will do it. ,
Mr. Brrp: Mr. WILLARD has been talking sense. The need is of money
and enough of it. It is late, but not yet too late so far as the fruit of next
season is concerned.
SUMMING UP THE MATTER.
Mr. Morritu: We may get some help from the next legislature, but some
one should have known at the beginning that a definite sum was obtain-
able. But up to date there has been no definite promise of a single dol-
lar for any specified purpose. I put the question direct to Mr. BELDEN,
if there was any money with which to pay the cost of collecting the exhibit,
and he said: “No,sir. There is a fund, but it is for transportation. But
you would better keep a memorandum of what you expend, and when we
get through we may be able to fix it up somehow.”
Mr. Lyon gave notice that he would submit a proposal for legislative aid
to the society direct. This was greeted with applause.
Mr. Monroe: I have not thought it best to make any recommendation
to the commission. They were advised by Chief SAMUELS of what it was
best to doin this matter, but saw fit to make an independent committee.
That is very well and we have no fault to find. But until the commission
directly state to some one, “Go ahead and make these expenses and we
will pay them’ —until they will say this, it would be an imposition upon
any man to ask him to go about making expense to himself and others.
Mr. Morritit: That involves the intent of a motion I meant to make.
The chair may hold me out of order; but as the commission has sent Mr.
WoopMaN here to confer with us, it would seem well for us to ask them
what they wish us to do.
Chairman GARFIELD commended this and suggested that Mr. Monroe
94 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
be instructed to make a formal statement to Mr. WoopMAN of the position
of the society as relates to the commission. i
- By motion Mr. Monrok was so instructed.
Mr. Lyon submitted the following resolution:
Resolved, That a committee of three or more persons be appointed by the chair to
prepare and present to the incoming legislature an application for an appropriation, of
not less than ten thousand dollars, to be expended under the direction of this society
in the preparation, placing, and conducting of a horticultural exhibit at the coming
Columbian Exhibition.
The reading of this was greeted with cries of ‘ Good!” and other mani-
festations of approval, and it was adopted by a unanimous vote.
A CATEGORICAL STATEMENT.
At the evening session, in accordance with the vote of instruction, Mr.
Monroe made to Mr. WoopmaAN the following statement: There is only
an amicable feeling on the part of this society toward the state commission,
but we have had no intimation from the commission that anything was
desired of us. We have discussed the fair at each recent meeting of the
society, and of course feel a deep interest in it. A committee (Messrs.
GARFIELD, WATKINS, and myself) was sent one year ago to confer with the
commission, and we were courteously heard. We tried to show them why
horticulture should have special favor, because there is no money value in
a prize to an exhibitor, beyond the amount of the premium, and very much
labor is involved in preparation. But the commission emphasized the
fact that the appropriation is small, and urged that all work of preparation
must be done gratis, only pay for care of it in Chicago being given. We
told them how complete we desired to make the exhibit—to have it
embrace the trees, vines, and plants, as well as fruits in fresh, canned, dried,
and manufactured forms, including a very full supply of the fruits of 1893
in fresh condition, from the earliest to the latest. They at a later meeting
set aside $4,000, of which $1,000 were to be used for preparing trees and,
possibly, for removal of them to Chicago last fall. Yet payment for the
printing of circulars instructing in this work was made only after a per-
sonal appeal to Mr. Weston. I can fully corroborate Mr. Lyon as to his
having received instructions from the commission that no part of the
appropriation could be used for expenses of preparation. We sent out
eirculars, and soon found that trees for the exhibit would be contributed,
but the persons offering them could not afford the expense of the boxes.
The commission for a long time refused to pay for these, and when they
relented it was too late. When they got around to the ordering of cans,
it was again too late. The commission has no horticulturist in its mem-
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 95
bership, and no conception of what should be done in this department, and
so it has dragged along in this disastrous way. So as horticulturists (not
as members of this society) we desire Mr. WoopMAN to show to the com-
mission that some one should be supplied with money and given authority
to proceed with the work. But until this is done, no one cares to venture
the expenditure of a single dollar. The horticultural committee must
know that there is money and that necessary bills will be paid. We of the
committee have had no word nor letter authorizing us to expend a single
dollar, up to the present time. We think as a society we can send no
message to the commission, having nothing to do with the matter.
Mr. WoopmaNn: It seems to me a statement should be drawn up, show-
ing what has been done and what should be done, and I think the horti-
cultural societies, and not the commission, should suggest the man for
superintendent of the work. No man would like to take such a place
unless he knew he was the choice of the horticulturists. I am satisfied
that I am correct in saying that the commission understand that the $4,000
are set aside for use by the committee, and will be paid out upon their
order. Mr. Woopman closed with a plea to the horticulturists to overlook
the errors of the commission and take hold and make the exhibit. _
Mr. GarFIELD: The commission and the committee should get together
and settle things. This society has no lot nor share in them, not having
been recognized by either in any way.
Mr. Warxins: Mr. BeLpEen has general charge of the agricultural
exhibit, and Mr. Woopman has been specially appointed to assist him.
What need of another?
Mr. Woopman: Mr. BELDEN is sick or he would have been here in my
stead, as I wish he had been.
Voices: ‘A change for which we are not sorry.” “No!” “Not at all!”
ete.
ANOTHER RESQLUTION.
Touching this subject, the committee on president’s address, later, made
this report:
Further, we desire to recommend that the society adopt the following resolution, with
reference to so much of the president’s address as refers to our relationship to a horti-
cultural exhibit at the World’s Fair.
Resolved, That this society feels a great interest in the proper exhibit of the horti-
cultural products of the state at the World’s Columbian Exposition, but that, inas-
much as we have not been recognized in any way by the State World’s Fair Commuis-
gion, as a proper agent for making a display of these products at the fair, we do not feel
authorized to even attempt a suggestion as to the management of such an exhibit; but,
if the commission desires the aid of this society, a communication to that effect will
receive prompt attention.
96 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Tuesday Evening Session.
The programme for this session was made up of three short lectures by
members of the faculty of Michigan university. First came some reports
and resolutions, when the regular order was taken up, beginning with
PROF. V. M. SPALDING ON “MICHIGAN FLORA.”
The indigenous flora of Michigan has always presented many points of
interest to those who have given any attention to the natural resources of
our state, and there are some reasons why it should be of special interest
to professional cultivators of flowers and fruits.
Since the days of the first explorers and settlers, this flora has been
steadily, and in some localities rapidly, changing. Forest fires have swept
over wide areas, and in place of the magnificent representatives of the
primeval forest have come up briars and poplars. The farmer has indus-
triously, and of course necessarily, cleared his land, exterminating here a
moccasin flower and there a fringed gentian or harbinger of spring. Borne
on the winds, or scattered in clover seed, or thrown out of car windows,
have come in like a flood, Canada thistles and prickly lettuce, daisies, and
quack and bur-grass and other noxious weeds. The removal of the shel-
tering woodland is followed by the slow death of shade-loving plants, and
drainage of low tracts means the extinction of many more.
All this is inevitable, but as a result our native flora has already under-
gone such changes that probably no one living would be able, from exist-
ing data, to give an accurate account of the natural vegetation of the state
as it was in the days of the aborigines. Nor can those who come after us
know what our present flora is, except as it is permanently recorded by us
in carefully preserved lists and herbaria. The geological history of the
state, so far as it remains, is kept in imperishable form, but its botanical
history is subject to vicissitudes that render its complete preservation, even
while it is in the making, well-nigh impossible. Those who best under-
stand these facts regret very deeply every unnecessary sacrifice of our
original flora, and want to keep, just as long as possible, every living thing
where it is and as it is. But, apart from such changes, taking our flora as
we find it, let us glance at some of its prominent and characteristic
features.
One not familiar with the natural productions of Michigan, and at the
same time accustomed to notice botanical peculiarities, would, upon enter-
ing the state for the first time, notice a number of marked and interesting
features. He could hardly fail to be impressed, even now, with the great
forest weaith of the state and the natural areas of its distribution, the wide
belt of pine land, the heavily timbered hardwood sections, the oak open-
ings, the pine barrens, each with their characteristic sorts of woody plants,
among which such northern species as the spruce and fir, and the southern,
warmth-loving coffee-tree, gum-tree, and pawpaw, have alike found a
congenial home. With these a host of lesser trees and shrubs, wvody
climbers, and, finally, bushes and undershrubs, making a grand total of
over 200 woody species occurring within our limits. He would observe,
corresponding with the great variety of soil and climate, a similar profuse-
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 97
ness of herbaceous plants, many of the species, in like manner, having
immigrated from north and west and south; would note the thousands of
lakes and bogs that provide a secure home for numerous water-loving
species; and by no means least, he would see how bravely and persistently
different sorts of forage plants have clothed our fertile acres.and are push-
ing on to cover the spots left bare by the lumberman’s axe. It would need
only such a casual survey of the flora of the state to appreciate the great
variety and abundance of the species composing it.
It is important to learn, if we may, something about its origin and rela-
tionship. Where did the sixteen hundred and more flowering plants that
are now domiciled within our borders, come from? We know from the rocks
beneath our feet that they did not always live here, and we have even seen
with our own eyes the invasion of hardy intruders, some of them from
beyond the seas, as they have spread through our territory and encroached
upon the ground once held by native species.
Let us proceed by the easiest way, and notice, first, the plants that are
known to have come in comparatively recently from foreign countries.
There are about two hundred of these, a large proportion of them from
Europe. They include the weeds of civilization, that one sees everywhere
from the seaboard to the Mississippi. They are common enemies, but,
like other foreigners, have come to stay. With them are a good many that
have escaped from cultivation and are here and there maintaining a pre-
carious foothold, or by some favorable combination of circumstances are
making a fairly successful fight with the older occupants of the soil. The
history of these introduced species, in their wanderings over the earth’s
surface, dispersed by wind, water, animals, and the hand of man, would
filla volume. Many of them are perfectly at home in every quarter of the
globe, cosmopolitan in their habits, and no more of us than is the meek-
eyed celestial who does our washing and receives our Christian abuse.
Turning now to the remaining twelve to fourteen hundred species that
really belong here, and that we have every reason to believe were growing
within the borders of our territory long before the advent of white set-
tlers, we find ourselves confronted by no easy task.
A comparison of our truly indigenous species with those of other parts
of the country, followed by a more extended survey of the plants of the
globe, leads toa number of important conclusions, two of which require
special notice.
In the first place it is apparent that the indigenous flora of Michigan
is so far identical with that of the adjacent states, and in fact with that of
a territory extending far to the east, northeast. and southeast, that it is to
be studied as a part of this larger flora, rather than as an independent or
isolated assemblage of species; and in the second place, it is plain that
this larger flora is related in a similar way to one of much wider range,
extending tar beyond the limits of the continent, but still embracing
many of our most familiar species and their immediate relatives. An
illustration will serve to make this clear. There is perhaps no more
characteristic and better known representative of the Michigan flora than
the white pine, Pinus Strobus, L., that in years past occupied a broad strip
of territory lying to the northward of the 48d parallel, to which it gave
the name of the Michigan pine belt. While a most characteristic species,
however, its range is far beyond the limits of the state, extending north-
ward through Canada and eastward to the gulf of St. Lawrence, southward
along the Alleghanies as far as Georgia, and northwestward through Wis-
13
98 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
consin and Minnesota into the territory beyond the national boundary.
It thus becomes a conspicuous member of that more comprehensive flora
belonging to the Atlantic states and the region of the great lakes. Fur-
thermore, what is true of the white pine is true also of very many other
species that go to make up our flora. They belong not to Michigan
exclusively, but to the wider region of eastern North America. Through-
out this great area the vegetation, in its broad features, is essentially the
same. The forest trees of Michigan and Wisconsin are, in general, iden-
tical with those of New York and New England, Pennsylvania, Virginia,
and Canada. The beech, maple, and basswood, oak, hickory, and horn-
beam, willows and ashes and walnuts, and a long list of other familiar
trees and shrubs, with a still longer list of herbaceous plants, have
stamped upon this whole region its well-known and characteristic features.
As previously intimated, a relationship similar to that already noticed
between the Michigan flora and that of the renfaining lake and Atlantic
states, may be traced between the latter and the vegetation of a much.
wider region extending far beyond the limits of the American continent
Similar, but not quite identical; for, while a given Michigan plant has
precisely the same botanical character in whatever part of the eastern
United States it may occur, outside of this region, particularly beyond
continental limits, such an identity of specific characters may or may not
be retained. To recur to the plant that has already served as an illustra-
tion, the white pine of Michigan is everywhere, in eastern North America,
the same species, identical in every specific feature, and hardly manifesting
variation enough to afford ground for the varieties that have sometimes
been assumed to exist. Beyond the limits of the continent the white pine
is not indigenous. It is represented, however, in southern Europe, by the
Cembrian pine, Pinus Cembra, L., and in southern Asia by the Bhotan
pine, Pinus excelsa, Wall., species that resemble it so plainly as to at once
suggest close relationship, and yet readily distinguishable by characters
that are generally admitted to be of specific value. There is a peculiar
interest attaching to these related forms, so like and yet so plainly different,
as if challenging the botanical expert to point out marks by which they
are to be distinguished from their new world congeners, and to tell, if he
can, how they came to be growing so far from them and from each other.
This is but a single case out of very many. We often find, on the moun-
tains of the Scandinavian peninsula, or further east in northern Siberia,
and with remarkable frequency in Japan and eastern Asia, plants either
absolutely identical with our own or closely related to them.
The reason for this peculiar distribution of related or identical forms,
as pointed out by Professor Gray many years ago, it is to be sought in the
geological history of the northern hemisphere. During the so-called glacial
period the plants of Greenland and northern Europe and Asia were driven
southward by the cold to flourish for a time in lower latitudes, retreating
again to the north with the return of a warmer climate, but leaving here
and there, in secluded swamps or in the cold recesses of the mountains, on
either side of the globe, a representative to tell the story of migrations more
ancient and escapes more thrilling than those of Trojan or Viking.
Of our own Michigan plants, a very considerable number have apparently
had just such a history. They range far northward into Labrador and
still higher latitudes, where they are quite as much, perhaps more, at home
than they are with us, and several occur as identical or closely related
species in eastern Asia.
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MERETING. 99
It is impossible here to discuss the successive steps by which, from such
data, another link in the chain of evidence bearing upon some of the most
difficult questions regarding organic evolution has been wrought out and
found to stand the test. Enough has been said to show how impossible
it is to take an intelligent general survey of the flora of sucha state as this
without, at the same time, extending our range of vision, both in space and
time. To know in their just relations the plants of Michigan, one must
know, in a restricted, perhaps, but nevertheless a very real sense, the
plants of the world. On the other hand, the whole scientific world, with-
out regard to national boundaries, is interested in the study and preserva-
tion of the flora of Michigan. The extermination of a single plant in some
out-of-the-way corner, while apparently a small affair, may be the blotting
out of the single remaining record of an important chapter in the earth’s
history, a record that, once lost, can never be restored.
Without dwelling further upon such considerations, may I briefly suggest:
some of the possibilities of our Michigan flora that naturally occur to those
who are engaged more or less constantly in its study?
It can hardly be doubted that, in ornamental planting, particularly, we
are still making too much of imported plants and too little of the products
of our own soil. Our indigenous species of elm, maple, and basswood are
superior in vigor and beauty to those imported from Europe, and our pine
and hemlock far more graceful in their habit than the stiff foreign coni-
fers that have so long usurped their place. There is no reason for saying
that the foreigner must go, but there is the highest reason for determining
that the native-born denizen of the soil shall stay. We have found out
that our own white elm is worth more than all the introduced species
together, for lawn and street planting, but we have still much to learn
regarding the capabilities of a long list of indigenous trees still seldom
used.
The same thing holds true regarding our native flowers. Many of them
are a. .. u1sitely beautiful as the lillies, orchids, and heaths of the most
distant regions of the globe; yet we have made remarkably slow progress
in learning their habits and how to care for them, as they slowly accom-
modate themselves to the changed conditions under which they must live,
if they live at all, after the complete transformation of our territory from
a wilderness into a highly cultivated state. Some of these, like the beau-
tiful wind-flower, Anemonella thalictroides, will flourish in all their wild
beauty on the merest handful of congenial soil. Others are shy of the
controlling hand of man, and doubtless some may be wholly incapable of
surviving the changes of advancing civilization; but here are the repre-
sentatives of a most beautiful flora, one that has most perfectly adapted
itself to all the varied features of this magnificent peninsula, fading away
from our sight, year by year. Surely, if we can not do more, we can at
least give to some of them the necessities of life, leave here and there a
sheltered nook for their undisturbed growth, and study their habits and
the conditions necessary for their preservation.
Our indigenous fruits may well claim still more of the attention of those
who have the practical skill and the scientific instincts requisite to a deter-
mination of their actual or potential value. I have but little knowledge of
what may have been attempted already in this direction, but I do know
from actual trial that our own blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, straw-
berries, and wild plums are good, and I doubt not they might be made
much better. Then there is the papaw, the possibilities of which as acul-
100 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
tivated fruit are well worth considering, and Juneberries, currants, and
wild gooseberries, some of which have established a good claim to a place
among our cultivated fruits. Doubtless it would take many generations to
determine the capabilities of some of these, but it would seem desirable
that their systematic study should be undertaken without further delay.
The experiment stations exist for just such work. The universities, unfor-
tunately, as a rule, have neither land, time, nor money available for the
purpose.
One of the possibilities of our Michigan flora les in the restoration, in
some reasonable degree, of its once almost boundless forest wealth. A
single conifer has contributed more to the wealth of this state than any
other product of its soil or mines or lakes. There will always be thousands
of acres of land within the state exactly adapted to its growth and ill-
adapted to other purposes.
Judging by what has already been accomplished on many wornout New
England farms, there is no reason to doubt that, with a minimum of initial
expense, and with hardly any subsequent outlay, the barren tracts of
Michigan that are constantly reverting to the state because their owners
can not pay the taxes, would bear a famous’ crop of pine in fifty years or
less, worth more than everything else that could be painfully dug out of
the soil at many times the cost. It is not to be expected that the state will
very soon undertake the raising of pine timber for use fifty years hence,
but it may well provide for such a series of careful experiments that, half
a century from now, those who come after us will know, as they do in
Europe today, how long it will take and what it will cost to produce a
thousand feet of a given quality of wood, and by what method it is to be
accomplished.
The possibilities of our flora are not all of a hopeful character. We
have become painfully aware, even within a few years past, of the capacity
of foreign weeds for entering and actually taking possession of the land.
There is no doubt that, in spite of these vile intruders, the land will be
tilled and the harvest gathered as it has been in the past, but it is a pitiful
spectacle to see the weary tiller of the soil entering upon this unequal and
well-nigh hopeless contest with a ubiquitous enemy. Whatever may be
thought of the duty of the state in regard to any other suggested lines of
action, there is no possible doubt that existing laws ought to be rigidly
enforced. With this, as with other public nuisances, every good citizen
ought to stand with every other on the common ground ‘of absolute
extermination when it can be accomplished, restriction to the narrowest
limits meantime, and, until it is thoroughly cleaned out, a relentless fight.
He would be a bold prophet who should undertake to predict the
changes through which our Michigan flora must inevitably pass as the
decades and centuries roll slowly by. What new arrivals there will be
from foreign shores we can not even guess. What losses we shall sustain
through the extermination of indigenous species we may more easily
imagine, but are in no position to enumerate. What welcome restorations
and additions there may be are alike unknown. But there can be no
doubt that, in the future, even more than in the past, the hand of man will
be a controlling factor. Whether in other directions man fixes his fate,
or his fate fixes him, it is certain that, within pretty wide limits, the future
of our flora will be determined by the character of our immigration, the
thrifty or careless habits of our farmers and fruitgrowers, destructive or
conservative instincts of botanical collectors, the occurrence of forest fires,
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. . 101
and various other agencies immediately or remotely under human control.
As it exists today, the flora of Michigan, in its varied wealth of grasses,
flowers, fruits, and trees, is one of the most beautiful and productive
on the face of the earth. It becomes us to preserve where we can not
improve it, and to hand it down to the generations who succeed us, so far
retaining its original charm and freshness that they may still say, as we do,
in looking upon our birthright, “Si queris peninsulam amcenam
circumspice.” .
DR. V. C. VAUGHAN ON “THE FOOD VALUE OF FRUITS.”
When asked by my friend, Mr. Scort, to prepare a short paper to read
before you, I thought I would like to say a few words on the value of fruit
as food. It has appeared to me rather strange that, in this country where
-we have such a variety of fruits, more stress has not been laid upon their
food value. I think that most people regard fruits as table luxuries which
we may enjoy, but without which we could live just as well as not and not
suffer any in health or vigor. That this view is not the correct one, I
hope to show in this short paper. I shall confine my remarks to the use
of fresh, ripe fruit, and shall not concern myself with the value of dried,
preserved, or canned fruit. In thus limiting my remarks, I do not wish it
to be understood that I do not appreciate the value of the last mentioned
articles of diet, but the limitation which I have placed upon this paper is
for the purpose of enabling me to bring out prominently a few points
which I consider of great importance. The most important constituents
of fresh fruit are the nitrogenous substances, the sugar, the organic acids,
and the inorganic salts.
The chief nitrogenous substance is a vegetable albumen which is pres-
ent in small amount, and whese actual food value is not great, and we
will not take any time in discussing it.
The per cent. of sugar varies in ripe fruits from about two in peaches
to as much as 17 or 18 in hothouse grapes. The origin of the sugar in
fruit is of interest and gives rise toa question which the scientist has not
fully answered yet. That it comes from the starch in some fruits is
unquestionably true; but other fruits, as grapes, contain no starch. It is
generally stated that in grapes the sugar, which increases remarkably in
amount during the process of ripening, is formed at the expense of the
organic acids, which are known to decrease in amount at the same time.
This very plausible explanation is, however, probably incorrect. During
the ripening process there is a marked increase in the amount of alkaline
base (potassium ), and this, by neutralization, diminishes the quantity of
free organic acids, and thus the decrease in the acidity is accounted for
without resort to the supposition that the organic acids are converted into
the sugar. The increase in the sugar during ripening is most probably
due to an increased supply of this constituent from the juices of the vine
or tree.
It has also been supposed that the after-ripening, which occurs in
apples and other fruits after they have been gathered, is due to an
increased formation of sugar. Certainly these fruits become sweeter by
the after-ripening process, but the researches of Portele and Marsh make
it highly probable that the increased sweetness is due to the slow conver-
sion of one sugar (dextrose) into another (lactose), the latter sugar being
sweeter than the former.
102 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
In the sugars of ripe fruit we have an easily digestible, valuable food
substance.
The chief object in writing this paper is to emphasize the value of the
organic acids contained in fruit as constituents of food. The chief organic
acid in apples, pears, plums, apricots, and cherries, is malic. Grapes con-
tain both malic and tartaric acids, while berries abound in malic and citric
acids. The value of these acids in the prevention of scurvy is well known.
This disease was formerly one of the most serious which afflicted sailors
on long voyages. These men were compelled to lve upon salted meats
and dry bread, and scurvy prevailed among them. The discovery that
this disease could be prevented by the addition of fruit acids to the food
saved many lives, and was a great boon to commerce. Now every vessel
starting on a long voyage has its casks of lime-juice, and the sailor no
longer dreads scurvy. It must not be supposed, however, that the disease
no longer exists. Dr. Northrop recently reported several cases of scurvy
among children in New York city, and some of them were children of rich
parents. The extensive employment of:“‘ baby food” is found to act upon
children very much the same as the diet of the sailor acted upon the adult
one hundred years ago. The gums are softened, sometimes ulcerated; the
eyes become bloodshot; hemorrhagic spots occur on various parts of the
body; the limbs become painful, as if from rheumatism; the urine is often
bloody, and the disease may terminate fatally. I say that this disease is
not unknown to the medical profession, and I have seen two cases of it
here in Ann Arbor.
The above mentioned symptoms only appear when the demand for fruit
acids becomes imperative, and milder cases often escape the attention of
the most watchful and wide-awake physician. Many more cases are never
brought to the attention of the physicians. Moreover, the demand for
fruit acids must have its effect among adults as well as among children.
It only shows itself more promptly among the young on account of the
greater susceptibility of their organisms to the deprivation of any valuable
food substance.
Again, the fruit acids are converted into alkali during their passage
through the body, and thus they tend to prevent many of those painful
sensations which we are accustomed to designate as rheumatism. Of
course, I do not claim that the more liberal use of fruit would relieve all
kinds of rheumatism, because the varieties of this affection are numerous
and the causes are often complicated.
There is another reason why fruit shouid be more largely eaten with our
meals. The volume of food is of some importance in satisfying hunger,
and fruits furnish a comparatively large volume without overtaxing the
organs of digestion and assimilation.
Fruits increase the peristaltic movements of the intestmes, and probably
have some effect upon the action of the liver.
I hope that I have said enough to convince any one who might have
been skeptical on the subject, that fruit should not be regarded merely as
a luxury, but as an essential part of our daily rations. Much more might
be said upon this subject, but, as I have stated, my object has been to make
prominent the food value of wholesome, ripe fruit.
At conclusion of Prof. VauGHAN’s paper, he was asked by Mr. GARFIELD:
“Do you advise against the eating of grape seeds?’ ‘Yes,’ said Mr.
VauGHaN, “I always advise against it, but, like much other of my advice,
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 103
I never take it myself. Instances of harm by inflammation in appendix
vermiformis, from swallowing grape or other seeds, are very rare. Often
those presumed to have had this trouble really died of other cause. I
always tell my children not to swallow them, but always do it myself. Of
all the millions of people who daily swallow some such seeds the number
harmed is almost infinitesimal.”
PROF. J. B. STEERE ON “WILD AND CULTIVATED FRUITS OF THE
AMAZON.”
The study of foreign fruits and foreign fruit supply is of twofold inter-
est to us. It interests us as fruit-raisers, in an economic way. If the
foreign fruits can be furnished good enough in quality and cheap enough,
they may to some extent take the place of our own fruits and thus injure the
home producer, as cheap foreign wools injure the sheep-raiser. This will
be much more the case if the fruits are of the same kind as our own. If they
are entirely distinct, the chief result will probably be to increase the amount
of fruit used. The introduction of foreign fruits, then, interests all of us,
as it increases the variety of pleasurable and healthful things to be enjoyed.
The use of foreign fruits depends not only upon the actual quality,
which makes the demand for them, but upon the absolute possible supply,
upon the keeping quality of the fruit, and upon the distance and cost of
transportation. If any one of these requisities is wanting in a fruit, it will be
of little value to us. The so-called grape-fruit, the shaddock of the east,
can probably be produced as cheaply as the orange, but its quality forbids
its general us. Many of the finest tropical fruits in the world never
appear in our markets because they are either too delicate for trans porta-
tion or are produced at such a distance from us as to make their transporta-
tion unprofitable.
When a foreign fruit of good quality can be furnished us in good con-
dition and cheaply, it is sure of recognition. Before the year 1865, bananas
were a rare sight in our markets. There are more carloads of bananas sold
in Ann Arbor now ina year then there were bunches then. This great
growth in consumption depends upon the good quality of the fruit (not at
all the best in this case), upon its keeping qualities, and upon the fact
that an abundance of territory for its successful cultivation has been found
near enough our ports to make transportation cheap.
The puzzle of botanists is in the fact that fruits and other plants grow
in zones of climate. No one can well say why an orange should not be as
hardy as an apple, and fruit as well in Michigan as Florida, but it does
not. Neither do we, as we approach the equator, find a climate, as we
might be led to expect, in which all the plants of the world shall find sea-
sons and conditions for fruiting; but the hardier fruits and plants of the
north, like its animals and men, have been left behind, and it is as diffi-
cult to raise roses and potatoes, and even grapes, in equatorial Brazil as it
would be to raise pineapples and bananas here. I found an old Portu-
gese steamboat captain at Para on the Amazon, putting ice about his roses
that he might be able to get a few flowers; and the poor Spanish priests
of the Philippines are always experimenting with grapes, and think it
-noteworthy if they can get a few poor bunches.
Every plant, at least every plant which is highly organized enough to be
104 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
valuable as a fruit, has its own narrow zone where it is in perfection, a
belt on each side of this where it can exist, and the rest of the world is
entirely unfit for it.
A table of zones with their corresponding fruits and vegetables could
be formed. The fruits would read somewhat as follows:
7.—Huckleberries, cranberries.
6.-—Currants, gooseberries, cherries.
5.—Strawberries, pears, blackberries, apples. .
4.—Plums, peaches.
3.—Grapes, apricots, figs.
2.—Custard apples, lemons, oranges, mangoes, pineapples.
1.—Mangostans, durians, bananas, plantains, alligator pears.
This table can not be made exact, from the fact that, while a genus of
plants has its general zone of temperature, each species has its own
special zone, so that while the finer grapes would be found to be subtropi-
cal, some of the hardier ones may reach up into the colder temperate
regions, and some poor, tasteless strawberries might be in subtropical
regions.
This fact of the existence of plants in zones has in it much of value to
our fruit-raisers. Instead of spending time and money in trying the
practically impossible feat of raising apricots and figs, it will pay us bet-
ter to spend our time in multiplying and improving those fruits which are
at home in this climate.
There are, then, certain fruits, among them the finest in the world, the
durian, mangostan, and mango, and the finer bananas, which can only be
produced in perfection near the equator. The question whether these
fruits shall ever be seen in perfection in our markets and on our tables
depends upon the existence of a territory near enough our ports in which
the requisite conditions for their growth exist. We may consider our- |
selves fortunate that such a land does exist, with all the conditions of
tropical climates, virgin and fertile soils in unlimited quantity, and this
in the hands of a friendly and neighboring people.
A cord drawn from the port of New York to the equator, touches land
at the mouth of the Amazon in South America, at about 3,000 miles, or in
Africa in the region of the mouths of the Niger and Congo, at a distance
of about 4,500 miles. The Amazon, then, and perhaps the Orinoco,
become important to us as the probable future source of supply of the
finer equatorial fruits, as yet unknown to us. With the mouth of this
great river within five or six days’ steam of New York, and with improved
means of refrigerating, and electric trains from New York, we need not
_ despair of seeing mangoes and durians and mangostans upon our tables,
and bananas so delicious that those now in our markets would never be
mentioned again. There are remains of buried cities of former civiliza-
tions at the mouth of the Amazon; but in the native fruits of the great
river there is little to show that these ancient inhabitants had paid much
attention to their cultivation. Most or all of the cultivated fruits of the
country are of eastern origin and were introduced from the Hast Indies by
Spaniards and Dutch after the conquest. Those in most ordinary cultiva-
tion are the orange, banana, plantain, pineapple, and mango. The oranges
and pineapples find the climate near enough to suit them so that they
fruit readily, and may remain living some time when deserted in the
jungles, but they finally succumb to the native vegetation. Their quality
is indifferent, and the natives take no means to improve them. The
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 105
mango, also an eastern fruit, has reached here in only one of its varieties,
and this one of the poorest. The trees are hardy, and they are often
planted for shade along the streets of the towns. The fruits are green,
stringy, and resinous, and one in eating them can get little idea of the
mango as found in the East Indies. The one fruit which, in spite of all
neglect, is abundant and always good, is the banana. The varieties grown
are immeasurably better in quality than those in our markets. The fruits
themselves are shorter and round and smooth, with oily, light yellow skin,
and their flesh is as soft and smooth as acustard. They are frequently
brought in perfection by steamers to New York, and there is no reason
why they should not in time supplant the variety now in our markets.
The plantain, another species of the same genus as the banana, has great
food value as well as use for fruit, being cooked in the ripe state and eaten
as we use cooked fruits, and baked in a green state, when it becomes a
substitute for bread used by thousands of the inhabitants of the river.
The bread-fruit has been transplanted in the seed state, the seeds being
cooked and eaten like chestnuts.
While the Portuguese and Spaniards transplanted these eastern fruits,
they left behind the finest, the mangoes and the durians and mangostans
of the equatorial regions of the east. We may expect our sister republic
of Brazil to soon take up the introduction of these fine fruits. There can
be no question of their flourishing, and we may soon have American enter-
prise and capital used in raising these fruits on the virgin lands of the
Amazon, as they are now invested in banana-raising in Venezuela.
Some of the wild and semi-cultivated fruits of the Amazon, of American
origin, which are worthy of note, are the cashew, alligator pear, certain
leguminous trees with the fruit in pods, and asai palm fruit.
The cashew has become known from its curious fruit, in which the seed
hangs outside of the fleshy fruit. The seed itself is edible, and the fruit,
which is light red or purple, of the size and shape of a small pear, is tough
and inedible, but filled with an acid but pleasant juice. It would probably
be of no value for export. The trees are abundant in the forests in the -
Amazon region.
The alligator pear will probably become of more importance. The fruit
is the size and shape of a large pear, and green in color. The taste is hard
to describe, being hardly more fruity than that of pickled olives. It is
eaten with salt and pepper.
The markets of the river towns are always supplied with great pods,
looking like immense bean pods, which are full of snowy white, sweet,
juicy pulp, surrounding the seeds. They grow upon low, spreading,
ornamental trees with immense white flowers.
The most noteworthy native fruit of the Amazon valley is the asai. On
all the low, half-flooded lands about the mouth of the Amazon, one sees
clumps of a beautiful palm, with delicate stems of five or six inches in
diameter and growing to thirty or forty feet in height, with a crown of
lovely, delicate, drooping leaves. Beneath these are often seen great grape-
like clusters of fruit, purplish black in color and of the size of cherries, the
clusters being often two or three feet in length and weighing twenty or
thirty pounds. This is the asai palm. The fruits are little cocoa-like nuts
with a thin film of rich fruit covering them. They are put in hot water
and then rubbed together, when the fruit comes off looking like dark
purple cream. It is eaten with sugar, is called vinho de asai (asai wine),
and is as good as fine strawberries and cream.
14
106 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The Brazilian has to compete with the monkeys and the toucans and the
parrots for this fruit, for they have all learned that the thin pellicle of
fruit is rich and nutritious. The Indian puts his bare big toes into a
loop made of the asai leaves, for they are tough, both toes and leaves, and,
grasping the tree, draws his feet up and pressing the loop against the
trunk, raises his body, and in this way rapidly ascends to the fruit, which
he cuts off and lets carefully down with a string. The trees are slender
and never stand straight, and sometimes the stem breaks and lets him down,
but the ground is soft and swampy below.
Then to this immense Amazon region, as yet practically undeveloped,
we must not only look for new factors in our food products, for a new sup-
ply of cotton, for new ornamental and useful woods, and for new drugs,
but also for new and finer fruits than any that have yet reached our tables.
Wednesday Morning Session.
Beginning the session, Mr. ALBERT JACKSON of Lowell introduced the
subject of freight classification of peaches. The classification is very
unjust as to peaches, said Mr. Jackson. In crates they are reckoned as
first class; but in baskets (any kind of basket) they are charged one and
one half first class rates. All other fruits are first class only, even berries
and grapes. This comes about through the rate having been first class in
the first place, when peaches were shipped in crates, but increased when
the round fifth-bushel baskets came into use. There was reason enough
for it then, but there is none now, with the fruit all shipped in bushel or
climax baskets. Bushels are even of less trouble than crates. The local
railway men in Grand Rapids admit the wrong, but say the remedy lies
with the freight classification committee in New York, and it takes a long
while to effect a change. At a meeting of the Grand River Valley society,
the West Michigan society, and the Fruitgrowers’ association, in Grand
Rapids, lately, a resolution for a joint committee of those societies and
the State society was passed, to secure from the railway companies a
favorable change of this unjust classification, and three members chosen,
and the secretary of the West Michigan society instructed to write Secre-
tary Reid, which I understand he has not done. I move the appointment
of a member of the committee.
The motion was carried without dissent, and Mr. J.J. PARSHALL of Ann
Arbor was made a member of the joint committee.
Chairman Garfield made some felicitous remarks about our sister states,
Ohio and New York, and the neighboring province of Ontario, and called
out representatives of the three who were present.
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 107
THE EMPIRE STATE'S COMPLIMENTS TO THE WOLVERINE.
Mr. 8S. D. Wiuuarp of Geneva, N. Y., highly complimented the society
as “ the leading organization of fruitgrowers in the west.” Once when he
was about to start to one of these meetings, President Barry said to him,
“Can’t you induce some of those Michigan fruitgrowers, who know so
much more than we do, to come down here and teach us something?” He
spoke warmly of Michigan as a state, and said she ought to be, if she is
not, the best state in the Union for the fruitgrower. The great lake is close
by for protection, and the prairie states, which can not raise fruit, are at
her doors for fruit consumption, and their demand for fruit must greatly
increase. He gave examples of great success in other localities, and said
they were only proof of what may be done on an extensive scale in Michi-
gan. A taste for the growing of fruit, however, is necessary to success in
it. He spoke of the elevating tendencies of horticulture, and heartily
commended the remarks of President Angell about educating boys and
girls at school in the elementary principles of the art.
OHIO AND ONTARIO FELICITATE.
Mr. W. W. FarnswortuH of Ohio, secretary of the Ohio State society,
expressed his gratification with the meeting, and wished for more of mutual
acquaintance among the horticulturists of the various states.
Mr. A. M. Situ of St. Catherines, Ont., told of the pleasure the meet-
ing had afforded him, and extended greeting from the Ontario Fruit-
growers association. He had always received profit and knowledge from
visits to the Michigan fruitgrowers, and hoped for more of it in the future,
both for himself and his fellows. He had expected Michigan to defeat
Canada at Chicago, but felt encouraged to believe it would not be so unless
there should be a very material change.
FUTURE OF TRUCK-FARMING IN MICHIGAN.
The secretary read the following paper from Mr. Gro. W. Lonspury of
Allegan, upon “ The future of truck farming in Michigan.”
There is a belt of land bordering on Jake Michigan, known as the fruit-
belt. Not a county in Michigan, bordering on the lake, but has more or
less of this soil, and it will be hard to find its equal in this broad world, in
supplying the varied wants of man, or giving better returns for his labor.
Lying as it does at the very door of Chicago, just across the lake, connected
by both steamer and rail, giving an outlet for both summer and winter
traffic, the future possibilities of this section can hardly be estimated,
especially as to truck farming. Land is comparatively cheap. Large tracts
lying along Black river, in Allegan county, are still unimproved, and they
have been recently drained. Their soil is of deep muck, and of a superior
108 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
quality, well suited to the growing of onions, potatoes, celery, cabbage,
tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, parsnips, lettuce, sweet corn, beets, squashes,
pumpkins—in fact, nearly everything in the truck line can be grown in
abundance on these lands, provided one uses a little brains with it; and the
more brains the better. Instead of eternally growling and cursing every-
thing and everybody, the weather not excepted, we should put more thought
to preparing our land, attending our crops, exchanging ideas with others,
and formulating plans to better our condition.
At the present price of labor we can grow potatoes for thirty cents per
bushel, one year with another; onions at forty cents, and other truck in
proportion.
TRANSPORTATION THE CHIEF OBSTACLE.
The great problem is the cost of transportation. If we send our truck
to Chicago on commission, it costs in some cases more than half to get it
to Chicago and have it sold. We pay twenty-five cents for a barrel. It
costs at least five cents to get the barrel to the farm and packed, fifteen
cents to get it to the boat, twenty-five cents across the lake, five cents cart-
age, and fifteen cents commission (if potatoes are fifty cents per bushel),
making one dollar and fifty cents for a three-bushel barrel. Adding these
several items together, we have ninety cents for transportation and selling,
leaving sixty cents per barrel, or twenty cents per bushel. Fifty cents per
bushel is a good price for potatoes, and could we get our share of it, we
would be well paid for our labor. The question now arises, how shall we
remedy this evil?
WHAT CO-OPERATION MIGHT DO.
Let us see what there is in co-operation. Could the farmers unite and
build or lease a line of steamers capable of carrying cargoes worth from ten to
twenty thousand dollars, these cargoes would comprise everything grown
or raised along the lake shore, to be sold direct from the boat on the other
side. The whole transaction could be done for ten per cent. at the start,
and for less after the business was fully established. Sell direct to the
groceryman or any others wishing to buy.
The same arrangement could be made with railways for winter traffic.
Have our own cars, large and commodious, built especially for the busi-
ness. With these arrangements, the Michigan lake shore would become a
veritable suburb of Chicago, so far as market gardening goes. By this
method we could give them pure milk and gilt-edge butter, and eggs and
poultry. This alone would become a grand feature of the scheme.
Under our present regime, were it not for selling on track we should
find ourselves ‘“‘in a hole” nearly every time. Under the new system here
proposed, we should handle our root crops in sacks, to be returned. Ten
cents per bushel would then cover the entire cost of taking to market and
selling. On the basis of fifty cents per bushel, as we before stated, this
would leave us forty cents per bushel at the farm, a fair compensation for
our potatoes, just double what we would receive under the present system.
What we want is the local trade of Chicago, and we can get it if the
farmers will act in concert. There is just as much business capacity among
them as any other class of men. All it needs is proper development.
Nearly every other class of business is ruled by combinations, and the
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 109
farmers must combine for self-protection. The Farmers’ Alliance would
have been a grand institution had it been devoted to mutual improvement,
letting politics entirely alone.
In order to fully develop the resources of our state we must have better
harbors. Humanity demands it, commerce demands it, and the people
demand it. The time will come when the true American spirit will rise
above party ties and unite in demanding a suitable outlet for the products
of this growing section.
BETTER ROADS WOULD HELP.
Good and permanent country roads will do much to make possible the
changes here spoken of. The products of a truck farm are very heavy.
Easy grades and solid gravel roads would lessen the cost nearly one half
in getting our stuff to lake or railway.
If our legislature does not move in the matter of their own accord, they
should be flooded with petitions for the improvement of wagon roads.
This work should be largely done by convict labor, and a stop put to the
manufacture of goods by enforced labor at forty cents per day coming into
competition with the same article manufactured with labor at one dollar
per day.
REPORT ON FRUITS AND MODELS.
Mr. NEtson Boats of Batavia, N. Y., submitted the following report from
the committee on fruits and models, which was adopted:
We find from the Cold Storage company of Kalamazoo, fifteen plates of remarkably
well preserved varieties of apple. The plates of Hubbardston, Ben Davis, and Spy were
particularly fine. This display shows what the system of cold storage will do to pro-
long the season of fruits worth preserving.
The fine display from the Agricultural college consists of ten varieties of apple, four
of pear, and one of orange quince.
The collection of apples was grown by F. G. Porter, Lenawee county. To him are
due many thanks for aiding so extensively to make up this fine exhibit.
The display of pears from Emit Baur of Ann Arbor contains eleven varieties. The
Angouleme, Anjou, and Vicar were particularly fine. Added to these are seven vari-
eties of apple and samples of fruit syrup.
Next comes the exhibit of C. W. Mituert of Port Huron, made up of ten varieties of
apple. The object was to show the disastrous effects of apple scab and to furnish sub-
jects for discussion by Prof. FarRcHiLp.
Joun C. Scuenck of Ann Arbor shows fine samples of quinces and pears. Your
committee would make honorable mention of a plate of magnificent Josephine de
Malines pears from Mr. 8. D. Writarp of Geneva.
We find a very creditable exhibit of grapes, and would favorably mention the collec-
tion of fifteen varieties, in excellent condition, shown by W. F. Birp of Ann Arbor;
also three plates of seedlings from C. P. Cu1pEsTer of Battle Creek. These show some
keeping properties and are very good in quality.
The display of canned fruits is exceptionally fine. Jacop Ganzorn of Ann Arbor
shows ten cans, made up of raspberries, plums, and peaches in assortment. W. F. Brrp
of Ann Arbor shows ten cans. Your committee would specially commend the sam-
ples of peaches, raspberries, strawberries and crabs. Miss Saran FLercHer of Ann
Arbor exhibits twenty cans, consisting of perfect specimens cf peaches, quinces, cur-
rants, pears, and plums. In this display are cansof pickled citron and muskmelon, also
cans of blackberry and grape jam. There are also eleven glasses of superior jelly in
variety. Added to the above are six specimens of fruit vinegar. The variety and
excellent appearance of this collection is especially worthy of most honorable mention.
Your committee find themselves unable to give proper expression in describing the
life-like and natural appearance of the wax specimens of fruit and vegetables placed
110 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
on exhibition by Mrs. Sranytey Porter of South Haven. We understand that these
are a part of a collection to be shown at the Columbian Exposition, and we know they
will be a very interesting and instructive feature of the horticultural department.
LurHer Paumer of Dexter exhibits three cases of shipping crates and boxes for
berries, also one crate for carrying grapes.
Prof. Tarr places before us three cases of insects, showing some of the enemies to
successful fruitgrowing. N. BOGUE,
D. G. EDMISTON,
R. M. KELLOGG.
Following’his report, Mr. BoGue said he had learned to prize very
highly these meetings of Michigan pomologists, and meant in the future
to attend as many of them as possible. He had supposed the New York
men were models in fruitgrowing, but found they could get “ pointers ” by
coming to the Peninsular state. All the papers and discussions had been
interesting to him, but most of all the reports, from different localities of
the condition of the business of fruitgrowing. The one by Mr. Rick,
concerning the Port Huron and northern region, had been worth all the
expenses of his trip.
Mr. Rotanp Morritt of Benton Harbor spoke of the conditions of —
truck farming in that vicinity, and agreed to supply the same in the form
of a paper, which we may presently expect.
DISEASES OF THE APPLE.
Dr. Erwin F. Situ of the national department of agriculture, was
present in place of Prof. FAIRCHILD, to speak of “The diseases of the
apple.” Apple scab we have with us always, alulhough some years much
worse than others, on both the apple and pear. There is little of it in dry
seasons, at time of blooming, but when the weather is wet and warm it is
very abundant. Exhibiting samples, Mr. Smiru said that if the scab is not
very abundant it does not much distort the fruit, but yet injures the
sale. When abundant, the fruit is very much distorted and gnarly and
practictically worthless. If no scab appears before the apples are the size
of cherries, there is not likely to be any; so, if fungicides are kept on till
then, safety of the crop is established. Black rot of the grape is almost
wholly prevented by use of the copper fungicides; and, while not so much
is known of their results upon the apple, it is known that much can be
accomplished and the crop made saleable. We must have a fungicide
that will not hurt the foliage, and yet destroy the scab. The Bordeaux
mixture is the best so far known, though it is hard to make and apply. It
should be used first just as the blossoms open, and again when they fall;
next when the apples are not larger than peas, and the fourth time when
they are the size of cherries. If the weather is dry and not cool, not so
many sprayings will benecessary. The past season wasa very bad one, both
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. Lil
for the fruit and foliage, both being nearly ruined in southern Michigan.
The Bordeaux mixture helps the foliage also, and so tends to make a bet-
ter crop the ensuing season. In making this fungicide. dissolve six
pounds of copper sulphate in five gallons of water, adding, when it is dis-
solved, fifteen gallons more. Make milk of lime by mixing four pounds
of unslaked lime in six gallons of water, adding this to the copper solu-
- tion. Any force pump will do, except a small one—get a large one that
will throw a strong stream, and a nozzle that will throw a very fine spray.
On the whole, for Bordeaux mixture, the Vermorel nozzle is the best, but
no perfect one, for trees, has -yet been made. The Wellhouse nozzle,
invented by a Kansas man, is excellent, but is not yet made for the trade.
The Galloway knapsack pump is as good as any of its kind. I can not say
if the Bordeaux mixture will injure bees. It must be just right or it will
not work well. There must be lime enough to entirely neutralize the
accidity of the sulphate of copper. To test it, have astrong solution of the
yellow prussiate of potash. Adda few drops of the mixture, and if there
is no reaction (no change of color), all is right. If the mixture turns a
chocolate-red color, add more lime. Free sulphate of copper will burn
‘the trees. Have all ready before hand, and watch closely for blooming.
Prof. L. R. Tarr of Michigan Agricultural college, replying to a ques-
tion from Mr. Morri1, said Paris green may be added to the Bordeaux
mixture, and do no harm, but rather good; but it is unsafe to the foliage
when in the copper suiphate solutions. Continuing, Mr. Tarr agreed with
Mr. SMITH in the main, but, as to the first application, would be careful, as
the Bordeaux mixture may destroy bees, and it may also affect the pollen
and prevent fertilization. If Prof. Fatrcuiup has tried it and proved it
safe, it is well; but from his own observation he could not recommend
spraying the open blossoms. If the mixture isapplied just as the bloom
falls, the fungus will be held in check. He has almost completely killed
the fungus, and not begun until the apples were as large as cherries. He
would add Paris green (one pound to 200 gallons of water) to Bordeaux
mixture, and use for the first time after the blossom falls. The damage
done by scab is not appreciated by the ordinary grower. He may have
but a few bushels of culls, and think them of little consequence as a loss;
but by spraying they might have been made double their size and of full
market value. He would use the same strength of mixture, at first, but
only one third as strong for the later applications. This lessens the cost,
and there is less clogging of the nozzle, and it makes the Bordeaux the
cheapest of all the fungicides. It is well not to buy the copper sulphate
at the drug stores, for the price is too high. He had bought for three cents
per pound, and it may be had for four by the barrel, and five cents in ten-
112 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
pounds packages, while the druggists charge fifteen. He had used pumps
with cog gear, but now uses, and much prefers, sprocket wheels and end-
less chain. The cogs often slipped when the wagon passed over uneven
ground. Answering a question, Prof. Tarr said he would use chemical
fertilizers, such as ashes or potash salts or phosphates and bone; or, on
poor soils, sodium nitrate. These will give trees less liable to disease,
but the sodium nitrate should be uséd on poor soils only. By use of these:
fertilizers on good, well drained soils, we can certainly raise good fruit.
Mr. J. N. Stearns of Kalamazoo: I have been spraying fruits the past.
ten years or more, and wish to emphasize some points in the work.
Early spraying is of the utmost importance. It should be done, with fun-
gicides, before any green can be seen in the buds, and the spraying
continued until the blue color can be seen on the bark. I have found
spraying to prevent defoliation of the plum. There is trouble in dis-
solving the copper. I have learned to place in a coarse sack and suspend
it in a barrel of warm water. It is very important that the lime should be
fresh. I use four pounds of copper sulphate to five (better six) pounds of
lime, in forty gallons of water. I like the Nixon nozzle, and have no
trouble with it if the Bordeaux mixture is strained through a coffee sack or
some such coarse fabric. I do not spray during the time of full blossom-
ing. I believe that use of the Bordeaux mixture prevents rot of the plum,
at least it apparently had that effect with me last season. I use Paris
green in the last three sprayings. Prof. Davis came to my place last year
and experimented three weeks with spraying and jarring; and he caught
only two curculio in the portion of the orchard that was sprayed. The
trouble is, I think, with those who fail, they do not begin early enough.
Said Prof. E. G. Lopeman of Cornell university experiment station: At
Cornell we have sprayed King and Baldwin apple trees with a combina-
tion of Bordeaux mixture and Paris green and London purple, and with
Paris green only. The Bordeaux mixture was four pounds of copper to
six of lime in forty gallons of water. Part of the lime used was air-slaked,
which is in strength,’compared with unslaked, as 10 is to 18. We began
rather late, four or five days after blossoming, and were too late. Itshould
have been done before the blossoming; and yet we reduced the scab from
25 to 40 per cent. with Bordeaux mixture and the arsenites, and 15 to 20
per cent. with the Paris green alone. The lime neutralizes the soluble
arsenic and makes the combination the safer.
Mr. 8. D. Witiarp: I have found London purple equally good with
Paris green when in combination with Bordeaux mixture, because the lime
neutralizes the arsenic in either, so that the foliage is not burned. I have
a half dozen sheets of burlap, through which to strain the Bordeaux mix-
ane TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. 113°
ture, using and washing them alternately, for they will clog in the strain-
ing. It is very important to have all ready when the time for use comes.
Prof. Tarr said he used London purple in combination with lime,
because cheaper and in that case quite as cheap.
‘Dr. Surru: Nozzles that will not do, are Graduate and Boss. Like
most others, I am prejudiced against spraying when the trees are in bloom,
but no harm has come to grapes, from spraying at that time, and Prof.
FAIRCHILD says the work must be done then. There is great necessity
that the water be clean, free from chaff, splinters, etc. It has been
observed that sprayed trees make a better growth.
COMMITTEE REPORTS.
Reports were made from various committees, and adopted, as follows:
ON THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE.
Your committee to whom was referred the suggestions embodied in the
annual message of President Lyon, beg leave to report that, in carrying
out the suggestions of that part of the address which considered the
change of the date of the annual meeting, we desire to offer the following
resolutions for action of this society: |
Resolved, That the action of the executive board, in its summer meeting, with refer-
ence to the change in date of the annual meeting, and in noticing an amendment to the
constitution of the society providing that the annual meeting shall occur between the
holidays, be considered the action of the society.
Resolved, That the resolution offered by Mr. Monron, at said summer meeting, con-_
cerning the change of date of the annual meeting. and which by motion was laid over,
be considered a notice of an amendment to the constitution, providing for a change of
the date of the annual meeting from the first to the last week in December.
Kesolved, That, previous notice having been given, Article IV of the constitution of
this society be, and is hereby, amended to read as follows: ‘‘ The annual meeting of the
society, for the election of officers, specified in Article II, shall occur during the time
between Dec. 25 and 31 of each year, according to call of president and secretary, and
the election shall be held during the second session of such meeting.
Further, we desire to recommend that the society adopt the following
resolution, with reference to so much of the president’s address as refers
to our relationship to a horticultural exhibit at the World’s Fair:
Resolved, That this society feels a great interest in the proper exhibit of the horti-
cultural products of the state at the World’s Columbian Exposition, but that, inasmuch
as we have not been recognized in any way by the state World’s Fair commission, as a
proper agent for making a display of these products at the fair, we do not fee] author-
ized to even attempt a suggestion as to the management of such an exhibit; but, if the
commission desires the aid of this society, a communication to that effect will receive
prompt attention.
ON RESOLUTIONS.
Resolved, That the thanks of the State Horticultural society be extended to the
Washtenaw County Horticultural society, and the citizens of Ann Arbor, for the invi-
tation to meet here and for the hospitality received at their hands.
Resolved, That we appreciate the kindness of Dr. ANGELL and the university authori-
ties for the invitation to visit the university and inspect the buildings and equipments.
15
114 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Resolved, That, for the delightful music kindly furnished by the Ann Arbor guitar
and banjo club, and by Prof. C. L. Cuement and Miss Minnie Davis, we do now extend
our hearty thanks.
Resolved, That we offer a hearty greeting to the visiting delegates from neighboring
societies, and that we are glad to see them with us now, and extend them a strong invi-
tation to be present at future meetings of the society. 'The words of cheer received
from W. W. Farnsworts of the Ohio Horticultural society, S. D. Wituarp of Geneva,
N. Y., Netson Bocuse of Batavia, N. Y., and A. M. Smrrs of St. Catherines, from the
Fruitgrowers’ association of Ontario, are always gladly received.
Resolved, That the thanks of the society be extgnded to Drs. ANGELL, STEERE, and
Vaucuan, and Prof. Spauprine, of the university, for the interesting and instructive
papers furnished by them.
Resolved, That in the presence of Hon. J. J. Woopman, superintendent of the Michi-
gan agricultural exhibit at the Columbian Exposition, we are glad to recognize the
interest shown by the state commission in the horticultural exhibit, and we hail with
joy the statement by Mr. Woopman that the commission has, even at this late date,
determined to place the sum appropriated for the purpose, namely, $4,000, in the hands
of the committee on the horticultural exhibit.
Resolved, That thissociety places itself on record as upholding the work of the national
department of agriculture, under the direction of the Hon. J. M. Rusk, particularly in
the divisions of entomology, botany, mycology, and forestry. The plan of sending
members of the various divisions to represent the department at the meetings of this
and kindred societies seems to us a valuable one, and we are glad to welcome among us
today Dr. Erwin F’. Smrru, special agent of the department in the division of mycology,
and we hereby extend our thanks to Dr. Smrrx for the valuable address made by him.
Resolved, That we appreciate the presence of the reporters of the Orange Judd
Farmer, the Washtenaw Evening,Times, and the Detroit and Chicago dailies, and that
we extend our thanks to the proprietor of Cook’s hotel for the reduced rates granted
and for the attention received. L. R. TART,
R. MORRILL,
J. N. STEARNS.
ON LEGISLATION.
Your committee would recommend the appointment of a special legislative commit-
tee, whose duty it shall be to look after the various measures that may come up, of
interest to this society, particularly the appointment of a food commissioner, World’s
Fair appropriations, and any and all matters of interest.
We would also recommend the appointment of a committee to investigate prices of
evaporated fruits, as asked for in the resolution of L. B. Ricr, referred to this com-
mittee.
We would also suggest, as a subject germane to this legislative committee, the awak-
ening of an interest in the study of trees, plants, and fruits in our common schools,
and that teachers be required to pass an examination on this subject.
R. M. KELLOGG,
L. B. RICE,
C. J. MONROE.
ON OFFICIAL REYORTS.
‘Your committee to whom was referred the reports of the secretary and treasurer, beg
leave to report that we have examined the books and accounts of the same, as well as
the vouchers connected therewith, and find the same to be correct. All of which is
respectfully submitted. D. G. EDMISTON,
L. B. RICE,
ALBERT JACKSON.
ON FLOWERS AND PLANTS.
Your committee charged with the duty of reporting upon the display of plants at
this meeting, beg leave to say that we are delighted to have this branch of horticulture
represented in the exhibit at this annual meeting. So long as this society shall remain
a horticultural society, a display of plants and flowers should brighten every session.
One of the most delightful features of English rural life is the love of plants and flow-
~~
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. lls
ers, which leads to the adornment of the most modest laborer’s cottage with the treas-
ures of the floral kingdom, which cost little in money and effort, but bring sunshine
and joy to those who appreciate them. If our society, through its efforts and example,
can awaken in our people a sentiment which shall lead to the embellishment of our
homes with plants and flowers, from the humblest cottage to the most elaborate man-
sion, it will accomplish a work of as much value as to lead all people to eat plentifully
of wholesome fruits.
This, your committee takes the liberty to say in connection with the exhibit of plants
at this meeting, in order to emphasize the desirability of making more of this section
of the work of our society.
The display of twenty-five plants, in variety, is by Messrs. Cousins & Hall, and is a
credit to their establishment, and your committee are glad to give testimony as to their
beauty as an attractive accompaniment of this meeting.
" CHAS. W. GARFIELD,
MISS LUCY POTTER,
MISS SARAH FLETCHER.
Messrs. C. J. Monroz, L. B. Ricz, and J. N. Srearns were appointed
a committee on legislation.
Messrs. A. Tucker, L. B. Ricr, and H. D. Davis were appointed com-
mittee to investigate the cause of the decline in price of evaporated
fruits.
Replying to a question, Dr. Smrrx said that peach yellows has been
increasing in southwestern Michigan. It has become very bad about
Fennville, so much so that it seems hopeless to plant trees there at pres-
ent, in the immediate vicinity of the village and for some distance west.
It seems to be spreading thence toward the lake shore. If one man is
allowed to let diseased trees stand, all those surrounding him are in dan-
ger. Trees may be reset, where yellows has destroyed others, if the region
is not generally diseased. Great numbers have been reset at Benton Har-
bor, where all perished some years ago, and they are doing well.
Mr. Morritut: The only way is to cut the diseased tree the instant you
know it to be diseased, and burn it right where it stood.
Some fitly spoken words from Mr. GARFIELD, concerning the pleasures
of the meeting, closed the session, and final adjournment was made.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS.
POTATOES.
Bulletin No. 85, April, 1892.
For three years considerable attention has been given to experiments
with potatoes, the work including, in addition to variety tests embracing
nearly two hundred market varieties, a line of experiments covering a
greater portion of the methods of culture, such as depth of planting,
manner of cutting seed, amount of seed, distance of planting, manures
and fertilizers, and manner of application, etc.
In 1889 the season was quite favorable, and very even and fairly relia-
ble results were obtained, while in 1890 and 1891 the crops suffered from
extremely hot, dry weather, so that the yields were low, and while the
results obtained seemed reliable, and could be readily explained by the
character of the season, the conclusions that might be drawn from them
would only hold true in similar seasons. The past year, in particular, our
variety tests were hardly satisfactory, as, although the appearance of the
plats was promising up to the 15th of July, the severe drouth that set in
at that time caused them to ripen prematurely, and made it almost impos-
sible to learn as to the season of the varieties. The late varieties were at
the height of their growth, and as the vines were withered and dry within
a week after the hot weather of the first of August, the yield was greatly
reduced.
The land upon which the potatoes were grown was in excellent tilth
and of more than average fertility. No manure or fertilizers were used,
except in the plots specially set aside for the purpose. The land was a
deep, well-drained, heavy sandy loam, and grew a crop of winter squashes
in 1890, almost without manure. The soil was much above the average of
the state, and the care given the crop was the very best.
TEST OF VARIETIES.
The variety test included one hundred and forty-two sorts, of which
ninety-two had been grown for at least one year previously. The fifty
new kinds were obtained from D. C. Hicks, No. Clarendon, Vt., Hiram
Presley, Port Huron, and H. C. Markham, Ann Arbor, Mich.
The usual amount of seed of each kind planted was two pounds, in one-
ounce pieces, but in a few cases only one pound was obtained. Whatever
the amount of seed potatoes used, the weight used in each hill was the
same. When the full amount was planted they were given a space of 33
feet in the row, and three feet two inches between the rows. The land was
furrowed five inches deep, and the seed pieces, dropped in the bottom of
the furrow, were covered two inches. The planting of the varieties was
done on the 15th of May, and they were harvested the first week in Sep-
; MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 117
tember. The vines were protected from the Colorado beetle by applica-
tions of Paris green mixed with plaster at the rate of 1 to 100. Little or
no rot was seen when they were harvested.
They received frequent cultivation up to the middle of July, and the
ground was left as level as possible.
Owing to the premature ripening of most of the varieties, the quality
was not of the best, and as this was due in part to the character of the
season, no mention was made of it.
i TaBLeE I.—Variety tests.
do q
awe 2 5 S Corrected.
i : eal on os :
3 Variety. Seedsman. Aa | Be] @ ls 38 | ms R a3 bah e)
g oN Rae ad WR a ||
=| oo or e i] os | on 6 os 8
Z Ay Au m | =| = S =| nN
iy iwAdapia pn. See ee! *O. H. Alexander_.| 100 95} Med| b| Aug. 8__| 91.5] 91.5} 44.9] 46.6
PANINI tas Sk WM nae *Vaughan ou 100 96) Hy | a--)) SS) 824)) 11615) 1165), SOG) 289
BuipAugomal a... ae Hiram Presley ___- 100 97) Med |---| S° 17%5.|) 96:2] °96:2|- 7516) 20:6
4) Alligator.) 4.122 -- *W.W.Rawson&Co} 100) 100) Late} b ‘© 12__| 97.2] 97.2} 41.6) 55.6
DaleArizonaye oss) ee PVanghan seen 100 98} Late] b “© 12__| 119.3) 119.8] 78.2) 36.6
6 | Badger State..____-_-- -Vaurhane ee ees 97 97| Late| b ** 15__/ 86.5) 89.2) 50.8] 38.4
el Blaine. Gate ees ie H.C. Markham__. 94 98) By [222-) 4S (825) 129.8), 1381125 yeas
8 | Boley’s Northern Star/*Vaughan ____...__ 100; 100] Late} b *)15_-| 143.1|*143.1) 76:5) 66:6.
Sa Rannockssss. ste. 5- oe. *D. B. Harrington. 100} 100; Late} b ‘* 17__| 141.5] 141.5) 101.6] 39.9
10) | Barstow 42.222 _- H.C. Markham___|} 100 98] Late! b tS) 122) 63.419 163.4) 48 3 So
11 | Beauty of Hebron____|*Jerrard_____._____- 100; 100) Ey |__-.| ‘* 8__| 206.4] 206.4) 193.2] 13.2
12 | Belle of N. Brunswick|*Jerrard ____- Rr Pes 100} 100} Med}___.| ‘* 15__| 166.5) 166.5} 99.9] 66.6
13 | Ben Harrison ________|*M. Crawford ____-- 100 Dil, Bye ess Sa 1205 12185 so haa ees
14 | Bliss Seedling No. 2__| College ___.___._.__| 100 93} Late! b 15-_} 161.5), 161.5), 1165) 45
15 | Bliss Seedling No. 8-_| College ___________. 100 98, Med|___.| ‘* 19__| 206.4) 206.4) 109.8) 96.6
16 | Bliss Seedling No. 9__| College_____.______ 100} 100) Late} b © 19__| 128.2) 128.2] 111.6] 16.6
17 | Bliss Seedling No. 12.| College --____.____. 100} 100) Late} b -12._| 164.8] 164.8] 186.5] 28.3
18)|"Bonanza ee H.C. Markham -.__| 100) 100) Med|____} ‘* 17_.} 145.2) 145.2] 121.7) 23.5
19 | Brownell’s Best _____- *Vt. Station... - 2__ 97 95} Med |___. SS BLS 1315) 185i5 | S626 | enmeso
20 | Brownell’s Winner __|/*Burpee ____-______- 100} 100) Late} b * 19__| 193 | 193 | 166 27
Dee Glark’ Ss eNOs laos see eVie stablon ose! 100 95) By |. 22: Sede ee| 108 108 83 25
22 | Chautauqua _..______- Hiram Presley. __- 100 94) Late]____| Sept. 5_.} 192.5] 192.5) 170.5} 22
23 | Copper Mine _________ *D. B. Harrington- 97 97| Late] b | Aug.15__| 86.5) 89,2] 62.2] 26.6
24 | Crown Jewell ______- H. C. Markham__- 100 94) Late] b ** 15__| 208.8} 208.8] 177.1) 31.2
25 | Cream of Field_______ H.C. Markham__. 85 94] Med| b SOT dhe ah ob) 88.2} 61.8] 26.4
26 | Dakota Red_______.__|*Vt. Station________ 100 100} Late} b ‘© 17__| 179.8} 179.8] 146.5] 83.3
ALD EE hye ee el AR PUOrrardey, ewe a! 100 97| Late|} b ‘© 12__| 131.5) 1815} 99.9} 31.6
Zou Delawareswe. oun gels. *M. Crawford _____- 100 97; Med| b ‘© -15__| 116.5} 116.5} 69.9] 466
ZOU DICtAbOL sae eee | Vit. Stablon. os. 100 96) Late} ___- te 2d G2eTl Odea ea oed 6.6
30 | Early Oxford________- FJ/Je Ho Gregory. |) 100 15100) By. SS ats ITS e159 54
31 | Karly Harvest_______- *M. Crawford____-_. 100 OF By ese |i 8 | 139 | 139 66 73
32 | Early Maine.. ______ *Jerrard oo 07) 100 Oxon Diya e bo frto eal Wan Paonia DA 54.9] 711
33 | Early Market(Vick’s)| Hiram Presley ___ 100 O55 TBiy iPS ae SE 2 787i Ser lane 6.8
34 | Early Minnesota _.__.| Hiram Presley ___- 100 100) By [ee BE 24016! 2406 QUIS nF ods
85 | Early Pearl _____.__.._| H.C. Markham__- 94 100] Ey]! b #1522) 277.8) 205.5) 27623]. 1982
86 | Early Puritan _____-. AJ envards ese ae 97 99} Ey | b “12__| 206.4) 212.7) 164.7) 48
aif) Barly) Rose) focsk. 2 |*Jerrard) o225_ 2. 100 97} Ey | b “© -12__] 228.4] 228.4) 186.8) 41.6
88 | E’ly Six Week Market! Hiram Presley _. 100} 100) By | b 5 1222) 65) ||) 165) ip lalla
39 | Early Vermont_.____.|*Jerrard _...__.__.| 100} 100] Ey] b * 17__| 178.1] 178.1] 156.6] 21.6
40 | Early White Beauty__| Hiram Presley ___- 100; 100) Ey] b * 8..| 220 | 220 | (183.7). 363
41 | Empire State________- *JOrrard) co see oe, 100 99} Late]___.| Sept. 5..| 273 | 273 | 248.1) 24.9
42) Hiverith 202 en en *Vt. Station 22. _.) 100} 100} Med}.___| Aug. 8__} 103.2] 103.2] 60 43,2
43 | Excelsior..___ _._.___|*Vt. Station ______- 100 97} Med| b “© -12__| 168.1] 168.1} 124.9]- 43.2
44 | Extra Early (Burpee)|*Vaughan _________.| 100 OF) Bye ace nate SUT IBG E56 88 68
aD i Maring setae oe goals is H.C. Markham_._| 100 98} Med} b “© 15__| 181.4] 131.4] 100 81.4
46 | Faust 1889 __. _______ FJ. V SHO te sce ee. 100 100} Ey |___- See Ze= | 203 208 175 28
47 | Feek’s Extra Early___|*Vaughan _______.- 100 96} Ey | b ** 12__| 109.8) 109.8) $8.1} 71.7
48 | Fearnaught _________- H. ©. Markham___ 100 99} Med} b a Bape) a Wy ap Rh Uy bap Ua hs 24.1
49 Mreemany oy )icculoces Wm. Henry Maule} 100} 100} Ky | b * 12__| 213.6] 213.6] 171.8} 41.8
50 | Ft. Collins No, 88 ____|*Col. Agr’! College. 97 97| Ey | b © 12..| 241 | 248 | 184 57
* Grown from college seed.
/
{
118 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Taste I.—Continued.
‘ Corrected.
Ss Di ie om.)
; idoet We SP | so
5 Variety. Seedman. - aala. : : 25 ia
Ss or ® & q + Og 5
8 Sal|om| 2 |m| ae | 3g4
5 co) — pa oS q
Zz ar ae om | a P= a a
51 | Gardner’s Early_____- *(FaTanNer sae 100 97| Ey |---| Aug. 8._| 126
52 | Gregory’s No. 1______- *Vt. Station_____- 100; 100; Med OO Ae e208
53 | Gregory’s No, 2._____- = Sit Rapren en cdaa e 100 O7iiedl| bees) Ee Sass ene
54 | Green Mountain_____. FVane han sso. 97; 100) Late Ree We eae lis Usteey |
55 | Hampden Beauty ____.| H.C. Markham __| 100 96| Late| b cohuae ts} fea
56 | Halo of Dakota _____- Hiram Presley...| 100} 100) Late} b fe 22: .) 261.2
57 | Harbinger _-___._____. *Jerrard_._-_.._-.- 97; 100) Med|----} “ 8 _.| 119.8
§8 | Hicks’ No. 12________- D. C. Hicks .____- 100)}7 4100) Pig ead 8S Bh! 5120
59 | Hicks’ No. 81.______-- . Lira Sealy Se 100 98; Med 1254 716951
60 | Hicks’ No. 101______-- sf : SE eC pe 8o 95} Med j--.-} “ 17__| 151.0
}
61 | Howe’s Premium____- *G. D. Howe -____.. 100 98} Ey | b aan te) i Uy]
(ict BSG (ets EN eT *Crawford ety Sud 100 98} Late) b ED (pas) Fora}
63 | Imperator __________- sede 5! 97 97| Late} b She 24501) 13823,
GE Tonia es Sy ee “O. -C. Nummer ___ 100 94) Med) .2--|4t?. | 17.-|- 168.7
65 | Iowa Beauty___._____.| Hiram Presley__ 100 OF) By aes Belo
66) | June Bating.-..__-._.|*A. Crane. __.._-4-- 100 97| Ey |b et Seeded
67 | Leather Coat_______.- College eter 97 100) Med} b oe, Sle 4S 8
68 | Lee’s Favorite ______- *Vt. Station —._.. 100 99) Hy 2S’) 8170
69 razed Seedling __ Hiram Presley __- 100} 100) Med AS (L282) 2287
OotenEntoh lessee ee Pe ae ke Us 91 98} Med | b oo 16 Bae2
71 | McFadden’s Earliest | Hiram Presley- 100 98] Ey es Wee ot hae fo Yh
72 | Mexican Wild.___.__-- As ee ee et AOD 94| Late}----| Sept. 5__| / 48.2
73 | Minister _____ j*Grawhord.. =) 22: 100 97| Ey | b | Aug. 8__| 124.8
74 | Mitchell’s Seedling..| H.C. Markham__| 100] 100] Med| b eA al USE
75 | Monroe Seedling ___- - *Farm Dep’t ____ -- 100 99] Late] b es: Wises BE
76 | Morning Star____.____ *Vt. Station._..__- 100 98] Late] b sb 1 480
77 | Mrs. Foraker__._-----|*M. Crawford____- 100} 96; Med| b {| * 12] 91.5
78 | Nameless No. 1______- *Farm Dep't pan tad 100 99} Late] b oe ial Ebi
79 | Nameless No. 2______- Bess Depiti2 =. 100; 100} Late} b APOE Logs
80 | New Queen _________-. *J. J. H.Gregory.-| 100} 100) Ey |----| ‘“* 8__}| 198
81 | New Zealand_______._| H.C. Markham _-| 94 87) By aleo--| 2 oon Soe ded
82 | Nott’s Victor________-| Hiram Presley_._- 100} 100) Med ae) | HE fh 538 8)
838 | Nott’s No. 8___.____-- *Vt. Station______- LOO) F100) By Fees sae one te op:
8t | Ohio Junior_____.___. *M. Crawford _____ 97 8 ly. ee eh or ie OS,
3% | O. K. Mammoth-_____-|*Vt. Station______- | 100 98| Med Or deat AES
86 | Peacan - Se ME Crawford eee 94 98] Late] b owe yiazl pop es!
87 | Peoples ________ D. ©. Hicks.____. 100 98! Late| b By bye aya
88 | Perfect Peachblow_._| College._.._____- 100 99] Med | b OS oP eB
Ba Pertection ee.“ = H. C. Markham ~~ 90! 100) Med} b SE Tae B1Ss4
90 & W. Victory_____- Hiram Presley-__ 100 99] Med |----| ‘* 17__| 281.0
Sia Polaris, (209) a0. | *®harm: Dep tec: 5:2 100 OT Ely ei Pass st Nestor
92 | Putnam’s Beauty ___-- *Vt. Station 88} 100) Late} b ot 1528) 1132
93 | Putnam’s Early _____- . 100 95] Ey | b SO 13 TRS
94 | Putnam’s New Rose__|* “f 100 96| Ey |b pene (real lias bt! 8
95 | Putnam’s Select_____- * 23 91 93) Med) 22a a 174) 100
96 | President Lincoln __.|*Gardner_______ _| 100] 100] Late] b -22__| 191.4
97 | Queen (New) ._.......| Gregory __. .___-- 97 OFINEY Wenscl 82a 2880)
98 | Queen of Paris Hiram Presley __-| 100) 100] Ey |--- nee OS SSO.
99 | Queen of Valley ts “ R 97 98] Med|.---] ‘* 17__| 1948
100 | Randall’s Beauty____. i*Vt. Station ______- | 100 99) Ky ae eo See |e
ROU ed Star!) ule 100 98| Med | b eas (el lens bb Hr
102 | Rochester Favorite__-_ 100} 100) Med! b 12_.| 156.8
103 } Rogers ens eG: 100), 9/100) Boy, pea eS 8 Baas oRe
104 | Rose’s No. 74 . H.C. Markham _. 100 97| Med | b SOT 18 2) 1479
105 | Rural Blaosh__ Vt. Station | 2252 ; 100} 100} Late} b ee 15.3) 208.4
106 | Rural N. Y. No. 2.___- *J,M.Thorborn&Co.| 100) 100) Late}]....; ‘' 17__] 138.1
AGT SIpnAls we oo Presley -_- 100} 100) iy) |See2 | OS? ee St 2612
108 | Snow Queen _- . C. Markham__ 100 06) ey ee Se So
109 | Solanum James hie
110 | Star Russet.___.______ ‘Hiram Presley._-| 100 99} Med} b cee POse) eluBer
* Grown from college seed.
a Sar os pas oe 4 Re Pa Aaah cee ) ve ER AS ls ids ag 5 in ® a) +. te, ;
ree
‘
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 419
Tasre I.— Continued.
5 ( Bc) Hs; Corrected.
= 5 as eh
: = 25 OZ i
i Variety. Seedman. =P ao Sa ee 43 i
Z se/s>| |x| 2 [22/4 | 2 | =
g a ly Q | “eo cy So| s cs c)
5 a> | o or ect oS on ie) % a
A : Aa Ay m | = a a = a
111 | Storr’s Seedling ____. H. C. Markham __-_ 90 95) By: | -e- | Auge Fee 027 ale Si Ghraork
112 | Stray Beauty.___.___.|*Jerrard __________. 97; 100) Ky b ‘* 8__| 118.2) 121.6] 98.3} 28.3
Laie SAMMI bce see Ae bad Deed pts | pbc: omental 100 98) Med |___. “© 17_.| 181.4] 181.4] 128.2) 53.2
114 | Sonlit Star..__---___ H.C. Markham ___| 100} 100) Hy |---| ‘ 8 -| 172.1] 172.1] 144.9] 27.2
115 | Superior ________.___.}*W. Atlee Burpee__| 100} 100) Med| b “ 12__] 103.2} 103.2} 39.9] 63.3
116 | Supplanter_.________- Hiram Presley____| 100] 100! Med} b “ 12__| 206.2] 206.2] 178.7} 27.5
ETE Sutton o- 207 nee Fae College nt eee 100 97| Late} b “*-22__| 148.7) 148.7} 119.4) 29.3
MSUE Sylvan ee Welle) F900 H. C.Markham___| 100 95) Med }._..) ‘“* 17__] 84.3) 84.3] ©62.8} © 21.5
£19) "Thorburn. 2-- Collesat es LOO |S eLO0 | El yais Se DSS es ORS ORS Lane 56
120 | Thunderbolt ________. H. C. Markham__| 100 96| Ey b ‘© 2__} 128.8] 123.8] . 96.6] 27.2
121 | Timpe’s No. 1_______. sacl feud hey id ty tory of: one ee 100 95| Med} b S28 PNGB 2) 6822 21.6| 46,6
122 | Timpe’s No. 2._______ En Se aah is eeateal ea 100 98} Med | b “© 15__| 116.5] 116.5) 54.9! 61.6
123 | Timpe’s No. 4________ tae eNer pacd, tk 97 97| By b ** 12__} 159.8; 164.8] 113.2} 46.6
124 | Timpe’s No. 5________ noes ere Lee a 100 99} By ||22 2. “© 8__] 129.8) 129.8, 94.9] 34.9
125 | Timpe’s No. 6________ iy ae Ah eet AD 100 98) By POT (4a Ves Royo 8 156.4 146.5) 39.9
126 | Timpe’s No. 8________ pe > Te 2 100 97} Med} b ‘© 8_.| 113.2] 113.2} 26.6) 86.6
127 | Timpe’s No. 9________ ie athe eS 100 98} Med |____ FS Bx. /) ~ 88.2) y 8822/7 6si3}) 199
128 | Tonhocks ____________ H. ©. Markham _.. 100 100) Ey |-___- © 8__| 263.7) 263.7] 228.7) 35
LAGE Wonipire ss ser yt a Hiram Presley___.| 100 95} Med|.___| ‘* 17__] 187.5; 187.5] 164.7} 22.8
130 | Walis Orange._______ *Farm Dep’t__.___- 100 98| Late] b “© 17..| 158.1) 158.1] 121%5| 36.6
131 | Watson's Seedling __|*Farm Dep’t_______ 100 99} Med} b “© 12__] 158.1} 158.3] 109.9} 43:2
LS2elie Ways oo! Pee! Hiram Presley___- 100 96| Med} b “© 12__| 182.4) 182.4] 178.7] 13.7
183 | West’s No. 1________. *W. E. West ______. 100 100} By |__-- sale Ps olen tod bs 192 145 47
134 | West’s No. 2... pa ah ere EN 100 97| Ky b S. 8._| 123.2] 123.2) 61.5} 61.7
135 | West’s No. 8_________ toe ote sO <n 94 98} Med} b “© 12__] 264.7) 281.5) 289.7) 41.8
136 | White Elephant______ *Jerrard .__-_=_.-_- 100} 100} Late} b | Sept.5__] 209.7) 209.7) 189.8} 19.9
137 | White Flower __.____| H. C. Markham -__ 90] 100} Med! b | Aug.12__} 170.0] 188.8} 108.3} 80.5
138 | White Early Ohio.___| Hiram Presley___- 100 97| Ey b 8__| 210 | 210 | 192.5] 17.5
189 | White Star._________. *Farm Dep’t -______ 100 96| Late] -b 1S 04- | 161.5) 161.51) 88isy isle
1400 Waxopite a) o.oo ar *Van Benschoten __| 100 99] Late! b “ 15__| 171.4] 171.4; 90.4] 81.0
* Grown from college seed.
In previous bulletins notes upon the varieties grown previous to this
year will be found, and we give below our notes of this year on the new
sorts.
Algoma—Vigorous and even, 17-19 inches, fairly erect, medium green;
stem fairly stout, leaves 6-7 inches; leaflets large, fairly even, rather
slender, 14 by 34 inches, considerably blighted.
Tuber—Long, cylindrical, small, yellowish white with brown spots.
Flesh white. No value. :
Barstow—Not very vigorous, 14-17 inches, slightly spreading; light
green, stems slender; leaflets irregular in size and shape, generally oblong
with acute tip, ? by l4inches. Killed by blight.
Tubers—Much like the Pearl of Savoy, perhaps slightly darker and a
little earlier. Of no apparent value.
Beauty of Beauties—Vigorous and even, 14-16 inches high, low, erect,
dark green; stem small; leaves six inches long, foliage thick; leaflets
small to medium, 14 by 14 inches. Killed by blight.
Bonanza—Vigorous, 16-18 inches high, erect, dark green; stem stout;
leaflets somewhat folded, irregular in size, average 14 by 13 inches. Some-
what blighted.
Tubers—Medium, long, round, flattened, smooth, seed end roughened,
reddish pink. Eyes numerous, small, deep, covered, curtain* very long,
edges distinct. A promising new sort.
* By curtain is meant the prominent ridge that often surrounds the eye.
120 3 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Chautauqua—Even and vigorous, about like Umpire, 20 inches tall,
fairly erect, dark green. Stem fairly stout. Leaves 6—7 inches long;
leaflets medium, 1} by 2 inches. Free from blight.
Tuber—Medium, long, flattened, angular, rose colored; skin smooth,
tough. Hyes large, deep, or protruding. One of the best of the new sorts:
_very promising.
Cream of the Field—Uneven; best plants vigorous, 20 inches tall, erect,
medium green. Stem stout. Leaves large, 6-8 inches lcng; leaflets rather
large, ordinary shape, 14 by 24 inches. Considerably blighted.
Tubers—Large, oblong, round. Eyes small, medium depth, yellowish
buff. Flesh yellowish white. Behavior unsatisfactory, due in part to the
blight.
Crown Jewel—Even and vigorous, 18-20 inches, fairly erect, medium
green. Stems rather slender. Leaves ordinary, 6- 7 inches long; leaflets
rather large and even, 14 by 24 inches. Badly blighted.
Tubers—Medium to “large, oblong, round; light buff; eyes medium;
yellowish. Seems very promising as a market sort.
Early Market (Vick)—-Vigorous and fairly even, 16-20 inches, fairly
erect, light, medium green. Stem stout. Leaves 5-7 inches long; leaflets
rather uneven, average medium size, 14 by 24 inches, somewhat slender.
Killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium; something like the Early Ohio in shape and color.
Flesh nearly white. Well worth trying as an early sort.
Early Minnesota—Even, fairly vigorous, 20-22 inches, very spreading,
medium green. Stems stout. Leaves 6-7 inches long; leaflets small to
medium, 14 to 1} inches. Kiuiled by blight.
Tubers—Large; oblong; reddish buff. Eyes large, but even with the
surface; smooth; yellowish white. Early and one of the most promising
of the new early varieties.
Early Pearl—Very even and vigorous, 18-24 inches. Tall, spreading,
medium green. Stems stout. Leaves 6-8 inches long; leaflets uneven
and numerous, the largest i} by 2 inches. Badly blighted.
Tuber—Medium to large size, long, regular, dark red; eyes large, but
even with the surface; flesh yellowish white. Its behavior this year “places
it well towards the head of the list of medium early sorts..
Early Six Weeks Market—Low and small, fairly vigorous and even,
14-16 inches tall, erect, medium green. Stems stout. Leaves 5-6 inches
long; leaflets very uneven, average 11 by 13 inches. Killed by blight.
Tubers—Small; roundish oblong; buff. Eyes medium, even with the
surface. Flesh yellowish. Made a fair showing and, if as early as is
claimed, it can have a place among the extra early sorts.
Early White Beauty of Hebron—Fairly vigorous and even, 16-18
inches tall, somewhat spreading, medium green. Stems fairly stout.
Leaves 6 inches long; leaflets medium size, 14 by 2 inches. Killed by
blight.
Tubers—Medium to large; yellowish buff; slightly oblong, flattened.
Eyes small, medium depth, yellowish white. Promising as a medium
early sort.
Farina—Fairly vigorous, 14-16 inches tall, erect; dull, dark green.
Stems fairly stout. Leaves 4-6 inches long; leaflets irregular, obtuse,
oblong, with acute tips. Badly blighted.
Tubers—-Long, 6 inches by 1 inch; light buff; smooth. Eyes shallow;
nae
- MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 121
solid; flesh yellowish white. Very ety and mealy, but not very
productive.
Fearnaught—Even and vigorous, 20-24 inches, erect, dark medium
green. Stalks fairly stout. Leaves 6-7 inches long. Leaflets fairly
even and large, 1$ by 2 inches. Badly blighted.
Tubers—Large, long, flattened; white. Eyes few, medium. Flesh white.
Freeman—Growth strong and vigorous, slightly injured by blight.
Tubers—Oblong, flattened. Eyes at surface; smooth and even. Skin
light buff; flesh nearly white. Very promising.
Halo of Dakota—Large, even and vigorous, 20-24 inches, spreading,
dark green. Stem stout. Leaves 6-7 inches long, foliage thick; leaflets
fairly even, medium size, 14 by 2 inches.
Tubers—Large, oblong, slightly flattened. Eyes medium, buff, solid.
Flesh yellowish white. Very promising. Stands nearly at the head of
the late sorts.
Hampden Beauty—Fairly even and vigorous, 18-20 inches tall, fairly
erect, medium green. Stem rather slender. Leaves 6-8 inches long;
leaflets slightly uneven, but rather long and slender, largest 14 by 3
inches. Badly blighted.
Tubers—Oblong, flattened at the stem end, small. Color, yellowish
buff. Eyes medium. Flesh yellowish white. Not promising.
Hicks’ 12—Fairly vigorous and even, 16-18 inches tall, spreading,
medium green. Stem fairly stout. Leaves 6-7 inches long; leaflets
somewhat uneven, 14 by 2 inches. Killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium to large, reddish buff, oblong, flattened. Eyes small,
rather deep, yellowish white. Promising as an early variety.
Hicks’ 81—Fairly even and vigorous, 18-20 inches tall, somewhat
spreading. Leaves 6-7 inches long; leaflets rather uneven, largest aver-
age 14 by 13. Badly blighted.
Tubers—Small, oblong, flattened; reddish pink, sometimes purple
tinged. Eyes small, shallow; curtain long, udieticet: Well worth longer
trial.
Hicks’ 101—Plants low, 14-16 inches tall, Ginertint spreading but not
sprawling; dark green. Stem small. Foliage thick. Leaves rather
more than eight inches; leaflets even and large, often 14 by 3 inches.
Somewhat blighted.
Tuber—Long, slim, regular, flattened. Skin quite hght; smooth. Eyes
shallow. Less valuable than either of Hicks’ other seedlings.
Tona—Plants even and fairly vigorous, 14-16 inches; rather low and
erect; medium green. Stemsmall. Leaves 5-6 inches long; foliage thick.
_ Leaflets slender, fairly even, 14 by 2 inches. Somewhat blighted.
Tubers—Small, oblong ovate; whitish buff. Eyes small; flesh white.
Of no value.
Iowa Beauty—Very vigorous, even, 20-22 inches tall; erect; medium
green. Stem stout. Leaves 6-8 inches; foliage thick. Leaflets medium
size and fairly even, 14 by 2 inches. Killed by blight.
Tubers—Round; medium; eyes quite large and deep; yellowish buff;
flesh white. At best only fairly promising.
J. G. Blaine—Fairly vigorous, 18-20 inches tall, spreading, medium
green. Stem fairly stout. Leaves 6 inches long; leaflets rather uneven;
somewhat slender, 1} by 2. Killed by blight.
Tubers—Long, round, conical; skin smooth, reddish pink. Eyes many,
small, shallow. Has shown few valuable features as yet.
16
122 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
: :
Lazell’s Seedling—Plant even and-fairly vigorous, 16-18 inches tall,
slightly spreading; dark medium green. Stem stout. Leaves 6-8 inches
long; leaflets small to medium, uneven, 14 by 2 inches. Killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium to large, oblong, flattened ; reddish buff. Eyes very
large and deep; flesh slightly yellow, quite solid, rather coarse. Very
promising as a medium late variety.
McFadden’s Earliest—Vigorous and even, 18-20 inches tall, very
spreading, light green. Stem stout. Leaves 6-8 inches long; leaflets
uneven, small to medium, 1} by 14 inches. Killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium, oblong, round, generally flattened at the stem; reddish
buff. Eyes medium; flesh yellowish white; quite promising. One of the
best of the new early kinds.
Mitchells Seedling—Even and fairly vigorous, rather short, 18 to 20
inches, erect, medium green; stem stout; leaves 6 to 7 inches long, leaflets
fairly even, medium size, 14 by 2 inches; badly blighted.
Tubers—Small, round, flat; skin somewhat rough; light pink; eyes
small, shallow; indistinct pink. Quite promising as a medium early sort.
New Zealand—Not vigorous, 14 to 16 inches tall, spreading, medium
green; stem stout: leaves 6 inches long; leaflets rather uneven, 14 by 2
inches; killed by blight.
Tubers—Oblong, round, dark buff; eyes medium; solid; flesh neal
white. Not very promising.
Not?s Victor—Very vigorous, even, 20 to 22 inches tall, fairly erect,
medium green; stem stout; leaves 6 to 8 inches long; foliage thick; leaf.
lets medium size and fairly even, 14 by 2 inches; killed by blight.
Tubers—Oblong, slightly flattened, medium to large, smooth, eyes
mecaium; flesh yellowish. Well worth trying.
Paris Rose—Even and fairly vigorous, 16 to 18 inches tall, very spread-
ing, medium green; stems small, leaves six inches long; leaflets small to
medium, 14 by 14 inches; killed by blight.
Tubers—Small to medium, oblong, flattened, reddish, eyes small; flesh
yellowish white.
Pearl of Savoy—Uneven and spreading, 18 to 20 inches tall; not very
vigorous; medium green, stem fairly stout, leaves 6 inches long; leaflets
medium in shape and size; somewhat blighted.
Tubers—Rather long, slender, buff; eyes medium depth, small; flesh
yellowish.
People’s—Even and vigorous, 18 to 20 inches tall; fairly erect, dark,
medium green; stem stout; leaves 6 to 7 inches long; leaflets fairly even
and large, 14 by 2 inches; badly blighted.
Tubers—Large, oblong, flattened; skin rough, yellowish white; eyes
small, shallow. A fairly promising late sort.
Perfectton—V igorous, 22 inches tall; rather spreading; medium green,
stem stout, leaves 6 inches long; leaflets medium size, ordinary shape;
killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium to large, oblong, stem end flattened; skin buff; flesh
yellowish, eyes rather large. One of the best of the medium late sorts.
P. and W. Victory—Very even and vigorous, 20 to 22 inches tall, fairly
erect dark green, stem stout, leaves 6 to 7 inches long; foliage thick;
leaflets medium size, 14 by 2 inches; considerably blighted. One of the
most productive kinds grown.
Queen of Paris—Vigorous and even, 20 to 22 inches tall, spreading;
wen
- MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 123
medium green. Stem stout. Leaves 6 to 7 inches long; foliage fairly
thick; leaflets medium to large, 14 by 2 inches. Killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium to large, yellowish buff, nearly white. Eyes small;
flesh yellowish white. In every respect very valuable. The most product-
‘ive early kind grown.
Rogers’ Seedling—Even, rather low and spreading; medium green.
Leaves 6 inches long; Jeaflets rather uneven, the largest 14 by 24 inches.
Stem stout. Killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium, round, conical, color red; eyes small. Well worthy of
trial as an early sort.
Rose’s No. 74—Vigorous and fairly even, 18 to 20 inches tall, rather
spreading. Stem rather small. Leaves 6 to 7 inches; leaflets rather
uneven and mostly small, 1 by 14 inches. Killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium, round oblong, color much like the Early Rose. Eyes
medium large; flesh yellowish white. Notas productive as many of the
other early kinds, but still quite promising.
Signal—Not very vigorous, 16 to 18 inches tall, spreading; dark medium
green. Stems fairly stout. Leaves 6 to 7 inches; leaflets uneven, average
14 by 2inches. Killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium to large, smooth, oblong, flattened. Eyes fair size,
light buff; flesh yellowish white. Very promising as an early kind.
Snow Queen—Fairly even and vigorous, 18 to 20 inches tall, fairly erect;
medium green. Leaves 6 to 8 inches long; leaflets small to medium, larg-
est 14 by 2 inches; killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium, regular, oblong, flattened; yellowish white with brown
spots. Hyes large; flesh nearly white, very solid. Of excellent quality
but not productive.
Star Russet—Even and vigorous, 16 to 18 inches tall, erect; dark
green. Stems small. Leaves 6 to 7 inches long; foliage thick: leaflets
rather uneven, small to medium, 1} by 14 inches. Killed by blight.
Tubers-—Oblong, generally Guicvied: reddish buff; badly seabbed. Eyes
quite deep. Promising as a market variety.
Storr’s Seedling—Vigorous, 18 to 20 inches tall, erect; alike green. Stem
stout. Leaves 6 inches long; leaflets medium size, fairly even. Slightly
affected by blight.
Tubers—Medium, nearly round; buff. Eyes very deep. Flesh cream
colored. Worthless as judged from one year’s trial.
Sunlit Star—Even and vigorous, 18 to 20 inches, spreading, medium
green; stems fairly stout; leaves rather large, 6 to 8 inches long; leaflets
14 by 2 inches; killed by blight.
Tubers—-Medium to large; oblong, reddish russet; flesh yellowish.
Promising.
Supplanter— Even and vigorous, 18 to 20 inches tall, spreading, medium
green; stems fairly stout; leaves 6 to 7 inches long; leaflets rather uneven,
small to roundish, 13 to 2 inches; killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium to large, oblong, round, flattened at the stem end; red-
dish buff, eyes rather large and deep; flesh yellowish white, solid. Prom-
ising as a market variety.
Sylvan—Not very vigorous, 14 inches tall, erect, light green; stem stout;
leaves 6 inches long; leaflets fairly even, rather slender, largest 14 by 2
inches; somewhat blighted.
Tubers—Medium long, round, slightly rough, seed end russeted, yellow-
ish white; eyes medium to shallow. Seems to be of no value.
124 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Thunderbolt—Rather low, 18 inches, erect, medium green, stem small;
leaves 5 to 6 inches long, leaflets rather uneven; largest 14 by 2 inches;
killed by blight.
Tubers—Small, round, reddish buff; eyes medium deep; flesh yellowish
white. Will never set the world afire.
Tonhocks—Rather uneven, 18 to 20 inches tall, somewhat spreading,
light green; stem fairly stout; leaves medium size, 6 to 7 inches long;
leaflets medium 14 by 2 inches; killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium, round to oblong; reddish buff; eyes small; flesh yel-
lowish white. Well worthy of trial.
Umpire—Very even and vigorous, 20 to 22 inches tall, erect, dark,
glossy green; stem fairly stout, leaves 6 to 7 inches long, foliage thick;
leaflets small to medium, 14 by 14 inches; somewhat blighted.
Tubers—Small, long, round, smooth, yellowish white; eyes small, shal-
low. Of no more than ordinary productiveness.
Way—Fairly vigorous and even, 18 to 20 inches tall, fairly erect, dark,
glossy green; stem fairly stout, leaves 6 to 7 inches long; leaflets ee
to large, 14 by 2 inches; killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium, oblong to long, nearly round, yellowish buff, solia
Promising.
White Early Ohio—- Fairly vigorous and even, [8 inches tall, spreading,
medium green; stem fairly stout, leaves 6 to 7 inches long; leaflets uneven,
small to medium, 14 by 14 inches; killed by blight.
Tubers—Medium, oblong, slightly flattened; eyes medium scarcely
sunken, flesh yellowish white; something like the Early Ohio in form;
upon which it seems an improvement.
White Flower—Kven and fairly vigorous, 18 to 24 inches tall, somewhat
spreading. medium green, stalks somewhat slender; leaves 6 to 8 inches
long; leaflets large and even, 24 by 2 inches; killed by blight.
Tubers—Large, long, round, smooth, white; eyes shallow, sometimes
protruding. Hardly worthy of extensive cultivation.
THE BEST VARIETIES TO PLANT.
As an extra early sort, Howe’s Premium* has again shown itself one of
the best. Although only fairly productive, it is of excellent quality, and
for home use well worth planting.
Of the new sorts we can not make exact comparisons as to season, on
account of their premature ripening, but McFadden’s Earliest and Queen
of Paris showed little signs of blight; were ripe on August 8, and pro-
duced, the former 237.5 bushels, and the latter 336.8 bushels. They
seemed to be nearly as early as Premium, and were much more product-
ive. Of other early sorts the more promising were New Queen,** 288
bushels, Tonhocks, 263.7 bushels, Signal, 261.2 bushels, Early Minnesota,
240 bushels, Early White Beauty of Hebron, 220 bushels, Beauty of Heb-
ron,* 206 bushels, Karly Oxford,** 213 bushels. Following within a week
as medium early sorts were, Early Pearl, 277.8 bushels, Thorburn,* 233
bushels, Fort Collins No. 83,** 240 bushels, Early Rose,* 228.40 bushels,
Putnam’s New Rose,** 194 bushels, Early Puritan, 206 bushels, Freeman,
213 bushels and Faust’s 1889,** 203 bushels. The best sorts that would
be classed as medium late were West’s No. 3, 264.7 bushels (rather coarse),
* The number of stars after a variety indicate the number of years it has been previously favorably
reported on.
°
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 125
P. and W. Victory, 231 bushels, Lazell’s Seedling, 228.7 bushels, Perfection,
213.4 bushels, and Supplanter, 206.2 bushels.
The best late sorts were Empire State,* 273 bushels; Halo of Dakota,
261.2 bushels; Ideal,* 258 bushels; White Elephant,** 209.7 bushels; Crown
Jewel, 203.3 bushels; and Rural Blush,** 206.4 bushels.
The above lists were made out from the behavior of the varieties the
past season, but it so happens that of the varieties which were also grown
in 1890, every one was on the selected list for that year (with the exception
of West’s No. 3, which is too coarse to be valuable), and quite a number
which have been grown for three or four years were highly commended in
1888 and 1889. The stars after the names of the varieties indicate, accord-
ing to the number, that they have been found valuable for one or two
years.
SHALL WE PLANT THE SEED END?
For three years now we have made experiments to learn whether or not
the practice of many farmers of throwing away the “seed” end of the pota-
toes is a wise one. The past year the test was made in duplicate with
Clark’s No. 1 and Beauty of Hebron, each variety being tried with two rods
of row with seed from the middle and from the stem and seed ends of
thirty-three potatoes, using four pounds of seed, or in all for the test
twenty-four pounds.
The following table shows the result with each variety, the average of
both, and the average for three years. It will be noted that the yield of
market tubers has been found largest from the seed end, both as the aver-
age for 1892, and for the three years, with the next largest yield from the
stem end. Contrary to the usual opinion the yield of small tubers has
without exception been smallest from the seed end.
TaBLE II.—Comparative yield of stem, middle and seed ends.
Clark’s No. 1. Beauty of Hebron.
Qo ao
5 os : Qo
i | ef | 58) ae} 3]. ] eg] of | F8l] ae} 3].
S|) #8 /°2(ce/ 2 | 2 | S| #2 | ee] se) 2 | a
Pilnaae ort 2.8 | Sole) be 4) Gtaolgh pe a selling
w| 328 |42alaa| & MQ |w) a8 Zod | Fe) et D
Stem end of potatoes, 4 lbs._-| 99] 8-15 b 112} 193.1) 158.1} 40.0) 96} 8-22b 278} 178.1) 131.5] 41.6
144.9; 98.1) 46.8
190.3) 164.8) 25.5
Middle of potatoes, 4 lbs.____- 98| 8-15 b 124; 188.1} 119.8 68.3) 97/ 8-19b 115
Seed end of potatoes, 4 lbs.___| 100} 8-17b] 314) 179.5) 140.3 aa} 97| 8-19 | 258
Average yield.
1891. For three years.
|
Market. Small. Market. Small.
SUT RSTEET ORCL Sp dee en erie te I Flea SN ae OR Pe ee SS 142.3 40.8 173.4 37.9
VADECA CLI eat tee Fee be, en UN males eS SES Ne a BLS Oe 108.9 Hie | 143.1 45,2
steers eying te ele Ae EP i aN a ie a a a 152.5 32.4 | 183.5 30.5
126 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
It should be noted that the pieces for seed—stem, middle and seed ends
—were cut from the same tubers.
From duplicate trials for three years, or six experiments in all, it would
seem that the practice of cutting off and throwing away the seed ends of
potatoes designed for planting is needless, and therefore wasteful.
Notes on the vigor and appearance of the vines in each section were
taken at frequent intervals, and will give some idea of the growth. “July
2. Stem and middle sections about alike, 15 inches high, 5 vines to the
hill; the seed end section quite even in size, 17 to 18 inches high, 5 to 6
vines toa hill.” “J uly 14. The seed end section is the tallest, and leads
in vigor; the stem section slightly uneven.” “Aug. 1. Seed end section
still leads in vigor; can see no difference in earliness; about two inches
taller than the others.”
As a rule the eyes near the seed end are stronger, and produce more
vigorous shoots than do those of either middle or stem end, and as the
number of shoots that develop, although the eyes are twice as numerous,
is little if any larger, we might expect a stronger and more even growth of
plants and a consequently larger yield of tubers, and our results show this
to be the case.
AMOUNT OF SEED TO USE.
In order to get light on the various sides of this question, the experi-
ments were arranged in two or three different ways. It at once appears
that the proper size of the seed for each hil] will depend on the distance
between the hills, and this of course will vary the amount per acre. The
question was first considered as only applying to plats with one foot
between the hills. Two varieties, Clark’s No. 1 and Beauty of Hebron,
were used for the test, and the seed was prepared as in previous years, by
cutting the tubers in halves lengthwise, and using one piece in the plot for
the halves; the other half was again cut lengthwise, and one piece used as
a quarter, and this was kept up until we had secured halves, quarters,
eighths and single eye pieces, from the same tubers. An equal number of
whole tubers of each variety were planted to ascertain the yield from
whole large tubers.
Throughout the season up to August 1, there was a very perceptible dif-
ference in the size of the tops, the height decreasing from those of the
whole tubers down to the single eyes.
Naturally being earlier, and of course more forward in their develop-
ment when the hot weather came, we could expect a somewhat larger yield
from the large tubers than from the small ones, but this could not account
for the very marked increase.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 127
Tasie III.—Yield from different amounts of seed, one foot apart.
Clark’s No. 1. Beauty of Hebron.
- | @ 0) ae ik a © . @D . . | ce
ig fae | Si 231 2
Bt." | as | B12? | ae!
a 2S HO =| ~ ° = So letoluas 2
S| 25 cs /oe | 2 |g | & 28) cs | sa) 2 | g
> 3 og 2 os 8 na x 6qa].2 3 g
w' | & A | = mn ae | Ze Wh bat =| mn
; an =i pene are aa ok A hea
Whole potatoes, 10 Ibs.________ 100} 8-17 b| 459) 233.5) 129.8) 103.7 100 8-22b| 461| 244.7, 179.8} 64.9
Halves of potatoes, 5 lbs._____.| 98] 8-15 b> 268! 186.4) 104.8) 81.6 98| 8-15b] 254) 159.8] 103.7] 56.1
uarters of potatoes, 2% lbs... #| 8-15 b} 120) 126.5} 79.7) 46.8 96| 8-15b| 128) 76.5} 39.8! 36.7
Eighths of potatoes, 144 lbs.__| 94| 8-17 | 83) 94.8) 73.2; 21.6 94) 8-19 68| 63.2; 41.6} 21.6
Single eyes, 10 oz. -___-_-_-_--. id 8-15 b) | 64.9| 50.1) 8 92) 8-15 33] B15 46.8) 14.7
{ |
Whole. Halves. Quarters. | Eighths, | Single eyes.
|
|
iM TRE |
Market average of the two varieties._______ 154.6 104.2 59.7 | 57.4 48,4
}
}
|
Market average for three years _____________- 177.5 1 135.3 | cite
| a
69.4 99.8
Average amount of seed__________-____._____- 58.9 24.6 14.7 Me A8
NBtIEAIN An ACKS. 2c. eee ee ye 118.6 140.8 120.6 118.8 95.5
The total yield in bushels per acre will be seen to be four times as much
from whole tubers as from single eyes, with a gradual but regular decrease
of yield as the size of the seed decreased. There was less difference in
yield of marketable tubers, but the average yield was more than three
times as great. As is usually the case, also, the yield of small tubers was
in proportion to the size of the seed pieces used.
The average yield for three years gives about the same results, except
that the past season, for the reason given, was unusually favorable for
whole tubers.
We find that although for the three years the average yield of the large
seed (whole) potatoes was greater than any of the smaller ones, that the
greatly increased amount of seed more than equaled the increased yield,
and hence it was less profitable than the use of halves. When planted
one foot apart the average result for three years would show that from 25
to 28 bushels per acre gave best results. For two or three feet between
the hills of course a smaller amount of seed would seem desirable, and for
that reason another experiment was arranged to ascertain the proper dis-
tance apart in rows for different-size pieces.
DISTANCE TO PLANT POTATOES.
The distances selected were for eyes, 1, 14, 14, 13, 2, and 24 feet; for
halves and quarters 1, 14, 2, and 24 feet, and for whole potatoes 1, 2, and 3
feet. The results obtained are shown in Table IV.
net ae ,
{ }
128 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
TaBLe IV.
Type 2. O. K. Mammoth.
< os S Ba ?
Distance for planting potatoes. He) = 2 a 35 x
aul >g! go me} ac) »s | go ve) u
oo| of aa| ro) 15 oc!| o8 a a) =
= roan = = = fa | aS
Be! of | 26 o g ||SF| eB | oo o 8
ole = ee Mase nan |i | = ~ = io)
50 halves weighing 6% Ibs.______ 100] 8-19 | 193.6) 146.3} 47.3]| 99) 8-17b] 122.1) 79.2) 4:
1 ft. apart __ 450 quarters weighing4 lbs. _ 98} 9-8 | 140.8) 104.5) 36.8]/ 98) 8-17b] 118.8] 81.4) 3
' 50 eyes weight 2 ibs.6 oz.and 2tbs.| 96) 9-8 | 101.2) 77 2|| 96) 8-19 88.6] 67.7) 15
F {40 eyes weighing 1 lb. 6 oz. and
14 ft. apart) “yb. 10 oz. .__.--....-.--.-.-..| 93] 8-25b| 113.3] 101.2] 12.2|| 95/8-19 | 73.7/, 52.8] 20.9
33 halves, weighing 5 Ibs._______ 100) 8-19b} 194.7} 137.5) 57.2|| 97| 8-17b] 138.1] 91.8} 41.8
1% ft. apart + 33 quarters, weighing 2% lbs.___| 97} 9-8 | 146.3) 114.4) 81.9]! 97] 8-17b] 113.3] 70.4] 42.9
38 eyes weight 13 oz.and1tb.1loz.| 94} 9-8 74.8| 66 8.8]| 98] 8-19 84.7) 59.4
1% ft. apart__28 eyes weighing 13 oz..________- 92| 9-8 70.4} 49.5) 20.9)| 92) 9-8 68.2} 53.9] 14.3
25 halves, weighing 3 lbs._______ 99} 9-8 4 7
2 ft. apart__ + 25 quarts, weighing 1 1b.10 0z.__| 95) 9-8 | 138.6) 118.3] 25.3)] 95) 8-17b} 95.7) 71.5) 24.
25 eyes, weighing 1U oz.____-___- 96) 9-8 i b F 4
40 halves, weighing 5% Ibs.____- 96 se 130.9] 108.9} 2
-O|| 95} 8-19 | 127.6] 108.9] 18.7
40 quarters, weighing 21]bs.120z.| 95 Be)
sy 8-25b| 74.8 ob 16
2% ft. apart j
In making up our seed it was found that the supply of large whole
tubers of Type 2, and O. K. Mammoth were exhausted and Clark’s No. 1,
and Beauty of Hebron were used in their stead. For this reason no com-
parison of the yield of wholes at different distances can be made with that
of the pieces.
The following Table gives the result arranged in a different way, both
for the year 1891, and the average for 1890 and 1891:
Taste V.—Distances for planting different sized pieces.
Distance apart in rows.
1 1% 1 1% 2 ot 3
6 SI a | a 3 ik é
x ; iS = iS < y j 2 :
3° re) ° 43 ° yey ° 4 5° vey ° rial) CAS 3
ad et ly ah ae Te | oo ep linge lee
Be SO a eee | ae ot del eis ae
= = a = a =| a = = = a =| a =
Single eyes_.____- 92.4] 72.3! 93.5) 77 TOG? 62:7). 69.3} Bie 26:9]. AST ees 1. eat || en
uarters ._______- 12918 /¥ 4029) 2 We eee MOOS ROD Ae 2 | eu ee A171) 92541098851 75:6) 222i 2a
BIVes se ses kk 15766 | pl 207 | ee | ce TERS oats 4 129.7| 114.9] 129.2] 108.9].____-[...-_-
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 129
Taste V a.—Average for two years.
Distance apart in rows.
1 1% 15 1 2 25 3
a A, A, A a a, a,
° ° io) fo} ° fo} fo)
5 me 5 oe) 5 ~ 5 oo) 5 4 5 +3 5 ae)
rare tesa altering asa |) A retioct Soa Waeepea | wast OU regi th sal [LS OEg) «Ls eau eva Hig
oO os
5 E ‘2 S e a = a eS EI 5 3 = &
= =| a =| a = a | a =| = = = |
Single eyes_______ es) EO) EUR GEER AE GS Gayd | CEA IO) Os ee Ie
uarters_.___-____ Sb erin leanne SOW CI ool toe 76.45) 57.55) 73.75] 47.65|______|.____-
alveseyiasw 2! WEP, HE (sa) eee TESA Aine eRe TSS 92.95] 76.36] 80.60| 67.75|______|_-___-
Taste VI.—Showing gain over seed to gain over seed at different distances.
Amount of |Amount of | p;
seed in bu. lyield in bu.| Difference.
Halvess. weighing 6)4¢ pounds=-22-2-) 2 hes ee se ee 28.6 112.7 84,1
1 foot_- + Quarters, weighing four pounds_____________._______-------_- 17.6 92.9 75.3
IDVOS wel fle. 2 4p OUNOSe = sean see es ne 9.9 72.3 62.4
ieereeh= ives: welching i c-1OpOUnGS =o oss ooo a eae eee 5.2 17 71.8
Halvosswolching pmOunGssssss 25-2 en Une es woe eee 22.00 114.4 92.4
1% feet + Quarters, weighing 2% pounds ___________---___-___-___------- 11.00 92.4 81.4
Hyves nwelshin gel TOUNCESies = = s Ses Se EN be ee ee ee 4.12 62.7 58.58
iietects- EH yes welphing do OUNCER se -- osc k Sete ee LS Sa ee 3.5 by iyi 48.2
Halves, weighing S;pounds)*) 2-222 3.0 -) eS Sere eee 13.2 114.9 101.7
2 feet__'+ Quarters, weighing 1 10-16 pounds_____________.___--_-..__-_- Tet 92.4 85.25
Ves aWwele hing OOUNCOS*s Yann ee ee be eee 2.75 23.1 20.85
Fav D AOU NC Siete epee siege Bal Lt Ppa ee 11.5 108.9 97.4
2% feet | Quarters: 2210 poundscs. 22.00.9200. es ge eens 4.67 75.6 70.98
In 1891 the single eyes gave the largest yield at a distance of 14 feet;
the quarters gave practically the same yield of market size at 1, 14 and 2
feet, but when we consider the amount of seed required, those at 2 feet
furnish the largest net yield; the halves also show little difference at the
distances between 1 and 24 feet, but the net yield of market tubers would
be largest at 2 feet.
A comparison of these conclusions with the results secured as the aver-
age of two years’ trial, and with four varieties (Table VI) shows but little
difference, and the largest net yield of all was secured from halves, using
13.2 bushels of seed per acre at two feet, as shown both in one year’s trial
(Table IV) and the average for two years (Table
17
V a).
130 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
SHOULD SMALL POTATOES BE USED AS SEED?
In the above experiments whole large potatoes or various-size pieces of
large tubers were used as seed, and it was found that the best net results
were secured with halves of large potatoes and the question arises, if
whole potatoes of half the weight of the large whole ones were used, would
they not have produced as good results?
If such be the case it would admit of the use for seed, of potatoes that
are just under market size, and which are therefore of little value except
for stock feeding.
Taste VII.—Halves against whole tubers.
Clark’s No. 1, Beauty of Hebron.
eel care ae Bole
= ey alent . — ahs as =
gel 68 fg) & [or eek 88 [eae es
Ss) a [we | # | 2 SS #3 [os] 2 | 2
BES! @ A | 0.0 & g WSF] ok | ec a g
7 | EI a mm |\Ay = ia =a | @
Halves, each weighing 4 o0z.________-_____- 100) 8-17 b} 219.7} 124.8! 94.9]) 100} 8-19 226.3] 149.8) 76.5
Whole potatoes, weighing 4 oz. __._______ 100} 8-12 b} 296.3! 173.1) 128.2]| 100, 8-19 b) 266.4] 176.4; 110
Halves, each weighing 2 ox.______________- 97} 8-12 b] 219.7) 139.8 .9|| 97} 8-15 b} 209.7} 127.5 2
Whole potatoes, weighing 2 0z.________--- 97} 8-12 b' 199.8} 88.2} 111.6)} 97] 8-19 233.5] 188.2! 100.3
Halves, each weighing 1 oz.______________- 96; 8-12 b| 167.1} 107.2} 59.9)| 96) 8-19 191.4] 189.8) 51.6
Whole potatoes, each weighing loz. _____- 96} 8-12 b] 211.4) 131.5! 79.9]; 96) 8-15 b] 191.4) 158.1) 33.3
Halves, each weighing % o0z._________--__- 95| 8-12 b] 154.8} 128.2] 26.6/| 95) 8-19 206.4) 141.5; 64.9
So
| 28 Av. market | Net gain, bu.;
aes 2 yield per acre. |yield over seed.
SE JL Nee
EE | 1891. |2 years.| 1891. |2 years.
Halves ewolehing !4' O78 sess. ce Posh el 2 Us ate ee es | 55 137.3 107.4 | 82.38 52.4
Wiholesswelsnine.4(o7. 452 eed i ee eee ee 55 174.8 125.9 119.8 70.9
Halves swolehing aOzs . sean te ere ey eS Sone ee S| 20S a LS oad eal tsan |e OGee, &8
Wikholes=welshing'? O72.) o-oo ooo en ee ee ee 27% 110.7 102.3 | 83.2 74.8
Halves pweimhing hoz es: 2 oe ee ROR ey eee res 13.8 123.5 1 10987 97.2
Wiholesswelehingil Gz te. ee ee ia eee ee ee 13.8 144.8 110.4 131 96.6
Halves wolphinges O7.0 22) eee ke a te ae ae ee 6.8 184.9 107.2 128 100.2
As grown in 1890, halves of any weight gave a larger market yield than
whole tubers of twice the size, and the largest net yield was found from
halves of two ounce potatoes or at the rate of 13.7 bushels per acre.
This year the results are more irregular and owing to the unfavorable
season, and it may be tosome irregularity of the soil that was not apparent
to the eye, it is difficult to draw definite conclusions from them. The larg-
est net yield for two years has been secured from halves planted at the
rate of 6.8 bushels per acre, and the next best yield from halves at the rate
of 13.8 bushels per acre. They. were all planted one foot apart, and from
the experiments to learn the distance apart for planting it would seem that
even better results could be obtained by the use of the same amount of
seed per acre planted 2 feet apart.
Regarding the use of small potatoes for seeding it would seem that at
Ny
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 131
the present price of potatoes it would be better to feed the small potatoes
to stock, for which they are worth at least one fourth as much as corn, and
use large potatoes cut so as to plant at the rate of from 12 to 15 bushels per
acre.
If one has a large supply of small potatoes, just under market size, and
has no use for them, it would pay, perhaps, to use them for seed; but as
advised last year, this practice should not be kept up from year to year,
without obtaining a new stock of seed potatoes.
In the experiments to ascertain the best depth for planting, the results
seemed to favor covering the seed about 3 inches. This seems to be
correct for dry seasons.
FERTILIZERS FOR POTATOES.
The plots used for the experiments with fertilizers contained 4 square
rods each, and as these were duplicated with the fertilizers above and
below the seed, each fertilizer mixture was tested upon 1-20 of an acre.
The fertilizers used were stable manure, under and over the seed,
and as a mulch between the rows, wood ashes, nitrate of soda, sulphate
of ammonia, dissolved bone black, ground bone, muriate of potash and
sulphate of potash, each alone, and in various combinations, besides
Odorless (Iron) Phosphate, Bone and Potash and Homestead Super-
phosphate, of the commercial mixtures.
The manure was applied at the rate of 20 loads (10 cords) per acre;
the ashes at the rate of 40 bushels; sulphate of ammonia at the rate
of 160 lbs.; nitrate of soda, 240 lbs.; muriate and sulphate of potash.
240 lbs., and ground bone and dissolved bone black, 400 lbs. The highest
application to any one plot consisted of a mixture of 240 lbs. muriate of
potash, 240 lbs. nitrate of soda, and 400 lbs. ground bone at an expense of
$16.00 to $18.00 per acre. The least expensive fertilizer was 240 lbs. of
sulphate of potash, at a cost of $3.50.
Four varieties were used in the test in each plot, but by an error in
selecting the seed, only two of these were the same throughout, and
exact comparisons can not be made except of the yields of these varieties.
The following tables show the yield of each variety, and the average
yield obtained from the use of the different fertilizers.
vA
132 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Taste VIII.—Fertilizer test.
z ror 5 5 52
@ be : ad i 25 &
Plots. rv) bewe) nN S = o° bo
ra a) ) 4d ~ a a a
Bei or = "F 1S om 2
S —Q i je) a) ion] <
I 317.3 272.4 230.4 DOO Aa nea PRP ee 262.6 | Mulch between rows.
II 218.7 177.3 126.0 WAH EB Ay LO os | See eee 166.9 | Nothing.
III 255.6 236.7 176.4 DAG) Lee See Ee 221.2 | Fertilizer under seed.
IV 230.4 170.0 172.4 Py DW AR 8) |: SE 196.3 | Fertilizer over seed.
Vv 244.8 228.6 212.4 LOOSE cass Sea ae ee 219.1 | Manure under seed.
VI 209.7 168.4 135.0 CS Peale pamerine O) ee S 170.6 | Nothing.
VII 236.7 244.8 183.6 1992533] eee Se 216.2 | Fertilizer under seed.
VIII 186.3 175.5 157.5 NGS 45) ee Ree 171.9 | Fertilizer over seed.
10st) 2 0s | ee 149.0 148.5 192.6 162.0 163. | Wood ashes.
EX Aeon ae SE ee 154.8 171.0 172.8 190.8 172.2 | Nothing.
D2 Feil EL Peed SON) 2] RRA at 175.5 215.1 191.7 157.5 184.9 | Fertilizer under seed.
EXCISG | See 2 ee 153.0 163.8 153.9 101.7 143.1 | Fertilizer over seed.
S210 (is See a (a 216.0 224,1 193.5 121.5 188.8 | Manure over seed.
PRATAV | Spee yee ie a 109.8 124.2 171.1 110.7 128.9 | Nothing.
DENY be ok oe Pe 261.0 243.0 272.4 147.6 231. Fertilizer under seed.
DALLES Se PRS 2381.3 209.7 234.0 122.4 199.3 | Fertilizer over seed.
DEY Bt Gy] eae Ve ae 136.8 107.1 126.0 91.8 115.4 | Nothing.
3.4] BG ea AY NE NR Bs 196.2 185.4 234.0 162.0 194 4 | 6 lbs. sulphate of potash under seed.
OS 4 TE RE (Ce ee 206.2 241.2 202.6 111.6 190.4 | 6 lbs. sulphate of potash over seed.
: ug
§ | 35 F
— nN
Plots. 8 oy = os i)
3) 2 a, S
= ok = =
A |r A nN
6 lbs. nitrate of soda, 10 Ibs. dis. bone, 6 lbs. muriate potash.
4 1bs. sul. ammonia, 10 lbs. dis. bone, 6 lbs. muriate potash.
4 lbs. sul. ammonia, 10 lbs. dissolved bone.
2| 10 lbs. dissolved bone, 6 lbs. muriate of potash.
XXI | 216.0} 100.8}. 147.6) 279.6
XXII | 166.4) 141.3) 171.1) 234.0
XXIII | 191.7) 183.6] 172.8) 244.8
XXIV | 144.0) 115.2) 120.6] 208.8
XXV | 193.5) 180.0) 259.2) 346.4
XXVI | 198.9} 120.6} 171.0) 318.6
XXVIT | 162.9} 142.2) 153.0} 243.0
XXVIII | 180.9) 150.3) 147.6) 242.2
10 lbs. odorless phosphate.
20 lbs. ‘‘ Homestead ” fertilizer.
20 lbs. bone and potash.
20 lbs. dissolved bone black.
SaSS SRR
Sask Sos | Average.
bow 0 00 weno
Average.—Plats I to LX.
INGEHING Sse eee Ps es ket 168.7 | Fertilizers under seed__---_-_----------------- 218.7
Heériilimerset as 221 foe yee OL Eee 201.4 | Fertilizers over seed___._--.----.------------- 184.1
MnO Te Wn Cheat. see ee eee 262.6 | Manure sete ihe ee ee eae 219.1
Plats IX to XXI.
NOuM Une ae eat on poe 143.8 | Fertilizers under seed___.___.___-__---------- 203.4
Fertilizers 190:5 | Fertilizers over seed._2)2=_) 82 2 177.6
Manure over seed 188.
a
Plats I to XXI—Type No. 2 and O. K. Mammoth.
LTC nT YT) eae ie FB ops on at Se 187.9
LDU aU Ty eS A Ne ea a Rae Si 198.4
WIG Ee): Se te eS eS ee eel 210.8 |
Fertilizers under seed__-.-------------------- 205.
Fortilizers:over'secd=) 245) 22 open eee ee 191
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 133
TaBLe [X.—Average results with fertilizers.
Plates. Yield per acre in bushels. Treatment.
100 25 50 75 200 25 50
I Bec seddaliabialloeik aes eet ei Mulch between the rows.
il ED SE Nothing.
Til et ei Ma A 4 lbs. sulphate ammonia.
| 10 lbs. ground bone.
————— 6 lbs. muriate potash.
Woe tL Manure under seed.
\ia Tee ee Nothing.
VII SSE 6 lbs. sulphate potash.
. | | 10 lbs. ground bone.
141 0 a Sa Eee ee 4 lbs, sulphate ammonia,
IX Sil ie a Wood ashes, 1 bushel.
Xe | Nothing.
dS : 6 lbs. nitrate soda.
F 10 lbs. ground bone.
DAIS Pees | 6 lbs. sulphate potash,
XIIT TET ar Manure over seed,
XIV om ESE | Nothing.
§ 10 lbs. ground bone.
XVI i 6 lbs. sulphate potash.
= A eS Pe
2.0)" i oe Nothing,
|
} 6 lbs. sulphate potash.
XIX
XX | 6 lbs. nitrate soda, 10 lbs. dis. bone, 6 lbs.
muriate potash.
ROX | | 4 lbs. sulphate ammonia, 10 lbs, dis. bone, 6
lbs. muriate potash.
i eeepc eee eee 4 lbs. sulphate ammonia, 10 lbs. dis. bone.
>.©.9 0 i il See a ae 10 lbs. dis. bone, 6 lbs. muriate potash.
XXIV seers aS eT SE 10 lbs. iron phosphate, (‘‘Odorless.”’)
XXV PR ital meals said 20 lbs. Homestead fertilizer.
0.0.0" I a er 20 lbs. bone and potash.
XXVII 20 lbs. dis. bone black.
| |
By reference to the tables it will be seen that the highest yield was
obtained when manure was used asa mulch between the rows. This would
seem natural, as it would both provide plant food, and prevent evaporation
of soil water, which could not be spared in a season like the last. The
manure used under seed gave about 50 bushels more of potatoes to the
acre than did the adjoining unfertilized plot. Manure over seed in the
furrow produced 60 bushels more than the check plot without. fertilizers,
owing in part probably to the effect as a mulch.
134 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The average results from manure used in the different ways was 84.2 bush-
els in favor of the use of manure, when all the varieties were considered,
but with the two varieties that were used in all the plots considered,
the results show 73 bushels gained in yield by the use of manure.
This, even at the present low price of potatoes, will well repay for the
cost of the manure, and as fully one half of the fertilizing value of the
manure is left in the soil to feed future crops, it becomes doubly profitable.
As will be noticed, the fertilizers were used in duplicate, half being
worked into the soil under the seed, and the balance scattered along the
row after the tubers were covered.
The results show quite a decided gain from those placed under the seed,
but they might have been reversed had there been rains to dissolve and
carry down the plant food placed above the seed.
Comparing the yield of Type No. 2and O. K. Mammoth on the unfertil-
ized, and on the plots enriched with fertilizer, we find a gain of 60.5
bushels per acre from the use of fertilizers. This gain seemed very reg-
ular throughout, as in the first eight plots the gain was 32.7 bushels,
counting all varieties. In the second series of twelve plots it was 46.7
bushels.
Wood ashes seemed to have no fertilizing value, but, as potash sulphate
gave a gain of more than 75 bushels per acre over an adjoining unfertil-
ized plot, it would seem that there was some local irregularity of the soil.
While it can readily be shown that the fertilizers were used with profit,
it is difficult to say which of the chemicals were most necessary. The
nitrogen perhaps had the least effect, but the potash and ground bone
whether alone or together seemed to increase the yield.
Of the commercial mixtures the Odorless phosphate made the best show-
ing. Although it was not apparent, the soil may have been naturally very
rich in the plot to which it was applied, and this may in part account for
the large yield.
The Homestead superphosphate was also a profitable one to apply, the
average yield being 202.3 bushels, which was somewhat higher than was
secured from the chemical mixtures.
SUMMARY.
1. The seed end is as good, if not better, than any other part of the
potato for planting, and as a rule produces fewer small tubers.
2. As arule, medium-size potatoes cut into halves lengthwise, using at
the rate of 13 to 15 bushels of seed to acre, will produce best net results,
planted one and a half or two feet apart.
5. If smaller seed is used, the eyes should be 15 inches apart, and pieces
containing two or three eyes, about 18 inches. At distances over 24 feet
the number of hills is so much decreased that the yield is lessened.
4. When potatoes are cheap, it does not pay to use small potatoes as
seed, but when seed potatoes are high, tubers the size of hens’ eggs may be
used for one year without greatly decreasing the yield.
5. Even on fairly rich soil, manure or fertilizers can be used with profit.
When manure can not be obtained without hauling two or three miles, 500
pounds of mixed chemicals or of some good brand of commercial fertilizer
will be cheaper to use, and will be a profitable investment.
LR. DART.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 185
INSPECTION OF COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS.
BY R. C. KEDZIE.
Bulletin No. 86, July, 1892.
The law providing for the inspection of commercial fertilizers and regu-
lating their sale was enacted in 1885. The law was designed to protect
farmers from loss by the purchase of inferior or even worthless fertilizers
offered for sale in our state. Other states requiring an inspection of fer-
tilizers before they are offered for sale, a manufacturer who had inferior
fertilizers for sale might find it profitable to offer such goods in states
where no inspection is made, and farmers are not warned of the low grade
of goods offered for sale.. But for our inspection law this state might be
made the dumping ground for worthless fertilizers. Farmers should make
use of the information offered them by this law, and know what they buy
and be able to judge of its commercial value.
The three most valuable materials in commercial manures are potash,
phosphoric acid, and available nitrogen. Hach of these has a commercial
value, and the worth of any given quantity in the market may be stated in
dollars and cents. Only these three substances are considered in the
inspection of commercial fertilizers, because the other materials are of too
little value to be purchased at high prices. The essential value of these
fertilizers lies in the potash, phosphoric acid, and available nitrogen they
contain. The law does not prescribe the amount of these substances in
any fertilizer, but requires the manufacturer or dealer to certify the com-
position of the fertilizer, and to deposit a sample of the fertilizer with the
Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture. In this way the composition
of the fertilizer as claimed by the manufacturer is offered to the public.
Samples of the fertilizer are gathered in the open market, and analyzed,
and the results directly compared with the claims of the manufacturer in
the bulletin. The farmer can thus find in the bulletin, on lines opposite
each fertilizer, the amount of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash as
claimed by the manufacturer, and as actually found by analysis at this
laboratory. If the analysis shows more of any given substance than is
claimed, the goods are better than claimed; but if much less is found on
analysis than is claimed, then the goods are proportionately of less value
to the farmer. For example, an Ohio potato fertilizer was sold in the
state last year that fell short of the claimed amount of available nitrogen
by more than two per cent., and of potash by more than three per cent.,
and the fertilizer was not worth so much as claimed by $l1l aton. By
consulting the tables in the bulletin, the market value of these commercial
fertilizers can be estimated on the basis that available phosphoric acid is
worth eight cents a pound, insoluble phosphoric acid three cents, potash
six cents, and ammonia eighteen cents. As there are 20 times 100 pounds
in a ton, if we multiply the value of a pound by 20, we get the value of
one per cent. of each substance, and thus obtain a factor for obtaining the
value of the material in a ton from the percentage given in the tables of
the bulletin. One per cent. means 20 pounds in a ton, and if the material
is worth eight cents a pound then each per cent. equals $1.60 a ton.
136 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Multiply $1.60 by the per cent. of available phosphoric acid.
a .60 z5 insoluble a a
c 3.60 . s ammonia.
1.20 fe < potash.
The sum will give the market value of a ton of such fertilizer. Take
for example Vegetable Bone fertilizer as found last year:
Agnmania’D.10: > Ko. CO aCe Ee as aa $20.74
Available phosphoric-acid 640% > 160= G2... 32 eee 8.64
Insoluble 3 oo AS Gp. Kh OO Se Oe oe ee et 89
guage (00 Cp Ok aOR ate eae ee ee 9.36
Merketwvalueperton._ ON ee er eet eae eee eee $39.62
In order to secure full information in regard to the composition of all
fertilizers sold or offered for sale in this state, a license -is required of
every manufacturer or dealer in such fertilizers in this state. If the
manufacturer takes out a license for any brand of fertilizer, such license
protects all dealers in such fertilizer for the year; but if the manufacturer
neglects or refuses to take out such license, then each dealer must take
out a license to cover his sales. Any person who sells or offers for sale
any fertilizer (whose retail price exceeds $10), that has not been thus
licensed is liable to a fine of not less than $100 for the first offense and not
less than $300 for every subsequent offense. The same fines hang over the
dealer who sells goods, that are not up to the standard claimed. Dealers
will show wisdom in refusing to handle the fertilizers of manufacturers
who neglect or refuse to take out a license for their goods, or fail to keep
their goods up to the standard claimed.
It may seem a hardship to the dealer to require a license from each one
for every brand of fertilizer he offers for sale. Yet it is obvious that the
system of inspecting and licensing is necessary to protect the farmers from
heavy loss. But the factories are for the most part outside of our state
and thus beyond the reach of our state law, and the only parties that can
be reached are the local dealers. If a license is required of one, it must be
required of all.
In order to give exact information on all these points, the full text of
the law is printed.
[Session Laws of 1885, No. 26. |
AN ACT to provide for the inspection of commercial fertilizers and to regulate the
sale thereof.
Section 1, The People of the State of Michigan enact, That any person or persons
who shall sell or offer for sale in this state any commercial fertilizer, the retail price of
which exceeds ten dollars per ton, shall affix on the outside of every package containing
such fertilizer a plainly printed certificate, stating the number of net pounds therein;
the name or trade mark under which such article is gold; the name of the manufact-
urer; the place of manufacture, and a chemical analysis, stating the percentage of
nitrogen in an available form; of potash soluble in water, and of phosphoric acid in
available form (soluble or reverted) and the insoluble phosphoric acid.
Sec. 2. Before any commercial fertilizer is sold or offered for sale, the manufacturer,
importer, or party who causes it to be sold or offered for sale within this state, shall file
with the secretary of the State Board of Agriculture a certified copy of the analysis
and certificate referred to in section one, and shall also deposit with said secretary a
sealed glass jar containing not less than two pounds of such fertilizer, with an affidavit
that it is a fair sample of the article thus to be sold or offered for sale.
Sec. 3. The manufacturer, importer, or agent of any commercial fertilizer, the retail
price of which exceeds ten dollars per ton as aforesaid, shall pay annually to the secre-
tary of the State Board of Agriculture, on or before the first day of May, a license fee
26
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 137
-of twenty dollars for each and every brand of fertilizer he offers for sale in this
«state: Provided, That whenever the manufacturer or importer shall have paid this
license fee his agents shall not be required to do so.
Src. 4. All such analyses of commercial fertilizers required by this act shall be made
under the direction of the State Board of Agriculture and paid for out of the funds
-arising from the license fees provided for in section three. At least one analysis of
each fertilizer shall be made annually.
Src. 5. The secretary of the State Board of Agriculture shall publish in his annual
report a correct statement of all analyses made and certificates filed in his office,
together with a statement of all moneys received for license fees, and expended for
analysis. Any surplus from license fees remaining on hand at the close of the fiscal
year shall be placed to the credit of the experimental fund of said board.
Sec. 6. Any person or persons who shall sell or offer for sale any commercial fertil-
izer in this state without first complying with the provisions of sections one, two, and
three of this act, or who shall attach or cause to be attached to any such package or
fertilizer an analysis stating that it contains a larger percentage of any one or more of
‘the constituents or ingredients named in section one of this act than it really does con-
tain shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not less than one hundred dollars for the
first offense, and not less than three hundred dollars for every subsequent offense, and
the offender shall also be liable for damages sustained by the purchaser of such
fertilizer on account of such misrepresentation.
Sec. 7. The State Board of Agriculture by any duly authorized agent is hereby
authorized to select from any package of commercial fertilizer exposed for sale in this
state, a quantity, not exceeding two pounds, for a sample, such sample to be used for
the purposes of an official analysis and for comparison with the certificate filed with
the secretary of the State Board of Agriculture and with the certificate affixed to the
package on sale.
Sec. 8. All suits for the recovery of fines under the provisions of this act shall be
brought under the direction of the State Board of Agriculture.
Approved March 10, 1885.
For the information of the parties concerned, the fertilizers that have
been licensed for 1892 will be indicated in the list of this Bulletin;
also those that have not been licensed and whose sale is illegal in this
state.
The primary object of this law is to give information in regard to the
composition of commercial fertilizers, and to protect farmers from impo-
sition and loss. The question of their agricultural value, and relation to
crops and different kinds of soils is not touched. These subjects require
a separate examination for determining the relative value of any given
fertilizer with reference to different soils and crops. The farmer can
settle for himself such questions by trials of the fertilizer on a small por-
tion of a field and comparing the results with other parts of the same field
and crop on which no fertilizer has been applied. The conditions of crop,
soil, and climate are thus brought home to him more completely than any
investigation in other places and conditions can furnish. P
How the state may place before the farmers the agricultural value of
the various fertilizers offered for sale is a very different subject from that
contemplated by this law for the inspection of such fertilizers. Such law
-of inspection offers no advice whether the farmer shall buy such fertili-
zers, or depend upon the home supply. In case he determines to buy, it
affords him some basis for calculating the commercial value of the differ-
ent brands offered for sale, and to select honest goods which are found to
be the same in the market as are claimed by the seller. He may also be
-on his guard not to buy the goods which are not licensed for sale as not
worthy of confidence. é
With this brief statement of the objects sought by inspection, and the
results of analysis of goods selected in the open market as compared with
the claims of the manufacturer, this Bulletin is submitted to the public.
.AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE,
July 2, 1892.
138
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Result of Analyses of Commercial
Manufacturer.
Trade Name.
t Practical Ammoniated Super- ;
phosphate: “4 aise
Dealer and Locality.
Hester & Fox, Grand Rapids--_-
tNew Rival Ammoniated Super-
phosphates. - eee
H. P. Shutt, Kalamazoo-._____-
tVegetable Bone Superphosphate
Hester & Fox, Grand Rapids___
t Potato, Hop and Tobacco
Superphosphate er ee
Crocker Chemical Works, nienssh
ING Y
tAmmoniated Bone Super-
phosphates 22 2.-- 2242-22-22 e
ry
“| 6.8
C. Vandoran, Adrian-___---._-_-
G. A. Starkweather, Plymouth -
t Pure Ground Bone
H. P. Shutt, Kalamazoo--___--.
+ Ammoniated Wheat and Corn ;
Superphosphate___.__--------
Cleveland Dryer Co., Cleveland, O.__-
Cleveland Dryer Co., Cleveland, O.__-
Cleveland Dryer (o., Cleveland, O.__-
Cleveland Dryer Co., Cleveland, O._-_-
Cleveland Dryer Co., Cleveland, O._-_-
t Buffalo Superphosphate No. 2--
t Special Potato Fertilizer--_-__---
t Buckeye Bone Superphosphate-
T'Ohio Seeds Maker 2-22. -=--=-=-
t Potato) Mertilizer-__-==:->--25_-
+ Park and Lawn Fertilizer. ___--
Square Bone! 2.225222 =— ese
Cleveland Dryer Co., Cleveland, O.__-
t Licensed; Sale legal.
t Ammoniated Dissolved Bone --
H. P. Shutt, Kalamazoo ___----
G. A. Starkweather, Plymouth-
G. A. Starkweather, Plymouth-
E. B. Niles, Blissfield___.__----
Robert Birch, Plymouth-__-.--
L. B. Sprucer, Holloway------
Kanter Bros., Holland
Robert Birch, Plymouth --_-_----
C.S. Curtis Rochester-..-------
* Not licensed: Sale unlawful if the retail price exceeds $10 a ton. Penalty for selliag or offering for
sale a fine of $100. See Sec. 6 of this law.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 139
Fertilizers in Michigan for 1892.
Composition of Fertilizers as claimed by Manufacturer and Found on Chemical Analysis.
Percentage Estimation.
Ayailable Phosphoric Acid. Potash.—Soluble in Water.
Nitrogen.
Estimated as Available Insoluble Total Estimated as|Estimated as
N He. Py Os. 2 Os. Pp» Os. Ko O. Ko SOx.
hee ee 1to2 8 to 10 1to2 9 to 12 1 to 2 2to3
Heundes25-c- 1. 6.82 2.32 9.14 1.26 2.33
{ Claimed.____- 1.50 to 2.50 10 to 12 1to3 11 to 15 1.60 to 2.70 3to5
Pounds 2225 1.66 7.73 3.50 11.23 1.56 pal
aetna ele 6 to7 6 to7 1 to 2 7to9 6 to 8. 11 to 15
Found_4_._-- 4,74 6.17 52 6.79 10.80 19.98
§ Claimed -___- 2.50 to 3.50 10 to 12 1to2 11 to 14 3.25 to 4.80 6 to8
Found] ="2. 2.93 8.88 1.99 10.87 4.64 8.58
{ Claimed -___- 3.50 to 4.50 10 to 12 1to2 11 to 14 1to2 2to3
Found__-_-___- 1.27 8.99 1.40 10.39 1.32 2.44
{ Claimed -._-- 20bO 400) ieee Seats oe eee ees So QUO aoe og (Poe ee > ee ie ee
Found__-____- BA ye | epee ene eS Ae oe ee DOROH eS hes Gan o Wrckes line oe an cee
{ Claimed ____- 2.50 to 3.50 10 to 13 1to2 11 to 15 1.60 to 2.70 3 to 5
Mound c 2st 2.51 8.88 2.86 11.74 1.95 3.60
{ CUE s LES) Se ES oe 11 to 18 1to2 12 to 15 1.35 to 2 2.50 to 3.50
Found. -.--- 45 8.48 .60 9.08 1.58 2.92
; Claimed -___- 4.50 to 5.50 8to9 : 1 to 2 9 to 11 5,40 to 6.40 10 to 12
Found___.__- 4.43 9.58 1.47 11. 5.61 10.37
; Claimed -___- 3 to 4 9 to 10 2to 3 11 to 12 1'tol ds aise eee
Hounds. e222 2.83 9.28 3.50 12.73 19 35
§ Claimed -___- 1.50 to 2.50 10 to 12 3.19 THOT eee Saath Se Se ee
Found______- 1.59 11.51 2.68 TAI OE Soe 9: 2 Sere eee ee
§ Claimed ____- 4to5 8 to 10 2 to 4 19 to 14 4to6: .% lasuc d= eee
Hound s-222_. 8.28 8.97 2,54 11.51 8.12 5.77
5 (Clam eee ree ae eee ee eee Ce ey |e eee ee See ono as Soe e aa oe | ean Sea 4
Hound 22). 1.03 10.89 .10 10.99 . 14 25
§ Claimed -___- 3 to 4 6 to 10. dh eA ee DOO obs ‘ess So Ss ee ee
Hound:--_° =: 74 tia gma oe het elle 2 ES OPE Pants ch Bes all; SES ese eee
§ Claimed -___- 1,50 to 2.50 TO ton oko tee abn 0) 3 Cah Oegll Ota et ree ay [PER ke A
Hound! 22222 1.22 10,10 2.85 DOD) S| oases 2 2s | See eee
140 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Result of Analyses of Commercial Fertilizers
Manufacturer,
Michigan Beef & Provision We}
Detroit Mich yess ee eee
Michigan Carbon Works, yee
IMI CHS Sas tek BAe ee esa
Trade Name.
t Farmers Favorite _____-__..-__-
t Jarves Celery Grower ________--
Dealer and Locality.
Geo, Hancock, Grand Haven__
MIG ee ore ee ' t Jarves Drill Phosphate _______- H. Rogers & Bros., G’d Haven-
mic get Carboy Workers Dotrolt, ' t Homestead Potato Grower ____| C. B. Waterloo, Port Huron__-
Seed Carbon sone Pena ‘ ¢ Banner Raw Bone Flour -____-- C. B. Waterloo, Port Huron__-
Biobigen Orrben. Works, Tepe : { Homestead Superphosphate.___! Geo. Hancock, Grand Haven __
Septet, Fre Company) ¢ Hope rand sn Posto, lato, Ball
Ser Aes ee Company, ; t Prairie Phosphate__._._______-- J. F, Farnum, Kalamazoo ____-
Re ee ee ‘ t Horseshoe Brand Corn Grower.| W. A. Hayes, Rochester_______-
eS aoe ; $ $26 Phosphate -______- maT Eee P. Grenell, Lenox 42s
ei ee ee t t Garden City Superphosphate.__| J. F. Farnum, Kalamazoo_____-
Pah cigs Naam hae ooh ' + Celery Grower-___-._...---.----- J. F. Farnum, Kalamazoo -___-
A ERs re Semen et Sas ‘ } Hine Raw Bones---------2-_ 22: M. Wolverton, Blissfield______-
W.S. Dunbar, St. Joseph, Mich. _____
TMeat and Bone: 222 o) a eee
TH iphiGaAnOs =) aoe oan apes
Manufacturer: =. 222 ee eee
Manntfacturer:=—- 222 eee eee
Bradley Fertilizer Co., Boston, Mass.
t Dissolved Bone with Potash_--
C. Kraling, Kalamazoo _______-
Licensed: Sale legal.
Not licensed : Sale unlawful if the retail price exceeds $10 a ton.
sale, a fine of $100. See Sec. 6 of the law.
Penalty for selling or offering for
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS.
in Michigan for 1892.—CoNTINUED.
141
Composition of Fertilizers as Claimed by Manufacturer and as Found on Chemical Analysis.
Percentage Estimation.
Available Phosphoric Acid. Potash.—Soluble in Water.
Nitrogen.
Estimated as Available Insoluble Total. Estimated as|Estimated as
Hz. P2 Os. P»2 Os. P2 Os. Ke O. 2 S04.
Claimed .___- 3.50 to 4.50 9 to 11 1 to2 9 to 12 ler PAN enr-fe aye eae Se NI
Pound 2-2-2 4,33 4,9. 2.22 7.16 WRSH i) | ieee eae
Claimed .____ US AEs 2 2 ORS IS ea 2 a re ifs i Laing naeg| eee A
Hound =! _ = ZRASME | eee oe St Leena sas bets ef 13.13 -78 1.44
Claimed ____- 1.25 to 2. 7.50 to 9.50 2 to3 9:50) towl 2.50 is eoee ae 8 | ae ee See
Hound ==... \ 1.85 8.20 1.13 9:33 Fae ee | Oe a ee
Claimed -__-- 3 to4 10 to ll 200) Od o0Me | 10:00) tonk2,50 np oteee eee mee 6.50 to 7.50
Hopnde.-*-.! 4,04 11.25 28 1.53 3.67 i
§ Claimed -___- SHEN ONG Sr DE NN | SE ae ein teat | ek Ota ee St COLS any pote ateee A ee| Stee
Hound. oo. _. (EO) a hate SRR Tee | ene eee ae ee 2201 Seles ee A ee ae
§ Claimed --_-_-- 1.85 to 2.40 WeOOe TO reteset sae See WeoOnbOU eas eset se oe eee 2.75 to 3,50
Found______- 2.60 10.08 oO 10.59 1,69
Claimed .___- 3 to4 COLD yw feats oe eh | SE EE el |e er ete 2to8
Found 222.2" SH GY lanl as ea Meph> co 2 Teae 4,17 13.67 98 1.81
§ Claimed -___- Ap GOs 00) | ete ae erect NE |S es et cuit? oft Li LS Slse| ie ae ey | Cae S ap ee Bh
Hound =22 25s 2.24 8.55 2.77 1 SP) ee meee! [at Sh ee aes AE
Claimed ____- 2.50 to 8 SS Pict [ek a: Conia a oi) ORL Ta, Sy Ba to 1.08" |) poke ee
Hounds. 22222 8.2 4.71 12.98 0.08 0.15
| Claimed ____- ZatOLaspO My eee ee A ee OE CONIA 052 5 es
Hound 322% 2.29 10.72 2.55 2 |S EP (iam [earner HS DN eee Le
§ Claimed ____. 2.50 to 8 8 to9 4 to 4.50 12 to 13.50 ba) toi .08% |e ces eee
Gungss als 2.73 9,24 3.28 12.52 : 1.74
} Punimed tee 3 to4 fa). RS a ec ee reenter pCOLO Rey eee 5S te eens 22 2to3
Hound 2: - 3.99 9.04 4 13.04 59 1,09
; Claimed _____ Stoudemire Ot O loner Al see ee sa te A Re oe
Hound! 2222 ABO 1/iis. hd Ou ee pee to ae ZOROD Wal hee ERE el te
§ CUA rea T | a Id EST SA | he i es a2 IO vee eee Rees 7) "LN (on pd ee ee | ete
ound_______ 6.86 5,15 6.17 i A LS Ya es oe A A eee
§ (CHET TG 7s Un se eS SiN AON pe pe ca || Aa of Sloe eeaeaa OG Pais Oy |e 2 le | | RO A i PE DR ga
HMourids 27282 8.46 3.63 1.48 vi 8 (ee aE ce ee
5 Claimed -___. 1 to2 GvtorSiaee, i aeteekee oie 10 to 12 ACO Oya ee. ee Pees
Honnd= 1 8.39 1,84 10.23 2.71 5.01
142 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Result of Analysis of Commercial Fertilizers
Manufacturer. Trade Name. Dealer and Locality.
Bradley Fertilizer Co., Boston, Mass..| + Sea Fowl Guano--_-__..---------- C. Kraling, Kalamazoo --------
Pottstown Iron Co., Pottstown, Pa.__| { Odorless Phosphate _____----_-- Grennis Perkins, Richmond_--
ee an ‘Chemical MIGrES: ' ¢ Lister’s Success ___-__--------_- John McCullough, Ypsilanti-__
E. S. Fitch & Co., Bay City, Mich.___- Ture Ground Bones asssenee= Manufacturer:.{_2_ 2)
E. S. Fitch & Co., Bay City, Mich.-___- + Lawn Fertilizer. 1 -....2------- Manufacturer=-----—-e- eee
Joseph Lister, Chicago, Ill. __..__-- "i Tlanikaseme ee ve ee ae em. Paw Paw, 2-coeoceeeee
Joseph Lister, Chicago, Ill. ___-___- i t{ Pure Bone Meal_________-__---- @iEnele; Paw Pawesseesseeee
Joseph Lister, Chicago, Ill. ________ : TVAZOUINOS = ee 3 ee = eee C. Engle, Paw Paw ---.-- Sh
H. J. Baker & Bros., New York, N. : + Complete
1 CB eh REPU ac Nip aS 2 ow AS ee Manure es! 2:22 ore ee ae
H. J. Baker & Bros., New York; N. ; t Grade ‘‘A”’ for Potatoes, Spec- ; Alfred Brown, Grand Rapids _-
Wie Lp ee Ce aR A Se eR ial Truck Manure_--._...__-
Mape’s Formula & Peruvian Guano ' + Warranted Genuine Peruvian ;
Co., New York, N. Y C: Engle, Paw Paw, 222s
Mape’s Formula & Peruvian Guano ‘ + Mape’s Complete Manure for :
Co., New York, N. Y Generalise-22) 323 ee C. Engle, Paw Paw --.. .-------
+ Mape’s Manure for Potatoes__-| CU. Engle, Paw Paw -_----------
Mape’s Formula & Peruvian Guano ‘
Co., New York, N. Y
F, C. Sturtevant, Hartford, Conn.___- t{ Tobacco and Sulphur Fertilizer} Kanter Bros., Holland
{ Hammond’s Slug Shot and
Ractilizen ' C. B. Waterloo, Port Huron ---
Grand Rapids Glue Co., Grand Rap- ‘ t Non Plus Ultra
ids, Mich.............._........... § | | Nom Plus Ultra____------------- Manufacturers noes sees eee
Not licensed: Sale unlawful if the retail price exceeds $10a ton. Penalty for selling or offering for
y Licensed: Sale legal.
ea fine of $100. See Sec. 6 of the law.
“] \. why: WY
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS.
in Michigan for 1892.—CoNCLUDED.
143
Composition of Fertilizers as Claimed by Manufacturer and Found on Chemical Analysis.
Percentage Estimation.
Available
Phosphoric Acid. Potash.—Soluble in Water.
Nitrogen. ve
Estimated as Available Insoluble Total Estimated as|Estimated as
N Hs. P2 O;. Py, O;. P» O;. KO. Ke SO4.
{ “Clie Premed Lee |e Me a ali a oh ae ba is | A NE ee eee era ee
Found.--_---- 3.02 10.44 1.38 11.82 1.66 3.07
{ Cie Tee as Ee ae ares 4.92 15.95 20.87 | oid Ne Sdn ane ee
LE ora va Lge TO NCA ae ee 5.15 11.19 16.34 | phe A pe PES eee eee
' Claimed_____- Aaron e || See tee es sh Wy SE re ee 10.50 to 12 1:50'to! 2, ¢ s)/Sezsebe eee
Hounds 24.52 2. 8.19 1.91 A 3.58
‘ Ros Fea trx1 ¢xcd eee | eles AUT es a ieee em mn eee pe eh oe he Ne ee ee a te eee
Hour dons! CITY. | | hl eas TEMP I Dek aac OT Py st jig te ae a eee 3 VERS
{ Capers £2 le Ae ok ee) OE A 9 pee atl FE SUE a ip aera ea 0 (onan a Ee pd by) OE et Ree pe ee oer
Found.___-_-_-- 3.21 6.34 1.55 7.90 82 1.51
‘ KO leat eri eee eee ee ee ee ee Ot Nae ab Eo lb o ene wall es, | a Se ee
Hound 240—— 7.39 5.16 3.37 8.53 14 .20
; Claimed.____- SUOH ips | weeps 28 ote hg 08ers DW a ee epee a Mp i Se ee de
Found__-_--_-- ZUG ig) se, ee oe 0 en SO PALO DN tee £8 Gal | ee ee
[RC Taimede wees tee sana seme nee ee eS RE DEL a Ae Pee, 2 | a ee a ose od oad (oe Se onee sa eee
GHound’. 2222 HARI SG | bei Mabe Da Sale If is ye a CIS yi | ees ey
{ Claimed..___- 4.50 to 5 BitorG ial oeee Meeks. oa aerdllle Lee cen 7150600 ah eee eee
Houndee 22-5 fr 5.87 AT «4 4 13.94
{aimed a 3to6 Dito Seem lene aeeeeas © ade ee 2Y 3do yea Tato 10% 9 se eee
Hound. 2. 5.78 4,87 1.90 6.77 11.73 21.70
§ Ey exes Cl ee |e ee ate Spee SPA EMO Ny SUL 3 ay us | 2 ass | ae he Se St ee ee ee
Hound) 2 > 2= 6.20 9.10 4.28 13.38 2.51 4.64
§ ist ranccl ees ce eee ee eel |e, A cal ce So Ee ree rll eee = eI eee eee
Hound. >__22. 4,28 8.33 1.74 10.07 4.44 8.21
§ laine see |e et a Le ea ets Pail Nees hl a sane ee ied ed Oe |e eee
Hound: =- =~ 4.64 8.64 83 9.47 6.98 12.91
, COM a ippavere Lek 2 |e Ree A ee |e I TL le ae ae pee ey NS | [EEE Dye eee ene eer ==
Hound.----- PG el [OM Oe, PVG = 0] | es een ete pe 1.95 5.97 11.04
{point EE | [Ee SOR NS Oba of SN SUN | SPN IS SS ORR ane pds es a tel] PEP em en (DS IE be
Round. 2222. PCT} 9 al LER Sie eee TSG “| A An a Traces be 2 64 1.18
: Claimed \ 2224 Pee se oe ee | Soe ee See eee, eRe alll 5 ca eee es oe I ee a a he | oe Bee
Hound: 7.22 = 3.07 74 2.09 3.83 .96 1.77
144 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
FRUIT REPORT.
BYS Teen aVONs
Bulletin No. 88, December, 1892.
To Prof. L. Rk. Taft, Horticulturist:
Str-—I herewith submit my report of operations, under your direction,
at the South Haven Fruit Testing Sub-station for the year 1892:
The winter of 1891 and 1892 proved a comparatively mild one. Hence,
although somewhat enfeebled by the protracted drouth of the previous
autumn, trees and plants generally came through in apparently fair con-
dition. A season of almost continuous rain commenced during the last
days of March, which continued till growth was well under way, keeping
the soil thoroughly saturated with water, seriously injuring, and in many
cases utterly ruining trees and plants, especially strawberries and other
small fruits.
The very general scarcity of the larger fruits during the grape season,
had doubtless increased the tendency to the pilfering of this fruit while
ripening. This finally became so serious that a watchman was employed
for a few nights, with the apparent effect of somewhat checking
depredations.
The bloom of most classes of fruit trees was unusually profuse, giving
promise of a bountiful crop, especially of small fruits, peaches, plums, and
cherries; but, apparently from the prevalence of cold, wet weather during
the blooming season, the germs largely failed to develop and thus fulfil
the early promise.
The purpose had been to give the trees and plants a thorough spray of
copper carbonate prior to the growing season, but the material was received
so late that only the plums, quinces, and a portion of the grapes were
reached prior to the advent of the rainy season, which arrested the appli-
cation, leaving no opportunity for a renewal till growth had become too
far advanced for the purpose, though later sprayings were given with
Bordeaux mixture.
Circumstances indicate that much benefit might have resulted from a
general application of the spray of copper carbonate, and I deem it highly
desirable that another spring the application be made general.
The result of the partial, and in many cases the entire failure of the
crop of fruit, has been to render it impracticable to deduce trustworthy
comparisons as to relative productiveness, hence these are generally
omitted.
Considering the several classes of fruits as nearly as practicable in the
order of their maturity, we come first to the
STRAWBERRY—Fragaria,
The column headed “ Productiveness” in the following table, is copied
from that headed ‘“‘ Matted Rows ” in the report of last year:
Sims 8ReEDE | Number.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS.
STRAWBERRIES.—Fragaria,
Abbreviations for sexuality—b, bisexual; n p, nearly pistillate; p, pistillate.
: ap aD A
g 2 H | os
£ Sule Se dl iter ss] ers ey Las
Name. 3 d > 2 A, fay ENS Remarks.
eal — wey 42 cmt) @
H| 2 || | B | g Elss
@ || tS) ee a q faa
Allahamarsenss2e42 212 b | Ala. __/1890 May 18_|June 20|July 1/11} 26} Not valuable here.
Allipna gee Sion) eee b | Oat... /188! “ 10.) ** 14/)Jane 29/11) 70) An early family berry.
Arnold Pride- -_____-- b | Ont.___|1881 i 17. . 23/Jaly 11} 8} 51) Large, dali in color.
Atlantic __._.... ..-.| b | N.J.__/1890 10_ * 14) “ 13/12) 85] Lacks productiveness,
Australian Crimson_-|----|__..___- Pete ge Fs he | ee ee _.|.---| Not well tested.
Barton Eclipse______- 12), | eee Nea a 1891 May AS ee eres |e Promising.
Beder Wood___.___._- b | Til, ___|1890 14_ June 25 July 13)12) 144) Valuable for market.
Balmiont/ 22S 24a: ae b | Mass. _|1885 ce 20_ 25)“ 11/11) 37) Desirable for home ase.
Bessie eee See eae p | Ala.___|1890 a‘ 18_ s 20 5/12) 71! Not promising. _
Black Defiance______- b | N.J.__}1875 iGs 20 112} 47) Old, but still desirable.
ote ee See Gee : N.J._- oe < 1D te 23) 2555 STA 49 JS Pe IS Ls
OVHLOR Somer eee eee ise ee a se ee ae [pee ees Pee | ehiry for ghoer:
Bubach, No. 5._---__-- Dy SLL 1888 | June 20|July 11/10) 131} Large; a market berry.
Bubach, No. 24____-__. joy | |) ea 1890) ** 17 17|Jane 29) 8} 22! New; not promising.
Bubach, No. 132_____- b | IlL.___.|1890) ** 10} ‘* 17) ‘* 29/11) 65) Same origin as foregoing.
Buback, NOT IS eens a= b | IlL____|1890) ** 14.) ‘* 20|July 11/12} 103] Same source as last three.
IBniee sas eee b | N, Y.__/1889 “i 23.]| ** 20) ‘* 11)12} 44) Much like Wilson.
Bright ida) 252 b ! Ont..__| 188i ; 17-| ‘* 23! * 11/10) 102) Productive; lacks color.
Captain Jack 33 b | Mo.__. 1876} ‘“* 17_| ‘* 23) ‘* 11/11} 21) Lacks size.
Carmichael __-. -____-. p | Ohio._|1890} ** 28.] ‘ 27/ ‘* 11) 9] 15) Unworthy.
Cameronian_________- Bee [be sees SONS ae | ere ea eee ..|----| Not properly tested.
Charles Downing ___.| b | Ky...._|1874 May 17- June 23 July 11/11] 36) Old, still popular.
Charleston’_/2 8-222 bd | Ohio -.| 1890 138] S°" 23 11\12| 28) May prove to be Nennan.
Cling POR et eer ee b |} Ohio —|189U} “© 11_| ‘* 23] ‘* 11/11] 10) Not desirable.
Cloud pees. i Ly p | La.____|1888} *“* 17_| ‘ 20) ‘* 11/10) 57) Hardy; not profitable.
Covelleee et. pe cuteeh 2: b | N.J..-/1888) “ 10.) “* 14) ** 1/12] 72) Sets too much fruit.
Crawtord. 25294 = Ss b | Ohio -. 1889} ‘* 13.] ‘* 25} ‘* 9/10) 56] Needs a longer trial.
@rescont 2-292 -< = p |} Conn._}1880)} “ 13.) ‘* 16) “* 9/10} 70) Very popular; market.
Cumberland_________- b | Pa, __.|1880) ** 17.) ‘* 20) ** 11/12) 80) Fora near market.
IBY SF eas AS LTA p | Ohio _|1890} ‘* 13.] ‘“ 23) ‘* 11/12] 36! Of little apparent value.
DG Wy NS eB cle or b | Mich._/1889] ‘* 27.} ‘* 23) ‘* 11/10} 53] A very vigorous plant.
IDV can-aes Sak ao b | Ind. __|1876} ‘* 10 ** 20; ** 11/11) 57] Early and g.sod.
utters see _--| b | Ind. __!1889} ‘* 20.; ‘* 23) ‘ 11/11) 83! Must have good culture.
Early Canada _______- | p | Ont._.|1986) ** 17.) ‘ 23) ‘* 11/12] 52! Not profitable.
1 BG PV se eee Sy NT Se aT] ee (HNN CEs) fe Dee ee pee es _|.---| But partially tested.
Bngle, Nos lo b | Mich._/1590|May 6_|June 23\July 11/10) 54| Promising.
ace Be Re dE ee Hey SS 23) % 25), = 11/12) 93) Large; productive; velaaole
Stelle Loos S522 Sot Seo |) LT Oeya ey eee ee .-------|--|----] Seedling by C. Engle.
Hurekas. = p | Ohio _.|1888 May 24_|June 25|July 13 ial 50} A good market variety.
Aarne wOLbhy joe | Li eee es 1891 205) 222 2: Cee _|.---| Only partially tested.
[ealtones=2s2) af “Sah bs Ohio. 1890) ‘* 14 June at July 11/12) 80] Needs farther trial.
Florence ___._._..---.| b | Ohio _/1888} “* 23. 23} ** 11/12) 102) Valuable for market.
Galesronee =: Sa b | Ga.__ ./1888) ‘* 18 ** 23) © 12/12) 45! Southern; of little value.
CANO ya ssaee ee eee Hu ON ee Soules: AOE! |-a\eS: Sb lees Tay 12) 36/.Valued for its lateness.
Garretison = oe 2.2 p | Ont.__|1886} ‘* 11_ ** 27); +“ 11/10! 79) Lacks productiveness.
Geniaeean _---| p | Ll. _._/1890}) “© 18.) “* 17} ‘* 9Q/L1} 149] Very promising.
pel Putnam _____ B face sa Se a ue au ** 11/12}____| Requires a fuller test.
endalaee PP ix 110 _. 2) “* 24. ‘© 23/ “* 11/12) 41] Very late.
Governor Hoard _._..| b | Wis.../1888} ‘* 11.| ‘* 20) ‘* 11/12] 136 Proviaine.
Great American______| b | N.J.__|1878} ‘* 17 “© 20) ** 11/12) 43} Must have high culture.
Great Pacific____.____ p | [ll. -_.}1890} ‘* 18.) ‘© 23) ‘* 11/12} 189] Very promising.
Hanrpden 232257) p --.---|1889} ** 20.; ‘* 27) ‘* 11/11] 56) May prove valuable.
Hatfield eed eal ibs ON een ASG ero tn 88 cag ads 11/12) 25) Unpromising so far.
Haverland _. eS SUSIE AI 0 | Wa ae en 1887; ‘* 11} ‘* 20) ‘* 11/12) 106] (me Of the most valuable.
[Eitraiverngers 220s Oe [oe ee SL: 1890})<** “23. a Oka 9/11) 56] Not promising.
Hoflinan?.| op os22- 2! Lo) fed Pop fepeesd Fs! c3e) |e kare s by el ais byl Fae 9 9) 28! Valued further south.
iindiang 22 es) ib) | Dads 22 |1889) 8 18s) 4! 231) “SF a91TdI" 61] Not:valuable:
Itasca ___..__..-_..__.| p | Ind. _./1888} “* 17_| ‘* 20} ‘* 9/12) 95] Of doubtful value.
van lide em | sess 2 Di pObio S80 ss Ta 88 16 ss 1} 9| 45] Not promising, —
Jersey Queen ________- p|N. J.--|1886 “ 23_] ‘ 23) ‘* 13/12) 24) Succeeds with high culture.
145
19
. ok
, ‘
146 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
STRAWBERRIES.—Fragaria,—Con.
F Bt elles’
“ ot - ao
. . Q
O = 4 | Ge)
= Name. 4 d > a A, a {8190 Remarks.
g 5 7) 2 “7 a sa HS 2 a
5 K y2| 2 | AS oe (Slag
Z MD ° ec ie) ica yQ (Gia
Gi Wyessie = cos) 4s. 23 b | Wis._.|1889/May11_/June 20|July 1)11) 31) Fails to meet expectations.
G2neucunda lees bal) Pas =-2 1876) So 2a) coat een rT) 29 oe superseded. ~
63 | Jucunda Improved.__| b | N.J.--|1890| ‘* 25 “© 93] * 41/11] 46] Of doubtful value.
64 | Kentucky ____________ | ove eal Gees RSTn SPE Cente rite Gp Onin valued for its lateness.
65 | Lady Rusk _____._____ np} Lil. __./1889} ** 25_| ‘* 20) June 27/12) 56) Not productive enough.
OOAeizehigh 2. S71 eee ae Pass USO UP a2 22S | ieee ee ee -|----| Not yet fruited.
OTs Cada a ae p | N.J.__|1886|May 11_|June 23|July 5) 9! 26) Sets too much fruit.
68 | Lillie Monroe.__.____| b |-__----- 189 Ue 208 (ee ee .-.-_--|--|---.| Not yet fruited.
69 | Logan._______________| b | Ind. __/1888} “ 18_|June 20|July 11/11} 60} Scarcely productive enough.
70 | Longfellow ___.__.__.| b | Ky. --.|1887| ‘* 18] ‘* 20] ‘* 9/10) 50} First berries large.
WS IZOUIGOY 2: see se ee! b | N. ¥. _/1889} ‘* 23.) ‘* 25) ‘* 11/12} 67} Promising for market,
72 | Lovett Early ________- b | N.J.__/1891) “* 20- --|----| Not properly tested,
lou Mazpionel es seer) b | Ont. _./1881] “ 14_]Jt une 20) Ft aly 9/12] 72] Lacks brightness of color.
74 | Manchester __-______ p | N.J.__/1880} ‘S 14. 25 11/12} 129] Valuable; plant overbears.
RON | sakes hee aT |) (Ohio =|'1890 | 5920 “25; ‘* 11/12] 30) Not promising.
WGsaMartha este. eo n p| Minn. /1887} ‘** 17_| ‘* 20; ‘* 11/12} 85) A hardy market variety.
Marvell oye Soe SITE 8 1 | Ohio _|1890} ** 14_.] ‘* 28) ‘* 9/12! 74) Of doubtful value. =
18nieMay ‘Ring oioei iss) Dales ae 1887! ‘© 18} ‘* 20! ‘* 11/12) 79! A good pollenizer.
719 | Miami____ _-.----|n p} Ohio -./1889; ‘* 17_{ ‘** 23) ‘* 11|12} 77) Promising for market.
SO) Maller Soe teas. ee N. J.__|1890} ‘* 20.| ‘* 25! ‘* 11/12) 45) Of doubtful value.
81 | Michel Early _________ b | Ark...|1890} “ 11_] ‘' 14) “* 1/12) 75] Early; not profitable.
82 | Miner _______._______| b | N.J.__11878] “ 18] “ 93] ** 11] 9] 59] An old market variety.
83 | Monmouth___________| b | N.J.__}1888} ‘* 18_| ‘* 25] ** 11] 9} 49] Lacks productiveness.
SITE MOore, fo Fenris ee b | Mich._/1889; ‘‘ 18.| ‘* 28! ‘* 411/12] 55] Like Jessie, but better.
8 | Mount Holyoke_..___|. b }-__.____ LS OTN GOON teen S| eee Je .---| Requires farther trial.
86 | Mount Vernon _______ b | Kan.__}1877} ‘* 18_|June 25|July 11/11] 84] Late; valuable.
87 | Mrs. Cleveland_______ p | Ohio-./1888; ** 18.| ‘* 20} ‘* 11/12] 119] Valuable for market.
88 | New Dominion -_____| b | Ont.._|1878} ‘* 13_| ‘* 25] ‘* 93!12' 63] Rich color ; superseded.
rots) | IN Ve) oo (: Junto se b | Ohio _/1890} ‘* 11_} ‘* 28) ‘* 11/12) 40) Not promising.
90 bio _____._. -___.___.| p | Ohio../1888} ‘* 25_! ‘* 27|June 27/12) 39 Unproductive; late.
91 | Ohio Centennial______ b |} Ohio ../1889) ‘* 17.| ‘* 20)July 18/11) 79} Named for date of origin.
92 | Ohio Monarch.._____. b | Ohio 218919 202\--= ee es} Notiyetitullyitesteds
93 | Oliver -.-.___.__.._._.] b |-__._.._/1890] ‘‘ 18_|June 25|July 13/12} 76! Requires farther trial.
94 | Ontario ______-_. b | N. Y._./1886) ‘* 14 ‘** 23) ‘* 9/12} 18] Much like Sharpless.
95 | Oregon Everbearing _|____| Oreg’n|1891|_._.____|________|___.____ _.|.--.| Not fully tested.
96 | Osceola (Michel E’ly)} b | Mo.__.|1890|May13- June 13|Jualy 1/12) 76) Need a fuller trial.
Jislpearker Parle: uemeee. b | Texas_|1889} ‘* 20_ 23) ‘* 13/12) 255) One of the most valuable.
98 | Parry-_.......__..... | b | N.J.._|1886} ‘' 17_| ‘© 20) ‘* 11/12] 67! Plant lacks vigor.
99 | Pearl _ b | N.J._./1888) “© 18} ‘* 23) ‘* 11/11! 75} Southern; hardy.
100 Phelps(Oid Tronclad) b }__--____|1878; “‘ 11_] ‘* 23/June 29/12) 44) A good pollenizer.
DUP Orbe os emp tle b | N.J._.|1890} ‘“* 17_| ‘“* 25|July 11/12} 67) Apparently worthless.
1025) Pineapples! ise | ay barter 1889 |e REN ESS TES 5/12} 50! A family berry.
NOS Mer tanh lek are | oY ees 1887} ‘** 17.| ‘* 20) ‘* 5/11} 16} Apparently worthless.
ROP Regina. 8 sos. ts p | Ala. __|1890) ‘‘ 30_} ‘‘ 23) ‘* 11/12) 11) Not valuable here.
AODAeRLO“Viatave Ge Soo ils Wao ISON cay Ron eer ey Ase ac _-|----| Not yet fruited here.
LOB TR GaCIO se sorta? Bu, p | Ohio -.|1890|/May11_|June 20|July 13)12} 98) Try farther.
107 | Saunders -____________| «b | Ont.__./1889| ‘* 13_] ** 20) ‘* 11/11] 68) Promising for market.
108 | Seneca Queen _______- Dy NGL eee iSasitose ely ‘* 28) June 23/12} 88! Going out of cultivaion.
109 | Sharpless ___._______.| b | Pa. __.|187%] ‘‘ 18_} ‘* 23/|July 1/12} 45) Lacks productiveness.
MOS ea Were elec Th byl Seeds (ae 1890} ‘* 14.] ‘* 25) ‘* 11/12] 17) Not valuable here.
at Shustorie se cated np} N.J._./1890} *“* 6_; ‘* 16) June 29/12) 79} Valued in New Jersey. ,
112 | Speece ___- b | Mo,__./1890} ‘* 17] ‘ 23)July 3/11) 63} Lacks productiveness.
113 | Stayman, No. 1- n p| Kan. ../1890} ‘ 20.; ‘* 20) ‘* 11/12} 77| Promising.
114 | Stayman, No.2...___ np; Kan. ../i890} ** 24.) ‘* 23] ‘ 11/10} 64) Promising.
115,} Stevens _._.._....:...] b | Ala 1590} ‘* 3.) ‘* 15|June 29/10} 29) Of uncertain value.
116 | Sucker State ____.____ b | Ll. _..)1890; ‘6 17_| ‘' 23/July 11)12} 69} Popular in Illinois.
117 | Thompson, No. 1.___-|-__.| Ohio._/1890| ‘* 25_| ‘* 23/June 25/12} 28] Needs farther trial.
118 | Thompson, No. 4____- ‘b | Ohio _/1890} “* 14. © 23) “ 23110! 14 Apparently worthless.
119 | Thompson, No, 5___. - b | Ohio../1890} ‘* 11.) ‘* 23] ‘* 23/11] 238) Not promising.
120 | Thompson, No. 7____- p | Ohio../1890} ‘* 17.) ‘“* 28)July 1/12] 92) Try farther.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 147
; >
5 Nam P|
4 r 2. ‘3
3 4
Zi 7)
STRAWBERRIES.—Fragaria.—Concluded.
| Received.
First bloom.
| First picking.
Last picking.
121 | Thompson, No. 8____
122 | Thompson, No. 9.___-
123 | Thompson, No, 17___-
124 | Thompson, No, 25____|
125 | Thompson, No. 26___-
126 | Thompson, No. 81___-
127 | Thompson, No. 34-____|-
128 | Tippecanoe ____.___.
129 | Townsend, No. 2 ____-
130 | Townsend, No. 3 ___-_-
131 | Townsend, No. 19 ___-
132 | Townsend, No. 20 __.
133 | Triomphe de Gand. .
134 | Unnamed (Nehring) -
185 | Victor Hugo_________- z
130 eWaltone 2212222
140 | Warfield, No. 1______-
141 | Warfield, No, 2._____-
142 | Westbrook. __.. _-_-
143 | Weston (Blue Vine,
INO 28) eee ce eee eae
144 | White Novelty_.._____
BAS | Walsone 222 5
148 | Woodruff. No.1 ____-
149 | Woolverton _________-.
7 Latte | ON ye eee Se
..|1890| May 11_|June
“ 14 se
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891|May 20_|_____
June 20
a 20
"1876
{1880
1883}
1878
20
20
June 23
27
27
May 22_|June 23
23
23
23
23
us
July
July 11/1
| Hardiness.
Productive-
ness of 1891.
|
12| 78
fala
Qlyy! 82
12| 49
Remarks.
Try farther.
Of doubtful value.
Valueless. «
Farther trial.
Farther trial.
Try farther.
Not yet fully tested.
Of foreign parentage.
Needs farther trial.
Promising for market.
Very promising.
Of uncertain value.
Old; nearly superseded.
Of doubtful value.
But partially tested.
Small; hardy ; productive.
Give it farther trial.
Not yet fruited.
So far not promising.
New; lacks promise.
Well known and yalued.
Partially tested.
But imperfectly tested.
An amateur variety.
Old; well known.
Same as (‘hampion.
Not valuable.
Not va!uable.
Promising.
Of doubtful value.
The purpose was to institute a comparison of results from the first and
second years’ crops from the same plantation, both as grown’in hills and
-in matted rows.
In pursuance of such purpose the planting of a new plat
was omitted, and the existing plantation prepared for another season’s
crop, and mulched on the approach of winter.
There had been obviously more or less enfeeblement of the plants,
doubtless the result of the protracted drouth, accompanied, as it was, by
unusually warm weather during the first two months of autumn. Conse-
quent upon this, together with the wet and cold during the season of
blooming in the following spring, the present year’s crop has proved so
nearly a failure that the attempt to institute the proposed comparison has
been abandoned, and instead thereof the comparative hardiness of the
several varieties is indicated by noting the number of plants of each of the
dozens grown in hills, which have retained sufficient vitality to produce
fruit this year.
This strawberry plat had been planted betwe2n the trees in a young
apple orchard, which has obviously been very unfavorably affected by
such combined occupancy, notwithstanding the thorough cultivation and
manuring which it has received.
The following varieties are, or promise to be, among the most desirable
of those included in the foregoing table; primary reference being had to
their promise for market purposes.
Eclipse (Barton) is but partially tested; but, so far, promises well.
Another season may be expected to pretty fully determine its value.
148 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. "
Beder Wood (first disseminated as Racster) proves to be valuable as an
attractive and profitable market berry.
Bubach is large, showy, and productive, though rather soft for trans-
portation. This was originally disseminated with a number appended to
the originator’s name; and not less than three others have now been more or
less disseminated under the name of this originator with other numbers
appended; none of which so far give indications of comparative value. The
number is therefore eliminated, in compliance with the resolution of the
convention of Agricultural College and Experiment Station managers
held at Champaign, several months since.
Crescent, though by no means a new variety, still holds a high position
as a market variety; more perhaps on account of the hardiness of the
plant and its ability to bear neglect, than from the superior quality of the
fruit.
Enhance has, so far, proved vigorous, and highly productive; and prom-
ises to assume a high position as a market berry, especially with growers
who will give it high culture.
Florence (Clara) though not large, possesses qualities of both plant and
fruit which can scarcely fail to commend it to the favor of discriminating
market growers.
Gem is a variety received from W. F. Nehring of Illinois. It has proved
a very strong grower and a heavy bearer of very large fruit. On account
of the name it may be liable to be confounded with the Shuster Gem of
New Jersey, from which it is distinct.
Governor Hoard (Loudon’s 15) is vigorous and productive; and pos-
sesses other valuable characteristics as a market fruit; but it has scarcely
bey won an assured status as such. It comes from the originator of the
Jessie.
Great Pacific is an Illinois variety. Here it proves vigorous and quite
productive; though condemned in some localities. Im these days of decep-
tive or misleading names, this would quite possibly have been more
readily accepted with a less pretentious title.
Haverland still maintains its standing as larger, more productive, and
of better flavor than the Crescent, which in several respects it much
resembles.
Manchester has excellent qualities as a market berry. Its chief failing
is the tendency of the plant to ruin its health and vigor by over
production.
Mrs. Cleveland possesses valuable qualities for the market and is com-
mended in various localities. Here, we fear, it may prove not quite pro-
ductive enough. It seems to be very nearly on the dividing line betwixt
success and failure in this particular.
Michel Early is a vigorous plant, with scarcely medium-size fruit,
which is mild and pleasant in flavor. It can not be commended except as
an early family berry.
Parker Earle proves will nigh universally successful. Here it has con-
stantly produced crops largely in excess of any other variety whether new
or old. It is very vigorous and a good producer of plants; although in
certain other localities it is said to lack in this particular.
Warfield has been very generally commended as a valuable market
variety; but here, as well as in at least a few other localities, it seems to
have proved less successful. Its status may therefore be considered as not
fully determined. The name is open to the same objection as that of the
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 149
Bubach—that there are two Warfields with separate numbers; but since the
later introduction shows little evidence of value we apply the name minus
the number to the variety first and more generally introduced.
Wolverton is a new variety, originated by John Little of Ontario, to
which he has given the name of the editor of the Canadian Horticulturist.
It has fruited here this season, and, though not sufficiently tested, may be
considered as decidedly promising.
LIST FOR A FAMILY PLANTATION.
Alpha, Beder Wood, Cumberland, Parker Earle, Gandy.
FOR MARKET.
Crescent, Enhance, Bubach, Parker Earle, Warfield.
In making up the list of varieties for the plat planted last spring, a large
number of the older or better tested varieties were omitted; but the recent
introductions added have not only compensated for such omissions, but
have increased the number of varieties from 128 in the former list, to 176
in the plantation of the past spring.
RASPBERRIES—Rubus.
A new plat of raspberries was expected to be in condition for a compar-
ison of the several varieties the present year. The plants came safely
through the past winter and remained in a generally satisfactory condition
till the occurrence of the protracted rains of April and May last, which
kept the soil thoroughly saturated for a considerable period. The occur-
rence of a period of quite warm weather, while the soil remained in this
condition, resulted in the serious injury and ultimate death of many plants,
while the enfeeblement of the remainder has rendered a comparison of
results of little or no practical value, so far as productiveness is concerned.
The plants have been nearly or quitedree from the depredations of insects.
Anthracnose has appeared in the new plantation, though the disease
has been less severe than formerly, as have been the fungous attacks
“upon the foliage.
Although several of the fully. tested varieties have been dropped, the
number is very considerably increased by the addition of novelties for
trial, the increase being almost wholly in the occidentalis class.
1. Rubus Idcus.—Of European origin. (?)
E ap a z Nes d = o
g Bs! a os esis ¢
od -_ > 2% i
F Name. ae 8 2 > Us fie a -3 Remarks.
@® . a) a - o= @ a 2 ra
= £ A Ps Sosa Bq
g q & 2 $ + Seloq| es
5 & 5 3 & a lege sisa
Z ov fo) a Fy ra 0,92 |
© pHersting. 2-2 2226 1888.| Penn. __| June 18.| July 13_.| Aug. 11..| 4 |._..| 5 | Tender.
Orit Si perbr se oe sees 1888_| N..J.22-2 June 13_| July 8..| Aug. 18_| 6|._..| 2] Hardy.
* This variety has been (upon the statement of the originator) understood to be a seedling of the
Philadelphia; but more recent botanical authority assigns it to this class. ‘It has suffered but slightly
from anthracnose.
150
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
2. Rubus Neglectus.
Botanists include in this class, several varieties, by many persons, assumed to be hybrids between .
Oecidentalis and other species. .
Name.
| Number.
Griesatis sl icies 22
Muskingum _..
New Rochelle_
Philadelphia
Reliance ___
Shaffer
1 OL DO
First bloom.
June 6__| July 13__
a“
os
“ce
a
11
12__| July 13__| Aug. 18._|"
First picking.
Last picking.
an | Productiveness.
1 to 10,
| Insects, 1 to 10.
Leaf miner.
| Fungus, 1 to 10,
tS Anthracnose.
es
ies
te bf fone
Aug,
18__
18_-
PO
“se
ue ac
Remarks.
|
|
Yellow, tip-rooting.
New,red, tip-rooting.
ark purple.
Purple, tip-rooting.
Dark red, hardy.
Purple, tip-rooting.
3. Rubus Occidentalis.
Including the black and yellow tip-rooting varieties.
Name.
Number.
First bloom.
First picking.
| Last picking.
Prodactiveness,
1 to 10.
| Insects, 1 to 10.
Leaf miner.
Fungus, 1 to 10.
Anthracnose,
Conrath’s Early___-_
Cromwell
Doolittle
Com CrP wWDRe
10
Farnsworth
Gregg
Hathaway, No.1 __-
Hathaway, No. 2_.-
Hilborn
Jackson May King-
20| Johnston Sweet___-
Bal Wiarthe 2 ne |
23] Mammoth Cluster...
24| Nemaha
25| Norfolk
Sweet Home._______
SC tees
T8833) os Sas eek
1891_
TSS8S NOt.
1888 _
1888_} Ohio___-
i Notote}el [DUS eee
1891_} Ohio___.
1888_| Ind. ____
1891.
1891_
1888_| Mo.. _|
1889_| Ohio(?) -
1888_| Ind.
1890_
ISOS" | SNC Wei ae
|
1889_| Kan. __.
1888_| Neb. __-
1888_| Ohio.___
1889_| Ont. .__-
1888.| N. E..._.
1889.| Ohio___-
1890_; Ohio___.
ABSS St et ae se
1888.| Ohio___-
1889_} Ohio___-
1891_} Ohio____
ae
ae
Jnnet 32s es
13 | July 8. Aug. ile
ue
se
June 13_} July 15.) Aug. 5-
“ 14_ wo 9 ae 9.
se
_| June 16_|"July 15.| Aug. 13_
ea DE g aetae
14
9_| July 13_| Aug. 17-
il.
10.
9
June 4} July 9_| Aug. 7.| 2.
13_
is Jaly
10_
14
18_| July 12.) Aug.
|
|
Remarks.
“
11.
je
ce
“ ue
5.
Com co co |
sc “se
a“
18_ ny AE
UE 29a GS
132} Oct, 2--
9
“
“
“6 q.
15_
a ay
12_
12.
“
a a“
Is not popular.
Yellow, undesirable.
Not productive.
Of doubtful value,
New, much injury.
Early, promising.
Old, early.
Of doubtful value.
Everbearing.
New, not fruited.
Large market.
New, not fruited.
Excellent.
Good market sort.
Not. tested. [ive.
Moderately product-
Feeble grower so far.
Mild flavor.
Very vigorous.
A Kansas variety.
Old, superseded.
Very hardy.
Try farther.
Productive, seedy.
Not yet fruited.
Very vigorous.
Farther trial.-
A yellow cap.
Try farther.
Early, valuable.
Not fruited.
Like Souhegan.
Try farther.
ie Ke oy a4 4 , i j ‘
¥ 7 -
es MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 151
mv = 4, Rubus strigosus.
aaah Indigenous American varieties, and their seedlings.
5 J
| he a ioe F
i oo i A 2
Sin SEN be tee Bie | 6
‘ Oo | Lies hapa bee Da eas
I- ~~ | | oO - .lo
3 Name 3 3 re | A | 2 8 lee a2
5 Seeks ie ll ae ~ 3 18.5) is
5 Ss i A fe 3 ES
= ey Crash oe a = 4 aS Pies
. 1) Brandywine -______- 1888_| Penn.(?)} June 18_! July 18_| Aug. 31_| 9 |____| 2°] Good for market.
> Auth bert: 22-2 25-2. ASSS Ng Yee. oe {7 /c| Ne | ie ‘“* -18_| 10 |____| 2 | Best market red.
3} Eastern King ____-_- T3582 iE Ne es Se AOE Le ss 1632 ¢ 7_| 3 {-_--| 5 | Of doubtful value.
4} Gladstone -._._____- ESO OE BING Wnt eee oe Se See I) Se ee 2 [28 2! Not yet fruited.
5} Golden Queen______ 1888_| N. J.___| June 18_| July 15_| Aug. 21.) 10 |___.| 1] Best yellow.
| |
i 6) arise 2.2 8 oi 1888_| N. J..__- ET ea 8 : 9.! 9}___-t 2! Early red.
é MiP ALIDOTO# 925 =o laees| Ne Venene Se mole ge Se ** -9_| 10 |___.| 1 | Forearly market.
: (Tie ae EE 888.) Mich.___ ah ee Li bay eae 9_ “* — 8.| 8 ]___.;. 2 | For home use.
9} Scarlet Gem _______- if ot il RE ee che eae) (1) i ie < . 3.| 6 |---| 9 | Not valuable.
10) Thompson ________. 1888 | Ohio____ or LON ees eee 3. PALE See EMS ee | 2] Of doubtful value.
PUR RMD NOE 222) 3 Se 1888.) TH... 2- | “* 16.| July 14.) Aug. 17.} 8 |___.| 1 | Very hardy.
|
a The figures in the column headed Productiveness possess little value
beyond the indication of results under the combined influence of the
extremely wet weather of last spring, and the subsequent development of
anthracnose and, in some cases, of other fungi upon the foliage.
~ 5 Rubus phoenicolasius—Japanese Wineberry—was imported from
Japan several years since, and has more recently been forced into noto-
riety by inflated advertising. Its foliage and bloom are attractive and
the growth is vigorous. It spreads and increases rapidly by suckers, so
much so as to preclude its use as an ornamental plant, as has sometimes
_ been recommended. ‘The rather large, showy flowers are produced in
pee clusters at the tips of the branches. The fruit is of no practical
value.
LIST OF SUITABLE VARIETIES FOR A FAMILY GARDEN.
Red and yellow varieties—Hansell, Herstine (requires winter protec-
; tion), Cuthbert, Golden Queen.
Black Caps—Palmer, Hiltorn, with Earhart for an autumn crop of fruit,
- and Shaffer or Muskingum for canning.
MARKET VARIETIES.
Red—Marlboro, Cuthbert.
Caps—Palmer, Gregg (or Nemaha) and Shaffer, for canning.
BLACKBERRIES—Rubus villosus.
Of the blackberry there are thirty varieties now on trial, of which six
varieties were received last spring, also two varieties of dewberry.
| To avoid the mixing of varieties from their tendency to produce suckers,
raspberries and blackberries are planted alternately, and have therefore
been similarly subjected to injury from the excessively wet weather of last
152 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
spring, which proved fatal to many plants, while many others were more
or less enfeebled, and yet others killed outright.
Since the comparatively recent introduction of this fruit to cultivation,
improvement seems to have been confined to the discovery and introduction
of seedlings from the wild type. So far we are aware, there have been no
attempts at improvement by artificial cross-fertilization. At the west,
especially, the effort appears to be for the discovery of a variety hardy
enough to withstand the occasional crucial winters. Some advancement has
been realized in such direction, although, as yet, improvement in this par-
ticular has been at the expense of size. Since the habit of the plant is to
produce its fruit only upon the tips of its branches, which are necessarily
the most exposed; and considering the fact that naturally the plant is an
undergrowth, accustomed to sheltered situations, there is obvious occasion
to doubt the possibility of arriving at a condition of absolute hardiness,
and upon such assumption, whether with the needful artificial protection,
it were not wiser to direct our efforts rather to the combination of quality
with size and productiveness.
The foliage this season, as well as last, has suffered somewhat from the
depredations of the leaf roller, for which, so far as we are aware, no rem-
edy has yet been devised.
The base of the young canes of this, as well as the raspberry, just below
the surface, is occasionally attacked by an insect, which partially or wholly
girdles, and so weakens, them that they break away and perish with the
swaying of a moderate wind.
With the exception of anthracnose (the prevalence of which is given in
the column of remarks) no fungous diseases of either plants or fruit have
been observed this season.
It is so difficult and often impracticable to obtain reliable information
respecting the origin and history of varieties that the place of origin in
many cases is omitted, and the date of planting only is given.
As in the case of raspberries, the very unequal influences of soils and
locality, combined with the effects of the excessive wet of last spring, ren-
ders a statement of comparative products of little value, for which reason
their relative productiveness for this season is estimated upon a scale of
one to ten, as follows:
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 158
BLACKBERRIES.—Rubus villosus.
: a
2 op ° ®
Biyilegiee |) eye
. ‘g Ee
iB Name. 3 3 = 3 2 8 Ss Fungi.
¢ Bol Sec abe 2 = {38
3 acs I He d=] 3 om
Zz Ay fo) my ee |e
PAA WAIN & 200. ok Cees 1874_| N. E._| June 6_| July 28_| Aug. 20.) 5 | Anthracnose slight.
3 perient Britons seo tees ee Mocs: zl i Aug, 1_| Sep. 2 a 30 O
AeA ee Sa I dee, 21 |e Beene, Bal 4 a oe “ “
4) Marly Cluster: -22 555-220. 1878 | N. J.. “ —18.| July 26. eS Py Bal ee) uC Oe
5| Early Harvest___..___.____. 1882_} (11. __- 162)“ 212) Aug: 262) 5 || Healthy,
= a Be a ae ING scsi ee 48 CM Fe eee a ¢ Anthracnose cate
arly Mammoth__________- ay Se ely, UES 3) (ae AS ee “S slight.
Sipbe Dorado eee ABODE MA ee ee Re ES See rae ay bad.
Cll 1D ee Ree ei oek Pek SSE Se aay 18x56 | N. J...| June18_} Aug. 7_| Sept.17.| 8 bs slight.
AO Brorland 22255220 see ESD ee Ske NN ese We ee ee leses Healthy.
At SHoosae eke hs eee enh ASO 1E PN oats Ee) oe Na abe re a ae sf
42 Kattantinnys = 22s) eat N. J.._| June 16 Aug z Sep Pe : Anthracnose slight
nox RoE TLS 5 6 cen Be Mees ‘ rom “ce ae oe = ee 1 " oc “
afilbawtlonee foes sone eee 1845_| N. Y.. So Pia ly, be henry! halla) of 4
TS loincolne ss ag. oe eee 1591_| Ohio-- Sat es [5h [eel ey By | eae ee LE Re ss ae
4 Renee yack Sane Eston eae eee ee NOYeee | 14a vAue: iy Sept. 21.| 8 rs Fe
f eva a ab Dee tS ee eae 1 ees “ aye ot f Li 12_ 8 et ae
PS EOhmienr poss ook Pitas 189 2e | OHIO Rs |= ss. ees Ey eee ee |e Healthy.
19} Oregon (HKverbearing) -____- 18925 |"Oreg'n Ok Sees ET ee a eae ss
20} Smith (Prolific) -.-__.____-. 1 f(t 2 [Se Sai [NG Re EY oe oe [Wane ens AS HM
PALE FS Ua Ko Le) oe eee Sere seen Re Se 1876. _.-.| June 7_| Aug. 23_| Sept. 24.| 10 ss
a pane nc ee a ee NE: BD, 1575. Wis._- ee te se ae re 42 10 Anthracnose slight.
8) BV LOD eee Ph be Pea ee : hw “ ‘ “cs q “ i se (7
24] Thompson Early__________- ASSSe OHI ONS lS 1 Se ee en eotoe MON Healthy:
20|ree (Childs) 2.222 =) 1 ESTP ABH Si [Sts Gee | fee eee eel | ele rneoeh oe ||CORs ees pew | .
2 a aune tt Leste ol Ec ne Hey a E..| June A uly a Sept. a as Arnthancose slight.
2 allnce ee Siete rss ee 74_ 18:-_ sf .| Aug. 5. rf ie a os
28) Western Triumph__________ IBTG2| ee eee Er (NE fg ee ele CY} w very bad.
20 eWilsone: tis tir a ase aoe. 1854_| N.J...| July 1- = ile “© -12.| 9 | Healthy.
SOIWilsOned ris eet 1878 | N.J.__| June 9. “—1_| ‘** 17_| 9 | Anthracnose slight.
DEWBERRY.—Rubus canadensis.
4
C Name. ; 4 2 g 9 S.. Fungi.
3 ora gee = & a igs .
2 a| 2 Z z @ |S
A | Ay o) Fy | es) i=l Quy
Liloneretiass2 25 Sete teed I 1880 | Ohio ..| June 9__} July 21__| Aug.17..| 8 ; Healthy.
; Windom) sono J oe ns 1890 | Minn._ ies | apy) es ian by en | ey
The Lucretia dewberry ripens nearly with the early raspberries, and
anticipates the Early Harvest blackberry (the earliest of the species), a few
days.
Kittatinny, where exempt from fungous disease, and where it proves
sufficiently hardy, has even yet no superior for family use, for the main
crop.
The season of this fruit may be lengthened a few days by planting the
Taylor for later fruiting.
For the market, if given winter protection, Wilson, Wilson Jr., or
20
154 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Lawton, are yet among the most productive. But where extreme hardiness
is necessary, resort may be had to Snyder and Taylor. Western Triumph,
Ancient Briton, and Stone are quite too small to meet the popular require-
ment, except with high cultivation and judicious pruning to prevent over-
bearing and to improve the size.
CURRANTS.— Ribes.
Four varieties of this fruit have been added to the collection the present
year, the present number of varieties being twenty-four.
The continuous rains of last spring also seriously affected the currant
plantation, which is immediately adjacent to that of raspberries and black-
berries, continuing so late that spraying proved impracticable until they
had become badly affected with mildew of the foliage, which sadly affected
both their growth and fruitfulness. The latter was also further reduced
by cutting away more or less bearing wood for the purpose of destroying
the borer, which has been and still is unusually troublesome throughout
this region. The imported currant worm Nematus Ventricosus, was some-
what less troublesome than last year, and yielded readily to repeated
sprayings with hellebore in water.
After the return of dry weather in June and July, two sprayings of
potassium sulphide (liver of sulphur), were given the gooseberries; but
the injury had already progressed too far for a satisfactory result.
CURRANTS.—Ribes.
1. Ribes aureum.—Missouri or yellow Lowering currant.
les Z|
IPP dsc gop BA
; g B | Re ks
3 = ~~: i.
8 Name. 3 F a oS mar.
g a & | 2» leo
5 & 5 hie Re
pe Grandall 8 ou rs ee. 1889 | Kan.____} May 13_- 9 | Proof against insects and fungi.
}
2. Ribes nigrum.—Black or Fetid currant.
ae | ie
| | B
i = } g
| | Z15
: Name. : | § Co Remarks.
g 2] a = |e
g Le eae £ |es
a Ay ° aa A
1) Black Champion_-___-___-_____- 1889 } Eur...._.| May 18. 5 | Differs little from other black cur-
rants.
arblack hmglish= =) 2.00034 3s ie 1892 pepe Wes hah ate ane ee Pe Planted for comparison.
MibbiackiNanles)) 2. ce os ik 1888 ef May 7.-_- 8 | The variety generally planted.
Ca ee ees ae ae ee 1888 | oF N18. 7 alleged improvement.
5) Saunders-___--.__ ae eee 1890 | Ont...__- at 6 | New from Ontario.
6] Wales (Prince of_____.__._____- 1890 Bs Oi Ve 6 | A new variety.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLATINS. 155
3.—Ribes rubrum.—Red and White currants.
| | |
¢
| | : s
| ‘alas 2d ADS
£ Name. : } ee Remarks.
g 3 cia ares doses |
2 _ Ae = ee «|
g Bl rea Ane: |
Z + .) = pa |
PiCherryse Se 1888 | Eur......| May 7__- 8 | Old, large, very acid.
PibRing tect es) Pho Dee 1888 | N. 2 ae 7 | Like cherry; but less acid.
3} Holland (Long Bunched)..___- 1889 | Eur.___ “eT OF 9 | Plant vigorous, continues late.
diMakowood.) 2 200222. 5 288 41800 Ohroe Seon Le: 5 | New, but partly tested.
AiisOnaen Hoods. 5.88. 2 1SSOs weir Co ee 9 | Best for jams and jellies.
Sipmoord Ruby. 2.2 see) 2 1890 | Am...__- ee 9 | Mild. Best red variety.
mieMoore. select... 18h et 1890) Mass. foe} SOs 2: 7 | Not yet fully tested.
MieNOruna bans eo ee Se ee 1802 Manne 2) 22-2. ee __._..| New, claimed to be very hardy.
SiaodeDutch os see ote cae ae 1888 | Eur......| May 7_-- 4 | Most valuable red currant.
s0leRaby Castle.” = -- 2 1892 Tage eet, epee wae cS eel ee ae | Is it the old Raby Castle (Victoria)?
| |
EE ersaillaines 222004. eis 1858 fF ool May ge: 5 | Resembles cherry.
PAWBWIOLORIAS =e ss = ns. . s kes 1888 la Sates | Py (A 6 | Nearly proof against borers.
a AWitite Dutch 5 tA 1888 nate, (= 6 | Finest flavored currant.
14\ White Gondoin =.=). 2 22: 1890 = 4 9 | Comparative value yet undetermined.
ilaWhite/ Grapes 232-8252 52 3 1888 a SE 9 10 | Most profitable white variety.
16} 5Whiteimperial= =. 2 -_ 2.2.2 jist Pia ee a Ee eee AB oa | May prove to be White Grape.
UREA UG CX as iy ae So a Pe Cl 1890 | Am.___. .| May 9.--| 4 | Requires further trial.
The peculiarities of a few of the foregoing varieties, and the uses to
which they seem specially adapted, are noted as follows:
Crandall appears to be exempt from the insect attacks and fungous
diseases to which the varieties of rubrum are so peculiarly liable; but
although its flavor is at least tolerable when cooked, the thickness and
toughness of the skin, even after cooking, is a well nigh fatal objection to
its use.
Black English is planted to supply a known standard with which others
of its class may be compared.
Lee. and the recent varieties, Saunders and Wales, have not so far
developed any special superiority over the older varieties of the species.
Cherry, Fay, and Versaillaise are all of large size and quite similar in
both plant and fruit. Neither of the others can fairly be said to be supe-
rior to the Cherry which is the oldest variety of the three.
Lakewood, a new variety received from Ohio, appears promising, but
requires further trial.
London Red was received with the assurance that, while not of superior
quality, it is specially desirable for jams and jellies. It is a vigorous
grower and bears heavily.
Moore Ruby is reputed to be the finest of the red currants.
Moore Select needs further trial to develop its characteristics.
Victoria is specially popular in western Michigan as a market variety.
North star, White Gondoin, White Imperial, and Wilder, need further
trial to develop their characteristics.
For family use the old Red and White Dutch have as yet no superiors.
White Grape, though a somewhat straggling grower, is the most popular
market variety of its color.
156 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
GOOSEBERRIES.—Ribes.
The past season adds emphasis to the remark, in last year’s report, that
our native varieties (usually assumed to be such) can scarcely be said to
be exempt from mildew, since even Houghton, which is the most distinct-
ively native has lost more or less of its foliage, while Downing and Smith
have suffered very seriously.
The currant worm, Nematus ventricosus, put in an appearance as usual;
but was effectively squelched by the free use of hellebore.
The crumpling of the leaves at the tips of the branches of the Hough-
ton (spoken of last year as the probable work of aphides) has been nearly
absent this year.
There are now sixteen varieties of gooseberry. upon the grounds, five
additional ones having been received the past spring.
1. Ribes cynosbati.—Wild gooseberry.
o
Q
fs 3)
a i
Ps Name. a 2 ae Remarks.
[9] 2 oo
2 A a om
g g & 27) Ze
[=] Sy BI Ae] = ax
a Oy o) & Oy
tal Downing 22s oy 1BS8E] NAY. 225) Mayipeee ss 2 | An unusually light yield. f
PaipNLonntain.: 56 SS seb S| eee IN GNSS He Sea eee 4 | Uneven in-size. Poor in quality.
SHESmith se oe ea ee ING Se ee eee 1 | Very light crop, from loss of foliage.
2. Ribus grossularia.—European gooseberry.
| J
7 7)
ee
Pm Name. <s aS) peter Remarks.
7) 5 d a) iS
2 >= —_ ~ iB }
f a| a £ es
Z Ay oO oa ate
J" || ANG 0) hy eae nies te AROOA| ING Ne 2 SM ays ee eee The correct name is unknown.
ApbarlyOranes: 2.222 ast 1890_| N. Y._--| “% 8.__.| 1 | Mildew of fuliage and fruit.
8 | Golden Prolific___._______<- 18902| (No Ye en 2 SBS aS Seale coe Badly mildewed.
AgiPincdustry fetes oe eet 1889_| Eur.___- ** -9____| 10 | Has done much better than usual.
bul@liancaster Tad. 222... -_- 18920 | uri 222s] eee ee Ee Has not yet fruited here.
6 parle se eas oes AS 1890 | Ont.___- May 5-__- 9 | So far, very promising
Te Moyea) of eee ae ee 1890 | Ds PS foes! ** 8.___| 2] Promising. Name too sensational.
3. Ribes hirtellum.—Smooth gooseberry. :
| Z
x oO
a |:
E Name. Bs ; 8 Teh Remarks.
oa ®D d 2 a=)
2 ~ = ~~ te ey
i aol) ae 2 als
Zi Ay (e) oa Ay
© Champion 22.2250 22-022. 1888 | Ohio....| May 9_-_.]_____- A fine grower. Unproductive.
Blamoughtorn aes: ean sis Oey 18e8 | N. EK...) ‘* 12._..| 10} Hardy. Very prodactive.
Bil mbalethadi ese hoes 1890 | Am,____. ‘* 8__..| 10] Almost identical with Houghton.
- ‘ t:
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 157
Varieties planted in the spring of 1892, species not determined: Colum-
bus, Strubler No. 1, Tree.
Recent experiments indicate that the mildew heretofore generally con-
sidered an insuperable objection to the cultivation of the European vari-
eties of the gooseberry in our climate, may be held in check by persistent
spraying with a solution of potassium sulphide (liver of sulphur) and
several of these varieties have been planted in limited quantity to test the
efficacy of such applications.
Houghton and Pale Red are almost identical, and are of the strongly
native type. For such planters as require such varieties as will best endure
neglect, and will yield abundant crops even though of small size, these will
doubtless prove the most satisfactory.
Downing is still the most popular, for market planting, of the so-called
native varieties, although the Smith is decidedly its superior in both
quality and size. It is, however, a more slender grower, though as pro-
ductive as the Downing in proportion to the size of plant. Both are more
thorny than are the unmistakable natives.
Experience, so far, indicates that varieties of wholly, or even partially,
European parentage, should only be planted in exceptionally favorable
localities, or where they are to receive thorough and intelligent pruning
and cultivation, with the persistent use of fungicides for the prevention of
mildew. The free use of insecticides will also prove indispensable in
regions in which the currant worm is prevalent.
CHERRIES—Prunus.
Of this fruit forty-nine varieties were. planted prior to last spring, and
thirteen more added to the list at that time, making sixty-two varieties
now in orchard.
Nearly all the varieties planted prior to 1890 showed more or less bloom
last spring and promised to perfect more or less fruit. In despite of the
injury resulting from the phenomenally unfavorable weather of last spring,
a few varieties developed some fruit; but so few in number developed, and
s0 widely were they scattered, that protection from birds proved impracti-
cable, and all were taken as soon as they began toshow much color.
Prior to last spring the trees had given few if any indications of disease
of any kind, but the excessive and long continued reign of Jupiter Pluvius
proved too severe a trial, so that in the case of several trees, especially of
the Mazzard class, standing where water either in the subsoil or upon the
surface, continued longest, there are indications of injury which may, quite
possibly, prove ultimately fatal; although most of the older trees of the
planting of 1888 and 1889, are now heavily set with fruit buds.
Several trees, apparently in consequence of enteeblement, due to the
cause already mentioned, have lost their foliage earlier than usual, and in
such cases the formation of new wood has been less than normal.
The only troublesome insect has been the slug Hriocampa cerasi, of
which, though repeatedly destroyed by the application of hellebore,
repeated colonies appeared in their places, until nearly or quite November.
In the following tabulation the Heart and Bigarreau varieties are
arranged together, as are also the Dukes and Morellos. In the aksence of
either description or history, several varieties not yet in fruit, are placed
in the class to which, from habit of growth, they apparently belong, sub-
ject to correction as facts and experience shall warrant.
\
158 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
CHERRIES—Prunus.
1. Prunus Avium.—Hearts and Bigareaus,
ibe | |
| nz
[<8 eee
g Name. lal bie b = rel 8 Remarks.
® 3 | cS) 3B | 2
2 2 =| ior a
g S i) a @Q
5 2, a c ie!
A a = Ay &
1 | Black Eagle___________- Heart __| N. Y. ___| 1888 | May 18____| One of the best.
2 | Black Tartarian_______- “«__| Mich, __| 1888 ““___.| Very productive. Strong grower.
3 | California Advance _-___}-_.------- Oerse ee 1802s Se ee New. Wholly untested.
sAlnC@leveland’- =<222) 0.22 > ig. _...| Mich. __| 1890 | May 17___.| An Ohio variety.
5 | Coe Transparent _____- Hearti2=|) 44>. 2214888 ‘ 13____| Exceedingly beautiful. Excellent.
if
CU Downer 2: 222-2 vi a ra i PS _| 1888 | ‘* 18____| Very hardy and prolific. Late.
ai Barly lua Maurie. 2 2 72/2225. --5- Mat el S92 eee Little known.
Svieharly Purple. > 2 Heart __| N. Y.__.| 1891 | May 17____| The earliest cherry.
OFlphitone sare Se eee Bios = SS S80 ‘“ 14____| Of English origin.
AOS loroncel. gn eee ole ee pees Chee OO ba Sess ees Origin, Florence, Italy.
11 | Governor Wood______-- Heart - ss ___| 1890 | May 14___.| One of Dr. Kirtland’s seedlings.
12 | Kirtland Mary---__._.-. Bite SONS Wee ae SO0 She AG oes ae ° ‘S ee
a3 Knicht Marly. 2.522. Heart _- See a Keg ot) ‘* 16.___| An old English variety.
ACT Gzal: ee eta Bictess se 11880 | ‘ 16____| An importation from France.
Abii NaApOleOnie 2. 82— fe. | por qukst | Mich. = |S1892 vee 2 peer Large, very firm.
16 ' Ohio Beauty _-__. _____--. ' Heart __| N. Y.,..-; 1890 } May 14____] Origin, Ohio.
DAM peri Gye ee, Cee ese aes evn a 151) | fe ae Very little known.
aS Rockport.) see. Bigg “«___| 1890 | May 16.__.| Originated in Ohio.
TON WinGsOr 22. oe ESS SM S880 “ 14____| Originated at Windsor, Ontario.
20 | Yellow Spanish _______. A Pag re 2d aS ee ae 1890 ““ 13____| An importation from Europe. Old.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS.
159
2. Prunus cerasus.—Acid cherries.— Dukes, Morellos and others.
as}
od
| >
ee P
: ee:
E Name, . a aan § Remarks.
2 2 oe: jae
5 Bubs. a eet ieee
= 7) = a fe
1} Abbesse (Oignies)_______-_ Morello.| Iowa.___| 1888_| May 16____| A very slow grower. Russian.
2} Angouleme______________-| Duke? _. ss 1888_| ‘* 16.___| A good grower. From Prof. Budd.
SISDAGNO OTS se 72S tse Beet MorellallVAg) Cols iso2 ee Origin not known.
4) Bessarabian. 222222249) ““__| Iowa ._-| 1888.; May 13____| Large, dark, acid, juicy, culinary.
5) Brusseler Braune______-- ES Pee SS8s ‘** 17___.)| From Bud’s importations.
SCANLON S42") =) 205s st SNE S¥ee— to S00! * 16____| Old, but rare.
iG hoisy’ 22-5222 Me eee aes Duke .._| Mich..__} 1888.| ‘‘ 13___.| Beautiful and excellent.
Si yehousese = 22/2 G5 a Morello.} N. Y. .__] 1890 ‘* 17____| Origin, Kentucky.
9} Early Richmond ________- re Mich.___} 1888_ aor Or The most popular market cherry.
HO} Hugenie 7 2-9 et es Duke ___| N. _-| 1888_| ‘* 13____| New and not much disseminated.
11) Everbearing _____._______| Morello.| Ag. Col._| 1892_}___..___ ___. Very little known.
12| Frauendorfer Weichsel._ “.| Iowa _.__| 1888.} May 13___.| From Prof. Budd of Iowa.
rrGalopiness =. eae 6 5 Pee APO Ola OAc tens ae ae History unknown.
14] George Glass...____._ __- ‘“\ _| Towa _._} 1888_| May 17____| From Prof. Budd of Iowa.
15| Griotte du Nord... _______ . S827 1888: ALG ae “ eee 3
IGibHortenses- 222 sk Duke -_.' Mich..__| 1888 ‘* 16__._! Large and good
~ ii King Amarelle-/. >.<. -" Morillo_| Ag. Col_| 1892_}__...______. Comes to us withont a history.
18\ake: Duke--- 2-220 uke ___| Mich.___| 1890_| May 15____| Originated in France.
19] Lithauer Weichsel______.| Morello_| Ag. Col.} 1892_|__...______. History unkn’n. Probably Ger man
20; Louis Phillippe_________- “« _| Mich,.__} 1888_| May 13____| Very late. A thin bearer.
AM tOVI ove em eS or ees Lowa 2) 1888: ‘© 16._.| Imported by Prof. Budd.
22| Magnifique Duke ___| Mich.___| 1888. ‘“* 18.___| A good late cherry.
23} Mahaleb__. Mane. itAg st Cel} 18625). toes: Generally used as a stock.
24] May Duke_ Duke ___| Mich.___| 1888.| May11____| The type, and the best of its class.
25! Minnesota Ostheim i 1892_|_____..__.._| A probable native of the northwest.
26| Montmorency-___.__-____- 1888_| May i6____| Probably identical with the foll’ing
27| Montmorency Large____- 1890_ “© 15____| Of Frence origin.
28! Montmorency Ordinaire_ 1890_ “* 18____| Smaller but more productive.
Pol Montrueils = 2) 1890_ “© 15____| Recent and promising.
30} Northwest_..__..______.-- 1892_|___..._...___.| History not known.
SURO VOG IMs c= Fo eh ae 1888_| May 16____| Recent and valuable.
Pa OMtholmie . soe.) Pale 1 ‘* 16._._| Received from Prof. Budd.
oe Osthommers 252922 te 3 3 1893) |22 5 ee History unknown.
S4\/Royal Duke!. 262-20 Duke ___} Mich.___} 1890_ ‘* 17___.| An old but rare variety.
POLAT K ee Morello.} Lowa_.__| 1888_ ‘* 16___.| Received from Prof. Budd.
36| Spate Amarelle__________- ‘ oh ee Tt 1888! ek ee ee a “
37| Strauss Weichsel_________ LL Nae es 1888 - Fa GEe ss us * s
38) Suda_-... - AS be “| Ag. Col.} 1892_}___.___.____| Received without a history.
39 Twenty-Five (Oreliet a eal ee) (SO eae ee e ‘ Hi .
40| Twenty-Seven Orel______- ede Ta SSNPS O2 | Soe ee os “4 s iy
adi Wieir' No.2: 2 ss..4-4 8. 2k a “ T 1892_ yet eee One of D. B. Weir’s Il). seedlings.
BON RAL oe a = toon aoe oe | . -| lowa.-- | 1891. “May 19____| Probably an unrecognized old var.
For a plantation of sweet cherries (which to prevent bark burst and
consequent disease) should always be branched low to shade the trunk
and large branches, and only a moderate, regular and healthy growth
encouraged. arly Purple, Coe Transparent, Elton, Black LKagle,
Downer, and perhaps Windsor, will furnish a satisfactory succession, in
latitude 43°, from June 1 to nearly the first of August.
Of the Dukes and Morellos—Choisy, which is one of the best as well as
the most beautiful, but unfortunately lacking productiveness, may be
planted to open the season about the middle of J une, and by following
this with Early Richmond, May Duke, Late Duke, Louis Phillippe (large
but a light bearer) and Magnifique, the season may be extended well into
August, if only the birds can be circumvented.
Of sweet cherries a good market list would be Black Tartarian, Napoleon,
‘
160 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
and Downer. Yellow Spanish might well be included, but for its tendency
to crack and decay when ripening.
For a market list of Dukes and Morellos, Early Richmond, May Duke,
Louis Phillippe, and Magnifique, will supply a good sucession.
MULBERRIES—Morus.
Although in one of its forms indigenous in Michigan this species occurs.
in our forests but rarely, the varieties grown at this station being imported
ones.
Downing is an American seedling of Multicaulis, (M. alba) which
ripens its fruit in somewhat lengthy succession, proves scarcely hardy im
southern Michigan.
Hicks and New American, with similar habit of fruiting, so far prove
more hardy.
Russian (M. Siberica of nursery catalogues), so far, proves abundantly
hardy, here, though of little apparent value.
Teas Weeping is a very pronounced “ weeper,” apparently worthy to:
supersede the somewhat coarse and less attractive Kilmarnock willow.
SERVICE BERRIES—Amelanchier.
The indigenous variety, often a tree fifteen or more feet in height, varies
considerably in productiveness as well as in the size and quality of the
fruit; but we are not aware of any attempt to bring it under cultivation.
The dwarf variety, planted here as early as 1876, is also deficient in
productiveness, as compared with many of our indigenous huckleberries,
which it resembles. It also lacks flavor as compared with them.
The variety introduced as Success, is, so far, slightly, if at all, an
improvement upon the foregoing.
A variety received from an Indiana nursery and planted in the spring of
1891, is of slightly taller growth; and, so far, appears to be slightly more
productive.
The fruits ripen in succession, and so attract the-birds, that nearly or
quite all are taken before fully ripe; still, if grown in sufficient quantity,
they may take the place of the so far impracticable huckleberry, in regions.
where these do not occur.
PEACHES—Prunus Persica. Amygdalus Persica, and Persica vulgaris (of various.
botanists).
To the 149 varieties of peach already planted, sixty-one were added
last spring, making a total of 210 varieties, lacking three or four of last
spring’s planting; which, for one cause or another, have failed to grow.
The trees planted prior to 1890 bloomed profusely last spring and those
planted in the spring of 1890 and ’91 also showed more or less bloom;
and, at least upon the older ones, there was promise of an abundant crop,
until the advent of the protracted rainy season already spoken of. Doubt-
less from the rain and accompanying cold, the partially developed
foliage was almost wholly ruined by fungus ( Taphrina deformans), and
before new foliage developed in its place, the young fruits had blasted and
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 161
fallen. With the change to dryer weather new foliage was rapidly pro-
duced; and the trees, in nearly all cases, have nearly or quite resumed their
pristine vigor; though with the total loss of the season’s crop of fruit. The
bloom and the leaf glands, however, have jointly, served to determine with
tolerable certainty, the genuineness of the varieties; or rather their cor-
rectness to name, in all cases in which these particulars are known.
No other fungous diseases of this class of trees have been observed,
except in the case of a serrate-leaved variety, received from Allegan county,
named Champion; which was attacked by the fungus peculiar to serrate-
leaved trees, and which was so severe as to almost wholly prevent the
growth of both wood and foliage.
With the loss of the crop of fruit, the necessity to jar or spray for the
curculio ceased. The only other insect that has proved troublesome is the
borer (4%geria exitiosa), to remove which the trees were “ wormed,” in
the spring, and again in September, finding only an occasional larva.
The trees have held their foliage, this fall, with unusual persistence;
still the season has been favorable for maturing the young wood; and both
wood and fruit buds are apparently in well ripened condition.
Although a tabulation would give the characters of foliage and blossoms
in convenient form for cousultation, this would not prove an aid in deter-
mining the character of the fruit, or the value of the variety; it is there-
fore deemed preferable to delay their presentation till they shall occur in
connection with notices of the fruits.
PLUMS.--Prunus.
With those planted the past spring, there are now growing upon the
station grounds, eighty-four varieties of plum; nineteen of which are of
the present year’s planting.
Forty of these have shown more or less bloom the present season; which,
however, was rendered abortive by the same cause which has proved fatal
to nearly all tree fruits of this locality. A tree of Cheney plum (Amerv-
cana) began to develop a few fruits; which, however, developed the fungus
known as Plum Pockets ( Taphrina prunt), leaving none to mature. Other
than this, no important indications of fungous disease have been observed.
Among insects the rose chafer (Macrodactylus subspinosus) made its
appearance as usual, though in somewhat diminished numbers. Several
applications of insecticides proved but slightly effective, and were followed
up by hand picking, until the enemy was subdued, or perchance merely
vacated for the season.
The slug (Hriocampa cerast) has again proved troublesome; continu-
ing its attacks to a later date than heretofore, owing very possibly to
longer continued mild weather.
The recently introduced Japan plums, for a time, received the specific
designation orientalis with apparent propriety; but, more recently the
name Hattan has taken ‘precedence; and has now been adopted in the
revised list of the American Pomological Society.
With a wider acqaintance with the native varieties of the plum, there
appears to be a conviction, in certain botanical quarters, that there may be
occasion for further subdivisions of the specific classes of the plum,
known as Americana and chicasa— a conviction to which the diverse char-
21
162 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
acteristics occurring in even our limited collection of these species, afford
more or less occasion.
The indications of the correctness to name of variety, drawn from the
foliage and bloom, in advance of fruiting, are necessarily very uncertain.
For this reason the tabulation of varieties is deferred, till they can be
given with notices of the fruit.
GRAPES— Vitis.
To the one hundred and thirty-four varieties of grape previously
planted, twelve were added last spring, making one hundred and forty-six
varieties in the collection.
Down to near the last of March, the season was favorable. The purpose
had been to give the entire plantation a thorough spraying before growth
commenced. The material for the purpose was received at so late a date,
that only a portion of the grapes had been treated, when the process was
stopped by the occurrence of rain, which continued till the season of
bloom, and deferred the work still further, leaving the plants exposed te
the attacks of fungi, rendered still more effective by continuous wet.
As soon as the grapes were out of bloom, they received a thorough spray
of Bordeaux mixture, which was repeated a couple of weeks later, with
the apparent result of checking the disease—a result which may have
been rather due to the recurrence of dry weather.
The mildew (poronospora) has been chiefly noticeable upon varieties
partially or wholly of vinifera origin; such as the Rogers hybrids, Brighton,
and Empire State. A notable exception, however, occurs in the case of
the Downing, the foliage of which shows strongly marked indications of
European parentage; notwithstanding which it has, both this year and
last, been entirely exempt from the disease.
Several varieties, also, have been seriously affected by anthracnose;
among which Vergennes, and several of the Rogers grapes may be
mentioned.
A few rose chafers were discovered attacking the clusters when in
bloom. With this exception, both plants and fruit have been mainly
exempt from the depredations of insects.
In the following tabulation, these abbreviations only are used—H,
Aistivalis; H, Hybrid; L, Labrusca; R, Riparia; X, cross.
The column headed “ Productiveness,” applies only to the crop of the
present year. Fungous diseases are specified under the head of ‘‘ Remarks.”
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLATINS.
GRAPES.— Vitis.
Remarks.
Mildew and anthracnose, slight.
Slight mildew and anthracnose.
Slight mildew and anthrocnose.
Slight mildew and anthracnose.
Slight mildew and anthracnose.
Slight mildew and anthracnose,
= A
S & =.
— =| ie}
2/8 |e =
. . DD ajom « io} .
B Name. ne co |e! |EShas ® 3 s
= Bola) Poiecee|) ae ees
a a | 2 | Mlealer|. 6 B E
wz Ay mn |e | i ~ ie Co
1} Adirondac-___-.._- 1890 |} L 5] 4)] 41] July 3__} Sept.30.} 5 | Usually this is very early.
2| Agawam________-- 1888 | H 10} 8} 5! June 24_} Oct. 5.| 7 | Slight anthracnose.
Bil csuaabhontee | Gee oee ee bl tetetohd eal | Sl OM Ou cer Oe maa 3_| 8 | Slightly mildewed.
4| August Giant_____ 1889 | H LOMO) ya: tale es Fel) (3 0 Ee
DipDolleeeer. 3 3a 1889 H Thee SEM ee ods a 3.|.__-| Healthy—from Texas.
‘6| Black Hagle_____- 1890 | H On Ose: ** 30.) Sept. 30. |\_- No disease.
‘imerighton os) 2s. 1888 | H AO Shes: at SOL OCt seed alleto.
Sebritltant 2.23225 1889 | H 8|}10;} 3] ‘“ 30.) “*. 25_)____| Badly mildewed.
9| Cambridge._._____ 1890 | L PNG 2 peep alltel beVign oe a | Se cen let Antracnose, slight.
10) Campbell..__.__-. 1890 | H ig\ ee | sone Soe Od an ea teens ane Healthy.
11) Catawba _-_______.| 1888 | L Oo uate © 24.| Oct. 10_| 8 | Anthracnose slight.
12) Cayuga Eee ISSO ne aM, 6)10) 9| July 2.| Sept. 25_|.__.; Healthy.
13) Centennial _______ 1NS}9, Chey [ial HOSP fe SG oa fe es Che mone i
14) Challenge ______-_- ESGOM pe ||P eee see inne ieS ue ee ok eee fF
15) Champion---._..- 1859 | L eM |e) KOT ba Bae ae Spd Oct. 22_| 2 | Anthracnose slight.
16| Chidester1-_._____| 1888 | L 8|10} 5] June 24_|] Sept. 23_| 8 | Healthy.
17| Chidester 2 ._____. 1888 | L 8/10) 6 CO Palle Mrs eiey foal ey: %
18iiConcord. —..!-/ 18388 L 10 | 10 | 10 seca: “2808 46 ‘a
iS Cortland ss i2h T1890 ay ees ees fee ro Oda Het at Lee ll eee ne
DOiaCottace 2.) ames) 1890 | L SOOM Ra eek Page ve __..| Anthracnose slight.
21| Delaware________ _| 1888 | H 6} 8} 10 ‘* 28_| Sept. 23_| 10 | Slight mildew.
22| Diamond__.- -__-- 1889 | L 9/10] 8 te 288s 183) 9h) Healthy.
ol Mian pe. 20. 1883 | L Oa) 10) 7 Sir OAs Oc tail Onn Us
24| Downing ____-..-- 1889 H Gy eS eS daly es 5] 5 ts
.25| Dracut Amber____| 1890 | L 9| 9} 21] June 24_} Sept.18 |} 6 | Mildew, slight.
26| Duchess. 1888 | H TW UP By Ndi Pas “- 9_| 9 | Very badly mildewed.
27| Early Market_____ PASO ee tron ele diomey 24s “* 15_|____| Mildewed, slightly.
28] Early Victor =___| 1888 | L OuleonielO ero Ra Oe yl es oS
oOleHatony 2 aes! 1888 | L 10; 10) 9 aoe ‘Sloe Healthy:
30) Blaine: 2.16 8.0) = TRS1SKS) SIV) & [A |e Se Lae i CU, il Ree ee 1h ae ui
31] El Dorado_______- ASSO EH | Sl) ees magi co (a lexan peat (HE He
SE Lvinal se eel aL SOO) RNG OO MIS pe SS Oct. 18_! 4 us
-33| Empire State. _ 1383 | LX | 10} 8/]10] June28_} * 51) 8
SHU LOE ep cae ie a 1839 | H Saltese EONS) yal eee ook __.-| Healthy.
eto MEVGGAL, ==. ee 1890 | RX | 8/10] 1 sce 245 (Oct douiens ee
36) Eumelan _________ 1888 | E 8 | 10 2 rook: Ma 3_| 9
Yl ll hice eee i ee, 1889 L 7 | 10 ¥ em PS 5_|__-.| Slight anthracnose.
88) Excelsior ____ __. 1889 | H 50M | ecteta fee Jul yaal 1s | eee eee : -
$9) Gaertner.) .2)_ 1ss9 | H Sulk cones Ts Sh Cpl | See oe
-40) Goethe __-______-. 1889 | H Ginnie ‘s Dee er eae __ | Slight mildew.
41} Golden urop ____- TBSOD Lexa |e Sy ie (ese, dane ee! |= see oe _..| Healthy.
42} Hartford _________| 1889 L 10|10| 4 ** 24_| Sept. 24.) 4 | Black Rot—slight.
43! iavesie. oe 25-22. 1888 | L (ay |f aay et son ee “ -19-| 8 | Slight mildew.
44) Herbert _____- Wi} 1889) | Soi 5 ee 2a “ 27_| 7 | Slight anthracnose.
45| Highland ________| 1889 | H 8} 91! 10 ‘© 28.) Oct. 31_)._..| Yet unripe—slight mildew.
46| Iona .____ ee ie ts {o1e) L EWE 4 gs 0) as 5.| 10 | Mildew and anthracnose.
47| Isabella ___._____. 18388 L OFS 65) 10 de SS, 12521 9) Mildewed:
ASI Pdives = eee ET ne! 1890 | L Oo ie [eee CPN E LS ieee | teoal thy.
49| Janesville..______| 1859 | LKR | 10] 10] 8 ‘© 22_| Sept.15_| 5 ba
50| Jefferson_____.____ 1888 | LX | 8/10] 10} July 5-.] Oct. 20_] 10 | Slight mildew.
51) Jessica’_________ 1888 | H? 5 | 10 | 10 | June 24_| Sept. 15 8 | Badly mildewed.
52| Jewell cis oe 1889 |} L 5) see een ht 2) 16. |-22.|) Healthy:
S| Meady) seesaw ees 1888 | 4/ 8] 4] June 40. © 192) 38 en
54| Lady Washington} 1888 | H Bo Guns oul daly, (be Oct, Sail ia
Do enero. ae LOGON eee? ae eS ts se 5.| Sept. 30_|___.| Healthy.
NO uING l6yne wee 1889 H Ey AWGREsyad |S Stl cH rv tea = aes 8 od [eae we come oe LD
ST batieg:. 6225 1590 L i) Opes Pepe Os) UN Ne seg a 2
53) Martha 229125 1889 | L Nap 0) ne Ode os tees ne e
59] Massasoit ___. ___- 1888 | H OF Sh aa hos. |hOCt wares 8
60| Merrimac _______- 1885 H 9 OP 2 “ 247] “SL! 10 | Sligt anthracnose.
164
STATE HORTICULT URAL SOCIETY.
GRA PES— Vitis.—CONTINUED.
} |
eva
Salata
a Sole ile ae,
B Wame, 3 Fa ~ S| ies ®
4 =| cat ea ena seake
f a | 2|Slgsif8 8
a Ay al > | \a ioe)
61] Mille’ seo 13885 |P oe 7| 9| 4} June 20.
Gale Monroe 2 se isoon na 1 10 1 aloe
63} Moore Early__-_-_-_- 1888_| L 6|10| 8 of DBE
G41) Moyer: oes. 22-8 ASBS Heo o =. UA tule ts oar te
G5) Naomir2. 2222-842 1889_| H S| 46 1 ue Ashe
66| Nectar__.____-__-- 1888_| H AO Tee ealysoee
"6¥) Niagara o 2 1888_| LX | 10 | 10 | 10! June 24.
68} Northern Light___| 1890_|______ Gi} LO), | aes ne S08
69) Oneidaii 4222.2. WSOOR SEE he ae «30
70; Owosso_._._._____| 1890 L 9 hoe cds:
aePeabody--2 a. 1889.) RX 6 7 5 SO.
PoP enkansm 25 fence 1889_| L |10/10| 6 dae
73| Pocklington_____-_ 1888_.} L Te A pee oye
74| Poughkeepsie ____| 1888.| HX | 8] 7} 1 eb)
75| Prentiss____.___._}| 1888_} L aleeri ial ES E28!
1G SRani tyes eee Loo see 6: medial aeee rod:
Waly teontz: Sa ee 1889_| L LON 10) [eee OU O8 2
asi equa sss se 1890-| H Eto Paes HON 28o
79| Rochester _______- 1890_| L 10°} 107} 5 so 288
80! Rommell -_*_____- 1889.| H 6 | 1 28
SLIPROrers: eee 1889_| H TV AOR Pa indatly =
82| Rogers, 8 _______- 1889_| H 9} 9] 4 Clie. ae
83| Rogers, 24._-.____| 1889.| H |___.|__..]| 4 | June 2+-
84| Rogers, 30___.___- SSO i Eel | eae | ae mews} |
$5) Salone esos sane TSSS2) Vee | PLON |) Sree Ht Pa8
86) Secretary -______.- 1890_| H Bayes aire: DA STH)
87) Telegraph _____._-_ 1s90_| L 8110] 8 bie}
5) 2irinim phy) =.= 1890_| H O58) |= el ombys bes
SOeUilstere) 228 T | VSsSe eX |. 66) 1-9" || 8) | June23
90} Vergennes_______- 1890_| L ow a ee “a: Wess
91| Victoria..___.___- Ee Oa eee |e |
92\' Wellls__ 2225. == ist) | Sepa Ie a es 2 2 | June 28
93 Wilders 2) se 1888_| H 7 9 6 eelenar
94) Winchell_._______- 1889_| L Clea eet al Ae Be 288
OS Witiiss eS eS 1 bete(]) eee EE ee es oS toe 28
96} Woodruff ____ ____ 1888_| LX |10/ 10| 4 eaMar
97), Worden.) 2) ee 1888_} L 9}10} 9 EOS
98; Wyoming ____ ____ 1888_| L Seon 64 BOE a bs
ls |
°
~~
9 pon]
Z = Remarks.
q Be
a |3
[oa] Se
Oct 5. . f Healthy.
Sept. 15. 6 tt
© 15_| 7 | Slight black rot.
Oct. 28.|___.| Slight mildew.
see OL EES _.-| Foliage small and poor.
Sept. 30 } Healthy.
_| Sept. 21.| 7 | sé
|
“ 30.) 6 | Slight anthracnose.
“ 13.| 6 | Healthy.
Oct. 7_--| 7 | Slight mildew.
Sept. 23_| 9 | Slight mildew and anthracnose:
Oct. 20-| 7 | Healthy.
‘ 5- ae ec
_..--.---|----| Slight anthracnose.
Sept. 30_|___.| Slight mildew.
“+ -19.| 7 | Healthy:
Oct. 18_|____| Slight mildew.
Sept. 30_|__.__| Healthy.
Oct. 3__|.--.| Slight mildew and anthracnose.
a a eee Healthy.
Be 35. Slight mildew and black rot.
5 AME Seer el pe Slight anthracnose.
Sept. 17_|____| Healthy.
“Oct. 3._| 10 | 6
‘* 5_.| 8 | Mildew, black rot, anthracnose..
es Sees __..| Slight mildew.
Sept. 30_| 5 | Healthy.
Oct. 5__| 6 | Slight anthracnose, black rot.
Sept.16_| 9 | Slight mildew and anthracnose..
ee ee || Heal this
Oct ss 6 ss
oe 15_ 8 ow
Sept. 28.) 6 | Slight mildew.
Nearly all the varieties included in the foregoing tables have shown
more or less fruit the present season.
Aminia is by many persons considered to be the best of the Rogers.
hybrids.
Brighton, when planted apart from other varieties, fails to perfectly
fertilize its bloom.
here this season.
flavor.
So far, it is a rather slow grower.
Bunch and berry scarcely of medium size.
When associated with others it produces abundantly.
In quality, as well as in beauty, it has few if any superiors.
Brilliant (a cross of Lindley and Delaware, by T. V. Munson of Texas),
has now produced its second crop. It maintains its home reputation for
ae analy although the fruit has mildewed more or less both this year
and last.
Cayuga, received for trial from central New York, has borne a first crop
The fruit is of fine
A plant received from C. P. Chidester as No. 1 which had been awarded a
first premium as a seedling and named President Lyon, has now borne its
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 165
second crop here and proves to be of medium size, and of fine quality; but
so far the bunches are small and the plant comparatively unproductive.
Another seedling received as No. 2, is much more productive, but of
comparatively lower quality.
Diamond has this season produced a fine crop, large in both bunch and
berry and of excellent quality. The plant is healthy and vigorous.
Downing betrays vinifera parentage in its foliage, and yet has so far
entirely escaped mildew. It has now borne two moderate crops. Bunch
large, berry medium; but too late in maturing to acquire its full quality
in this locality.
Dracut Amber, productive and beautiful, but low in quality.
Duchess set a fine crop which was ruined by mildew.
Early Market, an Elvira cross by T. V. Munson, is of only tolerable
quality, but may prove profitable for early marketing. arly Victor is
rather small in both bunch and berry; but its earliness, productiveness,
good quality, and hardiness, seem likely to render it valuable.
Eaton, though large in bunch and berry, as well as vigorous and healthy,
is scarcely as good as Concord, and can scarcely equal it in value for the
market.
Empire State has produced a moderate crop of beautiful fruit, but can
not stand at the head with Brighton and Diamond as rivals.
Eumelan, though a poor setter, improves in this particular with good
company. Quality good.
Hayes is valuable only as an amateur or family grape.
Highland requires a longer season than ours.
Jona is still one of the best when it succeeds.
Janesville is desirable where special hardiness is requisite.
Jefferson is an excellant late crop. It has this year produced a heavy
crop, while adjacent varieties have been nearly or quite ruined by mildew.
Jessica, very early, sweet, and good, but very seedy.
Lady, as a family grape may well assume the place so long held by
Martha, as compared with which it is a marked improvement at least in
quality.
Lady Washington possesses some desirable characteristics, but with
some serious drawbacks, fatal, perhaps, to its usefuJness.
Mills, Monroe, and Moyer have each more or less valuable qualities; but
with so many strong competitors, they can scarcely gain prominence,
Nectar (Black Delaware) is of fine quality, but its foliage is poor, and
doubtless for that reason the plant lacks vigor.
Owosso is much like Catawba, though much earlier. The plant is healthy,
vigorous, and productive, and the fruit of attractive appearance and good
quality.
Peabody, with some good qualities of both plant and fruit, is yet in
flavor unpleasant to most tastes.
Poughkeepsie is much like Delaware in appearance and quality, but the
plant is a very feeble grower.
Rogers 8 is large and showy, but of moderate quality. It will probably
prove to be a good keeper.
Rogers 24 is better in quality than the preceding, but probably not as
good a keeper.
Ulster is a superior family grape. It ripened late this year. The plant
lacks vigor.
Winchell is said to be identical with Green Mountain. The former being
166 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
the earlier name, is entitled to precedence. It has now yielded two suc-
cessive crops of excellent, very early fruit, of fine quality. It is apparently
worthy of extensive planting as a home or family grape.
Woodruff has disappointed us this year. It has made a very vigorous
growth; but the fruit has been very sparse, the bunches small, and the
flavor indifferent.
Worden is too well and favorably known to require extended notice. It
may safely be planted, even for market, instead of Concord. At the north
this should always be done.
Wyoming is a good grower and productive: but of only moderate
quality.
For a family vineyard, with succession, the following will afford both
variety and high quality. If not so many are wanted, a selection can be
made. Varieties are named nearly in the order of ripening:
Early Victor, Winchell, Worden, Lady, Delaware, Diamond, Brighton,
Ulster, J efferson.
For a market vineyard with succession :
Moore Early, Worden, Concord, Niagara, and at the south or in favorable
localities, Isabella or Catawba.
PEARS—Pyrus communis.
To the sixty-seven varieties of pear in orchard at the date of my last
report, fourteen were added last spring, making a total of eighty-one vari-
eties now growing on the premises. Of these six have shown bloom this
season, viz.: Sterling, which bloomed May 19, and the fruit matured about
September 5 to 10; Winter Nelis bloomed May 18, matured in November;
Bloodgood, bloomed May 19; Gray Doyenne, May 16; Ansault, May 19,
and Mount Vernon, May 16. The last four failed to set fruit.
The unusually unfavorable weather of last spring, which so severely
injured the foliage of most classes of fruits, had little apparent effect upon
the foliage of the pear, which in most cases continued as healthy as in
previous years. The trees were twice sprayed with Bordeaux mixture,
during the season; as were also the cherries and apples in adjacent rows.
There is no means of determining how far, if at all, their more eta
condition may be attributed to sueh application.
The blight which last season attacked three or four trees, ruining three
of them and badly disfiguring a fourth one, has not reappeared this.
season.
Two or three trees of Seedless (Bessemianka) and Gakovsk, Russian
varieties, received from Prof. J. L. Budd of Lowa, are this season seriously
affected with canker of the bark of their trunks and older branches. So
far it has not been observed upon other varieties. This disease is not
supposed to be contagious. It has, for years, been observed to attack
varieties of feeble habit, generally foreign, and evidently not at home in
our climate. We know of no remedy short of cutting away the diseased
wood.
The slug (Hriocampa cerast) has been the only troublesome insect this
year. Its attacks have continued later than usual this season; but have
yielded readily to spraying with poisons.
So few varieties have bloomed and fruited this season that tabulation is
omitted to await fruiting and identification.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 167
There being no apparent occasion for modifying the lists for planting
recommended last year they are reproduced as follows:
For a succesion of varieties of high quality, named as nearly as_possi-
ble in the order of their ripening: Summer Doyenne, Giffard, Bloodgood,
Tyson, Rostiezer, Clapp Favorite, Howell, Bosc, Anjou, Winter Nelis,
Dana, Hovey, and Pound; the last for culinary use only.
For smaller plantations, the following will afford a partial succession of
vigorous, productive varieties of fair quality: Summer Doyenne, Clapp
Favorite, Bartlett, Sheldon, Howell, Onondaga, Bosc, Anjou, and Lawrence.
For a market list, with succession: Summer Doyenne, Tyson, Sterling,
Clapp Favorite, Bartlett, Howell, Onondaga, Bosc, Anjou, Lawrence.
These varieties have all been so long before the public, that descriptions
are not deemed necessary.
APPLES.—Pyrus malus.
To the one hundred and forty varieties of apple, previously in orchard,
forty-eight varieties were added the past spring; making one hundred and
eighty-eight varieties now upon the place; aside from which, there are in
orchard, twenty-two young trees, intended to be topworked, with such
varieties as shall be received in the scion.
Prior to last spring’s season of almost continuous rain, apple trees were
apparently in excellent condition. How far the continuous saturation of
the soil with water may have affected their health it may be difficult to
determine; but between this and the rapid development of fungi, under the
then existing conditions, the foliage was nearly ruined; and growth so
effectually stopped that, in most cases, no considerable renewal occurred
during the season; rendering it possible, not to say probable, that with
trees of bearing age, the lack of vigor may, in more or less cases, have pre-
vented the development of the fruit buds, needful as the preparation for a
next year’s crop. .
Of insects, the destruction of the foliage has left the Aphis mali so
nearly destitute of feeding ground, that its depredations have scarely been
noticeable.
Nine varieties showed more or lesss bloom last spring, of which one only,
the Keswick, produced fruit; though this was ruined by curculio or the
larva of the codling moth, before maturity.
Until the fruiting, identification and characterization or varieties, tabu-
lation is of little apparent use, and is therefore omitted.
Select lists of apples for orchard planting have in former reports been
based upon previous knowledge of the varieties named; and seeing no good
reason to modify those of last year, they are reproduced here.
For a family orchard, to supply dessert, culinary, and sweet apples,
throughout the usual season of this fruit:
Early Harvest (or Yellow Transparent), Early Strawberry, Primate,
Chenango, Sweet Bough, Garden Royal, Jersey Sweet, Jefferis, Keswick,
St. Lawrence, Rhode Island Greening, Jonathan, Munson Sweet, Dyer,
Shiawassee, Hubbardston, Talman Sweet, Northern Spy, Lady Sweet,
Golden Russet (N. Y.), Roxbury Russet.
For a local market, for a similar period:
Early Harvest, Red Astrachan, Oldenburg, Maiden Blush, Lowell, Shia-
wassee, Hubbardston, Jonathan, Rhode Island Greening, Baldwin, Red
Canada (topgrafted), Roxbury Russet.
168 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
QUINCES— Cydonia.
Of the quince there are nine varieties now upon the grounds; none having
been added during the present year.
The plants were sprayed before they were in leaf, prior to the heavy and
continuous rains already spoken of. Whether from this, or some other
cause, the foliage, which, in previous years, had been badly spotted by the
leaf blight (Morthiera Mespili), has been wholly exempt throughout the
season; and, doubtless for this reason, the plants have made better growths
than usual.
The red rust (Reestelia aurantiace), has apparently wholly disappeared;
no cases of it having been observed this season.
The following varieties have bloomed and fruited this season:
Missouri Mammoth, bloomed June 3, no fruit.
Rea, bloomed June 5, fruit gathered October 19.
Meech, bloomed June 8, fruit gathered October 19.
Champion, bloomed June 5, fruit gathered October 19.
Orange, bloomed June 5, fruit gathered October 19.
The Champion has heretofore on a different soil ripened so late as to
occasion doubt respecting its adaptability to our climate; but during the
last two seasons, on a rather strong sandy loam, it has matured very nearly
with Meech, Rea, and Orange.
NUTS.
CHESTNUTS— Castanea vesca.
Seeds from the large native chestnut, originating with B. Hathaway of
Little Prairie Ronde, Michigan, have now zrown to be fine vigorous trees.
Two root-grafts from the parent tree were received from Mr. Hathaway,
both of which failed after a struggle of a year or two.
Five or six alleged distinct varieties from Japan have been planted
within two or three years past, as well as trees of the European variety,
usually known as Spanish.
Paragon, an aileged specially hardy seedling of Spanish, has now shown
fruit for three years; though so far the nuts have been destitute of germs,
a failure which perchance may be remedied with increased age, or possibly
when others shall come into condition to supply pollen for cross
fertilization.
CHINQUAPIN—Castanea pumilia (Dwarf chestnut).
The trees of this transplant with much difficulty, for which reason two
attempts have been made to grow specimens from seed; but both have
failed, none of the nuts have having vegetated.
PECAN —Hickoria oliveformis.
The trees of this being also impatient of removal, after a single trial
seeds were planted, which have now stood without protection through the
last three winters, uninjured; and have made fine growths the past season.
Through the courtesy of assistant national pomologist, W. A. Taylor, a
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 169
former resident of Allegan county, nuts of a large, thin-shelled pecan,
from Texas, were received last fall, and planted last spring, a few of which
vegetated, and will be planted permanently if they can be brought safely
through the coming winter.
From the same source we are just now in receipt of a few nuts of Stuart
pecan, of very large size, which variety is su highly valued that the nuts
are selling for $1.50 per pound for seed. These are bedded in damp sand
to be planted next spring.
ENGLISH WALNUT, OR MADERIA NUT—Juglans regia.
The two trees of this came through the last winter uninjured, but
neither has made a vigorous growth the past season.
Two trees of the dwarf variety, prwparturiens, have safely passed
through the past two winters, and are making more or less growth.
Whether either of the above will be found adapted to the climate of
Michigan, is a matter for grave doubt.
JAPAN WALNUT—Juglans Seiboldi.
Trees of this walnut planted in 1890 remain perfectly sound, and are
growing very vigorously. The same is also true of two additional trees
planted last spring.
ALMON DS—Amygdalus communis.
A single tree was received from Missouri, labeled “ Snelling Almond,”
doubtless of the hardy class of hard- shelied varieties. This was planted
last spring, and has made very satisfactory growth.
Two trees, labeled “ Soft-Shelled Almond,” were also received from the
Agricultural College, and planted out last spring. One of them was
apparently dead at the root when received, and failed to grow. The other
has made satisfactory growth.
FILBERT AND HAZLENUT —Corylus.
Plants of the Kentish Cob Filbert were received from the Agricultural
College, and planted last spring, and are now in good condition.
Plants of an unnamed hazlenut were received from the Division of
Pomology at Washington, which were temporarily planted last spring and
are now bedded in cellar, preparatory to permanent planting next spring.
Plants of an unnamed hazlenut, indigenous at Puget Sound, are just
received from the Division of Pomology at Washington, and have been
bedded in damp earth in cellar, to be planted out next spring.
FIGS—Ficus ae
Cuttings of Brunswick Fig were reeeived last spring from H. E. Van-
Deman, Pomologist of the National Division of Pomology, which were
duly planted, and have now become plants from two to three feet in height,
some of them already bearing fruits, nearly or quite half grown. These
have now been bedded in earth in cellar, to be replanted next spring.
22
170 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
RHUBARB—Rheum Rhaponticum.
As was the case last year, so the present one: the alleged early varieties
have grown to usable size no earlier than has the Linnzus, which, judging
from experience, may very profitably fill the place of any and all other .
varieties, whether for the home plantation or for market; whether early or
late.
ASPARAGUS— Asparagus officinalis.
Of the six varieties of asparagus planted in the spring of 1890, the
Palmetto has steadily maintained its superior size and productiveness.
The plant being dicecious, and therefore every seed a cross, the necessary
inference would seem to be, that the variety may have acquired its appar-
ent fixity, through the process of selection. Be this as it may, its obvi-
ous superiority in size, renders it worthy of a leading position as a profit-
able variety.
Results from the planting of crowns from old plantations, have not, so
far, been satisfactory, many having failed to grow, and yet others dying,
after a more or less feeble start, leaving the plat weak and thin as com-
pared with one of the same variety, planted at the same time, and under
the same treatment, but of young plants. .
T. 'T.. LYON.
VEGETABLE TESTS.
Bulletin No. 90, February, 1893.
During the past season we have grown many of the novelties offered by
the seedsmen in their catalogues of 1892. Many of the high priced
“novelties” are inferior to the older and well-known sorts, although some
are of real merit. In this bulletin we have endeavored to give the results
gained from the experience of one season. Perhaps another year’s trial
might change our opinion in some instances. Some of the best of the older
kinds have been grown with the new, for comparison. The summary at
the end of each class may aid the grower in selecting varieties for planting.
BUSH BEANS.
The beans were planted in drills two and one half feet apart, June 10
and 11. Ten feet of drill were given to each variety. In this space one
hundred beans were planted; from the number coming up the per cent. of
germination was computed. After all the beans had germinated that would
do so, each section was thinned to thirty plants; these thirty plants were
divided in two parts of fifteen each; with one section the pods were picked
and weighed when in edible condition. In this way the comparative pro-
ductiveness of the several varieties was determined. The other lot of
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 171
fifteen plants was allowed to ripen the pods, and the beans were shelled
and kept for seed. Owing to the continued rains in the spring, the beans
were not planted until late in the season; the differences in time of edible
maturity of the varieties are therefore slight.
The following table shows the results obtained with the bush varieties:
TasuE No. 1.
S| B w -
eee). fe lege les
3 0 © HO 4
Pe) o g a Tr) qd
Faller 8 | ales
4 Variety. Seedsman. 2 } a |3 a =)
ca = :
Ss Se oe 5 io ee f| Sa 2
@Q 26 @Q Oe ‘ws ©
g Bilee| | es| 38 |
Z A | a ANTS esis fa)
1 [AT OOSUOO Kress a see ng te eos cae as oe errands sss == 5 80 35 51 30 110
2 Beste warisesn eset eases 32 Pees ‘Burpee. 02: 5 78 38 50 10% 118
3 IBTit ite ic. ee Se ee eee Landreth___-__-_-- 6 52 38 51 2314 94
4 BinerPoddediButter same ee Burpee ae Salk Se valle Salas NASP 94
5 Boston Marketi: 2-224 bose 2 eee) Salzerscs5-24 ee! 5 98 34 | 50 | 26% 116
6 Barlin games ws sabes Ye ees Maule2a een 5 86 A) 1) bil (Pie ile soos
MelsattecuWi secs) eet. Oe Maule..2-..22-.° 10 g | 38 | 50 | 72% 116
8 Challenge ene ser aS ee erry et eee 5 80 33 49 | 15 92
9 @hamip lone se seee = eee 8 Bese es 7 Bree IE lypevb ete oi Sad he 7 98 40 52 | 34% 94
10 Cylinder Black Wax. 222s Henderson _____- 5 &8 88 | 52 65 109
| |
Me ee Dako ta SOUpi see os sete te Ss py Maule 22-- eo: BW Ga Sie ha) I Bs 98
12 IDE IGN ICD ea See ie SS Ree aS ee Dreorce = ee 10 15 88 | 52 | 49% 110
13 SEOUL Waxes Se ee Reriy,- 2:28 as oe 11 65. | 88) 52, | 24% 94
15 IBAT TOR Gee ree ee re ed aye Maule 5 88 34 51 | 40 104
16 Hepa arkebee eee one eet hee ETN Handreth 222222) 7 vi 85 52 39 100
17 HrageoletnWaxe ss oar eee ee Henderson _____- 6% | 90 37 | «49 914 98
18 GOLA of e eGsiRe Ee TATE aie FLY Micka. ieene 5 90 BSaal) 52, 40 94
21 Gold-eyo) Wax ee tte ne eae S Salzer. 22) 10 ieee gaye Bil 4914, 94
2s ee Mammoth Wax oes. Osea. Nee BSUS S ete Henderson _____. uf (GE) Byala by! 98
24 Mon tid? On eo e i eee et Ee Bily. 60 eae 5 87 84 By By 98
25 Net us) Ultra Fi a ek eal ae By ecto see ee 4 98 34 Bil 29 98
26 ING WOW nye ce he ees te eee sE Le Te se Thorburn _____.- 7 90 37 Die oD 98
27 IN Og LGUs ee ree rae a Ee Os SRE Be Hie tiesons Soe 4 94 42 50 2 118
28 S40 f SO I ae re BEA sla 8K a, Hatt. 2 2 eee 4 96 39 50 83 110
29 INOS ei ee ne Se ere Hath oo sesscr eae 5 84 | 40 51 70% 118
SON SENOsS <o.- ese SiS hyn Ma 5 eC Hattie: Gee Ge oS lh Be ah BP 110
31 Osborn Horcing 2 = Henderson _____. 5 06 38 51 33% 84
32 Ber fection Vex: meee eee won ote rear: .-. eee 6 96 38 52 37% 90
33 PINKO = tee ee ae eee eee Sete aes andreth=22- 22" "i 22 35 51 31% 90
34 Plymouth Rocke ae eos, Gregory 222 6 86 | 34 | 52 22% 90
| |
35 Red Valentine sos os ee Henderson -_____- 6 TA 88 52 85 84
36 Refupag ies le bee ee ee ee ee Henderson... ___- 5 50 aie jie il 67% | 84
37 | Ruby Dwarf Horticultural ___.___._.____ Rawsona ee oe 8 93 Eby Lips 28 84
38 IRnSt=DLOOLS Uy as ees eee BEE ears Vaughan aesstan 5 92 | 385 51 27% |} 84
So) sl paddle-back) 20.52 ws foe i eee eer 202: Landreth______-- 5 59 35 52 36 100
40 ial sat nodes i Ca AE Pe Thorburn -__-. --- 5 Ot e058 22% 88
41 Bnowhskoes cs set Pera Gregory _______-- 4 92 40 | 52 80 100
42 Speckleduwaxe 5...) a ee Derry) ei ee 7 8 | 88 BL |) (30 88
43 WMiolotiMlaseolét:-- 2. See ee Hornyee ee 6 94 | 38 52 | 47% 84
AA VV ard wel lec see oe | SE Le Salzer.-.<.2 2/02 Tene 38 51 | 41 100
Ai Were es ae) es a ee Henderson --.__- 5 | 99 | 38 | SL | 48% 84
47 WihiterWalontinoss che sn eee Henderson -__-.. 5 81 37 52 | 63% 90
48 Walllnsatrets eens ou oe ee Vauphan oe 5 9 34 49 46
49 Welllowaeye Wax bis. Ss SES ee ee Leonard _-=___-.- 10 11 | 39 51 10 116
50 MOBO UG heen sects. et et See SS Gregory--_-_-.-_-- 7 78 38 O2) Ulin Dive na eesoe
51 QUGerINW cist aie Sed sd St eg a ry Hicks: Sa teens Syed Weetscs) 38 51 51 90
5d Shippers Havoriteis». 9.2222) ee 12} 5b (-\ ene. ATS 6 99 39 58 | 52 116
57 Horticultural (strain No. 14)___.__.___-- PICKS yoo eee 9 100 32 66 | 29 100
58 New, BieldliBoaniNo; 62-20-20 Hiexsie eee 9 | 100 38 a stl 100
59 | Early Dwarf Bash No. 8 ___.-_-------_--- Hicke sees 99 32 48 31 90
172 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES.
The following notes apply to the new varieties grown in 1892. Notes on
the other varieties will be found in Bulletins 70 and 79.
Boston Market—Salzer. Plants 9 to 12 inches high, spread 8 to 12
inches; leaflets small to medium in size; pods round, green, 24 to 34 inches
long, curved, apex long; flesh solid, tender. Bean small in diameter, long,
purplish red in color with lighter dots. The plant does not grow large
enough to be very productive.
Butter Wax—Maule. Plants of medium growth; foliage medium in
size, dark green color; pods 4 to 54 inches long, round, rich golden yellow
color and of excellent quality. Pods remain some time in edible condition.
Bean large, white with a brownish-red eye. Very productive. A good
variety.
Plymouth Rock—Gregory. Plants strong and vigorous, 10 to 12 inches
high; spread 12 to 15 inches; leaflets medium to large, dark green; pods
green, straight, flattened, 5 to 6 inches long; flesh tender and of best
quality. Bean small in diameter, long, round, kidney-shape; color white
with reddish-brown dots around eye. An excellent variety, but not
remarkably early this year.
Shippers Favorite—Buist. Plants strong and vigorous, closely
resemble Plymouth Rock in plant and pod, though the pods are longer and
not so wide. Bean small in diameter, long, purplish-red in color with
lighter dots. A good variety and productive.
Horticultural (Strain No. 14)—Hicks. Plants of moderate growth;
foliage medium in size, dark green in color; pods 4 to 5 inches long, light
yellow with dark purpde patches; quality good. Moderately productive.
Bean thick, nearly round, creamy yellow in color with reddish patches.
New Field Bean, No. 6—Hicks. Plants strong and vigorous; foliage
large, light green in color; pods 5 to 6 inches long, yellowish-green. Bean
large, white, round. Productive. Promises to be an excellent field bean.
Early Dwarf Bush, No. 3—Hicks. Plants of small growth; foliage
small, dark green color; pods dark green, more or less covered with
purplish-plack spots; quality good. Bean small to medium in size, creamy-
yellow, dotted with blue-black spots. Moderately productive.
Though the recent introductions have many points of excellence, not one
is so superior to the older sorts as to supersede them for field or garden
use. Our list of varieties for planting would be little changed from those
recommended last year.
Wax beans—Cylinder Black Wax, Saddleback, Mammoth Wax, and
Butter Wax.
Green podded varieties—Osborn Forcing, Shipper’s Favorite, Dakota
Soup, and Shah.
For field culture—Burlingame, Snowflake, Hatt No. 24 and No.6 Hicks.
POLE BEANS.
The pole beans were planted June 14 in rows 6 feet apart, with 4 feet
space between the hills. The poles were placed in position at the time of
planting the beans.
The following table shows the comparative data obtained:
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 173
TABLE No. 2.
w Yo | g =
3 > g if.
a Die ohh gaya
No. | Variety. Seedsman. o £96 o 6} OF
| fs on eel ee
2S oS D 2e
| be id > | ae |
ees 50 3 3
= Au ey eS
22 a : eat & ie
|
Pete black Milman 522) PSS. Seo sso (MBnnpes) +: 2. sss as eee 13 86 | SS (eae
2 | hrallonren soe sea see eee Se iRHOrpuEn. | ete ees oe 18 12 one
a PGaolden Ohampion. 222-225. Prenibt tia. om ges ot Se 13 70 53; 102
4 | “a Closter se ee ae | oie S00h FS CL eS Re 13 61 65 119
0 [OTS Roy erent DT hie oe ee ee SO eee Childs 3.2 Fk 2a: ee ei 13 90 35 93
Oni Was glee Se ee ee UIC RG 2 sets e. 152i get ee 13 98 38 93
Te eTSOG ee eee eae eee ee ond. 2 oot re Ee Oe 13 24 | 47s soe
SieOldutiomestedas 222-222 eee EF. =o! pee ae) bos ie ee eae 13 80 42 | 97
9: Searlet. Runner ~ > 52.52 Bins’: ae aU SMe p patie SEP ey elie sore 13 84 30) |e
10 | Neek-NO-Lurtnor-ee eee ee Pens ee en 13 76 47 97
|
hile SunahinenVaxcsce- 22-2. Burpee - 13 64 62 121
APA TONY CO Ait ts. te es See Nae oe Burpee hes = ewe ie eee 13 98 38 100
13 | Willow-leaf .-_. __-_____- BUrposee eras eee ee. 13 60 Fi See
12°) Gaant! Horticultural. ?-* 22 2- = 2 8-2! PEL ONR Sraathes. Sacer oe ess 13 60 | 63 139
15 | Washington Market_____..__.__.-__.- Nalbeonard. 2 se Sopee pies. eee! 13 30 | (i ee ees
16 HordseMammoth= 222-5 -22 272s US Vos Aa oe a ee 18 | 52 47 |
DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES.
Golden Champion—Hend. This variety, as last year, was the earliest of
the wax pole-beans to form edible pods. The pods are nearly white, 4 to
5 inches long and of good quality. A valuable variety.
Golden Cluster—Hend. None of the newer sorts equal this variety asa
wax-podded pole bean for general garden culture. The plants are of
strong and vigorous growth and very productive. The pods are 6 to 8
inches long; flesh thick, solid, and of best quality. It is not so early as
Golden Champion, but on the whole was the best bean of its class grown.
Horticultural Lima—Childs. Plant vigorous; foliage dark green; pods
5 to 6 inches long, and 1 inch broad, they contain 4 to 6 beans of large
size. This isa Lima, and the beans are edible long before the broad-
podded Limas or the bush varieties. It is productive and a valuable
acquisition.
Horticultural Lima—Hicks. This variety is identical with the above.
We think that Childs was the original introducer.
Old Homestead—Hend. Plants are strong and moderately productive.
Pods long, curved and twisted, green, tender and of best quality. A good
green-podded variety.
Seek-no-further—Landreth. Identical with Old Homestead.
Sunshine Wax—Burpee. Identical with Golden Cluster.
White Zulu—Burpee. An introduction of 1891. As grown last year
the type was not well fixed. Plants vigorous, pods 6 to 10 inches long,
usually twisted sidewise, light green in color, and of best quality. Produc-
tive. A good variety,
Willow Leaf—Burpee. Interesting.as a novelty. Does: not mature
beans here.
Giant Horticultural—Smith. Plants are moderately vigorous. The
pods are borne near the ground, and are five to six inches long, one inch
broad, light yellowish-green in color, more or less streaked with purple.
Bean large, thick, medium in shape between a kidney bean and a Lima;
excellent in quality. Rather late in maturing and moderately productive.
174 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Evidently a cross between the Dwarf Horticultural and a pole Lima. A
valuable addition to the list of varieties.
Golden Champion is valuable for its comparative earliness. As a snap
bean of the best quality, and wonderfully productive, the Golden Cluster
can not be too strongly recommended. As a Lima bean the Horticultural
Lima has no superior for this section.
BUSH LIMAS.
Of late, the bush Limas have attracted considerable attention. Their
season of maturity is usually too late to make their culture successful in
this latitude.
Tasie No. 3.
| { to | . | 2
| Soe ee
a vate 2. \ ee
No. | Variety. Seedsman. e 28 & oe
| 22 | 8s.) (eiiese
2o og oa Qa
Paes ur be bm r=]
ar oo o [a2]
A Ou a A
1 | Burpee’s Bush Lima ________________- IBUrpeS, Seek et eee ee 12 | 66 42 102
2) Dreerisa) Bush imanoe 22s reer. Fhe Gaeta ae itil 36 | 52 102
3 | Hend. Bush Lima _____- PARES) OCR 6 R:) oto Palen epee aes eS See 12 30 | 42 8%
ay Bush itn wee eae eae ee eae Barteldaa 2 ae ye tr ey 11 80 39 | 106°
DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES.
Burpee’s Bush Lima—Burpee. Plants are strong and vigorous. Pods
44 to 5 inches long, 14 inches broad, and curved, usually contain 3 to 4
beans, which are 1 inch long and 1 inch broad, kidney-shape. The
plants are moderately productive.
Dreer’s Bush Lima—Dreer. Plants are of smaller and more spreading ~
growth than the preceding. Pods are borne in clusters near the ground;
24 to 34 inches long, 14 inches broad, straight. The beans are smaller
than Burpee’s Bush Lima andthe plants are more productive.
Henderson's Bush Lima—Hend. Plants are strong and of vigorous
growth; pods 3 to 4 inches long, straight, borne on all parts of the plant,
beans medium in size, and of best quality. The earliest of the bush
Limas and perhaps the best.
Barteldes’ Bush Lima— Barteldes. Plants very strong-growing,
inclined to climb, pods 4 to 6 inches long, somewhat flattened, outer sur-
face rough, borne in clusters on along stem. The plant is very product-
ive, but matures beans too late for this section.
CABBAGES.
Thirty varieties were tested this year. The seed was sown on March 10
and the plants were pricked out in flats about the Ist of April. On May 8
twenty-five plants of each variety were transplanted in the field. They
were badly affected by the maggot (Anthomyia brassica), which resulted
in much irregularity in heading. The very wet weather, during June, was
largely instrumental in preventing a failure of the crop from the ravages
of the maggot. The following table gives the results of the test.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 175
Tasce No. 4.
OE ae og | Ya 2
SO Iie = a as cae g5
5s | so | ag | esis | 84
oD | [o) Ao Nq °
| fe we} eo ‘a a 8 bb ap
No. Variety. : Seedsman. Bey ae wires oe 5 one
; ao) ao) q Pai Sse
52 | 8 ze Bors Bais =
| °2 | 98 | SH | fa | Se | ona
Ba | ga Ped os as | Ban
ou | a =< iS A
| —
ME IPACKICN = ese 99 89 92 | 8x10 | Solid 90
ill ART & Retsl ef NES Cae See Eee eee 96 | 64 6x4 Fair 84
SEPTATE Seasone: 2 {2he2 Series ue is 85 89 8x5 Solid 40
# | American Savoy___---_2-___-- 100 90 80 6x4 Loose 95
PipPAntHMn: Kang: 9.28) see 98 35 100 6x10 | Solid 100
ORE Drid report 22 5 aisn2 Se 97 85 84 12x8 | Solid 105
7 | Burpee’s World Beater _____- 98 87 96 8x5 Solid 100
8 | Dwarf Flat Dutch_____ 100 74 100 6x6 Solid 65
9 | Earliest of All_________ ? 96 93 64 4x7 Solid 50
EQ ME GAM POS 2 See 8 8 93 73 84 4x8 Solid 60
1 bel 1 p79 ware) <1 ae ee ee el a 99 93 68 4x7 Solid. 76
12 | Fottler’s Drumhead __-_____- 309 95 80 8x5 Solid 85
a0 Giant hedsErturt,-_--. 2. = 91 81 84 5x5 Solid 90
14 |Shate lat Dateh =o 22S 96 91 96 9x7 Solid 82
Drei ining eee ete = 99 62 96 4x8 Solid 62
Sie bxemi bare ce = eee 90 91 84 8x5 Solid 95
lippMamOrops.2. +. eee ee 100 91 44 8x5 Soft__ 95
18 | Mammoth Rock Red________- 98 97 76 5x5 Solid 95
¥95!2 Marblehead: 22 see 98 94 96 | 10x6 Fair_- 110
20 | Marvin's Savoy _______-.__--- 84 58 52 6x4 Soft_ 85
|
PMI RGYNOIU 8 = ae ee nS Gregoryen | 83 60 88 8x5 Solid_ 85
22q\ehothesel burs. = 21 Se Gregory. 89 68 56 Sx5 Fair__ 85
PS) etone: Nason. 2-= 2c es ak HOnryn ces 2 ee 99 100 32 Tx4 Fair__ 90
PAs | SUCCOGRION - == 200.2. 2 oe Morryy oa eer 100 90 88 | 11x7 Solid_ 100
aol aVandercawe--2) 2.5). 2 2. Wanghant=-2 02 22 es 99 100 80 5x8 Solid_ 90 ~
Por mWinni SStadbin eos ep MEDS NAN on 2 tS o 97 78 88 5x8 Solid_ 70
27 | Prize Head Flat Dutch _____- iHauatl5:) see 94 88 92 |. 9x7 Solid_ 90
28 | Late Drumhead_____________. Bwist}o see 93 92 64 8x4 Fair__ 100
EARLY VARIETIES.
Earliest of All was the first to head. It had a tendency to form
several heads, which is an unusual occurrence.
Lightning is a good strain of the Early Wakefield type, and is a very
uniform header. Not as early as was advertised.
Etampes is known as a reliable early variety, but it headed somewhat
unevenly this season. Quite desirable.
SECOND-EARLY VARIETIES.
Dwarf Flat Dutch follows very closely the early varieties. It is a sure
header and a compact grower. Its increased size and solid heads cause it
to supersede the earlier varieties as soon as it appears in the market.
Winnigstadt is an old favorite, and isa very reliable header. A val-
uable variety where a conical head is desired, on account of its sureness
of heading.
Fottler’s Drumhead was somewhat uneven this season. It is a desira-
ble cabbage for general purpose. Planted late it makes a good winter
variety, although early planting brings its season in August.
MEDIUM SEASON.
There seems to be but little choice between the Acme, Vandergaw and
Prize Head Flat Dutch, which are the three best of the varieties matur-
ing in three months after transplanting.
176 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
LATE VARIETIES.
Bridgeport forms very large heads, and most of them are quite solid.
One of the best.
Succession is very much like the preceding variety.
Burpee’s World Beater, is the best of the acquisitions of this season.
Its uniform and solid heads make it desirable, and judging from its appear-
ance in the field, it ranks high.
Autumn King formed uniformly large, solid heads. The type is not
fixed. Some of the heads were flat, others oval.
Giant Red Erfurt and Mammoth Rock Red are very similar in size.
Both form round, solid heads. They are distinguished by a slight differ-
ence in the color of the leaves, those of the latter having more of a
purple tinge. They are valuable because of their keeping qualities.
SWEET CORN.
Twenty-eight varieties were used in the test. The hills were four feet
apart each way. Five kernels were planted in each hill, and twenty hills
of each variety were used in the test.
The planting was done on May 20.
The dry hot weather, during the latter half of August, hastened the date
of maturity of all except the early varieties.
The following table gives the principle data of the test. The last
column shows the comparative productiveness of the varieties.
TABLE No. 5.
a & A & |
| & - 4 S 2
AN san Ce fs, “lee
| 2 if 2 |e leis
Variety. | Seedsman. > 5 So Siaa|ico: Hoe
be oo. eas | @ bw he ~
FS | 86/25/8198) 2 | 2a
FE }es/58|e8!o8| 8 | <3
7, | ar Qr & a | Ada Zz, & Q
1 Bonan zal tes. ho Be ee ee ee | Vaughan _______- 79 88 | 5% | 68 97 1.42:
2 Barlineton Hybrids ee ee ees Bansteees 2s 75 Weed 79 89 1.13
3 COUCOLG te ee er ae eT erie Worrye 81 87 | 4% | 68 78 115
4 Gory 225. =. hs aS oe Soe 2 erry ee 75 78 | 34 | 43 48 1.12
5 Country Gentleman- 2-3 ee Henderson _____- | 96 99 | 5% | 63 | 111 | 1.76
|, |
6 @rosbyee soe es oe ok ee oe Wonry =. 340281555 | 74 ithe 83 49 BO) |) 1.02:
a yp tian ae Meee ee es re erry cseen tes) OL 93 | 6% 77 | 101 1.30
8 IBXCOLBROT OS 90 oi ee ee ee 2 SOEs eee Landreth. -______- 92 96 | 4% 66 | 106 1.41
9 HrstOmAl ls tp 2 ee eae es ee Burpee) soot 5. 67 70 | 3% | 35 42 1.20
10 Gras Marly toe ey nee as oe ee ee ee Vaurhani 2-0 5_* | ar 80 | 3% | 42 50 1.19
Heal "Golda 1. ee eid Vanghan _______. 96 | 99 |7 | 60 | 90 | 1.50
12 ioldeny Nur ret eA! ot ae ee ae Wickseat 5.8)" 1 77 81 | 4% | 38 52 1.36:
13 Henderson sone to = sao) cee te ee ee Henderson -----. 89 bd Te | 70 | 101 | tall
14 aeeirs tuariys. She c5 0! Le eet ieee eee Werryites se tbs eee| (ee 77 |4% | 61 65 1.06.
15 Moxican) + 2-88 2 ee BA Ee ee (Herryyets soe eal 8 82 | 5% | 68 98 | 1.44
| }
COPIER Ezy Te 0) 2 OO, a Bc My Berry ioe 7 oe) | 82 | 98 |4% | 58 | 79 | 1:86
17 INone-suchw=\2) 22028 au ea en eee ee eee Manlorees ss | 81 s8 | 6% | 82 | 122 | 1.49
18 Northern (Pedigree. 222-62. .2 Le eS enon yee el 78 | 34 | 50 55 1.10
19 Ola Colony. or ee ao ed he ee erry, 2228) se 93 | 6 | 43 T2* | ° 0.67
iN Poe a Raye shy S80 ln (kum eo Winey et See 7 | 81 [4% | 48 | 54 | 142
| |
21 Rernyie bby brid bes eee ano soe es Wonryes.5-22 eo eed 80 | 4% | 65 71 1.09
22 HeGgi@Gb iss Sees he ee Sa 52S al Slenderson 2 22 non 93 | 6 63 80 1.26
23 edi Biverereencrs ook ae tS 2a Ae ee Guilds = tS 90 OB nd 88 44 1.15
24 Stowell’s Evergreen ..:......-..--.-2-.222- Worry: 2235. ote 90 93 | 6% 66 80 1.21
2h aVbtelOoo Cony a. aos. 8 ae SOR ts STE Berry) 22 2S none es 72 77 2% 55 58 1.05
29 ING we lias Uitirea ee ere RN PE Henderson _____- 92 9 | 54 38 71 1.86
30 BarlyvaMarblenead* (oo 0s 200 ss eee Henderson _.__..| 77 81 | 2% 40 51 1.27
$1.| Shaker's Karly. Rengerenn 30 si | 88 {5 | 61 | 79 1:30
/
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. Ai!
The following are new varieties:
First of All—Burpee. This was the first variety to reach edible matur-
ity. It also proved to be the most productive of the early sorts.
Burlington Hybrid—Faust. This is a cross between Adams’ Extra
Early and Early Mammoth, and is aflintcorn. It has a very small amount
of leaves, and stands drought. It can be planted close. Season the same
as the Cory. It is desirable as it is a sure cropper. Quality fair.
Country Gentleman—Henderson. This was the latest variety to mature,
‘ and was this year one of the most productive. It originated by selection
from the Ne Plus Ultra which it resembles, although the ears are larger.
Golden Nugget—Vick. A variety of medium season, and is of fair pro-
ductiveness. Ears are of good length. Color orange.
VARIETIES TO PLANT.
For succession First of All for early; Golden Nugget or (Black) Mexi-
can for medium season, and for late season Ne Plus Ultra or Country
Gentleman where numerous but medium-size ears are desired. For
varieties with larger ears Stowell’s Evergreen, Old Colony, or Henderson
are the most prominent, particularly for market.
CUCUMBERS.
The cucumbers were planted in rows 6 ft. apart, the hills 4 ft. apart in
the rows. Various remedies were tried for the cucumber beetle. None
proved entirely effectual, though a teaspoonful of turpentine thoroughly
mixed with a pailful of ashes prevented their ravages until the plants were
strong enough to resist attack.
The varieties grown for pickles were planted near each other, and as
soon as the fruits were of suitable size, those from each sort were counted
and weighed. It was found that the plants would produce a much larger
yield during the season, if the fruits were closely picked and not allowed
to grow beyond pickling size. The same method of picking and weighing
the cucumbers was pursued with the table varieties.
In this way material was obtained for a comparative test of varieties.
PICKLING VARIETIES.
Chicago. Plants vigorous and productive; fruit small; spines large,
black. Early. Excellent for pickling.
Chinese. Plants fairly vigorous, not so productive as Chicago; fruit
small, slender; spines white, large.
Choice. Plants of moderate growth, producing a large number of small
fruits. A good variety for small pickles.
Cluster. Plants healthy, strong-growing and very productive; fruit
small to medium; spines large, numerous. Early. One of the best for
pickling.
Jersey Pickle. New. Plants moderately healthy and fairly productive;
fruit small; spines not numerous, black. Medium early.
Maule’s Early. Plants vigorous and healthy: fruit small, triangular.
Productive. Early. Excellent for pickles.
25
178 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Parisian. This variety produces long, slender fruits. This season the
plants lacked vigor and productiveness.
The following varieties may be grown both for table use and for pickles:
Bismarck. Plants are vigorous-growing and healthy; fruit 10 to 12
inches long and 2 to 24 in diameter, tapering toward ends. Moderately
productive.
EHverbearing. Plants vigorous and very healthy; fruit 10 to 12 inches
long, round; obtuse ends. Productive, bearing well to close of season.
Evergreen. Plants fairly vigorous and healthy; fruit shorter and
larger in diameter than Everbearing. Excellent for pickling and for
slicing. Moderately productive.
Short Green. Plants vigorous and healthy; fruit 4 to 5 inches long,
2 to 24 inches in diameter. Fairly productive. Not so good for table use
as some others.
TABLE VARIETIES.
Goliath. New. Plants of strong and healthy growth; fruit long,
slender, crooked, and irregular; spines black, prominent. Productive.
Peerless. Plants strong, healthy, and productive; fruit large, covered
with prominent white spines. One of the best for table use.
Perfection. An excellent variety for pickles when young. Form regu-
lar. Quality best. Productive.
Ivory Monarch. New. Plant a vigorous grower; fruit long, slender,
white; core very small; quality good. Not very productive.
White Pearl. Plant a strong grower, but not healthy; fruit medium
in size, smooth; quality good. Fairly productive.
The preceding notes are from observations of the past season’s growth
only, and are not to be taken as a decisive test of the several varieties.
LETTUCE.
About forty varieties have been grown during the year. For forcing
purposes no variety nas been found superior to Grand Rapids. Chicago,
White Tennisball and Golden Queen are also good forcing varieties.
For hot-bed growing, Chicago, Hanson, Simpson, Golden Queen, Big
Boston, and New York are good varieties.
As varieties for general garden culture, Hanson, Simpson, New York,
Grand Rapids, Denver Market, White Star, and Chicago are all good.
The following table shows the comparison of the varieties grown out of
doors. The plants were grown in the forcing-house and transplanted in |
the garden May 3.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 179
TaBLe No. 6.
an k Variety. Seedsman.
Per cent of vegeta-
tion.
Days tostarting of
seed-stalk,
Days to vegeta-
tion.
Days to edible
maturity.
|
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|
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|
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iN AGC Vee Wake eee kk oe SS Ree y ee eee Nee Sh Salzerse5soss578 an
TRU nd Grol: hee? Sete eh 2 a SR a eS ees Rawsone 2 2 = eS:
Bip BOSbOn ee eee oe eat eee SS Henderson ______.__-
Blonder bean tye. oe tanya ee ae Vaughania 2 sos
Black: Seeded) Simpsonscce +: 622 ts ee es Nanehant 2-2-2
Black Seeded srennisballe 2? 92 oie ries Rawson ees Ere
Boston Onrlod’ reece coae = SF i re a RAWSON see eee
Cc “onde wD | Number
Whicapomes sett. Litre et Oe ess At ee ee ee Maughan 22 5.
10 (Oya) (ereitrl B 2 eee RE Ay ae ny ee ee eee Salzer sta eee
ll Corled pind aiees yo eee eee ene te a eee (randrethes eee aoe
‘ 12 CurlediSimpsons es 2 8 eas Fee es Vaushans)2 see
AOI IH wood
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13 GRC OT | se eh eke es ED Te Rawson} 24) 233
14 Denver Market -____-_.------- Vaughan..
Seo ne Se eee se rc
Forcing -
16 Hranch¥blockheads.-=- "2522! 2 2) ie Sen Fs Leek horbucness =
amie Goldens@ nrlot me 222) 32. Se oy A eee Mandretin 25s,
serie oldon.ovonehoad 552) ane tO ee a Maughan: o-52 0
19 Granda iste ace Te eee ee Horry. oo ee et |
20 Grennylrinvedsen cee. sek. ee a! a eee es NA RA WAGON ee ek Ss |
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Hittinger's Belmont. —s-- 8). an ie IBGE ppo see se oh ee
les NawatOrice=cseese) oie Tl So teleeas eS ar eee Henderson __ _-____-|
PLZ Osrt Oates es teeeremen mays. os oe ft iss Mie “2 ee ab Grr ype
Ole Oot
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BAGO bree AVORItA eos oe es ae ee ad ee Vauphanes Ase oS ;
ieSolttolding Coss eos re be en, ot ae INGrTy, See ees 22s }
jslnrTh She itr Ber 2 UD ie OR EE, Be eee 8 ee we Salzer. be eis t4? 35s
toinedel sioymel 1s (er (s Me Ded bie SAS ae ee ee ee ae a Waugnans 2s: it?
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180 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The following varieties were grown here for the first time this season:
All Cream—Salzer. This variety is identical with the old Prize Head,
an excellent garden sort.
Blonde Beauty—Vaughan. Heads large, loose, golden yellow in color,
crisp and of best quality. An excellent summer sort. This variety
appears identical with French Blockhead grown last year. Swnset—Hend,
also is identical with above.
Colossal—Salzer. New. Heads large, loose, light green in color.
Matures early and is of best quality.
Hittinger’s Belmont—Burpee. Same as Big Boston.
Self-folding Cos—Ferry. New. Forms large head, nearly self-blanch-
ing. Leaves tender and of best quality. The best cos variety tested.
Sunlight—Salzer. Heads medium size, golden-yellow color; leaves
wrinkled, curled. A good variety if better selected.
Stubborn Head—Vaughan. New. Forms a large, loose head, lght
golden-yellow color. A good grower; resists heat well and remains a long
time in marketable condition. One of the best varieties grown.
Thick-head Yellow—Burpee. Heads large, solid, light greenish-yellow
color; leaves waved. A good summer variety.
Perfection—Buist. Heads small. Soon runs to seed.
Yellow Market—Buist. New. Heads are small, solid, golden-yellow
color, tender and of good quality. Lacks in size of head and soon runs to
seed.
PEAS.
A comparative test of fifty-five varieties of pea was made, using two
hundred seeds of each kind. The vines were supported by a woven wire
trellis. The date of sowing was May 9. Cold, wet weather injured the
germination somewhat, and the dry, hot winds of the latter half of July
hastened the date of maturity of the mid-season and late sorts, and pre-
vented the proper filling of the pods in many varieties; but at the same
time, it showed more clearly the ability of certain varieties to withstand
adverse conditions.
Below are the tabulated data of the varieties. The dates to maturity
show that the early varieties required a few more days to reach maturity
than they did during the previous year, and the later varieties a few days
less.
The columns showing the average number of pods per vine, and the
average number of peas per pod, illustrate the prolificness of the varieties.
The columns giving the weights of fifty pods and the shelled peas will
give an idea of the size of the pods and the proportion of shelled peas to
the pods. The last column gives the weight of the pods of an average
vine. It is obtained from the data in the second and fifth column and is a
measure of the productiveness of the variety.
3 i
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 181
{
* TaB_e No. 7.
2 I =) q a g 7)
re B [B12 | ao\e
hel D @ o us| Za
as] o o ° Q =
: ° ° g 2 = Sle) |] Se
F Variety. Seedsman. |" 5) 5 Peale hall hestia eee We g
I = : : © ws om o
3 as] 35 /£,\le5/%8| 32 | 38
z eal cdl Sos sapere plese
5 Og ee | eR lee es | Goer
zi Pies aM lq’) Ol ESR | am
1) Abundance *ihorry see) 2 69 | 10.00 | 4.44 | 44 | 8.12 | 48.7 1.62
2) Admiral * Henderson ---__- 66 7.87 | 5.94 | 45] 6.12 | 4.5 OT
3} Advancer Sun Onrys oe] eee 63 9.83 | 5.60 | 55 | 8.12] 5.4 1.6
4} Alpha <Uberrye ee 2 eS 58 8.53 | 6.04 | 51 | 9.0 3.5 1.5
o\PAmorican Wonders. 520-22 es ecs oll |* Merry 54 8.83 | 6.26 | 44 | 6.4 8.8 11
TT B48) Page) a ee Re ES ee ee Se Bunpee). 2 50 5.72 | 4.88 | 28 | 9.0 3.5 1.0
8} Bergen-+-American Wonder _-_____._---_-- Collegol 2s 52 8.01 | 4.00 | 32 | 8.5 3.5 1.4
Wie Borzen tlestwilles 2. tose se cee ee eke Grecaryl 2 ee aro) 6.00 | 4.00 | 24 | 8.0 3.0 96
FO BlaesBbeanuye- meee eee ee * Henderson ____-. 50 8.00 | 5.00 | 40 | 9.0 4.6 1.4
DD ipBbudlonge esse ee Fe lieonard 222 52 6.80 | 5.01 | 3 aa yale Bi) 1.3
PAO RAMEE se eee 2 ga Wickes vine 66 12.94 | 4.90 | 64 | 7.0 4.5 1.8
SC Hal sedis ee) pa ee ae wel se, Syed * Henderson ______ 56 6.40 | 4.04 | 26 | 8.0 4.2 1.0
TE TEO Li POE tee ee ae ee Be LE Rawson _=._-_.-| 52 4,37 | 4.05 | 17} 8.0 3.0 arf
ID BDSliCLOUs eee eee ne ee es Te Gregory -__--.--.| 72 5.30 | 5.45 | 29 | 8.25 | 4.0 .8Y
RG Donates meas 0. BS ee oe * Henderson ______| 66 5.08 | 5.44 | 22 | 10.5 6.0 11
PU MRwarti Sugar 2 28s see oe es a ek * Henderson _____- 69 5.20 | 5.50 | 28 | 8.5 4.0 9
(ei arlestand bestes.2 se) a ue et doe = Salzer see eee 54 5.56 | 5.08 | 28 | 6.75 | 4.0 15
PUlpharlyserize: 2.2 so soe. sete ae eee Maple Sess. 54 7.78 | 4.50 | 35 | 8.4 4.0 1.3
Php ICUTe wns see ee a ee Ee oto * Henderson _ ____| 63 8.81 | 4.36 |} 38 | 7.25 | 4.75) 1.25
ZAI BIVOLDCATIN Gs. eee Sea enn Seat eee EL -iBurpece= - ses 72 7.81 | 4.08 | 31 | 9.0 4.25} 1.4
ee PMA VOTILGl ss =e ho be et Mey * Gregory _. _._._-| 69 5.30 | 4.64 | 25 | 7.0 3.75 74
Pal h) basketer scons en eke ses eee | * Henderson : 9.20 | 5.50 | 51 | 6.0 415) | tk
2a | HS beset ne area nou We 8 RT SL * Henderson _ 5.60 | 5.12 | 29 | 9.1 5.14] 1.02
201 /oU dln gst FE a Il] B22) | ec ce an el A Feonardos esses 2.94 | 3.88 | 11! 7.5 4.5 A8
PaeHOrtyehOld 22a tee. sake es ee * Landreth_____. - 10.61 | 5.48 | 58 | 7.5 5. 1.6
25 elironchiCanneres-s2 5.20. here kee Se 2 Landreth___...__] 58 8.40 | 6.32 | 53 | 80 | 4.25] 1.35
DO Gadi Atones so as oe ee ees aE ee Henderson ______ 70 6.94 | 6.01 | 42 | 14.25 | 6.75; 1.98
SUDEan cock eens. ask BAA! ON UE TSE 8 *(Grecory, sass 50 4.78 | 5.78 | 26] 8.5 3.75 8d
SL Heroimeceetes Sace eee on NS ee Henderson ______ 74 10.62 | 6.52! 69} 14.5 | 7.5 3.08
abe ION Geet eet ene Se Soe a Pe INN 2 2 Merry: 222 3392552169 11.00 | 6.14 | 68 | 7.12) 4.5 1.07
Sa|pWentishi Invicta ssos 22s oss 2. seh nee Merry e223 = se |L00 4.49 | 5.54 | 25 | 6.12} 4.25 55
Se hiehtning eee eee ee Pee ea Hallock esse 50 5.13 | 5.76 | 29 110.12] 4.75} 1.04
35} Major _____-. SEE DE AN uate Dae * Henderson ______ 75 8.14 | 4.52 | 85 | 13.75] 7.5 2,24
36) Marblehead Marrowfat_.________________. Gregory 72 4.70 | 4.48 | 21 | 11.0 as 1.03
Si eManket) Gandensmesss seen ae mca Ne * Henderson ______ 72 6.68 | 4.49 | 80 | 5.65] 3.15 15
Bole Market Pridevss ase ees ee ee *-Burpee - esse 70 5.61 | 3.58 | 19 | 80 4.25 .90
SOleMamvol: se Se yee Se eek SS =) Burpee eae 70 7.86 | 4.56 | 33 | 7.9 4.9 1.16
MOP C heart one hooey een ee Rs ee Te * Henderson ______ 69 7.21 | 4.92 | 36 | 8.2 5.0 1.18
ATP MiGsurrimer 25 ee ee eee ese) * Henderson ______ 68 5.63 | 3.56 | 19 | 7.5 5.0 84
CPA, Mila ponboredtst tw kote es Lea ee * Hallock 2122-2. 50 4.16 | 4.48 | 19 | 7.25 | 3.12 65
SS eMitia rin ye ha ke Oe i Mme ee ? 50 4.18 | 5.40 | 22 | 9.5 4.75 80
BA NOti Se OxCelglOl a2 952 eee Panst..2 25. 2b 54 4:03\| 5:20. | 20 | 9:25) p 5.5 74
Soi sErince OL Wales: os pte en ees PEE Gregory _-_.-____| 70 9.58 | 4.16 | 40 | 9.25 | 5.25] 1.97
46) Profusion 69 5.60 | 5.42 | 30 | 9.75 | 4.25 1.09
47| Profusion 69 10.88 | 4.36 | 47 | 9.5 4.87 2.05
48 Se) * Burpee 67 11.63 | 4.26 | 49 | 9.25 | 4.75] 2.15
491 Rural New Yorker,--1-..2!20, Is S(ROObte on ee 57 6.60 | 6.30 ; 68 | 5.5 She 13
50 Stanlogmer sess -. ya RE eer: Barpee). 322 e- 70 10:07 || 5.82.) 54 | 9.75 | (5:25 1.96
21 pSuratarenie fa sr tlie Bunce pee * Gregory -_______- 66 14.75 | 4.62 | 68 | 12.5 6.75 | 3.69
az | PU Miversale cme) ves Ub ahs a ee Childais 2 ers 67 6.42 | 5.20 | 838 | 8.4 4.0 1.07
ool Morming Stars. o-. 2-2) seen. / ae Buist _. Emo ge | 8s: 8.00 | 5.66 | 17 | 7.0 3.25 | 42
DAE NONa warts eek oe lo ol) 6 OE Se Iioks- 22/2 Caceres 53 4.75 | $3.92 | 18 | 6.25 | 3.5 | 60
da OED IOe ee tutte eh SNe > ee ee Hicksi2] Ses 74 4.00 | 4.60 | 18 | 8.4 4.0 | AT
|
* Grown from College seed.
182 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Of the new varieties, the following are of some promise:
Budlong—ULeonard. This is a strain of the First and Best or Extra
Early sorts, of which it is the most productive, this season.
Charmer—Vick. Vines five feet high, and dark green. Pods rather
short, broad, and somewhat curved. Peas white, smooth, and large. Season
same as the Don and Admiral. It is very productive, but the pods are
not very well filled, yet it is a very desirable pea.
Stanley—Burpee. Vines thirty inches high, with strong, stocky growth.
Pods long, medium width and well filled. Peas white, wrinkled and large.
Season same as the Abundance. It is a very promising variety.
Gladiator—Henderson. Vines forty-two inches high. Pods long and
large. Peas are green, large, and smooth. Season the same as the above.
Pods are extremely large and not always well filled, so the proportion of
shelled peas is not large. A productive variety of the latest season.
No. 4 Dwarf and Cable—Hicks. These varieties were received too late
in the season to be planted at the same time as the rest. The hot weather
injured them too much to get an idea of their merits.
Quantity. Vines thirty inches high, Pods long, slim, numerous, and
only moderately well filled. Season two days later than the Don.
Heroine has now for two years proved valuable. Season late. Vines
three feet high. Pods long, numerous, and this year well filled.
VARIETIES RECOMMENDED FOR PLANTING.
Any of the early varieties will do for the first of the season, as there is
very little difference between the strains.
Following these, in a few days, are the Chelsea, Kent, and Blue Beauty.
The Chelsea is quite dwarfed. Vines twelve inches high. Pods medium
length, and only fairly well filled. Quality good. Rather unproductive.
Blue Beauty. Vines two feet high. It is more productive and the pods.
are better filled than the Chelsea.
Kent is about the same season, and very productive of peas of excellent
quality, but the vines grow about four feet high, while the peas are very
small size. Desirable for its quality.
Advancer is several days later than the preceding three varieties, and is
more desirable. Vines thirty inches high. Pods of medium length,
numerous, and well filled.
Stratagem. Vines thirty inches high. Pods three inches long, very
abundant, and fairly well filled. Peas white, wrinkled, and medium large.
Season the same as the Don. This comes at a season when varieties are
scarce, and is the most prolific variety of any in the list.
PEPPERS.
Owing to the wet spring, the peppers were not transplanted until late
in the season. Few varieties ripened fruit before time of frost. The table
is therefore omitted. The following brief notes may be of use to those
who wish to make a selection for garden planting.
Chili and Coral Gem bear small, tapering fruits of a bright red color.
These varieties are the ones usually grown for use in condiments or
sauces.
Cardinal and Long Red have larger and longer fruits of a less pungent
flavor than the preceding and are largely used for pickles. Large Bell
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 183
®
wud Ruby King have large, short fruits of dark red color; flesh thick
and of mild flavor. The Squash pepper is very productive and free
from rot. The fruits resemble a tomato in shape and color. A good
variety to grow.
Counly Fair—Henderson. New. Plants medium in growth. Peppers
14 inches in diameter at base, 4 to 5 inches long, tapering to a blunt point,
smooth, uniform in size. Plants very productive, but did not ripen fruit.
SQUASHES.
The squashes were planted June 13, in hills eight feet apart each way.
The soil was a sandy loam and well manured. The following varieties
have not been described in former bulletins:
Butman—Gregory. Vines are not of vigorous growth, or very pro-
ductive. Squash small to medium in size; light green, mixed with white;
flesh thick, lemon color and of best quality. Late. A good keeper.
Dunlap’s Marrow—Gregory. Vines strong, vigorous, and productive.
Squash dark orange-yellow, similar to Hubbard in shape. Matures early
and of good quality. One of the best for fall use.
Marblehead—Gregory. Vine a vigorous grower, moderately productive.
Fruit of medium size, similar to Hubbard, but apex shorter, straight;
_ color bluish-gray; shell very hard; flesh dry and of best quality. One of
the best winter squashes.
Sweet Nut—Dreer. Vine vigorous; fairly productive. Squash small
to medium in size, creamy white color; flesh of fair quality. A good fall
variety.
The following list which includes many well-known varieties is recom-
mended for the purpose named:
For summer use—Strickler Summer and Bush Scallop.
For fall use—Dunlap’s Marrow and American Turban.
For winter use—Hubbard, Marblehead, and Pike’s Peak.
Cocoanut and Fordhook are excellent small squashes for fall and early
winter use. The plants will produce a good crop, when the larger varieties
fail.
TOMATOES.
The seed was sown in the forcing-house March 24. The plants were
placed in the field June 7. Six plants of a variety were used for a test.
From two plants in each set, the fruits were picked and weighed as they
ripened. After the vines were killed by frost, the green tomatoes, remain-
ing on the two plants mentioned, were counted and weighed. In this way
the comparative productiveness of the several varieties was ascertained.
In the table, not all the varieties grown are given. Only the new varieties,
together with some of the older and better sorts, are tabulated.
EXPLANATIONS OF TABLE. ,
The first column gives the date when the first tomatoes of the variety
ripened. The second column records the number and weight of ripe fruits
picked from two plants during the season. In the third column the aver-
age weights of the ripe tomatoes are given. The next two columns con-
184 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
tain the number and weight of the green tomatoes picked from the two
plants at time of frost.
of fruit produced by the two plants.
TasBLe No. 8.
| a
9 .
PN
; 5 (esp
| 2 a yal el
‘ f a>) a = Da
‘ Variety. | Seedsman 4 >) q Br
3 ae A iS oF
3 Bhd er] ete nega
EB | ae | 8 | 3 ee
Zz. | ae 7a || fee |) eile
1038 PAC MG Pos ee gel earl Gregory _.______| Aug.30..| 268 | 86 5+
107 Beanty ee fees oe! Rawson ____...| Aug. 24..} 183 | 56 5—
109 O)imaxks Saas a ee Rawson._._____| Aug.30._| 314 | 73% | 4—
114 OptimUse ete eee ee i Herry eee Aus SOnan non rang 5—
124 Golden’ Queen_.- 22222. -2=2 Rawson ______- Sept.1__| 182 | 64 5—
Ae eu Lenotuimes._ tno ose er College ___. ...} Aug. 27. 152 | 52%] 6—
161 Potato Leaf.._....._-.._....| Livingston ___| Sept. 12_} 165 | 68 i
188 arliost@ec- os ooo Wan ehans eso Aug.19._| 383 | 885g | 3+
195 ANOLE 24 eee ee ee liMfanden 62 Aug. 29__| 136 | 61 i+
196 Wolunteer 22 et Fee Dreer - 22) 222 2)) Aug. 222.) 101 |¢46 7—
197 Nichols Stone__._.._______-- (avis ee aan Aug.30__| 148 | 61% 7—
198 Péerfections =o. ee ees | Livingston _..| Aug. 28..| 185 | 80% | 7—
|
201 Atlantic ____ SA OIE Fare'chrs eee a Aug. 80__| 118 | 48% | 6—
203 Cumberland Red___._______- Fare ets heehee Aug 29._| 176 | 6744 | 6
212 Table Queen..._......_..._..| Henderson _._.| Sept. 2_.| 119 | 60% | 8+
217 Long-keeper .___.._....__-_.| Thorburn ..___| Aug.30..| 255 | 945g | 6—
219 Mitchell SS er a SMG rerOnye! ee Sept.1__| 102 | 383% | 5+
222 POnderosa.-- 220) See esl Henderson ____} Sept. 19. 15 | 13% | 14+
223 Early Ruby_____...--...--_-| Henderson .._._| Aug.30..| 256 | 933, | 6—
226 Nicholson___._.___._._.-....| Nicholson.__._| Sept.2_.| 220 | 49% | 4—
229 Cardinal teu siren. tee enen| Venue hanes |e Sep boreal malbaloo 6—
230 Balt/Prize Taker -222 25° 22) | Landreth __...| Aug.30_| 78 | 27% | 6+
231 Money Maker___-___.____.__-| Landreth _____ Aug.80._| 162 | 51 5-++
232 Ten phones ee {eee ee _.-| Landreth ___-- Aug. 30__| 84 | 22% | 4+
233 Earliest of All_..._-._._.._.- Aug. 28._| 100 | 29% | 5—
234 Mansfield Tree________ cia Sept. 12- 17 | 18% | 13—
235 Nelerranhss:2 kl eee _..-| Aug.80..| 202 | 55% | 4+
242 Golden Sunrise___.._______.| Henderson .___}| Sept.12-} 114 | 424 | 6—
244 Dwarf Champion_____.._._.} Harris_...____.| Aug. 20.. 72 | 193% 4+
246 Potomac .______- ‘.| Harris ..:__..-| Sept.3__| 250 | 84% | 7—
248 McCollum’s Hybrid_______ Harris 21a Sept. 2_.| 66 | 34% } 8+
249 Potato-leaved Ignotum _____ College _____..| Sept.12.} 142 | 823% | 94
250 PicturesRock 22-2522 -22-- Childs -—-= Aug. 29._| 168 | 58% | 6—
251 Climbing ee Ree Childs ____.._-! Sept.2_-.] 78 | 874 | 8—
352 Majestic). 22 3 2 SA Buiste. Sept. 12_| 150 | 55 6--
253 Prizeppollenps ee se eee Buist_.___._...] Sept.12.| 1382 | 44% | 6—
| Number green.
In the last two columns is given the total amount
‘ : ;
Bl ees
q g ay
4 3 @
ee qa B
elalz
2 ° S
Eile] ea
138% 352 991%
47 447 | 103
10% |. 353 838%
32% 321 8034
41% 382 | 10544
5814 871 | 110%
3914 315 | 107%
14 | 397 854%
5934 349 | 120%
4134 281 8734
4634 319 | 108
2914 BLT | 110
21 236 6445
25 291 9244
27% 208 | 884
2 530 | 138654
5914 432 93
55% 182 99%
16 329 | 1093,
10 326 591,
2814 187 3444
15 144 42%
1% 200 58%
27% 226 50%
15% 165 4514
3834 115 5214
9% 257 6546
47 | 506 | 89%
28 247 4734
29% 447 | 114
53% 271 8734
2614 | 232 | 10934
32% 350 91
51% 250 8834
4414 885 9944
51% 360 96
'
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 185
“As in former seasons, the Harliest, from Vaughan, was the first to ripen
fruits. It is medium in size, slightly angular, quite firm, and of good
quality. Nearly all of the fruits ripened before frost.
Volunteer and Beauty were next to ripen fruits, but only a few ripened
early. The bulk of the crop was much later.
Early Ruby and Cumberland Red followed in a few days. The plants
of Early Ruby are strong and very productive; fruits of medium size,
somewhat angular, bright red color and of good quality. Valuable as an
early variety. Cumberland Red is also a good variety.
Of the recent pink varieties, Long-keeper and Potomac confirmed the
good report of last year.
The plants are productive, fruit of good size, regular form, and moder-
ately firm. Of the older pink sorts, Beauty and Acme gave good satisfac-
tion. Golden Queen is as good as any of the yellow-fruited varieties.
Ignotum still leads among the red varieties, but some of the pink sorts
exceed it in productiveness.
Perfection is one of the best red sorts.
Ponderosa. The season is very late. From a patch of over one hun-
‘dred plants we did not get a single fruit which ripened thoroughly
on the vines. The tomatoes would crack and rot before ripening.
To get good specimens it was necessary to pick them green, and ripen in
the house. The fruit when well ripened is of good quality.
Dwarf Champion ripened a few fruits early, but the larger part of the
crop did not mature before frost. The fruit is very attractive in appear-
ance, but its fault of not ripening earlier is a serious one.
The following are sorts of recent introduction:
Cardinal—Vaughan. This is not a new variety, but has not been
grown at the college for several years. Plants strong and vigorous; fruit
large, smooth, somewhat flattened; flesh firm. A good shipper, but not of
first quality.
Baltimore Prize Taker—Uandreth. Plants of strong, spreading
growth; foliage large, dark green; fruit large, spherical, slightly ribbed,
ight red with purple tint; flesh solid and of fair quality.
Money Maker—Landreth. Plants of medium growth, somewhat lack-
ing in foliage; fruit large, angular in shape, somewhat flattened, bright
red color, many celled and seeds numerous; flesh lacking in solidity but of
good quality.
Maule’s Earliest—Maule. Plants are of small growth; foliage small.
The type of the fruit varies, some fruits are nearly spherical in shape,
others are angular. The angular type is early, 24 to 34 inches in diameter,
irregular in shape around the stem, but smooth enough to sell; bright red
in color; flesh solid and of fair quality. Does not come up to description
in catalogue. Later by ten days than Earliest from Vaughan.
Mansfield Tree—Leonard. Plants strong and vigorous; leaflets rather
large, dark green; fruit 4 to 5 inches in diameter; usually ovate and irreg-
ular in shape; flesh walls very thick; celis small and contain few seeds.
The fruit ripens very slowly and seldom colors all over. The plant has a
tendency to upright growth, but it can not be called a tree tomato. Closely
resembles Ponderosa, but the plant is of mre upright growth, fruit
smaller, more regular in form, and ripens better.
Telegraph—Salzer. Plants of medium growth, lacking in foliage; fruit
24 to 34 inches in diameter, somewhat flattened, often quite angular and
24 ;
186 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
irregular in shape, still 1t will sell well. The plants ripened nearly all the
fruit before frost. Resembles Earliest, from Maule.
Potato-leaved Ignotum—College. Plants low-growing, but vigorous;
foliage potato-leaf; fruits resembles Ignotum in color and shape, but are
larger. Ripens later than Ignotum.
Climbing—Childs. Plants very strong-growing and healthy, showing a
tendency to climb; fruit large, somewhat irregular at stem end, pinkish-
purple in color, resembling closely the fruit of Potato-leaf.
The following sorts differ but slightly from Ignotum:
Majestic—Buist. The fruit is darker and brighter red than Ignotum,
and ripens later.
Prize Belle—Buist. Closely resembles preceding, but plants are not so
strong-growing.
Ten Ton Tomato—Landreth. The plants are not so strong-growing as
Ignotum, and the fruit has a yellowish tinge.
Picture Rock—Childs. Very closely resembles the Ten Ton, differing
slightly in growth and color of fruit.
We received seeds of some of the leading varieties of tomato from
Berthoud of Australia, also from Joseph Harris of Moreton Farm, N. Y.;
these were planted near the same varieties grown from seeds of our own
selection. : }
The tomatoes grown from the Australian seed were more uniform and
regular in shape, and the plants slightly more productive than the same
varieties grown from American seed. Between those grown from seed
obtained from Harris, and our own seed, no difference was noted.
POTATOES.
TEST OF VARIETIES.
The manner of carrying on this test was the same this year as in previ-
ous years, two pounds of seed being used to thirty-three feet of row. The
rows are three feet apart and the hills one foot apart in the row.
The planting was done on May 20. The soil was of fair fertility. The
previous year the land was in millet. The tubers were partially grown
when the drought and hot winds of August stopped further growth and
the crop ripened. Those varieties that set few potatoes yielded a larger
. per cent. of merchantable tubers, and the varieties that set many tubers
and are usually the better yielders were generally unable to mature the
crop, hence a large per cent. were undersize. For this reason, only the
total yield is given.
Some of the varieties have been on trial for several years, and for com-
parison the average yield is included for the number of years that they
have been on trial.
All varieties of which the average yield is less than 100 bushels are
dropped from the list.
Those seedsmen whose name is marked with a * furnished the seed to
us previous to the past year, and the crop of 1892 was grown from the
college seed.
The abbreviations used in the description of the tubers are as follows:
matt 5 Gerae bp 3 os ‘a f ~ >
AG ‘r 4 . " = ag y 5 rl
, \ . ‘
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 187
Color. Form. Eyes. Curtain.
b. buff. f, flattened. d. deep. (The ridge over the eyes.)
d. dark. i. irregular. m. medium. is indistinet.
1. light. 1,° long. n. Dumerous. iG long.
p. pink. ob. oblong. 8. shallow. m. medium.
pur. purple ov. oval. 8 short.
r. red.
w. white.
Mag yaks
‘9 | Description of the
; a4 tubers.
PA i BS
‘7) 2 HH @
qa — . on
i= A S |e
Varieties. Seedsmen. as a as SO aig
iS) 7) S oy) (ESS A
a CS = g mb S
‘= ° z ao ial ; os
E () uo) u i) 5 § 4 s
z 3 ‘S 2 |eagi 3 8 Ble
a) A A Oi tS a HH | o
LAUIDGT Tis SUR ee ee ee * Alexander ____|17, sp. | Aug. 16 5s 166] 4) w r 8 i
DING Use te ee eee e * Vaughan______|20, sp. Ee 2 AO tan 3) owe st obits i
American Wonder --___-_---- ihe oe eer Ae) 19, sp. Secor edOsete | ods! | aol: Ww. ob m m
(SEITE SO ee ED ee * Vaughan _____- 18, up. SA Ob 64.7 | 107] 8 r lf 8 1
BOG Kae eee as sre * Herrington ___| 20, up. OLE 30 50.2 | 210] 4 r 1 8 m
IBanstOwWsee= =e. ee 2 = Markham: pools ep. ae 120. 160} 2] lp| ob] m m
Beauty of Hebron ________- * Jerrard. _____-|18, sp. £65 210 185. 457 [1/24 1} Tp | ob m m
BenVEArrIsSOn: =. 322-5.) a: * Crawford - 16, up. ss 12, 76. 106%} 53) |) lip l m m
BHBSINON Taecne 2 ess ee = College. 17, sp. cor al 43.6} 112} 3] Ip ob m d
Boley’s Northern Spy__----| * Vaughan_____- 19, sp. eer?) 96. Pye ee r ob d 1
iigrinytn se ee ee * Markham ____; 20, up. soi 16 74.8 | 100}; 2{| dr 1 d 1
LOST OT ee oe ea Salzer ____._ __|18, up. OS TE GIG Waa TG yl yea bea tie ob m m
-Brownell’s Best_______-_.._- * Vt. Ex. Sta. __/18, up. Glee) 115.9 | 162; 4] w ob 8 I
Brownell’s Winner_______-- [Burpee esse a 22, sp. se 2d 88. LOTS Bets ag Sh es ee
Burpee’s Ex. H’y__________- * Burpee ____ ___]12, up. Geis 95.5 | 125) 83) Ip m d
Ghautanquar.-22)5.2 0222-2 *)Procsleyie sa 19, sp. Co et) 125: 193 | 2 r 1 d 1
OlarksssNonde =. bs * Vt. Ex. Sta. __/18, up. Ady fun to 125.9 190 5 b ob m m
WoppercMine =. 22s ens * Herrington _ _|18, sp. ern! 104.8 | 203} 4 p ob m 1
Cream of the Field________- * Markham . ___/16, sp. soe eds MOOS eae V 26) Ub ob m m
horenmin ity oe Pee. Frogner ___._- 15, sp. Soin fs) 129.8} 130] 1] w ob 8 m
Crown Jewell ___- 22.222. -- * Markham ____|19, sp. Le 3) 151.7; 180| 2| w |obf| m d
DAKOTA hed) too. * Vt. Ex. Sta.___|17, up. ro 220 88. 226 | 4{] dr | ob d m
WRlawarer 2-29-7352 =e * Crawford ____|18. sp. tO 22 78.8 | 1299} 2] lp | ob m m
DHICTATOL = 222. ee eee * Vt. Ex. Sta.._.|17, sp. ark) 55. 172} 4|] w ovf| m 1
Early Harvest-_....-._--_-- * Crawford _. __/17, sp. iy 97.1) 183] 4 Dp Ov 8 i
MarlyiMaine: 29.0. 2 * Jerrard -"__-_-|18, ‘sp: LON nah ARS 1310 |. 4 p ov 8 i
Early Mayflower ____._____- * Henderson _ __| 14, sp. reso 69.6 TTT) ¥2; p ov m 1
Early Minnesota * Presley ____._- Li spe epi ks) 109.9 | 174] 2 p Ov m } 8
Barly Oxford_____- * Gregory ___- _- 17, sp. See) oat 115. DOT as ep ob m m
MarlyPearl: = 0 sss * Markham __ __/17, sp. OO 221.3 | 208} 2 p OV m 1
apt IParitan’ 22. be. * Jerrard ___.-..|19, up. S519) 1) 280:4. | 178) 1) 2 p ob | m 1
Cred bpd asC0)<(: ene ye © JOrranrge ses! 19, up. Sr ks} 180.4} 190] 8 p ov m 8
E’y 6 Weeks Market_______- * Presley _.__..-|17, up. rs 7 140. thst le p r m m
BarlysVermont__ 2. 923) 7! * Jerrard 22-2. 20, sp. fet 98 188, PROT TB | p ob d 1
Empire Stater. 2212. 222 -* Jerrard ______- 22, up, oon adals 180; 4 Pp ob m m
WivOri tibia. Meese es - * Vt. Ex. Sta.._.| 22, sp. CON 20 | 12041 8200 | 93. dix 1 8 ]
PXCGIGlOT 2 os se * Vt. Ex. Sta.__.|18, sp. CC ah) 07.7, 196} 4 | Tp ] m m
Marina see See Uk ea * Markham . ___/17, sp. CON Fo ata wee b vl 8 i
Farmer’s Alliance_________- Landreth ____- 18, sp. oe 22. 128. 128 |. 1 p ob m m
IPBUBE Be IIseO oo. ee te 2 * Baugh fee seo 18, sp. ‘18 95.9 | 184 | 2 p Ov m | 1
earnaughtiee--. 255-2. * * Markham _. __/19. up. $6 SASslhy ABSiSeNesael eS p | ob m m
Reekieit xibiyiteo 2 * Vaughan_____. 17, sp. a 8.) 104) 21231, (8): lp 1 m i
Millbsaketes me. ne Gregory __ ----|17, sp. Or, 22) Os 106 | 1} lp | ob 8 1
Freeman _ pee ie Ce Manlens eee 18, up, 22) LOD Ay e208) |. 12 r ob d m
Ft. Collins No. 83_________- * Col. Ex. Sta.__|17, sp. Oe 1Ge |) elGs.Osoelsonl sorte) py hn Ob) d m
Gardner’s Early___________- * Gardner ____-- 18, sp. oes 50.2 | 145.) 4 p ov l 8
enesee Co. Be ee Vewetts: ees 17, up. oS 109.6 | 110} 1! w ov m m
Gov Rusk an eel ee Salzer _2/_ = £./18, sp. 0 24 nel2ieimlehann tok p ob 8 i
Green Mountain ________.__ * Vaughan _ __ _.|17, sp. ps) 90. 109 | 3 r jobf| m a
Gregory Noy 1S * Vt. Ex. Sta..__|14, sp. Cel ty 89.2} 204] 4] lp 1 m m
188 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
POTATOES.—Continued. .
ee
jd g “Se i
206] Description of the
: ; asl tuber.
s ob ES
= A! . [5.2
- 8 | sph ste
Varieties. Seedsman. rs a eS 2 |io
ie) 7} gainer >see fiamdlscdeed Fh = .
a os lh Ov alipans : d
= 1° ag ; © ly, eal ¢ =
e 2 me een ee |'€ a | 3
(S) >= = cy “Dl a 3) &
q eS] 2 > |O4| 6 C) Pe =]
o fa) Es a"izrtl © | eae
ne | | Lace
iGregory No. 2.....-----.--- * Vt. Ex. Sta. __/17, sp. | Aug. 22 116. 14s) Sate ow, m m
Halo of Dakota ___________- * Presley ____ _. 20, up. S77830 156.1 | 209) 2 b | obf| m 8
Hampden Beauty _________- * Markham _____ 13, sp. Hee ON: 128.9 | 122; 2; lp | ob m m
HacKIsINOGn 0. ees ne D.C. Hicks__.|17, up. siete bs, 109. 1097) Loewe alee 8 i
Hick’ siNo. (120 53220 oe * D. C. Hicks___|17, sp. oie tal 217.8 | 184}; 2] 1p }| ob 8 m
HMick/s)NO. (61.22). =-c552 * D.C. Hicks__-}15, sp. SE gon jeri 3) |5 143 ea ee eal obs d d
slick’s(No; 1OWze* 22522. *.D. C. Hicks___|15, sp. ree nO 94.5) 183) 2{ w | Lf 8 i
Howe’s Premium _________- TELOW Ole 17, sp. My U 169:b),, AShils 35! ip vier 8 i
Toa eee Sse N Ss eS * Crawford ____- 18, up. ee Bart) 115 164} 3) r rf 8 1
dimperavon 2 ese 2 ee Fi Crawford — spasms LOG 884} 135 7.8 roy} fel: m m
| | }
lowa Beauty ...___...___-| * Presley | « 51 9968] 191] 2/ 1p |.1 |mn| m
Aro! Clade he a Salzer ___- E16 108.9 | 109} 1] p ob d 8
Mowellin oe cs Se Bessmer aie) Ce ieee PAs a Peas bY to | (ete ed meee!
Ue ain ee oe ees Sess * A, Crane i PAG 12655 1920314 3 Dp ov m 8
Koshkonong .___ __--_____-| Leonard Se 9 125 125} 1! w 1s 8 1
Lazell’s Seedling__________- * Presley _____-- 19, sp. “ 20] 163.9] 229] 2 r obf| d l
Hseathor Coats... See re * College _______ 17, up. eran 4 8. 194 | 3 p ob m 8
dee’s Pavorite _..-.-...-_-- ca \irad Obey [Shr meme i byeejsyof) yi) ob BLE} 156.5 | 223 | 4 p ob d 8
Matchless te eS) oe es IP resloye. see 18, sp. per. 6055) 024.) 4 eee ee eee eee
Mc Fadden’s Earliest ______ * Presley ______- 20, sp. een || 134.1 | 186 | 2 Dp rf d 1
Minnesota Seed No. 50____| Frogner _____- 18, sp. ae bes 176. 176 | 1} p Ov d ]
Minnesota Seed No. 189____| Frogner _____. 16, up. ad eee ti 1285) 1285) ole) ee
Minnesota Seed No. 190____| Frogner _____- 16, sp. Peder aE PD teen © ey Cee ee |
Mitchell’s Seedling________- * Markham ____- 17, up.| ‘“ 26] 104.5 | 142} 2] pur | ovf| 8 i
Monroe’s Seedling -_______- * Farm DVept.._-|20, ap. 2 vl 164.2 | 204] 2] lp 1 8 m
Mrs, Cleveland_____.__-.___] * Vt. Ex. Sta.___| 16; sp. eS ale) || SE he p ov | 8 m
Wameless'No..b 22... 22 ==? * Farm Dept.__-|16, sp. SeRaAs 117.2 | 131) 2 Dp Ov 8 m
New Oueent 125s eee =! * Gregory _____- 19, sp. “14; 149.4} 194] 2 | lp | ob m m
otis wictor. 2022. -- = 1 a)\> Presley ©2427! 22, up. oo 520:)) ISTE 166012 Dj Oobm em m
Ohio anions ee ee * Crawford ____- fSisps-le cis CLES ate $07) 3) yr ies i
-O. K. Mammoth * Vt. Ex. Sta.__.|17, up. $205), > 92:2) tn A800) (2 ow) | ew cele: 1
Osceola Mammoth Osceola Co..._|16, up. } ‘‘ 10; 108.6) 109} 1/ Ip ob 8 m
aris Rosé 222i... [25a Ph ropner sees HID SsSDsaiiy = | can Ole sO elial p 1 8 i
Park Region Frogner -__-___- 16, up oS) 20") A082 e 10880 2. ap ob d 1
Pearl of Savoy .___-.____----| * Markham ____- 20, sp “) 143. 144 L p | ob m 8
| }
PEODIGR He fn es ees es DICKS <5. 15, ap. ein CA et i 8 Ee 1405 (12) Pp: } hoy, m m
Perfection. st er * Markham .____| 18, sp. 20) |) 1092 ATS se a pte tab m m
POWATIC ee cere mk ese * Farm Dept.___|18, sp. He 20 de A2KEG A) SO aba len ob 8 m
Pres. anvil PERS | FES * Gardner ___._- 17, sp. SAT | SPA 22 Cn eer r m l
Putnam’s Parly__.--_-.____ * Vt. Pix. Sbasse 20; sp. 12) 168. 247) | ow Dp ov m 1
| | |
Putnam’s Select_____._____- * Vt. Ex. Sta.___/18, sp. ere kY 82:5) | 4160) | Ante ees | Erecmeihd \8 gen pM) |=
meeniof Paris: .222 22 222 * Presley _____-. 18, sp. | ‘“* 15] 225.0 | 281) 2] lp | ob 8 d
ueen of the Valley_______- * Presley ______- 11, sp. SET! GOu| CrLed Miers p ob m 1
dall’s Beauty -_________- zt. Bx Stale (Sepste senator wea 169| 4! w | ob 8 i
RAGS LAT tee oie en T. B. Main.-_-_- 19, sp. tee TE Ba LIGA Chee aes ob 8 i
Rochester Favorite _______- * College ______- TMB A ge eel 96. 196 | 4) p ob m m
Rochester Rose _______-.___- Henderson ___| 8, up. = 9 i) “nese? 7285 p ob 8 m
Roger’s Seedling____-_____- * Hieks 222 17, sp.} ‘* 15] 227. 209} 2) -p ob d 8
ORGS Ae ee eS eee * Markham ____- 16, sp. haar. 26.2} 105; 2; p | ob f|] d 1
Bnralaplishiets: . Seas 73 Vt. Ex. Sta 18, sp.| ‘“ 19 | 128.2 | 216, 4/ p ov m 1
Rural New Yorker No. 2.-__| * Thorburn_____ 20, sp. ey 28 97.8 | 112.) 3 r | ri | m m
Salzer’s Earliest _____ tg F6 Ee Salzer _..- __-. 19S tsps rly S15, 187/601 9 1885) dy er Boe 8 i
Signals Clo kis 8s Presley wa) ae 16; ap. |)“ 23,7 105be|) toe8t)) 9." dpa tobi |e mise
NnowsDropetes see ees Henderson .__|11, sp. | ‘“* 19{ 224.7] 225) 1) lp | ob m l
Snow Queen.-__..__.-_.._--- * Markham ____- 18, sp. ‘120 | 147. 111 | 2] p ov m 1
Star Russet __..__-.._- * Presley _...__.|20, sp. “28 | 986. 139 | 2 p Ov m ]
Storr’s Seedling * Markham _____ 18, sp. | Sept. 4 185.6 |} 150] 2 Dp rf m m
Bt ePatrickio 222. os Henderson ___|18, sp. | Aug. 10 108.9 | 109} 1 p ob 8 i
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 189
POTATOES.— Continued.
|
ee
°° 8! Description of the
: aS tuber.
Nl ioe Lee
Spm gies) | |
Varieties. Seedsman. as = pe oo ne |
3) fz 3 Pe 1 Se ,
€ S Beye eat lec ; £
5 7) z= & |° a 6 =| val =
ro} = @ a : = u oO
ial o-] 1 > os ° ° mb =|
S a A <q |4 5) & apy S,
Stray’ Beauty-_...._.._--._.| .* Jerrard _......|18, sp. | Aug. 10 108.9 | 102 | 3 r r 8 i
Bemis ven se A GN * KE. E. Stine ___|15, sp. So De, 55. 256 | 4 r ob 8 i
Nant iotar =.) es. * Markham ____- 15, sp. ee b 145.2 | 159) 2 r ob m m
SHpeMOre eae eee Se Barpee. 22. t 2 22, up. ob 92, nO yl (ee sale eee 22 alles eile
Nupplanter 20.2.2 2. ee FIP Tosloyie. se 20, sp. easy 3) 135.6) 221) 2 Dp ob 8 s
Sylvan ___.._-- Pima Se 22 * Markham ____. 20, sp. Se ty 143. 106 | 2 p j|obf|] m 1
Waorburn .._.....--. ..-._- * College _.____. 16, ap.| “ 14] 103.6] 205} 4| Ip | 1 | m m
‘mpe's No. 225 oe i deel Limpesse) 17s ape 130 ASUS 124: | 2 D ob m | m
fRimpe's; Noy 42 ss. J.T. Timpe _-}|17, sp. 4 M16 234.9} 197 | 2 Dp l m m
(Pintpes NOuD.2 oo.) |e J. TL. Timpe---| 19; up. aia) | 170. 130} 2 Dp 4) obo! m 1
| } }
Pimpe'’s NoO.622-52% 9.2) 2) OJ. T. Timpe-._|14,, ap. cet G 138.9} 153) 2 p ov ! m m
Wonhiockse esse) - 5 eh = | * Markham _____ We Sen ie ee aur 19f| 2] r r m l
PBriuipiyss. >. seek ei Henderson __-.|16, sp. mem k 2s tASY LBs (os Reid fa gy eee Se A ee | ee |----
annires seer ae 2. St Presley: 2. 22 15, sp. ers) 107.7 | 198} 2] 1p ob d m
Walls(@Orance--_ 2 8. -: * Farm Dept.___|14, sp. “So 220 57.8} 108} 2 r rf m m
Watson's Seedling _________| * Farm Dept.___|16, sp. gs 20 164.8 | 159} 2 Dp ob m 1
yee ee a ea SS Presley 2- 322° 21, up yy 121.9 | 153) 2) w ob 8 i
Wists Noite 22522) ee 73. W. E. West___|16, sp. iw tl 143.5 168 | 2 Dp ob m 1
West's No.2. 222 | * W.. Es West_--| 14, sp. sf 10 98:97) 1b) 2) |eelcp ob m m
Wrost's No. 3_--..-.-. 2-2 | * W. BE. West.._}15, sp. oT AS 133.5 199 2 p ob m i
White Elephant___________- + Jerrard--- = 20, up. peel) 120. 164} 2| 1p ob m mm
White Flower___.._ ______- * Markham_____ 17, up. Sere meU 126.9] 148} 2] lp ob m m
WihitevEy Ohio — 2 so * Presley ______- 16, sp. ra tele: 140. 175 2| w !obf 8 m
NAT) Rey rt a * Farm Dept.-_-_-|21, up. sone 20 113. 139 | 2| w ob 8 i
Wixom’s Seedling ._______- *VanBenschot’n| 15, sp. pee a be 62.3} 117} 3| Ip ob 8 }
Vick’s Champion _________- Witk li el 18, sp. "ap 132. 1520) 0 Sw ob m !
The following are brief descriptions of the new varieties:
American Wonder. Strong, vigorous, upright grower. Season late.
Unproductive this year. Tubers slightly longer than broad, somewhat
flattened. Eyes and curtain medium. Flesh rich cream.
Boston. Strong, upright growth. Season medium, fairly productive.
The tubers resemble the White Elephant. Flesh light cream.
Cream City. A spreading, medium grower. It sets many tubers, but
the yield is only fair. Tubers kidney-shape to oblong. Eyes shallow.
Flesh medium cream.
Farmer’s Alliance. Top large, spreading. Season late. Fairly pro-
ductive. Tubers many, small, oblong. Eyes shallow. Color pink.
Fillbasket. A medium, spreading grower. Season late. Vines blighted
August 15 and the yield was reduced. Tubers oblong, regular. Skin
rough. Eyesshallow. Curtain long, arched. Flesh light cream.
Genesee Co. King. A fairly upright grower. Suffered from the
blight. Tubers white, oval, and of fine appearance.
Gov. Rusk. A good, spreading grower. Productiveness only fair.
Hicks No. 9. A good, upright grower, foliage tough and shunned by
the beetles. Yield only fair. Tubers of good appearance, white. Skin
smooth. Eyes indistinct.
Iron Clad. Growth spreading; season medium. Only fairly productive.
Koshkonong. Vigorous, spreading grower. Only fairly productive.
Tubers rather long and somewhat flattened. Color white. It is of good
appearance.
190 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Minnesota Seedling No. 50. A spreading grower of medium vigor.
Season medium.’ A good yielder of desirable quality. From S. Frogner,
Herman, Minn.
Minnesota Seedling Nos. 189 and 190 are seedlings from the same
source, but not so productive.
Osceola Mammoth. A variety from Osceola county. Something like
the Early Rose, but it is a week earlier. The vines set but few tubers, all
ef which were of good size.
Park Region. Vines of medium growth. Sets many potatoes, but the
yield was hurt much by the drought. Tubers somewhat like the Beauty
of Hebron, only the eyes are much deeper. Season medium to late.
Rochester Rose. Vines made a very poor growth. Season very early.
Vines killed by the heat, and potatoes all small. Ina more favorable
geason it would probably be a good yielder. Tubers similar to the Early
Rose.
Salzer’s Earliest. Vines thrifty. Season, early to medium. It set
many tubers, and all were even-size, but small this season.
Tubers round, flattened and red in color, which is an objection in an
early potato.
Snow Drop. Poor growth of vines. Season, medium. Very productive.
Tubers oval, even in size, and somewhat like the Beauty of Hebron.
Triumph. Medium strong grower, spreading habit. Season nearly a
week earlier than the Early Rose. Quite productive.
Vick’s Champion. A medium strong, spreading grower. Season late;
enly fairly productive. Tubers class with the White Elephant.
The following are varieties tried by us for the first time this year that
have done poorly, the trial of which will be continued:
Bill Nye, Hicks No. 60, Pride of the West,
Blue Mayflower, Hoffman, Prize Taker,
Carpenter’s Seedling, Home Comfort, Restaurant,
Chas. Downing, Late Puritan, Stanley,
Charter Oak, Minnesota Seedling No.18, White Chief,
Early Wisconsin, Minnesota Seedling No.64, Vanguard.
Geo. H. Price, Negro,
Hicks No. 22. Ontop,
WHAT VARIETIES TO PLANT.
Extra Early.
Howe's Premium is among the earliest varieties to ripen and is the
best one of this season.
Karly Six Weeks Market is equally as good, but generally a few days
later than the first variety named.
Early.
Queen of Paris is the most productive variety of the list at this station
for the two years that it has been raised. Lee’s Favorite, Harly Oxford,
Putnam’s Early, Iowa Beauty, McFadden’s Earliest, and Thorburn are
valuable.
Medium Season.
Mrs. Cleveland, formerly known as Notts No. 8, Snow Drop, Pres.
Lincoln, Supplanter, Early Pearl, Gregory No. 1 and June Hating are
the best of this class.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 191
y Late.
Summit is especially recommended; Signal, Lazell’s Seedling, Dakota
Red, Bannock, and Halo of Dakota are the best late sorts.
FERTILIZER TESTS.
The tests of fertilizers upon potatoes were the same as in the season of
1891, using the same plots and the same fertilizers for the first twenty
plots.
Rach plot is one rod wide and four rods long and contains four rows of
potatoes. The rows are three feet apart, thus leaving seven and one half
feet space between the nearest rows of adjacent plots. This space is occu-
pied by young pear trees.
Plots twenty-one to twenty-four were in potatoes in 1891, but did not have
any special treatment.
Four plots are in a row, thus—plot two is alongside of plot six, ete.
The fertilizers were applied in the row both above and below the seed.
The planting was done on May 27, and the digging and weighing was
eommenced on September 8.
TasBLe No. 10.—Fertilizer Tests.
| ‘ Yield per acre.—Bushels.
Laatenleeey (ie eae:
Sie Bea Rie Mya |
Fertilizer. S| = s cs | 3 x
g ett | 7 co) 3)
| os g = 2 = =
: Pane aioli es ies 2. aa eae
i vale ese WAR Aiea WR Enea Ok
Ay fo) em = S < <
ech allchsbonwOensrO wee... 6 he [ete Seo 234.6 124.2 89.5 178.1 156.6 | 262.6
Fe NGI eee eee eee ree TS Sa eS ee i 67.8 51.3 146.0 102.6 | 166.9
ITI. | ( 4 lbs. sulphate ammonia_________ Under seed_| 144.1 93.5 98.9 183.3 130.0 | 221.2
TV. Gt end Done: {---------- = {| Overseed...| 171.8 | 198.8 | 95.7 |. 127.8 | 192.6 | 196.3
Weite Mannreccene eres ees een Uinder:seed.|| 25420: 201.0 126.7 130.8 178.2 } 219.1
Vi. Nothing == eae Saree SE BP eee 103.0 49.5 61.0 79.0 73.1 | 170.6
aaa DET pee sie at Under seed_| 206.2 | 167.2 | 107.1 | 145.7 | 156.5 | 216.2
VIII. | (6 lbs. sulphate potash Sey Over seed___| 108.2 128.5 74.1 64.6 93.8 | 171.9
1X. | 1 bushel wood ashes _| Under seed_ 57.9 57.0 116.2 91.0 80.5 | 163.0
xX: Nothing. = = ae Le eed gears 46.2 35.4 45.8 91.8 54.8 | 172.2
XI. | (6 lbs. nitrate soda __ _)| Under seed_} 115.0 80.7 96.5 91.9 96.0 | 184.9
ae Bee eich rer Overseed...| 114.0} 784{ 8061 1126 | 96.5 | 1431
ATT SS ebiannress est) we re ye | \Overseed-.-|.' 129/39 103.5 58.0 132.7 105.9 | 188.8
IV ee Nothinp see seer 0 Sea a St hat Ra 78.2 47.6 20.0 59.5 51.3 | 128.9
, XV. § 10 Ibs. ground bone _____--______ : Under seed_| 205.9 161.3 70.1 165.7 150.0 | 231.0
XVI. | 06 lbs. sulphate potash BA Biot ds? Over seed___| 186.2 139.2 95.5 183.1 156.0 | 199.3
OVA Pe Nothing et. i Si a te 5) 39.0 58.5 13.1 71.5 45.5 | 115.4
> OG Ue | 6 lbs. sulphate potash _____________ Under seed_| 68.9 49.5 25.1 115.5 64.7 | 194.4
XIX. | 6 lbs. sulphate potash ____________.| Overseed___| 27.4 69.3 17.5 17.5 47.9 | 190.4
Gilbs: nitrate soda tS
XX. | 4 10 lbs. ground bone ___.__________ Under seed_| 162.2 140.2 40.4 113.7 114.1 | 186.0
6lbs. muriate potash____________
4 lbs. sulphate ammonia_________
XXI. | 4 10 lbs. dissolved bone-black_____ Under seed_| 125.8 | 115.8 52.2 | 116.4 | 102.5 | 178.2
ieee Se i a potash) 25-2
8. 5ulphate ammonia_________ F 99 5
XXII. a0 ape. dissolved bone-hiack Biot Under seed “ 165.6 109.7 55.8 159.7 122.4 198.2
s. dissolved bone-black____-_ C ‘ :
XXIII. 6 lbs. muriate potash... _ Under seed_| 139.6 148.0 31.7 102.3 | 105.4 | 147.2
ERT Ee NOCHINI Ese ae sae ee ers alee Sa ghee ret) 100.8 107.5 27.0 99.6 83:7, [oe
192 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The yields on all of the plots are less this year than last year. This is:
due more to the season than to the exhaustion due to the raising the same
crop on the same ground two years in succession, although some of the
plots show that certain elements are partially exhausted.
Fertilizers under the seed produced the best results in 1891, and in 1892 |
fertilizers over the seed did the best. The different conditions of the two
years explain the difference. This past season was very wet, and the plant
food was carried down to the roots, and as the plots had the same fertil-
izers applied the previous year, the food elements remaining unused in the
soil were not all above or all below the seed, but thoroughly mixed with
the whole body of the soil. So the plots with the fertilizers applied above
or below the seed do not represent this one condition exactly, but from the
position of the feeding roots of this potato, we advise using the fertilizer
under the seed.
The yields of the different plots compared with each other is about the
same this past season as in 1891; so for convenience of further study the
yields of the two years are united in the following table.
Tasie No. 11.—Yields of fertilizer plots, bushels per acre—Average for two years.
Yield illustrated. |
Plot. Yield. | Treatment.
50 100 150 200
1; 209.6 are rc nem Mulch.
| s. sulphate ammonia.
iu. | pele | | tio ibs. ground bone.
IV. 164.4 | | | )}6 lbs. muriate potash.
Vv. a Manure.
3 ce } s, sulphate ammonia.
= Hie ] | tia lbs. ground bone.
VIII 132.5 et | ‘6 lbs. sulphate potash.
EX 121.7 ee | 1 bu. wood ashes.
X.{| 113.5 se Ny
= | 8. nitrate soda.
xr ole l 10 lbs. ground bone.
XII. 119.8 6 Ibs. sulphate ‘potash.
XIII 147.3 ae Ee 22 | Manure.
XIV. 90.1 SS Nothing.
XV. 195 | — tne lbs. ground bone.
XVI. 177.6 REESE Hatha 6 lbs. sulphate potash.
| |
XVII ve) SSS | | Nothing.
= yA DD es SS eee { }
gered a 1 | | | 6 lbs. sulphate potash.
| | 6 lbs. nitrate soda.
Xx; NT ST } 10 Ibs. ground bone.
6 lbs. muriate potash.
| | 4 lbs. sulphate ammonia.
XXL. 140.3 | | 10 lbs. dis. bone-black.
| | | 6 lbs. muriate potash.
4 lbs. sulphate ammonia.
XXII. 160.3 | | § 10 Ibs. dis. bone-black.
XXIII 126.3 10 Ibs. dis. bone-black.
"4
‘
,
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 1¥8
In examining the yields in detail, attention is called to the fact that each
row contains a nothing plot. Observe that the yields of these nothing
plots decrease gradually from the first until the last. The soil in each row
seems to be very uniform, and the nothing plot of that row should be used
as a base of comparison for the plots of that row, and to compare the plots
of different rows it should be done by comparing the gains of the plots
over the nothing plots of those rows. The following table shows the gain
of the fertilized plots over the nothing plots.
Tas.Le No. 12.—Gain per acre in bushels of fertilizer plots over nothing plots.
| Gain illustrated.
Plot. Gain. Treatment.
25 50 5 100
is | :
i. | 74.9 oe '
Wat 74.3 Aen As ae { sanore
III. | 40.9 | ees es | i }
i ae | 29.7 Eset 3 ey | \
Vil. | 64.5 STS es
Vill. | 2 | | Complete fertilizer.
xr. | 26.9 \ |
XII. | 6.3 j= | | |
XXY 79.6 ee |
XV, 1004 |
x) [| feonnt ate an sre
IX. 8.2 | mmm | AGhont
XVIII. 49.1 ercoresrent ie aes er |
XIX. | 38.5 7 | | { Potash.
| j
The action of the mulch was not as beneficial this season asin 1891. It
held the moisture when the ground was too wet already. The plots treated
with manure presented a very thrifty appearance during the whole season.
They seemed to rid themselves of the surplus water in June, and they
stood the drought well in August. The yield of plot XIII was not so large
as the appearance of the vines would indicate.
The difference between the treatment of plots III and IV from that of
plots VII and VIII is that the former contain muriate of potash and
the latter sulphate of potash. The latter two average 24 bu. per acre
more than the former, which is not enough difference to form a definite
conclusion, but as the sulphate is cheaper than the muriate, its use would
be more economical. Plots VII and VIII differ from plots XI and XII
in regard to treatment, in that the former contained sulphate of ammonia,
and the latter nitrate of soda. The gain of the former two over the latter
two is 21.1 bu. per acre, which tends to prove the superiority of
sulphate of ammonia over nitrate of soda. Plot XX has the nitrate of
soda combined with the muriate of potash instead of the sulphate of
potash, as in plot XI (plot XX has the fertilizer applied under the seed
hence it can be compared only with plots that have the fertilizer applied
likewise). It has been previously shown that muriate and_ sulphate of
potash produce nearly similar results. If this is true plots XI and XX
should show the same gain, but there is 52.7 bu. per acre difference in
25
194 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
their gain over their nothing plot which shows that the trials are not
carried far enough yet to draw definite conclusions. Plots XV and XVI
treated to ground bone and sulphate of potash have produced. better
results than the same fertilizers with nitrate of soda added, as in plots XI
and XII, or with sulphate of ammonia added, as in plots VII and VIII,
which seems to show that a fertilizer rich in nitrogen is an injury to the
potato crop. This point should be more thoroughly investigated.
Our experiments and those of others’ have led to the following con-
clusion, that on fairly rich soil the addilion of nitrate of soda or sulphate
of ammonia to bone and potash is done at a financial loss if not at a
reduction in yield.
Plots XVIII and XIX with potash alone gave a very profitable increase
over the nothing plot in 1891, but it had much less effect in 182, although
there was still an increase. Comparing these two plots with plots XV and
XVI in the first table of fertilizer tests, it will be seen that potash alone
increased the yield to within 9.6 bu. per acre, as much as the potash and
bone combined, the latter giving an average increase of 86.6 bu. over the
nothing plot of that row, the former an increase of 77 bu. This shows
that potash was the element largely needed in the soil. The yield of 1893
shows that the phosphoric acid in plots in XVIII and XIX has become
largely exhausted, as the gain of the potash and bone plots had increased
over the previous year, and the gain of the potash plots had largely
decreased.
Plot IX, to which was applied one bushel of wood ashes, produced less
than the nothing plot in 1891 and a gain of 25.7 bu. in 1892, which
may seem at a variance to plots XV and XVI, for ashes contain potash and
phosphoric acid, the two substances that seem essential on our soil; but
ashes have a tendency to harden and compact the soil, which on our clay
loam counteracted the beneficial action that it might otherwise have
effected.
The conclusions are summarized as follows:
1. Considering the cost, manure is more profitable than commercial
fertilizers.
2. Coarse manure is best used as a mulch.
3. Ground bone and potash furnish all the elements needed on the
average farming land.
4. Nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia is added to the above at a
loss.
5. Sulphate of potash will give as large an increase as muriate, and as
its cost is one third less, it is to be preferred as a fertilizer.
6. Fertilizers unless especially prepared for potatoes, are applied ata
loss, as they contain too much nitrogen.
7. Fertilizers prepared for potatoes should consist largely of potash
and phosphoric acid, with from three to four times as much of the former
as the latter.
1 The report of the R. I. experiment station for 189), p. 25, shows a reduction in yield from 144.66 bu.
to 55 bu. peracre by the addition of sulphate of ammonia to ground bone and muriate of potash.
N. J. bulletin No. 8) shows that the addition of nitrate of soda to bone-black and muriate of potash
increased the yield 2.6 bu. per acre in one case. and reduced it 1.7 bu. in another, and 6.1 bu. in the third
case.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 195
POTATO SCAB.
This is the name applied to a diseased condition of the tubers in which
the skin has a distended appearance similar to a scab, or where the skin
and a part of the tuber is destroyed leaving a cavity in the tuber.
Wire-worms, grubs, mites, etc., have heen found eating the decaying
matter in the cavities, or it may be possible they add to the injury, but it
is not true that they are the cause of the disease.
The disease is caused by a parasite.' There may.be more than one
form of the disease; one forming the deep scab or the cavities, and the
other the surface scab, although ‘this point is not settled at present. Prof.
Bolley, from his experiments of 1891, made the following summary:'
“1. Scabby or disease-bearing seed tubers can and will under ordinary
circumstances produce a diseased crop.
“2. Seed tubers free from the disease germs will in any soil—-sand, clay,
or muck—raise an undiseased product, provided only that the soils them-
selves are free from the disease.
“3. The seed germs can remain from crop to crop in the ground.
“4. By soaking the seed tubers before planting in certain chemical
solutions I have been enabled to raise an undiseased product, whenever
the ground was known to be free from disease.”
From these conclusions, it is seen that, if the germs of this disease on
the seed potatoes are destroyed and the potatoes are planted on soil free
from the germs, the resulting crop will be free from the scab. Soils that
contain the germs are those on which diseased potatoes have been raised,
but the length of time that the germs will remain dormant in the soil is
not known, so it is impossible yet to tell how long before the soil once
affected is again free from the disease. The disease is carried by manure
containing potato tops of affected tubers, or litter from around potato pits,
and by tools in cultivating growing potatoes where one end of the rows is
free from the disease and the other end affected.
The best method of destroying the germs of the disease is by soaking
the seed in corrosive sublimate (bichloride of mercury). Purchase two
ounces of this substance at a drug store, pour it into a vessel containing
two gallons of hot water and stir frequently until it is dissolved; to this
add thirteen gallons of water. After freeing the seed potatoes that are to
to be treated, from the surplus dirt, plunge them into this solution and
leave for one and one half hours.
If a person is to treat the seed very extensively, gasoline barrels sawed
in two will make convenient receptacles. The seed can be immersed by
setting wicker baskets containing the tubers in the solution; by using
three of these receptacles a person can soak the seed as fast as the cutting
is done. It is immaterial whether the seed is soaked before or after
cutting. All seed soaked should be planted or destroyed. The solution
should not be placed in metallic vessels.
Prof. Bolley’s * experiments of 1892 have more than confirmed the
value of this treatment. Treated seed gave a crop, of which 99.33 per cent.
were free from the scab, while of the product from the untreated seed less
than one per cent. were free from the scab. He says, “that not only are
the tubers affected, but the base of the vine as well, which results ina _
! North Dakota bulletin phe 4, from which the material of this subject is largely gleaned.
* Science, Dec. 23, 1492, p. 355.
196 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
short-lived vine; a greater number of tubers set upon the vines than there
would be under normal conditions, and the tubers will be much smaller.”
Potato growers should try this simple remedy. The yield will be increased
and the product secured will be much more salable.
POTATO BLIGHT.
This is the name commonly applied to the disease that causes the potato
rot (phytophthora infestans), for which the Bordeaux mixture sprayed
upon the vines during the growing season is a remedy.
Another disease that has affected the potato vines at the college, during
the past two seasons, resembles the true potato blight somewhat, but the
Bordeaux mixture does not check it.
Persons, unacquainted with this new potato disease, seeing the vines
dying, would think that his potatoes were struck with the blight, and
knowing that the Bordeaux mixture prevents the blight, would apply it,
probably without effect.
This new disease may attack the vines earlier in the season than the
true blight. It may appear in June or not until July or August. The
true potato blight does not make its appearance, generally, until after the
middle of July, and the latter is much quicker in its action, the vines
dying down in a very few days, while the former requires about ten days
to complete its action. The leaves die first at the tips, working slowly
back until the whole leaf finally becomes involved, the leaf withering and
curling up as the disease progresses.
The most-noticeable difference between the two diseases is that with the
true potato blight the under side of the affected leaf is covered with a
grayish mold, which is apparent to the naked eye; with the other disease,
no such mold is found.
This department will be glad to receive specimens of diseased vines
next season, from persons in doubt as to the nature of the diseases that
may affect their potatoes, and will gladly inform inquirers as far as our
knowledge will permit, as to the causes and remedies.
ix Be) TART
_ AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, Pye H. P. GLADDEN.
February 1, 1893. R. J. CORYELL.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 197
FRUIT NOTES.
Bulletin No. 92, March, 1893.
This station, with a sub-station in the Lake Shore fruit belt at South
Haven, has excellent facilities for testing new varieties of fruit. The
results of the past season’s work at South Haven will be found in Bulletin
No. 88, published in December, 1892.
This bulletin contains the notes on some of the small fruits grown in
the college gardens the past year.
STRAWBERRIES.
The strawberries tested number about one hundred and seventy-five
varieties. In the spring of 1892 eighty additional new sorts were set out.
A large proportion of these were sent here by the originators for trial
before placing upon the market. Many are unnamed seedlings. When
obtainable the number of plants tested is twenty-four.
The following table includes the more promising of the varieties grown.
None of the sorts planted last spring are given:
Tasie No. 1—Strawberrtes.
ABBREVIATIONS.
Form. Size. Color.
b. broad. ]. long. 8s. small. b. bright. l. light.
c. conical. 0. ovate. m, medium. c. crimson. r. red.
d. depressed. r. round. 1. large. d. dark. 8. scarlet.
i. irregular.
- am Q
ES g ‘BS BS
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Variety. a 3 5 E 32 ! 5 g
5 5 a 5 re) Lo} J S| 8 = g
I bo $ Ae a SS § 5 i) 5 |
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7.3 | May 24|June13/ July 6| 9 mji| e|tle 8 16
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Banquets +223 Dp 7.5 fos se 14 SS 1 6 m e jde 10 | 6
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BASE WOOU 2 22) b b 9.9 ET Ot) es 6] 10 | stom r le ae a
Ut ace oe Ver ae ee b 9 1s) 28 et woe ss 8 9 mtol}|le bs & 18
BOLMONG eee eee b 8.5 ss'S0 30 ss 1 6 milo |be 9 10
Boynton). 22.24...5. 622-8 p 10 se Oy Sv tG Sng 9 8 oO e 8 18
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198
Variety.
Sex.
Conde te eee ee ees
Grawilord 2). es 8
Crescent X Glendale. ____-
@rescent esse. cel eee
poucriand
lomonohomome)
Wuboral-: ieee tes
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JOT es SR eee
Meltonpies steens Sees
lomo Momomomoy
Pp yet ase ee eee
Gen Putnam £5 5.-2 22
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Great Pacific
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lonoMomohelon
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Wathen NOs (G6 e202) |b
PrttleyNoiil5 222 fe oe
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Pride of Albany_____.__-. b
iS tEy Tel Me Sas Seer 5) es 0)
Paunoers 10 9. 2822s TK b
ShanDlesspecse tee b
SUT SET SN ES b
StayotanwNo.. 1952 22 2 p
Stimme! No: 15 22-502 22-- p
Stimmel No. 20 _________. p
Tippecanoe . /.......-___- b
Townsend No. 3________-- p
Townsend No. 19
Van Deman
\HORLIIG 5 OR el Ie b
WHI GrOn sen oc Ss p
Wyant wanes 5 ee! p
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Wiestbrook.. 22222 -22._: p
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Wioolvertonte.: 222) S25 b
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—
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STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
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t
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 199
To test the comparative productiveness of some of the leading varieties,
a row, twenty rods long, of each sort, was planted in the spring of 1891.
The previous fall a row of Bubach, Haverland, and Pear] had been set out
for comparison with spring-set plants. The fall-set plants make up the
row first given in the table below. The plat was well manured before the
plants were set out and given good cultivation afterward. When the
ground was frozen the plants were covered with marsh hay. In the spring
the covering was removed from the plants and allowed to remain in the
rows as a mulch.
The following table gives the crop obtained :
TaBLE No. 2—Dates of picking. °
. June |June|June| June| June} June} June} June} July | July | Jaly 3
Variety. Ta Ve DD PB
*Bubach, No. 5 -_____- Ee Peel naa. 4 IBY er siy a [eer 8 Aa eee 8 Di eee 70
Bubach Novo oes ee eee ES 5 22 1% 4 7 al are ae 5 1 % 61
PRGRCOMG epee. + a ee ee 12 14 8 Pao epee ood DAF sees v2 il ae Ie 6" Less 115
TIBOR Tapper ee See ERS ee age Re 12 Sil Poe 8 (| ee, 8 rel Eee 48
SHaveniand Seu pono eae bee Shree 36). Ele i2) 9 | 1G ees eee Olilneeee 1 16
leven lan = ee ae ee ee 8 1G |e On ee ay eee 12 4 4 1 1b
LETS) Lo Se ee EOS oe | | Ree (ee (eee a OO ee eee 4 | Lene OSes = rel | 8 23
NUON OL en seen ene ee SRS Oe ee a ee 4 2 Bietasee 12 4 4 1 31
Michel and Osceola ________._- 28 a bp ee ate 6 1 3a a See CA ae 7} (Saran Pere NESE Es 64
PUT rs ee = ee a Oe A bs | ee 4 Ca | eee S| EP (Ee 145) ae AN Wee te 24
MGore Selearly! sos See ee Ae es Nae pio ea 8 16) |o52 Pee | Silanes. | 2 | pet Se | 84
BP earlier so ee et eS | aeease i VA | eee re eee 18 DO) ame: | 16 5 3 118
Penn leet. so es ee ee 2 20 6] 84 (in| oe (ae | PN Caen (Ta pee | 118
Buckenistate acs ese chou PS aS [erp ae pe nL [pee Gp eee UN a 46
DRS ENEA NS FoR ete els ee ee Sty cae | eae a Lay a J Weaver ee 30
rN ayn, Ses Ben Se ee ee eee Pare Si) eae | ee Gh aan | eee Cat | eae ae Ps 22
* Fall set plants.
The following diagram shows at a glance the earliness and productive-
ness of the varieties in the preceding table:
Date
Utst Pieks£11@
18 \20\22
200 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
A few of the more promising of the new varieties, together with some
older sorts, were chosen to note productiveness. Twenty-five plants of
each sort were taken, as this number usually comprises a variety test.
noe Seg were picked as they ripened and the date and quantity gath-
ered noted.
TasLe No. 4.—Dates of picking.
1
See June| June | June! June} June} July | July | Jul 3
Varieties. TY Re Se eT IR a s
rede z | I
Barton Eclipse ____- Me ES Ny. SNE See ee yon 2 1 | Spas 21% 2 Le eee ap La Se a
BOY HELO Hees eee eS ay Se 2s ge 344 1 3 4 pe) neat pee ee % 8
"COA Rae ae Ne RE EF 5 ee a ee Tee tebe aia 4 1 A Sl ete Sino ee |
DER nhs 2 te Eee en Se ES Vg Sats oo) en 2 ek ae % 54
Prreateb ae lticys seis ea. Tie ea 3. ee ee %| 14| 1 2%} 2 Jo ah ee ee pee 1%
ant Bes DUneSsOtat eo oe ee ee 14/1 1 % 1 3 PRESS | Rhee % 1%
RG pN Oo apes ee Ae eee te [bead oe: | ea P Yaa (eee % 8%
LUE ES An ER Ae t SRE RIE eS SPOR Tae a ee SR Val ca ehaee 1 1 DEG he aes oe yY 5%
ONCOMING Loot Sit MeN Ts ea Bie Re eae rae 2 % We) eee % 5
DE Arp ee tes TN ee ae ee Oe ee ee ee 2 14} 5 2 _-! 10%
RITA MCLG VOlANC es 5 fe ve Lee Se ee See a Bhi Se) [ae es 3% 2 Cle (en 4 |e Bae (oe ee | 12
Minskin guise wee oe eee ee % 1 gia] se ere 2 5 ae fee, Bee CS eee 1 1%
miCeis) SEOUL Ng. ee. se Fee os) DERE ae Se eae re ees 2 7A pal) ae 1 % | 1%
ELS SERRE eee eee aed oe E61 Ue ey OAD RS 1 eG EN al [ot 2 BANE re lle sae 54
1G ete tere iad ay Ee ae Se SONS Re Sh pileesas o> 4 3% | 7 it ee | | 18%
Weal non t se eee tks EE es Se IE Fe eee ee i 14' 1% E360 [ce Bek eee aes 5
Wl ce yneweke Mey ote) feet ee RE a SN ae ee 2 1% i eee Mea ee ees 4%
Wroolvertoniss 2 sol ae 8 x nS (ar re os | ONG | cae 4 1 BBG) he ek 1 1 12%
Fanesfield ________ ai ER ee YG Senay 2 | TEA epee a | | Mm} 5
|
DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES.
NEW. PROMISING.
Banquet was received from J. R. Hawkins, Mountainville, N. Y. The
plants are not very vigorous, and but moderately productive. The fruit is
of medium size, beautiful color, and regular form. Its appearance and
high quality make it a very desirable home variety.
Little No. 6 and No. 15. From John Little, Granton, Ont. The plants
of these varieties are of very strong and healthy growth. The fruit is
large, of good color, regular form, firm, and quality good. They are
worthy of trial as market varieties.
Loudon No. 15, from John Little. A variety promising well and worthy
of a name.
Martha, from Matthew Crawford, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Plants of
strong, vigorous, and healthy growth. Fruit-stalk long, slender, and reclin-
ing. Fruit of medium size, rather small at close of season, dark crimson
eolor, moderately firm, acid flavor. Very productive.
Princess. Plants vigorous and healthy. Fruit round, short, conical,
sometimes irregular in form, bright scarlet color, and of excellent quality.
Lacking in firmness. Productive.
Price’s Seedling, from ©. A. Green, Rochester, N. Y. Plants healthy,
vigorous, and productive. Fruit long, conical, usually with a neck, bright
scarlet color, excellent in quality and moderately firm. Regard it asa
good berry.
Sadie, from Cleveland Nursery Co., Lakewood, Ohio. <A great plant-
producer. Plants vigorous and healthy. Truit medium-size, round, coni-
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 201
eal, dark crimson color, of good quality, and moderately firm. Very pro-
ductive. Valuable.
Thompson No. 23, from Cleveland Nursery Co. This variety was not in
a favorable location for a thorough test. The fruit is of medium size,
round, conical form, dark crimson color, and of good quality. It is a
promising berry.
Westbrook. Plants received from L. J. Farmer, Pulaski, N. Y. Plants
fairly vigorous, slightly attacked with fungus. Fruit medium size, conical,
dark crimson color, firm. Valuable for earliness and handsome
appearance.
Boynton, from Matthew Crawford. Plants quite vigorous but of slender
growth. Fruit-stalk slender, reclining. Fruit medium in size, conical,
regular form, crimson color, moderately firm, and of acid flavor. Product-
ive, but the last of the crop is small in size.
The above mentioned varieties have been on trial for two or more years
and have not been described in previous bulletins. They comprise the few
among the many varieties on trial that are of special merit. The new vari-
eties set out in the spring of 1892 will be given careful attention during
the coming season and the results given in next year’s bulletin.
VARIETIES REPORTED FAVORABLY IN 1892.
The following varieties were favorably reported upon in bulletin No. 81,
published in March, 1892. The past season’s trial warrants us in again
placing their merits before the public. For an extended description of the
varieties see Bulletin No. 81.
Arlington, Daisy, Lovett’s Harly, Mrs. Cleveland, and Townsend No.
19. Plants vigorous and productive. Promise well as early market sorts.
Belle, Crescent x Glendale, Florence, Muskingum, Saunders, Stimmel No.
15, and Woolverton are somewhat later than the sorts preceding, but are
well worthy of trial as market varieties.
Lida, for hill culture, on rich, heavy soil, with good cultivation, is an
excellent variety.
Cling To, Edgar Queen, Great Pacific, King No. 2, Stayman No. 1,
Townsend No. 3, Waldron and Zanesfield possess many valuable qualities
but require further trial.
VARIETIES OF DOUBTFUL VALUE.
Most of the following sorts have been on trial for several years. While
each possesses some valuable qualities, there are so many better sorts that
they have been placed in the doubtful list.
Lady Rusk, Tippecanoe, Woodruff No. 1, and Yale lack vigor of plant
and fruitfulness. :
The plants of the following varieties are vigorous and usually healthy,
but they are not up to the standard in productiveness: Acme, Auburn,
Bubach No. 34, Clinton, Cloud, Dew, Loudon No. 34, Logan, Little No. 4,
Ohio, Oliver, Shaw and Welch.
Barton Eclipse. The plants blossomed very full and gave promise of a
large crop of fruit, but soon they were badly attacked with fungus. The
fruit lacks firmness and quality.
Beder Wood. The plants are vigorous and gave a large crop of fruit,
but soft and of poor quality.
26
202 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
D. & D. Last year this variety was promising. The plants lacked in
productiveness this season.
Dubois. Plants lack somewhat in vigor. Fruit large, rich, dark color,
of excellent quality, but soft. Lack productiveness.
Eureka. Plants vigorous. Produced a fair crop, but fruit of light color
and soft.
Gen. Putnam. Plants vigorous and fairly productive. Fruit of medium
size, light color, and of poor quality.
Howard No. 6 and Prince of Berries. Plants vigorous. Fruit of good
color and quality. Lack productiveness.
Van Deman. The plants the past season showed lack of vigor and
fruitfulness.
VALUELESS.
The following sorts do not possess sufficient merit to warrant further
trial: Charleston, Everbearing, Gillespie, Loudon No. 29, Mammoth,
Pioneer, and Porter’s Seedling.
NOTES ON MARKET VARIETIES.
The following notes on some of the better known market sorts are made
up, partly from our own experience and partly from the opinions of grow-
ers in different sections of the state, and. may be of value to the general
planter.
‘ Alpha. Hardy, vigorous, and fairly productive. A good early market
erry.
Bubach No. 5. Plants vigorous. Fruit large, handsome appearance,
but not of high quality. A good seller and profitable for near market. +
pen iand: An old berry, but still a favorite for home use and near
market.
Crawford. A comparatively new sort. Fruit large, handsome, and
firm. Lacks somewhat in productiveness. Needs further trial.
Crescent. Though lacking in quality, its vigor and productiveness place
it at the head of the list for market.
Enhance. A good yielder, but on account of its irregular shape does
not sell well. Particularly desirable on lands subject to late frosts.
Gandy. A moderate bearer. Valued for its large, handsome fruit and
lateness in ripening.
Haverland. Productive. Fruit of handsome appearance and. a good
seller in a near market.
Jessie. Did not meet expectations and is now nearly superseded,
though a good berry if given extra care.
Michels Early. Very early. Yields about half a crop, but brings good
prices because of its earliness. The crop is exhausted by two or three
pickings, A good pollenizer.
Parker Earle. Rather late. Productive. A very promising market
variety, destined to be largely planted. In some localities it is not so well
spoken of.
Pearl. Plants hardy and vigorous. Productive. Fruit firm and of
handsome appearance. Holds its size to end of the season. In some
localities it is attacked with rust.
Sharpless. Still holds its place as a berry for home use and near market.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS.
203:
Warfield. By many regarded as the coming early market berry. It
certainly promises well in most localities, but should be given further trial
before fully determining its place.
Wilson.
localities almost a failure on account of rust.
An old sort and still largely planted.
LIST FOR HOME PLANTING.
In some seasons and
Alpha, Cumberland, Sharpless, Parker Earle, Gandy.
LIST FOR MARKET.
Crescent, Pearl, Haverland, Bubach, Parker Earle, Warfield.
In the following table not all the varieties grown are given.
RASPBERRIES.
A few of
the well known sorts, together with such new varieties as have fruited for
two or more years, are tabulated.
TasBLe No. 5.—Raspberries—Black and Hybrids.
Size.
8. small,
m. medium,
1, large.
Variety.
DGG SS ee ee ee ae ee
PAT OM Grae ete ee Ne ele
POUMBNMS Dany se -- ero oee es es
PONTE WON co gat te. 2 Ths eee ee ae
enternigh== 212228 eee.
Mammoth Cluster--_...........-..
1 CTI) EES se A eee
LEERLDT NS) of a Stee Se oe iene
Ledipgue cl: eee SEES See eee oe Een
SSE Oye ee ee A
Bweet Honeoye
Shatlence sat a ae ee
LUCAS ne SES Se CE Ae Soe eae
| Vigor.
Se] | Scale (1-10).
or
uw
WO WIKI OOK WOOHOO mm
ot vo
ABBREVIATIONS.
Form.
r. round,
e. conical.
0. ovate.
g
Eg S 2
xe) A 5
Q "e sa
-) = »
3 = g
A ic 4
June 13 } July 20} July
aha i “16 | Aug
$$ 7 eS 6 | July
oe vf oe 6 Pay
“ 10 oe 5 “
oes 84 seus, |. Aue
ray) 10; oT | July
“ 8 “ 5 a7
oe 9 “ 1L ou
“ 10 oe 5 “
4 118" [Aug
See nts Sy 1541 aly
ce tale “* 14 | Aug
> LE 18) | Daly
w“ 10 “ 8 “
a) ll oe 1l “
o 13 oe 10 “
te 13 oe 3 w“
ind 11 oe 7 ae
S46 1 16) "Ag:
oe 8 a) 6 a7
“cc | Lad 6 “
Color.
b. black. g. glossy.
p. purple. 1. light.
oO. Orange. pu. pubescent.
Fa
eo.
AS
sou
<i =
Sieg >
a ee
= oO
SSO FS serch Coil ihaee
a mn ey i) e
il m r zb 8
8.5 m Te lo 8
g 1 r b 8
8.5 m r b 8
9 m r gb ip 3
8 1 r b pu 6
&.5 m r b pu | 7
9.5 1 r gb 9
9 m r b pu 8
8 m r b 9g
9 m r b pu 8
8.5 1 r b pu 6
9 l r b 6
8 1 r b 7
5 sm r b 8.5
5 m re b 8.5
4 m r b pu 7
| m r z b 7
9 m r b 8
8.5 1 ro p 9
9 m r b 8
8.5 1 re b 8.5
204 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
NEW VARIETIES.
Conrath’s Early. Plants from Conrath Bros., Ann Arbor. Bush
strong growth. Berry large, round, jet black, firm, has a sprightly acid
flavor. Ripens early. Productive. A promising variety.
Kansas, from A. H. Griesa, Lawrence, Kansas. July 5 first fruits
ripening. Bushes vigorous, healthy, and bearing a full crop. July 11 the
crop is at its best. Berry large, glossy black, firm, and good in quality.
This was the most productive black-cap grown this season. July 22 the
last picking was made. Toward the close of the season many of the ber-
ries were small and imperfect. Seems to be worthy of general planting.
Lovett’s Early. J.T. Lovett, Little Silver, N. J. July 6 first berries
ripening. Bushes vigorous and give promise of a fair crop of fruit. The
erop at its best July 11. Berries of medium size, black, of good quality ;
seeds small. The crop does not fulfill the promise given early in the
season. The last pickings are under-size and imperfect. Moderately
productive.
Cromwell. Plants from Hale Bros., South Glastonbury, Conn. July 6
the first picking was made. Bushes vigorous and fairly productive. July
12, crop at its best. Fruit round, conical, lacking in firmness, but of good
quality ; seeds small. July 20 the last fruit ripe. Nothing especial to
recommend the variety.
Older, from J. T. Lovett. July 11, first picking. The most of the ber-
ries were ripe July 16. Bush vigorous, of low-spreading growth. Berry
round, jet black, large, firm, has an acid flavor. Moderately productive.
Palmer. Plants from C. A. Green, Rochester, N. Y. The bushes made
but little growth during the season and bore but few berries. Needs
farther trial.
Progress, from Lovett. The bushes made a good growth and are doing
well. Needs further trial.
Surrey. Plants from Cleveland Nursery Co., Rio Vista, Va. First
fruits ripening July 10. Bushes are small and made but slow growth dur-
ing the season. July 16, most of the crop ripe. The bushes were not pro-
ductive this season. Berries medium in size, resembling Gregg in form
and color, firm.
Virgima. Cleveland Nursery Co. Bushes vigorous and healthy, bear-
ing a fair crop of fruit. July 10, crop at its best. Fruit large, jet black,
round, conical, moderately firm and of excellent quality. This variety
holds out well to the end of the season. Promising.
SUMMARY.
For early black-caps Souhegan or Tyler are as good as any of the old
sorts. Hopkins, Kellogg, and Mammoth Cluster follow soon, and are
hardy and productive. Ohio is an excellent variety for the general
grower. The berries are not of high quality, but the bushes usually bear
a good crop of fruit. Shaffer is excellent for canning. The bush is a
strong grower and very productive. The color of the fruit is somewhat
against the variety, but when well known it is likely to be largely planted.
Of the later kinds Gregg and Nemaha are among the best. Of the new
varieties, Kansas, Conrath’s Early, and Virginia are particularly promising.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 205
Taste No. 6.—-Raspberries, red.
ABBREVIATIONS.
Size. Form. Oolor.
8. small. r. round. d. dark. oO. orange.
m. medium. c. conical. r. red. b. bright.
1, large. 0. ovate. p. purple.
ST eh otk a j
DQ .
S é
® 5 =
ao ip & , | 8s |
B= ee
Variety. nS 2 2 c= Ps :
yas ra) {2 5 of es
aes os oe H =) g z g 7 =
EASY coe de ete tre eM le a ad ec
> (2) =) | a n Fy Oo 1c
PP PavIGLy WV ING ese yee es ah Sa Ser led June 16 | July 15 | July 28) 7 m re | dr /8
HEUTE GON soe ad ene ee oe een a he eA Lee ceeeeL 2 a 8 ae et eee § 1 re r 9
HD DOEG meee ee ee een 22 Sa Cee ON S16 Pt | Aue 6) 9 ] re r 8
Dincistona et Nee eo re tue ke ee | Sie fal 15h Sualy +27 8 1 re |dpu! 8
Fania lips ee cee ee ee Ae ae al! as 6 | rs el he} m r dr j9
IQreLIG pee enw ee, 9 eh ee Pie SL oa Seal 4: oe doipAug. ©2r) 8 m r br | 9.5
{IGT Ue ech SS RT Bh Ee epee) (Bee ray ee pea {!) | July 29/ 8 m r r 8
13 Gs) Nay Se a ER ea ee Cen ee 1.16 SiS) PAu eee lero 1 re r 9
Ont DIGG eet eT ee a ee 14 elie I) a By sm r dc |8
TESTS WVOOOIATIC S295. 7 22 ee le Ne Set Coleg Lo: os 3/1 9 m r r 8
Mrlchianuarive oi se tee eet ate Os oa ere Ul bh 4} July 27) 9 8 r r §
Likes Tevay eas: i> Ss RE ae Oe al ko amie Se Ba cand eel 6 20.16 m r r |6
trividel pliant: set ee a eS RASS Fab (9B sie as A as m r |dpr|7
EO Tonterisee. oo 6 ee eee nS a oe S16 e918), Aug. “55% m re r 9
LESCO TY hate See eet EA eG i ee aia | ene ae 1 a 216, ss a ets m r r 9
MearletG emit £85 8 ee ae ek Ree my “ 14 {| July 29; 5 m-l r br | 5
NOR oe OR ae At ee bie ea 1S 3 6 aie V so ees) m-l } re r g
PI CEL bee re ee enn gt tn ee Soe Ma, ee ESS Sas “ 3 se) S00 Sto 1 a oO r 8
In the above list Hansell and Michigan Early are to be recommended
for early varieties. Hansell has not proved to be very productive with us.
As a medium-season berry Cuthbert stands at the head of the list, and is
the sort to be planted for the main crop. Turner is hardy and of best
quality, and is valuable for these properties.
NEW VARIETIES.
Gladstone. Plants from C. A. Green, Rochester, N. Y. Bushes strong-
growing, healthy. Fruit large, dark purple color, pubescent, excellent
quality, and firmer than Shaffer. Promises well.
Royal Chureh, from Royal Church, Harrisville, Ohio. Bushes are
hardy, vigorous, and of loose, spreading growth. Fruit very large, round,
conical form, dark crimson color, and of a rich, aromatic flavor. The seeds
are very large and so loosely joined that the berry falls to pieces easily—a
serious fault. The bushes are as productive as any of the red sorts.
DEWBERRIES.
“Lucretia. First fruits ripe July 19. The fruit is large and of excellent
uality. The bushes are moderately productive. The vine requires train-
ing to a trellis to make the culture practicable. Dewberries are little
rown and if valuable at all would be so on account of earliness in ripen-
ing, quality of the fruit, and ease of protection in winter.
206 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
WINEBERRY.
Japanese Wineberry. This fruit has received considerable advertising
and the plants have been sold at high prices. The bushes are of vigorous
growth and handsome appearance. The fruit is borne in clusters and the
berries are enclosed in a mossy calyx. They are of medium size and have
a sprightly, acid flavor. The fruit falls to pieces when picked from the
bush. The bushes can scarcely be called productive, and the fruit, if valu-
able at all, is only so as a curiosity.
The above is one of the many examples of over-advertising, and shows
the value of the test stations to the general public.
H. P. GLADDEN.
CURRANTS AND GOOSEBERRIES.
CURRANTS.
The plantation of currants is placed with that of the gooseberries, as the
treatment and cultivation are the same. These fruits delight in a moist,
‘rich, cool soil. These conditions are generally supplied by manuring annu-
ally and by placing the plantation on land that slopes to the north.
The pruning consists of removing the old wood and the surplus young
shoots. In general, wood that has raised three crops of fruit should be
cut out, and enough sprouts shold be left to take its place.
The currant worm is kept in check mainly by the use of the arsenites.
A thorough spraying at the time that the first eggs hatch is frequently
sufficient for a whole season. Frequent rains at this time will make subse-
quent sprayings desirable. If it is necessary to spray at the time that the
fruit is being picked, white hellebore is safer to use, as this is not poison-
ous toa human being. The arsenites in the hands of an experienced and
careful person would not be dangerous, but their indiscriminate use should
be avoided.
The yellow-lined currant bug was present this past season, but not in
sufficient numbers to be a serious pest. It is found during the month of
June sucking the juice from the youngest and most tender leaves. It is
easily recognized by those not acquainted with it by its color, which is
bright yellow, lined with black. It takes fright very easily and hides
ander the leaves. In large numbers, it seriously injures the tips of the
new shoots. Kerosene emulsion is recommended where they become
troublesome.
The following table gives most of the data of the varieties:
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 207
Ribes aureum—Yellow flowering currant.
s ra] =
| : S las | ; | 2 |
g Batis Siaiee
g ee ee ee ee
Name. = ae! Sh xe ce it Remarks.
= 5 be =o a 5
3 Beh ee ee | ge |S
4B Bs =} Se 3
ke [om] a Ou io) Sc
By ceaiele eete se ee ree oe May 8-_-| July 20..; 10 8 10 8 | No value here.
Ribes nigrum—Black currant.
Black (hampion_-______-_-_- May 8..} July 14 - 9 5 10 8 | Much like the Black Naples.
Black Naples... .2.----2.:_.. SS at Gas} horeen siti 10 6 9 8 | Vigorous.
ME is tA Pa ee SO fed S| RAE TA La 8 5 10 8 | Resembles the Black Naples.
Ribes rubrum—Red and white currant.
iginy 2 2a ae eee SS May 7_-| Jaly10_- 8 | 7 | 10 7 | Large, acid.
Mayes. f Z Sede? pekiel Ol: 5 7 | 10 8 | Affected badly by the borers.
Holland (322 = me ay pkey ae Ie 9 4 7 6 | Unproductive.
Leeson | Bae a Us SS TES MES (Se SL Ve Ue (ee (ee Not fruited.
LU APOTREMD LEAT OS 72 tT | Ss RS | RE Re | el ee eee epee eee " oe
UOTE SISO LGC UP ee ee Ee ee | ee eee HL eM ae = ip ea sg BO eS ct es
ES youth: SiiDy pS A eat Pk TO Dg ee VS BT | Sine ae eT eae (Pe see ss es
PICEA DONt seo a5 coe. (May 8.5] SS (202 - 10 9 9 9 | Very late, hardy, desirable.
RedeMutch es. ws te ee ALO”) merge 9 10 8 9 | Old, still the best.
WersHllAIsaiee 2S 2 So: 42 het del oS ae 7 5 10 8 | Unprodactive.
Bienonides ees .o ok ale oT ae rea S|) teh Ores 10 9 7 7 | A popular market variety.
Wihite, Puteh 20s) 2) 5a deta piel aman ata ya a 7 8 10 | Best for dessert.
White Gondoin ____.-_---__- oe ol oe peas ee 1 7 8 9 | Much like the White Dutch.
WihteGrape ses. ssn Sees Fe ete a Sau 7 6 9 9 | Best white currant.
PH cherie soe eas os SE AGS SG ee a a | Se Oe Te) (ARE ES aes Pea rere eae ee Not fruited for market.
The Red Dutch and the Victoria are the popular varieties for general
planting, both being hardy and productive. ‘The latter is remarkably free
from the attacks of the borer, for which reason it is largely used for mar-
ket plantations. The currant fly will also pass it by if varieties of more
tender foliage are planted near.
The Fay is a weak grower, of a sprawling habit, and it suffers much
from the attacks of borers. These causes combined make it a failure
here.
Prince Albert is much later than the Victoria; a rapid, upright grower;
young shoots large and strong; bunch short, compact, and well filled;
berries medium large and of good quality when fully ripe. It is quite free
from the attacks of borers and its tough foliage is objectionable to the cur-
rant worm. It does not receive the attention that it seems to deserve. It
is said that it is hard to propagate.
The While Dutch and the White Grape are the best of their class. The
white currants are of less acidity than the red, and are very desirable for
dessert purposes.
The black currants make a jelly that is highly prized by those who have
once used it, and there is a market for a limited quantity of them. They
are very little atfected by insects and easily grown.
The Crandall is undesirable because the berries on the bunch ripen at
different times and this makes the labor of picking excessive. The berries
are more tart than those of the black currants and larger in size; bushes
rampant growers. Unproductive.
208 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
GOOSEBERRIES.
What has been said about the general management of the currant applies
equally as well to the gooseberry.
gi é | E
$ | il wielree seas
Q | é » 1a ° —
Name. ; g rs et See = Pe Remarks.
j 8 = Fs a 5° — =
SD 7] 2 © z mal [0] )
| y3| a | AR) aS) gs >] OS S
xs) es Ina ea Pim an |o
ey at ie : pried] ee AS e:
Champion___.-_----- America |______---- HE Ra Ree ee ees Eee Not yet fruited.
(Clnstente ho A Le a POR |S ee eat aerate) Seles | ares A -
Golombus= 2-22. ae SU PES EU 8 8 9 SN | Sat ke ee a s6 ee
Crown Bob__-_------- ts S| ee eee st Se ek le ee ee Not fully tested.
Downing 2 222 a -_| May 3_.] July 5-- 10 8 9 9 | A desirable variety.
Golden Prolific _._ .| Europe -| EPEAT Ad ee See FI) | 6 ena B= A 7) eae |---, _.| Not yet fruited.
Houghton ______ -_.- America! May 3_-.| July 8 8 10 6 10 | Hardy, productive.
nGuntn yes! eee Europe 8S") ats 10s 6 4 8 8 | Inclined to mildew.
Lancashire ___.. --- ae ae ene case cies PU ae ee esa OE ene Not yet fruited.
Palopied tt) ae £ America| May 4__| July10__} 10 10 a 10 | Very productive, hardy.
Rear li oet es re Burope:-}22 9-2 25- oN aeee ean on ee ay te el ee | Not yet fruited.
Smith Improved____| America| May 4_-| July 8_- 8 | 7 8 9
Transparent ___. __-- Buropess| eee eons | eer Soe 6 4 10 8 | Mildews.
rin pie ee Sota eet Rice ears oe 6 | 4 10 9 ss
The European varieties produce the largest and best fruit. The mildew
to which they are subject, being on the surface, is readily held in check
by the use of fungicides. In growing these varieties, especial attention
should be given in selecting the location, so that protection is afforded
against the heat and drouth. With a good location and suitable care,
they are better than the American varieties. The Industry is the most
favorably known of the English varieties.
The American varieties are recommended where the conditions are not
favorable for the English kinds. Of these the Downing isthe best. From
the character of the plant it is suspected that this may be a hybrid with
some of the Europeans. The bush is drooping, berries quite large, with
a fleshy stem, color when ripe is greenish white.
For a market that is not partiular, the Houghton and Pale Red are
profitable. Both are very hardy, productive, and very seldom affected by
mildew.
Houghton is of very small size, bush upright anda medium grower;
berry red when ripe. Pale Redis much like the Houghton, but more pro-
ductive. The bush is of more slender growth and the berries are larger
The bush sets a large number of shoots and needs careful pruning.
R. J. CORYELL.
ef eA
f
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 209
THE SPRAYING OF FRUITS.
The necessity for the use of insecticides and fungicides seems to increase
from year to year. Not only do new insects and diseases appear, to destroy
the crops, but the injuries caused by old and well known pests are more
noticeable.
For many of them, however, we have quite effective remedies, and, as
much light has been given during the past year upon the best methods of
applying them, these brief notes are submitted.
Most of the diseases of plants are due to the development of parasitic
fungi. These are for the most part microscopic plants, that feed upon the
tissues of their hosts, and finally develop spores that answer as seeds for
their reproduction, and as they are light and are blown about by the wind,
the dissemination of the disease may be very rapid.
These fungi may feed upon the roots, stems, leaves, or fruits of plants,
and as they not only rob the plant of food designed for its development,
but, by destroying its tissues, hinder the organs s of the plants in the per-
formance of their various functions, they exert a two-fold injury.
It has been found that various compounds of copper, zinc, sulphur, iron,
etc., will destroy the spores of all fungi with which they may be brought
in contact, and by thoroughly spraying the plants with these materials,
the spread of the disease can be prevented in many cases. A large pro-
portion of these fungi penetrate to the interior of the plants and there are
safe from all applications, except when they push out the slender stalks
upon which the spores are borne. It will therefore be seen that for such
fungi all remedies must at best be preventive. Many fungi,‘ however, are
quite superficial in their workings and can be readily destroyed.
Most of the fungi pass the winter upon the stems, or the fallen leaves
and fruit, and only await favorable conditions for germination. Careful
experiments have shown that in order to hold the diseases in check, early
applications of fungicides are desirable. Thoroughly spraying the trees
early in the spring, before the leaves start, with some approved mixture,
will destroy all of the spores that may have'wintered upon the stem or
branches, and all that may fall upon them for several weeks. For most
fruits it it is well to repeat the operation as soon as the blossoms have
fallen, and a third application at the end of four weeks will frequently be
desirable.
Many plants have insects that prey upon them in the early spring, and,
by adding a small quantity of some poison, all that eat the foliage can be
destroyed, with no expense except for ‘the material used as an insecticide.
From the experiments of the past two years, the following are regarded
as among the most effective:
FUNGICIDES.
For all plants that are not injured by the application of lime to the
foliage the Bordeaux mixture will be found the most reliable form. It can
be used upon all kinds of plants without fear of burning the leaves, but,
although the lime itself is of value in cementing the material upon the
27
210 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
plants, its presence is unsightly and not always desirable, particularly if
any parts of the plants are to be used as food within four or five weeks.
As first made, the Bordeaux mixture contained 16 pounds of copper sul-
phate and 30 pounds of lime to 22 gallons of water. This made a thick
wash that frequently clogged the pump and the nozzle, and was quite
expensive. The formula hasnow been modified so that 4 pounds of cop-
per sulphate and 3 pounds of lime added to 22 gallons of water is the most
concentrated mixture made. This should be used for the first application,
but it may be reduced for the later ones. Four pounds of copper sulphate
and 3 pounds of lime for 32 gallons of water seem as efficacious as a
stronger mixture for the second application, and if more than this is used
the amount of water could, without the mixture losing any of its virtue, be
increased to 50 gallons. For the powdery mildews of the ‘grape, goose-
berry, and rose, which live entirely upon the exterior of the plants, the
weakest mixture seems entirely effectual.
Two other copper compounds are rather more expensive than the above
and are less reliable, but as they are clear solutions they can be used, if
necessary, when the fruit or other edible portions are reaching maturity.
They are known as modified eau celeste and ammoniacal solution of cop-
per carbonate. ;
The former is made by dissolving two pounds of copper sulphate in hot
water, adding a solution of 14 pounds of sal soda, and, after all action has
ceased, pouring in one quart of ammonia water (26°) and diluting to 32
gallons.
The ammoniacal solution of copper carbonate is made by dissolving
precipitated copper carbonate (38 oz.) in ammonia water (one quart) and
diluting to 32 gallons with water.
It does not differ from the modified eau celeste, except that the former
contains sulphate of soda in solution and is somewhat stronger. If, before
adding the ammonia to the modified eau celeste, the copper carbonate
formed by the addition of the salsoda to the copper sulphate had been
allowed to settle, and, after pouring off the liquid, if the ammonia had
then been added, it would be what is known as ammoniacal solution of
copper carbonate. .
The powdery mildews may be also kept in check by the use of liver of
sulphur (potassium sulphide) dissolved in water, using 3 ounces to 10 gal-
lons of water. For the gooseberry and similar mildews this is entirely
effectual, and has the decided advantage of being in no way poisonous and
of not staining the fruit; it can therefore be used at any time in the season.
The copper sulphate is sold at retail at about 15 cents per pound, but in
a pulverized condition can be obtained at about 4 cents. per pound f. o. b.
New York or Baltimore in barrel lots, and at from 5 to 4 cents for smaller
quantities.
One or two of the wholesale dealers expect to locate distributing depots
in Michigan the present season, from which small lots can be sent to cus-
tomers with little expense for freight.
Arrangements have also been made with C. Alsdorf & Son, Lansing,
Mich., to supply granulated copper sulphate, with a guaranteed purity of
99 per cent., at the following prices, f. 0. b., Lansing:
Oso FOO pounds! SS, NC ee 5 cents per pound
POMOr gO MOUNUS He = iy see ONT feb ee 6 cents per pound
TOitom 2ov pounds. 42 rede Flite hee 74 cents per pound
Cash must accompany all orders.
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 211
INSECTICIDES.
For most purposes, particularly where the insects eat the exposed por-
tions of plants, the chief reliance is still upon Paris green or London pur-
ple, although many persons use white arsenic and corrosive sublimate.
The last two are very poisonous, and as they closely resemble many com-
mon household chemicals, they should be used with great care, if at all.
For many plants, the Paris green or London purple can be used at the
‘rate of one pound to 200 gallons, but for the plum this should be some-
what reduced in strength, while for the peach, Paris green alone in water
can hardly be used at any strength without burning the leaves. As a rule
Paris green is less likely to burn the foliage than London purple and is
rather more effective. It is, however, heavier and more difficult to keep
in proper suspension in the water.
Hither of these insecticides can be used in combination with Bordeaux
mixture at the same strength as when used alone, but are hardly safe to be
used in ammonia-containing mixtures, unless a small quantity of lime is
added.
The use of lime at the rate of one pound to 382 gallons of water will also
be of value when they are used only as insecticides, as it will allow of their
application to the plum, cherry, and even the peach, with safety.
Although it may be desirable to use fungicides when there are no eating
msects upon the plants, it will generally be well to add.a small quantity of
~ London purple, say one pound to 250 gallons, if there is any probability
of their appearance before another application will be needed.
INSECTS AND DISEASES.
It is not the intention at this time to go into a lengthy description of
the structure and life history of the different pests to which our agricult-
ural plants are subject, but it may be of value to have a brief statement of
the insects and diseases for which the spraying of our different plants will
be ‘remunerative.
THE STONE FRUITS.
The peach, plum, and cherry are extensively grown in this state, and
suffer severely from the attack of the curculio and of rot, which destroy
both fruit and leaves. The plum is frequently defoliated by the “shot
hole” fungus and the peach by the “curl.”
While accurate data are not at hand regarding the effect of fungicides
upon the development of the “curl’’ of the peach leaves, it is quite certain
that the disease can be, to some extent, kept in check by their use, and
there can be no question but that combined Bordeaux mixture and Paris
green will save the fruit from the curculio and rot, and will maintain the
foliage in a healthy condition until autumn.
While the spraying may not save every plum from rot and curculio, the
number lost, in average seasons, will be of advantage in aiding the proper
thinning of the fruit. Particularly, if the season is a wet one, an addi-
tional spraying of the combined mixture about two weeks after the fruit
has set will be of advantage.
POME FRUITS,
The most injurious insects of the apple and pear, for which spraying is
of value, are the codlin moth, tent caterpillar, canker worm, and curculio.
212 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The scab of the apple and pear, and the leaf blight of the pear and quince
are the most destructive fungi for which fungicides are used, and all of
them can be to a large degree controlled. Even if the three applications,
as recommended, are not given, two can hardly fail to be of value, and
with most varieties will pay in average seasons, if the trees are bearing
even a light crop of fruit.
THE GRAPE.
In nearly all of the grape-growing sections, the injury either to foliage,
fruit, or both, from the downy or powdery mildews, black rot, and anthrac-
nose, is yearly on the increase and of all these diseases the use of the cop-
per mixtures will prevent the spread.
During the past eight years many experiments with dozens of mixtures
have been made, with the hope of ascertaining which was most effectual,
and in nearly every case the best results were obtained with Bordeaux
mixture, which has also the advantage of being inexpensive and easily pre-
_ pared and applied.
SMALL FRUITS
The strawberry is frequently troubled by leaf blight and many other-
wise valuable varieties are nearly ruined by it. Bordeaux mixture applied
early in the spring and again in a diluted form just as the blossoms are
falling will hold it in check until after the crop is gathered, when another
application will be desirable if the plantation is to be kept for another
year.
The raspkerry anthracnose soon becomes deeply seated in the canes, and
no fungicide can reach it. The spread of the disease can be retarded,
however, if the old canes are sprayed just before the leaves start. It will
also be well to cut out and burn all canes that are badly infected. The
new canes should be sprayed when a half foot high, and should receive a
second application at the expiration of two or three weeks.
The currant and gooseberry often lose their foliage from the workings
of the currant worm and if this is kept in check the fungi may destroy
them.
As soon as the leaves have formed, the combined mixture should be
applied and can be repeated to advantage in two or three weeks. Later
on, especially for European varieties of gooseberry, an occasional applica-
tion of liver of sulphur will keep the foliage healthy.
The above are among the most injurious of the fungi and insects that
work upon our fruits, but if other similar pests trouble these or any other
crop, a judicious use of the remedies enumerated will keep them in check.
Sometimes, however, the application of remedies is not feasible, owing to
the nature either of the insect or fungus, or of the crop itself.
SPRAYING APPARATUS.
While very crude outfits will answer for the application of the fungicides
and insecticides, a small bucket pump will at least be desirable. For use
upon gooseberry, grape, and other small plants, a knapsack pump will be
of great value, but a strong force pump mounted upon a barrel or tank will
be indispensable for orchard ‘spraying. For large orchards, a sprocket
wheel and endless chain attachment for working the pump by horsepower
will be desirable.
The nozzle used for the Bordeaux mixture should be so constructed that
MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. § — 213
it ean be readily cleared in case it becomes clogged. The stream should
be broken into a fine spray and for large trees few nozzles can give the
necessary force, and at the same time the mistlike spray that is so desir-
able. The Vermorel nozzle works well upon low plants, and if the mixture
has been carfully strained the graduating spray nozzles will do fair work
upon large trees. In case they become clogged, however, it is some
trouble to clear them. A nozzle is now sold at $2.00, by John J. McGowen,
of Forest Home, N. Y., that seems to satisfy the required conditions, and
after a thorough trial it is highly recommended by the officers of the Cor-
nell experiment station.
In April, 1492, a bulletin upon insecticides and fungicides was issued.
It contained descriptions and illustrations of many of the more injurious
fungi, and formule for the preparation of a considerable number of
insecticdes not mentioned here. A second edition of that bulletin,
(No. 83) was printed several months ago and copies will be sent to all
applicants who desire more extended information than 1s given here.
L. R. Tart, Horticulturist.
- See also this society’s Report for 1891 for the contents of this bulletin No. 83,
BULLETINS OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERI-
MENT STATION.
THE CULTIVATED NATIVE PLUMS AND CHERRIES.
I. THE PLUMS.
& 1. CLASSIFICATION OF THE CULTIVATED NaTIvE PiLuMs.
The Americana Group.
The Wild Goose Group.
The Miner Group.
The Chickasaw Group.
The Marianna Group.
The Beach Plum.
Prunus subcordata.
Hybrids.
Unclassified varieties.
Ham OOmP
§ 2. CuLtivatTion oF THE NaTIvVE Puums.
1. Impotent varieties. Planting.
2. Propagation.
3. Varieties.
4. Insects and Diseases.
Since the introduction of the Wild Goose plum, some forty years ago,
there has been a steadily growing interest in the amelioration of our native
plums. The native species possess certain advantages over the common
plums of the Prunus domestica type,* and they are so widely distributed
and are naturally so valuable that they have been easily brought into cul-
tivation under a great number of forms. Over 150 varieties have been
named and more or less disseminated, and the following pages record 140.
There has been no attempt, so far as I know, to make a comprehensive
study of these fruits, and as a consequence our knowledge of them is
vague and confused. In fact, the native plums constitute probably the
* The common plums and the prunes belong to the Earopean species Prunus domestica. In the follow-
ing pages these fruits are often referred to as the domestica plums.
/
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 215
hardest knot in American pomology. The botanical status of the native
plums is equally unsatisfactory, and the group is one of the most inextri-
cably confused of any one of equal éxtent in our whole flora. There are a
few botanical features which are reliable in the characterization of the
species, and the specimens which are preserved in the leading herbaria are
few and unsatisfactory. There is probably no group of American plants
in which the characters of growing trees and fresh fruits are more essential
in the distinguishing of species than in these plums. Yet there are the
most remarkable variations in habit of tree, seasons of blooming and ripen-
_ ing, size, flavor and texture of fruit, and characters of stone, even among
varieties coming presumably from the same species. Fully half of the
varieties now in cultivation were picked up in woods and copses and trans-
ferred to the orchard, and the variations between these varieties are fully
as great as between those of known or garden origin. There is evidence
that hybridity is responsible for some of the variation of cultivated forms,
but whether it takes place in nature is wholly a matter of conjecture. It
is an unsafe principle to invoke the aid of hybridity, upon purely specula-
tive grounds, to explain doubtful points; and I have therefore referred
doubtful forms directly to the most closely allied species or type, so far as
possible, leaving speculations as to their true affinities to future students.
The native plums can be commended with confidence to any one who
desires to study contemporary evolution.
Jn the following study, which has now extended through six years, I have
had the co-operation of many botanists and horticulturists. J am under
especial obligations to all those whose names are mentioned in this paper,
particularly to J. W. Kerr, Denton, Maryland,and T. V. Munson, Denison,
Texas. Without the aid given by these last two persons the preparation
of this monograph would have been impossible. Mr. Krrr probably has
the largest growing collection of native plums in existence, and I have had
the advantage of a personal inspection of his orchards in the fruit season.
I have had access to the herbarium collections at Harvard university, Colum-
bia college, department of agriculture, and the ENGELMANN collection of the
Missouri botanical gardens. Several botanists have favored me with
material, especially Dr. C. KE. Brssry, university of Nebraska, Dr. T. C.
Porter, Haston, Penn., and H. N. Parrerson, Oquawka, Illinois. And I
have enjoyed the great advantage of having had the advice of Professor C.
S. SARGENT, who has critically examined some two or three hundred of
our specimens. In the following descriptions, those varieties marked C
are in cultivation at Cornell.
§ 1. Classification of the Cultivated Native Plums.
A. THe Americana Group. (Prunus Americana, Marshall, Arbustrum
Americanum, 111, [ 1785]).
To this type belong the hardy, strong-growing varieties which have come
from the northwest, and which are characterized by a firm, meaty, usually
compressed, dull-colored late fruit, with thick and usually very tough,
glauccus skin, and large, more or less flattened stone which is often nearly
or quite free, and by large obovate, thick, veiny, jagged, dull leaves.
Prunus Americana is generally distributed throughout the northern states
from western New England to Kansas and Nebraska, and to the mount-
ains of Montana and Colorado, in the middle longitudes reaching as far
216 ’ STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
north as Manitoba and as far south as Texas and even northern Mexico.
Notwithstanding its wide range, most of its cultivated varieties have come
from its northwestern limits, as northern Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota,
Towa, and Kansas. This fact is indication that the western plum may bea
distinct species from the eastern and southwestern types, and [ should not
be surprised if we ultimately find this to be true. I have looked in vain, how-
ever, for characters with which to separate them. Professor SARGENT is
of the opinion that the Prunus nigra of Aiton should be revived to designate
those forms which are characterized by very flat and smooth stones, very
broad leaves, glandular leaf-stalks and calyx lobes, and large flowers. To
this species he would refer the Weaver, the stones of which, as shown in
Fig. 1, are very large, flat, and smooth. After the most careful study, how-
ever, | am unable to find any constancy in these characters, especially in
cultivated varieties. Even in wild specimens, the flat stone of P. nigra
is often associated with the glandless leaf-stalks of P. Americana and vice
versa; and there appears to be equal inconstancy in the characters of
calyx lobes and sizes of flowers. In fact, the same cultivated variety,
when grown in different places, has been referred to both species. I am
obliged, therefore, for the purposes of this paper, to unite Prunus nigra
with P. Americana. This I regret the more because it is undoubtedly true
that. there are two well marked wild varieties—possibly species—passing as
P. Americana, and growing together in the east. One is a twiggy, virgate
grower, with large and mostly earlier flowers; the other is a stout and stiff
grower with small flowers. So far as I have been able to determine, the
fruits and stones of these two forms, save possibly in time of ripening, are
not chazacteristically distinct. These forms are certainly common in cen-
tral New York and in Michigan, where J have often observed them.
DvupDLey records them in Cayuga Flora. Some of these differences are
detailed in the following letter from Professor CHarLes A. Davis of Alma,
Michigan, accompanying specimens of the trees mentioned. The specimens
were referred to Professor SARGENT, who places the first or large-flowered
form with P. nigra and the small-flowered form with P. Americana. “The
large-flowered form is the more common and blooms about a week or,even
ten days before the other, and usually before the leaves begin to appear.
The small-flowered form I have never found until thisspring, when I came
upon a clump of it in full bloom, and at once became interested in it because
of its decided differences from the other and common form. The trees
were larger, more spreading, and with a much rougher bark than the large-
flowered form; and a number of the trees bore flowers with a decidedly yel-
lowish tint, which was very noticeable from a short distance. The fruit was
late, maturing the middle of September, and was reddish, almost purple in
very ripe specimens, with a whitish bloom, small and rather palatable.” It
is easy to place too great confidence in the seasons of blooming and ripen-
ing, for these characters are variable. This is well illustrated in the case
cf the Late Rollingstone plum, which is a seedling from the Rolling-
stone—itself a wildling—but which is three weeks later in ripening than
its parent.
The fruits of wild forms of Prunus Americana vary widely in season,
size, shape, flavor, and character of stone. Trees in the same clump often
vary two weeks in season of ripening of fruit, which may vary from dull
deep red to yellow. It should be said, however, that there is no true clear
yellow fruit in this species. The yellow of P. Americana is always a more
or less ill-defined under color, over which are laid blotches of red. The
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 217
fruits are more or less flattened, as is well shown in Fig. 1, usually oblong
and truncate or somewhat flattened at the ends, and are commonly marked
with a distinct suture. All the varieties have a light purple bloom.
The Texan form of P. Americana, known locally as the Hog plum,
appears to differ somewhat from the northern forms, and it may be a dis-
tinct species. It has the glands, both of calyx and leaf-stalks, of the P.
nigra form and the rounded stones of true P. Americana. The plant is
not in cultivation, however, and need not be further discussed here.
Prunus Americana was founded over a century ago by Humphrey
Marshall. His description, particularly of the leaves, is peculiarly
characteristic of the wild plum of the north. It is as follows:
“Prunus Americana. Large Yellow Sweet Plum. This generally rises
to the height of 12 or 15 feet, spreading into many stiff branches. The
leaves are oblong, oval, acute pointed, sharply sawed on their edges and
much veined. The flcwers generally come out very thick round the
branches, often upon thick short spurs; and are succeeded by large oval
fruit with a sweet succulent pulp. We have a great variety of these grow-
ing naturally in a good moist soil, with reddish and yellowish fruit, but
differing much in size, taste, and consistence.”
West of the Mississippi there is a form of Prunus Americana with
conspicuously pubescent and often glaucous leaves and shoots. This is
the variety mollis, a plant which is commonly supposed to be confined to
Texas and its northern borders. It certainly grows as far north as Lowa.
The varieties known as Wolf and Van Buren belong here.
The following cultivated varieties belong to Prunus Americana:
1. American Eagle—Fruit and flowers unknown to me. Leaves rather large, the
stalks glandular. Introduced in fall of 1889 and spring of 1890 by Osceola Nursery Co.,
Osceola, Missouri. C.
2. Beaty’s Choice.—Fruit large, round-oblong, red-purple or red-blue, skin medium
thick: flesh firm, of high quality: cling, the stones broad, flat and smooth, like those of
Weaver; flowers large, conspicuously stalked in large clusters, calyx lobes reflexed,
glandless, smooth or nearly so on the inside. Late. Originated under cultivation in
southern Texas by Ler Beary. 'T. V. Munson says that it appears to be a hybrid
between Prunyvs Americana and P. domestica. Ripens at Denison, Texas, from the
first to the middle of August.
3. Black Hawk.—Known to me only from a record in Bulletin 4, lowa experiment
station, by R. P. Sprer (Feb, 1889), in which “a nameless variety found in Black Hawk
county, and avery large and beautiful free-stone plum, which was furnished by Mr.
Stater of Story county,” was tested as to culinary qualities in comparison with Miner,
Weaver, Bassett, Rollingstone, Moreman, Wolf. De Soto and Maquoketa. ‘The decis-
ion of all who tasted the same was that the Maquoketa and Black Hawk plums were
equally good and much better than any of the other kinds except the De Soto, which
was marked good, but second in quality. The skins on the Maquoketa and Black Hawk
plums were so thin that they disappeared almost entirely while being cooked.” I do
not know that the variety has been introduced. Presumably P. Americana.
4. Brainerd, in cultivation in Minnesota (O. M. Lorn), probably belongs to this
species.
5. Cheney.—Fruit large to very large, round-oblong, scarcely flattened, dull purplish
red, skin thick; flesh firm and sweet. good to very good; cling, the stone very flat and
smooth with rather rounded ends; flowers not large, the calyx lobes glandular, smooth
insid»; leaves medium, long-pointed, leaf-stalks glandular. Early for the group, ripen-
ing even in Minnesota by the middle of August.. One of the best varieties. Fonnd in
Morman Ravine, a few miles below La Crosse, Wisconsin, and introduced by E. Marg-
Ley, La Crosse. C.
6. Chippewry.—Fruit small to medium, oblong, deep red, the skin medium thick;
flesh firm and sweet; stone free, small, strongly convex on the sides and pointed,
28
218 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
roughish; leaves medium, rather strongly pubescent beneath, leaf-stalks glandular.
Has gained no prominence so far as I know.
7. Cottrell.—F ruit large, round-oblong, red, skin thin; flesh rich and agreeable; cling;
leaves large, comparatively thin and smooth, leaf-stalks glandular. Medium season.
Seedling raised by R. L. Corrretu, Dover, Olmsted Co., Minn., and introduced in 1888
by O. M. Lorp of Minnesota City.
8. Deep Creek —Medium size, round-oblong and prominently flattened and bearing a
conspicuous suture, dull purple- red, very glaucous, skin thick; flesh firm, and very
sweet and good; stone free, sides convex, long pointed, roughish; flowers rather small,
short-stalked, the calyx lobes glandless and hairy inside; leaves medium, nearly smooth,
stalks glandular. Medium season. A Kansas wild ‘variety, introduced by ABNER
Auten. C.
9. De Soto.—Large to very large, round-oblong, purple-red with moderate bloom, skin
thick; flesh medium firm, good; stone cling, rather large, somewhat convex, rounded at
the ends, slightly roughened; leaves medium, stalks glandular. Medium to late. One
of the most popular varieties. Found wild on the Mississippi at De Soto, Wisconsin.
Generally introduced by ExisHa Hatz, Lansing, Iowa, 1863 or 1864. Figured by Pro-
fessor 8S. B. GREEN in bulletin 5, Minnesota experiment station. See No.3 above. C.
10. Forest Garden.—Large, round, orange overlaid with rose-purple, skin medium
thick to thin; flesh medium firm to soft, good; stone cling, convex on the sides, rounded
at the ends, slightly roughened; leaves medium, rather smooth, glands none or reduced
to a single small one. Medium season, ripening in Minnesota the middle of September.
A good sort for home use, but does not ship well unless picked before ripe. Tree grows
. forked and is apt to split. Said not to succeed well east of Illinois. Taken from the
woods at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, by THomas Hare, and introduced by H. C. Raymonp, of
the Forest Garden nurseries, Council Bluffs, about 1862. Figured in bulletin 5, Minne-
sota experiment station, by Prof. S. B. Green.
11. Gaylord.—Fruit large, round-oblong and slightly flattened, deeply mottled red
over a ground of orange, skin rather thick; flesh pulpy and sweet; stone moderate
cling, broad and rather flat, pointed, sharp-edged on the back, somewhat roughened;
leaves rather broad, somewhat pubescent below, glandular. Medium season. Intro-
duced recently by Epson Gaytorp, Nora Springs, Iowa.
12. Harrison’s Peach.—Medium size, round-oblong, dull red, skin thick; stone free;
leaves medium, rather thick and pubescent, the glands large. Medium season. Not
widely disseminated apparently. Minnesota, a wild variety. C.
13. Hawkeye.—Large to very large, round-oblong, purple-red, skin thick; flesh firm
and good; stone cllng; leaves medium firm, very smooth for the species, stalke glandu-
lar. Medium season. Originated in Iowa under cultivation. Introduced by H. A.
Terry, Crescent City, Iowa, 1878. Specimens from the Michigan Agricultural College
evidently belong to prunus angustifolia, the Chickasaw type. C.
14. Ida.—I know this only from a description submitted by D. B. Wisr, the origi-
nator: ‘“ Medium size, round, yellow nearly covered with dull red; flesh firm, salmon-
color, very sweet; free-stone; leaves very downy and leathery; tree thorny, exceedingly
sprawling. The fruit is acid when cooked, but dries sweet.” Said by Mr. Wier to be
pure P. Americana. Illinois.
15. Illinois Ironclad.—Fruit very large, oblong, dark red, thick skin; flesh firm;
cling; leaves medium, pubescent, glands small or absent. Medium season. Said to be
one of the best native plums. Wild variety from Illinois, introduced in 1890 by StarK
Bros.. Louisiana, Mo. C.
16. Iona.—Known to me only from description of the originator, D. B. Wier:
“Fruit large, oblong, dull yellow with red cheek, skin medium thick; flesh firm, yellow
and sweet; stone free, long and much flattened, with a sharp border on the back;
leaves very large; tree strong and upright, the growth smooth. Medium season.” Said
by Mr. Wier to be pure P. Americana, the seed coming from a wild DUBS in south-
western Wisconsin.
17. Itaska.—F ruit medium, oblong, dull purple-red, skin thick; flesh firm, of fair
quality; cling; flowers small and sessile, pinkish, the calyx lobes somewhat glandular,
and smooth within; leaves thick and broad, stalks either glandular or glandless; tree a
very short, stocky and thick grower, the short joints giving the pinkish bloom a strik-
ingly massed effect. Medium season. One of the most distinct in habit. Minnesota.
Introduced by P. M. Grpton, Excelsior, Minn., and by W. F. Herxzs.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 219
18. Kickapoo.—Medium, round-oblong, blotched red, thick skin; flesh firm; stone
cling, convex on the sides, long roughish: flowers small and sessile or nearly so, calyx
lobes minutely glandular and smooth or nearly so within; Jeaves rather small, narrow,
long-pointed, very sharply toothed, pubescent below, glandless or occasionally a leaf
with small glands; tree a straggling grower, very prolific. Medium season. Appears
to be much attacked by shot-hole fungus.
19. Kopp, introduced by O. M. Lorn, Minnesota, is probably P. Americana.
20. Late Rollingstone.—Very like Rollingstone (No. 35) of which it is a seedling, but
three weeks later, pulp not so firm, and skin thicker. O. M. Lorn, Minnesota,
21. Le Due.—Medium, round and flattened, orange spotted with red, skin thin; flesh
pulpy and sweet; a moderate cling, the stone rather broad with convex sides, rounded
at the ends, slightly roughened. Medium season. A wild variety from Hastings,
Minn., introduded by W.G. Lz Duo. C.
22. Little Seedling.—A small red plum with small convex roughish cherry-like
stones, and narrow, rather finely serrate leaves, and glands very small or none.
CHARLES LUEDLOFF, Carver, Minn.
23. Louisa.—Large to very large, round, deep red, skin thick; flesh firm and good;
semi-cling, the stone broad and convex and smoother than is usual for this shape; leaves
medium, long-pointed, pubescent below, glands small or none. Medium season. A
wild plum found in Missouri and introduced by Samuret Miter, Bluffton, Mo. “ Very
similar to Weaver.”—T. V. Munson. Flowers upon Maryland specimens are small and
nearly sessile, with glandless calyx; from Texasthey are large and stalked, with calyx
lobes reflected and glandular, and hairy within.
24. Luedloff’s Green.—Medium to small, oblong and flattened; deep mottled red,
skin thick; flesh firm, sweet. and good; nearly free, the stone small, convex, pointed,
apart’ leaves rather small and smooth, glands very small or none. CHarRLES LUEDLOFF,
inn.
25. Luedloff’s Red.—Much like the last, but lighter red, skin thicker, pit freer, stone
rather broader and leaves pubescent beneath.
26. Maquoketa (Fig. 11)—Medium to nearly large, round-oblong, red, skin thick;
eling, the stone very convex, short-pointed, rough; leaves medium, rather smooth,
Cae none or small. Medium to late. Originated in Iowa under cultivation. See
0. 3.
27. Minnetonka.—Medium in size, round-oblong, dull red, skin thick; cling; fiowers
medium; calyx lobes glandless, hairy inside; leaves medium, pubescent, glandless or
nearly so. Medium season. Introduced by P. M. Gipzon, Minn.
28. Mussey.—Very large, round-oblong, yellow mottled with red, skin medium thick;
flesh firm and excellent; semi-cling; leaves medium to large, pubescent, glands small or
none. Very late. Wild, from Kansas. Introduced by ABneR ALLEN.
29. Newtown Egg.—Medium to rather large, oblong, red, skin thick; fiesh firm; free,
the stones long and rather flat, scarcely pointed, nearly or quite smooth; leaves med-
me, nearly smooth, glands none or small. Medium season. CHarRLES LUEDLOFF.
inn.
30. New Ulm.— Very large; round-oblong, dark red, skin medium; fiesh firm and
of best quality; cling. Medium to early. A Minnesota seedling introduced by C. W.
Herpeman, New Ulm, Minn.—Professor S. B. Green, Minnesota experiment station.
Presumably P. Americana.
31. Ocheeda.— Large, round, yellow and red, skin thin; flesh firm and of best quality;
semi-cling. Medium season. Wild variety from Minnesota. Introduced by H. J. Lup-
Low, Worthington, Minn.”—Prof. S. B. Green, Minnesota experiment station. Pre-
sumably P. Americana.
32. Peffer’s Premium.— Medium to nearly large, round, red, skin thick; flesh firm and
good; cling, the stone nearly circular and flat, rather smooth; leaves medium with
rather obtvise serratures, nearly smooth, stalks glandular. Medium season. Wisconsin
seedling. Introduced by Greoras P. Perrer, Pewaukee, Wis.
33. Purple Yosemite.—Very large, round, red-purple, skin thick; flesh firm; cling,
stone large and flat, blunt at the ends and on the margins, nearly or quite smooth;
flowers medium, short-stalked, the calyx lobes glandless and hairy within; leaves med-
ium, comparatively smooth, stalks glandless or glands small. Medium season. An
”
220 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
excellent plum in many places. C. M. Srarx writes me that it has no value in
Missouri. C.
34. Quaker.—Very large (114 in. long), round-oblong and somewhat flattened, purple-
red inclining to orange red on side opposite the son, very glaucous-blue, skin very thick
and acerb; flesh very firm, sweet and juicy; moderate cling, the stone large and flat,
prominently ridged and winged on the back, ends rather blunt, slightly pitted; flowers
rather large, stalked, the calyx lobes large and becoming reflexed, hairy inside but
scarcely if at all glandular; leaves rather large and firm, pubescent, the glands small or
sometimes wanting. Medium season. One of the best varieties. Must have the best
cultivation and not be allowed to overbear. Discovered wild by JosepH Bunpy, of
Springville, Linn county, Iowa. Disseminated about 1862 by H. C. Raymonp, Council
Bluffs, and by him named Quaker in compliment to Mr. Bundy, who is a quaker. C.
35. Rollingstone.—Very large (often 114 in. each diameter), round, flattened and trun-
cate at the ends, mottled and spotted pink-purple, skin very thick; flesh firm, sweet
and excellent; semi-cling, stone nearly circular, rather flat, sharp on the back edge,
nearly smooth; flowers large, long-stalked, the calyx lobes large and rarely somewhat
glandular, hairy on the inside; leaves large and firm, comparatively smooth, stalks
either glandular or glandless. Medium season, coming in just before De Soto. One of
the leading varieties. Found over 30 years ago on the cank of the Rollingstone Creek,
Winona Co., Minn., by O. M. Lorp, and by him introduced some ten years ago. Profes-
sor L. H. Pammet, of the Iowa Agricultural college, writes me that this variety is
reported as a common plum along creeks at Dysart, Iowa. C.
Mr. Lorp has raised many pure seedlings of the Rollingstone, of which
the Late Rollingstone (see No. 20) isone. “Several years ago,” he writes,
“T cut out of my grounds all varieties of native plums except the Rolling-
stone. The object was io perpetuate the tree by seeds true to name by
preventing all crossing. Some of the seedlings can not be distinguished by
their foliage or flowers, but none of them bear so good fruit as the parent.
Some are later and some earlier.” The variety is figured by Professor S.
B. GREEN in bulletin 10, Minnesota experiment station.
36. Speer.—Medium, oblong, mottled orange and red. skin medium; flesh firm and
sweet; semi-cling, stone broad, convex, ends blunt, slightly roughened; leaves medium,
nearly smooth, stalks glandular. Iowa seedling by J. A. SPEER.
37. Van Buren (Prunas Americana var. mollis).—Large, round-oblong, purple-red,
skin thick; free; leaves medium, densely white pubescent beneath and on the stalks, as
well as the young growth, stalks glandular. Medium season. The pubescence is most
marked on young shoots. An Jowa wild variety, introduced by J. THaTCHER.
38. Wazata.—Medium or even small, round, dull red, thich skin; cling; leaves medium
pubescent beneath, the glands small or none. Medium to late. C. M. SrarKk writes
that it has no value in Missouri. Wild Minnesota variety, introduced by Peter M.
GIDEON and W. F’. Herxkss.
39. Weaver (Fig. 1).—Large, round-oblong and flattened, suture prominent, orange
densely overlaid with mottled red, skin thick; flesh firm, sweet and good; semi-cling,
the stone large and flat, obscurely pointed, the wing or margin conspicuous, smooth;
flowers large and prominently stalked, the calyx lobes usually conspicuously glandular
and obscurely hairy inside; leaves large and firm, deeply toothed, slightly pubescent
beneath, the glands rarely prominent and frequently entirely wanting; tree a strong
free grower and prolitic. Medium to late, ripening in Minnesota the last of September.
A well marked variety and one of the best. A wild variety, found near Palo, Iowa, by
Mr. Weaver; introduced by Ennis & Patten in 1875. Ripens in northern Texas from
the first to middle of August. O.M. Lorp writes me that “the Weaver is wild in pro-
fusion on the St. Peter or Minnesota river.” Figured by Professor S. B. GREEN in
bulletin 5, Minnesota experiment station. C.
Cottey Cyst ie ee Vee =" '
XA '
; CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 221
K ee i My
£ a
wa
Fia. 1.—Weaver. Foliage and flowers one half natural size. Fruits and stones full size.
222 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
40. Wier’s Large Red.—“‘A round plum as large as Wild
Goose and better in quality, excellent for cooking; ripening
Jast half of September.”—B. O. Curtis, Paris, Ill. Leaves
medium, firm, smooth or very nearly so, the stalk glandular.
D. B. Wier, Lllinois.
41. Wild Rose.—“Large, round, yellow-blush, skin medium;
flesh firm; cling. Early. A Minnesota wild variety, not prop-
agated for sale, but deserving to be.”—Sias. Introduced in
1880 by A. W. Stas. Presumably P. Americana.
42. Wolf (Prunus Americana var. mollis). Fig. 2.—Large
round, yellow blotched with red, skin thick; flesh firm, meaty
and good; perfectly free, the stone circular in outline with a
tendency to taper towards the apex, rather flat, the wing or
border pronounced, smooth; flowers medium, short-stalked, the
calyx lobes glandular and hairy inside; leaves broad and thick,
the blades and stalks, as well as the young shoots, prominently
pubescent and often glaucose, especially on the young growth,
the leaf stalks bearing no glands, or only small ones; tree a
stout, good grower, prolific. Medium season. Oneof the best,
both for home use and market. The illustration shows a
medium sized specimen. Often known as Wolf Free. Origin-
ated on the farm of D. B. Wour, Wapello county, Iowa, nearly
forty years ago, from pits said to have been taken from wild
trees in the woods. C.
43. Wyant.—Large, round-oblong, purple-red, skin; thick; Fia. 2.— Wolf.
flesh firm; free; leaves medium, slightly pubescent, the glands small. Found wild in
northern Iowa by Mr. Wyant; introduced by Professor J. L. Bupp.
44. Yellow Sweet.—Medium, round-oblong, and flattened, ground color orange,
mottled and splashed with pink-purple; skin thin; free, the stone nearly circular, rather
flat, and somewhat sharp on the back, rough. Minnesota? C.
45. Yellow Yosemite.—I am not acquainted with the fruit of this variety, but I am
told by reliable growers that it is identical with Purple Yosemite.
The Americana group succeeds best, on the whole, in the northern states
of the Mississippi valley, and it is the only one which is able to withstand .
the climates of the northernmost limits of the native plum belt, as Wiscon-
sin, Minnesota, and Iowa. There are some varieties, however, which
succeed so far south as Texas. In the Atlantic states the varieties are not
grown far south. At Mr. Kerr’s place, on the Chesapeake peninsula, the
varieties are likely to be unproductive, or short lived, and are much injured
by a mysterious blight; yet there are some kinds which grow well with
him, among which [I recall Wolf, Purple Yosemite, and Kickapoo. The
greatest profitable range of the group, however, is confined somewhat
closely to the two or three northernmost tiers of states. The varieties
which are most highly prized are Cheney, Deep Creek, De Soto, Forest
Garden, Itaska, Louisa, Purple Yosemite, Quaker, Rollingstone, Weaver,’
and Wolf.
. B. THE Witp Goose Grovup.—( Prunus hortulana, L. H. Batuey,
Garden, and Forest, v. 90, [i892]). This, perhaps the most important
group of native plums, includes varieties characterized by strong, wide-
spreading growth and mostly smooth twigs, a firm, juicy, bright-colored,
thin-skinned fruit which is never flattened, a clinging, turgid, compara-
tively small, rough stone, which is sometimes prolonged at the ends, but is
never conspicuously wing-margined, and by comparatively thin and firm,
shining, smooth, fiat, more or less peach-like, ovate-lanceolate, or ovate,
long-pointed leaves, which are mostly closely and obtusely glandular-
serrate, and the stalks of which are usually glandular. Prunus hortulana
in the wild state appears to follow the Mississippi river from northern
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 223
Tllinois to Arkansas, in its middle region ranging so far east as eastern
Kentucky and Tennessee, and possibly to Maryland, and in the southwest
spreading over Texas.
This species does not appear to have been recognized by writers upon
the genus, although pomologists have lung regarded the varieties of it as
distinct from P. Americana. As it has come into prominent notice
through the labors of horticulturists, I take pleasure in recording the fact
in the name hortulana. The varieties are intermediate between the
Americana and Chickasaw groups, while the Miner group, which I refer
provisionally to this species, is anomalous in its characters. The fruits
lack entirely the dull-colored, compressed, thick-skinned, and meaty char-
acters of the Americanas, and approach very closely to the Chickasaws.
They are usually covered with a thin bloom, and are more or less marked
by small spots. They are variable in period of ripening, there being a
difference of no less than two months between the seasons of some of the
cultivated varieties. In color they range from the most vivid crimson to
pure golden yellow. The botanical features of the species are not yet well
determined, and it is not impossible that more than one species is con-
founded in it. Some of the gross features of the species are well illustrated
in Fig. 3.
In this group B, as I have here constituted it, there are two more or less
clearly marked types, but which I am not yet able to separate by positive
_botanical characters. One type is characterized by thin and very smooth,
peach-like leaves, which are very finely and evenly serrate. It comprises
Cumberland, Indian Chief, Roulette, and Wild Goose. The other form
or type is characterized by thicker, duller, and more veiny leaves, which
are more coarsely and more or less irregularly serrate. This includes
Golden Beauty, Kanawha, Moreman, Reed, Sucker State, World Beater,
and Wayland. It forms a transition to the Miner group (C).
46. Clark.—A variety which I know only from the growing tree. Leaves elliptic-
ovate, rounded at the base and comparatively short pointed, finely serrate, the stalks
two-glandular. Recently introduced and said to have been found wild in Anne Arundel
county, Maryland. If it is really indigenous there, it greatly extends the range o- ihe
species.
47. Cumberland.—Fruit medium, oblong, yellow, skin thin; stone rather shor,,
rounded at the base but somewhat pointed at the apex; flowers medium, short-stalked,
the calyx lobes glandular; leaves ovate, rounded at the base, long-pointed, finely serrate,
the stalks bearing two to several glands. Medium to late. Said to have originated in
Georgia, under cultivation. Introduced by Puitie Scurry. C.
48. Garfield —Fruit medium, round-oblong, dark red, skin thick; stone slender (twice
as long as broad), prolonged at both ends; flowers medium, stalked, the calyx lobes con-
spicuously glandular; leaves large to very large, ovate-lanceolate, rounded at the base,
rather finely serrate, the stalks usually furnished with a string of glands; tree a strong
spreading grower. Late. C. M. Starx writes that it is unproductive in Missouri. Said
to have been found wild in Ohio. Introduced in 1887 by the late Leo WEtz,
Wilmington, O. C.
49. Golden Beauty (Fig. 12; also illustration on title-page)—Fruit medium, round-
ovate, deep clear yellow; skin medium thick, flesh very firm and of excellent quality;
semi-cling, the stone small and broad (only one-fourth larger than broad), the point very
short; flowers large, prominently stalked, the calyx lobes glandular; leaves narrowly
ovate-lanceolate and very peach-like, rather tapering at the base, thick and dull and
somewhat pubescent below, coarsely serrate, the stalk with very small glands. Late;
blooms very late. One of the best. A wild south Texan variety, introduced by Gror@E
ONDERDONKE in 1874.
Honey Drop.—See Missouri Apricot, below.
50. Indian Chief.—Large, round, dull red, skin medium thick; flesh firm; cling, the
stone very broad and scarcely prolonged into a point, very rough; flowers medium,
224 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
short-stalked, the calyx lobes glandular; leaves short, broadly elliptic-ovate, compara-
tively short-pointed, finely serrate, the short stalks glandular. Karly. Recalls the
Chickasaws. Origin uncertain; said by Munson to have originated in southern Texas,
and by DEEP OE to have come from Georgia; others say that it came from
Arkansas. :
51, Kanawha.—F ruit medium to large, round, red, skin medium thick; cling; leaves
large and broad with long points, rather thick and dull, the edges irregular with
rounded teeth and notches, with several glands on the stalks. Late. Georgia? ‘Simi-
lar to Wayland””—Munson. “Almost like Reed. Excellent for spicing. An enormous
bearer.”—Berckmans. C.
52. Mississippi Apricot (Honey Drop).—Medium to rather large, round, deep yellow,
skin medium; semi-cling, the stone rather short and turgid, produced abruptly into
short points; flowers medium, short-stalked; leaves medium in size with conspicuous
points and with rather large serrations, light-colored, the whitish stalks bearing very
small glands or sometimes even glandless. Late. Perhaps the best yellow plum.
Quality high. Found wild in Missouri and introduced by Starx Bros. in 1886. ‘“ Every
way an improvement on Golden Beauty.”—C. M. Stark. C.
53. Moreman.—Medium in size, round, dark red, skin medium thick; cling, the stone
small and nearly circular; the points very short; leaves medium, long-pointed, ratier
coarsely serrate, rather dull in texture, the stalks nearly or quite glandless. Late. A
strong spreading grower, producing abundantly of handsome and high quality fruit.
It suggests the Miner group and may belong to it. Originated in Kentucky. Intro-
duced by W. F. Herkes in 1881. “Cooks well. As good as a Damson when spiced.”—
Kerr. C.
54. Poole (Poole’s Pride).—Large, round-oblong, red, skin medium thick; cling; leaves
rather smal! and narrow, very finely serrate, the short stalks glandless or nearly so.
Harly to medium, of high quality. Succeeds Wild Goose. A wild variety from Illinois.
introduced in 1888 by Stark Bros. I am not well acquainted with this variety. It
looks much hke a Chickasaw.
55. Reed.—Medium, round, dark red, skin medium; cling, the stone short and turgid,.
pitted, the point abrubt and short; flowers medium, short-stalked; leaves very broad
(elliptic-ovate or even nearly round-ovate) and large, firm, the point abrupt and con-
spicuous, unevenly serrate, the stalks bearing few small glands. Late. A very strong
spreading grower. Much like Moreman in fruit. Said to have been introduced by the
late Mr. Reep, Hightstown, N. J. C.
56. Roulette—Medium to rather large, round or round-oblong, red and coloring com-
pletely before dropping from the tree, skin thin; cling, stone (like Wild Goose) oblong-
obovate and rather slender, scarcely pointed above; flowers medium on rather conspic-
uous stalks; leaves the shape and size of peach leaves and like those of Wild Goose,
the serratures small and even, the stalks glandular. Early to medium. Texan? The
Mexican Roulette is evidently the same. C.
57. Sucker State-—Large, round, dull red, skin thick; cling; flowers large, stalked;
leaves medium to large, long taper-pointed, irregularly and obtusely but rather finely
(for the size of the leaf) toothed, stalks glandular. Medium to late. Illinois? C.
58. Teaas Bell (or Belle?).—Fruit medium to large, nearly spherical, red; stone short
and turgid, obtuse below and very short-pointed above; leaves medium, elliptic-oblong
and short-pointed, finely and even serrate, the stalks glandular. Ripens last of June in
‘Texas. Originated by SrepHan H. Turner, Texas, and introduced by J. I’. WHrIvTakER,
Tyler, 'Texas. Perhaps a Chickasaw.
59. Wayland.— Fruit large, round-oblong, shining pink-red, skin medium; smi-cling,
the stone rather small for the size of the fruit, turgid and slightly pitted, very short-
pointed at both ends; flower large and long-stalked, very late; leaves medium to large,
rather thick and heavy, long- pointed, the edges irregular serrate and notched, the stalks
usually glandular. Very late. One of the best native plums, but too late for the
northern states. Introduced by Downer & Bro., Fairview, Ky. First propagated in
1876. It came up in asmall plum ticket in a corner of the garden of Professor H. B.
~
Way.anpn, Cadiz, Ky. ,
68. Whitaker.—Very large, red; leaves medium; oblong-ovate, points rather short,
very finely and evenly serrate, the stalk with small glands or none. Originated under
cultivation in eastern Texas by J.T. WarraKer. Seedling of Wild Goose. C.
61. Wild Goose (Fig.3.)—Large, round-oblong, light red, skin thin; cling, stone long and
narrow, prolonged above into a sharp point and below into a narrow base, finely pitted;.
flowers medium to large, stalked; leaves oblong-lanceolate, ‘peach-like, not prominently
= a
~
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 225
oe
pointed, the margins finely and evenly serrate, and the stalks usually bearing two to
four small glands. Early. Quality poor, but on account of its productiveness, earli-
ness, beauty, good shipping qualities, and its early introduction, it is the most popular
Sits
77//jj}))) a:
hu | > \
Fic. 3.—Wild Goose. Sprays half size. Stones full size.
of the native plums. The Wild Goose was first brought to notice by James Harvey of
Columbia, Tenn. Some time before 1850 a man shot a wild goose near Columbia, and
on the spot where the carcass was thrown this plum came up the following spring... It
29
\
226 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
was introduced about 1850 by the late J. S. Downsmr, of Fairview, Ky. This is the
first Soak plan introduced to general cultivation, although the Miner was first known
and name
The Wild Goose is either very variable or there are two varieties pass-
ing under that name. In the orchards of Mr. Kerr, in Maryland, and
Mr. Monson, in Texas, the flowers appear befors the leaves in crowded
lateral clusters, but in the plantations at the Michigan Agricultural col-
lege and at Cornell, they appear with the leaves in diffuse cherry-like
clusters, and the pedicels are longer. These latter specimens are so
anomalous as to lead good observers to wonder if they are not hybrids
with some cherry. Ihave not been able to observe any constant differ-
ences between these two types in foliage or fruit. I am disposed to
regard these peculiarities as variations of one variety due to climate or
some other local cause, for I find the same differences in other varieties
grown here and in the south, as in Newman, Robinson, and Marianna
(Nos. 83, 86 and 92). I have examined a number of seedlings of Wild
Goose at Mr. Kerr’s, and while they differ from the parent in flavor and
shape of fruit, they are much like it in general texture and character of
fruit, the stones are singularly alike and the habits of the trees are simi-
lar; but in some of them the leaves tend to be irregularly toothed at the
margins after the manner of the Wayland class. It should be said that
the tree from which these seedlings were grown stood beside a tree of
German Prune, but it is not known if these plants will hybridize.
The range of adaptability of the Wild Goose is great. It is hardy in
central New York and southern Michigan, and it succeeds well in Georgia
and Texas. The tree resembles a peach tree.
62. World Beater.—Uarge, round-oblong, dark red, skin medium; cling; leaves
medium and long-pointed, rather dull, somewhat irregularly serrate, the stalks usually
glandular. Very late. Of good quality. Found wild in Tennessee. Introduced by
Srark Bros. in 1889.
The Wild Goose type or group of plums, as a whole, appears to be best
suited to the middle latitudes, being grown with satisfaction from Illinois
and Indiana, and the southern part of Michigan and New York to Mary-
land, Virginia, and Tennessee, and in the southwest to Texas. The varie-
ties which are most highly prized are Golden Beauty, Indian Chief,
Missouri, Apricot, Morman, Wayland, and Wild Goose.
C. THe Miner Grovup.—( Prunus hortulana var. Mineri). This group
includes a few anomalous varieties which appear to be intermediate
between Prunus hortulana and P. Americana. They may be an off-shoot
of P. hortulana, or it is possible that they constitute a distinct species.
The Miner is particularly well marked, but there are others which it is
somewhat difficult to separate from P. hortulana. The group differs from
the species by the dull and comparatively thick leaves which are conspicu-
ously veiny below and irregularly coarsely toothed and more or less
obovate in outline; by a late, very firm fruit, and by a more or less smooth
and Americana-like stone. Fig 4 is an excellent illustration of the under
surface of a leaf of this group, and Fig. 5 shows the general habit. I am
not able to designate the range of the wild plant, but it appears to occur in
Illinois (and perhaps Indiana), Missouri, Tennessee, and perhaps in
Arkansas.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 227
63. Clinton (Fig. 4).—Fruit large, round, dull red, skin medium thick; cling, the stone
short and broad and scarcely pointed, nearly smooth; flowers medium; leaves (see cut)
elliptic to elliptic obovate,
rather prominently point-
ed, the stalks glandular.
Mid-season, ripening sev-
eral days before Miner.
Thought by some
to be the same as
Miner, but the
leaves, at least,
appear to be dif-
ferent.
64. Forest Rose.—Large to
very large, round, dull, red,
skin medium thick; stone
cling, broad and compara-
tively fiat, sharp on the front
edge, scarcely pointed,
Fia. 4.—Leaf of Clinton, full size. smooth, Americana like;
flowers medium to large; leaves elliptic to elliptic-obovate, prominently pointed, the
stalks ordinarily bearing two small glands. Medium to late, of good quality. A Mis-
souri wild variety, introduced by W1Lu1am Stark in 1878. C.
65. Idol —Medium to rather large, round, bright light crimson splashed with magenta,
skin thin; stone small, cling; leaves obovate, the stalks glandular. Medium season.
Said by D. B. Wimp, the originator, to be very large, weighing as much as the average
Lombard, but B. O. Curtis, Paris, Illinois, who now handles some of Wier’s varieties,
says that with him it is rather small and ripens the last of September and first of
October. Said by Mr. Wier to be a cross between Miner and Wild Goose. Illinois.
66. Indiana Red.—Large, round, red: cling; flowers medium; leaves elliptic-ovate”
prominently pointed, coarsely toothed, the stalks mostly prominently glandular. Medium
to late. Said to have been an Indiana wild variety and to have been introduced by Dr.
I. Cramer. By some thought to be the same as Miner. C.
67. Iris.—A medium red plum, with rather small and turgid stones which are scarcely
pointed, and smooth or nearly so; flowers medium; leaves elliptic or elliptic-obovate,
long-pointed, the stalks glandular. Illinois. D. B. Wier, originator and introducer. C.
68. Langsdon (Fig. 5)—Medium, round or round-oblong, light-red: stone cling, small
and nearly smooth, turgid, very short-pointed; leaves obovate or elliptic-obovate,
moderately pointed, the glands small. Medium to late. Much like Miner.
69. Leptune.—Medium, round, dark-red, skin thick: cling, stone rather small and
turgid, nearly smooth, short- pointed; leaves elliptic-ovate to elliptic-obovate, very long-
pointed ard coarsely serrate, stalks either glandless or glandular. Late. Said to have
been introduced by J. D. Morrow & Sons, Arkansas.
70. Miner.—Large, round or roundish-oblong, dull red, skin thick; stone cling, short
and broad, smooth or very nearly so, very short-pointed, rather sharp on the front edge,
Americana-like; flowers medium to large; leaves large and heavy, usually inclined to be
obovate, rather long-pointed, the stalks glandular. Medium to late. Said by
Downtnc to have originated with Mr. Miner, Lancaster county, Penn., but this is a
mistake. The seed which produced the Miner plum was planted in 1814, in Knox
county, Tennessee, by WiLL1am Dopp, an officer under General Jackson. Dopp appears
to have had two batches of seed, one which he gathered the year before upon Talaposa
creek, and the other given him by an Indian chief. It is not clear from which lot this
plum sprung. The plum gained some notice when it came into bearing, and was known
as Old Hickory and General Jackson. In 1823 or 1824 Dopp moved to Illinois and set-
tled near Springfield, taking some sprouts of his plum with him. The plums soon
attracted attention among Dopp’s neighbors, and the variety was called in its new home
William Dodd and Chickasaw Chief. The year following Winu1am Dopp’s removal to
Illinois, his brother moved to Galena, Illinois, and took some of the plums. About
Galena the plumb became know as the Hinckley. I do not know how the name Miner
came to be applied to it, but Downing’s reference to Mr. Miner of Pennsylvania—who
probably grew and disseminated it—undoubtedly explains it. It is said by D. B. Wier
that the late Hon. James G. Sounarp of Galena, introduced this plum to general
cultivation, and I repeated this statement last year in a discussion of the Soulard crab.
For a fuller history of the Miner, see A. Gippines in Iowa Agricultural Report, 1871,
’
228 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
332.) Downine gives Hinckley, Isabel, Gillett, Townsend, and Robinson as synonyms
of Miner. The Robinson now known is a very different fruit. (See No. 86.) The Miner
is one of the best and most popular of the native plums, and is probably grown further
north with success than any other variety of this species (Groups B and C). In central
New York it ripens in October. Colored plate in Agriculture of Pennsylvania, 1881. C.
Fic. 5.—Langsdon. % full size.
(Fruits immature.)
Parsons.—Supposed to be identical with Miner, which see. C.
71. Prairie Flower.—A variety introduced by Srark Bros., Missouri; probably
belongs in this group.
72. Rachel. —Medium, round-oblong, dull red, thick skin; stone cling, short and broad,
thin-margined on the front edge, scarcely pointed, smooth, Americana-like; leaves long,
elliptic-obovate, moderately pointed, stalks glandular. Medium to late. C.
The Miner group appears to be a strong and hardy race which is par-
ticularly adapted to the northern limits of the cultivation of the Hortulana
family. The varieties are much alike. The Miner is the most popular
member of the group, and it succeeds even in northern Illinois. In New
York the varieties ripen from late September even to late October.
D. THe Caickasaw Group.—( Prunus angustifolia, Marshall, Arbus-
trum Americanum, 111. [1785]. [ Prunus Chickasa, Michx. Flor. Bor.-
Am. i. 284 ]). This group of plums differs from the Wild Goose group
(B) by a more slender, spreading, and zigzag growth, usually smaller size
of tree, red twigs, by smaller, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate very closely
serrate shining leaves which are conduplicate or trough-like in habit, by
early small flowers, which, upon old wood, are densely clustered on the
spurs, and by an early red (rarely yellow) and more or less spotted
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 229
translucent fruit, the flesh of which is soft, juicy, and more or less stringy
and very tightly adherent to the small, broad, roughish stone. It is diffi-
cult to separate some of the cultivated forms of this species from small-
leaved and weak-growing varieties of Prunus hortulana, but the two
Fia. 6.—Newman. Sprays half size. Leaf and stones full size.
species are easily separated in a wild state. The zigzag young twigs and
trough-like leaves of the Chickasaws are characteristic, and are shown in
Fig. 6. The leaves' are often very small, scarcely exceeding an inch in
230 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
length, but upon the more vigorous cultivated varieties, as the Newman,
the leaf-blades are often three inches long and nearly flat. In herbarium
specimens the species is usually recognized by the two halves of the leaves
being pressed together so that the upper surface is hidden. In a wild state
the trees or bushes are thorny, and the thorns persist in some of the culti-
vated varieties. It grows wild, often in dense thickets, from southern
Delaware to Florida, and westward to Kansas and Texas. It is commonly
stated in the books that the Chickasaw plum is not native to the Atlantic
states, and some suppose that it was introduced into the United States
from countries to the south of us. I have been unable to find sufficient
reasons for these opinions, and I believe that the species is native to the
southeastern states. In Maryland, as I have seen it, it behaves like an
indigenous plant, and the people regard it as a true native. ‘The small
acerb fruit of the thorny and straggly wild bushes is known in Maryland
as “ Mountain Cherry.”
This species, like Prunus Americana, was founded by Humphey Mar-
shall in 1785. His description is as follows: ‘ Prunus angustifolia.
Chickasaw Plumb. This is scarcely of so large a growth as the former
| P. Americana |, but rising with a stiff, shrubby stalk, dividing into many
branches, which are garnished with smooth lance-shaped leaves, much
smaller and narrower than the first kind [ P. Americana]; a little waved
on their edges, marked with very fine, slight, colored serratures, and of an
‘equal, shining green color, on both sides. The blossoms generally come
out very thick, and are succeeded by oval, or often somewhat egg-shaped
fruit, with a very thin skin, and soft, sweet pulp. There are varieties of
this with yellow and crimson colored fruit. These being natives of the
southern states, are somewhat impatient of much cold.”
73. African.—Medium to rather large, round-oblong, dark red; leaves smail, short-
ebiong-lanceolate, Early to medium. Originated under cultivation by G. ONDERDONK,
South Texas, and introduced by him in 1870. C.
74. Arkansas Lombard.—Medium round or round-oblong, red; leaves medium, ovate-
oblong. Early to medium, ripening just before Newman. Arkansas. Said to have
been introduced by J. D. Morrow & Sons.
75. Caddo Chief—Medium or rather small, round, red; leaves medium in size, short,
ovate-oblong. Very early, ripening with Early Richmond cherry. Wild from Caddo
parish, Louisiana. Introduced by G. W. Stoner. Blooms and ripens very early. In
northern Texas the fruit is ripe the middie of May. C.
76, Coletta.—Medium to large, round-oblong, light red; leaves small, oblong-lanceo-
late. Tree somewhat thorny. Early or very early. Originated under cultivation in
southern Texas by G. ONDERDONK, who introduced it in 1874. Ripens with Caddo
Chief. C.
77. Early Red.—Medium, round, red; leaves medium, oblong-lanceolate. Early or
very early. Origin southern Texas under cultivation by G. ONDERDONK; introduced by
him in 1872. There isa Russian plum (Prunus domestica), introduced by Professor
Bupp, known as Early Red. C.
78. El Paso.—Medium, round, red; leaves medium, ovate-oblong. Ripens during
July and August in southern Texas. Originated and introduced by Lm Braty, Texas.
79. Emerson’s Early.—Rather large, round, purple-red, skin very thin; cling. Said
to be a good market sort. Very early. Wild variety from northern Texas. Intro-
duced by Mr. Bruce. Similar to Lone Star, but a better grower.
80. Hoffman.—Medium to rather large, round, purple-red; leaves medium, oblong-
lanceolate. Mid-season too late. A wild variety from southwestern Missouri. “ Very
sure and prolific [in Texas].”—Munson. Ripe in northern Texas the middle of July,
later than the Wild Goose.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 231
81. Jennie Lucas.—Medium to rather large, round, yellow; leaves short, ovate-
eblong. Early. Originated under cultivation and introduced, in 1875, by G. ONDER-
DONK, southern Texas. C.
82. Lone Star.—Rather large, round-oblong, red, skin very thin; leaves rather small,
oblong-lanceolate. Early. Originated in Texas by E. W. Kirkpatrick; grown from
wild seed from eastern Texas.
i
Wh a Mg =
Fic. 7.—Newman Plums. Natural size.
83. Newman (Figs. 6 and 7).—Rather large, nearly globular or round-oblong, pink-red
with prominent light spots near the apex, yellowish opposite the sun; leaves rather
Jarge, oblong-lanceolate. Medium to late. Ripens in New York in October. Intro-
duced from Kentucky by W. F. Hetkes. One of the best known of the Chickasaws.
In our plantation the Newman is hardy, but the flowers, instead of appearing before the
leaves as in the central and southern states, appear with the leaves in loose umbel-like
clusters. This isthe same kind of variation which occurs in the Wild Goose (see No.
61). In some of the New York trees the leaves are unusually large and often nearly
plain. The Chickasaw method of growth is fairly well retained, however. Warren is
thought to be indentical with Newman
84. Ogeeehee.—Small to medium, round-oblong, red; leaves short, ovate-oblong. Very
early. Similar to Caddo Chief. Wild from Georgia. introduced by G. Bourgurn.
85. Pottawattamie.—Rather large, round, red; leaves rather small, narrowly oblong-
lanceolate to ovate-oblong. Early to medium. Tennessee; it was taken to [owaina
lot of Miners, and came under the notice of J. B. Ricz, Council Bluffs, in 1875, who
introduced it. Various stories are told about its origin, but the above is correct. It
appears to have received its name from Mr. Ricr. Like the Newman, the leaves appear
to be larger in the north. ‘‘ Enormous bearer.”—Berckmans. C.
86. Robinson.—Medium, round, blotched red; leaves medium or small, ovate-oblong
or oblong-lanceolate. Mid-season. “This is a seedling grown by a Mr. Pickett, of
Putnam county, Indiana, from a seedling brought with him from North Carolina, nearly
fifty years ago, and has, almost every season (since large enough), borne abundant
erops, but was neglected, and never brought to the notice of the public till 1879, when
Dr. J. H. Roginson (of the same township) read a paper before the Indiana Horticult-
ural society, on Chickasaw plums, and gave a very flattering description of this plum,
which he had been watching since 1872, and of which he had two good crops on his own:
trees, which bore two bushels to the tree five years after planting, and has borne good
erops annually, except once, when killed by late frosts. It was named by the Putnam
County Horticultural society in honor of Dr. Roprnson.”—Atxsertson & Hosss, Bridge-
port, Indiana (1-85), who introduced the variety in the fall of 1884 and spring of 1885.
Like Wild Goose and Newman, in New York the flowers appear with the leaves. C.
87. Schley (Schley’s Large Red).—Rather large, round, red; leaves medium, ovate or
lanee-ovate. Early to medium. Said to have been introduced from Georgia by W. K.
Nexson. Much like Roulette except in foliage. Possibly Prunus hortulana. A very
spreading and straggling grower.
232 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
88. Strawberry.—We are growing but have not fruited a plum under this name
which appears to have been recently introduced. I know nothing of its history. C.
Warren.—See Newman.
89. Wooten.—Large, round-oblong, yellow with red markings; leaves medium,
oblong-lanceolate. Medium to late. Found wild in central Texas (Colorado river),
and introduced by A. M. Ramsry. ‘Very sure and prolific.’—Munson. Ripe from
early to middle July in northern Texas. Possibly P. hortulana.
90. Yellow Transparent.—Rather large, oblong, lemon yellow; leaves rather small,
oblong-lanceolate. Marly. Originated in northern Texas by J. L. Freeman. Selected
from thousands of varieties grown from wild seed.
I have plants from Kansas under the name of “ Kansas Dwarf Cherry,”
which are evidently a bush-like form of this species. They have not yet
borne.
The ‘Sand Plum,” which is occasionally grown in Nebraska, is Prunus
angustifolia, if I may judge from leaves sent me by Dr. C. E. Brssry of
the University of Nebraska. Dr. Brssty writes as follows of this plum:
“Occasionally I hear of a “Sand Plum,” said to grow in the south-
western and western parts of the state. No authentic specimens have
been seen although I have in my collection some twigs and leaves from
plants cultivated under this name, and thought, by the growers, to have
been taken up from wild patches in the state.” It is not improbable that
this sand plum is the same as the Kansas dwarf cherry mentioned above.
The Chickasaw group is particularly adapted to the southern states, and
it succeeds so far north as Maryland and Kentucky, while some of the
varieties are hardy in central New York. The leading varieties are Caddo
Chief, Jennie Lucas, Lone Star, Newman, Pottawattamie, Robinson, and
Yellow Transparent.
E. Tue Martanna Group.—The Marianna and De Caradeuc plums—
and probably, also, the Hattie—constitute a distinct class from any of the
foregoing, differing in habit of tree, very early flowering; elliptic-ovate,
rather small and finely serrate dull leaves, glandless leaf-stalks, and soft,
spherical, very juicy plums of a “sugar and water” character, and broad
ovate stones which are svarcely pointed, and are prominently furrowed on
the front edge. The botanical position of these plums has been a subject
of speculation, to which I have added my full share of confusion. I have
devoted more study to these plums than to any others, and I am now con-
vyinced that the De Caradeuc is myrobalan, and that the Marianna is
either the same species or a bybrid between it and some American plum,
possibly the Wild Goose. This, I am aware, is a startling conclusion,
particularly as the Marianna has come to be so extensively used as a stock
to replace the myrobalan, which appears to be growing in disfavor.
Before entering into detail concerning the origins of these plums, it will
ce useful to our inquiry to clear up some of the history of the myrobalan
plum.
The word myrobalan (or myrobolan), as a noun, is used to designate
various small tropical fruits which are used in the arts, chiefly for tanning
purposes. It is now commonly applied to the fruits of the species of
Terminalia, of the family Combretacez, which are imported from India.
The word was early applied to a small plum grown in Europe, probably
because of some resemblance in size or other characteristics to the myro-
balans of commerce. This plum has had a curious history. The first
undoubted reference to it which I know is in Cuusius’ Rariorum Planta-
rum Historia, 1601. CLusius gives a good figure of it, but says that it
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 233
was not generally known. Some people thought that it came originally
from Constantinople, and others that it came from Gaul. Cuusius leans
toward the latter view. He calls it the myrobalan plum, but does not
know the origin of the name. For nearly two hundred years after CLUSIUS
wrote, the fruit is described by various authors in different parts of
Europe, under the names of myrobalan or cherry plum, during which
time doubts were cast upon its European origin. Thus Tournefort in
1700 said that it came from North America In 1789 Euruart described
it as a distinct species under the name Prunus cerasiferca, or “ cherry-
bearing plum,” and said distincty that it is a native of North America.
Some thirty years before this time, Ltnnmvus had described it as Prunus
domestica var. myrobalan, and gave it a European origin. In 1812,
LoIsELEUR DESLONCHAMPS described it as Prunus myrobalana, saying
that it was supposed to be of American origin. From that time until
now the nativity of the myrobalan plum has been uncertain, but European
writers have usually avoided the difficulty by referring it to America; and
American botanists have, for the most part, ignored it because it is a cul-
tivated plant. So it happens that this pretty fruit has fallen between two
countries, and is homeless. SERENO Watson, in his Index to North
American Botany, published in 1878, refers EnrHart’s Prunus cerasifera
to the common beach plum (Prunus maritima) of the Atlantic coast.
But the myrobalan is wholly different in every character from the beach
~ plum, and it has been long cultivated upon walls in Kurope, a treatment
which no one would be likely to give to the little beach plum. TorreEy and
Gray, in 1838, in the Flora of North America, do not mention the myro-
balan plum. After all the exploration of the North American flora, no
plant has been found which could have been the origiual of this plum;
while its early cultivation in Europe, together with the testimony of
Cuiusius and other early herbalists, is strong presumption that it is a
native to the Old World. This presumption is increased by the doubt
which exists in the minds of the leading botanists, from Linn&us down,
as to its systematic position, for if there is difficulty in separating it from
Prunus domestica, the original of the common plum, and which is itself
a native of the Old World and immensely variable, there is strong reason
for suspecti:g that it is only an offshoot of that species; and this pre-
sumption finds strong support in other directions. But one need not
study far into the European plums until he convinces himself that the
essential features of the myrobalan plum are present in several of the
wild or half wild forms of southern and southeastern Europe, no matter
what the ultimate origin of the fruit may be. Plums from Turkestan
(presumably wild), now growing upon the grounds of ELLWANGER &
Barry at Rochester, N. Y., are certainly myrobalan; and it may be said
that the so-called Prunus Pissardi, which has been recently introduced
from Pergia, is but a purple-leaved myrobalan plum. I have no doubt,
therefore, but that the myrobalan plum is native to Europe or Asia;
and it is full time that an American origin be no longer ascribed to it.
The myrobalan plum has long been used in this country as a stock for vari-
ous plums. Except upon the Pacific coast, it appears to be falling into dis-
use, however, as it dwarfs the scion and4is not suited to all varieties. The
endeavor to find some stock which can take the place of the myrobalan has
resulted in the popularizing of the Marianna, but which, if not pure
myrohalan, certainly partakes very largely of it. The myrobalan is gener-
ally distributed over the country as a stock, and bearing trees of it are
30
234
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
occasionally seen. Tbe Golden Cherry plum of Downing is undoubtedly
this species, and the fruit now known as Youngken’s Golden Cherry is
certainly myrobalan, and it is probably identical with the variety described
by Downing.
The fruits may be either yellow or red in various shades.
Z
Z
ZB
WAN
SY
\
\\
\
S
\\\
<— SN
\
SS
SS
Fic. 8. Marianna. Sprays half size. Details full size.
They are round and cherry-like, with a depression at the base, on slender
stems, ranging in size from that of a large cherry to an inch and a half in
diameter. The myrobalan is very variable, a fact which finds record in the
various shapes and sizes of the commercial imported stones.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS, 238
91. De Caradeuc.—Rather large (1 to 114 in. diam.), globular, deep, dull purple-red
- when ripe with a prominently colored suture, but yellowish green splashed with red
when it first becomes edible; flesh thin, very juicy and sweet; cling, the stone round-
ovate, rather turgid, scarcely pointed and evenly pitted; leaves rather firm, ovate-oblong.
Early. In central New York it ripens from the first to the middle of August. Tree an
erect grower. This plum appears to agree with the myrobalan in all important botan-
ical characters, gven to the broad and strongly reflexed calyx lobes and stalked flowers.
About a year ago I became convinced that De Caradeuc is Prunus cerasifera, and I
was glad to have my opinion confirmed by so good a nurseryman as P. J. Bercxmans of
Georgia, who named the variety; and the origin of the plum, which I have since learned
corroborates my conclusion. It originated with A. Dk Carapeuc upon his farm near
Aiken, South Carolina, about the years 1850 to 1854. Mr. De Carapeuc imported
some French plums, from the seed of which this variety came. There were several
Chickasaw plums in the vicinity of the French trees and Mr. Dr Carapeuc thinks that
the variety under consideration is a hybrid, but I am unable to discover any evidence
of hybridity. The original tree of the variety “outgrew the parent, and reached a
diameter of head of fifteen feet, was entirely free from thorns and suckers, and bore a
remarkably rich and beautiful foliage.’ The variety blooms very early, some days
ahead of the Marianna, and the flowers, as in all varieties of P.cerasifera, are some-
what scattered and less abundant than in the native species. C.
92. Marianna. (Fig. 8).—Large, round-oblong, short stemmed as compared with the
DeCaradeuc, bright red and finely speckled and covered with a thin bloom; flesh soft
and sweet, juicy; semi-cling, the stone like that of DeCaradeuc (see Fig. 8); flowers
small, sessile or short-stalked, in dense lateral clusters like the native varieties, the
calyx lobes, narrow and erect; leaves much as in DeUaradeuc, but thinner. A little
later than DeCaradeuc, but ripens before the Wild Goose. ‘Tree a very spreading
grower. C.
From the above description it will be seen that the Marianna is in sev-
eral respects intermediate between Prunus cerasifera as represented in
DeCaradeuc, and the native American plums, particularly in the short-
stemmed fruit, small, nearly sessile, and clustered later flowers, and erect,
narrow calyx lobes, and spreading habit. It is therefore little surprise ‘to
learn that the originator considers it a seedling of Wild Goose. It origin-
ated as a seedling in a mixed orchard at Marianna, Polk Co., Texas, the
property of CHARLES G. Firze. So faras I can learn, the seed was not
‘hand sown, and there is a chance for error in the history. The variety
was introduced in 1884 by CHarues N. Evry, Smith Point, Texas.
The Marianna grows readily from cuttings, and this, in connection
with the hardiness and vigor of the variety and the readiness with which
it unites in graftage, with several species of prunus has made it very pop-
ular as a stock. The myrobalan itself grows from cuttings, but in most
cases not to a profitable extent. I have recently made a small experiment
upon the rooting of cuttings of myrobalan, De Caradeuc, and Marianna in
identical conditions, under heats Of myrobalan cuttings, less than ten
per cent. grew; of De Caradeue, less than twenty per cent.; of Marianna,
about seventy per cent. Ido not know where the Marianna could have
obtained this peculiarity to grow readily from cuttings; but it is idle to
attribute it to hybridity until we have determined if all varieties of myro-
balans grow with equal difficulty from cuttings. The question will at
once arise if the Marianna is reliable as a stock, seeing that it is probably
partly of myrobalan origin; and in reply I can only say that experience
alone can determine the value of a stock. Thus far the Marianna has
given good results. I apprehend that some of the dissatisfaction with
Myrobalan stock should be laid to the indiscriminate use of variable seed-
lings; in order to obtain uniform results a particular variety or strain of
myrobalan should be used. In this connection I may observe that the
flowers of Marianna appear with the leaves in New York, while they
appear before the leaves—as shown in Fig. 8—in the middle and southern.
236 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
states; and this peculiarity I have observed in myrobalan, and also, as
previously recorded, in Wild Goose, Newman, and Robinson.
93. Hattie.—Medium, round-oblong, red; cling, the stone much like that of Marianna
in shape but rather more pointed and nearly smooth; flowers small and clustered, the
calyx lobes small and erect; leaves small, short-oblong or ovate-oblong, somewhat con-
duplicate, dull and firm, finely serrate, the stalks glandless; branches stiff and conspic-
uously rough or warty. Eariy, below medium in quality. The history of this plum I
am unable to trace. In some respects it closely sesembles the Chickasaws, but I can
not escape the conviction that it is partly myrobalan. I have seen the same rough
shoots in the myrobalan plum. C.
My me,
7
Fic. 9.—Beach Plum (Prunus maritina). Sprays half size. Details full size.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 237
F. Tur Brace Prum.—(Prunus maritima, Wangenheim [1781]).
Fig. 9. The beach plum is a straggling, more or less decumbent, bush,
reaching three to six or even tweive feet in height, growing in the sands
of the sea-coast from New Brunswick to Virginia, and perhaps extending
further toward the southwest. The flowers are rather large for the size
of the plant, and are borne on prominent stalks in clusters. The fruit, in
the best forms, is about a half inch in diameter (see Fig. 9), and is deep,
dul] purple when ripe, and covered with a dense bloom; the flesh is brit-
tle, sweet, and juicy, entirely free from the stone; the skin is thick and
tough, and usually leaves an acrid taste in the mouth when the fruit is
eaten. Upon the Jersey coast the fruit is ripe the middle of August.
Prunus maritima is in cultivation as an ornamental plant, it being very
showy when in bloom and interesting in fruit. It succeeds well under
cultivation in the interior states. Asa fruit plant it has given rise to but
one variety.
94. Bassett’s American (Fig. 10).—Small (about three-fourths inches in diameter),
round or slightly round-oblate, dull red, skin medium
thick; free-stone, the stone nearly circular in outline with
a very short point or even pointless, thin upon the front
edge, slightly rough; leaves a fourth cr third larger than
those of the wild beach plum. Medium to late, ripening
in late August in eastern Maryland. Quality poor. Intro-
duced about 20 years ago by Wm. F. Basserr, Hammonton,,
N. J., who bought the original tree of a man who found it
in the neighborhood. It works well upon the Wild Goose, -
and Mr. BassetT writes me that he has a tree on such roots
which is fifteen feet high. It was largely brought to
notice through the efforts of the Rumson nurseries, where
it was worked upon the myrobalan plum and peach. I
have seen a vigorous large tree at Mr. Kerr’s grafted
upon the Richland, which is Prunus domestica, Mr.
Kerr aleo finds that it grows upon the Chickasaws. The
variety appears to differ from the wild beach plum only in
size.
Fig. 10.—Bassett’s American.
Fall size.
G. Prunus suscorpDaTa, the wild plum of the Pacific coast, was intro-
duced to cultivation in 1889 by T. V. Munson (see Annals of Horticulture
1889, 104; 1891, 235). Itisa straggling, much branched shrub growing
from three to ten feet high. It has subcordate, roundish, or round-ovate
tomentose leaves, and large, pedicelled flowers which appear with the
leaves. The red fruit reaches three fourths inch long. It is eaten by
Indians and whites. Its value in cultivation is yet to be determined.
H. Hysrips.—It is not known to what extent the native species of
plums hybridize with each other or with foreign species, and nearly all the
definite attempts at crossing are so recent that results have not been
obtained. The only apparently authentic hybrids have come from the
union of the Wild Goose and the peach. Mr. Kerr has what appears to
be an undoubted hybrid. The tree, as I recali it, is large, spreading, and
peach-like. The leaves are long and peach-like, although rather broad and
short-pointed, but the flower buds, although they form in profusion, never
open, so that the tree is barren. This is a hybrid between the Wild
Goose and Troth’s Early peach. Twenty-five flowers of Wild Goose were
emasculated in the bud and covered with paper sacks. When in full
bloom, peach pollen was applied, but the flowers were not again covered.
Twenty-one of the flowers set fruit, and twenty-one trees were obtained
A
238 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
from the seeds. Twenty of the trees were indistinguishable from peach, but
the remaining one, as indicated above, gives every evidence of being a
hybrid. One other apparent hybrid is the
95. Blackman.—Nearly thirty years ago Mrs. CHarity CuarkK procured from an
erchard in Rutherford county, Tenn., which contained Wild Goose and Washington
plums, seeds of plums and gave them to Dr. BLackman, of Nashville. One tree among
the resulting seedlings bore good fruit and it was called the Blackman, and was dis-
seminated by a local nurseryman. A competing nursery, in endeavoring to procure
eions from this tree, inadvertently cut them from an adjacent tree—itself one of the
batch of seedlings—and sold the trees which it grew as Blackman. Now this second
tree makes fruit buds in abundance but they never open; and from the resemblance of
the leaves to those of the peach the plant is generally thought to be a hybrid between
the Wild Goose and the peach. This assumption finds partial confirmation in the
experiments of Mr. Kerr, recorded above, for this spurious Blackman is very much like
his hybrid although the leaves are more pointed and still more peach like. Curiously
enough, the genuine Blackman has never been widely disseminated, but the spurious and
worthless substitute has been sold in large quantities. In order to avoid confusion, the
original Blackman has been rechristened Charity Clark. There are therefore, two
Blackman plums, one of which is practically unknown to cultivation, but which has
been renamed, and the other is barren and will soon pass from sight.*
I. UNcLAsSSIFIED VARIETIES.—The following varieties I know only from
printed references or from information afforded by correspondents, and I
ean not, therefore, refer them to their proper species.
96. Allen’s Yellow.—Medium, round, yellow and red, skin thick; cling. Kansas.
97. Barry.
98. Champion.—Very large, oblong, dark red, thick skin; flesh firm; cling. Late. H.
A. Terry, 1890. Originated under cultivation.
99. Charles Downing.—Large, round-oblong, red, skin thin; flesh firm; cling.
Medium to late. Should be worked on peach. H. A. Terry, Iowa, 1885. Originated
under cultivation.
100. Cherokee—A medium size plum, round-oblong, blotched red, thick skin; cling.
Said to havé been found wild in Kansas.
101. Col. Wilder.—Large round-oblong, red, thin skin; flesh firm and of best quality;
cling. Medium tolate. H.A.Trrry, Iowa, 1888. Originated under cultivation.
102. Cook’s Choice.—Medium., round, red, thin skin; flesh of best culinary quality;
cling. Medium to late. H. A. Trerry,1885. Originated under cultivation.
103. Couler.—From Wm. Couter, Chickasaw county, Iowa. ‘The Couler is a large
plum of fair quality, ripening a little before Miner, but sometimes cracks open badly
before ripe.”—O. H. Kenyon McGregor, Iowa Hort. Rept. xvit., 235.
104. Crescent City.—Rather large, oblong, dark red, skin thick; cling. Late. H. A.
Terry, lowa, 1885. Originated under cultivation.
105. Diamond.—Seedling f.om wild Nebraska, seed grown by Joun A. Hoce.
“* Grows fully as large as most of the tame varieties. Ripens last of September, and
when fully ripe gets bright red on one side.”—John A. Hogg, Nebr. Hort. Rept. 1890,
121.
106. Dr. Dennis.—ULarge, round-oblong, red, thin skin; flesh firm and good; cling. H.
A. Terry, Iowa, 1890. Originated under cultivation.
107. Dunlap.—Large, round, yellow, thin skin; flesh firm and of high quality; cling.
Medium season. Nebraska seedling introduced by J. P. Dunuap.
108. Harly Honey.—An early variety, evidently a Chickasaw, which originated in
Grayson county, ‘l'exas.
109. Ellis.—Rather large, round, red, skin very thin; semi-cling. Ranks high for
market or for home use. J[ate. Said to be a cross between Wild Goose and Golden
Beauty. North Texas. Introduced by T L. Extis.
* For a fuller account of the Blackman plums, see VanDeman in Rept. Dept. Agric. 1887, 636. The
Blackman has been recommended as a stock for peaches upon the supposition that it enjoys immunity
from yellows. See Cal. Orchard and Farm, iv. 3.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 239
110. Esther—Rather large, round-oblong, dark red, skin thick; cling. Medium te
late. H. A. Terry, Iowa, 1885. Originated under cultivation.
111. Hacelsior.
112. Hammer.—tLarge, oblong, light red, skin thin; of extra quality; cling. Medium
to late. H. A. Terry, Iowa, 1888. Originated under cultivation. Said to be a seedling
of Wild Goose.
113. Houston County.
114. Hughes.—A large round red plum said to have come from northern Mississippi.
115. Jola.—Very large, oblong, dark yellow and red, skin medium thick; flesh firm;
free. Late. D. B. Wrir, Illinois.
116. Irene.—Very large, round, bright red, thick skin; flesh firm; cling. Late. D. B.
Wier, Illinois.
117. Ithaca.—Said to have come from Petrr M. Grpron, Minn.
118. James Vick.
119. Jewell.
120. Jones.—Large, oblong, red, skin thick; flesh firm, good; cling. Late. H. Jonzs,
Towa, 1882. Originated under cultivation.
121. Miles.—Said to have originated in Illinois from seed taken from North Carolina.
122. Milton.—Rather large, round-oblong, dark red, skin thin; flesh firm; cling. Early.
H. A. Terry, 1885. Said to be a seedling of Wild Goose.
123. Mrs. Clifford.—Very large, pear-shaped, red, skin very thin; semi-cling. Fine for
market or home use. Possesses a peculiar and agreeable pineapple flavor. Medium
early. Originated in northern Texas under cultivation, and introduced by E. C.
CLIFFORD. Said to be a seedling of Wild Goose, and a great improvement upon that
variety.
124, Muncy.
125. Munson.—Rather large, oblong, red, skin thin; cling. Late. Originated under
cultivation in Texas. Introduced in 1888 by G. ONDERDONK.
126. New American.
127. Okaw. (Annals Hort. 1890, 175).
128. Piram.—Large, round, yellow, skin thin; cling. Medium early. <A very pro-
ductive variety. Originated under cultivation in Texas and introduced by G. ONDER-
DONK.
129. Rare Ripe.—A dark red plum, a little smaller than De Soto; cling. Quality
better than De Soto, but inferior to Harrison’s Peach. Hardy.—C. A. Keffer, Bull. 26,
S. Dak. Exp. Sta.
130. Raymond.
131. Rockford.—Good size, round, purple, thin skin; of best quality; cling. Medium
to late. Wild Iowa variety, introduced by C. G. Parren, Charles City, Iowa, 1889. C.
132. Rocky Mauntain Seedling.
133. Round.—From Iowa.
134. Silas Wilson.—Large, round-oblong, light red, skin thin; of best quality; cling.
Medium to late. H. A. Terry, Iowa, 1890. Originated under cultivation.
135. Smiley.—Very large, dark red. Alabama?
136. Tenneha.
137. Tomlingson.
138. Van Deman—Large, round, light red, skin thin; of best quality; cling. Medium
to late. H. A. Terry, Iowa, 1890. Originated under cultivation.
139. Wady’s Early._-Karly and very good, but the tree is a poor grower and the fruit
is rather small.
140. Winnebago.—Fruit above medium in size, orange-scarlet, excellent for culinary
purposes. Minnesota. Probably P. Americana.
\
240 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
§ 2. Cultivation of the Native Plums.
1. Impotent varieties. Planting.—It is not strange that difficulties
should beset the cultivation of fruits which are yet scarcely rescued from
a wild state. The chief difficulty in the growing of the native plums is
the fact that some varieties do not fertilize themselves. This peculiarity
appears to be due not to any imperfection in the flowers but to the com-
parative impotency of pollen upon flowers of the same variety. Imperfect
flowers are occasionally observed, but they are apparently peculiarities of
individual trees or particular seasons. Thus in our Newmans this year
only about every twelfth flower has a perfect pistil. I have observed a
similar defect in wild plums. I know a wild tree of Prunus Americana
which bears flowers without pistils. The impotency of pollen appears to
be characteristic of certain varieties, as, for example, Wild Goose, Miner,
Wazata, Minnetonka, Itaska. Other varieties of the same species are fer-
tile with themselves, as Moreman, Newman, Wayland, Golden Beauty,
Marianna, Deep Creek, Purple Yosemite. In order to insure fertilization,
mixed planting is practiced when the impotent varieties are grown; and it
is an important study to determine what varieties are the best pollinizers
for a given kind. Evidently, the two varieties in any case must bloom at
the same time and the pollinizer must produce an abundance of pollen.
Thus the Newman is a good pollinizer for the Wild Goose, but it blooms
too early for the Americana varieties. In some of the western states,
Forest Garden is considered to be a good pollinizer for Miner. It isa
common opinion among plum-growers that the common or Domestica
plums, the peach, and even the cherries will fertilize the Wild Goose.
There is certainly much general evidence in support of this opinion, but it
remains to be proved. <A case within my own experience lends color to
this opinion. A half dozen large trees of Wild Goose were barren until
trees of plums and cherries about them bloomed profusely, when the Wild
Goose bore a heavy crop.
There is much difference of opinion concerning the methods of planting
in order to secure fertilization. Many growers advise planting in thick
hedge-like rows, the trees standing not more than four or eight feet apart
in the row, every fourth or fifth tree, or every alternate row, being a self-
fertile and very polliniferous variety. Others practice setting the trees
from nine to twelve feet apart each way, with the impotent varieties in
alternate rows. In this way, for example, Forest Garden is made to
fertilize both Miner and Wild Goose. This treatment iscommonly known
as ‘‘close planting,” and it has many able advocates. It is said, also, that
this close planting shades the ground so completely as to make it too cool
for the rapid development of the curculio. Such plantings, unless the trees
are heroically trimmed, soon result in an unmanagable tangle. I have seen
a Wild Goose tree 36 feet across and still growing and bearing, and Miner,
Leptune, and Langsdon scarcely less. Mr. Kerr, whois a very successful
grower, sets his trees from twenty to thirty feet apart, and others have
good success with equally thin planting. It is probable that different
varieties or combinations demand different treatment in this respect; but
it is plain that while the majority of native plums appear to be self-fertile,
some of the most important varieties are impotent.
2. Propagation.—Another important difficulty is that relating to the
selection of stocks. The native species work well upon each other, but
the permanency and strength of the different unions are still moot points.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 241
The varieties also unite readily with the Marianna; and Domestica plum
stocks, myrobalan, and peach are also used. In general, it may be said that
a variety prefers a stock of its own species, although the true Chickasaws
sprout or sucker so badly as to make them undesirable. In the northern
states, especially in the prairie region, the Prunus Americana stocks are
most reliable because of their hardiness; and as the Americana varieties
are the ones chiefly grown in this region, the problem is a comparatively
simple one. Wild Goose is grown largely upon the peach in the warmer
latitudes and some growers prefer this stock even in the north. All the
Chickasaws grow well upon the peach, as do also Miner, Forest Rose, and
perhaps all the Hortulana type. Recently the Marianna has come to be a
popular stock upon which to work all varieties; and so far as known it is
one of the best, although I fear that its indiscriminate use may result in
some disappointment. Mr. G. ONDERDONK, a well known nurseyman and
fruitgrower of Texas, is certain that the Marianna is preferable to the
peach as a stock for the southern native plums. His reasons for this
opinion are as follows:
“Ist. The peach sometimes sprouts from the roots. The Marianna never
does this.
“2d. The peach has more eyes or buds near the surface of the soil, both
above and below, than the Marianna. ‘These eyes cause at Jeast two or
three times more pruning in the case of peach stocks than in Marianna.
“3d. The peach requires better drainage than the plum stock. I raise
good healthy plum trees on Marianna stocks in places where it would be
useless to plant anything on peach stocks.
“Ath. The peach stock is subject, under certain conditions, to root-rot.
I have never seen a case of root-rot among Mariannas.
“5th. While the Marianna is subject to root-knot. as well as the peach,
yet it very seldom fails to have the knot at the bottom, so that it can be cut
away without injury to tree. In case of peach stocks the tree is usually
lost when infested with root-knot.
“6th. In extreme southern Texas peach seeds fail to germinate either
totally or partially after a mild winter. In the spring of 1890, not a single
peach seed germinated in this section. We have much annoyance from
this source. On the contrary we have never failed of securing a good
‘stand of Marianna plants from cuttings, when they had been properly
treated. Therefore the Marianna makes us a sure supply of stocks for
propagation of plum trees, which the peach does not do in southern Texas.
Further north these, conditions may be less worthy of consideration.
“7th. As each peach seedling is a distinct variety from every other one,
and the different varieties vary materially in vigor, and often in other
habits, it follows that the stocks necessarily vary in capacity to develop
trees. On the other hand a reasonable amount of care in selecting cuttings
of the Marianna enables us to produce stocks of nearly uniform capacity,
ane therefore to produce trees of a more nearly uniform strength and
value.”
These comparisons will hold, Mr. Onderdonk thinks, in reference to
stocks for apricots, but for peaches the Marianna is a failure with him.
Sprouts from own-rooted trees are often employed for increasing native
plums, of such varieties as sprout readily, as Miner, Wild Goose, Forest
Garden, De Soto, and various Chickasaws. But this practice is not in
general favor.
3. Varieties.—The question of the best varieties for certain purposes
31
242 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
and regions is a disputed one, as should be expected from the large number
of varieties in cultivation and the newness of the native plum industry.
Undoubtedly the most popular variety is the Wild Goose, but its popular-
ity is due less to the quality of its fruits than to the hardiness and pro-
ductiveness of the tree and the early fruit. The Miner is perhaps the
hardiest well-known variety of the Hortulana type. It succeeds in many
places in northern Illinois. In Wisconsin, Lowa, Nebraska, and regions
to the north of them, only the Americana class is hardy, as arule. The
Chickasaws are best adapted to the middle and southern states. None of
the native plums have been tried to any extent in New York and New
England, from the fact that the common or Domestica plums succeed so
well there. The incursions of thé septoria or shot-hole fungus,—which
causes premature dropping of the leaves,—are calling attention to the
native plums, and it is not too much to expect that they will gain in favor
as they become better known. And the growing taste for a greater variety
of fruits must tend to popularize some of the native plums in the east.
4, Insects and diseases.—Numerous insects and fungi attack the native
plums. Much has been written concerning the supposed immunity of the
fruit from the attacks of the curculio, and while it may be said that there
is no curculio-proof plum, it is also true that the native varieties, as a rule,
are less injured than the common or Domestita varieties.*
The fungi which do serious injury to the native plums are indicated for
this paper by Dr. E. F. Smiru, of the Division of Vegetable Pathology of
the national Department of Agriculture, as follows:
“1. The American varieties suffer little from septoria, or the shot-hole fungus of the
leaves. (See Arthur, 5th and 6th reports N. Y. experiment station, with which my
observations coincide).
“9. Black-knot occurs'on Prunus Americana in Michigan thickets, but I have never
seen it upon the Chickasaws. P
“3. The brown fruit-rot (Monilia fructigena) of the stone fruits attacks the native
varieties, but they are more exempt, I think, than the‘varieties of Prunus domestica.
As in the peach, the fungus attacks the twigs as well as the fruits.
“4. The leaf-rust (Puccinia pruni-spinosee) is said to do injury in the southwestern
states, but while I have seen it on peaches in many parts of the country, I have not
found it upon the native plums.
“5. Plum-pockets or bladders (Taphrina pruni) is a frequent disease upon the native
plums. It attacks the Americana and Chickasaw varieties and the Wild Goose. In
Michigan I have seen it only on the fruit, which it changes into conspicuous bladders.
In Maryland and Georgia it is common on shoots of wild Chickasaws and on cultivated
Wild Goose, and it rarely attacks the fruit. It does considerable injury every spring.
“6. An obscure blight often attacks native plums—as Wild Goose, Robinson, Mari-
anna and others—causing the branches to die back during the growing season. The
leaves and large branches and sometimes the whole tree wilt and become brown with-
out apparent cause, and sometimes the tree dies. The roots do not appear to be
involved, for they often send up healthy shoots after the entire top has died. This
blight has been known in middle Georgia for several years and does more injury to
plums than all other troubles combined.
“7. The peach-rosette also attacks the native plums and perhaps is destined to maké
more trouble than any other disease in the south and west. (See Journal of Mycology
iv. 143; same, vi. no. 4; also bulletin of Division of Vegetable Pathology on ‘ Additional
Evidence of the Communicability of Peach Yellows and Peach Rosette.’ ”’)
The fruit-scab (Fig. 11), which injures many varieties, is discussed for
me by Professor L. H. Pammel, cf the lowa Agricultural college:
‘“‘* The curculio prefers the domesticated to the native varieties of plums.”—C. P. Gillette, Bull. 9, Ia.
Exp. Sta. 388 (1890). Other observers confirm this opinion. Professor Gillette finds that in central lowa
ee plum gouger (Coccotorus prunicida) is very injurious, and it attacks the native more than the domes-
ic varieties. :
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 2438
“ Cladosporium carpophilum: So far,
I have found this fungus only on the
fruit, but in case of the peach Mr. Gallo-
way records it upon the leaves as well.
When plums are ripe or just turning in
color, small round patches not larger
than a pin-head make their appearance.
These spots are pale greenish or greyish
in color and increase in size till in some
cases they are half an inch across. They
are mostly round with a somewhat paler
border. In older specimens the patches
are frequently confluent and of darker
brown color. In very old specimens,
especially in those where the fruit has
undergone decomposition, the patches
become black and uneven.
“A microscopic examination of the small greyish spots shows a nearly colorless
mycelium creeping over the surface. In the darker portions of the large patches are
septate hyphe or threads. In some cases these come through cracks in the cuticle.
The hyphe are irregular in outline and frequently bent. As the material becomes
older a dense stroma of short, brownish hyphz appears. This stroma lies between the
cuticle and the cellulose layers of the cell-wall. Under favorable conditions it keeps on
producing the erect septate hyphz which bears the slightly colored spores at the end.
The spores are oval in shape, pointed at the end, and usually two-celled. On placing
the spores in water they germinate in a short time, producing a colorless tube from one
of the cells.
“The disease does not impair the quality of the fruit, as the injury extends little
beyond the spot, and affects only three or four layers of underlying cells. These cells
take on a brown color, and have a slightly bitter taste. The greatest injury arises
through the cracks which are frequently found in the older patches, which allow other
fungi, like the fruit-rot, to work their way in. So it frequently happens that the rot
accompanies the scab. The cladosporium or scab fungus causes the fruit to shrivel, in
severe attacks.
‘“‘ Here in central Iowa I have observed this scab upon the following varieties; Speer,
Chippeway, Cheney, De Soto, Rollingstone, Maquoketa (Fig. 11), Pottawattamie and
Miner. It appears to be more or less local here, as well as elsewhere in the United
States. A correspondent has sent me a specimens of the fungus on Prunus Americana
grown in Virginia. The disease has also appeared in Canada, but principally on P.
Americana, though in one case Professor Craic received specimens on the Blue Orleans ,
(P. domestica), from Toronto. It is destructive, as he informs me, on Manitoba yellow
plum, Cheney, Rollingstone, De Soto and Speer. The disease did not appear, accord-
ing to Mr. Craia, in Canada on the Central Experimental Grounds last year. Here at
Ames it has not appeared on Prunus domestica, but in addition to the above, it is
’ foundon P. Spinosa. It has become a very destructive fungus on sour cherry (Pru-
nus cerasus), damage amounting from 2 to 25 per cent. The disease is undoubtedly on
the increase.”
Fra. 11.—Fruit scab. Nataral size.
A fruit spot (Fig. 12) has been sent me by T. V
Munson, Denison, Texas, on the Golden Beauty.
The disease is said to be serious in some years. It
does not injure the fruit greatly except to distigure it
and to render it unmarketable. J submitted the speci-
mens to Prof. J. E. Humpurey of the Massachusetts
Agricultural college, who found the disease to be a
phoma, but the exact species could not be determined.
It is, no doubt, somewhat allied to the black-rot of the
grape, and the treatment used for grapes should be
tried upon the plum; and a similar treatment is
advised for the fruit-scab shown in Fig. 11.
Hid. 1 SPriit Apot: There are no data for détermining the extent of
Natural size. the native plum industry, but it is safe to say that it
is much more important than anyone, except those immediately concerned,
a
ie
W4 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
has known. There are large areas of the country in which the common
or Domestica plums do not succeed, either because of too great cold, too
great heat, or the serious ravages of the shot-hole fungus. In nearly all
of these areas there are native varieties which succeed. The natives are
inferior in size and flavor to the common plums, but it must be remem-
bered that the native plum industry is in its infancy, and that great
results should not yet be expected. It is rather a matter of wonder that the
present results have been attained with the expenditure of so little effort.
The great variation in almost every direction in the existing varieties, and’
the fact that they spring from three or four distinct species, augur well
for the future; while the facts that they find ready sale in the markets,*
and that many people make their cultivation profitable, are encourage-
ments to present effort.
II. THE CHERRIES.
J]. THe Sanp on Dwarr CuHeErries.—(Figs. 13 and 14).—The dwarf
sand cherry has often attracted attention as a meritorious fruit. In 1867,
A. S. FULLER
published an
important ac-
count of it and
recommend ed
its cultivation
for fruit. - In
1889, Professor
C. E. BrEssEy
called the at-
tention of the American
Pomological society to it
as “a promising new fruit
from the plains” of Ne-
braska. ‘It is only within
the last two or three
years, however, that the -
sand cherry has come
into actual cultivation for
its fruit, although as an
ornamental plant it has
een sold many years.
Professor C. A. Kerrer described it last July in a bulletin of the South
Dakota experiment station, and a little later Professor GREEN of Minnesota
did the same. Both men have grown it, and have found it to be variable
and promising. In South Dakota plants set three years bore heavily the
second and third years. The “fruit begins to ripen the first week in
August. The cherries on most of the bushes were ripe by August 20,
and some few last into September, showing a season of from four to six
weeks in a seedling plantation. Classifying roughly according to the fruit,
Fre. 13.—Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila). Natural size.
** And as for the Wild Goose plum, it is the best we have here. There have been shipped from here
as many as 600 boxes of this variety ih a single day, and have sold in the Chicago markets at the enormous
price of $2 per one-third-bushe! box, or $6 per bushel.—J. R. Logan, Duquoin, Ill., in Green’s Fruit
Grower, July, 1891. Mr. Kerr sold Wild Goose readily in 1889 for 65 to 80 cents for 10-pound baskets: and °
im 1891 for 40 to 50 cents.
* CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 245
we find yellow and black fruited sorts. The yellow fruited sorts, as a class
are earlier than the blacks, and of rather better flavor. They are greenish,
yellow when fully ripe, and vary in size, the largest being about the size
of a medium Early Richmond cherry.” The fruits vary greatly in flavor,
some being entirely worthless, while others were acceptable for some
<ulinary purposes. “ While of little value when the quality of the fruit is
considered, it would seem that these dwarf cherries should give rise to a
race especially adapted to the northwest. They have withstood all the dry
weather of the past three years without injury, and they have been covered
with bloom for two seasons, though unprotected during the winter. Pro-
fessor GREEN, in Minnesota, has “fruit varying in color from quite light
red to almost black, and in form from round-oblate to oval. The largest
fruit we have is oval with three-fourths inch and five-eighths inch diameters
while one other is round and eleven-sixteenths of an inch in diameter; this
is nearly as large as the Early Richmond cherry. The quality varies
greatly, some being a mild not dis-
agreeable sub-acid, others insipid, \\.
-and still others very astringent. 3 YU f,
When cooked it makes a nice | \ Wile
sauce. The period of ripening \ JW
varies from July 24 to August 15.
A peculiarity of the plant is that Ss
all the fruit on any plant is ripe at nearly
the same time and can all be gathered at
one picking. I consider this cherry not
only of prospective value for its fruit, but N
of immediate value as a hardy shrub.” I
have been familiar with the sand cherry
for many years, both wild and when trans-
ferred to the garden. .It is very abundant
on the sand dunes of lake Michigan, where
it makes a shrub from five to ten feet high
and bears very profusely of variable fruits.
Some of these natural varieties are large,
sweet, and palatable and at once suggest an yg. 14. Prunus cuneata. Natural size.
effort to ameliorate them. Professor Bupp
and others suggest its use as a dwarf stock for cherries, while it is found
to grow well, for a time, at least, upon the peach. Finally, CHARLES E.
PEnNOocK of Bellvue, Colorado, is introducing the Improved Dwarf Rocky
Mountain cherry, a description and history of which follow. I am
particularly gratified to report this fruit because I remember with great
distinctness that a “ Rocky Mountain cherry” grew in my father’s yard
from my earliest boyhood. Pits were brought by a friend from Pike’s
Peak in an early day. As the western botanies do not mention any dwarf
cherry, I have always been puzzled over this friend of my earlier years.
Mr. Pennock describes his cherry as follows:
_“T have never seen a bush more than four feet high. They should be planted about
eight feet apart, as they grow on the ground. The first I ever saw or heard of was in
1878. I was making and floating railroad ties down the Cache la Poudré river, in the
mountains, about eight miles from my present farm. I thought at that time they were
the most valuable fruit I ever saw growing wild. I got a start of these cherries, and
have been improving them by planting seed (pits) of the best fruit. They vary some-
what in size, flavor, and season of ripening, and are capable of great improvement. I
have known only one bush that was not good in my experience with it. We have
246 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
nearly all kinds of fruit, but we like the cherry to eat out of hand when fully ripe better
than any of its season. It ripens a month later than Morello—in fact, I picked them
off the bushes and exhibited at our county fair September 23, 24, and 28, where they
attracted a great deal of attention. [I have learned since I have had these
cherries that other residents of the county had them in their gardens more than twenty
years ago, and have them yet, so I do not claim to be the discoverer of them, but I
believe I am the first to improve them and make their value known tothe public. They
are very scarce in their wild state here. There are two kinds of them, one that grows
outside the mountains in the foot-hills, and is in every way inferior to the one that
grows near the bank of the Cache la Poudré river. There are not 2,000 of these cherries
of mine in existence. I could sell wagon loads of these cherries at 10 cents per quart.
I have kept 200 of the young trees. which I intend to send to responsible parties who
desire them for testing. The young trees I have are one year from seed. I have had
them loaded down at two years of age from seed. They have never failed to bear fruit
every year; late frosts never affect them; they are entirely hardy, having endured 40
degrees below zero without injury; ripen when all others are gone; would grace any
lawn when in blossom; are easier pitted than other cherries.”
Thus far, all appears to be simple enough; but if we begin to inquire
into the species of these cherries we find great difficulty, for it is plain
that two and perhaps even three species are passing as Prunus pumila.
Propagators have long recognized two well marked types of sand or dwarf —
cherry. The commonest species is the one shown, natural size, in Fig. 13.
It grows along rivers and sandy or rocky coasts, from northern Maine (and
probably from Newfoundland) to Washington, and perhaps even further
south, and ranges westward to the great lakes and Manitoba. I do not know
if it grows on the sea shore, but aside from a specimen from Aroostook
county, Maine, I have not seen it from New England. It is a prostrate
or decumbent shrub, the roughish dark branches ascending in a straggling
manner three or four feet, or sometimes twice that height. The flowers
are rather small, with narrow petals. The leaves are long and pointed
(nearly linear at flowering time), varying from oblanceolate to nearly
obovate-lanceolate, or sometimes lanceolate, rather thick and firm and
prominently veined, especially beneath, terminating usually in a sharp
point and bearing on the upper half short but sharp teeth which, however,
are usually smaller than shown in Fig. 13. This species is very variable.
The form upon lake Michigan is characterized by very long and willow-
like leaves, and broad-leaved forms occur in other places. Nurserymen take
advantage of its straggling habit by grafting it upon standard stocks for
the purpose of making a weeping tree. It is sometimes sold as Cerasus
pumila. <A variety variegata of this weeping tree is catalogued, but I
have not seenit. Thesand cherry is the plant which Linnzus meant to
designate by his Prunus pumila. It is the plant, apparently, which the
experiment stations of South Dakota and Minnesota have described, and it
is the one which has been advised as a dwarf stock for cherries.
Another and much rarer cherry is the one shown in Fig. 14, and for
which I have used Rafinesque’s name Prunus cuneata. It grows near
lakes and about bogs, mostly in wet or stiff soil, and is often found on
hills and low mountains. I have seen it from New Hampshire, Massa-
chusetts, Rhode Island, New York (Ithaca), New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. It is an erect or even strict
shrub with smooth, light-colored branches, growing from two to four feet
high. The flowers are large with broad petals, and usually stand out
squarely upon somewhat curved stems. The leaves are shor! and usually
blunt, obovate, spatulate or when full grown sometimes elliptic-ovate and
becoming more or less pointed, thin and inconspicuously veined, the teeth
few and the points appressed. This cherry is in cultivation as an orna-
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 247
mental plant under the name of Prunus pumila. Ido not know that it
has been suggested as a fruit plant.
Professor Porter of Easton, Pennsylvania, one of the most critical
observers of our eastern flora, writes as follows concerning these dwarf
cherries: ‘‘We have two forms of dwarf cherry, very diverse in habit.
One [ P. pumila | grows on the islands and flats of the Delaware, which
are composed of gravel and cobblestone drift washed bare by the floods,
and are treeless. Here it grows, sending out on all sides strong prostrate
branches, often as thick as a man’s arm, which form flat patches six feet
or more in diameter. The branches are so close together that they hold
the fine sand and mud and create low mounds or hillocks, and in the
proper season the spaces between them are black with the fruit. The
other [ P. cwneata | occurs in southeastern Pennsylvania on the borders of
swamps and remote from river bottoms. It is strictly erect and attains
the height of four feet. It is so unlike the type that I have been inclined
to regard it as a,uew species.” On the dunes along lake Michigan
Prunus pumila grows more erect than those described by Professor
Porter, but they always have a prostrate base over which the sand drifts.
P. cuneata grows at Ithaca in a dryish hill swamp, and it wholly lacks
the habit and appearance of the common species.
The third dwarf cherry is the Rocky mountain plant to which I have
already referred, and evidently the same as the one which Professor
Bessey has described from the plains of Nebraska. This plant is not
mentioned in the Rocky mountain botanies, although there can be no
doubt that it is wild in Colorado and Utah. Dr. C. C. Parry collected it
in eastern Colorado in 1867, and apparently the same was found some-
where in the Rocky mountains, presumably in Colorado, in 1888, by S. M.
Tracy. A. S. FuLLer also mentions it in the article to which I have
already referred. He obtained the seeds from Utah. As compared with
Prunus pumila, he found this Utah cherry to be “more erect, none of the
branches trailing as in the species.” GIPSON speaks of the native wild
Colorado dwarf cherry as bearing a fruit “especially valuable for pies
and preserves, and is often pleasant to eat from the hand. It is wonder-
fully productive, and will survive all changes and vicissitudes of the
most exacting climate.” It is interesting to-find that this plant was col-
lected so long ago as 1839 by GryErR, in NICOLLET’s famous expedition,
being found on “arid sandy hillsides of the upper Missouri.”
The affinity of this western plant is with Prunus pumila, but it differs
from that species, and I am inclined to regard it as a distinct botanical
variety, if not, indeed, a distinct species. It is a low, straggling, more or
less prostrate plant, the tops rising only a foot or two in the plains form,
the flowers small, the leaves much like those of P. pwmila except that they
are much shorter (1 to 2 in. long) and spatulate or elliptic when fully
grown, the fruit large upon short stems. This plant is so little known
‘that I do not venture to give ita name. Growing in our garden, it has
more the aspect and light color of P. cuneata, but its thick and pointed
leaves appear to distinguish it from that species. It lacks entirely the
wand-like and willowy character of Prunus pumila; but this species is so
variable and so little understood that it would be unsafe to separate the
western plant from it upon our present evidence. We are growing this
western cherry, as also Prunus pumila and P. cuneata, from various
sources and shall probably soon be able to determine its botanical
position.
248 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The sand or dwarf cherries, therefore, are three, all of which are in
cultivation; Prunus pumila, the true sand cherry grown for fruit and
ornament; Prunus cuneata, grown for ornament; the sand cherry of the
plains and the Rocky’ mountains, grown locally in Nebraska and now
introduced from Colorado as the Improved Dwarf Rocky mountain cherry.
Finally, it may be said that the sand plum is a form of the Chickasaw plum
as we have already found.
2. “Uran Hyprip Cuerry.’—Under this name there has come into
cultivation an anomalous fruit, the history and botanical characters of
which I am unable to trace. It is usually referred by the nurserymen to
Prunus pumila, but the specimens which I have seen do not belong to
that species. In fact, as grown by Mr. Kerr, it is a plum, with a stone
very like that of the Marianna, and the catalogue cut of the fruit shows a
short-stemmed and sutured plum. There are two varieties in cultivation,
the black and red. These are described as follows by the Heikes nur-
series of Dayton, Ohio, which was one of the first to grow them:
“Utah Hybrid Cherry, black.—This is an improved variety of the
Dwarf or Mountain cherry of Utah. The fruit is about one inch in
diameter, nearly round; color dark purple, with a delicate bloom, juicy,
pleasant, and sweet; slightly astringent if the skin is pressed too closely.
The bush is very dwarfish, but vigorous and prolific. This fruit has the
merit of being something entirely distinct from anything cultivated in the
way of fruits heretofore. The fruit is exceedingly beautiful; the tree is
hardy enough to withstand the severest winters, and begins to bear the
first year after planting.
“ Utah Hybrid Cherry, red.—This is a dwarf variety, evidently belong-
ing to the Chickasaw class, and while it has some merit as a novelty, it is
not nearly equal to the above.”
SamvuEL MIuueEr of Bluffton, Mo., informs me that he obtained the Utah
Hybrid cherry over ten years ago from Nebraska. The Phoenix nursery
company of Bloomington, IIl., “have been propagating it for many years,”
to supply the spontaneous demand for it, but the company writes me that
it ‘can not recommend it,” and that “the fruit is rather small, of dark
purplish red color, and is merely a skin drawn over a pit.” The plant sold
by the Phoenix company is a slender under-shrub with elliptic-lanceolate
prominently nerved and pointed leaves which are sharply serrate through-
out, and which can not be referred to any form of Prunus pumila with
which I am acquainted. The tree grown by Mr. Kerr has the half-weep-
ing habit of a Morello cherry, and the leaves are also very like those of
the Morello. The flowers are borne in short-stalked umbels upon wand-
like twigs, and they suggest, as do also the leaves, an approach to Prunus
maritima, the beach plum. The original Utah Hybrid which Mr. Kerr
planted, he tells me, had fruit about the size of BasseTT’s American, but
which ripened earlier than that plum. The present tree, described above,
is a seedling of it, but this seedling has larger fruit—as big asa large
Napoleon cherry — which is later than the Bassett, and the tree is less
dwarf.. He considers the Utah hybrid an inferior fruit.
3. Prunus sERoTINA, the Wild Black or Rum cherry. This well-known
cherry, the wood of which is often used for cabinet work and house finish-
ings, is planted for forestry purposes, as an ornamental tree, and sparingly
for its fruit. Infusions of the bark are used for medicinal purposes and
the fruit is often used in the manufacture of cherry brandy or as a flavor
torum. Occasional trees bear fruit of unusual size and attractiveness.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 249
As an ornamental plant the wild black cherry possesses decided merits in
its attractive habit, clean, shining foliage, striking white racemes, and
handsome fruit. There are several cultivated varieties: pendula, a weep-
ing form, worked standard high; variegata, with the leaves more or less
discolored with yellow; Golden-Leaf, found wild by Jackson Dawson of
the Arnold Arboretum, and somewhat disseminated, and probably essen-
tially the same as variegata; carthagena, with small short-elliptic or
ovate-elliptic leaves. Prunus serotina ranges through the eastern and
southern states as far west as Kansas.
Prunus PENNSyLvANICcA, the Bird, Wild Red, Pigeon, or Pin cherry, is
occasionally cultivated for ornament, although it is not so well known as
its merits deserve. It sprouts badly, afeature which no doubt discourages
its dissemination. The species has been lately recommended as a stock
for the common orchard cherries. Professor Bupp says that ‘when top-
worked or crown-grafted with vigorous-growing sorts it does not appear to
have any reserve material to waste in sprouts. We have trees of the Early
Richmond and Dyehouse in the state which have not shown a sprout on
this stock for twelve years.” The union with the orchard cherries, both
sweet and sour, appears to be good as arule, and the species certainly
possesses promise as a cheap and hardy stock. The fruit is sometimes
used in the preparation of cough mixtures. It is generally distributed
throughout the northern half of the Union from the Atlantic to Colorado.
5. Prunus Virarniana, the Choke cherry, is cultivated for ornament. It
is scarcely inferior for that purpose to its Old World congener, the true
_ Bird Cherry (Prunus Padus), although its flowers are somewhat smaller
than in that species, and they are also a few days earlier. If grown asa
lawn tree where a symmetrical development can be secured, the Choke
cherry, both in bloom and in fruit, is an attractive object. Although
rarely more than a large tree-like bush, the choke cherry is often con-
founded with the Wild Black cherry, but it is readily distinguished by
the very sharp small teeth of the leaves. The fruit of the Choke cherry
is commonly red, but amber-fruited plants are occasionally found. This
cherry has been mentioned as worthy of attention as a fruit plant, but the
fact that none of the racemose cherries (those bearing their flowers in
long clusters), have given marked results in this direction, indicates that
efforts toward amelioration of the fruit are likely to meet with discourge-
ment. The Choke cherry is generally distributed east of the Rocky
mountains.
6. Prunus DEmissa, the Western Choke cherry, was introduced in 1881
as an ornamental plant by Epwarp GILLETT, Southwick, Mass. Its
merits as a cultivated plant are not yet well known. It is much like the
Choke cherry, but more variable in stature and apparently in bétanical
characters. It occurs from Nebraska to the Pacific coast, extending the
length of Calfornia and Oregon.
7. PRuNUS ILIcIFOLIA, the “Islay” of southern California and western
Arizona, was introduced to cultivation last year by C. R. Orcutt of San
Diego, California. It is a pleasing ornamental plant with holly-like ever-
green leaves (whence the name ilicifolia), and a small astringent reddish
fruit. In its wild state it reaches a height of 10 or 15 feet. Its merits
for cultivation in eastern lawns are yet to be determined.
8. Prunus CaRouiniaANa, the Cherry Laurel, Wild Orange, Mock
Orange, or wild peach of the southern states, is in cultivation in the south
as a small ornamental tree, and as a hedge plant. The leaves are long,
32
250 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
thick and glossy, and are evergreen. The white flowers are borne in
small racemes, which are shorter than the leaves. The small black fruit
soon becomes dry and is not edible. The species grows wild along rivers
from North Carolina to Florida and Texas.
REVIEW.
I, PLUMS.
1. The native plum industry dates from the dissemination of the Wild
Goose some forty years ago. It is only within the last decade, however,
that this industry has assumed great importance.
2. Five species and one botanical variety of native plums are now in
cultivation for their fruits. 140 named varieties are described in the preced-
ing pages, very many of which are wild varieties transferred to cultivation,
3. Nearly all the commercial varieties belong to three species—Prunus
Americana, P. hortulana and P. angustifolia. These species grow wild
in regions east of the Rocky mountains.
4. Prunus Americana grows the furtherest north of any of the native
plums, and its varieties are the hardiest of any. The species also grows so
far south as northern Mexico. The range of adaptability of its varieties
may therefore be assumed to be very great. The species is naturally
variable, and is therefore attractive to the horticulturist.
5. The fruit of Prunus Americana is firm and meaty, usually somewhat
compressed or flattened, often marked by a distinct suture, dull in color
which ranges through various shades of red and purple to an ill defined
and blotched orange. The skin is thick and tough, often acerb, and
covered witl a pruinose bloom. The stone is large and more or less
flattened and winged, and is sometimes nearly or quite free, and the sur-
face is either slightly pitted or perfectly smooth.
6. Forty-five varieties are referred to Prunus Americana in the preced-
ing lists. The most popular of these are Cheney, Deep Creek, De Soto,
Forest Garden, Itaska, Louisa, Purple Yosemite, Quaker, Rollingstone,
Weaver, Wolf. The Americana varieties succeed best, on the whole, in the
northern states of the Mississipi valley, as in Wisconsin, lowa, and Min-
nesota. Some of them, however, are successfully grown in Texas, and on
the Atlantic slope so far south as 37° or 38°.
7. Prunus hortulana grows wild in the Mississippi valley from northern
Illinois to Arkansas, extending eastward into Kentucky and Tennessee
and possibly further, and in the southwest spreading over a large area of
Texas. WIt is naturally variable and has given many important cuitivated
. varieties. It has never been recognized as a distinct species until this
year. There are two or three distinct types represented in the species, one
of which—the Miner group—appears to possess some radical points of
difference form the typical representatives of the species.
8. The fruit of Prunus hortulana is firm and juicy, spherical or spher-
ical-oblong, never flattened, and in color ranges through several shades of
bright red to clear pure yellow. The skin is thin, often marked with small
dots, and is usually covered with a thin bloom. The stone always clings;
it is comparatively small, rough, turgid, sometimes prolonged at the ends,
but is never prominently wing-margined.
9. The Wild Goose is the best known of the native plums, although its
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 251
quality is not high. This popularity is due to its productiveness, earli-
ness, beauty, good shipping qualities, and to the circumstance that it was
early introduced to cultivation. This variety is grown from Iowa, Michi-
gan, and New York to Georgia and Texas.
10. The Wild Goose group of plums, as a whole, is well suited to the
middle latitudes. The most prominent members of the group are Golden
Beauty, Indian Chief, Missouri Apricot, Moreman, Wayland, and Wild
Goose.
11. The Miner group differs from the Wiid Goose or true Hortulana
group by dull and comparatively thick leaves which are conspicuously
veiny below and irregularly coarsely toothed and more or less obovate in
outline, and by a rather late and very firm fruit and a flat and nearly or
quite smooth stone. The varieties are all much alike. Ina wild state,
this form of native plum probably grows from Illinois to Tennessee and
Arkansas.
12. Ten varieties are referred to the Miner group, of which the most
prominent is the Miner. This variety was the first native plum to receive
a name from horticulturists. Its history runs ‘back to 1814. Seventy
years ago it was known as Old Hickory and General Jackson. Next to the
Wild Goose, the Miner is the best known of the native plums. It is hardy
in northern Illinois and is popular in the central and some of the southern
states.
13. The Chickasaw plums are characterized by slender, spreading and
zigzag growth, comparatively small lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate con-
duplicate (or trough-like) leaves which are shining and closely and finely
serrate, and by a nearly red or yellow soft stringy fleshed fruit which is
more or less dotted, and a clinging broad roughish stone. In a wild state,
the Chickasaw plum is usually thorny and the thorns persist in a few cul-
tivated varieties. The species grows wild from southern Delaware to Flor-
ida and westward to Kansas and Texas.
14. The most important varieties of Chickasaw plum are Caddo Chief,
Jennie Lucas, Lone Star, Newman, Pottawattamie, Robinson, and Yellow
Transparent. The Newman is the most generally known and this is hardy
in central New York. The Chickasaws are best adapted to the. central
and southern states. Many of them are not hardy in Michigan and New
York.
15. The Marianna and DeCaradeuc constitute a distinct class or group
of plums, and the Hattie is evidently allied to them. They are to be asso-
ciated with the myrobalan plum. DeCaradeuc is probably myrobalan,
and Marianna appears to be a hybrid. The history of the myrobalan is
obscure, but it is clearly of Old World origin. It is largely used as a stock,
and there are varieties grown for fruit.
16. The Marianna has assumed great importance because of its use as a
stock for many plums and allied fruits. Its merits are the ease with which
it grows from cuttings, and the facility with which it unites with other
species.
17. The beach plum or Prunus maritima, of the Atlantic coast, is in cul-
tivation both for ornament and for fruit. As a fruit plant it is represented
only in Bassett’s American, a fruit of little value.
18. The Pacific wild plum, Prunus subcordata, was introduced to cul-
tivation in 1889, as a possible fruit plant, but its merits are not yet
determined.
19. Hybrids appear to occur between the Wild Goose and the peach. J.
252 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
W. Kerr of Maryland, has produced such a hybrid, and the so-called
Blackman plum appears to be another.
20. Some varieties of native plums, notably Wild Goose and Miner, are
not fertile with themselves, and this fact has undoubtedly retarded the
progress of native plum culture. This infertility is due to comparative
impotency of pollen upon flowers of the same variety rather than to any
stractural imperfection in the flowers themselves.
21. This infertility is avoided by mixed planting, by means of which
foreign pollen is supplied to the impotent varieties. Care should be taken
to associate varieties which bloom at the same time, and with this precau-
tion the ordinary mixed or alternate planting, at usual distances, appears
to be successful.
22. The best stocks for native plums are probably seedlings of the same
species, although they grow well, as a rule, upon related species, and even
upon the peach in some instances. Perhaps the most popular stock at
present is the Marianna, because of its habit of growing readily from cut-
tings, and so far it appears to have given satisfaction. The Chickasaw
and Hortulana types succeed well upon the peach. Chickasaw stocks
sprout so badly that they are in disfavor. In the north, Americana stocks
are popular for all the varieties which succeed there.
23. As to the best varieties, there is a great difference of opinion. In
the northernmost states the Americana class is most reliable, although
some of the Hortulanas succeed. For the south the Chickasaws are
numerous and popular. The Hortulanas occupy an intermediate position.
24. The native plums are in most regions comparatively free from insect
abuses. Although there are no curculio-proof plums, the curculio does
less damage to the native varieties than to the common or Domestica types.
25. Among diseases, a mysterious blight and the peach-rosette are
prominent in the south. A fruit-scab and fruit-spot also occur. The
septoria or shot-hole fungus—which causes the serious shedding of leaves
in the Domestica plums—does little damage upon the natives. The black-
knot, brown fruit-rot, and plum-pockets are other diseases which the
grower will be likely to meet.
26. As a whole, the native plum industry has made astonishing progress
and it has already assumed large proportions. It is certain to occupy a
large place in future American horticulture.
II. CHERRIES.
27. Eight and perhaps ten species of fative cherries are in cultivation.
Of these, three are grown for fruit, and all but one or two are cultivated
for ornament. None of the species have gained much prominence under
cultivation, however. Most of them are of comparatively recent
introduction.
98. The so-called dwarf or sand cherries are much confused, and two,
perhaps three species, are passing as Prunus pumila. (a) The true P.
pumila, or sand chérry, is a low straggling shrub, growing along rivers
and coasts from Maine to Pennsylvania and Manitoba. It has long thick
leaves, and produces cherries of variable size, color, and quality. Some of
these varieties give great promise as garden fruits, and they are already
under test at experiment stations. The plant is also being tested as a stock
for dwarf cherries. (b) P. cwneata is a slender upright shrub with larger
flowers and shorter obtuse spatulate or obovate thin leaves growing in
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 253
cooler lands from New England to North Carolina and Minnesota. It is
in cultivation as an ornamental plant under the name of Prunus pumila.
(c) The representative of P. pwmila upon the plains of Nebraska and in
the Rocky mountains is a very low plant with short thick leaves and large
short-stemmed fruit, the botanical position of which is yet unknown. It
is now in cultivation as the Improved Dwarf Rocky Mountain cherry.
29. The Utah Hybrid cherry is a fruit of uncertain value and doubtful
affinity. Two varieties, the black and red, are in cultivation. It probably
comes from some part of the western plains or the Rocky mountain region,
but its wild prototype is not known.
30. Other native cherries in cultivation are: Prunus serotina, the Wild
Black cherry; P. Pennsylvanica; the Bird, Pin, or Wild Red cherry; P.
Virgimiana, the Choke cherry; P. demissa, the Western Choke cherry;
P. ilicifolia, the Islay of the Pacific slope; P. Caroliniana, Cherry-
Laurel or Mock Orange of the southern states.
L. H. Barney.
THE PEAR TREE PSYLLA.
The pear tree has heretofore suffered less from the attacks of insects
than other extensively grown fruits like the apple, plum, and others.
Recently, however, a minute insect known as the pear-tree psylla, Psylla
pyricola, has inflicted such severe losses upon pear-yrowers that it threat-
ens to seriously interfere with the successful cultivation of this fruit.
During 1891, pear-growers, in restricted localities in quite widely sepa-
rated portions of this and of neighboring states, lost thousands of dollars’
worth of fruit and many valuable trees through the ravages of this pest
which suddenly appeared in enormous numbers early in the season. The
pear orchard of Dr. Jabez Fisuer, Fitchburg, Mass., was seriously injured;
Cor Brothers, Meriden, Conn., had two orchards devastated by the pest.
In New York state, orchards in the eastern, central, and western portions
suffered. On West Hill, near Ithaca, Tompkins county, several orchards
were severely attacked, some of the trees ultimately dying; Mr. H. 5.
WriauHt’s orchard promised six hundred bushels of fruit, but less than
fifty bushels matured, and but few trees made any growth. A severe attack
prevailed at Menands, Albany county. Mr. G. T. PowELL, an extensive
fruitgrower in Ghent, Columbia county, states that the insects reduced
his pear crop from an estimated yield of twelve hundred barrels to an
actual yield of less than one hundred barrels of marketable fruit; the trees
made but little growth and several were killed; his trees have been notice-
ably losing vitality for two or three years, due, no doubt, to the unsus-
254 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
pected attacks of this pest. These facts must convince the pear-growers,
of New York state especially, where the insect seems to have obtained the
strongest foothold, that they have to fear a very serious pest. Although
very insignificant individually, this enemy becomes formidable and very
destructive when the conditions are favorable for its reproduction in
countless numbers.
THE PAST HISTORY OF THIS PEST.
The pest is an old offender; and its recorded history in this country
shows that it has been present for many years in or near most of the local-
ities above noticed. The insect was probably first introduced into this
country upon young pear trees imported from Europe in 1832 by Dr. Ovip
Puume of Salisbury, Conn. Dr. PLumpB first noticed the insect in 1833;
and during the next five years he lost several hundred trees from its rav-
ages. By 1848, when the pest was first brought to the notice of an ento-
mologist, Dr. Harris, it had spread into Massachusetts and into Dutchess
and Columbia counties in New York. In 1879. W. S. Barnarp observed
the pest in destructive numbers at Ithaca and at Saratoga, N. Y
The earliest record we have of its appearance further west is in 1871
when Dr. LeBaron recorded a severe attack upon young pear trees in
Illinois. Mr. E. A. Schwarz has found the insect in Michigan. Prof.
J. B. SmiruH of New Jersey has been unable to find it in that state, and
we have no record of its occurrence further south.
It is thus seen that the pest is quite widely distributed over the north-
eastern portion of the United States and has reached the Mississippi valley
in its westward progress. The severe outbreak of 1891 indicates that the |
insect has been increasing in numbers. It has apparently reached a point
in New York state, at least, where it only awaits favorable opportunities,
in meteorological conditions possibly, to repeat its ravages of last year in
unexpected localities. Pear-growers should be watchful and prepared to
fight it early in the season. ;
ITS CLASSIFICATION.
This pear pest is one of the true bugs belonging to the sub-order
Homoptera, family Psyllidae, commonly known as jumping plant-lice
from the leaping habit of the adult. Their general name, Psylla, is the
Greek word meaning a flea. The Psyllid fauna of Europe comprises more
than one hundred and fifty described species and has been thoroughly
studied. Dr. Franz Low of Vienna added much to our knowledge of the
classification of this group and he has described the life history and habits
of several species. Dr. E. Wirnaczit of Vienna has written exhaustively
on the anatomy of the family.
In the United States but little attention has been paid to the Psyllidae,
and less than twenty species have thus far been recognized.
Three species of Psylla infest the pear tree in EKurope—pyrisuga,
pyricola, and pyri; pyrisuga does the most damage, and pyri is com-
paratively rare. We have, as yet, no native species of Psylia feeding on
the pear tree. Our pest, Psylla pyricola, although it was observed in
this country in 1833, received its name in Europe fifteen years later, or
about the time Dr. Harris’ attention was called to it here. Previous to
1848, European writers had referred to the species. as Psylla pyri, not
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 295
distinguishing it from that species; and nearly all of our entomologists
have written of it under this name. Psylla pyricola sometimes attacks the
apple tree in Europe, but it seems to confine its attacks to the pear in
this country.
INDICATIONS OF ITS PRESENCE.
Among the first indications that pear-growers, who suffered from this
pest in 1891, had of its presence was the noticeably lessened vitality of
their trees early in the season. Old trees, especially, put forth but little
new growth. Where new growth started, in many cases, the shoots began
to droop and wither in May as if from a loss of sap. A little later, whole
trees put on a sickly appearance; the leaves turned yellow and the fruit
grew but little. By midsummer nearly all the leaves and half-formed fruit
fell from many trees; this fact suggested the design on the title page of
this bulletin.
Another peculiar phase of the attack was the immense quantities of a
sweet water-like fluid called honey-dew which covered the twigs, branches,
and truuks of the trees. In some instances it appeared in such quantities
that it literally rained from the trees upon the vegetation beneath; in cul-
tivating the orchard the back of the horse and the harness often became
covered with the sticky substance dropping from the trees; in gathering
what little fruit matured the hands and clothing would become smeared
with the sticky fluid. This honey-dew appears on the trees soon after
the leaves expand and is found throughout the season. It attracts
thousands of ants, bees, and wasps which feed uponit. If copious showers
fall during the early part of the season much of this honey-dew is washed
off, making it less noticeable.
At first the honey-dew is clear like water, but soon a black substanc
appears and, spreading rapidly all through it, gives it a disgusting blackish
appearance as if the trees were covered with smoke from a factory. This
black growth is a fungus, Fumago salicina, which grows luxuriantly within
the honey-dew, but does not attack the tree. It forms, however, with
the honey-dew, a coating which must close many of the breathing pores
of the tree and thus materially affect its healthy growth. Many trees
appeared as though treated with a thin coat of black paint.
The attention of the entomological department of this station was first
called to the pest by Mr. H. S. Wriacut, Ithaca, N. Y., in the latter part
of November, 1891; or not until the insect had done its damage for the
season. A visit to’ his orchard a few days later revealed a most deplorable
state of affairs. The whole orchard appeared as though a fire had swept:
quickly through it and scorched the trees, blackening the trunks, large
branches, and the smallest twigs; both young and old trees of dwarf and
standard varieties had been attacked, the Bartlett and Duchess varieties
suffering the most; most of the trees had made little or no new growth dur-
the season, and many buds were then dead. Neighboring orchards were
similarly affected; and Mr. G. T. Powrtt reported that his orchards at
Ghent, N. Y., presented a similar appearance. Several trees in some
orchards died before spring.
Although the indications of the presence of some enemy is thus so
conspicuous, the depredator is an insect so small as to be easily overlooked.
256 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
THE APPEARANCE OF THE INSECT.
The immature wsect.—Fig. 2.— These curious minute, oval, imma-
ture forms are called nymphs. When first hatched they are of a
translucent yellow color, and hardly visible to the unaided eye; eighty of
them placed end to end would scarcely measure an inch. They increase
in size quite rapidly and undergo gradual changes in color and
form until they measure .055 of an inch in length and .045 of an
inch diameter; the natural size is indicated by the hair line at the
right of the figure. These full grown nymphs are oval in
shape, and of a general blackish color often tinged with red; the
eyes are of a bright crimson’color. A very conspicuous feature is the
large black wing pads on each side of the
body. The whole body is very much flat-
tened, being only one fifth as thick as long.
The adult insect—From the full-grown
nymph, the change is to the adult insect.
In this form the pest strikingly resembles
a cicada or dog-day harvest fly in minia-
ture. It would take nine or ten of them
placed end to end and about forty placed side
. by side to measure an inch; the hair line be-
side the figure indicates the natural size of an
adult. From the wide blunt head, the body
tapers considerably to the sexual organs at the
caudal end. When the insect is at rest, its
two pairs of large, nearly transparent wings Fie. 2—Full grown nymph, ventral
slope roof-like over the sides of the body. TN es ae ae
The general color is crimson with broad black bands across the abdomen’
The legs have thickened femurs to aid the insect in leaping. The sexes
are easily distinguished; in the male (Fig. 5) the abdomen terminates ina -
large trough-shaped segment from which project upward three narrow
organs used in copulation; the end of the abdomen of a female (Fig. 6)
resembles a bird’s beak, an upper and a lower pointed plate coming together
and enclosing the egg-sheath between them.
THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE INSECT.
The life history and habits of every insect which becomes of economic
importance should be accurately determined in order to ascertain, if possi-
-ble, the stage when it can be most successfully combated. Observations
upon the habits of the two worst enemies to fruitgrowers, the plum curcu-
ho, Conotrachelus nenuphar and the codlin moth, Carpocapsa pomonella,
revealed peculiar habits which made it practicable to combat them with the
cheapest and most easily applied of the insecticides,—the arsenites. The
adult plum curculio’s habit of feeding upon the fruit and foliage left it
open to attack by the arsenical spray. The eggs of the codlin moth were
found in the apex of the forming fruit soon after the blossoms had fallen;
the fruit then being in an upright position the arsenite lodges in the apex
and is eaten by the newly hatched larva when it attempts to enter the
fruit. A knowledge of the habits of injurious insects will also often ena-
ble the farmer to so manage his land and crops that the insects are placed
under very unfavorable and often destructive conditions. Wheat sown as
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 257
late as it is safe to do so is usually secure from the attacks of the fall
brood of the Hessian fly, Cecidomyia destructor. By harvesting the first
crop of clover for hay early in June, the bulk of the first brood of the
clover-seed midge, Cecidomyia leguminicola, will be. destroyed and the
second crop of seed be thus saved. Fall plowing destroys many cut-worms
and the tender pupz and adults of wireworms which are hibernating.
Many similar instances might be given where a knowledge of the habits
of injurious insects have been of incalculable value to the fruitgrowers and
farmers. In fact, were it not for such observations upon the life histories
of insects, fruitgrowers and farmers would not now be so successfully
fighting many of their insect foes.
Of the life history of the pear psylla but little has been recorded either
in Europe or in this country, although the insect has been known here as
a pest for nearly sixty years. As the attention of this department of the
station was first called to this pest at the beginning of winter, our study
of its life history naturally began with the stage in which the insect was
then hibernating.
Hibernation.—Observers have differed in their statements in regard to
the stage in which this insect passes the winter. Dr. Franz Low, speaking
of the three pear psyllids, sums up the general European opinion on this
point in saying that the adults hibernate and lay their eggs in the spring;
not in the fall and spring as translated in Insect Life, IV, 127. Barnarp,
~~THomAs, and ASHMEAD in this country have doubted that the adults of
Psylla pyricola wait until spring to lay their eggs. Dr. LINTNER says the
winter is passed in the egg state. Some species of Psylla, as P. mali,
appear to pass the winter in the egg state according to the observations of
ScHMIDBERGER and English observers.
An examination of Mr. H. 8S Wricur’s orchard in December, 1891,
revealed a hibernating brood of adults. Notwithstanding the great num-
bers in which the insect had appeared during the summer, comparatively
few of these adults could be found. Most of them were hidden in the
crevices under the loosened bark on the trunk and large limbs of the tree;
a favorite hiding place on some trees was in the cavity formed by the bark
growing about the scar of a severed limb; on account of its being quite
warm at the time, some adults were crawling about on the branches. The
adults were not easily seen as they were so minute and their color so closely
imitated the bark of the tree. Both sexes were found in about equal num-
bers, and an examination of the females in December showed no mature
eggs. The trees were examined several times during the winter; the adults
remained in their hiding places, and none were seen in copulation, nor
were any eggs seen before April 7, 1892. It was thus evident that Psylla
pyricola does not pass the winter in the egg state, but that there is a hiber-
nating brood of adults whose eggs are not laid until spring.
Oviposition of the winter brood.—A few days of warm spring weather
occurred about April 7, 1892, and many of the hibernating adults were
seen in copulation, and a few eggs were also laid. Spring then opened
and by April 18 a majority of the eggs had been deposited. The eggs were
joa in the creases of the bark, or in old leaf scars about the basis of the
: terminal buds of the preceding year’s growth; some
were seen about the side buds near the terminal ones.
f ‘They were usually laid singly but rows of eight or ten
Fia. 4.—Rgg. were sometimes found. The eggs (Fig. 4) are scarcely
visible to the unaided eye; it would take eighty of them placed end to end
33
f
258 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. meee .
to measure an inch. They are elongate pyriform in shape, smooth and
shining, and of a light orange yellow color when first laid, becoming darker
before hatching. A short stalk on the larger end attaches the egg to the
bark, and a long thread-like process projects from the smaller end.
The temperature conditions in the spring influence not only the time of
‘oviposition of the winter brood, but also the duration of the egg stage.
Eggs brought into the warm insectary on April 7 hatched in eleven days.
Other branches containing eggs were tied to trees near by, the end of the
cut branch being kept in a vial of damp sand; these eggs hatched in seven-
teen days. The weather remaining cool, the eggs upon the trees under
natural conditions did not hatch before May 10, or more than a month
after oviposition began. By May 18, most of the eggs had hatched; and
the hibernating adults had disappeared.
Habits of the nymph.—Immediately after emerging from the egg, the
minute nymph seeks a suitable feeding place and is soon at work sucking
the sap with its short beak which appears to arise from between the front
legs. The favorite feeding places of the nymph, and to which their much
flattened bodies are well adapted, are in the axils of the leaf petioles and
stems of the forming fruit. A few nymphs emerged in the spring before
the leaves had expanded; these nymphs crawled into the buds out of sight.
When the axils of the fruit-stems and leaves become full, the nymphs
gather in closely packed clusters about the base of the petioles and stems;
if very numerous they gather on the under side of the leaves along the
mid-rib and often on the petioles of the leaf. The nymphs move about but
very little, sometimes becoming covered with their own honey-dew; if dis-
turbed they crawl about quite rapidly. The only times when the nymphs
seem to stop feeding is during the casting off of their old skin which has
become too small, and which gives place to a new and elastic skin formed
just beneath the old one. At the last moulting of the skin, which occurs
about one month after the nymph’s emergence from the egg, the adult
insect appears.
_ Habits of the adult.—The adult insect has quite different habits from
what it had whena nymph. The strong legs and wings of the adult enable
it to spring up and fly away with surprising quickness upon the slightest
unnatural jar or the near approach of the hand to its resting place. The
hibernating forms, however, are quite sluggish in their movements and are
readily captured when found. The summer forms fly readily from tree to
tree and could easily be borne by winds for long distances, and thus infest
neighboring orchards. The adults are provided with a beak with which |
they feed upon the tissues of the leaves and tender twigs of the tree. They
seem to have no favorite feeding place.
Oviposition of summer broods.—Three or four days after their trans-
formation from the nymph stage, the adults of the spring and summer.
broods copulate and egg-laying begins for another brood. These eggs are
usually laid singly, sometimes several in a row or group, not on the twigs
but on the under side of the tenderest leaves among the hairs near the
midrib, or on the petiole near the leaf; sometimes the female very adroitly
places an egg or two in each notch of the toothed edge of the leaf. The
eggs of the summer broods do not differ from those laid by the hibernating
adult. The summer eggs, however, hatch in from eight to ten days under
the warmer and more even temperature conditions.
Detailed account of a single generation.—A detailed study was made of
the second generation of the pest to ascertain any peculiarities of any of
~
\f
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 259
{
its stages which might be of interest, or of aid in combating the insect.
The breeding was done in the insectary, and field observations were made
to verify the results as far as possible. The cages used consisted simply
of a common lamp chimney set on the surface of the soil in a small flower
pot; the top of the chimney was covered with Swiss muslin and a vial of
water sunken into the soil kept the pear branch fresh for several days.
_ These cheap and simple cages have been found very convenient and useful
in breeding such small insects, or in getting the number of moults of larvae
isolated in them.
The females of the spring brood began to appear about June 10, 1892,
- and many were laying eggs by the 20th. On the 21st, several females
were placed in cages on uninfested pear leaves. Eggs were laid the fol-
lowin& day. When first laid they were tender and easily crushed; but in
a few hours the shell became hard and the egg could be dislodged and
quite roughly handled without injuring it. The shell was found to be
impervious to several oils and weak alkalies. The acids and strong alka-
lies penetrated the shell and killed the embryo. The eggs hatched in from
eight to ten days; a day or two before hatching the crimson eyes of the
embryo could be plainly seen through the shell near the larger end of the
egg.
The nymphs which emerged were oval in form and of a pale translucent. |
yellow color with the abdomen more opaque and darker. The crimson
~-eyes were large and distinct. The curious creatures were scarcely visible
to the unaided eye, measuring only .013 of an inch in length. A slight
constriction of the body marked the beginning of the abdomen which is
fringed with eight or nine long and several short hairs. The wing-pads
were not yet distinguishable. The antenne had but three joints, two short
basal and a long terminal joint tipped with two long bristles. The short
stout legs terminated by minute claws enabled the nymphs to soon find a
suitable feeding place. Several nymphs were immediately transferred to
other cages, only one being placed in each cage. The next day the loca-
tion of the nymph was often readily determined by a globule of honey-dew
several times larger than the little creature which had secreted it. After
feeding thus for six or seven days the nymphs become too large for their
skins which burst open along the middle of the head and back and the
insect crawled forth clothed in a new and elastic skin that had formed
beneath the old one. After thus moulting the nymph usually sought a
new feeding place, leaving its old shriveled skin attached to the globule of
honey-dew it had secreted.
In their second stage the nymphs increased about one third in size, but
were of the same general color except the tips of the antennz which. were
black. There were four joints in the antenne,a division of the third
_ taking place at the moult. The segments of the abdomen were more
distinct and the wing-pads were developing. The nymphs remained in
this stage about four days, when the second moult occurred.
At the third stage the nymphs measured .027 of an inch in length. The
wing-pads were larger and blackish; and the other black markings which
distinguish the full-grown nymphs were faintly outlined. Six or seven
joints were now distinguishable in the antenna, the last three being black.
About three days later, the third moult occurred. The nymphs differed
from those of the third stage in having eight antennal joints; the wing-
pads were larger; the nymphs were .038 of an inch in length; and the eyes
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260 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
had become of a dark crimson hue. In some cases the nymphs in this
stage were yery distinctly marked, differing from the full-grown nymphs
only in having fewer and larger black spots on the thorax. The duration
of this stage was about four days. ,
_ At the fourth moult, the markings which had been faintly visible since
the second moult now came out very distinct. This proved to be the last
nymph stage. The general appearance of the full-grown nymph is
described at Fig. 2. The black markings are represented in figures 1
and 2.
After feeding five or six days, the nymphs moult for the last time; at .
this moult the adult insect crawls from the nymph’s skin. European
observers -have recorded but four moults for the nymphs of several species
of Psyllidae. The observations at the insectary were made upon several
individuals isolated in small cages which were under daily observation
from the emergence of the nymph from the egg to the appearance of the |
adult insect.
In each stage the nymphs secreted globules of honey-dew several times
larger than themselves; sometimes the globule completely enveloped a
nywph. After each moult the nymphs usually sought a new feeding place,
leaving the old skin attached to the drop of honey-dew. The old moulted
skins, of the last moult especially, often retained their form almost
perfectly. So life-like did some of them appear, with the legs and antennz
naturally placed, that it often required close examination with a lens to
determine whether the object was a live nymph or only the cast-off
garment of one.
The whole life cycle of the generation studied, from the laying of the
egg to the. appearance of the adult insect, was about one month. The
adults upon emerging are of a delicate greenish color; the blackish mark- |
ings soon appear, however, and in two or three days the green changes to
the normal reddish brown color. Although the adults are so distinct sex-
ually, there seems to be nothing aboat the full-grown nymphs which would
indicate the sex of the adult soon to emerge from the nymph’s skin.
The adults begin feeding at once after emerging, but do not increase
visibly in size. They appear to secrete no honey-dew, but void consider-
able quantities of a whitish excrement. Adults of the summer broods
lived for several days in cages in the insectary; how long they live under
natural conditions has not been ascertained, probably less than a month.
The adults which hibernate, however, remain alive for at least six months.
About a week after the summer broods of
adults emerge, copulation takes place and the
deposition of eggs soon begins. ‘The winter '!
brood, as has been said, do not, however,
copulate and oviposit until spring. Several
of the adults were observed with a lens while
in copulation. The operation was of par- =
ticular interest; for a glance at figures 5 and Fia.5. Abdomen and genital organs of
6 of the sexual characters and abdomen will te." lower genital plate; yp. nenias
show that the male organs (Fig. 5, a, f, 1, p, | % 2PPer genital plate.
wu.) are so peculiarly situated as to seemingly render the grasping of the
female organ (Fig. 6, a, e, /, wu.) no easy matter. It was found, however,
that the caudal segments of the abdomen of the male were very flexible
and enabled the trough or lower male genital plate (Fig. 5,1) to be curved
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 261
upward, thus bringing the forceps (Fig. 5, f) ina position to grasp the
upper genital plate (Fig. 6, w) of the female;
this allowed the penis (Fig. 5, p) to enter
between (at e, Fig. 6) the valves of the female
organ, and the upper male genital plate (Fig.
5, wu) to simply lie along the venter of the lower
genital plate (Fig. 6, /) of the female. A
further slight side twist of the abdomen
Fre. 6.—Abdomen and genital or- brought the male beside or in some cases upon
ead heart pide vier ee the female; the wings of both remained in a
a resting position. The hair lines beneath fig-
ures 5 and 6 represent the natural length of the abdomen, including the
genital organs. Copulation lasts for several minutes, and one male may
copulate with more than one female.
The number of broods.—The pest may be said to be many-brooded, the
number varying with the conditions of the season. The weather at the
opening of spring greatly influences the time of appearance of the hiber-
nating brood, and the date of the laying and hatching of the eggs. An
overlapping of the broods occurs, so that after June 1 all stages of the
insect, eggs, nymphs, and adults may be see on the trees at the same time.
This is due to the facts that the eggs of any female are not all laid the
_ same day, and thus do not hatch at the same time; and the duration of the
stages of the nymphs vary slightly, thus varying the time of the appear-
ance of the adults.
Observations at the insectary and in the field have shown that during
the present year, 1892, there has been at least four broods of the pest. The
hibernating adults oviposited in April, and adults of this spring brood
appeared about June 15. The adults of the summer broods were the most
numerous on or about the following dates, July 20, August 20, and Sep-
tember 25; or a brood appeared about once a month, All stages of the
insect were found on the trees as late as September 20; evidently winter
must overtake some of them before they reach the adult state. The adults
emerging in September and later were found to be all of the hibernating
form.
Peculiarities of the winter brood.—The hibernating adults found in
December, 1891, were so different from the descriptions of Psylla pyricola
that they were believed to belong to another species, perhaps new.* When
the summer adults appeared, however, they were readily recognized as the
old offender Psylla pyricola. The hibernating adults differ from the sum-
mer adults in size, being nearly one third larger; in their much darker color-
ing, the crimson becoming a dark reddish brown; and especially in the
coloration of the front wings. The summer forms or typical pyricola, have
the veins, even in darker specimens, of a light yellowish brown color, and
the whole front wing has a slight yellowish tinge. The veins of the wings
of the hibernating adult are invariably of a dark brown or black color; the
front wings are quite transparent with more or less blackish shades in the
cells and a blackish shade in the basal. cell along the whole suture of the
* Well marked specimens were submitted to Dr. C. V. R1Lery, the recognized authority upon American
Psyllids. In his reply he says: ‘Your pear tree Psylla is aspecies which I have never seen before and
which is not in my collection. Its general appearance is not that of our native species of Psylla and it
bas, no doubt, been introduced from Europe. It is unquestionably different from P. »yricola which I
have from Ithaca, N.Y., Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Owing to the difference in the genital appara-
ae the male it can not be identical with P. pyrisuga and pyri, but agrees perfectly with the description
of P. simuluns.”
262 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
élavus. The male genitalia differ slightly in size in the two forms. Fig-
ure 3 represents an adult of the summer form; and the wings shown in
figure 8, are also from a summer adult.
The hibernating adults were studied at the insectary in connection with
the descriptions of Psylla simulans and Dr. Low’s remarkst upon the dif-
ference between the pear psyllids. This study left but little doubt that
Psylla simulans was described from specimens of the winter form of
Psylla pyricola.
This difference between the summer and the winter adults is common
among the Psyllid@, and has before ied to their being described as differ-
ent species. It seem not to have been suspected that these insects were
truly dimorphic or appeared in two distinct forms during the year. They
general impression seems to have been that the adults appearing in the |
fall were at first the same as the summer form; and that as winter
approached, these adults gradually assumed the characteristics of the
hibernating form. However, frequent observations upon Psylla pyricola
in the field during August and September, 1892, have shown that from —
- eggs laid about August 20, by typical summer adults, there hatched nymphs
which showed no variations from the typical summer nymphs and from
these nymphs there emerged about September 25, the distinct hibernating x
form simulans. The hibernating forms feed until the leaves fall'and then
seek their hiding places in which to pass the winter. None have been seen
to copulate in the fall. But very few summer forms’were seen after Sep-
tember 20. Thus in our pear-tree psylla we have a case of true dimorphism.
The summer form is the typical Psylla pyricola, and may be designated
when necessary to refer to this form alone as Psylla pyricola pyricola;
while the hibernating form should be known as Psylla pyricola simulans.
Honey-dew and excrement.—Many have supposed that the honey-dew,
so conspicuous a feature in severe attacks of this pest, is the sap of the
tree which exudes through the punctures made by the insects. As the
honey-dew occurs in such immense quantities it does seem almost impos-
sible that it is wholly the secretion of the little creatures. All of this fluid
does, however, first pass through the body of the insect. The amount which
a single individual will secrete during its lifetime is small, but when many
thousands of the insects occur on a tree, the aggregate becomes large. A
single nymph isolated in a cage, secreted at least four drops (i. e. four
minims) of the fluid before it became an adult. Thus fifteen nympbs
would secrete one drachin.
The food of the insect consists entirely of the sap of the tree. The feed-
ing apparatus, both in the nymph (Fig. 2 6) and the adult stage con-
sists of a short pointed beak which apparently rises from between the
front legs. The sucking organs are three long thread-like setze which move
along groves in the beak; in many cases, when the nymphs are quickly
killed, the sete are found extruded as shown in Fig. 2. In sucking,
the point of the beak is placed against the tissue and the sete are forced
into the sap cells. The sap is then drawn up through the beak into the
body. In the case of the nymphs most of the food is elaborated into
tVerh. Zool. Bot. Ges. in Wien, 1886, p. 154. A translation of most of Dr. Low’s article occurs in Insect
Life, IV, 127. Dr. Low givesa tabular statement of the differences between Pyrisuga and pyri and pyricola,
and briefly points out how simulons differs from pyri and pyricola. A serious error occurs in the translation
in connection with semulans. The sentence preceding the last in the translation should be divided into
two, the period occurring after the phrase, ‘‘Along the whole fold of the clavus.’’ The remainder of the
sentence is not only incorrectly translated but it should form a distinct sentence. Dr, Low says: “The
tip of the clavus is larger with more black and in the hind basal cel! there is a brownish or blackish stripe
Bou the whole suture of the clavus. The forceps of the males are as in Psylla pyricola only a little
wi
ast
GORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 263
- honey-dew; some is assimilated, and the waste matter voided as excrement.
The adults, however, seem to secrete no honey-dew, all the food being
assimilated. Consequently the adults void considerable quantities of excre-
ment, much more than do the nymphs.
The honey-dew and excrement are very different substances, but the fact
does not seem to have been before observed. _The honey-dew is a clear
water-like liquid and forms into globules when secreted. The excrement,
however, is a whitish semi-solid substance which is voided in long cylin-
drical strings, or minute whitish balls which roll from the anus like quick-
silver globules.
In the adult, the anus is situated upon the dorsal surface. In the female
it is just at the base of the upper genital plate (Fig. 6 a); in the
male, the anus opens upon the tip of the upper plate (Fig. 5 a).
In voiding the excrement, the male twists the abdomen downward so that
none of the whitish substance adheres to the anus. The females, however,
can not thus twist the body and some of the excrement frequently adheres
as whitish flakes; or not dropping freely, it sometimes forms into a string
often reaching half an inch in length. In the nymphs the anus is situated
on the venter near the caudal end (Fig. 2 a) of the abdomen. It
is surrounded by a ring of large wax-cells; a similar ring also surrounds
the anus of the adult female. The excrement of the nymphs is usually
voided in astring. It has often, been seen in the midst of a globule of
~ honey-dew secreted by the same nymph; thus clearly demonstrating that
the two secretions are distinct.
Many observations were made to discover, if possible, the manner in
which the honey-dew was secreted by the nymphs. It has been supposed
that the secretion came, either from the long so-called wax-hairs around the
edge of the abdomen, or from excretory pores on the dorsum of the
abdomen. Globules of honey-dew were, however, seen attached to the
nymphs in such a position that it seemed very improbable that it came
from either of the above sources; it seemed that it must have been secreted
from the anus of the nymph. A German observer now asserts that the
honey-dew secreted by the common plant-lice or aphids comes from the
anus, and not from the honey-tubes as commonly supposed. Honey-dew
thus seems to be what might rightly be called the fluid excrement of the
insect.
METHODS OF PREVENTING THE RAVAGES OF THIS PEST.
All of the attempts to prevent the ravages of this pest during 1891 were
ineffectual. This was due, in large part, to a lack of knowledge of the life
history and habits of the pest. No severe outbreak had occurred within
recent years which would call the attention of the fruitgrowers to the pest.
The result was that when the insect appeared in enormous numbers early
in the spring of 1891, fruitgrowers were at a loss what to do and how to do
it; and entomologists could only suggest methods which seemed practica-
ble. In most cases the attempts to combat the pest were begun too late;
most of the damage had been done, the fruit and new growth being severely
blighted; the nymphs had covered themselves with honey-dew, and the
very activesummer adults had appeared. After several unsuccessful attempts
with various substances such as kerosene emulsion, solutions of whale-oil
soap, fir-tree oil, and carbolic acid, and London purple and Paris green,
the afflicted fruitgrowers gave up in despair. Nothing seemed to check
264 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
the pest. They saw the leaves and most of the fruit fall before midsum-
mer; and some of their trees were left in a dying condition, while others
presented a blighted, blackish, desolate appearance. Fruitgrowers reported
two causes which rendered their efforts ineffectual. These were peculiar
phases in the habits of the insect. First, the nymps were so completely
enveloped in honey-dew that none of the insecticides reached them. Sec-
ond, the activity of the summer adults rendered it impossible to reach
them with a spray; as soon asthe first spray struck a tree, the adults arose
Sealy and flew to some distance, remaining away till the spraying
ceased.
During 1892, the pest has done no perceptible damage in orchards which
it devastated last year. Fruitgrowers noticed that the pest considerably
decreased in numbers later in the season last year. This decrease and the
scarcity of the insect this year was probably due principally to the fact that
’ the insect feeds almost exclusively upon the tenderest leaves and branches
of the trees. As hardly any new growth was formed and as most of the
leaves fell off early in the season, the insect was thus deprived of its favor-
ite food and consequently its increase checked. So great was the decrease
that but very few of the hibernating adults appeared. On this account we
tried no experiments to destroy the adults in their winter hiding places.
lt seems practicable, however, that a thorough washing of the trunks and
larger branches of the trees in winter with kerosene emulsion (at least five
per neg kerosene) or a strong soap solution, would destroy many of the
adults.
As soon as the eggs of the hibernating form were found, experiments
were begun with a view to the destruction of the insect in this stage. As
the eggs were so freely exposed on the bare twigs to the action of any
fluid, it was confidently expected that the pest could easily be checked
here. Both field and laboratory experiments were conducted. The
branches containing the eggs were dipped into the solution in each case,
thus making sure that the treatment was thorough. The results obtained
were very surprising. Eggs dipped in the following substances hatched a
few days afterward:
Kerosene emulsion (Hubbard-Riley formula) used full strength, and
diluted with three parts of water heated to 130° F. Kerosene undiluted.
Turpentine emulsion diluted with three parts of water. Turpentine undi-
luted. Crude carbolic acid emulsion diluted with ten parts of water.
Resin wash used triple strength; and heated to 130° F. Whale-oil soap
and sulphide of potash wash used double strength. These last two washes
are successfully used in combating all stages of scale insects. Concen-
trated potash, one pound to one gallon of water. Benzine undiluted.
Most of the above substances injured the buds; concentrated potash and
carbolic acid when used in less dilutions killed the buds. ‘These results
made it evident that'it was impracticable to fight the pest with insecticides
while in the egg state.
However, if the pear-growers could wait until about April 15, bees
pruning their trees, they could destroy many eggs. Most of the»eggs are
laid by that date, near the tips of the last year’s growth; so it is only nec-
essary to cut back these shoots, as many growers do, and burn them, to
destroy large numbers of eggs.
After the unsuccessful efforts to destroy the eggs with insecticides, we
could do nothing more until the nymphs appeared. Some of the nymphs
appeared before the buds had opened much; these nymphs immediately
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 265
crawled into the buds out of the reach of the insecticides. It was feared
that all the young and tender nymphs would thus get out of reach. Buta
majority of the eggs did not hatch this year until many of the leaves had
expanded, thus leaving the nymphs exposed. During a warm early spring
the eggs might hatch early but many of the leaves expand in a few days
and thus the nymphs would be exposed before they had become more than
one third grown.
Our experiments against the young nymphs were first carried on in the
insectary upon infested branches brought in from the field. It was soon
found that the young nymphs were very tender and very susceptible to
kerosene. A kerosene emulsion was prepared according to the Hubbard-
Riley formula.* The nymphs were dipped in the emulsion diluted with
different quantities of water. It was found that every nymph was killed
by the emulsion even when diluted with twenty-five parts of water, and
thus containing less than three per cent. of kerosene. The nymphs died
almost immediately after the liquid touched them. These laboratory
results were thus very encouraging.
Field experiments were soon begun to test the practicability of the
emulsion. No trees could be found that were very badly infested. But
by carefully examining the trees before and soon after spraying it was esti-
mated that from 75 to 90 per cent. of the nymphs were killed by one spray-
ing with kerosene emulsion diluted with twenty-five parts of water. Some
of the nymphs had by this time become nearly full-grown, but these were
as quickly and effectually destroyed as were the young ones. The habit of
the nymphs of feeding in the leaf axils made it easier for the spray to
reach them; the liquid would naturally run down the leaf petioles and
twigs and gather in the axils, and thus become very effective. It was
found that two quarts of the dilution was sufficient for a large dwarf tree;
and thirteen such trees could easily be sprayed in half an hour with a
knapsack sprayer. It would, of course, take more time and material to
spray the large standard trees, but the whole cost for each tree would not
be more than one cent per tree for time and material. The experiments with
the kerosene emulsion against the nymphs were so successful that no other
insecticides were tried. The emulsion is the cheapest effective insecticide
now known for sucking insects; and our experiments have shown that it
will prove a very practical and efficient means of checking the ravages of
the pear-tree psylla if it be used thoroughly and in time.
The honey-dew did not interfere with the action of the insecticide this
year, 1892. This was probably due to the fact that many hard showers
fell during the early part of the season. The rain washed off much of the
secretion. This fact should be taken advantage of by fruitgrowers in
spraying for the pest. Spray soon after a heavy rain-storm if possible; a
shower soon after spraying will not lessen the destructiveness of the emul-
* The formula is 4 pound hard or soft soap, 1 gallon water, 2 gallons kerosene. :
First, thoroughly dissolve the soap in boiling water. While this solution is still very hot add the kero-
ene; if the whole is then left over the fire for a few moments to raise the temperature of the kerosene
slightly, it will facilitate the emulsifying process. Remove from the fire and quickly begin to agitate the
whole mass through a syringe or force pump of some kind; draw the liquid into the pump and force it
back into the dish. Continue this operation for five minutes or until the whole mass assumes a creamy
color and consistency which will adhere to the sides of the vessel, and not glide off like oil. If desired
for use immediately, it may now be readily diluted with cold water, preterably with rain water. Or the
whole mass may be allowed to cool when it has a semi-solid form, not unlike loppered milk. This stock
if covered and placed in a cool dark place will keep for a long time. In making a dilution from this
cold stock emulsion, it is necessary to measure out the amount of the emulsion required, and first dis-
solve it in three or four parts of boiling water; if cold water-be used a large quantity of a white floccu-
jent mass rises to the surface and does not dissolve. After the stock emulsion is dissolved, cold water
may be added in the required quantities. If all the utensils are clean, and the directions followed closely,
no free oil will rise to the surface of the dilution. ‘
34
) \ \
266 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
sion as the nymphs are killed almost instantly. There is not the least —
danger of injury to the trees from the diluted emulsion. Al! dwarfs and
young trees of all kinds may be sprayed with a knapsack sprayer.
The best time to spray is early in the spring just after the leaves have
expanded. In 1892, about May 15, was the best time. Then the first
brood of nymphs had all emerged and were exposed in the axils. It was
this first brood which did the most damage in 1891. Therefore it is very
important that the insect should be checked early in the season. Fruit-
growers should examine their orchards when the leaves are expanding in
the spring, and if the nymphs are numerous no time should be lost in
spraying the trees with the emulsion. A second or even a third spraying
could be profitably applied if the attack were serious, and especially if but
little rain had fallen to wash off the honey-dew. The destruction of the
nymphs is practicable during a period of two weeks about May 15. Ifthe
spraying is thoroughly done at this time, the pest will be so completely
checked as to necessitate but little, if any, further attention during the
season. Most of the damage is usually done before June 15, but spraying
after this date will decrease the number from which the hibernating forms
are produced; and thus the orchard may be saved from a severe attack the
following year.
The summer adults were not numerous enough this year to thoroughly
test the effect of spraying upon them. It seems from the experiments
made last year by fruitgrowers that it is hardly practicable to try to kill
the adults by spraying. A few may be destroyed by coming in contact
with the emulsion when they return to the tree.
MARK VERNON SLINGERLAND.
TOMATO NOTES FOR 1892.
I. Quick and slow fertilizers.—The influence of heavy manuring upon
tomatoes has engaged our attention for a number of years. It is acommon
belief that the tomato, unlike most plants, is not benefited by rich soil or
heavy fertilizing. ‘The plants run to vine,” the gardeners say. There
must be some truth in this belief, else it could not have become so wide-
spread and be held so tenaciously. Productiveness in the tomato in the
northern states is largely, if not chiefly, a question of early bearing; the
plant will outlive any northern season, and its life is therefore determined
by contingencies of frost rather than by any inherent limit of duration.
The plant never matures here, and it would probably continue to bear for
some months if not destroyed. We have carried plants in bearing condi-
oh x =
= Y =
“~ eee a s
~~: Slee, ee
ree aes Fee at eer ty
Age, oe IN Pl
x
ary,
:
2%
Bip ee eee
y »
Le ren
-
i
aes Lars
~ | ode) “et ee ee
‘ CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 267
tion through two winters. It is apparent, therefore, that any fertilizer
which is not at once available to the plant, but which gives up its materials
comparatively late in the season, will maintain a vigorous growth and
probably delay fruitfulness. Coarse stable manures belong to this class.
It is some time before they become thoroughly decomposed and incorpor-
ated with the soil, and if applied heavily it is probable that they will give
unsatisfactory results. If the season were long enough to allow the plant
to live out its natural lifetime it is conceivable that the materials would
be gradually used and that the total productiveness of the plant would be
as great, if, in fact, not greater, than it would have been under a treatment
which caused it to bear heavily at an earlier period. Thoroughly decom-
posed manures ought to give quicker and therefore more satisfactory.
results than coarse ones, and proper concentrated fertilizers might give
better results than either. It would be interesting to know if stable
manure applied in the fall—and which therefore becomes thoroughly
incorporated with the soil before spring—will give earlier fruitage than
similar manure applied in the spring. We tried this experiment the past
season, but the soil in the plots proved to be so heterogenous in character
that we have no confidence in the results. We made a very suggestive
test in this direction last year with nitrate of soda. Upon a certain area
the material was applied all at once early in the season (June 25), and
upon another equal area the same amount of nitrate of soda was applied
in four applications from June 25 to, August 25. Up to about the first
of October, the yield from the first or single treatment area was 20 per
cent. greater than from the other; but when the last picking (October 5)
was added, the single treatment area fell some 8 per cent. behind. “ This
_means,’” as the bulletin states, ‘that the intermittent application of fertil-
izer in lot two was beginning to be felt late in the season, while the single
early application of the same amount of fertilizer gave quicker results.
Frost held off until the second week in October, so that it happened that
the intermittent fertilizing gave us the better result, but had frost come
the last of September, as it frequently does at Ithaca, it would have given
us the poorer result.” This year the frost did come early (October 1)
and the intermittent fertilizing gave us the poorer result. The figures
which follow afford a most striking confirmation of the foregoing
remarks, and they will bear careful study. Four plots, containing
15 plants each, were under experiment. In the first plot, 3 lbs.
of nitrate of soda were applied at one time early in the season (June
20); in the second, the same amount was applied in four applications
from June 20 to July 27; in the third, this amount was applied at four ©
different times from June 20 to August 26, thereby extending the growing
season very greatly; the fourth plot had no fertilizer. The plants were set
in the field June 1, and they were all Ignotum. Table I gives the yields
until frost (October 1). Table II gives the total yield found by.adding to
Table I all the fruits which remained on the plants after they had been
killed by the first frost.
268 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Tas.Le I.—Single vs. intermittent fertilizings, to frost.
| Average Average
number of|wt.of crop} wt. of
fruits per | per plant. | individual
plant. bs. fruits. Ozs.
Plots. 15 plants each.
1, Single application. 8 lbs. nitrate of soda, June 20__________________ 24,2 10.0 6.8
2. Four applications. 12 oz. each, June 20, June 28, July 11, July 27 _- 20.0 8.7 6.9
3. Fourapplications. 12 0z. each, June 20, July 21, August 8, August
ASE ie a Tae ICL Ne i a eee cee ee eee 5 15.2 6.6 6.9
VO) aie cd ie) Bee RS ae Ce his et ne I OE FEARS ha fr ee PS Ne er a 15.8 5.8 5.9
TasiE IJ.—Single vs. intermittent fertilizings, total crop.
Average Average Average
P 1 h number of|wt.of crop} wt. of
lots. 15 plante each. fruits per |} per plant. | individual
plant. Lbs. its. Ozs.
‘ 2
‘1. Single application of 3 lbs. nitrate of soda, June 20________________- 53.3 17.8 5.3
2%. Four applications of 12 oz. nitrate of soda, June 20, June 28, July
ii lacs fal pry LR Pee eles Ms Sed SSR Sy eae a ET Rl Sees AE ge BV 51.6 16.6 5.1
3. Four applications of 12 oz. of nirate of soda, June 20, July 21, Aug. |
AR OG beet pula hia TA Pe ed Ee et Ce AE Sea 44.2 14.4 5.2
SEE Hse ete whe AE A CURE Nae ON) aria aa ee YE ae 31.1 9.8 3.3
The second column of figures gives the total yields. It will be noticed
that the best yields, in each table, are given by the single fertilizing, and
that between the intermittent fertilizings the one which was completed
first (No. 2) gives the better result. This was true in both the yield
before frost and in the total yield, but it must be observed that in the total
yield the differences between the intermittent fertilizings and the single
fertilizings are not so great as in the yield to frost; that is, the intermittent
fertilizings were catching up, and would probably have surpassed the other
had the season been a month longer. ‘Thus, in the first table, the first
intermittent plot (No. 2) is 13 per cent. less in yield than the single treat-
ment plot, but in the second table it is only 6.7 per cent. less; the second
intermittent plot (No. 3) is 34 per cent. less in the first instance and only
19 per cent. less in the second instance. It will be noticed, also, that the
number of fruits—in the first column of figures—follows the same course.
All this is proof that productiveness in the tomato is largely a question of
early bearing and that the best tomato fertilizers are those which give up
their food materials quickly.
It must not be understood, however, that this early productiveness
necessarily implies earlier individual fruits; that is, the idea refers rather
to the production of many fruits—heavy pickings—early in the season rather
than to the actual few first ripe fruits. A detailed account of the pickings
from the plots illustrates this:
Average
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 269
TaBLeE III.—Single vs. intermittent fertilizing. Detail record.
Plot 2. Inter- Plot 3. Inter-
Plot 1. Single mittent fertiliz- mittent fertiliz-
fertilizing. ings. June 20- ings. June 20- Plot 4. Check.
July 27. Aug. 26.
Date.
No. No. No. No.
= Wt. of . Wt. of “i Wt. of . Wt. of
fete jpieking.| JS |pteking. | AEG |ptoking. | UNS |ploking.
OPTS MY 7 SR RDA CNS PROP a a Pee Aer) (ARP WL Gele By Ne i gOS ee a Fach
Aug. 8 ee es 6 1lb 6 1lb 4 1lb 12 4
a8 tL a Seto e SEN iar is, SEG EDS eile [Pe ve dd pa op ed be (ga a pe 13 4
Aug: 22... __ i 25 9 32 9 i3 4 8 2
Std: CALS RS ae ie BE 34 14 14 5 8 3 17 ai
Bote ee othe et 42 17 29, 12 iL 6 380 11
TON TAL i ele Na EN Rs SN 4 1 y 1 2 Pe Fe Wm Viele ARETE 2 1
SLEp Us eat GS ea OE Se ee 77 31 60 27 52 23 50 19
Depts ee cu 42 20 52 26 64 28 44 18
PBDEs Olee dS oer AT 32 14 36 18 27 12 22 9
BEpi2s yon ie reaeeal 102 39 50 Py 48 20 39 10
It appears that all the fertilizer plots were about equally early in first
fruits, but after the first two pickings the single treatment plot gave the
heaviest returns, and this advantage was maintained throughout the pick-
ing season. As between the two intermittent treatment plots (Nos. 2 and
3), 1t will be observed that heavy pickings were much more early in No. 2,
- in which the fertilizing was completed late in July. The habit of the
variety as to the season of its bearing was not greatly affected by the
different treatments, but the amount of fruit borne at stated intervals was.
greatly influenced. It is probable that the plant had determined the date
of its first fruiting, so to speak, before the fertilizer became available to it,
tor the plants were beginning to flower when the first application was made;
but as soon as the fertilizer came into use, the habit of the plant was
influenced, and the late fertilizing delayed, in a measure, the productive-
ness. At all events, I can offer no other explanation of the facts at the
present time.
But these tests afford a means of comparing nitrate of soda with no fer-
tilizing, for the check plot (No. 4) received no treatment. In each case,
the check plot gives the poorest results, showing that nitrate of soda has a
distinct value as afertilizer. The differences in the appearance of the two
plots (Nos. 1 and.4) is well shown in the accompanying engraving (page
193) in which the check plot occupies the left-hand portion. This appears
like a contradiction of some of our former experiments in which we found
no benefit to arise from the use of this material. But in former tests, the
soil was very poor and there was very little potash or phosphorus to mate
the nitrogen in the nitrate of soda; but in this test, the soil was fairly
good. If we repeat our statements of a year ago, it will be seen that our
present results are a confirmation of former trials rather than a contradic-
tion of them: “It should be borne in mind that this substance “(nitrate of
soda) is an incomplete fertilizer and that unless the soil contains potash
and phosphorus in sufficient amount the nitrate is nearly valueless. It is -
simply a convenient and useful form in which to apply nitrogen alone.”
So that, while nitrate of soda is a good tomato fertilizer when applied early
upon fairly good soils, we can not recommend that anyone should rely upon
it exclusively year after year. Potash and phosphoric acid must also be
applied at intervals.
EN es ONT MES si AI Di Rue aatue aia Zio ating flys 2
i i 0 TS RI ae a an
; i
270 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY:
2. General Fertilizer Tests —We shall pursue this study of nitrate of
soda still further in the following tests of the influences of nitrogen, pot-
ash, and phosphorus applied separately and in combination. Eight plots
of six plants each, upon fairly good gravelly soil which had been sparingly
enriched in previous years, were treated as follows June 20, the yield
being given in the second column of figures:
TasLe 1V.—Fertilizer test, to frost.
average prerene. Ay ereee
number o weight o weight o
Plots. 6 plants each. fruits per fruit per individual
® plant. p!ant—lbs. fruits—oz.
MeONItrateOrsoGa libs 2 te eee eae 30.0 9.5 5.07
De BOnHODIHOK. DA. esse ee! See eS Sake Sh Bees ree 19.6 5.8 48
3 maate of potadh, t ib: fsa ee aL SASN Se ew 24.2 7.7 5.1
hirate orsoda, a lps blo ee ee sg ee 5 7
4 ; Bone blacks, 2 tbs, oo ooo , auG a8 57
nirate ol soda lbs 2 er sel ee eae ! P a
5 { peouiate Sous PH | 0) ee le eee ela eara dd ae We Celt fe Vek ' 27.5 ick 4.4
One iblaek Meulps.atne SS 5S ae to oe eee eee tS 9 '
6 | Fone te OL PoOtaslic bls eae a ara i a ORNs Ae ' 21.0 8.8 6.7
Nitraverolsodand Ib. 50S (ls yee Do ne ae oe
WeBone black Sb Seae te kU SB I eae re eee 19.8 7.3 5.9
Muriate of potash, 11b...00..-/2 <-!c5.5.41 2 ee )
“a CLAYS a PRD ES Nl Oe Aaa rs SE ae et Ee Ee ee 23.4 8.9 6.1
TasLe V.—Fertilizer test, total crop. ,
|
Syegeee : Av OroeD. nV Ora
number o welg co) weilgot
Plots. 6 plants each. fruits per crop per individual
plant. plant—lbs. fruits—oz.
MAINT ETALeOGSOda. 1 lb. eee ee a cen eel 50.6 14.5 4.5
PEIBONE ID aC a 1 ORc 2 ee ew teen wee 1 Se eee 25.4 7.2 4.5
3 Hinsiate of potash. 1 i No; aa ES 2 teeta Be Bc Ape Lo Sp 34.6 9.6 44
Tonabe-OLSOUa WL LD, at PE CS ee
4 s Bone apa eae Drees AAD A ORES ives bee is PS ‘ 35.3 106 4.7
Lire OMsoOuay tips alee Ae es eh EM a Ne /
5 ? Mariate of potash, 2 ibs. -2000 TI py ; 38.0 5.0 36
GEIB lage 2 lbs tt eee ee ed Lo AW Bee Ee ‘ =
6 Muriate povagh, labs 245 er. ove se ee 2 eel Pes ‘ 29.5 10.5 BA
ttre Or SOG asl tle] pak 5 pe eS Se
Pee Gne ACK To basse ee ee ee Se es 48.2 14.4 4.8
Miurmteor potash dt 2) eke ie ST a 2 leet :
OMNIA UGC: aes a. se, Es Gay ee Pee wenn eee ee eene =o =o] 40.2 12.6 5.0
The first of these tables shows that nitrate of soda gave the heaviest
yield before frost, and it was the only treatment which gave as good results
as the check plot, which had no fertilizer. It is to be observed, also, that
while bone black and muriate of potash gave the poorest results as single
fertilizers, they gave the best result of any of the combinations. If we
turn to table V., however, and study the total yield of the season, we notice
that the nitrate of soda plot has preceptably gained in proportional yield,
and that the best combination is No. 7, which contains nitrate of soda; but
the combination plot gives a trifle poorer results than the nitrate alone.
These two instances are also the only ones which equal or exceed the yield
of the no-treatment plot. These tests are a repetition of a series made in
/
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 271
1891, when one-fortieth-acre plots were used. Last year, however, the trial
was made upon very poor and intractable soil, and nitrate of soda gave the,
smallest yields of the single treatments, and the best yield was obtained
from a combination of all three materials, but even then the crop averaged
to frost only 3.3 lbs.-per plant, against 9.5 lbs. in the best yield this year,
in a shorter season. The experiments of 1891 seem to show, therefore,
_ that on very poor land nitrate of soda alone gives very little result, all the
three elements being needed to produce even a small yield; the experi-
ments of 1892 seem to show that upon tolerably good soil nitrate of soda
alone may give profitable results, and this conclusion is strengthened by
the other evidence which as been presented in this paper.
3. Relation of variety to fertilizing.—Last year we raised the question
as to whether there is any difference between varieties in the readiness
with which they respond to fertilizers. Are some types of varieties more
likely to give good results from manuring than others? The small test
made upon this point last season showed a decidedly greater tendency on
the part of improved or highly developed varieties, like the Ignotum, to
produce more fruits to the plant, but the total weight of crop did not
appear to follow this course. This year, five varieties were submitted to
this test, Ignotum representing the more improved types, Ithaca and Peach
the intermediate types, and Yellow Plum and Red Cherry the least
improved ones. On June 20, nearly three weeks after the plants were set
— in the field, each plot, containing six plants, received a liberal dressing of
equal parts of nitrate of soda, muriate of potash, bone black, and Bradley’s
vegetable fertilizer. The yields to frost are displayed in the following
table:
Taste VI.—Relation of variety to influence of fertilizer.
. Average weight of crop | Average weight of indi-
Average No. fruits per plant. eeriniants widnal traits
Variety, 6 plants. = Ser ese
Unfer- Fer- ieee cent | Unfer-| Fer- | Per cent | Unfer-
tilized, | tilized. | increace.| tilized.| tilized.| increase. tilized.'
of |
Per cent
decrease.
Fer-
tilized.
19.0 23.5 23.7 1.3 G.9 | 35.6 6.2 6.8 | 9.6 gain
itiacaieen ae MPS 38.8 50.2 29.3 12.6 ASTYe|! 87 5.2 POY elas by
Pare Ee se bude enmet ee | 23.7 38.6 62.8 2.5 4.2 | 68.0 1.7 1.7. | 0.0
Yellow plum_-_-_..___-- 25.3 35.3 39.5 | 6.8 9.3 | 86.8 0.48 0.42 | 23.2
Red cherry.-____--___- 269.6 | 273.5 1.44 4.9 4.8} 2.0 loss} 0.29 0.28 | 3.4
These results agree with those of 1891 in the fact that the least im-
proved variety—red cherry, in this instance—gave the least increase in
number of fruits, but beyond this there appears to be no uniformity in
the outcomes. It is remarkable that in the red cherry there was somewhat
_ less total yield in the fertilized plot than in the other; yet the yellow plum,
which is very little superior to it in degree of amelioration, gives a greater
increase, both in number of fruits and in total weight of crop, than the
Ignotum. Last year, the Ithaca gave the most remarkable response to the
fertilizer, but this year it gave comparatively little response. It should
be said, however, that the experiments of last year were made upon very
poor soil, and the effect of the fertilizers was therefore undisguised; but
this year the plots were upon good soil, somewhat variable in character,
upon which the fertilizers produced comparatively small effect. We shall
attempt to repeat this study upon a uniform poor soil.
272 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. —
4. Early and late setting.—Three lots of Ignotum, each containing
twelve plants, were setein the field at different times, for the purpose of
determining if the date of planting, within ordinary limits, greatly influ-
ences earliness and yield. The plants were all grown from seed sown
January 19, and they were vigorous and stocky when set in field. The
first lot, which may be designated No. 1, was set May 7. That night there
was a frost and the tips of the plants were killed. Another lot was there-
fore set May 9. For some days the weather was cold and raw, although
no frosts occurred, and for three weeks it was very wet. The third lot —
was set at the general planting, June 1.
Taste VII.—Early and late setting. Total crop.
Date of first Avg. No. of/Avg. wt. of|Avg. wt. of
Plot. picking. fruits crop per | individual
| per plant, plant. fruits.
Moni, Set wi field May 7.0.6 yh i fee August 22..____- | 23.8 8.5 5.8
MO.2.. "5 AS BU DD eb RY 2. WE Gs eta HAC oye Eatin 26.7 9.5 ory!
Woe Se.5 3" JUNE yoo eh ee AS A hae aiden ie tO | 26.2 8.8 5.4
The results are decidedly in favor of the second planting, made May 9.
Even the frosted lot nearly equaled the main planting, but the plants were
so checked that the first ripe fruits were three weeks later than in the
other lots. It will be noticed, however, that lot 2 was no earlier, so far as
first fruits are concerned, than the late planting, but the first pickings
were heavier in lot 2. In both lots, the flower buds had already appeared
when the plants were set, so that the first fruits were already determined;
in the earliest lot, these buds had been killed by frost. The following is a
detailed account of the behavior of the plants to frost:
TasLe VIII.—Early and late setting. Detail record.
1. Set May 7. 2. Set May 9. 3. Set June d.
Date. | Whole No. Weight Whole No.| Weight | Whole No.| Weight
| fruits of fruits of fruits of
| picked. picking. picked. picking. picked. picking.
TUN 0257 FS i a PS Se a ea aS fle ee BEE M6 ee Bare a 1 AR eee Beale ES 7 1
LST FEROS) ial sdps i a ee a me Hag 2 RRS. ve] * VU Waar GE a peat 7 eh RED eae Saal 3 1
Mapnnm Oar 0). tout Pees be reas 3 li 6 7 1
aa TE) PA ey ees |e ee 26 8 23 7 26 7
iS) Spi Shad 075) Or i ea 71 21 54 19 45 17
SGTELIGLITL OS) 8 toUe Rene ELE Petia el 43 20 50 20 61 25
Mephomber 14s os Ae ee ie a 47 18 48 19 AG su 14
Konteniher 20s eel yok Gg wo | 34 | 13 45 rE 53 | 13
Mepteniber’ 20.2020 Ls A eee | 52 17 89 26 75 22
fu dS hgh: |
286 100 tbs. 321 112 tbs. 314 | 101 tbs
It will be noticed that the lessened productiveness of lot 1—the earliest
setting—as compared with the main setting in lot 3, was due to the delay
of fruiting caused by the injuries of the frost, for the pickings, when they
once began, averaged heavier than in the latest setting. The great advant-
age maintained by the second setting—lot 2—was not due to absolute
earliness, but to early productiveness; and this supports the conclusions
which we have already drawn from our studies of fertilizers, that pro-
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 273
ductiveness in the tomato is chiefly a question of early prolific bearing.
These remarks may aiso throw some discredit upon the common method
of determining comparative earliness of varieties by recording the date of
the first ripe fruit; profitable earliness is determined by the ability of the
variety to maintain heavy early pickings rather than by the date at which
the few first fruits ripen.
This is the third year that we have made this test upon early and
late settings, and our results have been substantially alike throughout,—
that tomato plants are not injured by the cold, raw weather of late spring,
and that a slight frost may not greatly retard them. This conviction has
been an unwilling one on the part of the writer, for he entertained the .
belief that the inclement weather of early May in the northern states is
very prejudicial to the tomato. In our tomato bulletin for 1889 this state-
ment was made: “It is a common mistake to set tomato plants in the
field too early. Cold nights, even though several degrees above frost,
check the plants sometimes seriously.” This statement now seems to be
much too strong, and we are gradually adapting our general practice to our
new belief. In 1889, our tomatoes were set in field June 10 to 12; in 1890,
they were set June 12; in 1891, June 10; in 1891, June 1; and next year we
shall set our plants in May.
5. Early and late seed sowing.—In 1889 we made some tests to determine
if it pays to start tomato plants under glass with artificial heat, rather than
_ to wait until they can be started under cold frames. Sowings were made
“March 2] and 22, April 10, 12, and 15, and May 15. “In every instance
the early sown plants gave earlier fruits than the others.” “The gain in
earliness sometimes amounts to three or even four weeks.’ We were
satisfied that in this climate it pays to start tomatoes as early as the middle
of March. Further south, where the seasons are longer, this may not be
true. The question now arises if it pays to start tomatoes earlier than
March, for this state. Four lots of Ignotums, twelve plants in each, were
grown for atest. The first lot was sown January 19, and the plants were
transplanted February 1, March 3, and May 17. The second lot was sown
February 12 and transplanted March 4, April 4, and May 2. The third lot
was sown February 24 and transplanted March 22 and May 2. The fourth
lot was sown March 14, and transplanted April 14and May 9. The plants
were all set in field June 1, and all were thrifty and: stocky plants. The
outcome to frost was as follows:
TasLe 1X.—Early and late seed sowing.
| Av. number Av. weight | Av. weight
Date of sowing. | fruits of crop | of individual
per plant. per plant. | fruits.
SPRUE Taya omens Liye se Ok Bae NI gh ea et a 20 6 8.5 6.5
Lie) RRS EAN Ais etek, a CUNO a ed a Op ps dpe a igue 20.5 8.4 | 6.5
HS Dray ics meen Ce CR Fe hes fa ee ey | 21.0 ule || 7.0
NIEECC LI Leer eee erent pt ine ay Uh ns Se ete 26.0 11.0 | 74
|
The result, as read in the second column of figures, is decidedly in favor
of the latest sowing, the second best yield being in the second last sowing.
The earliest two sowings give practically the same results. The detailed
behavior of the plants during the bearing season is recorded below:
35
\ % Lo te ( bet
274 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ~
TasLe X.—Early and late seed sowiny. Detail record.
| 1. Sown 2. Sown 3. Sownr 4. Sown
Jan. 19. Feb. 12. Feb. 24. March If. ,
Date: Wau see alae pi aa? “jae
| Whole |Weight) whole | Weight! whole Weight! whole | Weight
jno. frts pick- [2° frts pick- |29: frts pick- |29: frts pick-
picked. ing. ae ing. picked. ing’ picked. ing.
a —__— = | — —
CURLY AO ies eet tak a LEY pO aud oe eo a 8 2 lbs 3] 1)b | Seale A 2 ee
Fee Vp a) SS OS aa Se oe ee ee ral eens 5) De ees = Se iia 9 3 4 1
Aug, 22 2 5 1 AW ee aes 9 | oe hued 2
PATE AAs see ee pe see Seite Se Sow S5 es? 11 4 12 4 25 10 8 2
ers tee ee eter, PPC! SR 26) eal 37 17 61 26 31 13
STU) nse a EE Oe i ee 37 | 19 37 16 | 5 23 49 25
Sept. i4 46 20 32 14 41 17 62 32
Sept. 21 38 14 386 14 18 6 26 11
(13)? Da to ie aes aang pe (eae es ee | 77 28 72 26 | 37 19 100 2
The figures show that the earliest fruits were got from the earliest sow-
ings, but at the end of August the third sowing (February 24) had
_exceeded the earlier onesin yield. It was not until the middle and late
September pickings that the fourth lot began to gain over the others, and
by the last of the month it had surpassed them allin yield. Our experi-
ments of four years ago show that it is profitable to start tomato seeds in ©
this climate as early as the middle of March; our experiments this year
show that it is not profitable to start them earlier than the middle or first
of March. But inasmuch as earlier fruits can be got by earlier sowings,
it may be worth while to start a small part of the crop in the middle or
first of february if an early market is to be supplied; but the cost of this
extra care and handling must be reckoned. The main crop, it appears,
should be started in March.
But it must be said that much depends upon the manner in which the
plants are handled. Early plants must be transplanted to keep them
growing, and they must have congenial surroundings. We tried to deter-
mine the effect of ill treatment. <A lot of vigorous seedlings, in pots, were
placed in a cold and leaky house. The pots were packed in moss and set
upon a cold, damp earth floor. Several times the mercury fell nearly to
the freezing point. The plants became yellow and weak, and were finally
unable to support themselves readily. In this condition the plants were
taken into the tomato house and given the most careful nursing. They -
never outgrew the disaster. Yet plants little better than these are often
set in the field to shift for themselves.
6. Few and Several Transplantings.—The vigor and stockiness of
plants, as we have said in the last paragraph, are important features, and
these are greatly influenced by the frequency of transplanting. Two
dozen uniform Ignotum plants were selected from a sowing made in flats
March 14. One dozen were transplanted once, May 18, into 4-inch pots;
the others were transplanted three times, April 14, May 9, and 17, into a
flat, d-inch and 4-inch pots respectively. All were again transplanted into
the field June 1.
There was very little difference in the yields of the two lots, but the
three transplantings gave the earlier fruits, and in this respect the results
agree with those obtained last year. In 1891, in a comparison of one, two,
and three transplantings, all lots being duplicated, the two transplantings
gave decidedly the heaviest yields.
_- CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 275
Taste XI.—Few and several transplantings, to frost.
;
Dateot | Average | Average Average
Plot oxen | number of | weight of | weight of
: Hee fruits per crop per | individual
g. | plant. plant. Lbs. |fruits. Ozs.
| eae
Not itransplantedionce --. 2. =222 222.2252 <2 e228. | Aug. 22 ____- | 17.3 | 8.5 | 7.8
No. 2, , transplanted three times____.... _...._------. Ange 3 ie | 22.2 8.3 | 5.9
7. Flat. grown vs. et grown Plants —Itis a question whether young
tomato plants thrive better in “flats,’—or shallow, tray-like boxes in com-
mon use among gardeners——or in pots. From each of two sowings of
Ignotum, made February 12 and March 14 in flats, two dozen uniform
plants were selected. One dozen, in each instance, were transplanted into
flats, and one dozen into pots, on the same days. The transplantings were
made as follows:
Series I (gown Feb. 12), March 4, April 4, May 5.
Series IT (sown March 14), April 4, May 9.
The flat-grown plants in each instance were set so far apart in the flats
that the plants could not interfere with each other, and at the final trans-
planting they stood from three to four inches apart each way. The pot-
grown plants in the first series were transplanted into thumb pots and then
into 38-inch and 4-inch pots. In the second series, they were placed in
~-3-inch and 4-inch pots. The records are these:
Taste XII.—Flat-grown vs. pot-grown plants.
Average No. Average weight of | Average weight of
fruits per plant. crop per plant. | individual fruits.
Samples. ney
Flat. Pot. Flat. Pot. Flat. | Pot.
paar Gan
Series I. 2 al
Marche samen ieee ee eta he A rs eg) 2 | 30.4 26.0 11.2 11.6 5.7 7.0
Series II,
HaebEnAaryaplomt ese eeee eC ULLS ja! 20.5 31.0 8.6 | 11.5 6.7 5.9
The yields, in the second double column of figures, are decidedly in
favor of pot-grown plants, especially in the later sowing. And it may
also be said, although the table does not show it, that the pot-grown plants
gave earlier fruits.
8. Seedlings vs. cuttings.—In 1890, seedling tomato plants gave twice as
heavy yields as cuttings of equal age. In “1891, seedlings gave earlier
fruits, and with one variety —Lorillard—the yield was also much greater
from seedlings, while in the Ithaca it was less. Secondary cuttings, that
is, cuttings taken from the cutting plants, gave much larger yields than
their parents, but the crop was much later. These experiments were
repeated this year. The stock from which all the lots of this year came
was one fine seedling plant of unknown parentage, of the peach type,
which came up in our forcing-houses. Late in winter, strong cuttings
were taken from the axillary shoots of this plant and were set out regu-
larly in our tomato house. In March, therefore, we had the one old or
parent plant, still in full vigor, which we shall call A, and a small brood of
cutting plants which we shall call, collectively, B.
March 29, 12 cuttings were taken from A. These cuttings were three to
276.
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
four inches long, and comprised the entire length of vigorous axillary
At the same time, seeds were sown from fruits on the same
shoots.
plant.
They were set side by side in the field, June 1.
follows:
Seedlings__
Cuttings
Their
The two lots were thereafter treated as nearly alike as possible.
behavior was as
TaBLeE XIII.—Seedlings vs. cuttings (to frost).
|
| First Average No. |Average weight| Average weight
Samples (March 29). iekein fruits ruit individual
p 8. per plant. ia plant. Lbs.| fraits. Oze,
sh ie ete Ee a ee 8 Aug. 22._____- 23.6 | 3.0 2.0
Ceoeth Re A ar eh A MOLE Bie AE TE Augie saseo nee 43. 4.8 1.8
Here, then, the cuttings were both much earlier and more productive
than the seedlings.
This is opposed to most of our earlier results.
May 3, another batch of cuttings was taken from the old plant A.
These were three or four inches long and were made from the tips of axil-
lary shoots which had reached a foot or more in length. Seedlings were
started from the same plant at the same time, and the two lots were placed
side by side in the field. The results are like those above, only less
/
pronounced:
TaBLE XIV.—Seedlings vs. cuttings (to frost).
Samples (May 3). |
|
First
picking.
te laverd Dire} g= CUES LE gb a Sa Eg nee aS Ye Ls Sept. 235.22)
Cuttin ge een eee os St s2 ae Seis ls Oe ee ae Aug, 22222002
Average No.
ruits
per plant.
Average weight|Average weight
uit individual
per plant. Lbs.} fruits, Ozs.
a1 | 2.9
2.3 | 2.3
Now, at the same time that this last lot was started, May 3, a dozen good
cuttings were taken from the plants B, which were themselves cuttings.
These cuttings of cuttings were given the same treatment as the cuttings
specified in the above table, and were set alongside them in the field.
They gave their first picking August 22, the same date as the one-genera-
tion cuttings, but they gave over twice the yield of either cuttings or seed-
lings—5.4 lbs. per plant, which is a fair yield for plants started in May.
This, in general, tallies with our experience last year. We can not account
for it.
Another strange thing about these cuttings of cuttings is the fact
that they did not reproduce the parent type, A, but of this we do not feel
competent to speak more fully at present.
9. Products of early and late fruits.—A house plant of the Currant-
Ithaca hybrid described last year (Bulletin 32, p. 165) gave its first ripe
fruit December 3, 1891.
Seeds were ‘saved from this, and also from
another fruit upon the same plant which matured March 18, 1892. These
seeds weré sown at the same time and at this time, also, cuttings were
taken from the plant.
MeeHiret ripe truloy ese sees soe ee a
2, Late ripe fruit
8. Cuttings
TaBLeE XV.—Products of early and late fruits.
Samples.
Date of first
picki
ng.
(To
Av. No.
of fruits
per plant.
The three lots made the following record:
frost.)
|
Av. wt. | Av. wt.
of fruits | of ind.
per plant. fruits.
| Lbs. Ozs. /
rls! | 0.22
2.1 0.29
1.8 | 0.25
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 277
-hand and right-hand samples show products of late and
early fruits respectively; the middle lot is from cuttings.
Products of early and late fruits and cuttings, at the first general picking. The left
The poorest results were got from the
seeds of the earliest fruit. The earliest
picking was obtained from the cuttings,
but the heaviest yield came from seedlings
of the late fruit. The light yields are due
to the variety, it being a cherry-like
tomato. The table also affords a com-
parison of seedlings and cuttings, as dis-
cussed in §8, the cuttings being earliest,
and producing more than one lot of seed-
lings and less than another. The accom-
panying picture shows the status of these
three lots at the picking of July 27. The
left-hand sample comprises all the fruits
picked from the dozen plants of No. 2—
products of late fruit; the middle one
those picked from No. 3—the cuttings,
and the right-hand sample is the picking
of No. 1—the product of first ripe
fruit. It may seem strange that early
fruits should give less yield than late
ones, but the result is not novel. We
found the same thing to be true last year
in a number of varieties, and similar
results have been obtained elsewhere. In
our experiments last year there were no
constant differences between the sets in
point of earliness. This illustrates the
law that any fruit reproduces its parent
rather than itself; that is, the character of
the plant as a whole is more important
than the character of any individual fruit
upon it. We should therefore expect
better results in earliness by selecting
fruits from an early plant rather than by
selecting early fruits from an ordinary
plant.
10. Products of mature and immature
frwits.—In March, a fully ripe fruit, and
one which was full grown and was about
to begin to color, were selected from a
house-grown plant of the Brick tomato
—a large, regular, red variety. Plants
were grown from each lot of seeds.
The mature-fruit lot gave the better results, both in earliness and yield.
ll. “ Leggy” plants.—Plants which have grown tall and spindling are
known among gardeners as “leggy” plants, in distinction to those which
are “stocky,” or short and stout. Leggy plants usually give very poor
results in the field when set in the ordinary manner; but some growers
278 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Taste XVI.—Products of mature and immature fruits.
—=
iy Average Average
Satie aepate ot | prsenee es weight of fruit] weigt of indi-
: rst picking. per plant. | vidual fruits.
per plant. Lbs. Z8.
Mi Abure ee er oe, 3 Oda e Whee Bie Toefl | August 8____- 26.0 | 12.0 — 7.4
Reemtstares 0) Ft Wn ebb tet eshte ran Sy op ee 24.7 11.1 | 6.9
obtain good returns from them by laying the stem upon the ground or in
a little trench, when setting, and covering it with earth, allowing only a
few inches of the tip to protrude. This treatment prevents the breaking
of the plant by the wind, and roots will form along the buried portion
which may aid in the production of a crop of fruit. This system was tried
last year, but the layered leggy plants gave less results than normal plants
set in the ordinary fashion, but they gave better results than leggy plants
not layered. Our leggy plants last year were very poor, however; they
were so badly drawn that they could scarcely stand alone. This year the
effort was repeated, but the drawn or leggy plants, while tall and slender.
were still able to support themselves, and they were vigorous. ‘The lots
for this year’s test came from Ignotum seeds sown February 12. All the
plants were transplanted at the same times, March 4, April 4, May 2, and
were set in field June 1. Lot No. 1 was transplanted into pots at the first
shifting. At the date of setting in the field they were in 4-inch pots, and
were short, stocky plants of ordinary dimensions. Lot 2 was also grown
in pots of the same sizes, but the plants stood amongst a general collection
of other plants, and because of lack of room and light, ran up 18 or 20
inches high. Lot 3 was grown entirely in flats, being given more room at
each shifting, but the plants were allowed to grow 18 or 20 inches tall from
crowding. Lot 1 was set in the field in the ordinary manner. Lots 2 and
three were trimmed of their lower leaves, the root was set at the ordinary
depth—three to four inches—and half the length of the slender stem was
laid down and covered in a trench of the same depth, the free portion
lying nearly parallel with the surface of the ground. The following figures
show how all these lots behaved: rf
Taste XVII.—* Leggy” or drawn plants.
| | i
| Average wt. | Average wt.
Lots. First eves nee of seat iudiyiduet
picking. per plant. ruit.
per plant. Lbs. Ozs
ieee ee
i Cheek. Normalisethings- 2 226) { August8 | iP | 4,3 5.8
2eaoray DOt-prownl sot. ns i) es Hirt 19.5 1.3 6.
3. SY at RTOW ne ee WIEN Duel A ee ae ee | Se 2am 12.2 ; 44 5.8
‘ |
These figures show plainly enough that the layered leggy pot-grown
plants gave decidedly best results, and that even the flat-grown leggy |
plants gave slightly heavier yield to frost than normal plants, although
they came into bearing later. If these figures are to be relied upon, there
is some advantage in growing tall and slender plants and then laying them
down in setting; but the test needs to be repeated, and it should also be
said that the plants, while leggy, were still vigorous.
12. Shearing Young Plants.—It is a frequent practice to shear the tops.
4
\
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 279
off young tomato plants to make them stocky, in place of a transplanting.
Two dozen Ignotum plants, for which seeds were sown January 19, were
distributed into two lots. One lot, which we may call No. 1, was trans-
planted on February 1, March 3, April 14, and May 17; the second lot was
treated the same way except that in place of the last transplanting,
May 17, the plants were sheared. At this time the plants were some 15
inches high, and about three inches of the top were cut off.
Taste XVIli.—Shearing young plants.
| | |
k | Average Average Average
ote } First number | weight | weight
: picking. fruits per fruit per | individual
plant. plant. Lbs. /fruits. Ozs.
tes : 1 ei : ; = x
[Tr 8s Ser Ve BR OS eh DAL July 27 -.:-- 26.2 88 | 5.4
BeSrisaredsa! eh eas RC aoe) ae Te Ang. 29 es 23.6 96 | 6.5
There was considerable loss in earliness in the sheared lot, but a gain in
weight of crop before frost. This gain was not great, and too much
dependence should not be placed upon it.
13. Hilling.—Two plots of 28 good Ignotum plants each. were set aside
for a test of the value of hilling tomatoes, half of each plot being hilled
July 2, the remaining halves receiving common level cultivation. The soil
was drawn up around the base of the plant to a height of six inches, as
potatoes are hilled.
TasBLte XIX.—AHilling tomatoes.
] ' '
Average | Average | Average
Plot number of | weight of | weight of
. | fruits fruit per | individual
per plants. | plant. Lbs. {fruits Ozs.
Pe irs aly SHEN
y (Billed gna nan 24.6 11.0 1.2
J NGEATSSITES 20 = a eg ee IE REE ips ae AB6 9.8 6.4
2p § Milled, —5 2a | 20.5 8.5 6.6
Se otiiiad Oommen Hay <A eee a et 25.0 10.1 64
B. TOTAL FOR SEASON.
pf Hilled =o ens aeeeee es eneee ances 36.4 17.9 5.2
AUT ETI Coker eT May FE eee os Sie eee 86.2 21st =) 5.0
EE TS RS EE Gs 2 7k OR MORO RR Ta 72.6 a2 | 4.8
OIE ePIC Es 61.0 18.7 4.9
The results are conflicting, although on the whole the normal or check
plants gave rather the better results. In earliness there was no apprecia-
ble difference. This hilling experiment was first made last year, it having
been urged upon us by a gardener who thinks that hilling gives greatly
increased yields. But in both years we have found no advantage in it.
14. Trimming.—It is sometimes said that trimming or heading-in
tomato plants in the field is an advantage, giving eurlier and heavier crops.
We have tried it three years. This year, four plots of a dozen plants each
of Ignotum were selected for treatment, three of the plots being trimmed,
and the remaining one having only common treatment. The trimming
consisted in heading-in the main shoots to the first fruit which had
attained the size of a marble. From four to eight inches of the shoot was
therefore removed. The trimming was done at different times, as recorded
below:
289 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
TasLeE XX.—Trimmed plants.
Average Average
Average No.!| weight of | weight of
Plot. « | of fruits crop per _ | individual
per plant. | plant. fruits.
| Lbs. Ozs.
ee Esa ees
| I
a rimmed inly 25; Augush 6 ad S05. °) 2 St eee 20,2 Ti 5.7
eEmMmMmGo AUZUstS ang oO so! 42. 5 e = LP ee ee eee 20.4 | 7.6 6.0
Soinimmed Angust 30) 22. 90 2. a ae eee see te 24.6 9.3 | 5.9
BPRS ROC KSA oe 2 ee ee es ee eee 24.2 | 9.1 6.1
| |
The early trimmed plants gave considerably less yield than the late trim-
ming or the check. There was no constant difference in earliness. The
figures, as they stand, seem to teach that the plants had better not have
been trimmed, for although there is a trifle gain in the late-trimmed lot
(No. 3), the increase is not enough to make one feel sure that it is due to
the treatment. In 1890, however, trimming on July 28 and Atgust 25 gave
considerably increased productiveness and earliness. In 1891, the trim-
mings were made August 3, August 24, and September 18, and the results
were indifferent; it was then thought that the unsatisfactory yields were
due to the lateness of the trimming, but the first trimming this year was
made on the same date as in 1890, but with opposite results. So we are
still in doubt as to whether trimming promises any benefit; but it is evident
that it does not yield decided results. :
15. Single-stem training —A good number of Ignotum plants were set a
foot apart in rows, and each plant was tied up to a perpendicular cord, but
one stem or stalk being allowed to grow in each case. The first tying of
the stem to the wire was made July 20, the plants having been set June 1.
Probably earlier attention should have been given to this. Thereafter the
plants were tied every week or two, as occasion required, but this atten-
tion was not arduous. Other plants of same age and variety were set
along side, 4x4 feet apart, for comparison.
Taste XXI1.—Single-stem training.
Crop previous to Aug. 31. Crop for the season,
Samples. Avorn A A
ge verage verage Average
Petes weight of | weight of Add Th weight of | weight of
a ina crop per | individual per plant, | Crop per individual
Per ees tants fruits. plan fruit.
| eae |e Ne
1. Single-stem training -_--.__-- | 2.9 1.08 5.9 10.7 4.0 6.0
2. Ordinary planting or check ___| 2.8 1.04 5.8 | 24.2 9.1 6.1
The second column, in each instance, shows the total yield. The trained
plants gave earliest results, averaging 1.08 lbs. to the plant up to the last
of August, against 1.04 lbs. from the check lot; and this difference is
important because the trained plants have much less bearing surface than
the others. The total product for the season is nearly half as much to the
plant (4 lbs. as to 9 Ibs.) but the trained plants occupy five times, and
more, less ground than the others, so that the yield per acre or per square
yard is two or three times greater from the trained plants. These results
match those obtained last year. This is the method pursued in forcing
tomatoes for winter fruit where the greatest possible yield must be pro-
duced. Both last year and this we found less fruit-rot upon the trained
plots than upon others. We feel safe in recommending single-stem train-
.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 281
ing for home cultivation of the tomato, and we believe that it can be made
profitable for the early crop in market ‘plantations. The plants can be tied
to stakes, to cords stretched up and down between two horizontal wires, or
to any support which the grower may fancy. The important points are to
let but one stalk grow, and to keep it securely tied to its support.
16. Fruit-rot.—It is well known that the rot of the fruit is influenced
to a considerable extent by the method of growing and training the tomato.
Single-stem training, as discussed above, usually lessens the rot, and so
does any system of training which keeps the plant open and dry. Last
year we found that weak plants—those which had been poorly handled
before setting in the field, and which had no fertilizer—gave more diseased
fruits than those which were strong and vigorous and had been well fed.
The plants set very early in the field also gave more rot than those set in
June. It is impossible to say, however, if these variations were due to the
treatments, or if they were merely incidental. Accurate observations were
made this year in all our tomatoes, and the most important of them are
tabulated below:
TasBLe XXII.—Fruit-rot under various treatments.
Per cent rot.
Land heavily manured i in Bprineewithistablemanure sss eos eae ne ee eee ae ae
* fall with stabl» manure
fairby riehsnownanure, NOC OrtluZer yao ce = etek ee toc Cay we ee Oh ee
i same as 3, one application nitrate soda (1, Table F)
_
“e
fe 88 four applications nitrate of soda (2, Table I)
Rotel eWay CNS fee
Senn fe (Sable o = sae OSS aa ee
ee fair, with mitrateonsoga Gd rable iV) 2 se mee = oa Pe es La ee ee as
st bone-black (2. Table Vs) Ae Oe Se RI Re TE a eee
us ee S aPIMUTLALCLOL POLAR Coal hablo UVa aur = eee ee | ee a ae
10. os es “S nitrateand’bone-black (4) Tableyi Wis ee ee
iL. “ < Jeonitrateang imuriste potash) Lable PVije ese ene ee a ae ee
12. 2 se Se IMUuriate ang bone-black (6,.VablevLW)s 222-0. =-5 2 ee eee
18. ss Me Lue Three ADOV.O! (is sta DION) ao: We ie me rs ne ee Sa 28 Se ae
14, es PaNGUreatinontha( ss Tablet Waeteats ao cee eee ey he eR pA a Ss Se ee
15: 2 good, earliest setting, May 7 (1, Table VII)
et
=
“ eanetagornenco etn Seis nntopaassatx
“IS Ol ps DY OT 00 TB WO IE SOO DW IOS CBSO DOE
16. ss Secondisetiing,, Mayo. 2; cable WiUh) es ie Se ee ee ee
17. st “general setting, June 1 (3. Table Vil).
18. - “* earliest sowing, January 19 (1, T ible xe 1
19. ? *“ second sowing, February 12 (2, Table 1X) ____.__.-_..-_---
20. * -thirdisowing, Pebruary 24: (8; Table 1X) 22-222 2 2
21. “ ‘** late sowing, March 14 (4, Table IX)
22. “ “once transplanted (1, Table XI)
23. te “= three times transplanted (2, Table XI) ihn aioe Mee 2 Eh)
24. Ss SERA b-PLOwn. ator (ls LAD lGONhi) 22> se panne oemaneg tn eee e ne eel Tee ee SSCs
25. ss “ pot-grown, late (i, ablewmair) <2 5: Ee ce ee Se eae ee Ws Seat See
26. er PEI AL-PLOW Us CALYA(2tMEADIORN LIL) ooo. yak mae peers ee) ee dD Bie Pe i ee
27. - eee DOL-ELO Wil CALly Gli syLADIGON)=s: 2 eee ee ea a See SS
28. es SeNOLMalo aos (leablank WiLL) s 225. 2b a) ae ee ee ee ees 1
29. es . leggy plants, DOLeLowNNe.e habla XW L) epee act eo ne ee Babes
30, Ke ss flat-grown (3. Dab le keV eee ne eed Se ae ee ee Dee ae
a1: ‘fair, single-stem training (1, Table XX1)_______________-
82. Ye A.) SCNECK (2. pL ADIOPSENL eens we net) 5 eae pens Pe ee ee LT oe ee eee ie
There are no constant variations in these figures, and apparently meting
to show that- the cultivation exerted any influence upon rot. If these
various treatments determine to any extent the prevalence of rot, the
results were probably obscured this year because rot was everywhere very
slight in our plantations.
Following is a record of the amount of fruit-rot in different varieties
grown this year:
TasLe XXIII.—Fruit-rot in varieties.
Per cent rot.
Meaty nrirey a She oe be Ee Ek RAN RAN 5 ORE PUN _f Ue eee ieadie Se? Sed "5 oe aD ORAS ale Ad De
Long Keeper.
Nicho! No. 5
Trophy --
Plentiful
Telegraph
Imont.__-
Royal Red __.
Picture Rock__-_
Yellow Pium
—]
i
ape meres
SnNocrKonrr-
won
Ss
282 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The amount of rot is not great except perhaps in Telegraph and Bel-
mont, and it is probably not chargeable to the peculiarities of the given
varieties, except in the instance of the Yellow Plum. In Table XXII,
above, all the entries are Ignotum, and it will be seen that the figures run
from 3.7 to 16.6 per cent. eStES
Altogether, therefore, we are able to draw no definite conclusions from
this year’s studies of fruit-rot, largely, perhaps, because the disease was
not sufficiently severe to emphasize itself in particular treatments.
P es 17. Southern or field blight.—The accompanying
illustration shows a trouble which was serious upon
some of our tomatoes this year. The leaves become
dull or slightly yellowish and curled, as if suffering
a7 from drouth, and the ends or individual
leaflets shrivel and droop and finally
become dry and black. The upper-
most leaf in the engraving shows the
shrivelled, dead and spindling extremity
in a characteristic manner; and the low-
est leaf shows the injured portion
in an early stage of the disease.
The middle leaf has not reached its
' normal size, and looks as if it were
_ suffering from lack of water. This
trouble is probably the disease
described as the Southern blight by
Professor B. D. Halsted, in Bulletin
- 19, of the Mississippi experiment
station. Specimens were submitted
to Professor Halsted,
who thinks that the
disease is probably
identical with the
southern ‘one. This
is not the first record
A
Southern or Field Blight of the Tomato.
of the occurrence of the disease in the
north. In a recent issue of Garden and
Forest, Professor Halsted reports it from
Syracuse, N. Y., where it had invaded
three tomato fields. Apparently the same
disease has been reported to me from
three localities in this state during the last two seasons, and in two cases
/
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 283
it had practically ruined the crop. This disease is probably due to a
inicrobe, and it is therefore doubtful if spraying will be effective. Pro-
fessor Halsted thinks that the same disease is one of the blights of the
potato. Infected vines should be gathered and burned in the fall, and as
a precautionary measure tomatoes or potatoes should not be grown upon
the same land for two or three years.
18. Impressions of Varieties—The Ignotum is still our best main
crop tomato.
Among the new kinds, a variety called Nichol No. 5, sent us by A. M.
NicHon, Granville, Ohio, was the best. It is scarcely distinquishable from
Mikado in foliage and fruit, except that the fruit is more regular and
uniform in size.
Plentiful (Perry & Co.). A good red tomato, from medium to large in
size, but inclined to crack about the stem. Appears to possess few super-
lative merits. An English variety.
Telegraph (Salzer, 1891). A medium to small tomato, irregular, not
uniform in size and shape; cracks very badly. A weak grower. Worthless
with us.
Picture Rock (Childs). A good, dark red, regular tomato, much like
the Volunteer, but apparently no improvement upon that variety. There
is a slight tendency upon some fruits to assume yellow markings, in bars
about the stem.
Royal Red (Livingston). A good red tomato, showing a tendency to
angular fruits, like those in cultivation some years ago. It reminds one of
‘ the Valencia Cluster, which was popular six and ten years ago.
Belmont (Breck). A promising, regular, red tomato, uniform, early and
productive.
The following table shows the earliness and yields of these varieties:
TaBLE XXIV.—Varieties.
Wastes . ae | Average no. Average crop
Varieties. ete picking. fruits per plt. per plant.
7
ECHOING 955. ene ne le Sea a ON SLUT CRED iy Ae ee eS Augi8)2 55. 24.4 | 9.4 lbs.
LEAT 7 ot UENO Sy hae ah Ne RL a Tf nie de en os ee ann? Aare 20 es. Lis 15. ae
RE GOTAD et aoa ke are Agen EN ae ty PE Dy Ue 2 Auging2 (oes 32.7 G7
PICLUEO MOCK. wae en ieee et eaten RCO bees 1 ee J NOV ete Renee So 23.2 6.47
ROyale ods eer ee ee a ee re ork So ee Ane. Bie us. 2 28.6 Siscae
EFI TU ees eet ne eed a mets en RE ATR da ees 24.1 7.4
We tried no introductions this year which give promise of unusual
merits. In order to determine the character of the varieties now prized
in Germany, we sent to a leading seed firm there for the six best market
varieties of tomatoes. The varieties received were Paragon, King Hum-
bert, Yellow Plum, Earliest Dwarf, Monstrous Giant, and French Upright.
Of these, only the Paragon would be considered of any value in America
for market cultivation. The Earliest Dwarf and Monstrous Giant, which
are second best, represent the old angular sorts which we have long since
outgrown. A singular German variety is that shown in the accompany-
ing engraving, and which may be called the German Striped. It comes
to us under the name of Niedriche Gestreifte, or “Low Striped.” It
belongs to the old angular type of tomatoes. The ground color is a
deep clear red, and this is overlaid with splashes and bands of bright orange.
284 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Sometimes the orange is the
prevailing color and the red
takes the position of stripes.
The fruit is very striking and
its quality is also good. In
general productiveness and
merit it will probably rank
fully as good as General
Grant, which was popular a
i fewyearsago. We first grew
this German Striped tomato
in 1887. Striped or various-
ly marked tomatoes occasion-
ally appear in plantations
but this is the only one which
we have ever known to be
permanent, or to “come true
to seed”’ for any length of
time. A striped tomato ap-
peared in an Ithaca garden
three or four years ago, but it ran out in one or two generations.
The Currant-Ithaca hybrid which was described and figured last year
was grown again this year from seeds and cuttings from one of the original
plants. Among 36 plants, there were no reversions to either parent,
although about one third of them gave larger fruits than the others. All
the plants were very productive and vigorous, and the fruit is very
handsome.
German Striped Tomato.
SUMMARY.
1. Quick and slow fertilizers.—This year’s experiments confirm those
of last year in showing that tomatoes need a fertilizer which is quickly
available early in the season. Fertilizers applied late, or which gave up
their substance late, in the season, gave poor results because they delay
fruitfulness and the plant is overtaken by frost before it yields a satisfac-
tory crop. This fact is no doubt the origin of the widespread opinion that
the tomato crop is injured by heavy manuring. Nitrate of soda applied at
once early in the season gave a much heavier yield than the same amount
applied at intervals.
2. Value of nitrate of soda.—Upon fairly good soil, which contains
some vegetable matter, nitrate of soda gives good results as a tomato fer-
tilizer. We have formerly found that upon very poor soils it gives little
or no benefit. It must be remembered, however, that nitrate of soda is an
incomplete fertilizer and that it should not be relied upon for a permanent
treatment of land. It is simply a source of nitrogen.
8. Relation of variety to fertilizing —In 1891 our test seemed to
indicate that the highly improved varieties give the greatest response to
fertilizing in the number of fruits produced, although the little improved
sorts gave greater proportionate increase in actual weight of crop. In
1892 these results were not verified, save that the little improved sorts
gave least increase in number of fruits. But in the experiments of 1892
the test was made upon good soil, in which the results of fertilizing were
obscured.
4, Comparative values of early and late settings——Experiments this
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 285
year confirm those of 1890 and 1891 in showing that very early planting
in the field is advisable. Even those plants which were slightly injured
by frost nearly equaled in productiveness those set at the general planting
June 1. The late planting gave better results at the first pickings, how-
ever. Our earliest satisfactory setting this year was made May 9.
5. Karly and late seed sowing.—Tomato seeds were sown from January
19 to March 14. The earliest sowings gave the earliest fruits, but the
largest yield came from the latest sowing, March 14, the difference in favor
of this late sowing being very marked. In 1889 our tests showed that
seeds sown in April and May gave poorer results than those started in
March. It seems to be true, therefore, that the best time to sow tomato
seeds in this latitude, for the main crop, if one has a forcing-house or a
good hot-bed, is about the middle of March.
6. Few and several transplantings.—Earlier fruits were obtained from
plants which had been three times transplanted in the house than from
those transplanted only once. In 1891, greater yields were obtained from
two transplantings than from either one or three. Much, no doubt,
depends upon the vigor and age of the plants, but it is certainly safe to say
that in all ordinary cases plants which are started in March should be
transplanted at least twice.
7. Flat-grown vs. pot-grown plants—Plants grown in pots, one lot
transplanted twice and one lot thrice, gave earlier and heavier yields than
plants similarly transplanted into “flats,” or shallow gardener’s boxes.
8. Seedlings vs. cuttings.—This year, cuttings gave earlier and heavier
yields than seedling plants. In 1890, the cuttings gave the poorer yields,
while in 1891 the results were mixed. These variations in results no doubt
depend upon some condition of the plants or some factor in our handling
which we have not yet discovered. Cuttings of cuttings gave better yields
than one-generation cuttings, both last year and this.
9. Products of early and late fruits —Plants grown from seeds from
the first ripe fruit upon a given plant gave poorer yields and no earlier
fruits than other plants grown from a fruit from the same parent which
ripened three and a half months later. Similar results have been obtained
before by ourselves and others, and it is probably safe to say that no gain
is secured by selecting seeds from early or first ripe fruits without giving
any attention to the character or habit of the plant as a whole.
10. Products of mature and immature fruits —Plants grown from seeds
from a fully ripe fruit gave earlier and better yields than other plants
raised from a fully grown but unripe fruit from the same parent.
11. Treatment of “leggy” plants.—‘ Leggy” or “drawn” plants were
set at the ordinary depth and half the stem was laid and covered in a shal-
low trench. These gave much larger yields than normal or stocky plants
started and planted at the same time. Last year opposite results were
obtained; but at that time the plants were so badly drawn that they were
unable to stand alone. This year the leggy plants were about 20 inches
high, but while slender they were still stiff and vigorous when put in the
field. It is safe to conclude that if one has leggy plants he should layer
them when planting.
12. Shearing young plants.—Plants which were sheared to make them
stocky, in the place of one transplanting, were later than others which
were transplanted at the date of this shearing. The yields were slightly
in favor of the sheared plants, but this may have been an incidental
variation.
286 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
13. Hilling tomatoes.—Hilling tomato plants, during two years, has
given no favorable results.
14. Trimming tomato plants.—Trimming the plants after they have—
made a good growth in the field gave no advantage this year, and it is
doubtful if it is advisable.
15. Single-stem training.—This year, as last, single-stem training in the
field gave decidedly heavier yields to the square foot of land, and the crop
was earlier.
16. Fruit-rot—Rot was not serious this year, and it did not appear to
be influenced by methods of cultivation or varieties.
17. Southern or field blight—A new tomato disease appeared in our
plantation this year. It is probably a bacterial trouble which may become
serious. No remedy is known, but rotation of crop will probably check it.
It is characterized by a yellowing, curling, and drying of the leaves, which
finally become black and dead.
18. Varieties—Few varieties were tested in 189%, and while they
possess merit, none of them appear to be destined to supplant varieties
already in existence.
L. H. BAILEY,
L. GC. CORBET®:
MULBERRIES.
The mulberry is a neglected tree. It possesses decided value in orna-
mental planting, and some of the varieties are useful for hedges, shelter-
belts, and small timber. The fruit has merit for the dessert, and it is easily
grown and is produced more or less continuously throughout a period of
two to four months of every year. It is this value of the mulberry as
a fruit-bearing tree which I particularly wish to discuss in this paper.
Perhaps there is no immediate prospect that the mulberry can be grown
with profit for the market, because there is no demand for it, but it is cap-
able of adding so much to the charm of the home garden and orchard that
I desire to urge it upon the attention of every land owner. The botanical
relationships of the various forms are also perplexed and they demand
attention before any intelligent discussion can be made of their horticult-
ural merits; but this subject is so difficult that I enter upon it with caution.
No group of cultivated plants has bothered me more, and three years of
study and collection of material appears only to have augmented the per-
plexities. Of all fruits cultivated in America, I think that none have so
meagre a literature as the mulberries. There is an abundant record of the
early attempts toward silk culture in this country and the mulberries which
were grown for feeding the worms, but with the failure of these attempts
the mulberry nearly passed from sight. There are men still living who
remember the ‘‘ multicaulis craze” of the thirties. PERRoTreT had intro-
V ee fey \ : ms
a 2 \ .
.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 287
duced a new mulberry into France from the Phillipines in 1824, the large
leaves and rapid growth of which at once attracted the attention of all
silkgrowers. It turned out that this tree had come originally from China
and was the source of the famous Chinese silk. PrrRorrerT called it
Moris multicaulis from its habit of branching or sprouting from the sur-
face of the ground. This tree reached America in 1829 or 1830, by way of
the nurseries of Messrs. PRINCE, on Long Island, and in 1830 or 1831 it
was introduced into Massachusetts by WiLLiAM KENRICK, author of the
““New American Orchardist.” The fame of the tree spread rapidly, and
there arose a fever of speculation such as has never been known in any
other horticultural venture in America. The records of the next ten years
read like fiction. Many nurserymen gave up all other business that they
might grow the mulberry, and they realized several hundred per cent.
profit. The secret of the Chinese silk had been discovered and every
availabie acre from New England to the Gulf must be covered with the
marvelous herbage of this mulberry, and men must train their hands to
the breeding of the worms and spinning the silken threads! One nursery-
man who is still living, went to the West Indies that he might grow hun-
dreds of thousands of trees during the winter season, so great was the
haste for plants. From the thinly settled portions of the west the planters
came eager for trees at almost arly price, and even in Maine the demand
was great. Then came the reaction. The market was supplied and soon
-over-stocked. A disease appeared. The winters of New England were
~-too severe. One man near Hartford lost nearly ten thousand trees from
cold. Men iost their fortunes; and in 1839 the bubble burst. One man
near Philadelphia sold 250,000 trees at one auction in the fall of that year.
‘He realized 31 cents each with a discount of 74 per cent for cash. His
buyers were mostly from the west. The eastern men had grown cautious
before this. Other dealers sold for much less, and many had thousands
of trees left upon their hands. ‘The trees were sold, in some instances,
for afew cents each, and thousands, if not millions, were never replanted
after they had been taken out of the ground in the fall of 1839." So
Morus multicaulis passed from sight and the present generation knows
nothing of it. No nurseryman grows it. The last specimen in the east,
so far as any one knows, was cut down nearly ten years ago. It stood on
the old battle ground at Germantown. Only one tangible result of this
great contagion remains to us. CHARLES DOWNING, whose name will long
remain a household word among those who love gardens and fruits, planted
seeds of this mulberry and raised the Downing Mulberry, which is now
grown for its fruit.
This was not the beginning of American mulberry cultivation, although
it was far the most important contribution to it. Before this time various
forms of mulberries had been introduced, but mostly for the purpose of
feeding silk worms. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN had demonstrated that good silk
can be grown in this country. M’Manon, 1806, had urged the cultivation
of the mulberry for fruit and for hedges as well as for silk. In 1806, too,
FREDERICK PursuH, a botanical traveler, found mulberries cultivated in
orchards near Cayuga lake, N. Y., “may be for the raising of silkworms,
as the trees were low and planted in regular close rows.” WILLIAM PRINOE,
in 1828, regarded the Black Persian and the wild native red mulberry as
the best for fruit, and he enumerates several kinds for silk. Among other
sorts which were introduced in the early days was Morus Tatarica, which
has lately reappeared as the Russian mulberry. So far, there appear to
~
288 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
have been no varieties of any species of American origin. It is a signifi-
cant fact that the first named variety originating in this country is an off-
spring of our own wild Morus rubra. This is the Johnson. The first
mention of it, so far as I know, is in the first edition of Downing’s “Fruits.
and Fruit Trees” in 1845.
I have said that the botany of the mulberries is perplexing. This is
notoriously the case in every country where they are cultivated. There
appear to be three well marked general types in cultivation, the white,
black, and red—Morus alba, M. nigra, M. rubra. I must warn my read-
ers that these names do not designate the color of the fruits of the respec-
tive species, although they were no doubt meant to distinguish them. Our
native Morus rubra bears somewhat redder fruits than the others; fruits
of tke black mulberry are black, but so are those of the white mulberry
in many cases. Perhaps we can apply the terms white and black in a gen-
eral way to the color of the foliage, as that of M. alba is much lighter
than that of M. nigra. The white mulberry is the species most used for
silk. It has been cultivated in many countries for many centuries, and, as.
a consequence, it is wonderfully variable. Bureau, in his monograph of
the genus in 1873, refers 31 described species to M. alba and recognizes 27
botanical varieties or types of it. But it is difficult, in some cases, to dis-
tinguish between M. alba and M. nigra, and if we are to follow Bureau’s
classification I do not see how the two can be kept apart, for some of the
plants which he refers to M. alba seem to be as distinct from its type as
M.nigrais. In this paper I have kept apart two species which are com-
monly referred to Morus alba. I donot know if they are distinct species,.
but they are more easily understood if they stand by themselves; and as
species at best are only judgments of the particular author who describes
them and not entities in nature, I may be allowed the present
arrangement.
The later American mulberry culture for fruit, scant as it is, has devel-
oped along independent lines. The black mulberry, Morus nigra, is the
fruit-bearing mulberry of history, and nearly all writers declare that the
white mulberry possesses little or no value for fruit. Yet in America the
black mulberry is almost unknown, except sparingly in the south and in
California, and some of our common varieties are offspring of the white
mulberry. And to these must be added varieties which I am satisfied
belong to our native red mulberry.
The American mulberries, so far as | know them, may be grouped under
the following species, omitting the kinds which were early cultivated for:
silk and are now practically unknown in the country:
1. The White Mulberry group.—Morus alba.
1. (a). Russian mulberry.—Var. Tatarica.
1. (b). Nervosa mulberry.—Var. venosa.
2. The Multicaulis group.—Morus latifolia.
3. The Japanese group.—Morus Japonica.
4. The Black Mulberry group.—Morus nigra.
5. The Red or Native Mulberry group.—Morus rubra.
5. (a). Lampasas mulberry.—Var. tomentosa.
1. Toe Waitt Mu.serry Group.—( Morus alba, Linn.) Leaves light
green, rather small, smooth or very nearly so above and often shining, the
veins prominent. beneath and whitish, variously lobed or divided, the basal
lobes unequal, the teeth large and for the most part rounded or nearly
obtuse, the branches gray or grayish-yellow. The white mulberry is sup-
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 289
posed to be a native of China. It has been cultivated from the earliest
times, chiefly for feeding the silk worm. It is a frequent tree along road-
sides and in the old yards in the eastern states, where the trunk sometimes
attains a diameter of two feet. This half-wild form usually has rather
small rounded shining leaves with very large rounded teeth, and bears
little whitish or violet fruits which are very sweet. Sometimes the fruits
are an inch long, but they are oftener only half that length, and I some-
times find trees upon which the fruits are barely a quarter of an inch in>
length. Now and then a tree bears fruits nearly or quite black. Birds,
poultry, and hogs are fond of these mulberries. The trees are usually very
thick-topped and bushy growers, but occasionally one is seen which, when
young, has branches as straight and trim asa Northern Spy apple. These
half-wild trees are seedlings, and this accounts for their variability. If
the best ones were selected and grafted onto others, we might find trees
worthy of orchard culture. This, evidently, has been done in some cases,
for the three following named varieties differ from these half-wild mulber-
ries chiefly in their straighter growth, and larger and blacker fruit.
New American Mulberry.
New American.—This variety was brought to notice by N. H. Lindley,
Bridgeport, Conn., about 1854. No one knows its parentage. It is now
widely cultivated, and it is the best mulberry yet known for the northern
states. It is a strong, hardy tree, very productive, and bears continuously
from late June until September. Large trees will produce ten bushels of
fruit in a season. The fruit ranges from an inch to over two inches long,
37
290 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
and it is glossy black when ripe. The accompanying picture shows a
spray a little over half size. The fruit in this specimen is small. Notice
the rounded teeth on the leaves, which are usually characteristic of these
forms of Morus alba. The Downing has a greater reputation than any
other variety, and this New American is often sold for it. In fact, the
true Downing is now rare in cultivation. But this point will be discussed
under the Downing, further on.
Trowbridge and Thorburn.—I do not know the origin of these mulber-
ries. They are very like the New American, with a tendency, perhaps,
toward a sharper toothing of the leaves: Some good judges aeclare that
all three are alike, but I think that they are distinct. At least, I believe
that the last two are distinct from the New American. And there is some
reason for supposing that Trowbridge and Thorburn are distinct. A party
of botanists, to whom both varieties were new, were asked to pick and eat
fruit. from the two kinds last summer. They agreed that Trowbridge is
slightly more acid than Thorburn and has more pronounced flavor. But
so far as I know, these two varieties possess no merits above the New
American_and they are little known.
1. (a) THe Russtan MuLpBerry Sus-Group.—Morus alba var. Tatarica,
Loudon. (Morus Tatarica of Linnezus.
This is a hardy type of Morus alba which was introduced into our
western states during 1875-6-7 by the Russian Mennonites. It scarcely
differs from the type of Morus alba in botanical characters, and perhaps
should not be kept dis-
tinct, even as a botanical
variety. As commonly
seen, it is a low-growing
very bushy-topped, small
tree with small and much
lobed leaves. The fruit is
usually very small and
insipid, and varies from
creamy white to violet,
deep red and almost black.
The accompanying picture
of the Russian Mulberry
appeared in the American
Garden some two years
ago. It was made from a
specimen taken early in
the season from the Cor-
nell garden. The Russian
Mulberry is commonly
propagated from seeds and
it is therefore very vari-
able. <A large-fruited or
distinct-growing form
often appears, and three,
at least, of these have been
named. They are described
below Russian Mulberry.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 291
The irritation which the Russian mulberry has produced reminds one of
the multicaulis fever of sixty years ago, but it is far less serious and wide
spread than that disease. This Russian mulberry has suffered from indis-
criminate and exaggerated praise. Save an occasionable sport, it has no
merit for fruit, unless it serves to attract birds from cherries and other
fruits, but even this is a problematic advantage. In the east, at least, it
has no merits for timber, as it is too small and grows too slowly. In the
prairie soils of the west it often grows into respectable post timber in a
short time. Mr. I. Horner of Emporia, Kansas, writes as follows,
concerning it:
“Tt has been said that this tree is only a bushyshrub. I here exhibit to
you a section of a Russian mulberry tree five years old, and which has been
grown in a shelter belt and overshadowed with cottonwood trees. It is
five inches in diameter, and, as you see, a nice, straight and smooth trunk
eight or nine feet long. Another year’s growth would make it suitable
for posts. J measured one tree which gave a circumference of 374: inches
at a point two and a half feet above the ground, and which was only eight
years old. * * * Itis one of the very best trees for shelter belts and
fence posts. From a hedge-row 15 rods long, I saw 200 nice fence posts
cut. The wood is very durable. * * * It is a tree for fuel, shelter and
posts for the western prairies.” ‘There isa vast difference in character
of growth and quality of fruit. Most trees sold by nurserymen have been
grown from seed gathered from mulberry hedges and trees, with no regard
to quality of tree, and which naturally generates a large per cent. of
inferior stock. These may be known by a disposition to branch freely
close to the ground, and a drooping inclination of their growth. They
bear small notched leaves, and very small insipid fruit.” ‘Shelter belts
should be constructed in rows 12 to 16 feet apart, and the trees from two
to four feet in the row. When three years old, cut all level with the ground.
From their roots will spring up a strong and rapid growth of shoots.
Remove all but the strongest to each tree. After two years, thin out as
may be desired.”
The Russian mulberry has been allowed by some land offices asa timber
tree under the timber claim law.
- But the chief merit of the Russian mulberry appears to be its value as
a hedge plant in cold regions. Mr. RosENBERGER of Nebraska makes the
following note of it in a recent issue of American Gardening: ‘The
Russian mulberry does not make a serviceable hedge to turn stock, but for
an ornamental hedge there is nothing that I know of equal to it, at least
for the west and northwest. It endures the extremes of climate better
than any other plant or tree suitable for hedge purposes.” This note is
accompanied by an engraving, which is borrowed for this occasion, of a
Russian mulberry hedge in Nebraska. Mr. G. J. CARPENTER, secretary of
the Nebraska State Horticultural society and a prominent nurseryman,
writes me as follows upon this point: “Russian mulberry hedges are found
in nearly every town in Nebraska. It makes one of the finest ornamental
hedges. The Mennonites, when they came to this country, planted a great
many of them and used them to spread their clothing on to dry, and some
of these hedges are 12 and 15 years old and in good condition yet. There
are some very fine hedges in the western part of the state, west of the 100
292 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
meridian, that have been out for over eight years, and they are as perfect
as any hedge can possibly be.”
I think that the Russian Mulberry possesses considerable merit as a
small ornamental tree and for the purpose of making low screens or shelter
belts in the east. It is now largely used as a stock upon which to graft the
named varieties of mulberry.
The named varieties or seedlings of the Russian type are three:
Victoria.—Originated in 1883, from seed of the Russian mulberry, by
G. ONDERDONK of southern Texas. It isa tall and upright grower, bear-
ing large sweet black fruit, which is in season for several weeks.
Mr. ONDERDONK writes me as follows concerning it: “I named the
Victoria after our county. It is proving itself of excellent quality, and is
enormously productive. The more I see of it the more I am convinced
that its dissemination is not a mistake. It has become very popular all
over Texas, and as the Russian race of mulberries is hardy against every
extreme of climate, I can see no reason why it should not spread over
every part of the United States where the mulberry can exist. Whatever
may be the merits of other varieties in other sections, the Victoria is
their superior in this part of southern Texas.”
Ramsey’s White.—A white fruited mulberry which came in a lot of
Russian mulberry stock from Nebraska, purchased by Ramsry & Son,
Mahomet, Texas, some ten years ago. Mr. RAamsEy writes me that he has’
“concluded that it does not equal Hicks and two other varieties which we
have.” It is catalogued by Mr. ONDERDONE, who says: “A good white
mulberry, bears young; requires some pruning to make a good shaped tree.
A desirable new sort.”
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS.
Teas’ Weeping Mulberry.—This,
the most pronounced weeper among
our ornamental trees, is a chance
seedling of the Russian mulberry,
having come up in a nursery row
nine years ago in the plantation of
Joun C. Teas, Carthage, Missouri.
The original seedling tree is still
only three feet high, although vigor-
ous. In the nursery row this seed-
ling trailed on the ground, while all
the others made the ordinary upright
growth. Grafted head high upon
vigorous Russian stocks, it makes a
most striking lawn tree. The
branches curve outward for a foot
or two and then fall
straight downward to the
ground. ee SS Oe
aoa EERE
1. (b). Tor NERVOSA
Sus-Group.— Morus
alba var. venosa, De-
lile. (M. nervosa of
Bon Jardinier and hor-
ticulturists. )
The Nervosa mulberry, a spray of
which is shown half size in the
engraving, is a strange monstrosity
of the white mulberry. Its leaves
are contracted and jagged, and are
very strongly marked with many
white veins. It bears a fruit a half
inch long. Among the horticultural
curiosities, this tree should find a
place, and it is to be regretted that it
is not grown by our nurserymen.
Its ornamental value is considerable,
especially when striking effects are
desired. This tree is rare in Amer-
ica, and I do not know what are its
adaptations to our climates, but there
is apparently no reason to doubt its
success if given a fair trial. A large
specimen stands in the grounds of
the department of agriculture at
Washington. I do not know the
Nervosa Mulberry.
Oy
ee — al
e
NGS
{fy
1?
“es
19
LB
LI)
Th
a wi
("]
iy
is
293
lZ
ij
7
history of the Nervosa mulberry, nor is it important for our present pur-
pose. DE ILE describes it in a French periodical so long ago as 1826.
294 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
2. Toe MuLticauLis Group.— Morus latifolia, Poiret. (M. multicaulis
of Perrottet. MM. alba var. multicaulis of Loudon.)
A strong-growing small tree or giant shrub, with dull, roughish and very
large long-pointed leaves which are seldom or never prominently lobed,
and which are often convex above, bearing black sweet fruit. I have
already given a sketch of Morus multicaulis in America. Its most prom-
iment offspring is the
Downing (Downing’s Everbearing).—This originated at Newburgh, on
the Hudson, from seeds sown
about 1846. It was noticed by the
late C. M. Hovey in his Magazine
of Horticulture in March, 1858, as
“a new seedling raised by C.
Downina of Newburgh, N.
Y., from the Morus multt-
caulis.” The Downing
often looks very different
from the old multicaulis,
and J sometimes doubt if
its history is correct; but
there is probably no doubt
as to its origin. For
many years. the
Downing was the
leading fruit-bearing
mulberry, but it
} proved to be short-
| lived and was. often
} injured by the win-
ters in the northern
states; and even s0
far south as Texas it
frequently suffers
from the cold. In
Florida it is said to
be still popular. The
— Downing now sold
ai f= by most nurserymen is the
= New American, as I have
already said. Only the
older nurseries still grow
the true Downing, so far as I have
observed in the eastern states. Most
New American and Downing Leaves. planters and perhaps some nursery-
men are not aware of this substitution. Some nurserymen habitually
substitute the New American for the Downing, using the latter name, say-
\
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 295
ing that they are disseminating a better variety. It is true that the New
American is the better of the two, at least for the north,
but it is unfortunate that this substitution should have
occurred. Many nurserymen suppose that the two vari-
eties are the same, but they not only differ in hardiness
but also in foliage and fruit. The accompanying outlines
show some of the difference in foliage. The top leaf is
the New American and the under one Downing. The
Downing leaf is much the larger and longer, longer-
pointed, with smaller teeth. It is nsually proportionally
larger than shown in the engraving. It is also a duller
and usually a thinner leaf than that of the New American.
By referring to the first illustration in this paper, it will
be seen that the fruit of the New American is made up of
closely compacted parts or drupelets, while in the Down-
ing, as seen in the cut in the margin, the drupelets are
more or less detached. This picture of the Downing fruit shows a small
specimen. The fruit is black, of excellent quality, possessing a slight
acidity which is apt to be lacking in the varieties of Morus alba. The
fruit ripens from June until September.
Spalding —I am indebted to T. V. Munson of Denison, Texas, for a
knowledge of this variety. It is said to be a seedling of the Downing, and
the leaves and habit confirm this origin. Mr. MUNSON says that it is as
tender as the Downing. It originated with the late E. H. Sparpina,
who thought it the finest variety in cultivation. I do not know its fruit.
Rives.—This mulberry, which is sent me by G. ONDERDONK of Nursery,
Texas, was found upon the premises of James Rives of Mission Valley,
Victoria county, Texas. Its origin is unknown. Mr. ONDERDONK thinks
it is a form of Morus Japonica, but it seems to me to belong to the multi-
eaulis group, although it may be the native Morus rubra. I have not had
an opportunity to study it thoroughly. ‘The fruit, while being good, has
not specia! merit,” Mr. ONDERDONK says. It is reeommended ‘chiefly for
shade, the growth being very rapid and the leaves large. It is also said to
be valuable for silk. In Texas it blooms so early that the fruit is often
lost.
Two mulberries have recently been sent me from the University of Cali-
fornia under the name of Lhoo—originally spelled Lhou—and Nagasaki.
These, I think, belong with the multicaulis group, although they suggest
Morus Japonica. Bureau refers some of the Chinese Lhou mulberry to
Morus alba var. macrophylla (Morus Morettr), and some of it to this
multicaulis group. At the university of California the climate is said to
be too cold to allow these mulberries to fruit. These oriental varieties are
grown chiefly for feeding silk worms.
296 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
3. THE JAPANESE Group.—Morus Japonica, Audibert.—(M. alba var.
stylosa of Bureau. )
Leaves usually large, dull, rather thin, long-pointed, the rounded teeth
very large and deep, or the margin even almost jagged, the leaves upon
the young growth usually deeply lobed. This species has been introduced
very lately and it has not yet fruited in this country, so far as I know. It
is tender in the north when young. The fruit is described as short-oblong
and red.
4. Tue Biack MuLBerry Grovup.—Morus nigra, Linn.
Leaves dark dull green, rather large, tapering into a prominent point,
commonly very rough above, usually not lobed, the base equal or very
nearly so upon both sides, the teeth rather small and close, the branches
brown. The black mulberry is a native of Asia, probably of Persia and
adjacent regions. It is the species which is cultivated in the Old World
for its fruit. In America it is very little grown. It is not hardy, except
in protected places, in New England and New York. The Black Persian
mulberry of the south and of California is undoubtedly this species. This
variety, with others, was inserted in the Fruit Catalogue of the American
Pomological society for 1875. It was dropped from the Catalogue in 1883;
and has not been inserted since. It is named in Wicxkson’s “ California
Fruits,” 1889, without particular comment. The same volume also men-
tions the Black mulberry of Spain, as having been fruited by Felix Gillet,
of Nevada City, California. This I take to be Morus nigra. There must
be large regions in this country which are congenial to the true black
mulberry, and it is strange that it is so little known. The fruit of this
species is much larger than that of any other, and it possesses an agreeable
sub-acid flavor. The fruits of Morus alba, however, are often too sweet
for most tastes when fully ripe, and in such case they should be picked
before they have fully matured.
297
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS.
\
4
:
‘e218 JIB
‘DAQne SNLOP —SIIOQTNT POY PITA
38
298 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
5. THe Rep or Native MuuBerry GrRourp.—Morus rubra. Linn.
Leaves usually large, very various, those on the young shoots deeply
lobed with very oblique and rounded sinuses in the base of which there
are no teeth, the upper surface rough and the lower one soft or variously
pubescent, the teeth medium or comparatively small and either rounded or
bluntish. ‘The native mulberry is generally distributed from western New
England to Nebraska and southward to the gulf, being much more abund-
ant and attaining a larger size in the south. The fruit is deep red, or when
fully ripe, almost black, variable in size, often very good, nearly always having
an agreeable slight acidity. This native mulberry has been tried for the
feeding of silk worms, but with indifferent success. I am satisfied that at
least three of the named fruit-bearing mulberries belong to it, and a yel-
low-leaved mulberry, which is somewhat grown for ornament, also appears to
be of this species. The curious lobing of the leaves on the young growth
is shown in the middle spray in the accompanying engraving. This
lobing is distinct from that in any other mulberry which I have seen
and it has been one of the chief characters in influencing me to refer the
Hicks and Stubbs mulberries to Morus rubra. The nearest approach to
this lobing which I have seen in‘any other mulberry is in the Japanese
(Morus japonica) and this affords another of those interesting parallel-
isms which exist between the Japanese and Eastern American floras.
The red mulberry is the largest tree of the genus. It often attainsa height
of 70 feet in the south. The timber is much used for posts, fencing, and
light wood work. The two accompanying pictures: are made from wild
specimens collected in Michigan.
Johnson.—I have already said that this appears to
have been the first named variety of Mulberry, of any
species, originating upon American soil. The first
record of it, so far as I know, is in the first edition of
A. J. Downinea’s “Fruits and Fruit Trees,” 1845, in
which it is said that the variety has been “ lately
received from Professor KIRTLAND of Cleveland, one
of the most intelligent horticulturists in the country ;”
and it is distinctly stated that it is a form-of our
native species. CHARLES Downinec reaffirms this
latter statement in Purdy’s Fruit Recorder, in 1872,
and in comparing the fruit with that of the wild
Morus rubra says that it is “of about the same Wild red mulberry.
quality, but of larger size.” In the second edition of ais
“Fruits and Fruit Trees,” 1872, by CHartes Downrna, it is described as
follows: ‘A seedling from Ohio. Fruit very large, oblong cylindric;
blackish color, sub-acid and of mild agreeable flavor. Growth of the wood
strong and irregular. Leaves uncommonly large.” The Johnson is very
little known at the present time and will probably soon pass from sight.
Mr. Berckmans of Georgia, writes that the “ fruit is large, very good, but
too little of it,’ and that he has “long since discovered it.” ‘‘ The fruit is
fully two inches long by three fourths inch in diameter, very black and of
a rich vinous flavor.”
Hicks ( Hicks’ Everbearing). This is a Georgian variety, as near as I
can learn, although Downing, in 1872, credits it to Kentucky. It was
brought to notice about 1850, or before, by Simei Rose of Macon, Georgia,
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 299
who is said to have obtained it from THomas Evxins of Effingham county,
Georgia. Mr. Evxins “ planted it in avenues, on his lanes, in his fence
corners, and many other favorite places on his plantation, for his hogs,
and it is said that he always had pork or bacon to sell.” At the present
time it is much used in parts of the south as a food for swine. Mr.
BERCKMANS says that “the value of mulberries as an economic food for
hogs is beginning to be appreciated by many farmers, who have planted
large orchards of the Hicks for that purpose.” It is also one of the very
pest varieties for poultry. It isa most profuse bearer, producing a con-
tinuous and bountiful crop for three and four months. The fruit is medium
to large, very sweet and rather insipid.
Stubbs.—The original Stubbs mulberry tree was found growing in a
wood near Dublin, Laurens county, Georgia. Col. Jonn M. Stupss of
that place gave scions to Mr. BrrckmMaNns some 15 years ago, and Mr.
BERCKMANS introduced it tothe public. Itis probably the most productive
of all mulberries, even exceeding the wonderful prolificacy of the Hicks.
- The fruit is deep black, with a very rich sub-acid vinous flavor. It is fully
_ two inches long and over a quarter as thick in well developed specimens.
5. (a) THe Lampasas Sus-Grour.—Morus rubra var. tomentosa Bureau.
(M. tomentosa of Rafinesque. )
aes very soft-pubescent and whitish beneath, often glossy but rough
above.
Lampasas.—This variety was found in the woods in Lampasas county,
Texas, by F. M. Ramsty, and was introduced in 1889 by T. V. Munson of
Denison, Texas. It has a somewhat spreading and shrub-like habit. Mr.
Munson writes as follows concerning it: “The Lampasas mulberry,
although a native of the region only 200 miles southwest of here, is so
tender here as to winter kill. I have ceased to propagate it on that
account. I have never been able to fruit it.”
There are three varieties of fruit-bearing mulberries which I have not
seen, and I do not know to what species they should be referred. One is
Bigert (Bigert’s Everbearing), which I know only from the following note
in the first volume of Gardener’s Monthly, 1859: “A friend sends us some
specimens under the above name, which he says continues in bearing from
June till frost. It is very much in size and appearance like Downing’s
Everbearing, but the leaves are very different.”
Another variety is the Paine, which, I think, has not been mentioned in
print. All I know about it is the following description sent me by the
venerable Isaac Hicks of Westbury, Long Island: ‘Fruit about the size
of Downing, not so large as New American. A very excellent variety,
bearing a long time. Found on the lot where THomas Parnge, the religious
reformer, was buried. Two very fine trees, which are great bearers, are on
the place of the late Wm. S. CARPENTER at Marmaroneck, Westchester
county, N Y.”
The third variety is the Black American, which I know only from the
following entry in the catalogue of the Bloomington (Illinois) nursery:
“Native, hardy, productive, valuable.”
The cultivation of the mulberry is very simple. I thrives upon any
ordinary well-drained soil. At full maturity, the trees are as large as an
apple tree. The fruit falls as soon as it is ripe, and it is readily shaken off
300 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
before it reaches its full maturity. If a soft sod is allowed under the tree,
the fruit can be shaken off and picked from the ground. This is the best
way of harvesting the muiberry. In Europe, cress is sometimes sown
under the trees in late spring to afford a temporary carpet to catch the
fruit.
The mulberries can be propagated by cuttings of the ripe wood or of
roots. Cuttings start best under glass. Some nurserymen propagate by
short cuttings indoors, starting them in February or March. The cheap
Russian mulberry stocks, from the west, have supplanted
cutting-propagation very largely. The named sorts are
grafted upon these Russian roots in winter, with fair suc-
cess, in the same manner in which apple trees are root-
grafted, or they are sometimes crown-grafted, the stocks for
this purpose being grown in pots or boxes. Ordinary fall
budding in the field is not successful with mulberries, but
spring budding gives good results. Spring budding has
been employed and recommended certainly for thirty years, °
but it does not yet appear to be a common practice. §S. D
WILLARD, Geneva, N. Y., who grows quantities of mulber-
ries, has several times shown me his stock, which is pro-
pagated by spring scion-budding. This is performed just
before the foliage is out, or as soon as the bark slips
freely. The illustration in the margin explains the opera-
Scion-budding for tion. The incision in the stock is the same as for the
the mulberry. ordinary fall budding. The scion carries one or two buds,
and is cut upon one side only. Thi sprepared side is inserted next the
wood in the stock, and is held in place by string, as for fall budding.
REVIEW.
1. The mulberry is grown for fruit, ornament, hedges, and small timber,
as well as for silk. It merits more general attention, especially as a fruit-
bearing tree.
2. The fruit of some varieties is excellent for dessert, and it may be used
for making jellies and preserves. It is also good food for poultry and for
swine.
5. Sixteen varieties are mentioned in this paper as fruit-bearing kinds:
New American, Trowbridge, Thorburn, Victoria, Ramsey’s White, Down-
ing, Spalding, Black Persian, Black Spanish, Johnson, Hicks, Stubbs,
Lampasas, Bigert, Paine, and Black American. Of these, the most prom-
inent are New American, Downing, Black Persian, Hicks, Stubbs.
4. The New American is recommended for the northern states. Down-
ing is almost out of cultivation in the north, but the New American com-
monly passes under this name. Black Persian is occasionally grown in
the south and on the Pacific coast, but it seems to be ill-adapted to our
conditions. Hicks is a heavy bearer, of indifferent quality, but valuable
for poultry and for swine, especially in the south where it has been most
thoroughly tested. Stubbs is perhaps the most profuse bearer of all, and
the fruit is large and excellent in quality.
5. The other varieties and types are grown for shade, ornament, and tim-
ber. The most unique of these varieties are the Nervosa and Teas’ Weep-
ing. The Russian type is valuable for ornamental hedges, especially in
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 301
the prairie states, for planting sparingly as single specimens or in groups
as ornamental trees, and for small timber on the prairies. The fruit is
usually worthless. This type has already given three named varieties of
more or less merit: Victoria, Ramsey’s White, and Teas’ Weeping.
6. The mulberries here enumerated belong to five more or less distinct
general types or species,—Morus alba, M. latifolia, M. Japonica, M.
nigra, and M. rubra. The first and the last are the most important in
this country for the purposes here discussed.
7. American varieties of fruit-bearing mulberries have developed along
independent lines, having come chiefly from Morus alba and M. rubra,
while the fruit mulberry of history is M. nigra.
8. The native mulberry, Morus rubra, has given us some of the most
important varieties, and as it is naturally variable and adapted to our
various climates, it is the probable progenitor of the American mulberries
of the future.
9. The mulberry is easily grown upon ordinary soils. It is often tender
in the north during the first two or three years.
10. The mulberry is propagated by cuttings of the mature wood or the
roots, by root and crown-grafting, and by budding with dormant buds in
the spring.
L. H.. BAILEY.
SPRAYING APPLE ORCHARDS IN A WET SEASON.
Experiments in spraying for apple-scab and apple-worm were made this
year in the orchard of JoHN McGowan, a fruitgrower living near the uni-
versity farm. The orchard consists principally of King and Baldwin
apples. Several other varieties are grown, and other experiments than
those here recorded were made, but owing to the limited number of trees
and the lightness of the crop the results obtained from these were unsatis-
factory. But definite results were obtained from the Kings and Baldwins.
All notes were taken with the assistance of L. C. CorBETT, assistant in the
experiment station, in order that any personal bias of the writer might be
corrected.
The summer’s work is particularly interesting from the fact that the
season was very wet, the rainfall from June | to July 1 being as follows:
rar 10 | 36 | 1
2) ees ats oe
.08 | 1.16 | .02 01
}
’
June. |x| 2 s| «| 5|
18 ae 24 | 27 | 30 |
a .02 .01 | .64 | .29} Total 5.20
Rainfall in inches_______| 0.8 | 1.11 | .76 32
The total rainfall is 1.31 inches above the average for the month. Most
of the days during which no rain fell were cloudy and warm, and the
atmosphere was moist. The first week in July was also rather wet, but
later the rainfail was considerably less. Such conditions are generally
supposed to favor the development of the apple-scab (F'usicladium den-
driticum) and perhaps also other fungi which work upon the trees. The
302 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
rains also wash off the materials which are applied to the trees. Professor
ATxrInson has examined diseased fruit taken from the orchard in which
the experiments were made and has found that a large part, if not all, of
the injury done to the apples by fungi was primarily caused by the apple-
scab fungus. The leaves were also more or less injured but this was due
partly to the action of other fungi as well as the fusicladium. However,
the latter may be considered as the worst pest and any treatment which
wiil effectually check it will undoubtedly render the others harmless
also.
The life history of the fungus has not been well determined. Mr. Fatr-
CHILD, of the division of pathology at Washington, writes me that the
infections take place earlier in the season than was supposed; in fact that
it is probable that the disease often obtains a foothold even before the
petals fall from the trees. The experiments made here the past season
tend to confirm the statement. The application of -some fungicide before
the buds of the apple open will probably be as valuable as any later treat-
ments which may be given. When the fungus has once penetrated the
plant tissues, there can be no efficient remedies for it. The fungicide
should be upon the tree before the spores of the fungus germinate; and
those of the apple-scab occasionally seem to be growing even before the
opening of the first leaf buds. The apple-scab first appears upon the fruit
in the form of grayish, slightly sunken spots. These generally are circu-
lar at first but when several grow together their outline is irregular. As
the spot enlarges the center becomes quite dark, even black. At the edges
may be seen the epidermis or skin of the apple; it is loosened by the dis-
ease, and forms a light colored line which plainly divides the diseased from
the healthy tissues.
The codlin-moth lays its eggs early in the spring in the blossom end of
the apple, before the fruit has turned down. The larve, or worms, which
develop from these eggs, make the apples wormy. The time for fighting
this pest is fortunately the same as that for the apple-scab, and in this fact
lies the value of a combination of insecticides and fungicides. As soon as
the apples hang down, the arsenite may be omitted, but the use of
the fungicide may still be advisable.
The pruning and the spraying of fruit trees are two subjects which are
closely related. This is especially true in the case of the apple. Moisture
is favorable to the development of the apple-scab fungus. When the tops
of the trees consist of a tangled mass of large and small branches, they are
much longer in drying out than when they are open. Not only is a shelter
given to fungi, but their growth is encouraged, and each tree becomes the
distributing center of some disease. The mischief is also aggravated by
the fact that it is as difficult for any remedies to gain an entrance as it is
for the light and air. It is impossible to spray such trees to advantage,
even granting that the fruit borne by them would warrant the expense.
The head of the tree should be open so that all parts may be reached
easily with the spray.
The actual expense of spraying is also largely increased when the tops
of the trees are not well pruned. A well-sprayed apple tree has its leaves
and fruit covered with a thin layer of the material applied, so that the
poison will be present wherever a spore may fall or an insect feed. If the
work is not done in this manner, the tree remains more or less unprotected.
It naturally follows that atree bearing many unnecessary branches will
require more material to protect it. But much material is also wasted in
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 303
trying to spray through these branches, or past them, in order to reach
more important parts of the tree. Again, this extra work requires time.
During the spring of the year there is generally plenty of work to be done,
and extra help is expensive. It is no small task to spray an orchard, as
those who have tried it well know, and everything that will make the work
easier is worthy of attention.
PART I.—EXPERIMENTS OF THE SEASON.
Until recently, insecticides and fungicides have been applied separately.
The following experiments were made to determine the value and practi-
cability of spraying apple orchards with a combination of insecticides and
fungicides. From the good results which have commonly followed the use
of Paris green, it was thought possible that it may have some value as a
fungicide when used alone. Applications were made to test this point. .
The combinations applied were Paris green and the Bordeaux mixture,
andfLondon purple and the Bordeaux mixture. Paris green was also used
alone. The arsenites were used at the rate of two and one half ounces to
40 gallons of liquid, which is the equivalent of one pound to about 250
gallons. The Bordeaux mixture was made according to the formula:
Sulphateor copper (crystals) 2202 a Seb Ped ee ee ets 6 pounds.
inte (anslaked eis sneak ke te oe pounds)
IWisitt eyesore Bly eke NM as? pate a ae A fe eee a oe ae Ss Gite 2 40 gallons.
The sulphate of copper dissolves very slowly in cold water. It is better
to buy it in the form of a powder, or to use boiling water, which dissolves
it more quickly. Four or five gallons of hot water should readily dissolve
enough of the copper sulphate to make 40 gallons of the mixture. It is
better to use quick lime, but that which has been air-slaked will also
answer the purpose if about one fourth more is used. (See part II.)
The arsenites were added to the mixture just before the applications
were made to the trees. The mixtures were carried in the orchard in a
barrel holding 40 gallons, and lying horizontally upona wagon. The pump
used was No. 549 of the Deming company, Salem, Ohio. It was secured to
the top of the barrel as shown in the cover illustration. A hose, which
discharges into the barrel for the purpose of keeping the mixture stirred,
may be attached to the pump, but this was not used. The liquids were
stirred by means of a stick which was inserted inro the barrel threugh the
hole used in filling. A thorough stirring was given before spraying each
tree. It was found that two persons working together could do the work
most satisfactorily; one drove and directed the spray while the other
pumped. The nozzle used was one invented by the owner of the orchard.
It throws a fine spray with much force, which makes it well adapted for
orchard work.
‘The amount of liquid applied to each tree averaged about four and one-
half gallons per application. The trees are about twenty years old. They
are thrifty and in excellent condition. The retail price of the sulphate
of copper is about 8 cents per pound, and Paris green is sold for about 35
cents. Adding the cost of the lime at 30 cents per bushel, this makes the
actual outlay per tree for material about 5 cents for each application of
the combination of Bordeaux mixture and Paris green. If London purple
were used it would reduce the cost a little, for this poison should sell for
about 20 cents per pound retail. If Paris green is used alone the cost of
304 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
each application is less than one cent per tree. Two men should spray
from 100 to 125 trees per day and do the work well. Counting the cost
of applying at 2 cents per tree, this makes the total cost of each applica-
tion of the combined insecticides and fungicides 7 cents per tree, or about
25 cents for four applications, this number being perhaps sufficient in even
very wet seasons. \
Most of the petals fell from the trees June 6 and 7. The first applica-
tion was made June 13, the weather in the meantime being warm and
damp. This application was without doubt delayed too long, for at the
time of the second application, June 22, diseased spots could be found
’ both upon the young fruits and upon the leaves in some of the places
which were thickly covered with the Bordeaux mixture, thus showing that
the work of the fungus began very early in the season. The first applica-
tion should be made, at the latest, immediately after the blossoms fall, and
it is probable that good resuits will follow one made earlier.
The orchard was sprayed a third time July 1, and again July 22. the
mixture in each case being prepared as for the first application.
The apples were harvested early in October and at that time they were
earefully examined with regard to the amount of scab and number of
worms present. The yield from two to four trees of each lot sprayed was
counted and graded. In most cases all the apples borne by the tree were
examined, but occasionally only a portion sufficiently large to give a fair
estimate of the character of the yield. The apples were divided into four
grades as follows: Ist, those entirely free from scab; 2d, ranking as first-
elass, or those whose market value has not been affected by insects or
fungi, although attacked; 3d, ranking as second-class, or evaporating
apples, those whose market value had been more or less reduced by insect
or fungous injuries, the apples as a rule being smaller than the above, but
not seriously misshapen; 4th, cider apples, or all those remaining after the
preceding grades had been removed. The apples of each grade were
counted, as was also the number of wormy ones borne by each tree. The
following table shows the result. The numbers represent the average of
the results obtained from the different trees:
Average
: | po sl per cent | Average | Average
Variety. Treatment. Pes aiden gain as_ | percent | per cent
pl compared | wormy. gain.
apples. {with check.
IN Sos ee ee @heck®: 200i ha Seo! eee ee SS: | BOLT Hi [ area aes 2by ere eee
Re ei ed eet EL Bordeaux and Paris green___._____-._-- 55 34.7 1 24
et i Sk rae BR SN A Bordeaux and London purple__-_._-_--- | 59 80.7 3 22
Pn a ee Parise eroenlc 25. Cea nn 1 Bee Ne 72 by Ge] 2 23
|
Maldwin 2-82: Chipck 2). 5. th SA 7 Se eee eee | Te ae Ss al fede aaa od a
is F.C a oe eens fee Bordeaux and Paris green____-_____--- 52 22 9 27
Poy Wakoe, 8 Sk Go eee 38 Bordeaux and London purple -_-_------- 67 7 15 a3
Bae Ae a PATISHPEOON = 242. eee see eee nae 58 16 4 34
It will readily be seen from the large proportion of poor fruit shown by
the table that the season was one which would put to a severe test any
application that might be made. Nearly nine tenths of the King and
three fourths of the Baldwin apples on the unsprayed trees had but little
market value, and from twenty-five to thirty-eight per cent. of them were
wormy. Figure 2isa photograph of an average lot of untreated King
apples. These untreated apples are smaller than the treated ones,
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 305
although this fact may not be noticed at first glance in the much
reduced illustrations. But the gain in size and uniformity in Figs. 3 and
4 is considerable.
The combination of Bordeaux mixture and Paris green reduced the
per cent. of scab in both Kings and Baldwins to a trifle more than 50 per
cent.
The combination containing the London purple was not so effective, for
59 per cent. of the Kings and 67 per cent. of the Baldwins were badly
injured. Fig. 3 is a fair representation of apples treated with this
combination.
The action of the Paris green is particularly interesting. When used
alone it reduce the injury from svab upon the King apples 17.7 per cent.,
apon the Baldwins 7 per cent. This unequal gain may probably be
explained to a certain extent by the fact that the Baldwins were not so
severely attacked. When used with the Bordeaux mixture upon the Kings
a gain of 4 per cent. stands in favor of the Paris green when compared with
the London purple, while in the case of the Baldwins the gain is 15 per
cent. This would go to show that Paris green possesses marked fungi-
cidal properties, but it is not so valuable in this respect as the Bordeaux
mixture (Fig. 4).
By comparing Figs. 2, 3, and 4, it will be seen that the sprayed apples
are decidedly larger than those not treated. This may possibly be but the
“natural variation in the size of the fruit borne by different trees, but since
the unsprayed trees bear uniformly smaller fruit it is scarcely probable
that the applications were not in some way connected with the increase in
size. And this agrees with results obtained in Ohio during 1891 by W. J.
GREEN. He found that ‘Aside from the inferior appearance of scabby
fruit, the effect of the scab is to retard the growth of both foliage and
fruit; hence, scabby apples are smaller than those free from scab. The
difference in size between apples that are affected with scab, and those
that are free from it is not the same with all varieties, nor with any given
variety in different localities. That the difference may often be con-
siderable is shown by some comparisons between scabby Newtown
Pippins and those that were free from the disease. One bushel of that
variety that was free from scab was found to contain 202 apples, while
the same quantity of scabby apples contained 317 apples. The average
weight per apple was 4 and 24 ounces respectively. This comparison was
between extremes, but those of the second class were, in size, far below
those that were free from scab. It is no doubt true that scab may cause a
diminution in size of fifty per cent., but in most cases the loss is below
that figure. In all cases scab hinders development, but not always in pro-
portion to the amount found upon the fruit. Wherever scab is present at
all, either upon fruit or leaves, the effect must be considerable in arresting
the development of the fruit.”
The effect of the applications upon the larvte of the codlin-moth was
very marked. When the Paris green was applied alone it reduced the
injury from 25 per cent. to 2 per cent. in the case of the King apples. The
Baldwins show a marked difference also, the reduction being from 38 per
cent. of wormy apples to only 4 per cent. When applied with the Bor-
deaux mixture upon the King apples, the per cent. of wormy fruit was even
less than when the Paris green was applied alone; but the reverse is true
in the Baldwins. The experiment indicates that the beneficial action of
39
306 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Paris green as an insecticide is not materially affected by the Bordeaux
mixture when the two are applied together.
The results obtained when London purple or Paris green was added to
the Bordeaux mixture indicate the comparative value of such combina-
tions. In the King the number of wormy apples was reduced to 1 per
cent. by the Paris green and 3 per cent. by the London purple. The
Baldwins show a reduction to 9 per cent. by the Paris green and to only
15 per cent. by the London purple. In each case the result is in favor of
Paris green.
The foliage of the trees was uninjured, except in the case of the Paris
green applied alone. Some trees, and parts of trees, to which this had
been applied, looked thinner than the rest of the orchard during the lat-
ter part of the season. The leaves were undoubtedly somewhat injured.
by the Paris green but not sufficiently to weaken the trees to any extent.
The cause of the injury is undoubtedly due to the amount of arsenic
which entered into solution. This was found by analysis to be about one
half of one per cent. (.63) of the total amount. The addition of a
little lime would have destroyed all caustic action, for no injury could be
seen where the Bordeaux combinations were used. A sample of London
purple has been analyzed by the station chemist. It was found that about
50 per cent. of the arsenic was soluble and it is this dissolved arsenic which
injures foliage. On account of its caustic properties the London purple
was used only in connection with the Bordeaux mixture.
PART II. THE PREVALENCE OF APPLE SCAB.
Early in October a circular was sent from this station asking for infor-
mation regarding the degree in which the varieties of apple were attacked
by the scab fungus. The varieties were to be divided into three classes:
first, those whose market value is practically ruined every year, as the
Fameuse, or Snow apples; second, those whose market value is not seri-
ously affected, as the Baldwins; and third, those which are entirely free
from scab. The division was to be based upon the amount of scab found
upon the fruit. Many growers responded. Although the data are not so
complete as might be desired, still the resistant powers of many varieties
are shown in the tables given below. The matter is a difficult one tostudy
and it is hoped that apple-growers, in whose interest this work is being
done, will watch the disease next summer and report any results that may
be of interest in time for publication in a succeeding bulletin. The newer
varieties should receive particular ‘attention, for among them there are
undoubtedly some that withstand the attacks of the scab much more than
others; it will be interesting to know whether they will remain so. Some
parts of the trees also appear to be more injured than others; in some
varieties the fruit suffers more than the leaves, and in others the reverse
is true. Location also influences the amount of scab present in an
orchard. It is the common opinion that the disease is worse in low, wet
places; but all growers do not agree with this statement. The character
of the soil is another important factor to be considered. Is the disease
as serious upon well drained land as upon that which is not drained? Are
there any neglected trees or orchards in the neighborhood which might
explain the presence of the scab fungus in an orchard or certain parts of
an orchard? To what extent do the amount and the time of rainfall
~
/
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 307
affect the prevalence of the disease? These and many similar questions
still demand the attention of apple-growers, and any notes that may throw
light upon this subject will receive attention if reported to this station.
{The tables referred to are so long and at the same time so inconclusive
that it is not deemed worth while to reproduce them.—Secretary.
It is difficult to draw conclusions from the above table. Many of the
varieties are mentioned only once and this is not sufficient evidence to
show their power of resisting the attacts of fungi. The system of tabula-
tion does not show accurately the comparative value of the different
varieties, even those which have been reported by several growers. Taken
as a whole, however, the table shows a gradually increasing susceptibility
to injury as the list is followed from the first to the last.
Twenty-one varieties have been reported in the “Free” columns only;
but of these not one was reported more than once, so it is obviously unfair
to say that there are varieties which are not subject to the attacks of fungi.
In going down the list it is seen that as soon as more than one observer
mentions a variety it also falls into another column, showing that one
observation is insufficient. Many varieties are found in the three columns,
but here fairly accurate conclusions may be drawn by a comparison of the
figures. It may be assumed that the Baldwin, Seek-no-Further, Astrachan,
and some others are comparatively free from scab, while the Wine Sap,
Early Harvest, Red June and others are much injured. Many varieties
are placed high on the list because some observer reported them free in a
certain locality, and still the large majority of reports place them in one
of the two remaining columns.
Following the above is a long list of varieties which were mentioned
only in the column marked “Not seriously affected.’ No conclusion can
be drawn from this list. Where more observations have been made the
following varieties may be said to be fairly free: Lucy Pew, Roman Stem,
Rhode Island Greening, and Rawle Janet, although the last two are also
reported in the first column, those “ Habitually badly affected.” Likewise
Belmont, Huntsman, and Fameuse may be said to be considerably injured.
The next varieties which may be mentioned are Wine, Carolina June,
Ortley, and White Winter Pearmain, these being the last four on the list.
Although they stand so low, it may be doubted if they are really more
susceptible than the Fameuse, for instance, although the latter is much
higher in the scale.
“F'rom a number of the experiments in the preparation of fungicides,
the following conclusions may be drawn:
“1. Inthe Bordeaux mixture prepared with quick lime a small quantity
of copper always remains in solution. This amount often escapes notice,
but it may be determined with the aid of electricity. The quantity of lime
used affects the amount of copper in solution and when an excess of lime
is used only small traces of copper can be recovered.
“2. The quantity of copper which can remain in solution is consider-
ably larger when slaked, or somewhat carbonated, lime is used, and when
it is added directly into the solution of the sulphate of copper. When
insufficiently slaked lime is used the amount of copper which can remain
ee aie is sometimes considerable, although the liquid is decidedly
alkaline.
- | .“3. The copper is precipitated in the Bordeaux mixture in the form of
the hydrate, basic sulphate, and the double basic sulphategof copper and
308 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
calcium. It seems that a small amount of copper is held in solution in
this last form, one rich in the sulphate of copper.
‘““A number of experiments have also been made to determine which of
the copper salts found in the Bordeaux mixture can be dissolved by atmos-
pheric agents.
“The hydrate of copper was separated as already described, and
thoroughly washed. It was then put into a small amount of distilled
water. Through this mixture a stream of dried carbonic acid gas was
passed for a few minutes and the liquid was again filtered. The filtrate,
when tested for copper, revealed considerable quantities of the metal.
After a short time the solution became turbid and soon deposited almost —
all the dissolved copper, undoubtedly because of the rapid decomposition
of the bicarbonate which had formed at first.
“Similar experiments were made with the basic sulphate, after it had
been entirely freed from the sulphate of calcium and thoroughly washed.
It was then treated with a solution of the hydrate of potash. Carbonic
acid gas was again applied, and in this case it caused the solution of much .
greater amounts of the copper. The filtrate in addition showed also a
remarkable quantity of sulphuric acid. The liquid again became turbid,
but much larger quantities of copper remained in solution. It seems to
me that this circumstance can be explained by admitting that the carbonic
acid gas acted upon the basic sulphate causing the formation of the car-
bonate of copper, which in part remained insoluble, and in part passed
into solution on account of the presence of the gas, and the sulphate of
copper.
‘““Copper in the form of the sulphate should be more efficacious than
when it is precipitated as a hydrate, but the conditions which would
cause a larger amount of it to be formed must still receive careful study.”
SUMMARY.
1. The apple-scab fungus, Fusicladium dendriticum, attacks apple
trees very early in the season, even before the petals fall to the ground.
2. The first application of a fungicide should be made early, no later
than immediately after the petals fall; an application made just before the
buds open would probably be of value.
3. The time for combating the apple-worm is immediately after the
petals fall, and the treatment should be repeated once or twice until the
apples begin to hang down.
4. Apple trees should be pruned so that all parts may easily be reached
by aspray; well pruned trees allow free access of light and air among their
branches, which prevents fungi from obtaining so strong a foot-hold.
5. The injury done by the apple-scab fungus was decidedly reduced
where the Bordeaux mixture was used.
6. When Paris green was added to the Bordeaux mixture the fungicidal
action of the combination was more marked than when London purple was
used in place of Paris green.
7. Paris green has a certain fungicidal value, but in this respect it does
not nearly equal the Bordeaux mixture.
8. The value of Paris green as an insecticide does not appear to be ,
materially affected, whether it is applied alone or in combination with the
Bordeaux mixture.
|
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 309
9. The insecticidal value of Paris green when used with the Bordeaux
mixture was greater than that of London purple when similarly applied.
10. More applications are required during a wet season than during a
dry one; during wet weather they should be repeated every seven to ten
days.
11. The results obtained this season from the application of a combina-
tion ef the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green or London purple show that
the use of such a combination is valuable and practicable for the treatment
of the apple-scab fungus and the apple-worm, even in a wet season.
12. The apple-scab is found in all regions in the United States from
which reports have been obtained.
13. It is probable that none of our commonly cultivated apples are in
all seasons free from scab.
14. Some varieties are much more subject to the disease than others.
15. Inthe preparation of the Bordeaux mixture, 13.21 parts of slaked
lime are equivalent to 10 parts of quick lime.
16. More copper appears to remain in solution when slaked lime is
used than when the lime is fresh. .
17. The quantity of copper remaining in solution diminishes rapidly
as the liquid is allowed to stand.
~ 18. The action of heat is favorable to the decomposition of copper com-
pounds remaining in solution in the Bordeaux mixture.
-19. The copper is precipitated in the Bordeaux mixture in the form of
hydrate, basic sulphate, and the double basic sulphate of copper and
calcium.
20. It is probable that the precipitated copper compounds are affected
by the carbonic acid gas of the atmosphere. The solvent action is particu-
larly strong when the copper is in the form of the basic sulphate.
EK. G. LoDEMAN,
Assistant in Horticulture.
SUNDRY INVESTIGATIONS OF THE YEAR.
THE DETERMINATION OF SUGAR IN THE TOMATO.
This determination requires some special precautions; the possible
action of the organic acids present, on polarized light, precludes the use of
the polariscope. and the possible action of other reducing substances than
sugar on the Fehling solution is likely to render the results by this method
too high.
These possibilities may perhaps account for the different results
obtained by different analyses of the sugar in this fruit, although it is true
that there may be wide variations in the actual proportion of sugar in dif-
ferent varieties.
310 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
In the report of the Maryland experiment station for 1889, p. 67, are the
results of the determinations of sugar in 65 varieties, the percentage rang-
ing from 1.76 to 3.52; one variety gave 7.00 per cent. The determinations
were made in the aqueous extract directly, with Fehling’s solution used
acording to the volumetric method. In the report of this station for 1891,
from 3.89 to 5.12 per cent. of sugar is reported, as obtained by H. Snyder
on eight samples; in these determinations the extract was examined by the
polariscope. Two analyses by Italian chemists gave respectively, 1.74 and °
3.7 per cent.
In the case of nearly half of the analyses made at the Maryland experi-
ment station the sum of the percentages of ash, sugar and malic acid
exceeds the total per cent. of dry substance; it is thus indicated that some
of these determinations of the constituents of the dry substance are too
high; and as other substances besides these three are in all probability
present in this dry substance, the error is even greater than thus
indicated. .
Some study has been devoted to the method of determining sugar in
this fruit, and the matter is still under investigation. The following is
given as a preliminary report only.
It was hoped that the fermentation method could be applied; but as ©
results even on samples of pure glucose were unsatisfactory, its use was
given up. For all the determinations reported below, the fruit was dried
at 100°, the dry residue was powdered, and then extracted for the sugar
by boiling water when this was the extracting agent used, or by 90 per
cent. alcohol in the apparatus used in this laboratory for continuous extrac-
tion of fat by ether. The aqueous extract was so dark colored that a vol-
umetric determination by the Fehling solution could not be made; the
alcoholic extract was much less highly colored. This solvent was used in
hope that it might extract less of other reducing substances than sugar,
than water would take up. The gravimetric method, in which the copper
reduced from the cuprous oxide by hyrogen was weighed, gave very satis-
factory results.
The results obtained are given in the following table:
—
Dr Sugar, Sugar, |
Number of sample. y Volumetric | Garvimetric| Acid.
substance.
det. det.
1S Ae Soe ee ce ees es en eee & 5.58 Pt 13 Se se eee Wm ee tae 83
PARE Set OO Ute Se an SE HON on ia oer Sei bt 6.56 Bilbo yt [aoe woe Ee 44
Rp eens Soy eee iat kas ny ae ee ee a) ee 5.71 Sie ee ee ee 44
eS OEE N ACME ee oS Re yt Ree eal ie end 6.49 | 666 pe Bees .3D
Byes OSB ee ere Cee ee el ibs Oe ee a re 6.04 BON PS ns ee es 72
(a eB CR SR ee oe ee A ae Le eee BS eH £OT prt eAe eee 69 1.73
eat Pee Cee SS ae ee RS eT Eee Le ee 2:80) oy Alea 36 58
bs SEE i i SI ee es Sn er ae tes LE ETS. Hi Aion (eee ee ee, T .93 57
ee ee eee Ns be Oe GES | Ma ee See ee BIO |: oF as eae ee 1.01 .36
ORO yp fees oot te See ee ae ae ee ROB. Thy | eee aes ae ee | 1.13 34
AER eed SNS Pe es a eh as ee eee CP Wy familia | EG Tal es 3 1.09 60
Re are Sits Si Oe Wee ee As OSS Bee eg 8:10 were ere .89 45
BS EP POR a Ee 8 ee AN ye ee eee 5.52 1.07 54
The acidity was determined by means of a standard solution of potas-
sium hydroxide, and calculated as malic acid. It seems certain that the
volumetric results were too low. The gravimetric results were obtained
with the alcoholic extract; duplicate results on the same extract agreed
closely. It will be noticed that one very low result on sugar in sample 6,
was accompanied by a very high per cent. of acid.
G. ©. CALDWELL:
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 311
GOLDEN ROD WEEDS.
Complaints having been made in certain quarters in regard tothe tendency
of some of the golden rods to become more or less troublesome weeds, this
note upon the subject has been prepared.
The golden rods constitute the genus Solidago of the botanist, one of ,
the largest and most important genera of the sunflower family. They are
all late summer or autumnal blooming plants, bearing clusters of small
flowers, usually of a yellow or golden color. The roots are perennial, but
the stems, for the most part slender or wand-like in form, are annual and
herbaceous, or somewhat woody in mature plants.
About eighty species of golden rod are known. These vary in height
from six inches or less in the Alpine variety of Solidago virgaurea, to
eight feet or more in the large variety of Solidago serotina. They also
differ more or less in the habit and general appearance of the plants, in the
form and size of the flower clusters, in the size and texture of the leaves,
and in other ways.
Nearly all the golden rods are attractive plants, chiefly on account of
the rich, warm, golden color of the flowers. The high esteem in which
they are generally held has led to a widespread proposal that the golden
rod should be adopted as a national flower. Whether some particular
species should be chosen, or whether any one of the eighty species might
be regarded as answering all the requirements of the case, is a phase of
the subject which has thus far received but little consideration.
The golden rods are nearly all natives of eastern North America. Only
a single species, Solidago virgaurea, is native to Britain and continental
Europe. The number of species known to be native to the state of New
York was placed at twenty-two by Dr. Torrey in 1843. Prof. DupLEy
admits in the Cayuga Flora sixteen species as growing wild in the basin
of Cayuga lake. These are all found in the vicinity of Cornell univer-
sity. Within one hundred miles of the city of New York twenty-five
species have been recorded by the Torrey Botanical club. In the state of
New Jersey there are twenty-four species, and in the state of California
only seven. In the whole of North America north of Mexico, Dr. Gray
includes seventy-eight species. These figures give a general notion of the
natural distribution of the golden rods and the. relative frequency
of their occurrence in different sections.
But little attention has been given to the cultivation of the golden rods
in this country, largely owing no doubt to their abundance as wild plants.
In the old world, on the other hand, where as stated only a single species
is known, a considerable number are cultivated for ornamental purposes.
In Nicholson’s Dictionary of Gardening fifteen species are named as
cultivated plants in England; but it is stated that as “they are of a coarse
habit they are mostly confined to shrubberies and borders.” In the
botanical garden of the University all the golden rods native in the
Cayuga Flora are cultivated by the botanical department for scientific
purposes;and it is of interest to note that nearly all show a marked
tendency to respond to the influence of cultivation in the direction of
amelioration and improvement.
There is no tendency of the golden rods as a whole to become weeds,
but a few species are regarded as intrusive and troublesome in some sec-
tions. In Halsted’s check list of American weeds ten species are included;
-
312 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
in Darlington’s American Weeds only a single species is specially named.
In the state of New York, especially in the central counties and in the
dairy regions, about four species have attracted attention on account of
their habits as weeds. These may be named and described as follows:
1. Solidago nemoralis. Usually about a foot in height, the foliage of
a grayish-green color. The flowers begin to appear in August—the earliest
of the golden rods. This perhaps more than any other species
has assumed a pronounced weed-like character, in certain soils and
exposures over a wide extent of territory. As a weed it is common in
upland pastures, especially in cold and sterile soils. In such situations it
drives out grasses and other desirable forage plants almost completely. It
may be banished by subjecting the soil to hoed crops for a year or more,
and by the proper use of fertilizers. In very poor soils, where this golden ©
rod has secured a firm foot-hold, it is probable that the cost of eradication
would exceed the value of the land for farming purposes. The intrusion
of this weed into fields not already invaded should be carefully guarded
against.
2. Solidago rugosa. Usually a larger plant than the last, but quite
variable as to size. The stem is very leafy, and both stem and
leaves are rough with short and stiff hairs. Like No. 1 it is capable of
invading fields and pastures and driving out all desirable forms of vegeta-
tion. It is, perhaps, less likely to be found on very poor soil.
3. Solidago canadensis. One of the largest of the golden rods, the
rough, hairy stems often six feet in height. Old plants, after the flowers
have faded, are very weed-like in aspect, but in its prime is a stately and
beautiful species. Common on the borders of fields and pastures, which it
sometimes invades more or less abundantly. Less likely than either of
the first two to overrun the ‘soil completely, but is very persistent when
once established.
4. Solidago lanceolata. Smaller than No. 3, the stems being usually
two to three feet in height. Common especially along the banks of
streams, and in moist soils, and is more or less troublesome along the
borders of meadows. It also invades cultivated fields and is more likely
than any other golden rod to become a troublesome weed in such situa-
tions, largely owing to the fact that its power of propagation by under-
ground stems is greater than in other species.
So far as is known, the different species above mentioned have nowhere
received distinguishing popular names, but all are included under the
general name of golden rod.
A. N. PRENTISS.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 3513
A NEW ANTHRACNOSE OF THE PRIVET.
A few twigs of the privet ( Ligustrum vulgare) received from Penn Yan
having the appearance of blight were communicated to me by Prof. BAILEy.
From 12 to 18 inches or more of the terminal portion of some of
the twigs was dead, the point where the dead portion joined the
healthy presenting the depressed line observable on twigs of pear
and apple affected with the blight. The resemblance to blight,
however, was only superficial and confined to twigs in the final
stage of the disease. Other twigs presenting an apparently
healthy terminal portion were- found to be diseased at a point
about 12 to 18 inches from the end where a depressed area of
diseased tissue was observed, oblong in outline, the longer diam-
eter being parallel with the longitudinal axis of the stem. A
comparison of the different specimens showed that this diseased
area, quite small primarily, and seated only upon one side of the
twig, gradually increased in size until eventually it extended
entirely around the twig completely girdling it. The supply of
nutriment thus being cut off from the terminal portion of the
twig, death of that portion followed.
Seated in the original diseased areas, whether extending partly
or entirely around the’stem, are minute black elevated points
which can be seen with the unaided eye. Figure 1 a and 6 rep-
resent portions of twigs, a with the diseased area extending
partly around the stem, while 6 is girdled. In the diseased areas are
shown these small black elevations. The disease is produced by a fungus
which grows within the stem. These black elevated points are centers
where pustules of the fungus are developed, containing its reproductive
Figure 2 represents a very thin section, across one of
these pustules, magnified to show the structure of the
pustule and the form of the spores. The growth of the
pustule has ruptured the epidermis of the stem. In the
opening between the broken parts of the epidermis are
shown some of the spores. Beneath these are numerous
parallel short fruiting threads, or basidia ‘of the fungus,
at the end of which the spores are developed. The
basidia can be seen to arise from the blackened stroma
of the fungus which consists of quite a compact associa-
tion of irregular cells, The black color of the pustules
comes from the stroma. ;
Following the analogy of other anthracnoses these
spores falling upon other stems would spread the disease.
The practical question is, of course, how to prevent the
spread of the fungus, or the starting of the disease
another year. The suggestion might be made to trim
the hedge with the shears below the affected parts of
twigs, and burn the trimmings. It might also be well in the spring just
before the buds swell to thoroughly spray the hedge with the Bordeaux
mixture to kill any spores which may have remained during the winter.
Method of separation of the fungus.—To study the development of the
fungus it was necessary to separate it from other common forms of fungi
40
!
314 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
as well as bacteria which always find a lodgment in and upon dead plant
tissue. Since all these forms are microscopic the separation involves a
method of procedure familiar only to specialists, and as such beautiful
results were reached in the separation of this fungus it suggested a
graphic presentation of the method in connection with the study. The
method used was the same as that which Kocu developed so admirably
for the separation of bacteria, and consists in the dilution of the organisms
in several quantities of a warm liquid substance which, when spread out
in a thin layer and cooled, solidifies and holds each germ firmly fixed at
one point in the dilution. This substance is usually some gelatinous base,
as gelatine, or agar-agar, containing beef broth and peptone to furnish
food for the organisms. In a few days after cooling the dilutions, in the
thin layer each germ, by growth, has produced a colony which can be seen
with the unaided eye.
Three glass tubes containing a small quantity of liquid nutrient agar-agar
were placed in a water bath at 43° centigrade. This temperature is
sufficient to keep the agar liquid, while it is not hot enough to kill the
organisms. Now several thin shavings through the fungus pustules on the
stem of the privet were transferred totube No.1. This was shaken gently
to distribute the germs evenly through the liquid. Now a small quantity
of the liquid in No. 1 containing the germs was transferred to tube No. 2,
making the second dilution, and from No. 2 to No. 3, making the third
dilution. Experience enables one to judge quite accurately in making the
dilutions so that we estimate the dilution sufficient to cause each germ to
lie separately at different points in the liquid agar, at least in dilution
No. 3.
Each of these dilutions was then poured into a Petrie dish,* and allowed
to cool in a thin layer over the bottom. No germs could then be seen in
the agar, since they are microscopic and lie singly. The dishes were piled
away for afew days. During this time each germ grew and produced a
colony which was visible to the unaided eye. The plates or dish cultures
were now photographed natural size and the result is reproduced in Plate
1. In No.3 it will be seen that nearly all of the colonies are separate.!
The snowflake-like colonies are those of the desired fungus. The small,
compact, circular ones are those of bacteria. One large compact colony is
that of a common fungus.
In Nos. 2 and 1 the fungus colonies are crowded, and have not made such
good growth. The colonies of bacteria are more numerous also, and it
would be very difficult to obtain a pure culture of the fungus in either of
those dilutions. If the dilutions were not numbered it would be an easy
thing to determine their number from the size and number of the colonies.
The very large compact colony in No. 2 is that of a motile bacterium.
Pure culture of the anthracnose.—Pure cultures of the fungus could
now be started by transplanting with a flamed platinum needle portions of
the fungus colonies from No. 3 into a culture tube of nutrient agar. The
photograph was taken after these plantings were made which accounts for
the broken appearance of some of the colonies.
From the point of inoculation in the culture tube, where the transplant-
ing was made, the fungus threads grow out through the upper surface of
the agar radiating in all directions. In a few days minute black bodies
appear seated here and there upon the mycelium. These resemble the
* A Petrie dist is composed of two shallow glass vessels, one about three inches in diameter which
serves as the bottom, the other of a little greater diameter, which is inverted over the first one for a cover.
¢
\ ~
jf
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 315
stroma at the base of the pustules on the stem, but in the artificial cul-
tures do not seem to be especially concerned in the production of basidia
and spores, since but a few are developed in connection with them.
Numerous basidia and spores are produced, however, all along the
threads and a mass of them at the point of inoculation. In a few days
more many fungus threads arise above the agar and produce a fluffy white
growth upon the surface, nearly obscuring the black points.
No pigment was noticeable in these cultures. New cultures were then
started by transplanting portions of agar the size of a small pea with a
mat of mycelium and spores to fresh culture tubes. In the fresh agar the
growth took place in the same manner as in the first tubes, but upon the
surface of the transplanted portions a faint pink pigment appeared, similar
to that developed in some species of Glaosporium and Colletorichum.
Cell cultures were made in order to observe with the microscope the
different phases in germination of the spores and growth of the fungus.
Liquid agar containing a dilution of spores from one of the culture tubes
was poured upon a sterilized cover glass which was then inverted on the
ring of the cell. Figure 3, a, represents some of the spores in the cell
eulture. They are oblong, usually pointed at one end, nearly cylindrical,
and either straight or slightly curved. The appearance of the contents of
the spores varies. Sometimes the protoplasm is nearly homogeneous with
‘ one or more vacuoles, or it may be finely granular, with no vacuoles, or
i : quite coarse granules may be
irregularly distributed in the
homogeneous protoplasm. The
& latter condition is a very com-
222) “25 mon one before germination,
gand the behavior of these
ie’ eranules has suggested that
: possibly they may be stored
products to be used during the
process of germination and
the early growth of the myce-
lium. It does not seem there
could be any need of such
stored products for spores in
artificial cultures where the
spore lies in a rich nutrient
media. But they might serve
the spores a good purpose in
natural conditions where the
sporejlies upon the surface of the plant and most often produce consider-
able growth of mycelium before the thread reaches nutritive tissues.
’ In germination one or more germ tubes arise from the spore usually at
one side of the ends. Figure 3, b and c represents different stages in ger-
mination. The coarse granules are quite numerous, and ind some of
them have moved out into the forming mycelium. Figure 3, e represents
a further development of mycelium and also a further distribution of the
granules in the threads.
Figure 4, a, b, and c are three camera lucida sketches of the growth
from a spore which was sown December 14, at 12:35 Pp. M. a@ represents
the growth which had taken place in exactly 24 hours, being sketched at
12:35 p. M., Dec. 15. 6b was sketched from the same object at 3:15 P. M.
*
316 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
on the same day, and c at 11:45 a. M., Dec. 16. The spores are therefore
developed with great rapidity under favorable circumstances. In the
same culture were other spores which developed a much greater extent of
mycelium and number of spores. This group was chosen because of its
limited extent, being thus more convenient to sketch.
During the growth and produc-
tion of spores the coarse granules
gradually disappear. As the cult-
ure ages the mass of spores
becomes greater at the center of
each group of mycelium. In a
few days spore production seems
to cease and then long, sterile
mycelial threads grow out to a
considerable distance.
At the same time there are
usually developed buds or gemme,
at the ends of certain threads.
These are colorless at first and
may be detected by their irregu-
larly oval outline, and greater
diameter than the parent thread.
They soon acquire a dark brown
color, sometimes become septate,
or bud into rudimentary sclero-
tia. One of these developed
quite early in the culture as
shown at x, figure 3.
Spores were also sown on
sterilized bean stems. The fun-
gus grew readily and produced
numerous spores during a few
days when the threads assumed a
dark brown color and grew in great
profusion over the surface of the
stems. Frequently the threads
associated themselves intostrands,
or compact wefts of parallel threads several layers deep. Within these wefts
and strands were developed numerous bodies suggesting pycnidia or peri-
thecia, rotund in form, the interior cells hyaline and with rich protoplas-
mic contents, the peripheral cells dark brown in color. .
In some cases these measured 80 to 100*, and frequently the depth of
the weft of dark mycelium in which they were seated exceeded this
measurement.
Late.upon the surface of this growth free threads arose in a procumbent,
assurgent, or nearly erect position. All of this development on the bean
stems took place in ten days. This culture is very suggestive of the prob-
able development cycle of this Glawosporiwm and related forms. It
probably presages the development of an ascigerous stage; whether or not
that ever actually takes place is yet to be determined. The blackening
of the stroma in the pustule on the stems of the privet is probably
* These measurements are in terms of the micromillimeter.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 317
analogous to the dark weft of mycelium developed over the bean stems
in the culture. In this respect the fungus resembles the Glaosporium
of ripe rot of apples.
In the report of the mycologist, Dept. Agr. 1887, p. 348, there is
noted what seemed to be an immature pycnidial stage of Gloeosporiwm
fructigenum. On apples, affected with Glaosporium fructigenum, which
were kept until midwinter, Miss Southworth notes one conceptacle in
connection with the stroma containing two asci and undeveloped spores,
but the culture was so badly contaminated with other forms that it
was thrown away. The culture being contaminated there might be
some doubt of its genetic connection with the Glawosporium, but_all |
this strengthens the possibility that several anthracnoses in the future
will be known as conidial stages of some more highly organized form.
The result of these cultures is to impress one with the close relation-
ship of this Gloosporium on the privet to the Gleeosporium fructigenum
on apples. If it were the same species, the cultivation of the privet
would then bear a new and important relation, perhaps, to the spread
and propagation of the ripe rot of apples. There are points of differ-
ence, however, so far as the two species are at present known, sufficient
to characterize it as a hitherto undescribed species, and I propose for
it the name Glawosporium cingulatum, or the girdling anthracnose.
Goclosporium cingulatum ns. p. Affected areas light brown, either
~ oblong and on one side of the stem or later completely girdling it. Acervuli
100 to 150 in diameter, rupturing the epidermis, in age black from the
dark stroma lying in the base or extending irregularly up the sides fre-
quently forming a pseudo-pycnidium. Basidia numerous, crowded, simple,
hyaline or when very old perhaps faintly fuliginous. Spores oblong, or
elliptical, straight or little curyed, usually pointed at the base. From
pustules on the stem they measure 10—20x5—7; in artificial cultures they
are frequently much larger, but when crowded in the media, or when the
nutrient substances are nearly exhausted, they may be considerably
smaller—on stems of Ligustruwm vulgare.
This is quite distinct from Glawosporium ligustrinum Sacc.
NOTE ON THE CERCOSPORA OF CELERY BLIGHT.
Late in September, specimens of celery affected by “celery blight,” sent
by H. C. Townsenp of Wappinger’s Falls, Dutchess county, were commu-
nicated to me by Mr. Turner of the New York weather service. The disease
was determined as due to the fungus Cercospora Apu Fres. A short note
on the disease was then published in the Crop Bulletin of the New York
weather service, for the week ending Sept. 24, 1892. It has long been
known in Europe and has been recorded several times in various parts of
the United States during the past several years. It sometimes occasions
quite serious injury to the celery crop, in some cases materially lessening
the product and also rendering the diseased plants less desirable for
market.
Halsted of the New Jersey experiment station shows that the disease can
be held in check by the use of the standard carbonate of copper and
ammonia mixture applied with a knapsack sprayer.
The object of this note is chiefly to call attention to some confusion
which exists concerning certain morphological characters of the fungus.
318 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Like all Cercospor@ the vegetive threads of the fungus usually grow
largely in the interior of the leaf and when the nutriment at the affected
spot is nearly exhausted, clusters of fruiting threads
arise from the vegetive ones, and issuing from a
stoma of the leaf bear elongated spores at their ends.
Two clusters of the fruiting threads of Cercospora
Api are shown ata and bin figure 5, while c rep-
resents a single fruiting thread with a spore still
attached, and free spores are shown at d and e.
The fungus was first described by Fresenius. The
description given by Saccardo represents the form
} developed under normal conditions, the hyphz
7 measuring 40—60x4—5 and the spores, or conidia,
4 00—80x4. The form of the conidia is given as
4 obclavate, 7. e., the base or end at the point of attach-
/ ment with the hyphe is greater in diameter than the
distal extremity. The conidium in situ at the end of
the hypha, figure 5, c, shows this character well. It
was also observed in numerous other cases. Further-
more the free or abjointed conidia nearly always pre-
sent a well defined scar at the larger end as shown in
d and e, figure 5. This scar indicates the place of
attachment to the hypha, the corresponding scar on
the hypha being at the end or at one of the genicu-
lations as shown in a and b, figure 5. The explana-
tion of several scars appearing on a single hypha is
that after a conidium is abjointed from the end, the
hypha then grows out at one side of the scar and
bears another conidium at the end, and so on. These
scars at the base of the conidia enable one to deter-
mine their form even when they are not attached to
their parent hyphe.
In the report of the mycological section for 1886 is a short note on the
distribution of this fungus in the United States. Theform of the conidia
is not given in the text, but they seem to be inverted in the illustration
where they are shown to be attached by their small ends to the hyphe.
Figuring them thus is equivalent to calling them clavate with reference to
their relation to the hyphz which is contrary to the original descriptions
and also to fact.
In the report of the New Jersey station for 1891 (1. c.) the conidia are
described as club-shaped. No figure is given and we infer that the writer
used the term ‘“club-shaped” without any reference to their relation to the
hyphee.
Under normal conditions the fungus is confined to well defined spots
on the leaf with an irregular, slightly raised border. During excessively
wet weather, as the leaf tissue is dying, it may spread to portions of the
leaf where the spots are not so well defined. Such conditions also induce
a much longer growth of the tufts of hyphze and their conidia. Figure 5
a and d represent such forms in comparison with b and e developed under
normal conditions. The measurements including such variations are as
follows: Hyphe 50—150x4—5; conidia 50—280x4—5. The figures* are all
All the figures where the scale is shown are drawn with the same combination, the objects being mag-
nified 30 times more than the scale.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 319
drawn to the same scale, using compensation ocular No. 6 and objective
4mm, Zeiss, with aid of camera lucida. The micrometer scale of this
combination is also projected by the side of the figure.
GEO. F. ATKINSON.
THE BLACK PEACH APHIS—Aphis persice-niger.
Order Hemiptera; family Aphididae.
A small brownish-black plant louse often appearing in great numbers upon the leaves, twigs, and roots
of young peach trees, frequently dwarfing and often causing the death of the tree.
The object of this article is to call the attention of peach-growers to the
fact that a very serious insect pest is being introducod into our state upon
nursery stock purchased in other states. A correspondent in Niagara
county has introduced the pest into his orchard of twenty acres by filling
in the places where trees had died with infested trees received last spring
from a nursery in Delaware. A few infested trees which were left over
were trenched near some pits just planted; the pest soon found its way to
the young seedlings, and by midsummer nearly every seedbing had suc-
cumbed to the attacks of the aphids. So far as we know this is the first
instance of the occurrence of this insect in our state, but probably other
growers have suffered previously more or less in other localities without
knowing the cause.
~The insect is very common throughout the whole of the great peach-
growing districts of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
Growers there say it is more to be dreaded than the borer (Sannina
exitiosa), and in destructiveness it ranks next to the fearful mysterious
disease of peach yellows. ‘Trees less than three years old suffer the most.
In 1890, nearly 100,000 in a single nursery in one of these states were
killed in two or three weeks’ time, while many other large nurseries were
either entirely destroyed or very badly affected, and many orchardists
were compelled to replant hundreds of trees. Nurserymen and those who
are starting peach orchards, can thus see what fearful havoc may result
if this pest is once introduced among their trees.
Indications of the presence of the pest.—As the pest often confines
its attacks almost entirely to the roots of the trees, its deadly work fre-
quently appears when there is nothing to indicate the existence of an
insect as its cause. A stunting or dwarfing of the young trees is one of
the most marked symptoms of the presence of the pest. Sometimes
three or four year old trees are but little larger than when first set. The
foliage of such trees presents a yellowish-green sickly appearance.
Rarely a tree after languishing a year or two recovers and makes a good
tree. Under favorable conditions the insect may appear in great numbers
on the tree above ground and its growth be nipped while yet in the bud;
the growing shoots dry up and the young tree soon dies.
Its past history.—-This insect has been known to the peach-growers of
the Atlantic states for more than a quarter of a century. From 1860 to
1875 it was particularly destructive to Maryland. In 1874 it is first
recorded ‘as appearing above ground in destructive numbers. While
investigating the peach yellows in 1887, Mr. E. F. Smirx came across the
insects upon the roots of the trees; and as yellows had by some been
attributed to this aphis, Mr. SmirH made many observations on the pest,
from which we get most of our knowledge of its life history and habits. The
severe outbreak of 1890 has already been noted. Two or three years
320 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
ago the pest was carried into the Michigan peach district on nursery stock
from the east. It seems not to have gained a foothold among the Cali-
fornia orchards as yet; the board of horticulture of that state is fully
alive to the importance of the pest, and it is on the alert to preventjits
introduction.
Its classification.—This insect is one of the true bugs belonging to the
same family—the Aphididew— as the grape phylloxera, the grain aphis,
the hop louse, and many other well known plant-lice pests. Scientifically
the insect is known as Aphis persice niger—the Latinized form of the
common name, black peach aphis. This name was given in 1890 by Mr.
EK. F. Smiru, who after comparing it with descriptions of allied known
species became convinced that the species was new and so described it.
Mr. Smiru believes that the insect is a native species, as he found it com-
mon on the roots and branches of the wild plum, Prunus chicasa, thus
indicating that this may be its original food plant.
The appearance of the insect.—The pest appears in two forms, the
more common form without wings (Fig. 1), and a form occurring in
limited numbers provided with four ample wings (Fig. 2). The adult
_wingless insect is a little less than one tenth of an inch in length
and of a dark shining brownish-black color with portions of the legs
yellowish. Figure 1 shows the shape and general appearance of wing-
Fic. 1—Wingless viviparous Fia. 2.—Winged viviparous female.
(After J. B. Smith.)
less form; the hair line at the right represents the natural length of
the body. ‘Two very short tubercles called honey-tubes project from the
caudal end of the abdomen. The beak lies along the breast of the
insect when at rest but when feeding it is placed against the leaf at right
angles to the body, and four fine bristles moving in a groove of the beak
are forced into the tissues and the sap is pumped through this apparatus
into the body.
The adult aes forms have the long transparent wings carried roof-
like over the side of the body when at rest. These forms also differ from
the wingless ones in being slightly longer and more slender, and in having
longer antenne and honey-tubes, as is shown in figure 2; the lines beneath
the figures represent the natural size of this form.
In its younger stages the insect resembles the adult, but is lighter in
color. All the forms thus far observed are females; often plant-lice breed
freely for many generations or even years without the appearance of males,
nothing but the agamic females being produced.
The life history of the insect.—Plant-lice present more varied, pecu-
liar, and interesting phases in their life histories than do most other
insects. The mother is often viviparous, that is she brings forth her
young alive; the little louse may be seen kicking to free itself from the
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 321
mother who is perhaps calmly walking about or feeding. Many genera-
tions of these agamic females may be produced in succession, and it
requires only eight or ten days for a generation. And further, as one
mother may give birth to one hundred young at the rate of four or five a
day it is easy to see with what astonishing rapidity these insects may often
multiply.
The black peach aphis breeds thus agamically all the year round, and
no eggs nor males have been found. Only the wingless forms occur upon
the roots where they breed freely and are to be found at all seasons of tke
year, often a foot or more beneath the surface even in stiff clay soils;
sandy soils are however preferred by the pest.
arly in spring as soon as the buds begin to swell, some of these root
forms make their way to the surface and to the branches. Here the
winged form develops and flying to new quarters founds other colonies, thus
spreading the pest. These branch forms are the most numerous from
April to July. About midsummer most of these make their way to the
ground and to the roots. Usually a few specimens remain on the leaves
throughout the summer and autumn and even through the winter. Our
correspondent in Niagara county wrote us November 24, that although it
had frozen hard twice, the aphids were as lively as ever on the branches.
These individuals which thus hibernate upon the branches with those
which come from the ground form the nucleus for the early spring broods.
This pest is often accompanied by a small yellow ant which has been
seen transporting the aphids to places of safety. It is believed that the
distribution of the root forms is thus facilitated by the ants, and they may
also aid in getting the aphids to the surface in the spring. The aphids
repay the ants for their assistance by secreting a sweet liquid called honey
dew upon which the ants feed.
The root forms mostly congregate on the tenderest roots, but some are
to be found on all parts of the root system. Many of them still cling to
the roots when the trees are dug up, and they are thus often transported
great distances on nursery stock. The pest then readily acclimates itself
to its new home and soon spreads throughout whole nurseries or orchards.
Above ground the insects attuck the swelling buds in the spring, and
later their increase in numbers crowd them onto the twigs and leaves. As
each little aphis begins to suck the sap as soon as it leaves the body of the
mother, the result of so many hundreds of these little pumps working
almost continuously upon both roots and branches must be a speedy check
to the growth of the tree.
Methods of preventing the ravages and spread of this pest.—Lf this
pest once gets a good foothold in a nursery or young orchard, it will prove
a difficult insect to fight. Those individuals that infest the branches are
easily reached and have been found to succumb readily to either kerosene
emulsion or a strong decoction of tobacco.* The emulsion should be
*To make the emulsion, thoroughly dissolve % pound of hard or soft soap in 1 gallon boiling water.
While this solution is still very hot, add 2 gallons kerosene and quickly begin to agitate the whole mass
through a syringe or force pump, drawing the liquid into the pump, and forcing it buck into the dish.
Continue this for five minutes or until the wacle mass assumes a creamy color and consistency which
will adhere to the sides of the vessel, and not glide off like oil. It may now be readily diluted with cold
rain water, or the whole mass be allowed to cool when it hasa semi-solid form, not unlike loppered milk.
This stock, if covered and placed ia a coo! dark place will keep for along time. In making a dilution
from this cold emulsion, it is necessary to dissolve the amount required in three or four parts of boiling
water, after which cold rain water may be added in the required quantities.
The tobacco decoction is made by steeping 5 pounds of tobacco stems in 8 gallons of water for 3 hours;
then strain and dilute with enough water to make7 gallons. The decoction is now ready for spraying
‘without further dilution.
41
322 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
diluted with nine or ten parts of rain water, the 3 gallons of the formula
thus making about 30 gallons to be used in spraying. This diluted emul-
sion will probably prove the most effective, although the tobacco has been.
used with equal success in some instances. Care should be taken in the
preparation of either insecticide; many of the reported poor results from’
the use of insecticides is due to their not being properly prepared and
used.
As it is the young trees that usually suffer, either insecticide can be
easily applied with a knapsack sprayer or small force pump. Apply in as
fine a spray as possible and drench the trees. Im rare cases a second
application a few days later may be necessary. The best time to spray is
in April or May when the branch forms are the most numerous.
The root forms will not be reached by this method, hence the relief
obtained in this way is only partial. There is on record no experiments
in the destruction of this form and we have had no opportunity to make
any, but. we suggest the use of very liberal quantities of the diluted kero-
sene emulsion on the surface of the soil over the roots just before or dur-
ingarain. This suggestion is based on the results of experiments with a
species of white grub, the larve of Allorhina mtida, an insect closely
related to the common May beetles of the genus Lachnosterna. The
lawns about the capitol at Washington being badly infested by these white
grubs in 1888, afforded an opportunity to try the effects of a dilute kero-
sene emulsion applied upon the surface. After applying the emulsion the
lawns were thoroughly drenched with water to help to carry the oil into
the soil. The result was very satisfactory; after a few days the grubs
appeared sick, and a month later no live ones could be found.
If the aphids on the roots of the trees can not be reached by an applica-
tion of the emulsion as described above, the trees should be removed at
once, burned, and the ground left unoccupied for several months or used
for other purposes. The insect could thus be starved out as it is not
known to feed upon any other cultivated plants except rarely the plum.
In the discussion thus far of preventive measures it has been supposed
that the pest had already gained a foothold in the nursery or orchard.
However, to many peach-growers in the state the pest is as yet unknown,
and they will desire to know how they can prevent its getting a foothold
among their trees. Growers who raise all their own trees from pits will
not be troubled with the pest unless careless neighbors introduce it on
stocks purchased in infested regions. ta
If it seems necessary to purchase nursery stock elsewhere, and especially
in regions known to be infested, it should be quarantined and very
thoroughly treated with an insecticide immediately upon its arrival. Dip
each tree in either the diluted kerosene emulsion or the tobacco decoction
made as described above for use against the branch forms. As the
insecticide acts very quickly, the tree need remain in it but two or three
minutes. This method it is believed will effectually destroy all aphids
that may be on the trees.
Another method which would doubtless be equally effective is the one
used largely in California where the law requires that all trees, plants,
cuttings, grafts, buds, seeds, pits, or scions coming into the state shall be
disinfected upom arrival. The disinfection is done by fumigating the
trees, etc., with hydrocyanic acid gas, a deadly poison. In fumigating, the
trees, etc., are placed in an air-tight tent or box, and for each 100 cubic
»
\
oe z - +
Ta aye ae hee
“CORNELL; UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 323
feet of space in the box or tent one ounce of fused cyanide of potassium
(58 per cent.), one fluid ounce of sulphuric acid, and two fluid ounces of
water are used. The cyanide of potassium is placed in an earthenware
vessel, the water poured over it, the sulphuric acid then added, and the
box or tent closed tightly immediately and kept closed for at least forty
minutes.
Every peach-grower should take sufficient interest in the welfare of his
own orchard and that of his neighbor to treat in one of the above ways all
peach stocks purchased in localities where the pest is known to be present,
as in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, or Virginia. If this be thoroughly
done our peach orchards will have one less serious insect foe to fear. And
the growing nursery industry of New York state, which now has nearly
500 acres devoted to peaches, constituting nearly 15 per cent. of all the
peach stocks grown in the United States, will not suffer as it would were
it known that this pest is liable to accompany the trees sent out.
MARK VERNON SLINGERLAND.
THE BEHAVIOR OF SOME EGG-PLANT CROSSES.
In 1889, three crosses were made among egg-plants, one cross being
between Round White and Black Pekin, one between Giant Round Purple
and White Chinese, and the other between Long White and Black Pekin.
In every case, the parents were very unlike, both in shape and color of
fruit, and in color of plant. A number of plants were grown from these
seeds in 1890, and the characters of the resulting offspring were fully
explained and figured in Bulletin 26, March, 1891. The present report
deals with the second generation, grown in 1891.
The cross which we called A was made between Round White and Black
Pekin. The Round White is a small green plant which bears small
oblong, clear white hard fruits. The Black Pekin is a large, dark purple
plant which produces very large, nearly globular and very dark purple
fruits. One fruit was obtained in 1889 as a result of crossing these two
varieties. The seeds of this fruit gave in 1890 a,series of plants which
were almost exactly intermediate between the parents in size and other
characters. The young shoots were much like the pistillate parent—Round
White—but as they became older, the upper surface of the stems, the
petioles, and the veins of the leaves assumed the purple tinge of the male
parent. In form and size, the larger part of the fruits seemed to vary in
the direction of the pistillate parent, many of them being decidedly ovoid
in form and very small. A few were larger, and had somewhat the form
of the staminate parent. Frequently the same plant would produce mature
fruits two inches and others five inches in diameter. In color the fruits
were purple while young,—first month or so,—usually dark purple with
lighter apex. In some instances this color was retained till time of edible
maturity; but asa rule, the dark purple changed toa dull greenish hue,
and the light apex became metallic gray with a faint tinge of purple, and
streaks of grayish-purple extended toward the base. The accompanying
figure shows the extent of variation in 1890, or a fruit of every type
obtained.
From the first brood of this cross, 1890, eight fruits were selected or
again crossed, as parents for succeeding crops. These fruits were essen-
ie 2 ee = “ye S ; Mie yA poe Aus: a ee Rab * Sa ae Pye | ISO PAV 7
> , ‘ t ; PU tus CS Wt i Saw, Penn) ty
: ; = bi | b
f i pay
\ . y
4 \ t rs
‘
324 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Extent of variation in the ‘‘A’’ crosses. (1590.)
tially alike in color and shape, as shown in the above illustration. These
eight fruits, which were the parents of the plants discussed below. were as cae
follows: pt
Al. Pollinated with another flower on the same plant.
A2. Pollinated by Round White (original pistillate parent).
A3. Pollinated by Black Pekin (original staminate parent).
A4. Same as Ad.
A5., Pollinated with another flower on same plant, as in Al. i
A6. Same as AbD. :
A7. Pollinated by Round White, as in A2.
A8. Selection, not artificially pollinated.
1
From these eight fruits, 1,405 plants were grown at Cornell in 1891.*
The behavior of these plants i is indicated by the table which closes this
article. It is interesting to note the influence of Black Pekin in A3 and A4,
into which this variety has twice entered as a staminate parent. All the
plants, 203 in number, were purple in foliage and like Black Pekin in habit;
and most of the fruits were solid purple, although a few striped fruits still
showed the influence of the Round White two generations back. The ones
into which the Round White entered twice--A2 and A7—-do not show so
strongly the marks of the double infusion of blood. In A2, there werea
few more plants with green than with purple herbage and the green ones
were more prcductive than the wthers; these are marks of the Round White,
and it may also be said that even the purple plants were ofa light cast and
that nearly all showed the influence of the dwarf habit of Round White. |
AZ, the other Round White cross, produced a lot of small plants, but they
were unproductive, and much over half of them had purple herbage. en
Three of these lots—A1, A5, A6—were from fruits pollinated by a flower .
on the same plant. These, then, according to popular notions, should pro- :
duce uniform plants; but with that sublime contrariness which is so char-
acteristic of most of our results of crossing, these lots gave as variable
progeny as those which had better right to such possessions. In fact, the
a
* Duplicates of all these egg-plants have been grown in Maine by Professor W. M. Munson, who will ‘:
fs00n report upon them. us
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 325
Jot Al was probably the most hopelessly mixed of any in the entire list.
The fruits ranged from pure white to green with white stripes, purple
striped, light solid purple, and very dark purple; and the mature fruits
. yaried from the size of an egg to that of Black Pekin. About equal num-
bers of the 175 plants were green and purple. A5 was nearly as badly
mixed, and some plants appeared which had the peculiar spreading habit
of early dwarf purple, a variety which had never entered into any. of the
A mongrel egg-fruit. (1891.)
crosses. A6 showed wide variations also. A8, which was simply a selec-
tion and had not been artificially pollinated, was about as variable as the
rest.
Some of the fruits of these crosses were exceedingly Landsome, espe-
cially one which appeared in Al and another in A2. The engraving on last
page shows one of them, but no“black and white print can do justice to it.
White and purple bands were laid on the fruit in alternate waves which
seemed to run off the fleshy calyx lobes and to flow down the fruit. Efforts
have been made to perpetuate these remarkable types, but they are now
lost. Every new attempt at crossing reminds me that the chief value of
the operation is the infusing of new vigor into offspring rather than the
origination of new types.
Asa whole, 543 of the 1,405 plants produced perfectly green foliage, show-
ing the effect of the Round White. Most of the fruits produced by these
eight samples were of an indifferent and ill-defined color, and were utterly
worthless for market. In productiveness, the purple herbage plants were
ahead of the green ones, although the green parent— Round White—is more
productive than the Black Pekin. Of the 729 plants which gave sizable
fruits before frost, 454 were purple and 275 green. In habit, the A crosses
were also very various. The Round White seemed to exert a great influence
upon the stature of the plants, but the purple color of Black Pekin
appeared to be more potent than the green of the other.
Series B came from a cross of giant Round Purple and White Chinese.
The former has purple herbage and a very large purple fruit, while the
latter has green herbage and a long club-shape white fruit. So far as
beauty of form and color is concerned, this series was by far the most
326 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
promising of the three crosses. The plants in this series, as in the former,
were as a rule intermediate between the parents. Much of the vigor of.
the pistillate parent was transmitted to the offspring, but the leaves were
smaller and less distinctly lobed. .
In form the fruits, as a rule, resembled the staminate parent— White
Chinese, but they were of greater diameter. The color at edible maturity
was rich dark purple, with lighter apex. When fully mature—that is
when left for the seed to ripen—the light purple apex became gray, then
yellowish like the staminate parent, while the dark purple body of the
fruit became dull green. The full extent of variation in this series is
Extent of variation in ‘‘B” crosses. (1890.)
shown in the illustration. Hight of these fruits grown in 1890 were
selected or again crossed for planting in 1891. These B lots originated _
as follows: -
Bl. Pollinated by Giant Purple (original pistillate parent.)
B2. Pollinated with another tiower on the same plant.
B3. Pollinated by Giant Purple, as in B1.
B4. Pollinated with another flower on the same plant, as B2.
B5. Pollinated by Giant Purple as in B1 and B3.
ES. Selections, not artificially pollinated. These were attractive fruits of a purple
Be color and lighter apex, tending to be striped.
The offspring of these fruits—479 plants—showed a wide variation in
color of herbage, many of them being green, although the greater part
of them were purple. Asa whole, however, these plants were comparatively
uniform in size and habit, and could be distinguished from the A and C
series at a considerable distance. The plants were low and bushy, but
erect, mostly with a grayish purple tinge when seen in mass. Bz2, which
was pollinated from another flower on the same plant, gave as various
fruits as the others. Of eighteen large fruits of it, one was very .
black purple, six were light purple, and one was. purple-striped, nine were
green-and-white striped, one was pure white. It is strange, too, that one of
the plants of this lot had the peculiar habit of Early Dwarf Purple, a
variation also found in one of the A series (A5) which had been similarly
"
-
,
‘CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 327
Dollinated: The lots into ehich the original pistillate parent, Giant
Purple, was again impressed—Bl, B3, B5—showed very variable
offspring, although there were large numbers of purple and purple
striped fruits in the progeny. B63 and B5 were very much alike in habit,
color and fruit. There was comparatively little variation in any of the
B lots.
Extent of variation in ‘*C”* crosses (1890.)
Series C originated from a cross of Long White by Black Pekin. This
series then, is much like A in parentage, except that the pistillate parent
has longer fruit. The effect of the staminate parent in giving color to the
foliage was more marked than in series A. In no case was there an
absence of the purplish tinge of Black Pekin, and frequently the color
was nearly as deep in the parent. The fruit was of intermediate color,
but with the purple predominating. In form, a few of the fruits resem-
a the staminate parent; and many resembled the pistillate parent,
ile others were wholly distinct.
Four fruits were again crossed or selected in 1890 from this series:
Cl. Pollinated by another flower from same plant.
C3. Pollinated by Black Pekin (original staminate parent).
C4. Selection, not artificially pollinated. Seen at the extreme left in the illustra-
tion. It was very angular at the ends, purple with a metallic-gray apex.
In these lots, the fruit pollinated from the same plant, Cl, gave a vari-
able and very unproductive offspring. 3, into which Black Pekin has
gone twice, gave only purple fruits. C4 was the one which we particularly
desired to fix, for the original fruit had strong points of merit. This fruit
gave us 169 plants, none of which, however, were like the parent, and
none seemed to possess superior merits. Only 31 of the plants from it
produced fruits before the frost, and of these five had green herbage and
26 purple herbage. All the G plants were very tall in 18%1, mostly
dark in foliage, and late.
‘ The result of all this experiment with secondary crosses and the sec-
ond generation of primary crosses, numbering 2,126 plants, shows that
they were exceedingly variable, that pollination from the same plant did
not fix the types, that very few novel and promising types appeared,
that the white and purple colors tended to unite to produce striped
\
328 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
fruits, and that the greater part of the crop was unsalable because of the ee
nondescript colors of the fruits. And all this only emphasizes the fact =
which we have learned with many other plants, that crossing for the
purpose of producing marked novelties for propagation by seed is at ie
least unsatisfactory. ;
The following table showing the numerical measures of this variation __
may interest those who are curious concerning plant variability. v
Variation in egg-plant crosses.
| ‘
|
|
|
|
yaa lo e = g = a (flee [Ss =
~ |e (8 ljeglS2 IS2 jSSl2 12) 2 |e ‘
s |2 15 [Ess (ESelezia leclez | 8 Z
q (8° JES|ES JSS ESlE [ES|S |e :
2 le Sisslisln FSi Fel eSle glee 4 Beeline Remarks. ,
& jsSlsesiesloal(SSe|SSz2/2SiSa\5E\S 2%) =
S \eelFalr sees gels scleleelesizscl =
@ PSlsalsalealzaa|saals a ode Em 2| ¢ /
Al |175 } 83.) 92 | 92 43 49} §& | 20 | 20 28 | 26) Mostly a good lot but very variable.
Shows a tendency to revert to Round
A2 {102 | 82 | 21 | 78 65 Ao) scoops oe ete Wee White; none of the purple plants so dark
asin Al. Ke
F Much like Black Pekin, although there ,
mH a 3 a ; soar eel see) be wees naar ; ure some green-striped fruits.
£ DO SSeS satel as =
: Some plants are low and diffuse like Early ‘
AS aot 119 /172 |136 55 81 | ----)----|----| ------ So § Dwarf Purple, but its fruits are different.
A6 |216 | 89 |127 |121 54 CA (PSS agen ee a ____| Plants very various.
a a ue ie ut 33 a seer rab eI a Se .---| Plants small and unproductive.
8 li F157) | en cen Nee NV | ET Ie ;
183 ead Pe 8 ie pee a 22 2 20] 4) 4] 15 2} 0 poe long, like Long yarns. ae i
: : ostly tall, bnt one plant wit abit o: é
B2 | 30 |----|---- 12 8 4; 1) 6) 1 a he ; Early Dwarf Purple.
Plants remarkably uniform in size and ap- j
BSi 964) ee 36 0 86; 0} 0} 36 0/| 0 pearance. Grayish in color, with light
ne Ss j aha Ra be purple tinge. ;
B5 | 79 |.---|..-.| 34] O|] 34] 15115] 6 0| 0| Tike B3. :
= a ee Fea ait F 4 i a 4 ; i 0 ike ae ued plants somewhat smaller. r
vs (as P 2 U ants like Bo.
rai in 2c is 17 9 0 ‘ Like B6 in aspect.
EAS Oneal see 3 1 p 3
“OS ya ee We as ear 15 0 155) eee __.|_._...|___.| Mostly tall, but occasionally a low plant.
SE IGO MLS Sikes 3L 5 OR), Sct eee | Wipes orm se Occasionally a low plant.
FERTILIZERS FOR GRAPE CUTTINGS.
It is often a very serious question with nurserymen what fertilizers they
shall use to produce the largest and best grape-vines, especially in the
dryer seasons when growth is small. Two years ago we undertook an
experiment in this direction, and T. S. Hupparp of Fredonia, N. Y., a
well-known nurseryman, gave us 10,000 cuttings of Concord with which to
make the test. These cuttings were divided into ten equal lots and each
lot was set in the spring of 1891 upon a plot 10x25 ft. he cuttings stood hy
3x12 inches apart. The plots were arranged in two rows, and they received a
treatment as follows in 1891 and 1892: mh
1. Check 6. Cotton-seed meal
(no fertilizer). (4 lbs. a year). i
2. Cotton-seed hull 7. Bone flour
ashes (4 lbs. a year). (4 lbs. a year).
3. Muriate of 8. Stable manure '
potash (2 lbs. a year). (40 lbs a year).
4, Nitrate of soda 9. Bradley’s superphosphate (4 lbs.
(2 lbs. a year). a year). y.
5. Sulphate of ammonia 10. Check
(2 lbs. a year). (uo fertilizer). .
[»
{
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 329
These fertilizers were applied May 14, 1891, and June 23, 1892. They
-were sown upon the ground and found their way under the surface at the
regular hoeings. The soil upon which these cuttings were grown was a
- poor and very hard gravel. This soil was selected because it had received
no fertilizers in recent years and because the results of the different mate-
rials would be undisguised by the heavy growth which would be given by
a good soil. The early season of 1891 was very dry and many of the cut-
tings did not start. Later in the season the remaining plants made a fair
growth but no difference could be seen in the plots. It was evident that
the fertilizers had not yet reached the roots of the plants. But in 1892 —
the effect began to be marked early in summer, and it was evident that
plot No. 4—nitrate of soda—would distance all the rest. Final observa-
tions were made October 19, when it was found that plot No. 4 was best
and No. 5second. These plots gave easily fifty per cent. more growth than |
any of the remaining eight. No. 2—cotton-seed hull ashes—was the best
of the remaining plots, although its advantage was slight. Between the
other seven there were no obvious differences.
Plot 4—nitrate of soda—was conspicuously darker in foliage than any
other throughout the season. The vines matured well, although the yellow
leaves still hung to the plants in the middle of October. Plot No. 5—sul-
phate of ammonia—was perhaps ten per cent. below No. 4 in amount of
growth, and the wood was not so well ripened as in the other.
THE BLACK-KNOT OF THE PLUM AND CHERRY.
THE NEW YORK LAW.
The black-knot is a serious disease, attacking the branches and twigs of
the plum, sour cherries, and sometimes sweet cherries. It is also common
upon wild choke-cherries from whence it spreads to the orchards. The
most prolific source of the disease, however, are the neglected hedge-rows
of plums and Morello cherries along road-sides and about old buildings.
Sometimes black-knot will be noticed sparingly in a community for
several years before it seriously attacks cultivated trees, and this fact has
‘caused people to become indifferent to it; but sooner or later it will spread
and become a most pernicious evil. Plum-growing is abandoned in some
parts of the Hudson river valley because of the incursions of black-knot, and
a similar fate is likely to overtake any community which neglects it. It is
the duty of every citizen to exert himself toward the extirpation of this
pest, and New York and Michigan now have laws to compel its removal.
Black-knot is a fungous disease, and the only reliable treatment yet
known is to cut off the knots and burn them. This operation should be
done just as soon as the leaves fall, at the latest. (ood plum-growers
inspect the trees once or twice during the summer if black-knot is feared.
Always burn the knots; if they are not destroyed the spores of the fungus
will still develop, even after the knot is cut from the tree. The old knots
often contain worms, but these only burrow in the spongy tissues; they do
not cause the disease.
The following is the New York law. Every citizen should support it:
42
330 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Bkéron 1. It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or willfully to keep any
plum, cherry or other trees infected with the contagious disease or fungus known as
the black-knot; that every tree so infected is hereby declared to be a public nuisance,
and no damages shall be awarded in any court in this state for entering upon premises
and cutting away or severing the diseased part or parts of any tree so infected and
destroying the same, or cutting down or removing such infected tree altogether,
and destroying the same, if done in accordance with the provisions of this act.
§2. In any town or city in this state in which such contagious disease exists, or
where there is good reason to believe it exists, or danger may be justly apprehended
of its introduction, it shall be the duty of the supervisor or mayor of any town or city,
upon the application made in writing ‘and signed by at least three free-holders, who are
residents of said town or city, to appoint forthwith three competent free-holders, who ee
shall be fruitgrowers, of said town or city as commissioners, who shall hold office dur- ENA
ing the pleasure of said supervisor or mayor, and such order of appointment and of +
revocation shall be entered at large on the town or city records. a
§3. It shall be the duty of said commissioners, within ten days after appointment ; as
aforesaid, to file their acceptances of the same with the clerk of said town or city, and
said clerk shall be ex-officio clerk of said board of commissioners, and he shall keep a
correct record of the proceedings of said board in a book to be provided for the purpose, Hie
and shall file and preserve all papers pertaining to the duties and actions of said com- eae
missioners, or either of them, which shall be a part of the records of said town or city- ie.
§ 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 the disease Known as the black-knot
exists, or is supposed to exist, within the limits of their town or city, to proceed without
delay to examine the trees supposed to be infected, and if the disease is found to exist a -
distinguishing mark or marks shall be placed upon that part or those parts of every oy
tree so infected, which, in the judgment of the commissioner or commissioners; should fe
be removed and destroyed, or if in the judgment of such commissioner or commission- be:
ers, any tree so infected should be entirely removed and destroyed, then the trunk of x
such trees shall be thoroughly girdled, and a written notice given to the owner person-
ally, or by leaving the same at his usual place of residence, or if the owner be a non-
resident by leaving such notice with the person in charge of such trees. The notice
shall contain a simple statement of the facts as found to exist, with an order to effect-
ually remove and destroy by fire the part or parts of every tree so marked and desig-
nated, or every such tree entire which shall be so girdled, as the case may be, within
ten days from the date of the notice above required. Such notice and order to be \
signed by the three commissioners, or any two of them. ;
5. Whenever any person shall refuse or neglect to comply with the order men- =
tioned in the last section, it shall become the duty of the commissioners to carry out e
the directions of said order, and forthwith to remove and destroy by fire every tree, or
part of a tree,so girdled or marked, as aforesaid, employing all necessary aid for that
purpose; the expenses for such removal and destruction to be a charge against the :
town or city; and for the purpose of such removal and destruction, the said commis- US
sioners, their agents and employés, shall have the right and authority to enter upon
any and all premises within their town or city.
If any owner, or if such owner be a non-resident, then if any person in charge :
of such trees, neglects to remove and destroy by fire every tree, or part of a tree. so
found to be infected and marked, or girdled, as aforesaid, after notification, and within ,
the time hereinbefore prescribed, such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and
punished by a fine not exceeding twenty-five dollars or by imprisonment in the county
jail not exceeding ten days, or both, in the discretion of the court; and any justice of
the peace of any town or city, in which said offense shall be committed, shall have
jurisdiction thereof; and all such fines so collected shall be turned over to the super-
visor of said town, or other proper officer, to be placed by him in the contingent fund
of said town or city.
§ 7. The commissioners shall be allowed for service under this act two dollars each .
for each full day and one dollar each for each half day, and their other reasonable
charges and disbursements hereunder, to be audited, as well as any other charges and
disbursements under this act, by the board of town auditors or proper city officers, to
be paid to such commissioners as other town or city accounts are paid. Such fees and
all reasonable charges and disbursements of said commissioners, in each case may be
recovered by the town in the name of the supervisor, and in cities in the name of the
city, from the owner of the diseased trees, on account of which such fees, charges and
disbursements become payable or were incurred.
§8. This act shall take effect immediately.
_ Approved by th&8 Governor, May 12, 1892.
} .
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 331,
THE WILD POTATO OF THE MEXICAN REGION.
About 1878 Dr. W. J. Breau of the Michigan Agricultural College
received from the Harvard botanic gardens a few tubers,—the largest about
an inch in diameter—of a wild potato from Mexico. This potato has been
grown since that time at the Michigan college, and we have grown it here
two or three years, from the Michigan seed. The tubers are gradually
‘improving, and in 1887, when I made a report upon this potato,* the best
tubers measured three inches in length. The largest tubers now reach
over four inches in length, and the number of small potatoes in the hills
seems to be lessening. The illustration shows an average sample of this
potato as dug in our gardens this year. The tubers are brown, with deep
eyes,-and tend to be flattened. They keep well. The flesh is very yellow.
When cooked, the flavor is rich and possesses a slight aroma which is not
present in the common potatoes. The plants usually produce balls freely.
Mexican Wild Potato.
This potato is, probably, the Solanum tuberosum var. boreale of GRay,
although it has the interposed small leaflets which that plant is supposed
to lack. It occurs in a wild state from the Montezuma valley, Colorado, to
New Mexico southward in the mountains in Mexico. This wild potate.of
the north appears to have been first brought to notice in 1856 by Dr. A. J.
Myers of the United States army, who found it in westerm Texas. He
sent specimens to Asa GRAY, who named it Solanwm Fendleri, in honor of
AucGustus FENDLER, an early botanical explorer of the southwest. Dr.
Gray afterward considered it to be only a geographical variety of the
potato and renamed it Solanum tuberoswm var. boreale. The account of
the plant as seen by Dr. Myers, contains the following reference to the
tubers: “The tubers, though small, being rarely so large as a hickory nut,
have been gathered, cooked, and eaten by officers and soldiers, and they
proved both palatable and innocent.” This plant was grown in 1888 by
*Bull. 31, Mich. Expt. Sta. 87.
332
i]
the Colorado experiment station from wild Colorado tubers. ' The tubers:
/
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. |
under cultivation were “quite large relatively to the other forms | samples
of Solanum Jamesi |, oblong in shape, and of a dark brown color.” Sey-
eral crosses were made in Colorado upon this wild potato from pollen of
common potatoes, but I am not aware that any subsequent report has been
made upon them. The Wild Mexican potato has been grown by several
experimenters for a number of years.
Their reports would be interesting.
DO FERTILIZERS AFFECT THE QUALITY OF TOMATOES?
There is much discussion concerning the supposed effects of different
fertilizers upon the quality—solids, sugar, acids—of tomatoes.
Samples
of tomato fruits were taken September 6 from various fertilizer plots for
_ chemical examination.
a single fruit.
size and ripe enough for dessert use.
Do fertilizers modify quality of tomatoes?
Field treatment.
Selection of samples.
Solids.
In the following table each entry or sample means
The fruits selected were well colored and of medium
All the samples are [gnotum.
Sugar. | Acid.
12a
Nitrate of soda, 11b Paes SNS Sn Fm. Sy ES
oy oe oe
Nitrate soda, 1lb., Muriate potash, 2 lbs.
ae as “es be
Bone black, 2 lbs., Muriate potash, 1 Lb...
Nitrate and Muriate, 1 lb. each.____._.._-
iBone bidek? 2tbss cera ek vee eat
Check (nofertilizer) eee ee ee
INU Grate BOG ays fee on ee te See
os
Check (no fertilizer)
Nitrate soda, applied June 20, July 21,
Aug. 8, Aug. 26
Stable manure
ae iro
3 fruits from 3 plants
ae oe as
5 and 5a from one plant .____-
56 from another plant gle Ee
2 fruits from 2 plants
2 fruits from 1 plant.
9 and 94 from one plant ______-_
96 and 9c from another plant se
6.07
5.72
5.88
5.42
5,26
6.17
4,97
~
we
EO
om Ov i on
onm oc OG
waa oe
EE CaS See ew,
ono
ou
for}
5.91
5.57%| 1.41%) 44%
} peep sede al 1 bs
94) 67
ie See 38
tease 31
1,15 34
1.47 59
169 || eee
92 15
1022 1225 ae
Pye Sk 44
1.01 | .36
Bede i)
89 | .45
1.07 | .54
Bp i 988 38
etn See A4
97} 98
ae +39
noe sae 383
.58 44
eh eae 72
Cee 51
90 | .37
The fertilizer plots from which these fruits were taken are of two series.
The samples 1 to 8 are from a general test to determine the values of
nitrogen, potash, and phosphorus, alone and in combiuation.
constituted a plot, and the fertilizers were sown on the surface June 20.
The yields of these plots are shown in Table IV, page 195, of our last
tomato bulletin (No. 45).
Six plants
Samples 9 to 11 are from a series of plots designed to determine the
relative merits of single and intermittent applications of nitrate of soda
oe ae OF ey
ar eee 4 4 "YN
pa 8 4 = hy ve he) ‘ 4
~ ry * ‘s Ls ) 7
ee,
{
CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 333
(Tables I, II, ITI, Bulletin 45). These plots contained 15 plants each.
Samples 9 to 9c are froma plot which received a single application of
nitrate of soda of 3 lbs. June 20; No. 11 received the same total amount
in four applications.
Samples 12. and 12a are from a plot to which a liberal dressing of good,
fine stable manure was applied.
The soil in all these plots is a fairly good, dry and high gravelly loam.
It is plain from these figures that there was no uniform variation in
the quality of the tomatoes. The differences are as wide between differ-
ent fruits of the same plot as between the different plots. The variations
in sugar in the samples from the same plot are well shown in 5, 5a, and
5b, in which the readings run from .69 to 1.22. We hope to repeat the
experiment the coming season.
THE VETCH OR TARE AS AN ORCHARD PLANT,
Orchard lands are nearly always benefited by some cover or mulch dur-
ing a part of the year, especially during fall and winter. One of the
values of sod lies in the protection of the soil, but a sod can not be
obtained in a single season. If orchards can be cultivated in spring
_and early summer and then protected with some growth which will
shade the soil and keep it moist during the remainder of the warm
weather and afford some protection from frost during winter, the best
results will undoubtedly be obtained, as a rule. This cover crop should
also afford fertilizing materials to the soil when turned under, and
greatly improve the mechanical character of the soil, as well.
The leguminous plants—those belonging to the clover family —at once
suggest themselves because they are rich in nitrogen, and may therefore
serve both as cover and fertilizer. We have tried mixed beans and field
peas, but there are objections to both, although either one is probably
better than weeds or bare ground. This year we have tried the European
vetch or tare (Vicia sativa), seed of which we obtained of J. M. THor-
BURN & Co., New York. This plant is grown for forage in England. A
half bushel of seed was sown June 16 upon five eighths of an acre of heavy
clay loam. It was sown broadcast upon a freshly prepared surface, and
well dragged in. The seed could have been sown later with equally as
good effect, no doubt, and the cultivation of the orchard could have been
continued for ten days or two weeks longer. The young trees of pear,
plum, and apricot have made an excellent growth this year among the vetch.
The vetch started somewhat slowly and the seeding seemed to have been
too thin; but by the middle of September the ground was covered thickly.
Frost came October 1, but the vetch was not injured and it continued to
grow until the middle of the month, and remained green still longer. It
made a remarkable cover, growing knee high in a dense mat and every-
where completely covering the ground. It began to flower in September,
but no seeds ripened except upon a few poor spots. Upon light soils,
seeds would probably form freely, but the plant is an annual and is not
likely to become a weed. The roots do not extend deep. With the
approach of hard freezing weather, the stalks fell upon the ground, where
they now lie like a thin even covering of old hay. The stems are soft
and can be easily plowed under in spring and will soon decompose; and
they will not keep the soil wet too late in spring, which is an important
334 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
point upon clay soils. On the whole, we are much pleased with the vetch
as an orchard plant, and shall use it again. f
Samples of this vetch including four to six inches of the roots, gave the Cell
following fertilizer analysis: : .
Original substance. Dry substance. ;
Nitrogen _ Peay .65 per cent. 3.10 per cent. a
Phosphoric acid (P20; jae 2 We tie Daoe a SLAG ss 70 ee. Se!
Potash eos paper ae AT5 . 2.28 es Sor
Water - ROS AAS te ON ee en RM RON :
Compared with clover, the fertilizer value is high. The following are
summaries of several analyses of red clover: N
Dry substance. ‘
Natrogentist2 2 — fet we 8 Fe ae BER 5 heats NPS Pe BNE AES ye 2.05 per cent.
ppeephorio 2 GHGS Oath akon oe as Seeaietht 5 UO ar tee ata
Potash _ BPM Sa SAS Ys WL Mi ie BER Ag NUE Pines oh Claes gL
SUBSTITUTES FOR GLASS IN GREENHOUSE ROOFS.
There is much inquiry for some cheap substitute for glass for green-
houses, and various preservative preparations are recommended for the
treatment of cloth and paper to be used in roofing. We have tried paper :
one season and cloth two seasons, and find both to be entirely unsatisfac-
tory for a winter roof in this climate. They are cold, dark, and not durable
For summer or late spring use, oiled muslin is fairly satisfactory. Plants
which require a heavy shade in summer can be grown to advantage under
such a roof. In the summer of 1891 we found a cloth-roofed house to be
an excellent place for flowering the tuberous begonias. Cloth roofs, with
ordinary oil treatment, last less than a year, and paper is so easily torn
and punctured by drifting twigs that we consider it nearly useless for
roofs. It will also tear after a short time by a heavy wind from the inside
if a door or ventilator chances to be open. The cost of a few annual roofs
of this character will pay for a glass roof. Even if the cloth were to last
for two or three years, it would soon become very dark from a collection of
dirt and the growth of mildew.
Our first experience with these covers was the use of paper in the fall of
1890. The paper used was a thin, white, stiff, architect’s drafting paper
known in the trade as “ Economy.’ This was laid over the sash-bars and
was held down by the caps used for holding butted glass. It was then
thoroughly saturated with raw linseed oil. It had been in place but a
short time when an ambitious cat attempted to walk over it, and made a
hole at about every other step. After a few weeks of vexation, the paper
was removed, and a medium quality of unbleached muslin cloth was sub-
stituted, being laid on in the same way. This muslin was oiled twice with
raw linseed oil. This was in December. The cloth lasted until late,
spring, but became very black and dirty toward the last. In the fall of
1891, another covering of the same muslin was laid, and this received
three coats of raw oil. This lasted until the next summer.
This roof is now covered with glass.
L. H. BAILEY. ‘
bie OR Ss
DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCTETIES
FOR 1892.
DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES IN MICHIGAN
WEST MICHIGAN FRUITGROWERWS’ SOCIETY.
OFFICERS FOR 1892.
President, D. W. Witey, Douglas; first vice-president, F. J. Russeuu,
Hart; second vice-president, GEoRGE McCratcuiz, Ludington; third vice-
president, AARON Bos, Forest Grove; fourth vice-president, W. H. Payne,
South Haven; fifth vice-president, ALBERT Jackson, Lowell; secretary, C.
L. Wuitnety, Muskegon; treasurer, W. A. SmitH, Benton Harbor;
executive board, J. RK. Houx, Ludington; JosepH LANNIN, South Haven;
J. A. Pearce, Grand Rapids; WaLrer Puituips, Grand Haven;
. ALEXANDER HAMILTON, Ganges.
ANNUAL MEETING, AT GRAND RAPIDS.
The opening session of the joint meeting of the Grand River Valley
Horticultural society, the West Michigan Fruitgrowers’ association, and
manufacturers of fruit packages was held in the Farmers’ club room in
the county building.
J. A. PEARCE, president of the Grand River Valley society, delivered
the address of welcome.
WaLtTer Puiturps, of Grand Haven, responded to the address of
welcome. He urged that the study of pomology be continued with
renewed energy. He paid a tribute to the work of CHARLES W. GARFIELD
and thanked the society for the cordial welcome extended.
President Jos. LANNIN of the West Michigan Fruitgrowers’ association
then delivered his annual address in which he said that the fruitgrowers
were the most disinterested men in the world as regards their business.
In every other business, when men discover anything, they immediately
obtain a patent for it, but the fruitgrowers give up all they discover to
each other. If a man leaves his profession in any other walk of life, be he
preacher, doctor or lawyer, he immediately learns all about the fruitgrow-
ing business, if he goes into it, by asking the discoveries and experiences
of those who have spent their lifetime in the business. He closed by
inviting all to express views freely upon the fruit question.
Secretary C. L. Wuitrney of Muskegon then discussed the question of
fruit packages. He said uniformity is the main object in view. He advo-
43
338 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
cated, as a remedy for the evil of unhandy packages, which are a bugbear
in shipping fruit, that by a unanimity of action the fruitgrowers establish
a certain size. All manufacturers would then manufacture that size, and
those that would not doso would have tostop making other packages if all
growers would agree to buy only a certain size. This would make ship-
ping easier. He urged the necessity of having good roads. This is of the
utmost importance to those who have to go a long distance with their pro-
duce, and is of equal importance to all farmers, whether fruitgrowers or
not. “The society is out of debt,” he said, “‘and our expenses were less
than the year before, and this year they will be still less.”
}\; The following committees were announced by the president:
™Resolutions—The Hon. F. J. Russetyt of Hart, D. W. Winey of Doug-
las, and CLARK SHEFFER of South Haven.
Fruit—A. Hamitton, THomas WILDE, and A. Bos.
The question box was opened for the receipt of questions during a recess
which was taken for that purpose. Then followed a general discussion.
Mr. R. M. Ketioae of Ionia was called upon to give his opinion on the
benefit derived from mulching sandy land in the fall. He said there was
no benefit in doing so, with sandy soil,-but he had found it beneficial on
heavier soil. For several years he had mulched everything. Mulching *
strawberries made a late crop, but it gave a better crop and was conse-
quently profitable. Mulching with manure was a bad policy and spread
weed seeds, but with a covering of chaffy straw the plants are protected
and the leaves remain green during the winter. As soon as picking is
over he mows his plants and then burns them over. He thought a great
deal of that practice, as it helps to kill off the insects.
“ Will cutting back new peach trees in September help to ripen the
fruit?’ was the next question. D. W. WiLry knew no good reason for
cutting back the trees. ALEXANDER HAmILtTon thought it would not tend
to ripen the fruit, having the contrary effect instead. W.N. Cook knew
of a case in which a growth of brush had been stimulated with detriment
to the fruit. Mr. Pkarce knew of an instance in which the trees had been
seriously injured by the practice, and did not favor it. Mr. ApAms tried it
on one tree, and the tree did not produce any fruit and was permanently
injured.
Secretary WHITNEY related the history of the Michigan exhibit of fruit
for the world’s fair. The canned fruit exhibit, he said, had been neglected.
Cans had been contracted for to hold seven and eleven pints; but when
they were ordered the committee was told that the works had shut down,
and no cans could be procured until Sept. 1.
J. J. Woopman of Paw Paw was called upon to open the discussion on
the question, ‘‘ What has been done, is being done, and should be done, to
make the Michigan fruit exhibit at the Columbian Fair a success?” He
said that he had not been connected with the pomological exhibit
as was understood, but had taken a few steps in the matter and that
he had appointed Judge J. G. Ramspett to take charge of the
same. He was not here to instruct or advise, but merely on business con-
nected with the World’s Fair. ‘You have started,” said he, “to make an
exhibition at the World’s Fair and you can do it well. I’ve been over the
world a great deal and I have never seen a place that equaled Michigan.
I have said it and say it again, Michigan is the garden of the world. Iam
here to hear what you have to say. I am not a fruitgrower, but am an
ordinary farmer, and as such I’m connected with you in your interests,
a
REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES. 339
although not a member of your society. It’s Michigan that we’re working
for and we must put Michigan to the front at the World’s Fair.”
Mr. WILEy said he was formerly a member of the pomological committee
of the World’s Fair, but had resigned because of poor health and a lack of
funds to work with. He said even now failure stared that committee in
the face, as there seemed to be no funds.
The president here stated that he heard there was money, but wanted to
know where it was. Mr. WoopMan then stated that there were $4,000
appropriated for a pomological exbibit at the World’s Fair, and that in
order to get that money, itemized sworn statements of accounts must be
sent in and would be paid.
The secretary was requested to state on what terms the committee was
expected to work. He said that each member was supposed to give his
services free, but a number of poor men could ill afford to give their
services. He further stated that a large amount of canned fruit was ready
for exhibition. Also a large amount of fresh fruit of 1892 had been put in
cold storage for exhibition in 1893. Much could still be done and Mich-
igan could make an excellent exhibit of strawberries. He thought the
commission should purchase the fruit, certainly from those who could not
afford to send it.
Other expressions of a similar character were heard from members and
other interested persons, after which the meeting adjourned until morning.
MORNING SESSION.
President Lannin called the morning session to order promptly at nine
o'clock. Before proceeding to business he stated that any who were
present might take part in the discussions but only members in good
standing would be permitted to vote on questions which came to a vote.
The first question announced by the president for discussion was “ Why
did not apple trees bear as well this year as in former years?”
Mr. D. W. Hinman of Ganges advanced the theory that the weather was
so damp and wet that the pollen was washed off and destroyed.
Mr. KetLoce of Ionia thought that excessive bearing had lowered the
vitality to such an extent that it was impossible for the trees to bear other
than blighted fruit.
Mr. THomas WILDE thought the excessively wet weather of last spring
was the principal cause, but thought lack of fertilization had something
to do with it.
The president called attention to the excessively cold and wet weather of
last spring, and held to the theory that the pollen had been washed away
and destroyed.
Messrs. Hurouins, WILEY and BILLrNGs also took part in the discussion.
“Ts cold storage practicable for individual fruit growers?” was the next
question announced for discussion. The matter of placing an expert in
charge of the pomological exhibit at Chicago, during the World’s Fair,
was called up by Mr. Woopman. Secretary C. L. Wurrnry of Muskegon
moved that the committee having the matter in charge recommend to the
World’s Fair commissioners a suitable person for this position, who shall
also collect and forward the exhibits to be made. On a suggestion he is
to be entitled general manager. The resolution was carried.
Mr. W. K. Munson was asked to state his views regarding cold storage,
340 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
and responded by placing on exhibition some specimens of grapes so
preserved.
Secretary WHITNEY gave his experience, and stated that in the matter
of butter he had saved at leat $100 last season. He said he thought there
was a money value in it, and that Judge RAMSDELL was intending to try it.
Mr. Munson said that cold storage, where ice was used was a failure;
that was the experience of eastern buyers. He described a storage house
he was using; said that it was as cool as a cellar six feet deep. The
temperature in his storage house stood at 50° to 60° Fahrenheit. In his
opinion cold storage was a failure.
Mr. J. L. Hopkins of South Haven said he had seen, within a few
weeks, a potato which had been kept in a hotel refrigerator for four years.
He described the refrigerator, and said that it seemed to work perfectly.
A paper on “Good roads in marketing fruit,’ was read by Hon. 8. 8.
BaiLey of East Paris. Every wagon load of sound fruit brought over
good roads and marketed by the grower is a wagon load of health. Every
bruise is an injury to the fruit and a loss to the grower. The loss sus-
tained by reason of bruised fruit at first sight seems to fall upon the
buyer. But this is not true. It is the grower who has to bear the loss by
reason of lessened prices. Rough roads invariably bruise to a greater or
less degree every load marketed. In order that all may get the benefit, we
must have better roads; not merely better roads, but the best roads that
ingenuity of man can devise. We want laws that will compel-all who use
highways to contribute to their support. Men are not angels, and we
must take men as they are, and compel them to do that which they should
do without any compulsion. Good roads not only contribute to the general
welfare, but to the profit of all who have occasion to use them. The fruit-
grower, more than any other, profits by good roads, and we should leave
no work undone which will lead to the construction of smooth, hard
highways.
D. W. WiLey agreed with the ideas advanced, and stated that the sub-
ject had lately been very broadly discussed and he thought much good
would come of it. He instanced Black county, Ohio, where there was not
a road but was macadamized; yet forty years ago the roads in that county
were almost impassable. One of the benefits noted there was that farm
lands had increased $25 per acre.
Mr. Sessions also spoke briefly and favorably of improved roads.
Mr. A. W. SuayTon then read a petition addressed to the senate and
house of representatives in congress assembled, which he stated was now
being circulated extensively throughout the United States. The petition
asks that there be established a road department in connection with the
agricultural department, for the purpose of promoting knowledge in the art
of road-building. It also asks that a permanent exhibit be established at
the Columbian Exposition.
Secretary WHITNEY said that Mason and Muskegon counties had already
moved in the matter and had a number of miles of graveled roads already
constructed. He then moved that the matter of legislation be referred to
the committee on resolutions; carried.
A recess of fifteen minutes then intervened. After the recess Judge
RUSSELL was called to the chair while President Lannin of South Haven
read a paper on “ The commercial pear orchard—what soil to choose, what
varieties to plant, and how to cultivate.’ Mr. Lannin stated that, owing
to ill health, he had not prepared a paper but thought he knew enough of |
\
ala . :
REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES. 341
the subject to state his views. As to what soil to choose, he said it was
not advisable to plant a pear orchard on low grounds; high, rolling, and
rich ground was the best. If it was underlaid with non-porous subsoil, no
fruit trees should be planted with the expectation of raising fruit at a
profit. Altitude and a warm, rich, friable soil are necessary. As to what
variety to plant, he said great care should be exercised in the selection of
trees. He thought pears more profitable than apples, one year with
another. A tree of the Bartlett variety will bear one and one half bushels.
Bartlett and Seckel were standard varieties, and no one could go far amiss
who selected these varieties. True, there were many varieties, but he
advised all to go slow on new varieties. “If I were planting an orchard
of 1,500 trees I would plant 100 of the Sheldon variety, as they ripen
early, and if well cared for are good bearers.” Flemish Beauty is highly
recommended by some, but unless the soil is highly adapted to pear-grow-
ing, he would nat advise the planting of any of them.
_ Mr. Lanntn said he would set out 1,000 Bartletts in an orchard of 1,500
trees. The great fault noticed with the Sheldon is that they are “shy
growers.’ The Anjou is a spreading, handsome tree. The fruit is late
fall or early winter. They are hardy and prolific bearers, the fruit keeps
well, but is not highly flavored. He would plant 200 trees. The Seckel
is a nice, well-flavored, small pear, but he would plant afew. The Law-
rence is almost as good as the Seckel, but is a slow grower; still, it bears
well on arriving at ‘‘ years of discretion.”
After naming and giving the characteristics of a number of varieties of
pear, he spoke of the Bose as his favorite; said it was a finely flavored
fruit, and showy. The tree presents a rather mean appearance and is
rather tender than otherwise. He would by all means plant a few—per-
haps thirty—trees. He believed in fertilizing; thinks horse manure the
best, and never uses commercial fertilizers. There are about 1,200 varie-
ties of pear, and out of this number there are only about a dozen varieties
that can be profitably grown here. He had tried spraying with London
purple for the codlin moth and curculio, and when he diluted one pound
with 100 gallons of water he destroyed the leaves. Good results were
obtained by diluting to the extent of 250 gallons of water to one pound of
London purple.
A somewhat general and very interesting discussion followed, during
which the fact developed that two-year-old trees taken from the nursery
did best, and that seemed the best age for transplanting. The young trees
should be trimmed to a stick and set shallow, twenty feet apart. The best
time for trimming is early in July.
“What size and form of fruit package shall we use, and how can we
secure uniformity?’ The discussion was led by J. A. Pearce, Grand
Rapids, on the part of the fruitgrowers, and by ALFRED J. Brown from
_ the standpoint of the commission men.
A number of baskets were displayed. Mr. Pearce first spoke of the
evolution which had taken place in the packages used in marketing of
fruit. He favored uniformity and thought some action looking to uni-
formity should be taken. :
Mr. Brown gave his experience with packages used in shipping peaches.
The cover should be so constructed as to be quickly put on and easily
taken off. He recommended a nine-pound grape basket in preference to
any other size. He knows that some of the seven-pound packages were
sold as nine-pound packages. He thinks that Michigan peaches should be
342 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
marketed in bushel baskets because they are best known in such a package.
The following resolution was offered by Mr. W. K. Munson:
Resolved, That a committee, composed of the basket manufacturers represented
here, and two members from each fruit society, be elected to confer together and
recommend a standard size and style of package for our use, and report at the
afternoon session.
The resolution was adopted and J. A. PEARCE and W. K. Munson of the
Grand River Valley society; D. W. WiLEy and ALEXANDER HamILTon of
the West Michigan association; A. J. Brown on the part of the commis-
sion men; EK. A. STOWE on the part of the retail grocers, and H. O. Bran-
MAN and L. C. WoopMaN on the part of the Grand Rapids fruitgrowers,
were chosen such a committee.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
At the afternoon session, the subject for discussion was that of “ Experi-
ence of the season with varieties under cultivation.” In the absence of
G. H. LaFuevr of Millgrove, the discussion on his paper, “Can anything
be done to induce our old apple trees to produce fruit enough for home
use?” was general, and several members gave experience with apple
orchards, showing that with proper care and cultivation the orchards could
be made to bear good crops. It was the opinion of the members that the
apple crop properly attended to was a very profitable crop.
.G. RamspEti of Traverse City, who was on the program to read a
paper on “Small fruits,” was not present and the topic was given out for
general discussion. THomAas WILDE, the veteran fruitgrower of Ottawa
eounty, gave his points on strawberry culture. He said the Warfield berry
was altogether the best for market. He said the best fertilizer for berries
on sandy soil is potash, although plenty of stable manure was excellent.
He said the three best varieties for shipment were Warfield, Crawford and
Long John, while Jessie, Bubeck, Crawford, Sharpless and Eureka were,
in order named, the best for the home market. He had strawberries for
sale from June 15 to July 15. ‘
James L. Hopxins of South Haven, who is a successful grower of goose-
berries, gave some points on the culture of this not very popular berry.
He said the gooseberry was the most profitable of small fruits. A neigh-
bor of his put out half an acre of gooseberries and netted from $100 to
$200 per year from it. The same man had spent $90 for ninety bushels
of seed wheat and had raised 400 bushels which he sold for $350. He put
out 500 plants of the gooseberry and was sorry he had not mortgaged his
farm and bought 5,000 plants, for the gooseberry proved to be the best
crop on the farm.
EVENING SESSION.
In the beginning of the evening session the committee appointed to
suggest a uniform shipping package for fruit, presented the following
report:
Resolved, That we, the committee appointed by the meeting of the fruitgrowers and
basket makers, recommend the adoption for the shipment of peaches and grapes, what
is known as the regular one fifth Climax peach basket, that has been so largely used
the past season; we also recommend the adoption of what is known as the standard five
pound basket.
REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES. 343
We further recommend that no fruitgrower adopt or encourage the manufacture of
any smaller “climax” basket and urge no manufacturer to make smaller sizes than the
above.
We also recommend continuing the use of the standard one half and bushel basket
for shipment of peaches, and that we deprecate the cutting down of the present size.
An amendment was adopted to the effect that the package shall go with
the fruit, and adopted the wine measure quart as the measure for small
fruits. The report as amended was then unanimously adopted.
~ A paper on “Fine and superior fruit for market” was read by A. ADAMS
of Shelby, anda general discussion of “Transportation and marketing of
fruit” followed. ‘Peach culture” was the subject of an interesting paper
read by C. M. SHErrer of South Haven. He advocated the cultivation of
the soil and the matter was made the subject of along discussion, in which
many of the members took part.
The committee on fruit reported the receipt from growers of eleven
varieties of apple and two varieties of grape.
Judge RussELL, as chairman of the committee on resolutions read a peti-
tion asking congress to establish a road department in Washington where
students could be trained in road-making in connection with the agricult-
ural department. The committee was of the opinion that the petition did
not embody the requirements of farmers in the matter of roads, and was
also of the opinion that there was as much liklihood that congress would
be struck by lightning as that it would grant such a request. The follow-
ing resolutions were then submitted:
Resolved, That the urgent demands of fruitgrowers, as well as all other classes of
producers, require a change in our state laws that shall provide us with adequate
improvements in our system of public highways.
Resolved, That the West Michigan Fruitgrowers’ association and the Grand River
Valley Horticultural seeiety, in joint meeting assembled, respectfully urge upon the
members of our State legislature the importance of enacting such laws as shall be
necessary to meet their generally admitted needs.
Resolved, That the secretary of this meeting be instructed to forward a copy of
these resolutions to the secretaries of the State legislature when they assemble.
Resolutions of thanks to the Grand River society, the local press, and
others for courtesies extended, were also submitted. All the resolutions
were unanimously adopted.
A short recess was then taken and the West Michigan Fruitgrowers’
society then proceeded to ballot for officers.
After some further discussion of fruit and methods of growing it, the
meeting adjourned.
WASHTENAW COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
OFFICERS FOR 1893.
President—W. F. Birp.
Vice-Presidents—Wwa. MoCreary, O. R. L. Onozrur.
Recording Secretary—JacoB GANZHORN.
Corresponding Secretary—A. A. CROZIER.
Treasurer—JouN H. ALMAND.
Executive Committee—E. Baur, H. C. Markuam, J. C. SOHENK.
Botanist—Prof. V. M. SpauLpIna.
Eintomologist—Prof. J. B. SrEERE.
Hygienist—Dr. V. C. VAUGHAN.
\
344 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
At the January meeting, coming close after the holidays, there was such
a small attendance that a formal meeting was not opened, but horticultural
‘subjects were freely talked over in a social way between President
J. AusTIN Scott, ex-Gov. FEtcH, and the recording secretary. The
Governor, now a large peach-grower here at Ann Arbor, having been
attracted to this meeting by the proposed subject of nut culture, but,
owing to the small attendance, this was postponed to the next meeting:
At the February meeting President J. Austin ScortT presided.
The subject of nut culture, postponed from the last meeting, was taken
up, and Secretary, J. GANZHORN, read the following paper:
That the cultivation of nuts in the United States should not have been attempted
until the close of the nineteenth century may seem singular, though when we consider
that the natural forests in which our country abounds have supplied us with this valu-
able product only for the gathering, the reason for delay may be explained. There is
now considerable enthusiasm manifested throughout the United States in the cultiva-
tion of nuts, and especially in the south, and as the natural supply of the forests has
given out, the interest in nut cultivation will be permanent. As tillers of the soil we
can not look into this impértant matter any too soon.
We all like nuts, and have done so from our youth up. The gathering of nuts for the
winter is one of the chiefest delights of boys. The nut is wholesome and very nutri-
tious. It is essentially a winter fruit. Its oily substance produces heat, and I can
speak from experience that when nuts are freely eaten in the winter season, less craving
for meat is experienced. - When the consumption of nuts will be fairly begun and their _
value become better known, there will be an increasing demand for them just as in the
case of any other fruit.
About fifteen years ago I began to grow grapes here at Ann Arbor. The amount of
my first crop was about one ton, and it was all I could sell in this market during the
grape season. Now, when IJ am so fortunate as to get a good crop, I sell a ton every day
in the same market, for weeks, and the supply has always given out too soon. But of
course we can not expect that the increase in the demand for nuts will be as rapid as
for the grape; but, neither can the nut be produced so quickly and rapidly. The nut
does not come into bearing so soon, nor does it yield so largely a short time from plant-
ing; and although it is a product coming slowly into a profitable investment, it will be
a safe and permanent one.
If varieties are selected adapted to our soil and climate, we have nothing to fear from
cold winters, and, for some time to come, comparatively little from the depredations of
insects.
Nut trees are valuable for their timber also, and this item alone, in the long run, will
make a paying investment. The timber grown in orchard form will be more valuable
than when grown singly, as is now largely the case. Trees growing together in a larger
body, grow up straighter and therefore make more valuable timber. In the cass of the
hickory, the demand for its timber for handles of a great variety of tools, and for other
uses, will be almost unlimited. The supply of this most valuable timber is already
giving out, and wood of less strength has to be resorted to.
As a timber tree the black walnut has never been fully appreciated by Americans.
Germany recognized its value long ago, and has made repeated attempts to grow it for
its timber, but they have failed. ‘The tree does not seem to thrive there.
But, going back to nuts, we find them on every fruit stand throughout the country,
and the amount consumed in the aggregate must be enormous. That the nut has not
found a place in the eleventh census, I think, has been an oversight. To know the
amount at present produced, and how produced, by our natural forests as well as by
cultivation, would have been valuable information just now, as a universal interest in
the nut is awakening.
A large portion of the nuts used in our country are imported. Not that the foreign
nut is better than our own, but other countries went into nut culture sooner than we.
T have found no nut growing wild in Germany but the hazel nut. The leading highways
in the southern part of Germany are lined with the English walnut. They make hand-
some shade trees, and the nuts are an important commercial article. I have a tree of
this sort growing on my place, on trial, but it is not yet large enough to bear.
For richness in quality, I like our American black walnut better. Ihave had a black
walnut in bearing on my place for some years, that I grew from the seed planted in the
fall of 1875. I exhibited from this tree as much as a half bushel of nuts some three years
ago, at our county fairs. So far there has not as yet been any premiums offered for
REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES. 345
home grown or cultivated nuts at our fairs, but I believe that the time has come when
this branch of husbandry should be recognized and encouraged by eur fair associations.
It should ever be the aim of every country to produce everything it can for supply of
its wants, and, so far as possible, so much as it needs. Home industries should not be
neglected. The more we can export and the less we need to import the better will be
our prosperity. Therefore, let us go hand in hand to improve and develop our own
resources.
We have been much delighted with the American sweet chestnut, and it well deserves
its extended pupularity, but it does not seem to thrive in our clay soil. I have found
it to flourish on the sandy ridges below Cleveland, Ohio, and there are some very large
trees growing wild on some sandy knolls at Monroe, in this State, but I have not noticed
that where planted on our clay soils, the chestnut has done very well.
The black walnut fiourishes best on rich bottom land, but does not grow well on wet
land, and becomes scrubby on elevated knolls, or in poor soil. Yet, whenever the right
conditions exist, it is one of the most valuable nut trees we can grow.
The hazel nut grows wild and abundantiy here in our county, and bears quite regu-
larly. Some monks in Bavaria have produced some new and improved varieties of the
hazel nut which are much larger than our wild nuts. It may be well for us to
experiment with these in a limited way and watch results. I have a large bush of the
English filbert growing, but so far it has not fruited. The number of varieties of nut
that promise to be successful are at present quite limited, yet there are enough of them
to make a beginning.
The southern states are now looking to the pecan as a sort for a money enterprise.
It is found to grow so far north as Missouri, but it is claimed that the best pecans grow
in Mexico, and that the further north from there it grows, its shell becomes
thicker. Comparing the pecan, however, to our black walnut I don’t see that we are
at any disadvantage in not being able to grow it here in the north.
I have a piece of land on my fruit farm which is notin good shape for cultivation, but
as it is covered with nice hickory trees and a few butternuts, I will let it go into a nut
grove. I am cutting out everything but the nut trees, and intend planting other sorts
than are now growing wild there, to fill up the gaps. In the coming spring I intend to
a blaek walnut trees in the streets where I own land, as shade trees, instead of
maples.
President Scorr said that the cultivation of nuts might be made as
profitable as any other branch of fruit culture. It had come to his notice
that a gentleman had realized $18,000 from the timber of nut trees, on
ten acres of land. His own experience in cultivating nut trees has been
very favorable. He planted on his residence ground, here, at Ann
Arbor, a number of walnut trees, which attained a height of twenty feet.
The planting of nut trees he believed a good thing for fence posts, leaving
or planting the trees where the fence is wanted, attaching the wire to the
trees.
Prof. E. Baur spoke of nut oil being used in Europe in the prapara-
tion of salads. It is largely used in Germany and other places for culi-
nary purposes.
Mr. E. NorpMan discussed the paper at length. As a pioneer farmer
he found the nut trees largely cumbersome, but when the nut tree can be
used for shading pastures, and along the highways, he believed them
useful.
At the April meeting President J. Austin Scort presided. The meet-
Ing was fairly well attended. The subject selected for discussion, “ The
Art of Grafting and Budding,” brought in a number who had _ never
attended before. President Scorr gave his life-long experience in graft-
ing and budding, and he was very often asked questions. He was eagerly
listened to throughout the meeting. He favored seedling bodies for apple
trees, top-grafting them after setting into the orchard; favors low-headed
trees, and to keeping them well cultivated till coming into bearing. Mr.
W. F. Brrp exhibited the Field knapsack sprayer, and a barrel pump for
spraying trees, etc., made by the same company, at Lockport, N. Y. Mr.
t4
346 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
LutHer Paumer of Dexter said that he is contemplating the construction
of a spraying pump, to be rigged on a wheelbarrow, for the use of small
orchards and gardens. Some of the speakers favored the Bordeaux mixt-
ure in a weak form, and using it often. Secretary GANZHORN argued for
the mixture of full strength, and use of it often, too, and that the sul-
phate of copper should be procured at wholesale prices by clubbing
together.
President Scorr presiding also at the March meeting. The topic for
discussion was “the improvement of our roads.” Although not a strictly
horticultural subject, yet it is very important to the fruit-man, as fruit is
easily bruised and injured by carrying over rough and bad roads, and
therefore its market value lessened. The March meeting for 1890 was
devoted to this matter, and a petition sent to the legislature praying for
legislation that might provide better means to improve the leading high-
ways. ‘The same subject was resumed at the March meeting last year,
making this the third succeeding March meeting devoted to the same
topic. Hach of these meetings were largely attended, and an animated
discussion held, showing an unusual interest in this matter. The meetings
were also largely attended by leading farmers. Mr. EK. A. NoRDMAN, as
per invitation at the last meeting, prepared a paper on this topic which he
read, and it was highly interesting. The paper was lengthy, and treated
the subject of making roads and keeping them in repair, in all its details.
He closed the matter by recommending the use of gravel as a cover. Mr.
Frep C. Brown had been invited to attend this meeting and speak on the
subject. He kindly responded to the request and read a well-written
paper on the topic, which was full of important and original mattel. He
compared the roads in their primitive state, forty years ago, to those of
today, and showed the great progress made thus far.. The log culverts of
the old time have given place to such as are now made of stone, anchored
at the top and otherwise highly artistically finished. He believed the
present law on road-making good enough if properly carried out, but
would recommend provision for a road commissioner to have charge of a
whole township; so as to secure a uniform system in construction and
repair.
Hon. J. L. Lowprn, who could not attend, sent a paper giving his
views on this subject, and it was read by the corresponding secretary, Mr.
Baur. ‘This paper was full of practical suggestions, and is well worthy of
close perusal. He urged the idea of raising a private fund by enterprising
citizens, with which to construct a road or a part of one, with stone, as an
object lesson to others. President Scott, Vice President Scort, both
secretaries, Messrs. W. F’. Brrp and J. C. Conrad spoke in favor of mac-
adamized roads and spoke of those in use in Germany, Ohio, Michigan
and Missouri, where they give the best of satisfaction, making travel on
them a pleasure. The desirability was discussed of appointment of a com-
mittee to confer with the council of Ann Arbor, on the subject, and to
recommending to them the purchase of a stone crusher. The motion that
such a committee be appointed finally prevailed, and E. H. Scort, J. C.
ConraD and W. F. Birp were appointed. On the question whether or
not the roads should be worked on a cash system, or continue on the old
way, the farmers stand divided, but all agree that the roads need improv-
ing. They favor gravel instead of crushed stone, on account of the sup-
posed greater cost of the latter.
The summer meetings are not regularly kept up, and are not much
>>
% Pa
REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES. 347
attended. The fruit business is a very active one, and the fruitman must
make use of every moment in order to keep up with his work. During
the ripening season, shipments are made daily, excepting on. Saturday,
and on this day, often, the home demand is generally supplied, and thus
local orders are delivered. Our meetings are held on Saturdays; and,
besides delivering fruits about the city, there is often important field work
put off for this day, and thus the time for attending a horticultural meet-
ing is-frequently crowded out, though often with much regret.
The fall meetings were largely devoted to the perfecting of arrangements
for the holding of the annual State meeting. Different committees were
needed to perform this work; these to meet frequently and reported
progress made, and a good deal of time was thus consumed.
General review of fruit crops.—The apple was a total failure. The
trees had blossomed well but failed to bring forth the fruit. Severe night
frosts were probably the cause. The leaves were badly damaged, also, so
that most of the growing season was required to refoliate the trees. The
peach crop was good on the whole, though the orchards on the banks of
the Huron river had their fruit buds largely killed during the winter.
Prices were good. From $2.00 to'$3.00 per bushel was realized for first-
class fruit. The crop was mostly shipped to Detroit, the bulk going as
freight during the night. The loading was done during the day, and in
good order, no hurry being necessary as when shipped by express and
tossed pell-mell into the car. The pear yielded fairly well and a satisfac-
tory price was obtained. The plum does not make much headway here
with us. A good many trees have been planted, though the fruit is always
scarce. Some scattering trees bear pretty well, though, as an orchard
fruit, it has not been successful. The black knot is largely responsible for
the failure. The plum and the peach do not seem to thrive well tegether.
‘The conditions, right for one, seem uncongenial for the other. The grape
crop in general was good, though black rot still cuts off a portion of the
crop. It is a very serious disease to fight. For commercial purposes the
grape is not planted very much, and the number of vineyards does not
increase largely, but many vines are planted by farmers for home use.
The Concord is still the chief variety grown. Woodruff Red is making
considerable headway among the newer sorts. ‘The Niagara is a popular
white grape and is a fairly good keeper. For winter keeping, the Rogers
hybrids, owing to their thick skins and richness in sugar, are good sorts.
Quinces usually do well here, but are grown in limited quantities. Straw-
berries are not grown extensively any more. The crop this season was a
limited one. The raspberry is grown very extensively with us, and is
increasing very much about here. The Cuthbert leads all other sorts, the
Gregg closely following. Currants and gooseberries do well but do not
receive much attention as a market fruit. Our heavy clay soil, largely
prevailing, is a hindrance to these small fruits.
Ever since the organization of this society, the fruit exhibits at our |
county fairs have been in charge by our members, and the displays have
been much improved. The nomenclature of fruits is attaining a higher
standard at these fairs, and artistic displays are growing features. Farm-
ing is giving way to fruitgrowing in the vicinity of Ann Arbor, the peach
leading. : JAcoB GANZHORN,
Sec’y.
348 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
SAUGATUCK AND GANGES POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
OFFICERS FOR 1893.
President—D. W. Wiuey, Douglas.
Vice-Presidents—Rev. J. F. Taytor of Saugatuck, S. R. Lewis of
Ganges, Byron Markuam of Laketown, and C. E. Basserr of Manlius.
Secretary—C. E. Bassrert, Fennville.
Treasurer—C. B. WxEtcuH, Douglas.
This society has held meetings the first Saturday in each month, with
the exception of the months of June, July, August, and September, when
the care of the fruit crop made a meeting impossible. The discussions
and papers have been of a more or less local nature and a fairly gcod
attendance has been secured.
The January meeting was held in Douglas. Among those present was
Amory BicELow of Chicago who was invited to read his article on the
chemistry of plant foods and fertilizers. His article proved quite exhaust-
ive, in the course of which he claimed that barn manure is not all that
fruit trees require, but other commercial fertilizers are demanded. He
claimed that $500,000,000 represents the annual loss from insect pests
annually in the United States.
The article served to introduce an article, sold by Mr. BiaELow, which is
known as the “Oriental fertilizer and insect destroyer” and which he
claimed took the place of all spraying solutions with even better results.
He also “thought” that the use of this preparation would prevent the
yellows.
President D. W. Winey then read the following paper on
WHAT THE FRUITGROWERS NEED.
“The needs of the fruitgrower are so numerous and the subject covers so wide a field ~
that to even refer to more than a few of them would require more thought and investi-
_ gation than I can devote to the question in a short paper at thistime. I will therefore
confine what I have to say to one or two of the important needs of the grower here on
the lake shore, as they appear to me from past-experience.
In the first place I believe the man that intends to engage in fruit growing asa busi
ness needs to have a natural taste and love for it if he expects to be able to realize all
the benetits to be derived for his calling. If he possesses this he has one of the essen-
tial qualifications that will do much in guiding him in all the future details of his work.
In the second place, the man that contemplates engaging in peach growing needs to
know on the start that to allow deseased trees or trees infected with yellows to remain
in his orchard for any considerable length of time is poor management and an
objectionable practice and even though he may be prompt in cutting them down it will
be sure to result in the loss of his entire orchard sooner or later. He also needs to
realize that by this practice he is imposing upon his neighbor’s interests and the welfare
of all that are engaged in peach culture in the vicinity of his orchard. In localities
where the custom of cutting down deseased trees and leaving them in the orchard has
prevailed, whole orchards have been lost and thousands of dollars worth of vaiuable
property sacrificed. ;
To properly gather, assort and pack fruit and put it up in the proper condition for
market needs care and careful management on the part of the grower, in order to be
able to realize satisfactory results. The fruitgrower will find the task of securing
adequate remuneration for the products of his orchard to be one that will need attention
to the correction of conditions in marketing that will be sure to be against his interest.
While the majority of fruitgrowers take great interest in all the details in fruit
enlture and delight in being able to produce large crops, which is highly commendable,
REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES. 049
many of them seem to loose sight of a very important part of the business and when it
comes to marketing their fruit they fail to have any well detined or practicable plan and
seem to be ready and anxious to turn it over to the first fellow that comes along with a
well arranged story to tell of the wonderful advantages possessed by the house he may
for the time being happen to represent.
The system, or rather the lack of any system, as practiced by the growers and ship-
pers of western Allegan county in the marketing of their fruit has many defects and
has taken from the growers thousands of dollars each year. By the present system a
large per cent. of all our fruit is consigned to South Water street, Chicago and West
Water street, Milwaukee, there to compete against itself in crowding prices down to
the lowest possible point and in prolific seasons this results in little less than the giving
away of a considerable portion of the crop.
It is said that “ It is more blessed to give than to receive.” If this rule in any way
can be applied to the peach grower of western Allegan county, they would be a much
blessed people.
_ lt is thought by many of the growers and shippers that the commission merchant
gets more than his share of the price paid by the consumer for their fruit. That this
is true to a great extent there can be no reason for doubt, as the consumer invariably
pays a good round price for all the fruit he gets, while at the same time growers may
be receiving barely enough to defray the expense of gathering and packing, to say
nothing of the cost of production. That there are dishonest men in the commission
business no one doubts, but, from having dealt quite largely with that class of
merchants, I am willing to believe that much the larger per cent. of them are endeavor-
ing to transact a fair and honest business, under a very faulty and objectionable system.
This, to a large extent, has been brought about by the close competition existing
between themselves in obtaining and holding trade and by the unreasonable demands
made upon them by the producers and shippers. The merchant knows perfectly well
that, in order to be able to retain the average grower’s trade, he must attend to the one
essential thing (that of making prompt returns) and in order to comply with this
demand account of sales must be made out and mailed to the consignor on the evening
of the same day the fruit was received. It is generally understood that a very large
per cent. of all fruit consigned to Chicago and Milwaukee commission merchants is sent
or forwarded by them to points outside and beyond these cities for final sale. That the
merchant expects to, and in most cases does, receive more for this fruit than could be
obtained for it at his store or place of business is evident and this doubtless, to a great
extent, is the main incentive to the persistent effort made by him and his agents in
obtaining consignments. The main inducement and stock in trade with these men is
that their house makes prompt returns and possesses unlimited facilities for sending
fruit beyond their own market to be soid.
Growers as a general rule insist upon having prompt returns, and the merchant, in
order to comply with this demand, returns the price prevailing on an already over-sup-
plied market, while perhaps the fruit sent him by the grower is still in transit toa
market, where it willsell for a good price.
Now what the fruitgrower needs and is entitled to is all that is paid by the consumer
for his fruit, less the actual and necessary expense incurred in freight and commissions.
But in order to be able to obtain this he needs to know that the house he consigns his
fruit to is perfectly reliable and have an established reputation for honest dealing, He
can arrange to have his fruit sold where it will bring the most money, so that should it
be necessary for him to wait ten or even thirty days for returns he would feel safe in
doing so. This would enable the merchant to return the amount the consumer pays for
the fruit, less of course the expense incurred in forwarding it. This, too, would relieve
the merchant from the necessity of advancing money to pay for the fruit before he
receives it, as he is called upon to do under the present system.
It will need to be borne in mind that all expenses incurred by the commission mer-
chant in soliciting and in the advance of money and even the paying of checks come out
of the grower’s pocket in the end.
It is quite generally conceded by growers that there is urgent need for a radical
change in the manner of marketing our fruit here on the lake shore if we hope to
obtain fair compensation for capital and labor invested. Competition in the leading
fruit markets are fast reducing profits to the lowest possible mark, without a corre-
sponding decrease in expenses.
Numerous schemes have, from time to time. been advanced by growers with a view
of obtaining better conditions for marketing their fruit, but so far there has been no
marked progress made, owing no doubt to a lack of united action on the part of the
shippers. It is thought the plan of having agents in Chicago and Milwaukee during
the shipping season, to look after the general interests of those employing them, might
350 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
prove beneficial in many ways, but codperation of the growers will be necessary if any
reformation is to be obtained.”
CARELESSNESS WITH THE YELLOWS.
A general discussion of the paper followed in which it was stated that
it was not a difficult matter to burn yellows trees green. Mr. WILLIAMS
emphasized the fact that more care must be used to destroy all infected
trees. It was stated that, by using proper care, new orchards are now
being raised around South Haven, where the yellows was once so destruct-
ive. O.S. Busu stated that he had no faith in Mr. BraELow’s article as a
preventive of the yellows, but moved that a committee be appointed to test
it. The motion was carried and the chair appointed O. S. Busu, H. J.
Kinasuey and JAMES WiutuiAMs. Mr. KircHEeNn moved to collect the sub-
scriptions that were signed in aid of enforcing the yellows law. Motion
carried.
The question of methods of selling fruit was brought up and Mr. Biar-
LOW, who was at one time a commission man, said that if he was a fruit-
grower he would not ship a single package to acommission house. By the
present system it is customary for the houses to reship their consignments
and make returns at a fair average price. He advocated the auction sale
system which is so generally used with California fruit. He knew that
buyers soon learn the mark of an honest shipper and always paid a good
price for that fruit.
The march meeting was held in Fennville and a very large attendance
was secured.
-After a fine bass solo by Rev. PrEscumann, J. H. Crane read the
following paper on
TRANSPORTATION.
We all understand the meaning of this word in a literal sense, but when the implied “
meaning is brought to practical application we see there is often a lack of system that
greatly detracts from the comprehensive view imagined. Fruit transportation being
the subject under consideration, I will endeavor to present some thoughts for our
consideration:
First :—After the fruit is grown ready for harvesting, the question arises what shall
be the mode of transporting from the orchard to the packing house. There are various
methods employed. Some by locating the packing house in the center of the orchard,
have the fruit carried in, thus preventing any damage in getting this far to market.
Others convey fruit to the packing house by means of an orchard spring wagon, fruit
in bushel baskets. This conveyance is perhaps the best. Others use a boat similar to
a stone boat and this makes a very good rig for the fruit is moved with but little jar.
Having considered transportation from orchard to the packing house, we will dwell
for a moment on transportation to place of shipment. In the pioneer period of fruit
raising the means employed in hauling fruit were somewhat ruder, leaving a field open
for much improvement in the way of perfecting more accommodating contrivances in
the shape of wagon boxes or fruit racks with a diversity of springs under them, which
by our past experience has shown us to be absolutely necessary for the moving of fruit,
if we would overcome the great strain on the baskets and the bruising of the fruit by
the jar of the wagon. ‘These being very objectionable features when the old-fashioned
wagon boxes without springs under them were in use. Thus we see the advancement
made in perfecting the means of transportation to place of shipment.
Now we proceed to consider the two modes of transportation to the market of con-
sumption. This beautiful fruit country possesses all of the natural advantages, for the
surety of a crop almost equal to California, for quality of soil a richness that produces
the most luscious fruit raised on the face of the earth, for season of ripening we have a
climatic influence which enables us to grow any of the excellent varieties that are now
_ propagated, all ripening with perfection. For nearness to market, our location is nearly
REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES. d0L
all we could desire. Chicago, that marvelous city of all ages, furnishes our principle
market and makes a grand distributing point for the whole west and northwest and
being only about a ten hours’ run by boat or rail, we get our fruit in market with a
ripeness that is hard to be found in many of the large markets of the world. Being
located between two opposing lines of transportation we are in position to patronize the
line that furnishes the best accommodations in consideration of rates charged. In look-
ing over the years gone by, we review ali the imperfections of both lines of transporta-
tion. The boats, owing to the condition of Saugatuck harbor, have been rather small
and having quite a large traffic to accommodate, had to load the fruit in the hole around
the boiler room and pile it up high on the deck, which prevented the necessary ventila-
tion of the fruit.
They were subject to the elements and often storm or wind bound, causing the fruit
to be placed on the market late. Boats visiting the piers are not to be relied upon, for
it is only in fair weather that they will attempt to visit them and often when they are
able to leave the harbor they cannot reach the pier. This leaves the fruit-shipper in a
state of anxiety, for if the weather is pleasant when the fruit is delivered, there may a
storm arise before leaving time at Saugatuck and the fruit at the piers will be left.
Owing to a lack of appropriations by the government, during the last ten years, for the
Saugatuck harbor, it is a deplorable fact that the mouth of the Kalamazoo river has
gradually filled up with sand until there is hardly a channel passable for small boats,
making the harbor practically no better than a common pier. So we see that boat,
transportation cannot be relied upon without aid from the government to improve the
harbor. Had the harbor been kept in proper condition, the improvement now in boats
used for this traffic would have furnished the shippers much better accommodations
than in former years.
I look over rail transportation for twenty years back. We find in the first place the
American express company handling the small amount of fruit going in those days, but
their prices were exorbitant, being a shilling a basket for less than ten baskets and ten
cents a basket where more were shipped. The prices were ruinous to the fruit industry
and the boats were getting nearly all the trade. Then the railway company, after two
or three years, concluded that a portion of this traffic was really theirs and conceived
the idea that by taking the matter in their own hands, furnishing better accommoda-
tions and rates corresponding to the boat, they would receive their share of the patron-
age. So they concluded to load the fruit here and unload it in Chicago, charging the
fruit-shippers five and one-half cents a basket. This was gratifying to the fruit-
growers and they drew a large portion of their fruit to Fennville.
The business of the railroad grew to such proportions in four or five years it incurred
the necessity of hiring so much extra help to load and unload the fruit which was not
ordinarily a part of their business, and it caused so much more work for their depot
agent that it made it difficult for them at all times to secure a proper man for this
position when needed.
Viewing the circumstances, they concluded to turn this business over to the Ameri-
can express again, provided they would take it and make rates to the people that would
not diminish or retard the trade that had yearly been growing upon them. So the
proper arrangements were made and the American express had agreed to take the sole
charge of this fruit traffic, delivering the fruit to the commission houses, charging the
fruit-shippers six and one half cents for the whole service rendered. The change did
not seem to discommode the fruit-shippers for three or four years during years of light
crops, but in seasons when the yield was heavy there were many objections to their
system of handling. In loading they used up a great deal of unnecessary time in requir-
ing the fruit to all be tallied into the cars, and it was very important that this tally
was always correct for that was their essential guide in unloading in Chicago. This
was done on a very small platform which would not accommodate but one or two cars
at a time and the exactness they required in delivering the fruit to the commission
houses, not allowing any house to move their fruit until the cars were all unloaded and
each lot had been properly checked, making a source of great loss to the fruit-shipper
for it necessitated the late delivery of the fruit on South Water street, and with the
train late, nearly the whole day’s shipment would not be on the market for sale the day
of arrival. Such an occurrence would damage the fruit-shipper for the immediate day
and for a week after, as the market once demoralized by this tardy manner of handling
the fruit, is hard to rally to its former prices.
With all these objections to the American express, there was still another of equal
importance to the fruitgrower. There was the handling of the fruit in and out of the
cars, the men that they employed, having no particular interest but to get the fruit in
and out with as little inconvenience to themselves as possible, would handle it roughly;
although with often repeated protestations the fruitgrower had no redress only in the
e
352 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
vent of his angry expostulations, for the employé cared only for the wages he earned
and the American express. had an eye for the lucrative emolument of this business
rather than the satisfaction or accommodation of the fruit-shipper. All these grievances
consummating in the season of 1888, when the crop was unusually large, created such
dissatisfaction that the shippers began to look for a remedy. Our industry seemed to
be threatened with ruin, but as has been said, “ circumstances are the mother of inven-
tion,” so we find it. A few of the growers having learned of the granger system of
handling fruit resolved to organize what is now known as the Fennville Fruit Shippers
Association, having for its tirst object the loading and unloading of their own fruit and
the transportation of the same.
Now to enumerate some of the past accomplishments of this association. By diligent
and untiring zeal they at last gained favor with the C. & W. M. railway company to
allow us the privilege of a special train as they had the American express company on
which to operate our system. The general freight agent and assistant general freight
agent met with us several times to promote and advance this mutual interest which
was growing between the fruitgrower and the railroad company and perfect this system
which we were going to adopt. It was finally agreed that we would do away with the
shelving and load cars to a minimum of 20,000 and they would make us a special rate
of 26c per 100 pounds on full cars and 291gc on partial cars. By this arrangement the
association would be able to handle the fruit for 31¢c a basket instead of 614 and the
fruit would be under our care in loading and unloading. ‘The railroad company agreed
to furnish us with one hundred new cars thirty-eight feet long with a ventilated door;
thus our fruit would have to be only five or six baskets deep to get in a carload and
with the ventilation, afford excellent transportation for the same. ‘They also agreed to
bring up the matter of extension of platform with the Michigan Central railway, that
we might have room to unload six or eight cars at a time. Before the fruit began to
ripen in 1891 all these agreements were fulfilled. Thus began the operation of our
granger system of transportation.
Now. to make this a success from the start we concluded it was expedient we should
employ agents both here and in Chicago who had some experience in loading and
unloading, and were also acquainted with our system of manifesting the fruit into the
cars, and checking it out carefully to the commission men. So for our loader we
employed Mr. Au WHITBECK, whose services for the American express company had
given him an opportunity to gain the knowledge of properly conducting the manner of
loading, and the propriety of giving the best service to the shippers He soon acquired
the mode of manifesting the fruit and when an assistant was needed he could properly
instruct. For our unloader, N. K. Goopricu, of Chicago, was employed; his excellent
service rendered us in organizing our association and his past experience in conducting
the affairs of the southern I]linois associations which are operating this system of trans-
portation, induced us to show our appreciation for his instructions, feeling that he
would extend his best efforts to make this meet our approbation.
We went through the season of ’91 with a marked degree of success and with the
exception of holding the train a few times for some of our tardy shippers we made a
very good record and did our part of the work better than the railroad company, for
they were a number of times late when we were not instrumental in bringing it about.
We also demonstrated that it was not necessary for our unloader to have a solicitor for
Fennville and vicinity, for the people were much more inclined to patronize the railroad
company when they felt there was no third party in this deal. As the season came to
a close and we took a retrospective view of the operations of our acquirements, we con-
cluded that this system of dealing with the transportation of our fruit had almost met —
our highest expectations.
The report showed we had handled 398 carloads; paid freight to the amount of
$21,131.40; labor, $2,985; amount of balance to our credit, $289.82; amount paid for
shortage and a few incidental expenses. $119.67; leaving in the treasurer’s hands at the
close of the first season’s operations $170.15. This was highly gratifying to the fruit-
shippers in general and filled the members with zeal for the work in prospect for 1892.
The executive board for this season deemed it very essential, to facilitate the advan-
tages of loading, that the C. & W. M. railroad should make a fill on the west side of the
west side track, grading up the driveway there, to make it convenient for one team to
pass another, giving a longer driveway and better accommodations for getting back
into the streets of the village. By earnest endeavor they were able to get the officials
of the railroad company on the grounds to view the actual conditions. Then our request
was granted and before the season for shipment had arrived the work was finished up in
a very satisfactory manner.
The directors next conceived the idea of road-building and thought by the aid of the
good will of the shippers as a leverage, they could induce the railroad company to fur-
REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES. 353
nish us 30 carloads of gravel to improve our town line road from the railroad two and
a half miles west. By the codperation of the village and the aid of the farmers in fur-
nishing teams to haul the same from the depot, we expected to make a permanent
improvement to this road. The committee, by studying the matter thoroughly, resolved
that it was essential that the hills be lowered and something of a grade be established
before we went forward with this work. Then they could see plainly that gravel was
not the material to apply to sand and it was then decided to.veneer as much of this
sandy road with clay as we could get boom labor to codperate with us, we to pay all the
expenses of shoveling and grading. As the season was somewhat advanced before all
plans were perfected and work on the farms crowding, it made it more difficult to rally
a large force. One or two days we had out eighteen or twenty teams and for the time
employed we made a grand showing and every farmer realized how much easier his
team could transport the large loads of fruit from farm to railroad than in former
years.
The gravel we had expected to use to give the finishing touch to this road had to be
abandoned for this season. The village having their street thinly clayed and knowing
in a wet time with heavy loads of fruit going over this thoroughfare it would soon cut
up as to become almost impassabje, they were determined therefore to complete their
road while the gravel was on hand and could not be used by us and it being the rail-
road company’s desire that the work of graveling be commenced at the railroad. We
can all see with what perfection it finished the street. . *
Returning again to our system of transportation, will say the same loading and
unloading agents were employed and we decided to retain a copy of our manifests for
future reference which we did not do the first season. The work of the association in
handling the fruit was performed with dispatch and we could not, as shippers, ask for
_a better system. The railroad company did not accomplish their part of the work so
satisfactorily and our protestations were often and censorious, but the boats did such
abominable work that we can feel almost highly favored that we had as good service
as we did. CS) =
Our report shows we handled 2391 car loads; paid freight to the amount of
$11,648.48; paid labor $1.736.25; paid shortages $155.25; balance on hand at close of
season $553.52. In road building the whole amount of expense involved, including
$107.25 worth of donated labor, was $5)7.09. This subject of better roads throughout
the state should arrest the attention of all farmers. By a money tax we could soon put
our main road in a condition that would acquire but a @mall expense to keep them in
repair, and good roads add materially to rapid and easy transportation in marketing all
of our produce as well as fruit.
Although the Fruit Shippers’ association has accomplished some of the things
desired from the outset, we still feel there is a broad field for action. We need prompter
delivery of our fruit in Chicago, better rates than those now furnished, a system of dis-
tribution of our fruit by which markets may be maintained at good prices throughout
the season, and last but not least, improvements of our roads as a matter of our nearest
convenience.
REMARKS.
Inquiries were made of Mr. CRANE concerning the rates to prevail this
season, and he replied that he has been trying to get better rates than last
year on cars not fully loaded.
Mr. Witey: We expect to have to draw our fruit largely to the rail-
way, from the lake shore, for there is no appropriation for improvement of
the harbor, which is thought to bein as bad condition as it was last spring.
The work done upon it last season was of benefit that year only, and the
matter of transportation has become a very serious question with us.
Mr. Goopricn of Chicago, manager of the “ granger” system on the
Illinois Central railway, was present. He said he had been interested in
this business twenty-five years, and had been managing it for ten years,
and had latterly been studying how to facilitate the delivery of fruit from
trains to the commission merchants, with the least expense and greatest
dispatch. If fruit arrives by five o’clock a. m. he can get it on the market
by the time the trade demands it, and the cent or half cent per crate
45
354 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
required for handling is nothing compared with the loss on fruit damaged
by bad transportation. He referred to twenty-five cars of strawberries
from Tennessee, that were so damaged as to be worthless by bad transporta-
tion. They arrived at a late hour and demoralized the market for several
days. Fruit arriving late makes confusion and much trouble in many
ways. He anticipated some improvements this season in handling the
fruit at Chicago. He said there had been a marked improvement, the past
two years, in the packing of Michigan fruit. Mr. GoovricH commended
Mr. Cranr’s paper, and said he had returned to the association $860, which
had been expended in improvement of the road leading west from Fenn-
ville. What buyers in a Chicago market most desire is a good, average
grade of fruit (peaches) not fancy grades, and would buy such fruit in 500
and 1,000 basket lots.
Mr. CRANE spoke of certain concessions the express company had
received from the Michigan Central railway company, in the way of rates,
the benefits of which had not been given to the growers, but which Mr.
CRANE hopes to secure this season through the railway company.
Mr. E. Hurcurys spoke of the desirability of getting special rates for
fruit by express to points not receiving large quantities, thereby relieving
the Chicago market to some extent. This matter had been up a year ago,
but nothing was done about it. Mr. CRANE replied that Mr. ANGELL of
the express company had been interviewed about the matter, but it was too —
late in the season.
President WILEY read the following paper on the cost of getting our
fruit to the consumer.
COOPERATION AMONG FRUITGROWEBRS.
In a previous article, read before this society, I made slight reference to the necessity
of coéperation among fruitgrowers in marketing the products of their farms and
orchards. The rapid progress made by our national government in the last few years in
opening to settlement the vast area of cheap and fertile lands of the west, together with
the extensive system of railroad building that has been going on, reaching out to every
part of the country, has brought about great and important changes in the market
value of most kinds of farm crops. By the aid of rapid transit and refrigerator cars the
fruitgrower of California and other distant points 1s placed nearly on a level with his
eastern competitor, so far as the markets are concerned. From the east the business
has been moving westward until the people of the Pacific coast and Mississippi valley |
nate become the great producers of the continent, of products that supply the world’s
markets. .
The struggle for pre-eminence is daily becoming more fierce in every line of business
and, as a result, fruitgrowers of Michigan have been brought to face a condition in the
leading markets of our country that twenty-five years ago would have been thought
impossible to occur.
The teaching of our leading fruitgrowers and writers upon the subject of fruit
culture and markets has been all along that, asthe country developed and population
increased, prices for fruit would be maintained if not advanced. Now just how far and
to what extent these predictions are being fulfilled I will leave for growers that have
had experience in the last few years to answer.
Many theories have been advanced as to the cause that has brought about this great
and unlooked for change in our markets; but the results have been such as to call the
attention of fruitgrowers to the importance and necessity of renewing their efforts to
obtain a better and less expensive system of marketing their fruit.
Now I believe it can’t be said, with due regard to facts, but what the fruitgrowers
of western Allegan county are as a rule enterprising and progressive and fully alive to
their interests in everything that goes to improve their business or their general condi-
tion as citizens.
But notwithstanding this spirit of improvement that is to be seen on all sides in the —
surrounding country and in this village, for some reason, not easy to understand, a mat-
® -
x REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES. 355
‘ter of vital importance to all interested in the success of fruit culture and one that has
much to do with the welfare of our people has met with general neglect. As a result
there has been no perceptible advance or improvement made in the system of market-
ing the products of our farms and orchards in the last twenty years.
The middleman still continues to stand between the producer and consumer,
‘demanding and obtaining one tenth of the entire crop for a remarkable small part of
the work. Now I believe it is generally conceded by our most eminent and able finan-
ciers that no business can afford to have ten per cent. taken from it and expect to
remain in a prosperous condition for any great length of time.
According to reliable estimates in seasons of fair crops of fruit, there is shipped from
Douglas, Saugatuck, Fennville and the pier something over 3,000,000 baskets of
peaches, to say nothing of the large amount of other fruits that find an outlet at these
points, such as apples, pears, plums and small fruits.
After this fruit is laid down on the docks in Chicago and Milwaukee free, I believe it
will not be deemed an over-estimate to put the cost of selling it under the ten percent.
system at 5100,000, and for cartage no less than $40,000 must be paid, making a total of
$140,000 for cartage and commission for selling the fruit, produced in a single
neighborhood.
Now I don't believe there is a person present here today who has had experience and
has given this subject any thought but what will say this work should and can be done
for not to exceed one half of this amount. While the future is full of encouragement
and promise for the intelligent fruitgrower of Michigan, and perhaps it is safe to
assume that no branch of agriculture has been more remunerative for the capital and
labor invested, notwithstanding this the necessity and importance of using every legiti-
mate means of reducing the cost of production and marketing is becoming more and
more apparent each year and there is no reason to believe the near future will bring
any change in this respect.
The tendency in every line of industry is to produce at the least possible cost, and
the business that fails to employ this means of increasing profits is pretty sure to fall
behind in the great and rapidly increasing commercial race being run in this country.
‘Competition in all lines of trade has become an important factor and, in order to suc-
cessfuliy meet these conditions, organization has bevome the order of the day, to the
extent that there is hardly a business of any importance but what has its organization
for the advancement of its interests.
These conditions call for a united effort among producers and for the adoption of
improved methods of reaching the consumer. | am of the opinion that profits to be
derived from fruit culture must in the future depend upon the extent to which growers
coéperate in reducing expenses. “In union there is strength.” This principle is well
understood by all, yet how difficult to put in practice, especially among farmers and
fruitgrowers.
Codperative effort for the purpose of mutual advancment and protection is commend-
able only when justly and wisely used and not carried to the extent that “ Might makes
right,” as has too often been done. The system of codperation found but little favor in
the United States until within the last twenty years. Prior to this time competition, as
it exists today, was unknown. Then profits were so generally satisfactory that each
interest seemed to have been content to paddle its own canoe.
During the last decade, associated effort in most all lines of business has been quietly
and steadily making great advances in all parts of the country, both north and south.
‘Codperation among fruitgrowers has been in successful operation in California, Dela-
ware and other fruit producing sections for a number of years and according to reports
has been of great benefit in obtaining lower -rates for freight and a better system of
marketing. Asan illustration of some of the benefits to be derived by codperation,
your attention is called to the results obtained from the united effort of afew members
of the Saugatuck and Ganges Pomological Society and the Fruitgrowers’ Association
of Fennville, in 1891. As a result of the action, taken that season, a net saving to
growers and shippers of from thirty to forty thousand dollars was made on the one item
of freight. Not only was this amount saved to the shippers of this vicinity, but it fuily
demonstrated the fact that fruit can be carried by transportation companies with profit
at a much less rate than had formerly been charged for this work.
Conditions are such that farmers and fruitgrowers must resort to united efforts in
obtaining fair rates for freight and in reducing cost of marketing, if they hope to suc-
eessfully solve the problem of bow to receive a fair share of what is paid by the con-
sumer for their products.
I am led to believe from past experience that codéperation properly managed and not
abused, can be made to accomplish grand results for all classes, but will doubtless be of
greater benefit to farmers and fruitgrowers than other iines of business, on account of
356 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
their circumstances. Living isolated, as their business makes it incumbent upon them
to do, has made them the best of prey for all kinds of sharpers, under the present sys-
tem of distribution.
Fruitgrowers of California have an organization known as the California Fruit Union,
that is reported as having accomplished a great deal of valuable work in the interest of
its members. One of the most important results of this organization and one of impor-
tance to fruitgrowers of Michigan and the east has been the placing of California fruit
in all the principal markets of the country—a result that was thought impossible twenty
years ago and perhaps never could have been accomplished, except through and by the
aid and cooperation among growers and shippers.
Another important accomplishment of this union has been the introduction and estab- -
lishment of the auction system of selling their fruitin all the principal markets through-
out the country. I am informed that this planof selling has proved so satisfactory that
all California fruit is now sold in this way.
If the auction system of selling fruit possesses the merits claimed for it by those who
have had experience, fruitgrowers of Michigan should lose no time in arranging for se}-
ing their fruit in this way. I am’ fully confident however, that nothing can be accom-
plished in this direction, no matter how desirable, except by the codperation of a large
per cent. of all the growers and shippers.
’ In conclusion I will say that while I have no special plan to advocate or recommend, I
believe fruitgrowers ought to be able toagree upon some plan that would give promise of
better results at a iess expense than the system now in use for selling their fruit.
Mr. HInMAN wished to see more encouragement to buyers to come here
and buy our fruit at our orchards. He had sold his fruit at Weed’s dock
for $1.25 per bushel, not including the baskets.
Mr. Witey spoke of the decline in the value of our fruit, of over one half
in ten years, and said that the charge of one cent per basket, for cartage,
was in his opinion not much better than robbery, yet he would not ask any ©
man or company to do business at a loss. Dockage was at one time two
eents per basket, but had been brought down to one cent.
Mr. Hourcuins thought Mr. Hinman had hit it right when he said our
fruit did not compare well with the California fruit, on the market, and
advised adoption of the California plan of codperation and the putting up
ef fruit in better condition or a better quality of fruit.
Mr. WapsworTh spoke in favor of shipping fruit by rail altogether, as
there is so much trouble in use of the bad harbor. a
Mr. Wiey replied that competition between the railway and the boate
was what had brought rates down where they are, and is the only thing that
will keep them there; at least, it is the only thing we can depend upon.
APRIL MEETING.
The April meeting was held at Douglas and several members reported
that they noticed in trimming their peach orchards, much dead wood had
accumulated, probably caused from the unfavorable season last year, curl
leaf, etc.
The president said there were two subjects of considerable importance,
that should come before the meeting—One being the yellows; the other,
“What shall we do to make a creditable showing at the Columbian Exhi-
bition?” Mr. A. HamintTon has been appointed a member of the State
World’s Fair commission for Michigan, in place of Hon. D. W. WILBr,
who had been for some time in ill health. .
Mr. HamiLTon said there was no feasible plan as yet adopted, as there
was no fund to work with, and what was done would probably be in the
way of both in work and specimens for exhibition.
fh; ;
‘
REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND [,.0CAL SOCIETIES. 357
The question of yellows was laid on the table until the next regular meet-
ing of the society.
Under resolutions the following were adopted:
Resolved, That the township boards in Ganges, Saugatuck, Manlius, Laketown and
Clyde be requested to use all diligent care in the selection of yellows com missioners.
That efficient men be appointed, and when appointed, that they do their full duty in
destroying ail diseased trees. ‘he secretary be requested to furnish a copy of this
resolution to each township board.
After some informal talk as to what subject to take up at the next meet-
ing, Mr. J. F. TayLor was asked to read a paper upon “Can the yellows be
stopped where it is on this lake shore?”
Mr. Taytor: We all want to look which way the wind blows. In Cali-
fornia and the south there appears a disease of the peach called “ Root
Knot.” Considerable attention is being called to it, particularly among
the scientific investigators. ‘“ Root Aphis” is another of the new pests and
is becoming somewhat troublesome in our own locality. I would like to
call the attention of all who have sickly looking trees to investigate, and
perhaps try some of the new mixtures for spraying.
MAY MEETING.
The May meeting of the society was called to order by President WILEY |
at the Mack’s Landing school house, Saturday afternoon, May 6. About
25 gentlemen were present. The subject for discussion was the yellows
law.
Pres. Winey: What we lack is public sentiment, not law. If the
people are educated up to the point of demanding a thorough cleaning out
of infected trees the work will be done. Commissioners have a hard row
to hoe, as they get small pay and have the opposition of many who ought
to assist them. Let the people assist the commissioner and better work
will be done.
H. H. Goopricu: It\is almost impossible for commissioners to do good
work unless the growers codperate with them.
P. Purpy: The town line is the boundary of the trouble. In Manlius
the growers ship their yellows fruit and the commissioners do nothing.
D. C. Putnam: I understand some growers east of here intend to get
all they can out of their yellows peacties this year. If the Saugatuek and
Ganges people had not tended to their trees in the past, the yellows would |
have swept in from that direction.
M. E. Wixiiams moved that the secretary be instructed to write to all
legislators interested, to use their utmost diligence in the passage of a new
yellows law. Carried.
H. H. GoopricH moved that the chair appoint acommittee to wait upon
the Manlius township board and urge them to look after the yellows law.
Carried. The chair appointed P. Purpy, D. C. Purnam, and M. E. Wruu-
IAMS as such a committee.
Rev. J. F. Taytor then read a paper on peach yellows, in which he
showed that the growers, who allow the disease to spread in their orchards,
will soon be out of the business, while those who tend closely to iis duty,
will be left to enjoy the profits of their labor, with a better market.
The use of lime as a preventive of yellows was discussed, but not much
credit was given to it. The prompt removal of diseased trees is the great-
est preventive.
358 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Capt. Brirratn was reported by the president as saying that the steam-
ers McVea and Saugatuck would be unable to get into Saugatuck harbor
this season to take care of the fruit on account of the depth of water drawn -
Mr. Purpy thought it is too early in the season to be able to tell just
what can be done with the harbor.
f NOVEMBER MEETING.
After a rest of several months, during the busy season, the regular
‘monthly meeting of the society was held at Douglas, Saturday afternoon,
Nov. 4, and was called to order by President WiLEy. Only eight persons.
were present and the time was taken up in a discussion of the harbor
question.
President WILEY stated that, as a result of the trip made to Grand
Rapids to see Col. LupLow, it was learned that the harbor is not in so bad
a shape as has been represented. It would be necessary to plant a row of
trees along the sand banks to act as a windbrake and prevent the sand
from drifting into the river. The rotten piling could be cut off beneath
the water and recapped by a process now in use, at a comparatively slight
expense. Senator STOCKBRIDGE and Representative THOMAS are ready to:
do all they can and it is thought that by sending a committee to Chicago
and Milwaukee among the commission men their influence could be
secured in securing the codperation of their congressional representatives.
It would be necessary toe go to work this fall and raise as much money as.
possible to pay these necessary expenses in securing aid and to employ
Hon. W. P. Surron or some other experienced man at Washington, to.
labor in the interest of an appropriation. The boat owners stand ready to
give as much as the fruitgrowers, and with the aid of the business men a
sufficient sum could be raised.
H. H. Gooprio# stated that all Ganges is interested in the harbor for,
without a harbor, all their fruit must be drawn to Fennville. {Just what
objection there is to drawing it there, he did not state. |
Txos. Gray thought that a ship load of manure could be brought over
from Chicago and spread on the sand and then a wide belt of willows or
cottonwood trees planted as a protection. He thought the trees would
grow, as Baldhead is covered with all kinds of trees that act as a protection
to it. Sand fences might be necessary until the trees were large enough.
Unless something is done to secure an appropriation soon, Saugatuck will
go on the list of abandoned harbors.
H. H. Goopriou stated that South Haven used sand fences with good
results and now has a good harbor, though not having as much water as at
Saugatuck.
~
Mr. WELCH was in favor of trying to secure an appropriation, but didn’t _
think it advisable to do any work on the harbor themselves, as it is “too:
big a job.”
D.C. Purwam said that united effort was what is needed to get the
appropriation. Statistics must be shown and considerable “ log-rolling”
would be necessary, and that is why it was thought best to have a man in
Washington to look after the case.
The discussion ended by leaving the matter in the old committee’s hands.
and the meeting adjourned to meet at the masonic hall in Douglas, the
first Saturday in December at two o'clock p.m. The meeting will then
REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES. 359
listen to reports from the different townships on the question, ‘* What
'. progress has been made in carrying out the provisions of the yellows law;
what per cent. of increase or decrease has there been the past season and
what is the outlook?” At the same meeting the annual election of officers
will take place.
C. E. Bassert, Secretary.
LENAWEE COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
OFFICERS FOR 1893.
President—D. G. EpmistTon.
Vice-President—H. C. Branpisu.
Secretary—E. W. ALuis.
Treasurer— B. I. Latne.
Inbrarian—Mrs. Gro. Knicut.
Executive Committee—H. C.: Brapisu, J. W. Heimer, C. F. Gustin,
Mrs. Geo. Knicut, Mrs. M. S. Tring, D. G. Epmiston, E. W. Ais.
All the above are of Adrian, except Mr. Laine, who is of Holloway.
The year 1892, for our society, has been a prosperous one; the meetings
were well attended. They are usually held at the hall in the court-house,
but are occasionally held at the house of some member, by invitation.
We have had during the year several original papers, viz.: “‘ The proper
time and manner for preparing wood for fuel and timber,” by B. I. Laine;
an original poem by F. R. Steseins; “ Will it pay to plant wind-breaks in
this vicinity?’ by Mr. SrreEreE; “ The secret of successful horticultural
planting,” by C. F. Gustin; “The art of budding,” by D. G. Epmiston;
“Cherries and their preparation for the table,’ by Mrs. E. P. Autts;
_“ Receipts collected from members,” by Mrs. Strona.
Besides these were the discussions upon many topics, as the potato scab,
fruit topics, and garden and household hints by the ladies. Each month
we have had an interesting programme bearing upon some branches of
horticulture.
As for many years past, our society looked after some features of the
horticultural exhibit at the annual fair, held here in view of the elevation
of the character of horticulture in this locality.
We have lost by death four of our members: Mrs. 8. R. Rocers, Mrs.
Norman Geppes, Mr. J. A. Howe.t, and Mr. F. R. Srespins. All had
been active members and were prominent citizens in this locality. Mr.
STEBBINS, who was in active membership at the time of his death, was also
the first secretary of this society, which was organized March 15, 1851,
and he held the position two years.
be E. W. Atuis, Secretary.
360
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
EATON COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
OFFICERS FOR 1898.
President—-H. D. GRIFFITH, Otter Creek.
Vice-President—Mrs. F.S. Letauton, Eaton Rapids.
Secretary and Treasurer—S. R. Futur, Eaton Rapids.
There were but fourteen memberships paid during the year 1892.
society met ten times during the year. “Hach meeting was enlivined by
subjects of interest for the day, and by essays, but I have none of the latter
in my possession.
The.
S. R. Fubver, Seerctary.
OCEANA COUNTY HORTICULTURAL
OFFICERS FOR 1893.
Prestdent—A. Avams, Shelby.
Vice-President—Wwm. D. Marxkuam, Hart.
Secretary—BENTON GEBHART, Hart.
Treasurer—Wwm. ‘\{. Barry, Shelby.
Hart.
ee
5
SANILAC COUNTY HORTICULTURAL
OFFICERS OF 1892.
President —HENRkY OLDFIELD, Port Sanilac.
SOCIETY.
SOCIETY.
Directors—James Hatacut, Shelby; C. A. Sesstons, Mears; I. H. Forp,
Vice-Presidents—H. 8. Haywarp, Lexington; Ww. Cummines, Apple-
ate; NELSON Grorrroy, Carsonville.
Secretary—Tuos. OLDFIELD, Port Sanilac.
Treasurer—Davip’ Quatn, Croswell.
GRATIOT COUNTY HORTICULTURAL
OFFICERS FOR 1898,
President—Gro. P. SrToneg, Ithaca.
Vice-President—l1. N. Cowpry, Ithaca.
Secretary—L. J. Marvin, Ithaca.
Treasurer—H. Osoar KExuxy, St. Louis.
SOCIETY.
REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES. 361
1
GRAND RIVER VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
OFFICERS FOR 1892,
President—Jamrs A. PEARCE.
‘ Vice-President—W. N. Cook.
Secretary—Tuomas L. Brown.
Treasurer—K. C. PHIL Ips.
Trustees—Asa W. Stayron, Situman S. Batugy, THomas WILDE,
Bomounp MANLEY.
BERRIEN COUNTY. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
OFFICERS FOR 1893.
-President—R. MorriLyi, Benton Harbor.
Vice-Presidents—R. C. THayrer, W. A. Smitu, Davin Jupson, S. G. -
ANTISDALE, M. L. McCuave.
Secretary and Treasurer—A. J. KNISELY, Benton Harbor.
IONIA DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
This society was organized in December, 1892, with the following mem-
bership and officers: KR. M. Ke.uoaa, president; W. N. Lorp, vice-presi-
dent; W. L. WINCHELL, secretary; JacoB KING, treasurer; GEO. Doo.rr-
FLE, GEO. Hosrorp, W. B. Hint, J. V. Mickie, M. B. WINcHELL, E. C.
Frost. P
There have been held three meetings during the year. The discussions
were of a yveneral nature, pertaining to fruit cultivation. The loss of the
minutes of the meetings makes it difficult to report particulars. The
annual meeting has been called for Dec. 9, when it is hoped the member-
ship may be enlarged.
W.L. WrincHe.., Secretary.
MUSKEGON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
OFFICERS FOR 1893.
President—C. L. Wurrney, Muskegon.
Vice-President—ORMAN Baxter, Muskegon.
Secretary—Cria Baxter, Muskegon.
Treasurer—RiLEY CiEemons, North Muskegon.
Executive Committee—The four above named, and CHARLES EF. Warr-
Ney, Black Lake, and F. F. BowLes, Muskegon.
46.
362 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
During 1892 the papers and discussions have been very good and taken
a wide range of topics. The society, during the winter months, has met in
a hall in the city of Muskegon, but during warm weather held large, well-
attended meetings at the homes of the members upon their farms. In the
large new court house, just completed in the county, a room has been
assigned this society, and is being finished and furnished in a suitable
manner, in which to hold meetings and keep records, library, exhibits, ete.
C. L. Wuartney, President.
SOUTH HAVEN AND CASCO POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1882.
President—JosErH LANNIN, South Haven.
Viee-President—O. Barsr, South Haven.
Secretary—W. H. Payne, South Haven.
Treasurer—J. J. ATHERLY, South Haven.
Executive Board—J. G. RAMSDELL, JOHN Mackey, D. E. HIsrep.
This society has held weekly meetings during the winter months, and
up to the busy fruit season in the spring, when they were discontinued
until the busy season was over. During these meetings various subjects
were introduced, by the committee appointed for that purpose, and
exhaustively discussed. These were: “What fertilizers have been most
successful in growing the different kinds of fruit;” discussion of the pub-
lished report of J. H. Hatr’s successful peach-growing; “ How high shall
peach trees be headed?” “Trimming and pruning;” “ How shall we grade
our peaches to ensure the best results in packing?’ ““ Fertilizing: how,
when, and with what material?” ‘ Pruning of all kinds, including vines;”
‘Arbor day and how it will and has improved and beautified the town-
ship;” “Transportation and packages.” This discussion was so vital and
interesting that committees were appointed to wait upon the manufacturers
and transportation companies and try to make better terms with them,
with the result that transportation was lessened twenty per cent., or from
five cents per basket, for transportation by boat to Chicago, to four cents »
per basket; and the baskets were reduced in price from four cents to three
and one half cents, and the next year to three cents.
Then the exhibit of Michigan fruit at the World’s Fair was taken up
and discussed for several sessions, and many of the fruitgrowers offered
both plants and trees to be taken up and replanted in boxes for use at the
Fair, as an object lesson, showing’ the fruit growing on the trees. Several
committees were appointed to secure the specimens offered, and others, ©
each committee having but one kind of fruit to handle. Ten specimens of
each kind were to be obtained and cared for and forwarded to Chicago at
the proper time.
The curl-leaf came in for discussion at one meeting, and it seemed the
prevailing opinion that great harm had already come of it on the peach,
?
j ‘
REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES. 363°
and especially the apple trees which looked as though a fire had run
through the branches. It was thought to be caused by the cool, wet
weather, with occasional hot sunshine. The last session of the year was
devoted to a discussion of the lessons of the year.
The out.door meetings during the harvest season were well attended,.
and were valuable as object lessons.
Perhaps the most notable event of the year to the society was the cele-
bration of the twenty-first birthday of the society, by a banquet or anni-
versary dinner, held on the 29th day of January. The society had reached
its age of manhood, twenty-one years, and about eighty of the fruitgrowers
celebrated the event fittingly. Norman Pui.urps, the first president of
the society, was present and gave some interesting reminiscences of the
early times in fruit culture, and said, in looking over the list of thirteen
charter members, “I find but eight are left; five have passed over, but I
see their places are filled by many times their number of intelligent fruit-
growers, whom I hope and believe have profited largely by the example
and precepts of this early band, and the many lessons of experience
brought before this society in the past twenty-one years.” Prof. Tarr
of Michigan Agricultural College, who was present, congratulated the.
society on its successful and practical existence, saying, ‘ Even before I
came to the state of Michigan I had heard of this society, its name and
fame reaching me through its published reports.” He spoke of the efforts
now being made by the national government to assist in this work, the:
appropriation of money for experimenting in all lines of agriculture and
horticulture; in chemical tests; the cause, cure and prevention of insect
pests and fungi. The venerable president of the State Horticultural
Society was present and made an interesting address, as did many promi-
nent citizens and visitors from abroad.
On the whole, the season of 1892 was not satisfactory to the fruitgrowers,
as the crop of fruit fell far below what was reasonably expected in the-
spring, although the prices were fair to good. Still, the society, profiting
by failure and success, by experiment and experience, is doing great good
to all and especially to the new workers in the “‘ vineyard,” as a report of
all their proceedings is condensed and published in at least five different
newspapers. In the multitude of counselors there is strength.
W. H. Payne, Secretary.
LIFE MEMBERS’ OF -THE-STATE
URAL SOCIETY
HORTICULT-
Name. | P. O. Address. County
|
Adams Daletes 3 222 at UN ee Bee Galesburg _________..._-| Kalamazoo.
Adams; Mrs: Hi. DWales2-2. 25.322 k yy 4 "Galesburg, 20222 se as Kalamazoo
SUT G eh eaaer se Me a eign Aw Wc bats tye een Ieee sro fay,
Alisw Mies Marys C. eres 2 oe ae 2h oe | Adrian 222) si.c o>) 2) enawee:
mruhor Thomas = — J)... 22 2g 2s eee St. Joseph —._:...._____:'| Berrien:
Armitage, James! .5. 25 J. 2 2 se es | Monroe 2. 2) Pee SS Monroe:
PST TIONG: WV, RUD cee ef Seg FT TE ras Tonia.
Avery UG. iene Sap eens Olde Massion® 52. sta seks Grand Traverse.
Baie. John J. (deceased) _ - Epes Oa Vesey Detroit, 2. 2225-32252 el Wiayine:
eamlery ys, oats, ie eS ee South Haven___________- Van Buren.
Alleyne si res2 e cieeny lies
Baldwin thee Ee ae en eee
Eemiclawirss Os byes oe ee PG ae
Ball, John (deceased) __________ _______-
Barnett, G. W., 159 South Water street__
SACS bey bees ter eee eek Le fA ADEE
Beal, W. PSS ke GOAN 1 CIID ha
Becker, Albert J
PROWPUS (Es Ta oice Sooo ee Be SEM
Blodgett, DD Ate eos pia eet oe A ee
PAPACIOLU, Axotbr. 1 2 es Se hy eae
Bradfield, Edward (deceased)
Bragg, c BANC RP Cpa MOND ollice ARTI NAA thal
pruchner, George Wi.) oh. 2 222
Ly eh 7429.09 fy woe RRR tees we AE le ee aa Ed
Bullock, R. D. (deceased)____._.___. .__-
-Burham, RN) CARA SE Ry OE ieee
Barrows; George Js5 22 (2057 key 2S)
RIG TVODGEL: Wn. 2? aS eo) WN Be oo
Wastellos,George:s=- 222 f'0 jose led so
Chandler, Z. (deceased)_____ ____ _______-
Chapman, H. B. (deceased). ________ ___-
Chagman: Alwitis 0 o5 0) ek es
Chapman, Austin B
Chilson, Nathaniel
Cooley, Elisha (deceased)
Cooper, Georse Ss
Crosby, M
Crozier, A. A.
Curtis, i. W.. HIE ee PR d, Le
Cushman, EH. H
Ann Arbor. (ies ech as
Grand Rapids!-=22
Shicago pi. eo) a ares
Traverse City _.___..___-
Jonesville
Saginaw 2226 9 aes a
Plymouthwiss eas eases
Grand Rapids-___ 22-2 _-
Denmaric 22 Care ek
A@ar soe va) Sea aa
Kalamazoo-e sa souee
Monroe
SOUP Aven eee es
Jackson
Ona tek ake ro eae
Saginaw City... ___.___-
Yarmouth
Detroit CC SULN 2 eR eos
hockford)ss4e usa
‘Tower-City 2.2 ve bee
Tower Cityo. erie
JACKSON 5 See ee ee
Agricultural College ___-
Grand Rapids: --=22..-__=|
DaCkSOnr ee 21et eee
Rontawce = le ieee ae
Grand Rapids 2-22. 7244
Washington 2) 2 es
Old Mission--
Euclid_ means aceeneenaan|
New York.
Wayne.
Washtenaw.
Kent.
Illinois.
Grand Traverse.
Hillsdale.
Ingham.
Saginaw.
Wayne.
Kent.
Iowa.
Kent.
Kalamazoo.
Monroe.
Van Buren.
Jackson.
Tonia.
Saginaw.
Nova Scotia.
Saginaw.
Wayne.
Hilisdale.
Van Buren.
Monroe.
Dakota.
Dakota.
Jackson.
Ingham.
Kent.
Jackson.
Tonia.
Kent.
DOs
Grand Traverse.
Ohio.
-
* Nott —A Life Membership is $10. The fund thus gathered is invested in good securities and only
the interest employed for general purposes.
r / \
; er LIFE MEMBERS. 365
Name. P.O. Address. County.
LLUTA AIST ALB OS ae ae ie Kalamazoor soe: 5 oon ee Kalamazoo.
Pere won vammin fol oh ete oe Ann Arbor _------------| Washtenaw.
Mie TRTeI Need gee ere ON 8S oor a Aidnianiews ene, te ees lGonawee:
2 LOSER i nl s Ge SE ee ae Bays City 22 an Bay.
Dickinson, GW. (deceased) ____ ___- ___- Grand Rapidse== = 2s. 2s Kent.
Dieckman, Mrs. Josephine M._-____.__._.| East Saginaw___-___-_ ___- Saginaw.
[iresninenetio neds = os, Pee be Chicago 222 ag hes Illinois.
PTA ase con They Ls ae Mast Saginaw _—= -=-_-_-- Saginaw.
UGTA, 1S EG ES ae ney ee Manchester_ ___.______._| Washtenaw.
eeewiemehomas) 522 es 2 eka) MOHEOR S275 S20 ie 8 ee Monroe.
EINIRCATY A SoS Lee i South:.Haven?,_....._-- 4 Van Buren.
TEE EP) SS Rh ICP a ga East Saginaw_-__._-_--._| Saginaw.
LL TLE) OST 6 Re en eee Adrian tee ae Eel alenawee:
(15 i LD ES a Le ce Detroit: == 5.2.-_---_- |) Wayne:
LSA D/O eo cp a Grand}iliavyenj ea Ottawa.
Fields, Miss Jennie E.____--___-_------ East Saginaw---.___---- Saginaw.
Flowerday, Robert--__.--_-.------------ Detroit = 22-20-25. 2_ -S Wayne:
~Foster, W. D. (deceased) ___..-.-__..--. | Grand Rapids-_-_--___--__- Kent.
Foster, Mrs. Mary E.______...--..-.--- AennitA nore. <4. oe ee Washtenaw.
He WlOnm Oat ee oe ee Le We Manistee aes. d2 Bel Sues Manistee.
DA LENS Ey Sa a a Grand Rapides) 4.222 Kent.
RG tips te ek es Maton, Rapids. 2.) 22 Eaton.
cee en OAS: AW eos. soe ee ee GrandiRapidg._- 2232 Ce Kent.
Geddes Daviduje ts ve oe le yy ted Saginawosese se ee Saginaw.
eOBOMe MENS Wi Kee eos Jackeonpe ea se ee acksone
Gilbert, John (deceased)____ ____________ Ovid’ 2b 2 eek th Clinton. ose
iSGranem, Wilwood. eo... 2.22. 2-22 .8 Grand hapidsh._— 0 2 Kent.
rGOmIN Cee yest Pe eS Monroe_____ ____ __=. ----| Monroe.
Griggs, aoe? W. (deeeeeed)- eee oe Grands plass-semeer Kent.
1) SCE i OS ee -.--------| East Saginaw__--._-.----| Saginaw.
Hall, Frederick (deceased). NE rp eeow Ake 2 TOMAR 36h pee eee, ee Tonia.
Hanford. H. P. (daceased)s aes ieee i Bristolh ao ee cee Indiana.
Bintan, Perry 2 e's kk Traverse City __.____---- Grand Traverse.
aihaWway wees Hee ees ens LL ittle:erairie, Ronde —~- 2. Cass:
Haviland, J. B. (deceased). - iyice-2 2) b Draverse City .-__.._-.-- | Grand, Traverse.
Hayden, Mes, elie At peewee wal ees cots cub Le Jae kROnts seen, sea eee Jackson.
EMG PAG. Wien We eto eee eo eS oe SouthsHaven 22.2222. |Van Buren.
ianner OImeR miles 2 ek oe | Vineyard 222.) 2. ‘e P Georgia.
Raver NOAlip bse ee eat ee fake Mowellt aero. othe lent:
ligenfritz, He ence ee eae ee AS wd FS MOTOS teen eee Moe Monroe.
iseninitaeOaeAt = 8 ene 9S eh a se Mignroe? a2. sue ef a Monroe.
yes Calabrese sre | Aa etage ne IMonroGganaate sae eee Monroe.
Jerome, Mirsiavigl = oe ee = Ll SaginawiOity_...<=4--4=..|, Saginaw:
AOMMSON-e William S20 «bi 2 re biote Vasapes so. aecete so. Tuscola.
MEMO Ewit, Oppressed Pl! Lansing bo logee see Ingham.
LR EL S7E5, 897 Ces 2 iy Pa a ae a ce ae we Tonia. .0 oe ES eee & 4) Tonia:
AIEEE Sisk erg ee a il Tonia as foe eee ee oni:
Klein, F, we 156 St. Aubin ave. Re | AD OULOIi Seka een a Wayne. \
Knapp, S. O. (deceased) _-___ ___- -.__ --_- Wacksont) eee ones taacCkson:
Knapp, E. TiS Sa RMR eek Grand Rapids_______.___| Kent.
POMC ive rd si ey Be ee Benton Harbor_______.-_| Berrien.
Lawton, George W. (deceased). - ENS tis Wawton- ae ere Vane Buren:
Wincolmel Want et a Ee pie Greenville ee ee Montealm.
aimeolniowving wi Ovek. ots ee Ce Greenville ____.__._...-.| Montcalm.
Linderman, Harvey J. (deceased).______ | South Haven-__-_- ___- --_- Van Buren.
Linderman, A ee? cues wine Meal VV DbOh ella eereh er oc, cat Muskegon.
Littlejohn, F. J. (deceased).________.____| Allegan_._..__-_-_-.----| Allegan.
AGO Mins eetaer eae SiS ey ackson ote cee Jackson.
en Ewe ered fo) ht South Haven_.___.__---| Van Buren.
Pee ee ee 8 te Slt ol Glenwood.) 2.2... -..1 | Florida.
Spee Oe ee NU @Ild Mission hie 203s ea Grand Trarerse.
©
Monroe, Judge (deceased) --
Montague, A.K
Nabors, Nellie S.__- een ae
Biechole: WeAW. 2-2 sees Soe ee
ING DIC MANV ci Acta oe ce Uh el Perel
Odell; ‘Samuel? Wes. 2s SS
Palmers Phomas W 22522526 =e
Parmelee, George (deceased)_-
Parmelee, Mrs. George (deceased) __ ___-
Parkes Mrs Amos SR =o es 7 28 5 eee
IParsons; (emilows = S52 See 2 ee
Parinidg6, a3nbie 2) oe es PS
Pearsall: peg ets os cote hk Ole aL
Perry, George L._-
Petty, Thomas_ ._-_+__-
IBreet Neb. oo ola eo. See eet
Bopter, cl Vite ae: Sere ho ae
Ramsdeli ds Guys oe Teena
Ramedell, Mrs. J. G.-
TRANSOMIY WV SD): Pei oh BEG Tepe ees
ROO Gre NT OSs io 8 et et
BORGO WOrsyens. 52 02h is 1 8s
Rose, Mrs. Sophie E.-__
Rowe, vllaam ese.) eee. ee Se
howe; William N.o2 2s.
Russell, Dr. Geo. B.___-
Rte OMe 1 6 Peat yi byes a
Satperloe, AMPs. a= soe es
Savidge, Hunter (deceased) _-______ ___-
Scott, J. Austin econ) Bae Sa Ee Rey
Scott, Dr. Austin__
Scott, 1 Dp & Peg ede oe ea
Sessions, Clinnlaavael oy Ch eliagiione 9
Sessions, Alonzo (deceased)
Sessions, William_______
Beira shi divs, seed tee as. Ske eee!
Shoop, Rev. ey pee in
BIN Cla, Wiig se eked = ee Tas Wei Es
BigiornyAntim Us Ses sp Aire os). ae aes
ENOYLON, SASA Wise ok ese Sete ee oS
Sleeper, F. S. Beane
Smith, E. T. LS Lee ae ae 5 aE of byl
BIIGEON Ae i se ce ae a eee Ey
Smith, H Cg) oe oko a AP i
STRESS RSs By Moos ea ae Ne Sra ct
SARE DOTIEL GPW inte Sie oe se ees alt a
Stearns, J. N.-
etentna: laa ia = aks tw ER ees
lawrence. = 3) ----|
Traverse City_-_._-_----
hinge Ue ne ee
Ann Arbor: 2: so 22a ve
Monroe
Muskegon ~ ___-_--
Metratt ss sae Sse oe
Detroit ae
Bay City 22. <2 2. ee
Grand Rapids- - .-.-- ----|
Juansing 2 oo ie ao ee
Spring -Lake.._- ..-- 225 |
uding (one es 5 oles
Mandersonm o2- = see ==
TrayerseiCity 2-2-5 2. =—
Traverse City ______-----
St) Joseph = a=. ose ae
Grand Rapids- -
Monroe) 2222625
Agricultural College -__-|
Lonia ee ss: ae eae
ACKAOM 2. astee Se eee
Hast Sapinawee se
Mast Sagimaw. 2-22 =2__=
Grand Rapids---__-_------
Grand Rapids__- =< _-2-
Detroit
ora =o NSS
Albany 6! vc ee
Spring Lake ___
Ann Arbor--—__
ING anes S258 Vr Sos ce
AMDVAT DOES! 2). 9... ues |
}
ate SS
Tonia - SE ie BEES pie.
Shelby - Bea Woe Sie eng Be |
Hastings =2e a eee
Grand Rapids. -- -_-- se
AGRA: - ee cee eae |
(Grand Rapigs2e= eee]
Galesburg - -
fonia-22 22 cease
Tonia t2)o. eee s 2e
Jackson
Rroitporte. see .- se a
Grand) Rapids: 222 =--_ 2
Kalamazoo
os |
7 § ,
B66 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Name. P. O. Address. | County.
‘ a a ‘ | aM
Digson wl es ke) Sb Sap IDA Wea ee ae ‘Saginaw.
Mason, Mrs. Sarah A... ___. .--. .-------| East Saginaw_..___.-_._| Saginaw.
BeC@allams We SS et ce el IAN BING se ee ee | Ingham.
MeClatehie;'GeGn a) eo se 2 | idington= =>. = 4 Masons
MeDiarmid’ James. D:. oo. 50.2) 284. | Bear bakes) es ee | Manistee.
McNaughton, Robert To. -20 22 JACKSON. —: 1-3 sey. eee | Jackson.
Mitchell, aW: HQ@rs o.2 anes te be ee es Traverse City_._...------ Grand ‘l'raverse.
MGOrEsi i. Wits ssc Ses. ee banging oe a) see Ingham.
MnnrccrOids: -. 2. 1 OL Oy ON ough Hayenten coeeiee | Van Buren.
Van Buren.
Grand Traverse. |
Genesee. |
Washtenaw.
Monroe.
Muskegon.
Wayne.
Grand Traverse.
Grand ‘Traverse.
Nebraska. ‘
Grand Traverse.
Grand Traverse.
Berrien.
Kent.
Monroe.
Ingham.
Tonia.
Jackson.
Saginaw.
Saginaw.
Kent.
Kent.
Wayne.
| Tonia.
New York.
Ottawa.
Washtenaw.
New Jersey.
Washtenaw.
| Oceana.
Ionia.
| Tonia.
| Oceana.
Barry.
Kent.
Lenawee,
Kent.
| Kalamazoo.
Tonia.
Tonia.
Jackson.
Muskegon.
Kent
Kalamazoo.
| Kalamazoo.
County.
! : LIFE MEMBERS.
; Name P. O. Address.
SUeTeins pel 85 ANS Se ee aR ee ei Carthape -is2 22 see Pe
Sterling, F. RUC Sih Wren ee
SGU BYES Ie TAY LI re aS
‘Sterling, J. C. (deceased) ___
Sterling, W. C
Bronlino mV be. tse
Sterling, Mrs. Emma M. __-
Stockbridge, F. B. _____-
‘Suttle, John (deceased)
Taylor, George
‘Taylor, George Cixi
EUV TD ELISE a Bp gL EY fea A lh eg
Thompson, W. D.- i
Thompson, J. P. (deceased). BS ee sol
Towles, George W. (deceased) ______ ____
Perea MW 2 2 Le ee ee ee
Vick, James (deceased). ____ ________ ___-
Mack dames, jris 2. a!
pete Maniikeld), 2 2 ae etek
Mick @hanles He. - 22-22 .
Vick, E. Colston _______- :
byaesworth: Wiaekt: 2222 See er
Waite, Gilbert M.__-
RVI beers oe ee ek eee
Webber, William Wu... 2. 4. . 2s.
My ebuver*George Wo: | 62 Se la
Webber, Miss Frances H._.-
Wells, H. G. og ae
Whittlesey, John -
Wier, Antoine.____ -
Wilde, Thomas ____ - Leaks
“FOSTER CaS Bots baa] BPs Si ede ep ne
Winchester, A. O.
Wooding, Charles F.__-
Woodward, David -
Wurtz, Elias H
Heigier, J.C... _-
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroer tee seb eee
IMonroe,.-— =e. —
MOR OG s- satiety ae
Jenlamazooee 2 eee
Grand Rapids___________
Kalamazoo eee see
Kalamazoo _
DetrorGie <2) eg ne ee
Benton Harbor__
Detroit. sees eae
Rochester... eae.
Rochester. __________
Rochester. ________- Bee
Rochester___-.___-_
Rochester. 0 ee
MEA PGGE ss he fu note y ya
Ipawebawen somes a ee ee
StoJohnat! 225-2
Manchester 4_.. _..----.
East Saginaw__-____ ____
Voniae ens ese al eS
Kast Saginaw_-
Kalamazoo
St. Joseph
Monroe
Monroe
East Saginaw _-
Saginaw City -
|
|
Indiana.
Monroe,
Monroe.
Monroe.
Monroe.
Monroe.
Monroe.
Kalamazoo.
Kent.
Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo.
Jackson.
Jackson.
Wayne.
Berrien.
Wayne.
New York.
New York.
New York.
New York.
New York.
Lapeer.
Van Buren.
Clinton.
Washtenaw.
Saginaw.
Tonia.
Saginaw.
Kalamazoo.
Berrien.
Monroe.
Ottawa.
Monroe.
seers
/
@
A.
A Page.
PEACH HY Alex PAaTrigrOler PesU Ug Olea eas a0 a eas. oe SEN Se hy go esas Seb so semen tere tans 80
Angell, Dr., address by_________-_- EIN ee ne Ate NA ek Oa ae. ER eet SOMO N Dees 59
METVAT DOT TOLuICUILUTe A DOU bea nee eae k ie a eee te 2 Te ee eee pecan eens eee 66
EMTITtHA lerrtGObin @afprOCeCO INGA OL ts Oke eee eR. LEE as So one enas tec olec toes 52
Aya Leaveh, MBLay BARBY) TESST Ope ye alle EOS ee: a a ee a A ea she | en Ee 319
Methods of preventing ravages and spread of______..__------.-_.-------.--- 321
EVE Om PN BOASOS Ole (UO ess sea eee ee ee Bes i Se SE ese Soe eon awe des ee ceeae 110
Apple Orchards, Spraying in a wet season______..___._---_---_---__-- nee a ee hee ey ok 301
TXT BORY TOT Ge Sete ee ee ee ea ae RE ne Le ea 303
STN Gp TEA WENGE CUE NCO) 6 NN I ak I YR ae a ee ee ee eS ee 306
AV UPELGSy, LUG Rating sw or ee Re oie ee a ge SP ee ee ee ee ee ee are ee eee 31
HOELEO PTE SS Foye ANE 8 Ey ree en NR ae) ER ts epost aes nee ced eee 167
ABTICOUs, Mucroasing: popularity Of 2862) o 2 ta ee ee eee Bone NL ee oe 36
PS HHEAC HA a TOSGTOLEAT DOM UIE A VOM =x mo cor. 4. Se ee OR hy Ro ee eee 170
BRITS ON MCL COsh DtLleniny Dynes. ase tees tee Cate eee Pag en ee ed StS OS oh he ee 313
B.
Piles wel eso Letina, Dyer eee en a Ne ees et 214, 266, 286, 323
RpetrTeep CSTR Ee LOR i OL mene ie eee 27 I Fey Je eS oe oe Pee eres St ee Aged oth eae 170
INGECTIDITOUEO a VATIOUIGS S46 ee ee ay ee Ua ee. Se ee oe ee 172
I GIG HOS DO herent nny skates oad yy nls oR Aa ad IE EE ee SS eG ee Sa ee 172
Description of varieties___.____.__..-_----------------- eS Sc hyn oy sat a IO ae eee 178
BIBI REM ACOR GOL tas Se es eo es ee ® epieteeig ss PFD ae UY See 174
GECEIDLLONVOE VARIO UIGS sere Ee ep nameentoe ts 2 Ba ea OF LS ed Pe: 174
CROECTSEAYEY EOIN SMe. TaD) Ey LOW ae oS Oe a a ee eh ee a ee ee ee eee ee 26
VOID KAA Sa eee Steer ee oe ah aie eS ee oe Oo aU ee be ae 29
Benton Harbor and vicinity, horticulture in___________________ ee ec hm er ee eee ee yt eo 69
PBN AU LER Cre ED FSM 0p 2 AI PT tee ET Wd Pe RS CR NE a PPE 59, 93
PUB MOELY ae VArIOUION Ole me ter ee geet Minary te © ont sia fea tere ee ee re ae 46
‘Blackberries, POS Olt SOU CITE a Vereen: eee ee aE ee, Dy ese Tne Ted eee 151
PInceMinoOmormtiole lim and @Herry 9-5 secs se ses oe Pes ee ee Es es ee ee ence pean 329
comO Ts NOW VOLE ee tue oem ee ee te ee tas Ee es ho a a eeeoecs 330
re mie ese Ob =e oe fe tae mene oe ener ae eee eee ee San ane ea ean eee ee 87
Cae SINGIN TERTOMOn A) Vi. = eset en Sites oa Sate ee Ee BM se ee ee Se 110
Pd 23111) PRR See ATER TEAR Pea ers, Joa a ge ta Pea Ae RRR Ae 109
Bulletins, Cornell: University experiment station, —-. -- 2 8.02 ello eo eet eee 214
Is svine pret Pats Vi, Le lye cw spree oslo Vie ee es Ae AA, Sa eS i A ee SN a 15, 18
BvelIRWSIOROCIObY ence. 4.50 os eos = we uel b kes 2 Gor Woe de) Si hly ae wen Uae en ere nl a A 2
Cc.
Cabbages, test of ____..._..__..-_ Cees MeL en WE Laie sel sone 1 a ee ee ee 174
Marl ve mecitiits aG ber ValtOules OL 22. ie ee ec ae Cease eee e aoa 175, 176
mGalerviblicht. Noteion the Cercosporaof.._”)* -.. ew eee 317
372 INDEX.
‘Page
@herries, Notesiupon varieties.‘and propagation Of 22422 52022 es. ae ee eee eee 244
test.of at. South Haven !205¢ 2.2. 2-280 ee LE Se eee 157
GlinenG.-Ws; paper Dy se eee ee aie oe ee ee ee rr ee 39
Compliments to the Wolverine state by New York, Ohio, and Ontario___.___.__-_------------------ 107
Constitution of society__...----------- Pee Yaa aati con ee etn Kay 1
Gorbott.\ Li. Ci; Bulletin: by\ 2022. «222 = ee es a oe ee ees 266
Corn? Sweet; test'of 222.48 Ne ee a Ss ee es en ee ee ee ee ee ee ees 176
Waristies tosplant: 0.222 ee so eee ee es ee ee ee iste Piaf: 177
Gornelll University, Sundry: investigations ate. ee sake eee ee ee ee eee ee ee eee 309
Gucnumiberss test oft oe ee ee ee ee Sa ee et ee ae 177
Pickline-varietless =s02>-¢ 20 eee ee cai atl We ot er ee: oe ee ee ee 177
TAble;vanieties.221¢~ 2. =. 2.2 se Se ae a te ee eee 178
Currant. Varieties of) 24222. = s2l6eee 222 see a ee ee eee 47
Gurrants:testof- 2.2 2 Se coe FS Se ee os a ee 207
at South. Haven-2- =c202 6 oo ee ee ee ee ee eee 155
D.
Moemand vs: Gualitye te. 2 ee Ae eh pr Se No re te ae 86
Dewbarries: test of at South Pavers... ee oc ee era ee ee ee ee 153
Arricultural’ college: 225.2 52 2k Al ek ee ee ee es 205
District and Local societies, reports Of. 22.2. 288 ee Fo oe see he ee eee eee ee ee 335
E.
Heep lante Crosses) behavior OL SONG see eee el ae lee et 323
Exhibits, Report Of coMMIUttee ON) se rN ne ee ee eee NEU. Slo ade Ed ae 50
, F.
Aarne wrt. Wee Wiss XC CWRALICS bye et eas ae ee a 92, 107
Woarrusons Wns; (DAaDeM DY. Sasa eae ee ae eee ne ee ne Se ae eee eee 19
Hoertilizor test ce oe ee a he aye a ee ee 191
Marbilezarss COMM ere tally ETIs PEC UO Th: Oke se ee ee 135
Law forimepection: of: 2) eee ane te ee ee eed 137
General: teste hte ef Ea ee Ee ee 270
aie kad S16 wee ee a ee 266
Fics: itest, ofjab South Havens == === 222.82 sore ee eae mee ee eee ee eee 169
lowers and Elants, report of committee One. = ane are nee te ee 114
eiRraitsnotia swasterto phim ee ee to Ae ae a er ee ae eee 57
Products: adulteration Oboe jo. eee eee ee ee ee 73
Report of South) Haven Sub-station ess. sss ee eee. een ane eee ee eee eee 144
Fruits and Models, Report’of committee on@-__-__-- -_-- == +. 5-2 -2-- --=- = === 109
GOO nValue: OLD AD ON, O Tie te ee ce a ee eS en 101
POM GIBGASGRO Lele Se eA ee ene ea ee eee ee 211
Spraying of. =e a Fo ee Bo ee a eee re ee oe er ee ere 209
Stone: diseases ois oi 2 eee oe ee ne aoe ee ee ee 211
OF ei oh Metastatic iN ere SR SE RE cd t SEE eas Siesta SEO eRe oseeeethé ace 48
Fruitgrowing, Economy in, paper on-..--..--------------- ------~----- ==4=-2-- = 4a= 2-5 Soa ~ === =n 55
in Michigan, Possibilities in = 22 2222. = 222-2 oe nn ere 79
onilinht sollen paner On cscs ase: oe meee se ee ele oe eee eee eee 44
upon the west shore of Lake Huron, paper-.----------------------------------------- ll
Fangi, Fighting__....-..2------.-+-f ---22----22-2--- annie ene ene penne as Seer ent enn na= 88
Fungicides .__-___- COU e al © oe a, ee DO ey a PE en eran SA Sees or era le ee Safe 209
G.
Garfield, C. W., remarks by__.....-----------+----- -------- ------------ 25 += =~ 58+ 52-23 -- 2-0-2 == === 92, 93, 94
C. W., resignation of, withdrawn..--._------------------- ---------------------------------- 78
Gooseberry, Best, for Michigan-__-.------------ ---- -------- -------- ---- -------- ---- ---- -------------- 47
Gooseberries, test of at South Haven___.._ -------------------------------------------------: ------ Se 156
Peat ohne hore a ae NN Ds ln a ten i eee ee 208
Grafting and budding, paper on ____-------------------- ---- ---- -------- ---- -------------- ----------- 21
LS
!
INDEX. 373
A Page
Pa THOR ICHULINE Rw HOnilIZOratL OE eee werner. oe ee Oe ee A ee ee 328
Tes CLIBGA RESO Leeen te Sere eee mere tere ee ne he aS Pes ene LAUR AE Eh ee $e hd ae A 212
WEDIG IBIS SiS oe ee A a ER ree CEE ee es a ei an A eS LTE, Perr 47
Greer Les Orta SO OULHM ETA V Ole smear <a oe coe ee ee ae 162
PIPE UNOUSPELOOLE SU DSuKLULe LOL GASByn=) 220 a wee ee oe Sa at ee 334
ESTES ema AGU Crem ATSOL, DY) See eae na ee AR er Se ee A Bee 21
: TROUT AT KC ED Ye eee ere ek Pa He ae cl eR the rt A 14, 29
H,
ELC Dae AGe IM eer OULAT Ka Dye eee re eS es he Te ee oe 15, 30
I.
TRC ULC LCL OS ere near eet eee eee An Aes RN Se fer ay ae ad eo ae ge os A 211
J.
BC ROn yA DONE ARPMAanKe yee eee nets pion foe ee Ss Seen ee eR ee 106
K,
SCORE Ef piaee MED ADOEE DY eee sae eee te OS Se es ee ee pate i 5D
PREY IPE THIS) OX Feet Sees See OE pa es tS CIS Bie ee ot SSE a Fw meareete 58, 87
L.
Pra CON, Onw CULLUTOaDOULS== se ere motes fesec aka oU sk Si eo el 2 a Se eee a 64
Shonislation wepore Ol committoe\ONe! =. 5. 22-2 ro ee ot en nn eee ee cee 114
Wenaop County DOLvICOtULVOMhs cate a. 0 och aoe eee eh oe heh ese eo ee BY Sea ees 63
NAGt EL COMLGS Un OL emeraeme ine kms merter ter tee ots ey Se ET De We Bie eh) Jae 2 er eee 178
Repremian eta Ae LOuine Dynes a tae eee ee ed ne Tole ae op aie) 7 a a ee ee B01
remarks by-__..__---/ AIR Ss Se COREY) ete SOA Oe, POO OS ore OAS CL nee Se 112
OTIS OEY OCO mV aDADer a ysen- cane ee oe oak Pe te ope ee a Aa oe 107
HaVOneELOsiGent Anh almessag el Ola 5-2 ese ey SL Sh a ge Re 53
DEI Oat yee eee meee Se Sere. Ss A ye ial) es ee et ee 15
SHSTeRYETrLEGSh | Oh ee a Sle a es CE ae ate celia ene eae Eee Doe Bee 10, 14, 18, 89, 90, 92
POD ORD RD Vee eee mente: hae oe oe Pees ase ree Nee es ae ae oe 144
PGR OITEULOUMR Dyer: aoe Ses oe ee Ey YN ic Ae ee eee 94
M,
Micincannt sc perimontistablone bullebingeen ce. 258 ene See OU oh ie ad 5 Coes 116
Michi care hl Ong wpa Pin OU mee ae te east Ca Ry Pee nd Se Re ee 96
Mitenol miiAage premariks Dyetense = eo vee eee. 2 A ee ee) 38
IMOUTOS NCrrd es srOManica) yi weet Pant enc, 2S Eee et aly oe oer s8c) oe eee 37, 74, 98, 94
Morr eu pOnaDy, cee mee see an ke et ee a Se or oe ell 44
TOT ATIC SIO Yee a eer ee en A ee a Ue Be ld 9 ei oe 10, 15, 18, 26, 38, 77, 91, 98, 110
NUL Opa eT Nae) LENG eas ag A es Se pa SS Te Veer 2 ere ee ot eee, ee ee ee ee ee ee 296
AIOE EGG ba ace a SOO ey ee Sh POP MEN 18 Es SR eee ene ee Eee a 296
INE VOSHS = eer Se ee ot ee phen a Pyrk. nts She Bae dace ele 293
ReAgOR NG ULV Ocoee me erie tee TN Bl ee Rag ee re gh oe et ae 298
OTIS ATT Seat ee ke ht eee eR 2) Uren sr Y,. eRe coke Pee Meine i meee ys eh 2 290
RE ESET PRINTS COLTS Se ce os ees ie ee a aa er EA Sed Phere Res eat a eee 286
ReshrOnmAb NOU LPEL Ayla es tn i Sl es fe a A ee Uk os ob saeco ecmean eee 160
VEDAS TSE, at Se st Ld aa Se Se BC ee Ie an tS A ee, Ge es ee Sees ees oh 288
N.
NBO RV ETIOUICS MES OTL Peete <a ne nT Re erty tesa bat CR Ss re Ieee eo ect eee 85
IMG PHOS WS poy an Cad TERY SS eri oft of) nee he ool eA NR ne Sos Son ee ST ie EE ee a SR eee en 30
NOLuN Wwesteln Michi anwHOorincn)] Cuneniiec cee cocoa sae ree eee hee eon eowek Sone cee eee 62
Novelties, The testing and intgoduction of, paper on__---._-------..------------. --------------------- 15
LAS BS hi OHO CHEM VEIie cee: Times eee ome rte Te ae er A eel re eS ee 168-169
v F “
374 INDEX.
©,
Page
Officers. Blection of: <<] 2. 5-25 eee ke ee ee ee ee es 79
Official Reports; report of committee on! )- 2S: 2 < 2. aed a es oo ete ee ae ees 114
‘Onions On Muck soil? paper Oni 250 e es ee ae eo ee ee oa 41
Harvesting and Storing 12-3 sot eo ee a ae ee oa a en ee 4
Methodsof planting: = 2 2200) 5. he Ne ee ees ey ee 43
lee
Parmelee:; W. Hs. paper bye 2202s oe 38 ssiee See ee wee ee Boe oe eae 41
Pawnbaw: norticultnreiabouts.- 2 5.2. o¢ Soe 222 ee a ae St en 64
Pours, testiol ab Sout Haven —o--—-o-~) sae ee ee pe Wika rea SR ene e Nee tte Et Ea ee 166
Read best; Ofc oe 20s es a oe SE Ee ee ici a ee er ae 180
Varieties recommended for planting).-. - 22-24 S22 oe ee rete ee ee 182
Peaches: test of at South Haven---- 2022222 oe 2 ee a 160
IPGRPOre sesh Ob ses sacs ote ee ee oe te ae a ee en eee 182
Plantes Study vOursss- oc. ch eet oo alee OL 2 a EO fe eee 56
PinmCulture;\Canadian, paper Ones). sess. ee en SER ROE SSS Ee 39
Plume! Classification Of 2 2.20 3.652 soe Se ee eS nae ee ee 214
Galtivationvof: the natives.) ae a ao op ae ee ee ed 240
Pointsiabout-vee2 2s ee ee ey eT ee ee ee 35
Pestiwrat. south, Haven 4-2/5 222 2s as Oe a ee Te Se hee eee 161
nelassified*varieties ef. -2. 20-2 ot ee eae eet ee ee 238
Porter} OsephsTemarka Dy! . oho oe ko eee ee NER ie he ee ee ee eee 10, 18
Potato Blight sat. bee, Co a ee 2 ee he IN ee ee re 196
Scala) ba ie os ts a ah IN) Oe el ae A en, ean le ee 195
Wild. of the: Mexicanjregion. -- 2022522. 2 bck see ee ee 331
Potatoes, Amonnt of seed ito use: = 2. oo oles seks es ee oe ee eee ee 126
Best varieties to plant __.._______ Sep ed ee Or SA Ae A eed oe ed PL Se EE 8 124
Distance to plant: =. 25 < 220-22 ease et fe ees ee Eee eee 127
Bertilizers) for: s 225°; se ob cost See ee ee ee ee 131
Shall we' plant theseedend 22 22-% 22 See ae Se ee eee 125
Most O£ Varieties :-2se2222 25-822). 2c oo ho Se ae eee eee ee 116, 186
Use of anialll asseed?.2. 22-21 22222 205.2. St ies ee ee ee ee 130
Varieties‘to plant.22642) 2 ees ha is ee 190
Prentiss As Ni: (Bolletin by = 528s. > 8s eh ee ee OE eee p09
President's Messagereport UPON 229.2 | 2) eg ee a eee ee 113
Privet, New, Anthracnose of CHOU pen ck ete eh Baa ae a ge ee oe 318
Pinnine.Great/damage by bad! hee... pe oe a a eee 33
Payilavbheipear traps 2 eee LN A Ee ERS ee Se es See eee 253
Indications o£ presence of sss =. 223 22 ee ee 255
AP POALANCO OFe - ee eee ay ee ee eee Lae ae a ee 256
Pistony of ese ee eee es ee ee 256
Methods of preventing ravages Of... =. 8 a he eS eee ee et 263
Q.
Quinces, test of at South Haven_________ Rae OSS Re ee eee eee Seo SleceeCest cot 168
R.
Raapbperry. VanletiesOle -b2sc. econ. es cae tbe eects eset ee one ao sea eo eet Oy i ee tee 46
Raspberries; Markebsvarievles — 2.2.20. oe i ees ee Se eee eee See ee 151
' Nawvarietias) -2.bocd 6b Sth ees BNE td ov Pate eee ee ee 204
BOBESOE 2 oe Se es som oe eae ee oe ee ae IE Sec Bear ees 203
at South’ Haven): 2. 52-2 nk oak an se ee ae eh ee eee 149
Raspberries, Varieties for a family garden__.___.------- eS eR nt RR ee LN SOS eee 151
Resolution concerning World's Fair exhibit.___...../..-.--....-__.---@.._.____-2.--.--- 22-2 --2----- 9
Resolutions:-Report:6fcommittee on. o. 5. sco en tee eto oe a ee ee ee eee 50, 113
Rhybarh;Notes'on, atanb-station — 2. |=. 2.0 oe ee nan 2 nee ee 170
ics dusk Raper iby: soso sees ee et I a ee BO ee Se eet eee eee ll
Remarks by! si: 35265. ono oe Sete aE Se ak oe per ee en ee 10, 14, 29
INDEX. 31D
5 Page
Racti end (ips pian (eg ie an ee eee ae eee eee eae 26
Este ote aU TEI Fy SELB Wa Be Se ee ns} Sates 87
s.
Seat, TDP Bl, venvd ep yo ee Ee a eee 91
Sram AOU Te ay On i) ee ee SE ee eee 61
Service berries, Test of, at South Haven -___-_-.-_-_-_---_--- hoo 2 A sh oe Ae RO ALE PB 160
Shrubs, rorés and perennials, Some hardy, paper on__-____-.__------------_-- -------- ---------------- 19
RPE ANG of Maris Vert etnT si Dye nese se ee ern ae ee an es eee ee 253, 319
Sri ORETaTL Lets DISCASGE OL ea meena yee eee SS ee aE nS NS eee nee oe wat se ese aee 212
Smith, A. M., of St. Catherines, Ont., Remarks by-___-_----------------------------!----- 15, 18, 21, 38, 51, 107
Sip ie Drnbonwini ew OMianks Dyess) fon tome See e on se ees ee ono Soe cs uae Sees 110, 113, 115
HHT PEEL VON ELON CICH LINO pint sae See eee Se ee se ee Sek ah eee eee 74
Spaulding, Prof. V. M., paper by_--------------- IN SMA iar pS Fo ee pated Bena ae SE. See Oe eee 96
SSeS eR UBL ESTAS DELIA EEL sep eee ee = an et Pe Se eee ew eee oe ee eee 212
SUERTE TATU a as ee re a ne eee ees ae ee 183
Bintnsion Michiran horticmiture, toporte Upon. -=- 2). 9! 22522 eae eee 62
Seren Ah Des EPO SL a 7 a ae I ee, eS ee See ae 88, 112
Shecihe iPril MG Ga hie ay) igs ok God ee SO Seek oe oe I es es eee ea 30
Serer Eady ys TE tel he Ss a ee ee ene a ee a a a a ae 103
Siento Le a re ars eT ae a ee ee ee ee ees eer oe 149
Mistionarranily: pian tatrons ss) ee nen Ons oe eee he es See eee. sea eee 149
BTSs tha ak nee eas np a ho ee Le leat oteaes seetewas Cop eeene 144
SrA ERGs DGserl phon Orevarleties Ol 6622 = = 5-9 sm 2 ee tee enn ees eee eee oer 200 -
INGLARONEMATKOLLVALIOtIOS S= eee = es ire ee noe Se See se os en he ee ees 202
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EKO UTE SY yee se ere ee ae ee We es So ee oan So eee 88, 91, 111
eho lblinmb and. eastern coast shorticulture in. -).-- 22 2-25 ee eee ee 69
RAIAIAT GATGrOri nation! GiSUPAr iN (NG oe ee ee Sera ee ee ee 309
Early and late setting. .__...-._--- ------_---------------------------------+----------------- 272
Seedliso wine ass a eet eo a ee St Sut US OT Ps eee 272
At Ee cOMmMav an pote ETO Wil DLATILS ie ose oe oe oe ee Ak ee eee ee ee eee 275
TERTERPS ROVE OI? oc OR, eel Bain hE BE Sega De Se 2 PE ee ene Pe Sees 281
Inhale ee eas i ae eS eats. Bon ae Ae 279
nT PLGSSiOMN Oo MVAnIO les Olmert eee no eae ehh bee cee ame 283
STEED NIU) pe ee OS a ee ee a eee Sing 2 REN 277
INO LOSE OLP IDO yee et ee et ee ee 8 os Se Reena rl Beas aa yen Ne eT on ae ie 266
Prodneisioieanlviandslatertrmi ts see = 4 ne eee eee eee nee ne eee 276
Matnuroandimmptrre fruits 0) 2 os ee pe ae 277
RALAi anole ALiot ypbOLOnulli7Z (eae: seen 2 eee a eo es Sau ee eee 271
Spad Lees ws au tein eee te ee en eee nee a ee ee eee te ef de te ager 275
SHE are evel fey a Neh Vk a fe ts yo pe Re ee ee eee a ee 278
SFTP UGLIER eee e ere 280
SPINOR GLinGlo DliehtOLssses te cele kee oa Ua ee ek eee ee 282
Pomatoos lip Moertilizersaitect: the quality OL,..- 8-0-2 22222. ere eos oe eee 3382
Poo ano Savers brane mlemilnees saa es ee ee eee eee ees oe eee 274
TOR TIC yo eee Re in re eres no Ee ES ee ona eet ae a eens 183
BAA TOLMTOTORUIO Letter ae ee te ae Ce so i ee ee ee esa meee se enone es 78
TevekeranminrrintMiohipan:| future Ofsose so-so oe ty Se es cee anew a eee enna an 107
ETCIeye WAC HTLISNIGIG Omen te eae BS A es te cme ew eo ee ae al 75
Wear cain ee ees Ne ee ea Se PS bie Be a ate pan andere wens Sess 77
WATCHED neve DADOCIDY g=- te ek ete gee en eee oabenee ihe aene sm eane eee 101
yaya td C104 3) fle eee hE SE A Re RLS ea a ope ee eee 108
Vegetable Tests at Agricultural college. -...._..----------------------------------------------------- 170
Wh feeliy QOH Tanke yer eI eee Se ee Se Se ee Se en eee ene ee ie ee 333
‘Watkins, L. D , remarks by___.-_--- Bs Pink a VEL LS SS Pie SOMES Se ee pen Pie RES BS
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WesternvAlleosaniconnty phorticnliure rim: =: eo 2 es ee a ee eee i
‘Wild and cultivated fruits of the Amazon, paperon _________________._____________-_.-__----------
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Ag reinarke by. 2. 222--N 0 Ch) a, 8728 Ba, 37, 40, Bi, 68,4
_ Wine berry, Japanese, test of __-.-.--..-.----------------- ig re ee ee eee 20
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