REPORT OF THE ml IFOE, THE ■STE-A.E, 1884. BEING A REPORT OF THE WORKINGS OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE YEAR, TOGETHER WITH THE PAPERS AND DISCUSSIONS AT THE » 27tli Annual Meeting held at St. Joseph, Dec 9, 10, i1, 1884, ALSO, A REPORT OF THE Seml-Annnal Meeting held at Springfield, June 10 and 11, 1884; COiJTAINING ALSO, A CONSTITUTION FOR THE WORKING OF LOCAL OR COUNTY HOR- TICULTURAL SOCIETIES, AND L, A. &00DM1N, Secretary, Westport, Mo. JEFFERSON CITY: TRIBUNE CO., STATE PRINTERS, 1885. /US' Eiei^^^TJL., The following glaring blunders of the printer cannot be passed over without correction: On page 232, under head "Mission of Flowers," the author's name, Mrs. F. Holsinger, has been omitted. On page 275, under head "Secretary's Budget," the headings should have been printed in numerical order. The essay "What Women Have Done and What They Can Do," on pages 325-9, by Miss Sackett, of Ohio, (whose name is also omitted), and also the paper "Education on the Farm," on page 329, should have appeared under heading "Entertaining and Instructive," on page 316, rather than under "Vegetables," as they now appear. On page 339, under heading "Grapes," the name of the au- thor of essay "Grape Notes From Texas," Mr. T. V. Munson, has been omitted. V REPORT OF THE III II uUic iioriKji II IFOR. THE ■^"E-Aul?, 1SS4- r T3:?ARY Yor^K BOFANJCAL GARDEN BEINfi A RKPORT OF THE WORKINGS OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE YEAR, TOGETHER WITH THE PAPERS AND DISCUSSIONS AT THE 27th Annual Meeting held at St. Joseph, Dec 9, 10, 11, 1884, ALSO, A RErORr l)F TBE Semi-Annual Meeting held at Springfield, June 10 and 11, 1884; CONTAININfi ALSO, A CONSTITLTIOX FOR THE WORKING OF LOCAL OR COL'XTY HOR- TICULTURAL SOCIETIES, AND L, A.GOODMAN, Secretary, Westport,] Mo, JEFFERSON CITY: TRIBUNE CO., STATE PRINTERS, 1884. Officers for the Year 1884. President, Prof. S. M. TRACY, Columbia. Vice-President, A. W. St. JOHN, Carthage. Secretary, L. A. GOODMAN, Westport. Treas^irer, J. C. EVANS, Harlem. Officers Elected for the Year 1885. President, J. C. EVANS, Harlem. Vice-President, E. P. HENRY, Butler. Secretary, L. A. GOODMAN, Westport. Treasurer, Z. S. RAGAN, Independence. Missouri State Horticultural Society. To His Excellency, John S. Marmaduhe, Governor of the State of Missouri : Believing that our report should be under the control of the state and that we should report to our Governor, as do our other state officers, I take the liberty to address this report to you. L. A. GOODMAX, Secretarv. LIBRARY List of Members. BOTAmcAL GARDEN Prof. S. M. Tracy Columbia. Prof. J. W. Sanborn Columbia. J. C. Evans Harlem. E, P. Henry Butler. Henry Speers Butler. L. A. Goodman Westport. Z. S. Rigan Independence. Jacob Faith Montevallo. F. H. King Montevallo. C. Thorp Weston. J. P. Richard Weston. E. Listen Virgil City. N. F. Murry Ehu Grove. C. H. Fink"! Lamar. W. H. Thomas LaGrauge. F. F. Fine Sprhigfield. D. S. tiolmau Springfield. J. W. Fleeman St. Joseph. Hans. Nielson " L. Zaigler " W. Haferlie •' G. Segessemann Amazonia. J. Zimmerman J. N. Menifee Oregon. T. W. Gaum Mary ville. L. M. Sea Independence. L. L. Seller H. M. Hoffman Leavenworth. Kas. Dan. Carpenter Barry. G. W. Hopkins Kansas City. E. Taylor Edwardsville. Kas. N, P. Sommer St. Joseph. S. K. FaulkDpr Whiteville. Chris. Schroeder Barry. J. A. Durkes Weston. Chas. Patterson Kirksville. W, O. Patterson W, O. Munger St. Joseph. J. L. McAleer " Hon. Jos. Grubb •• Chris. Diegel " Dr. A. Goslin / Oregon. W. G. Gano Parkville. Gus. Meissner Bush burg. Isidor Bush St. Louis. Wm. Ent Savannah. J. B. Wild i Sarcoxie. H. W. Wild H. B. Francis Mulberry. P. Jackson Carthage. J. C. Bender St. Joseph. 6 Missouri State Horticultural Society. W. Wiedman St. Joseph. Jacob Madinger " " H. Keene " John Hall, Box 301 " H. T. Kelsey " " Karl Wiedman " S. N. Cox " J. Kirschner " Gilbert Blake " S. H. Graden Parkville. McKinley Connor's Sta. , Kas. W. S. King Amazonia. H. C. Kirshbaum Tolona. F. Lionberger New Florence. A. D. Barnes • Barry. J. A. Bayles Lee's Summit. J. Kirchgraber Springfield. E. T. Hynes West Plains. John Bebee Springfield. J. C. Gardner D. T. Bronaugh Barry. C. E. Kern Westport. James Gamble Brookfield. E. B. Cooper Trenton. F. Fleischer Gasconade City. Geo. S. Allison Johnson City. W. C. Freeman Brookline. Job Newton Springfield. J. W. Roundtree H. Scholton J. B. Lawson " W. M. Poge Lexington. A. A. Button Springfield. R. F. Kingsbury Estill. Thomas Fargher La Porte, Ind. E. C. Robinson Portland, Maine. G. S. Downend Sibley. Iowa. F. Schwettman Lincoln. C. Teubner Columbia. Judge S. Miller Bluffton. C. Gerber Wheatland. E. Burrows Canton. Geo. H. Gill Kirkwood. Stone Hill Wine Company Hermann. E. T. Hollister St. Louis. P. M. Kiley " J. H. Lewis Blue Springs. P. B. Dobozy West Plains. J. D. Hawkins Paris. John Laney Green Ridge. Jesse Hiatt Lockwood. Alfred Johnson Pierce City. A. W. McPherson Springfield. Rommel & Sobb Morrison. D. M. Dunl.ap Fulton. R. E. Bailey M. I. Parker Carthage. J. P. Durand Prairie City. E. F. Stephens Crete, Nebraska, A. W. St. John Carthage. G. F. Espenlaub Rosedale, Kas, Frank Holsinger ' • " List of Members. J. C. Blair Kansas City. Wm. Kaufman W. M. Hopkins C. B. Warren J. C. Dickinson S. W. Salisbury S. C. Palmer H. T. Hovelman D. F. Emry Carthage. E. R. Morerord Schell City. F. Wellhouse Fairmount, Kas. E. J. Holman Leavenworth, Kas. P. Underwood Lawrence, Kas. C. M. Stark Louisiana. J. B. Schlichter Sterling, Kas. J. W. Mclntyre Fulton. J. H. Monsese Beaman. H. Bruihl Appleton City. Green Bros Macon City. Hon. John J. Cockrell Warrensburg. Phil. Pfeiffer Sedalia. C. G. Comstock .^ Albany. J. M. Pretzinger Clinton. J. K. (jlassf ord Carthage. Jas. Hanley Shelbina. A. H. Gilkerson Warrensburg. A. Ingraham Nevada. H. W. Maxwell Carthage. H. Shepley Nevada. Walter Scott Montevallo. A. Ambrose Nevada. F. Griffith Carthage. L. C. Amsden Carthage. C. A. Emry D. L. Emry Z. T. Russell J. W. Baird Hon. Ira S. Haseltine Dorchester. S. I. Haseltine W. J. Sieber Carthage. P. Finn J. Ames Carthage. J. B. Wild Sarcoxie. H. W. Wild Bennett Hall Carthage. W. C. Downs Nicholas Sibert "' Z. Freeman Joplin. Kos Elliott Oronogo. Sinnonk & Co Edina . J. T. Stewart . • Blackburn. F. A. Hazen Dudenville. James W. Turner Brookfield. J. K. Cravens Kansas City. R. J. Lewis Princeton. LADY MEMBERS. Mrs. Dr. Galbraith Carthage. Mrs. Geo. Allison Johnson Citj*. Mrs. Lou Marker Carthage. Mrs. L. A. Goodman Westport. Mrs. W. G. Gano Parkville. 8 Missouri State Horticultural Society. Mrs. Frank Holsinger Rosedale, Kas. Mrs. G. F. Espenlaub Mrs. C. A. Emry Carthage. Mrs. J. K. Cravens Kansas City. Mrs. E. J. Lewis Westport. Miss Mary Murtfeldt Kirkwood. Miss Mary Evans Harlem. Mrs. Wade Burden Springiield. Mrs. Mary Thornhill New Florence. Mrs. S. J. Fargher LaPorte, Ind. Mrs. D. S. Holman Springfield. Mrs. C. H. Goff Miss Rosa Holman " Miss Lilly Holman Mrs. Dr. A. Goslin Oregon. Mrs. N. F. Murry Elm Grove. Mrs. J. N. Menifee Oregon. Mrs. Z. S. Ragan Independence. Mrs H. B. Francis Mulberry. Mrs. C. E. Kern Westport. Mrs. J. W. Roundtree Springfield. Mrs. E. P. Henry Butler. Mrs. J. P. Durand Prairie City. LIST OF HONORARY MEMBERS. Geo. Hussman Napa, Cal. Marshall P. Wilder Boston. Mass. Charles Downing Newburgh, N. Y. T. T. Lvon Grand Haven, Mich. C. W. Murtfeldt Kirkwood, Mo. LIST OF LIFE MEMBERS. [A number of persons are life members of our Society, but their names are not to be found in any of the old volumes ; and, in order to get a com- plete list of such I would be glad if any one who is, or knows of one who is. a life member, to send me their names.] • L. A. GOODMAN, Secretary. STANDING COMMITTEES. Orchards, W. G. GANG, Parkville; CHAS. PATTEESON, Kirks- viLLE ; D. S. HOLMAN, Springfield. Vineyards, GEO. MEISSNEE, Bushburg ; JACOB EOMMEL, Morrison, C. TEUBNEE, Columbia. Small Fruits, S. MILLEE, Bluffton ; WM. HOPKINS, Kansas City ; JACOB FAITH, Montevallo. Stone Fruits, D. F. EMEY, Carthage; E. F. HYNES, AVest Plains, JACOB MADINGEE, St. Joseph. Vegetables, J. W. SANBOEN, Columbia ; F. H. KING, Montevallo ; J. N. MENIFEE, Forest City. Flxnvers, EOBT. S. BEOWN, Kansas City : H. MICHEL, St. Louis, MES. WADE BUEDEN, Springfield. Ornamentals, Z. S. EAGAN, Independence ; C. W. MUETFELDT, Kirk- wood ; E. E. BAILEY, Fulton. Entomology, DE. A. GOSLIN, Oregon ; H. SHEPLEY, Nevada ; MISS M. MUETFELDT, Kirkwood. Botany, PEOF. S. M. TEACY, Columbia ; G. C. BEOADHEAD, Pleas- ant Hill ; DAN CAEPENTEE, Barry. Nomenclature, T. W. GAUNT, Maryville ; J. B. WILD, Sarcoxie ; F. F. FINE, Springfield. New Fruits, J. C. BLAIE, Kansas City ; A. H. GILKEESON, Warrens- burg ; H. T. KELSEY, St. Joseph. Ornithology. CLAEK lEWIN, Oregon ; A. W. St. JOHN, Carthage ; W. H. THOMAS, LaGrange. CONSTITUTION OF THE Missouri State Horticultural Society. Aeticle I. This association shall be known as the Missouri State Horticultural Society. Its object shall be the promotion of horticulture in all its branches. Akt. II. Any person may become a member of this society upon the payment of one dollar, and membership shall continue on the payment of one dollar annually. The payment of ten dollars at one time shall constitute a person a life member, and honorary members may be elected at any regular meeting of the society. And any lady may become ta member by giving her name to the Secretary. Aet. III. The officers of this society shall consist of a Pres^i- dent, Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, who shall be elected by ballot at each regular meeting, and whose terms of office shall begin on the first day of March following their election. Aet. IV. The elective officers of the society shall constitute an Executive Committee, at any meeting of which a majority of the members shall have power to transact business. The other duties of the officers shall be such as usually pertain to the same officers in similar organizations. Aet. V. The regular meetings of this society, shall be held annually on the third Tuesday of January, except when otherwise ordered by the Executive Committee. Special meetings of the society may be called by the Executive Committee, and meetings of the committee, by the President and Secretary. Aet. VI. As soon after each regular annual meeting as possi- ble, the President shall appoint the following Standing Committees ; and they shall be required to give a report in writing, under thei early in 1883 a jire- liminary report on the forestry of the Mississippi Valley and tree planting on the plains, and subsequently a supplementary report covering more particularly the forest resources of the Southern states. In the preparation of these reports the information received in response to thousands of circulars was utilized ; the instructions of the department being explicit as to the accumula- tion of facts rather than of theories. It may be said that official reports made to any department of the government are slow in reaching the public, appearing annu- 120 Missouri State Horticultural Society. ally in cumbrous and uninteresting looking volumes ; but the reports herein mentioned have been more fortunate. Their brevity has made it possible to publish them in pamj^hlet form, and they have reached the public within a few weeks of their reception by the department. The reports thus scattered broadcast by the government have been copied by the newspapers of the country, two or three of them, to my knowledge, having appeared in full in over four hun- dred newspapers, and extracts from them in thousands more. The National Forestry Congress is now publishing weekly bulletins, or ''leaflets," in which the points made in the reports of the govern- ment agents are given, with other matter relative to the cultivation and care of forests. We may briefly sum up the present attitude of the government in regard to forestry, as follows : The Government, by the passage of the timber culture act, committed itself to the encouragement of tree culture, and even though the act should be repealed, its principle will be preserved in some other enactment. The importance of forestry has been recognized by the erection of a Forestry Division in the Department of Agriculture, the present Chief of the Division being Mr. N. H. Eggleston. Special agents have been appointed, to whom has been assigned the duty of investigating the needs of difterent portions of the country in the matter of the protection and culture of forests. A regular system of disseminating information has been adopted by the government. As a result of all this the government may be said to have in- formed itself of the extent and condition of its own forest domain, and something has been done, though manifestly not enough, toward protecting government timber from spoliation and de- struction. Finally, every believer in trees may take courage from the present attitude of the government, and hope that in time, the wise example set by other governments, as for instance, France with her " Bureau of Woods and Waters," may be followed by our own. You have noticed, with the assurance of success, the rising interest in horticulture ; you have noticed that particularly, be- cause horticulture is your specialty. Let me tell you that there has been a corresjionding increase of faith and works in regard to forest trees. Amiual Meetmg at St. Joseph. 131 You can take into consideration the larger area of cultivated ground in Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas, the larger agricultural pojiulation, and estimate for yourselves what has been done in these states. x\s an example of what has been done, I can cite the states of Kansas and Nebraska. I have been unable to procure statistics from the state of Missouri, although information may be imbedded in the official reports, which I have not had access to. In Nebraska it is estimated that there are growing 53,000,000 forest trees planted by the hand of man. I suppose it is safe to estimate the same number to the acre as is required under the timber culture act — that is 675. This would give a little over 78,000 acres in forest trees in that state. In Kansas the statistics given by the report of the secretary of the State Board of Agriculture shows 119,682 acres. If we make the same calculations in artificial forest trees as to the number planted to the acre as we have in Nebraska, it would show the number of trees in artificial forests in the state to be 70,486,350. It has generally been conceded that Nebraska was far ahead of Kansas in the number of forest trees planted ; but if I'm right in the above calculations, and I do not see but that I am, Kansas ex- ceeds Nebraska in the number of trees planted out by 17,486,350, and in acres, 41,682. It must be remembered that the above estimate does not in either state include the number of acres of trees of volunteer gi'owth. That this is very large every observer knows, and that it is equal to at least fifty per cent, of the number of artificial growth is quite evident. We have not an estimate of the number of fruit trees in Nebraska, but the authority I have given above states that of all the varieties of fruit trees in Kansas there are 20,851,276. Reducing this to acres, at 40 trees to the acre, which is believed to be a fair average, makes 52,128, or a total of acreage in forest and fruit trees, almost all set out during the past fifteen years, of 171,810. Besides this, there are 6,228 acres in small fruits, and 3,865 acres in vineyards. The constant discussion of the subject of forestry, the im- mense accumulation of experience, the demonstration of what man has done, gives hope of what man may do. The only thing to be done now is to get away from experiment and go into the business of forestry on what Americans call a big scale. We must accustom ourselves to speak of a hundred or a 12ti Missouri State Horticultural Society. thousand acres of trees just as we now do about so much corn. It takes but little more time to plant a mile of trees along the high- way than it does to set out a dozen trees in a dooryard. We were, we older men. born in an age when men ptit in a life time chopping down trees, and I have done my share of it in Andrew county in this state. We have fortunately lived to see the first development in this country of the new art of forestry, the art of making trees grow. Everything is in its favor. Let us do oitr part in the great work, resting assured that we shall be doing a good part for our- selves and the generations to follow us, Next was a paper on THE NEW IN HORTICULTUEE. BY J. N. MENIFEE, OKEGOX. This is a subject of vital importance to every horticulturist. Our daily mails come laden with circulars and catalogues, each describing neiv vegetables, fruits and flowers. Shall we turn away in disgust (as many do), saying the old is good enough, and refusing to listen to the claims of the new, simply because they have heard of somebody getting terribly swindled by uetv things ? This is an age of progress. And horticulture must, and will, keep pace with the forward march of the enterprising world around. The writer planted an orchard in Holt county. Mo., twenty years ago, containing twenty-two varieties of apples, all recom- mended by the best available authority as the l)est. Last spring a new orchard was to be planted on the same farm, and but four varieties of the old found a place in the new orchard. The new in every branch of horticulture is superseding the old, in spite of the prevailing prejudice against the new. We anticipate, in the near future, new apples that will equal the Ben Davis in all its good qualities, and 7nore, be fit to eat. The blackberry, raspberry and nearly all otlier berries of ten years ago are things of the past. And similar improvements have been made in the vegetable and flower garden. The old hollow Peach Blow, the knotty Neshannock, the watery Peerless and the exhausted Early Rose potatoes are thrown aside, except by a few old fogies, who never heard of the Almo, Annual Meeting at St. Josepli. 123 Invincible, Stanton^s seedling and a number of others far better than the old kinds were in their best days. A new idea in horticulture is to drive strong stakes twenty feet apart in the raspberry row, fastening a smooth wire to them two feet above ground, to]5ping the new canes a little above the wire, which will send out laterals on either side the wire and save the destruction so common by high winds. Another is to set a strong post beside the trunk of the tree and from the top of the post suspend the loaded breaking branches with a smooth wire. Some new ini'plements in horticulture deserve special note. The potato digger, the tree digger, the wheel hoe, the fruit parers and evaporators are revolutionizing the horticultural world. I pared and cored on a new machine a few days ago one bushel, or two hundred and forty-two apples in twelve and one-half minutes, and comparing the evaporated fruit with that dried the old way is conclusive evidence that the neiv in horticulture is an important subject. Yet " all that glitters is not gold," neither are the glowing advertisements and over-drawn descriptions of the new to be relied upon. Eternal vigilance is the watchword of every intelligent horticulturalist. Be careful what, and where, you buy, and buy sparingly of the untried netu. But never condemn a thing until it is proven worthless ; not because it is new. In conclusion I name a few of the most valuable acquisitions that I have thoroughly tested. The Snyder and Taylor's Prolific blackberry, the Souhegan, Hopkins, G-regg, Cuthbert and Hansell raspberries, and the Bidwell strawberry. Discussion"; F. Holsinger — Would differ from the chair in saying that the curculio is the most destructive. The Gouger is a thousand times more destructive than the curculio. The Round Head Borer is also more destructive than the codling moth. Found the codling moth filled a sponge placed in tha forks of the tree. This matter will come up in the report* of the committe on entomology. Da7i. Carpenter moved that the chair appoint a committee to memorialize the state legislature to appoint a state entomologist ; carried unanimously. Adjourned until 9 o'clock. 124 Missouri State Horticultural Society. WEDNESDAY, 9.4. M. Session called by the president and prayer offered by Rev. Mr. Abbott,, pastor of Unity chapel. DlSCUSSIOX ON THE PAPERS OF TUESDAY AfTERXOON — Chairman Murtfeldt : — Thinks that if the mercury goes 12 to 15 degrees below zero it destroys the peach crop although the tree may bloom. JY. F. Murry : — Says that he has known a crop of peaches with twenty-one degrees below zero. Maj. Ragan : — Found ^liat if the cold comes on gradually the damage will be light, but a cold winter after a warm fall often kills them. After the cold of 1882 he, with J. K. Cravens, went south of the Ozark mountains, and in Howell county found the peach crop very fine on the hills, while in the valleys they were killed. One day he went into one of the commission men's houses and found the w^hole upper story filled with dried peaches. Thinks that in that belt peach growing Avill be a success and there we will have to look for our peaches. The Secretary read the following letters from persons whom he had addressed for items for the State report : Gkeencastle, Ind., Nov. 2d, 1884. L. A. Goodman: Yours of the 21st ult. should have had earlier attention but for pressure of business. I thank you very much for the honor of an invitation to pre- sent a paper to your Society in December. Nothing could please me better than to meet Missouri horticul- turalists at hovie. From the foretaste I had at Kansas City last winter, I know I would enjoy the occasion. As for my ability to return an "equivalent," for the pleasure I would enjoy, I am not so clear. But seriously, my dear friend, it will hardly be possible for me to comply with your request. The pressure of business is so great upon my time that I must forego all pleasures for the present. Shall expect to meet you at New Orleans in January. With kind regards to all friends, I am, as ever, Very Truly, W. H. RAGAN. Annual Meeting at St. Josejili. 125 Dayton, Ohio, Nov. 3d, 1884. L. A. Goodman : My Dear Sir : — Yours of Oct. 23d, at hand. It would af- ford me pleasure to write an item or two for your coming report. But the fact is, I am so very busy, and then I am not much of a writer. I however send you a report of onr Ohio Agricultural and Horticultural Experiment Station, and last year's report of our Montgomery county, Ohio, Horticultural society ; probably the most active local horticultural society in the land. In perusing them you may find something that would be of interest to some one. I wish I could be with you at your annual meeting, Dec. 9th to 11th, but it cannot be. Our Ohio State Horticultural Society will meet at Columbus, 0., Dec. 3d to 5tli ; would be glad to have you come and see us. Remember me to your President, Mr. Tracy, with whom I have the honor of being acquainted. Very Truly yours, N. Ohmer. Denison, Texas, October 30, 1884. L. A. Goodman : Yours of 22nd came in my absence at New Orleans. It would be a pleasure to write something for your state report, were I not already "loaded to the guards." Have just returned from New Orleans, where I have been arranging for my botanical display of the native grapes of the United States with their wild and culti- vated varieties and hybrids. Earle & Son, Tracy & Galloway, with their large force are busy as beavers in the exposition. The exposi- tion will be even grander than advertised. New projects are sprung every day. Altogether some 60 acres of ground will be covered with buildings, 36 acres in main, 15 in government, and balance scattered among a dozen or more accessories. Wish I could be with you at your meeting in St. Joe, but that is at my busiest season. Wishing you a grand success I am Truly yours, T. V. MUNSON. 126 Missouri State Horticultural Society. St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 2, 1884. L. A. Goodman, Secretary Missouri Horticultural Society, West- port, Mo. : Dear Sir: — While I appreciate your kind attention and courtesy in inviting me to your meeting December 9th and llth,at St. Joseph Mo., I feel that my advanced age and condition of health do not permit my being present there, and there is so little to be said about the subject you desire me to prepare a jDaper, that I shall try to send you one — very short — in time for the 10th (Thursday). Should my friend and partner, Mr. Meissner, be able to attend — I shall transfer the pleasant task to him, and hope you will excuse. Yours truly, ISIDOE BUSH. Boston, Mass.., Oct. 27, 1884. L. A. Goodinan, Sec. Mo. Horticultural Society: Dear Sir : Your favor requesting an item for your state report is at hand, and I would gladly comply with it if possible, but I do not feel equal to giving you even a paragraph ; for I have lost three weeks by sickness, and was behind-hand in my work before, and am not yet as strong as I ought to be. I am promised an assistant, and perhaps, hereafter, when my arrears are cleared up, I can give you an item for some future report. I am glad to know that you expect to make a good show at New Orleans. We shall try to do something ; but distance, and the fact that fruit growing as a business is not extensive here, are against us. Yours truly, EOBERT MANNING, Sec. Mass. Hort. Soc. Alton, III., Oct. 28, 1884. Mr. L. A. Goodman, Westport, Mo : Dear Sir : Yours of the 23rd received. I do not know tln^ I have any item that would be valuable to the fruit growers of the west. Our knowledge is gathered little by little ; though I no doubt know some things now I did not know a year ago, yet it is so little a thing in itself, I am hardly conscious of it. I would like to be with you at St. Joe., but hardly think lean. Respectfully, E. A. EIEHL. ^ Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 12? South Havex, Mich., Xov. 10, 1884. L. A. Goodman, Sec. Mo. Horticultural Society, Dear Sir : I have, for a considerable time, been very busy arranging for the collecting of specimens of our fruits, for exhi- tion at New Orleans ; and find your favor of 23rd ult., upon my table, on my return home. A few years since, a friend sent me a few persimmon seed, grown in Southern Indiana. Understanding that this tree is indigenous there, as I understand it to be in your state, and that the thermometer in your latitude occasionally in winter gets down among the twenties below zero, while here it never runs down below sixteen, I planted these seeds, and suc- ceeded in growing quite a number of the trees, hoping to succeed with them, and possibly to mature the fruit. Several of them are now fine trees, six or seven feet in height ; and, while a few of them have stood unprotected through a number of rather severe winters, others have been more or less winter killed ; and four or five, out of about a dozen planted out in the spring of 1883, were killed outright by the past winter. I am curious to learn whether or not they are ever injured with you, and whether our seasons (in latitude forty-three) are likely to be sufficiently long to allow the fruit to mature. Very truly yours, T. T. LYON. Newburgh, K Y. , Oct. 29, 1884. L. A. Goodman, Dear Sir : Your favor of the 24th at hand, and in reply say that I would be pleased to comply with your request if my mental and physical ability wouldjpermit — my back is so painful that I am unable to answer the many letters I receive in answer to inquiries relating to names of fruits, and as to my opinion as to their merits ; also, specimens of fruits come in daily to name, &c., &c., so that I have not time even to answer all to accomplish all. I am still suffering from the injury I received in my back two years since so that I have but little use of it and can only walk a few rods at a tipie, and the spine being injured, there is little if any encour- agement. With best wishes for your health and welfare, I remain, Very truly yours, CHAS. DOWNING. 128 Missouri iSfate Horticiclfural Society. Office of American Pomological Society, Boston; November 29, 1884. Dear Sir : I have been always much interested in the reports of your Missouri Horticultural Society and the wonderful progress of pomology in the Western States, among which your association stands forth so prominently both for enterin-ise and acquisitions. The apples which the society had the kindness to send me last year were very remarkable for their size and beauty, not excelled by any collection I have ever received, and I suppose your exhi- bition at the great exposition at New Orleans will astonish the pomologists of the old world. The Missouri Horticultural Society has been a powerful agent in the advancement of American pomology. Well do I remember the hospitality with which the American Pomological Society was received at its meeting in St. Louis in .1867, and tlie kind words of President Mead, Dr. Spaulding, Arthur Bryant, and others ; especially those of the venerable Dr. Edwards in introducing the lady who placed on my head a beau- tiful wreath of flowers in bebalf of the ladies of St, Louis. And now, my dear secretary, I desire to express to the members of your society the great interest I feel in the advance- ment of the pomology of our blessed land. Xo other country has such capabilities and no other has made such wonderful progress. In the order of Providence she has become a great leader in this most beautiful and benevolent employment. The next meeting of the American Pomological Society is to be held in Michigan next year, when I doubt not there will be a full representation of the best men and the best fruits of our immense domain in which the Missouri Horticultural Society will occupy an important place, and I fondly hope to see a great reformation in the nomenclature of our fruits. This is a subject which has lain near my heart for many years and which I hope may be accomplished before I go hence. You have copies of the rules of pomology adopted by the Americal Pomological Society with my suggestions as to the proper naming of fruits, which I am most happy to learn are being adopted not only here, but in Europe, thus striking from our catalogue and suppressing all long, superfluous, indelicate, inap- propriate, and bombastic names. The American Pomological Society was the first national society thus interested, of which we have any record. It is her mission to lead in this most worthy enterprise. Let her fulfill it. MAESHALL P. WILDEE. Annual Meeting at St. Joseph/ 129 A motion was made and unanimously carried that Hon. Mar- shall P. Wilder, of Boston, Mass.; Charles Downing, of Newbnrgh , N. Y., and T. T. Lj'on, of Grand Haven, Mich., be made honorary members of this society. ( The report of committee on small fruits, was taken up, one by Samuel Miller, Bluff ton, and W. M. Hopkins, Kansas City, and by Jacob Faith, Montevallo. SMALL FRUITS. BY SAMUEL MILLER, BLUFFTON, MO. Strawberries a fair crop with a few exceptions. Old Ironclad and Piper gave but Httle fruit although the plants were vigorous and healthy. Howell's Prolific bore but little. Walter proved a complete failure. Lenning's White nearly so. Magnum Bonum bore some fine fruit but the foliage sunburned badly. The same may be said of Albany and Ladies Pine. The heaviest crops were of James Vick and Daisy, two new ones. Although Cumberland Triumph, Crescent, Capt. Jack, AVindsor Chief, &c., as usual, did well enough. Jersey Queen was the largest average berry we had and a good crop of beautiful and excellent ones at that. Quite a number of new varieties were set out last spring, but of them hereafter. A hint to those who have the situations. Yesterday I was planting the latest varieties I have on a northern slope, partially shaded, and will next plant the earliest sorts on the south side of the cliffs, so as to prolong the fruiting season. Raspberries did well, with the exception of Grregg which seems to give out. Among the new ones, Caroline is a handsome, large yellow, ^ex- cellent one, and propagates both fern tips and suckers. Is hardy and productive. Among the Black Caps I deem the Centennial about the most valuable, on account of its earliness, productiveness of large brilliant black, excellent berries. 130 Missouri State Hor^ticultural Society. Of reds, Turner, Cutlibert and Colossal are my most reliable. Currants I have but one bush, and that had but little fruit. Gooseberries, Houghton and Downing both bore well, the lat- ter much the largest and best, but will not bear as much as the former. Blackberries, Snyder and Western Triumph bore a small crop, but Kittatinny and Lawton never worth looking after. This latter fruit I only grow for my own use. I cannot attend the coming meeting of the society. REPORT ON SMALL FRUITS. BY W. M. HOPKINS. As one of the committee on small fruits, according to the requirement of the society, I submit this report for the year 1884. In consequence of a late, cold, backward spring strawberries were late starting consequently behind in ripening about ten days. The crop was about a full average one contiguous to Kansas City. Prices much lower than usual. A great deal of very poor stock was shipped into this market before home grown berries were ripe, and sold at ruinous prices to the grower. This poor stock had a very depressing influence on prices of home grown ; the consumer having too much bad strawberry was very slow to take hold. I think that at least one-half of the strawberries sent to commission men here later in the season were never placed on this market, being shipped direct from the union depot to western and southwestern points, thus relieving this market of what would have proven a heavy glut. I cannot urge the grower too strongly to pick and handle this tender fruit with the greatest care if you exjiect to realize paying prices in this market. It will pay. Red and Black Cap raspberries were about three- fourths of a croji and realized good prices. There was the usual heavy glut only for a day or two, and good stock in good condition sold to retailers at fair prices. Blackberries were almost a failure and brought high figures. The rust has destroyed nearly all of the Kittatinny and some others. Thus far the Snyder and Taylor are entirely exempt. The currant crop in this vicinity was much larger than I have ever seen it before, and j^aid the grower well ; it seems to be doing better of late years, or probably we have learned better how to treat it. Annual Meeting at St. Josejili. 131 The gooseberry is so uncertain and if it ever is successful, is too poor a fruit to waste laud or time in cultivating it. All kinds of small fruits are in excellent condition, especially the strawberry. The Black Caps have made a good healthy growth, not so rampant as some seasons, and not made as many tips as usual. All are going into winter quarters with unusual promise of a good crop the coming season. Be sure to cover the strawberry beds lightly with clean wheat straw as soon as the ground freezes sufficiently to bear up a wagon. REPORT ON SMALL FRUIT. BY LIONBERGER & GUTMANN, NEW FLORENCE, MO. S. Miller : We will try to comply with your request in regard to a report on small fruit. However, we have not been in business long enough to give as complete a report as we would like to. Straivberries. — We only had a few varieties in fruit last summer ; of these we found Jersey Queen to be one of the very best. Captain Jack, Daisy and James Vick have done excellent ; while Old Ironclad and Piper did rather poor. Crystal City had fine fruit, which came early, but was not of the best quality. Big- Bob and Manchester we do not think deserve the praise some nurserymen give them. Ida had a good deal of fruit, which, though small, was of good quality. In August we had commenced planting a new plantation. The fact is, we have been planting more or less the Avhole fall. Of the first planting we find Old Ironclad and Piper to show the most vigor, next comes C. Triumph, then Daisy, James Yick, Capt. Jack, Jersey Queen and Crystal City. Manchester and Big Bob do very poor. Of Sharpless, Crescent^ C. Downing, and Olendale, which we planted late, we could not say much at present. Raspberi'ies. — We have the following sorts : Cuthbert, Turner, Thwack, Doolittle, Gregg, Caroline, Moody, Shaffer's Colossal, Crimson Beauty, Lost Rubies, Scarlet Gem and Stayman's No. 2. Cuthbert, Turner and Thwack have done fine with us. Shaffers Colossal is a fine fruit of the largest size, and, we think, is one of the best for home use ; but- doubt whether it is attractive enough for market. Gregg and Doolittle we think a great deal of, and 132 Missouri State Horticultural Society. they certainly ought to have a place in every collection. Scarlet Gem has fine everbearing qualities and consider it one of the best. Of the other sorts we will have to wait another year before ex- pressing our opinion. BlacTcherries. — Kittatinny, AVestern Triumph and Needham's White are the only kind we have ; but cannot brag on either of them. The former two ripened a few enormous, large specimens, but very few of them ; while the last named has not fruited with us yet. We have them all on rich ground, but expect to set out a new plantation on poorer land, in order to give them a thorough trial. We have seen the Lawton doing very fine, in a garden, a- few miles distant. Currants. — Of these we have but few, mostly red and white Dutch. We like the white best, but we are not acquainted with the newer and finer sorts ; if we were, perhaps we would report different. Gooseherries. — Houghton's Seedling is the only variety we have in fruit, though we have others on trial. Though we do not consider gooseberries much of a fruit when in their best, we must say that Houghton did excellent for us. REPORT OF JACOB FAITH, OF MOKTEVALLO. MoNTEVALLO, Dec. 8th, 1884. This meeting is for a good purjDOse. I am sorry that I cannot be present, and you have my best wishes. I would not miss being a member for $1.00 a year. I value my horticultural report much higher than the cost of being a member. The past season I had a good and paying crop of strawberries from one and one-fourth acres. T sold 1625 worth of strawberries. They sold from eight to twenty cents per quart. My last report in form of a table, still holds good for this year, with the exception of the Lennings White which falls two short in produc- tiveness, and Chas. Downing and Miner's Prolific a gain of one point each . I can grow strawberries for two cents per quart, and get them picked for one and one-half cents per quart. Who would deprive himself and family of this delicious fruit for three and @ne-half cents per quart? I have been successful in mixing the Chas. Down- ing with the Crescent, as the Chas. Downing blooms about the same time as the Crescent, which is a pistilate and must be ferti- lized with a staminate, blooming and ripening at the same time. Annual Meeting at St. Josejjh. 133 The best time to set strawberries m this latitude is March, April and May and September, October, i^ovember and December. Do not set too early in fall, as the plant should be well matured be- fore being set. The season can be lengthened by setting early var- ieties in light, sandy soil and on south or southeast hill side. For late varieties and late croj) on north hill side on heavy soil; and if jou want very late crops pick oif all fruit stems as fast as they ap- pear ; keep the plants well watered and mulched and we are almost certain of a fair crop in September and October. I prefer the matted row system ; rows four feet apart, plants in rows eight to twelve inches, keep clean with hoe and cultivator, train the run- ners along the rows as they grow out, and they will soon form a matted row; keep the runners within twenty-four inches ; this can be done by keeping the cultivator or plow going between the rows. Mulching is very beneficial when freezing weather sets in. All have rotten straw or clean hay, clear of seeds, but I prefer coarse stable manure ; the winter rains and light snows will carry down into the ground all the strength of the manure ; answering as a mulch in the spring, keeping the ground moist and . the berries clean. In spring, if the mulching is over one-half an inch thick, it must be loosened, or some of it raked off. * With spring set plants that were well matted, I have been very successful without mulching, and mulch only the middles to keep outside berries clean, and also for the benefit of pickers. A late growth of crab grass will not injure berries and will answer for a mulch. Raspberries follow strawberries. This season we had straw- berries and early raspberries for two weeks every meal at the table. The raspberry can be grown with less work than corn. After the first year this fruit is also very profitable to dry, and can and then be kept until prices suit, but not as many varieties adapt them- selves to our soil and climate as strawberries. Time to set is in the fall, after the first light frosts, until the plants are four or five inches high in spring. Set the plants a little deeper than they were in the nursery, but with roots down straight and sj^read out fan-shaped ; make the hole with a paddle three inches Avide, press groundto.it; set like strawberries ; ground for all kinds of fruits should be subsoiled. I prefer subsoiling to double plowing. I plant black-cap raspberries seven feet apart and two feet apart in the rows. Eeds, six feet apart and ten to fifteen inches apart in 134 Missouri State Horticultural Society. the rows. I cultivate the first year like strawberries; when the plants are fifteen inches hightoiD them the first year; but after the first year top them when they are three feet high. Keep this up until all the young canes are topped. Shorten the side branches to fifteen inches, plow twice a year and in fall or winter throw a shovel full of manure to each hill. I have twenty-two varieties, but plant Centennial, Hoi^kins, Mammoth Cluster and Gregg for my best black-caps, and Brandywine, Thwack and Turner as the best reds. I have two acres of raspberries ; have not kept any account of what they brought me, but I know they brought me some days ten dollars per da}^ from neighbors who picked the berries themselves, or about eight cents per quart. I had very good success in planting strawberries among rasp- berries — three strawberry plants between each two raspberry plants, both set at the same time and the same cultivation answering for both. In this way, I had this season a full crop of strawberries, and when they were about gone, the raspberries came in and made a full crop, but it takes more manure. I will plant two acres next spring, all this way. It was a beautiful sight, and was admired by all who saw it. One Sunday evening I counted ninety-seven persons who visited me to see the sight. Blackberries, *I have tested seven varieties. I plant Kittatinny and Snyder, rows seven feet apart, and ten to eighteen inches apart in the row, cultivate and top oif like raspberries. Black- berries bore a fair crop, but as yet have not paid me much, though only the first crojD. Between the rows I grow potatoes, cabbage and beans. I have a selection of new varieties, but not sufficiently tested yet. I see the curculio will be discussed ; I have learned by experience and observation that ^Jlums cannot be successfully grown unless hogs are allowed to run in the orchard to eat all the fallen fruit which is stung by the curculio. I have seen plum orchards bear good crops for from three to five years, but the curculio stung fruit was allowed to rot on the ground, which are now perfectly worthless and within a mile of same soil and locality, with care and where hogs were allowed to eat the fallen fruit, good and paying crops have been raised every year. I believe one acre of plums is worth two acres of corn for hogs, and can be grown for much less. Plums can be kept for months in barrels in water. It IS very beneficial to plums after they drop the bloom to smoke them once or twice a week with tar and sulphur. Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 135 In my recipe against rabbits I must have made a mistake. Take four pounds of sulphur, half bushel of lime, slack with hot water or soapsuds boiling hot, and stir well, then add half gallon of crude carbolic acid and one gallon of gas tar, stir well w^hile hot. Ready for use when cold. For summer use against borers, leave out gas tar and add instead, one gallon of soap. I have tried many remedies to keep rabbits, mice, sheep and borers from trees and found the above much the best one that I ever tried, giving entire satisfaction for the past ?our years on over 4,000 trees of apple, pear, peach and plum. I will not say much on the apple as Mr. Liston, of Yirgil City, will be there who is best posted in this country on this sub- ject. It is best to set apple trees shallow, lean towards southwest and head low, prune a little once or twice a year with finger and thumb, wash the bark and keep smooth, keep off rabbits, mice and sheep, cultivate in spring and first part of summer. Mulching will cause the roots to grow near the surface, if kept up afterwards. THE RASPBERRY— BEST LOCATION AND BEST VARI- ETIES FOR MARKET, BY W. M. HOPKINS, KANSAS CITY. We live in an age of progress and improvement, and the indi- vidual or community, that does not recognize this fact, and keep abreasi with the times, will soon be lost in the fogs and ruts of old fogyisn. About a quarter of a century ago, the business of raising small fi'uits for market was a very small and unimportant vocation, and wa5 looked upon with much fear and foreboding for future success. Instead of failure what do we see to-day? A grand suc- cess that entitles it to be classed as one of the great and growing commercial industries of the age. To what shall we attribute the great ctange ? To the industry, perseverance and skill of the pro- ducers of the soil, assisted by organized effort and influence of horticultural societies scattered all over the land. A little over a decade igo such a thing as crates and boxes filled with luscious berries vere quite a novelty in the Kansas City market, but now each succeeding season we see thousands of crates sold to consumers by retaibrs and thousands shipped off to seek a market elsewhere. 13 G Missouri State Horticultural Society. All of this time we have had a horticultural society of live working members who meet regularly ouce a month and discuss all subject? pertaining to fruit raising, thereby imparting much valuable in- formation to the public. Therefore let me urge all friends of hor- ticulture to aid and assist the officers of the Missouri State Socfety in their present efforts to organize our great state and place ic on an equal footing with our sister states. Now I will come to my subject, ''The Raspberry." It is divided into two branches best location, and best varieties for market. Select a high, drv, level, well drained location, sloping gently to the south or east x'or early berries, north for late ones. Avoid all hillsides if possible. My. reasons for this are the raspberry plantation should be i;ept well cultivated before and after picking until the last of Septeaiber. As a consequence our heavy rains will wash away all of the best soil, making it useless to apply fertilizers ; and this is not all,your stools will be left high and dry on a ridge thus exposing the roots )ind thereby diminishing the yield. In view of these facts I would say plant all kinds of berries on level land or nearly so. The second branch of my subject, " What Varieties to Plant for Market," may not be so satisfactorily solved because of so many candidates for public favor among nurserymen,each one claiming his pet or favorite as thebest. Of the black caps, I would recommend the "Hopkins' for early and the Gregg for late, and here modesty whispers me io go slow, while I liear some one say,he has also an axe to grind. It was charged that one of our illustrious presidents appointed nearly,all of his kinsmen according to the flesh to office. I hope you will par- don me if I say a good word or two for ray bantling. It is a good strong healthy grower, as yet entirely free from rust or diseaae, en- tirely hardy, very productive and of first rate quality; for calming has no equal. It has never been pushed, but has gained a reputa- tion upon its merits alone. As an evidence of its increasing popu- larity, I shipped on order five thousand tips the last spring toone of the largest small fruit growers of New Jersey. Its season of ripen- ing is with Doolittle or four or five days behind. Tlie Gregg fe a fine large berry, a good shipper but rather poor in quality. Th& Hop- kins is destined to take the place of both Doolittle and Mahimoth Cluster, as they are rusting badly in tlie vicinity of Kansas City and will soon be numbered with the good berries that have gone before. If your land for black caps is not naturally rich nii^e it so witk rotted barn yard manure, and keep it so afterwards wiih dried blood as a fertilizer. I always select the best land I have' for my black caps as they are rank feeders, but moderately rich land I Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 13T think the best for the reds. Eich land stimuhites them too much, causing a rank, spongy growth which sometimes caitses them to be injured by our hard, severe winters. I would say about the same kind of location for the red as the black. Cuthbert and Thwack are the best varieties I have tested. The Cuthbert is a fine large berry of good quality. Plant a little tender here, but sells well. The Thwack is a very hardy plant, the best shipper we have, quality rather poor, quite productive! With my experience of fifteen years there has not been a failure in the crop of raspberries. I con- sider it the most certain of all the fruits, and the most profitable next to the strawberry. Its consumption will keep pace with the rapidly increasing population of the great metropolis of the "^new west." There is very little danger of overstocking the market with good berries well handled. Discussiox. Charles Patterson: — Has the largest berries on the richest ground. /. X. Menifee: — Has been testing many new varieties. Hansel was very fine and very early, and they were all red with ripe fruit before the Turner began to turn. Cuthbert is the best for market and comes in just after the Hansel. Black Caps, Souhegan is the best thus far. Perfectly hardy and has the finest berries of all. Hopkins and Gregg are also Xo. 1. Tyler are very fine also. Souhegan all ripen close together and are the best for close market. The Snyder and Taylor blackberry are the best. Snyder are hardy and have never failed to bear. Taylor follows after the Snyder. G. W. Ropkin.^ : — Thinks that it is a fault to have the berries all ripen at once. F. Holsinger : — The Gregg is the poorest of all with him. As for a red I find the Thwack the best of all. W. H. Thomas : — Finds Doolittle one of his best berries and ripens gradually, and never fails to bear. Trims back the tops and cuts the laterals three or four times, and finds that it makes a fine bush and never fails to bear. Has not the Ho^Dkins or Gregg. J. A. Durkes : — Asks about the Caroline. He finds it a verv good berry. L. A. Goodman: — Says with him, and with all the fruit growers about Kansas City, their berries would never bear at all, if they were trimmed as suggested by W. H. Thomas. 138 Missouri State Horticultural Society. P. Jackson, Carthage: — Finds the Souheghan is fast taking- the place of the Doolittle. Cuthbert is good, Gregg does well also. N. F. Murry : — Thinks the state ought to be divided into three districts, northern, southern and middle and that a com- mittee be appointed from each district to give a list of varieties of fruits that are the most valuable in their district. /. M. Pretzinger, Clinton .-—Has a berry found in the woods and has brought some plants for the use of the society. They are hardy and productive. The Chair announced the following committees : On Fruit Exhibits — G. F. Espenlaub, Chas. Patterson, J. P. Rickard. On Final Resolutions — Dan Carpenter, Geo. Meissner, C. H. Fink. On Nominations — Z. S. Ragan, N. F. Murry, P. Jackson. On Memorializing Legislature for Appointment of State En- tomologist — J. C. Evans, Z. S. Ragan, Dan. Carpenter. On Obituaries — G. W. Hopkins, W. H. Thomas, J.N. Men- ifee. On Membership — J. A. Durkes; J. Madinger, E. Listen. On Finance — P. Holsinger, D. S. Holman, W. G. Gano. Adjourned to 1:30 p. m. WEDNESDA Y A FTERNO ON. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY, L. A. GOODMAN. At our summer meeting I reported that our society was work- ing its way gradually, but surely, to its own place of prominence in this state that it should occupy. Now I am glad to report that during the last one-half year we have obtained a firmer hold on the horticulturist than ever before. Now not a day passes but that I receive from one to ten letters either of enquiry, or of information. Before I have had to do all the writing and now I am beginning to receive responses. I foiind, and still find my greatest trouble to be a non acquaint- ance with the florist, fruit-growers, nurserymen and commission men of the state. An acquaintance, however short, gives your secretary a wonderful advantage over writing to strangers. Anmial Meeting at St. Joseph. 139 But we are overcoming these troubles gradually, and in time hope to see them vanish. It was no easy work to get these people to take an interest in our work, especially, I suppose, because they thought the State So- ciety did not accomjilish much. One year ago we had very few members, and but two horti- cultural societies, while to-day we have a long list of members and nine societies. The work has now taken such an impetus that before the end of another year we hope to see them doubled or trebled. FKUIT REPORTS. On May 27th, I sent qut the following blank. No. 20, to every county of the State : SECEETAEY'S OFFICE, Missouri State Horticultural Society, Westport, Mo., May 27, 1884. Will you please examine your trees and vines on June 3rd closely, and answer the following questions as far as possible : (1) Taking 100 as a full crop, give the percentage of the fol' lowing fruits now on the trees and vines : Apples Cherries, Blackberries — Peaches, Plums, • Raspberries, Pears, Strawberries,. GrajJes, (2) What are the prospects for a full crop of the following fruits ? (Give the percentage). Apples, Plums, Easpberries Cherries, Strawberries Grapes, (3) What three or four varieties of the following fruits will have the best crops, and the percentage of each : varieties. per cent, varieties. per cent. Apples, Strawberries Pears EasiDberries Cherries Grapes, Plums (4) What is the present condition of trees and vines ? 140 Missouri State Horticultural Society. (5) Did the winter injure the following : Apples, Cherries, Strawberries, Rasj)berries Peaches Plums^ Blackberries, Grapes, (6) Are the berries affected by the rust, and which have Buffered most ? (7) What insects are troublesome this year ? Let these reports be sent me on June 5th, so that I may com- pile them for the State meeting, to be held at Springfield, June 10th and 11th. L. A. GOODMAN, Sec'y. REPORT. PERCENTAGE OF FRUIT NOW ON THE TREES AND VINES. Apples, 78 per ct. Peaches, 00 " Pears, 60 Cherries, 65 per ct> Plums, native 80 " Strawberries, 95 " Blackberries, 45 per ct. Raspberries, 75 " Grapes, 60 " PRESENT CONDITION. Apples are generally in good condition, although in many places some varieties are affected with the rust, especially in central and southern parts of the state. Peach crop badly injured, and showing the leaf roller at work, and trees dying in many places. Berries are generally in good condition, except the blackberry, in the central part of the state, where they were badly injured, (except Snyder.) WINTER INJURY. Apples in many places, especially on the rich prairies, were badly injured, and now show it by casting their fruit. The tender varieties show it more now than ever. The loss of the fruit will be the salvation of the trees, and they will be ready for another year. Peach trees were so badly injured that it is a question if any of the older trees will ever give us a good crop, or be good trees again. I think that we must look to our new i^lanting for our good peaches hereafter. Those who did not cut back their trees find them making poor growth ; many have cut them to the ground. In the southern part of the state the trees are in splendid condition, and along the Arkansas line they look well. Annual Meeting at St. Jo&epli. 141 PKOSPECTS. T^e prospects are not quite so favorable ; much of the fruit appearing as though it mast drop off.. Apples, 65 per ct. Peaches, 00 " Pears, 50 Cherries. 60 per ct. Plums, 75 Strawberries, 90 "■ Blackberries, 40 per ct. Raspberries, 70 " Grapes, GO " WHAT VARIETIES HAVE THE BEST CROPS. Apples, — We find all give Ben Davis 80 to 110 per cent. Those in N. W. part of the State, Winesap, 75 to 90 per cent. Some give Jannett, 60 to 80 per cent. Jonathan, 80 to 100 per cent. Willowtwig, 60 to 90 per cent. W. W. Pearmain, 80 to 90 per cent. Huntsman, 60 to 80 per cent. Pears, — Duchess, Bartlett, Seckel, 60 to 80 per cent. Clierries, — E. Richmond, E. Morello, 40 to 70 per cent. Plums, — Wild Goose, 85 per cent. Strawherries, — Crescent, Monarch, Bidwell, 90 to 100 per cent. Raspberries, — Hopkins, Gregg, Doolittle, 80 to 100 per cent. Blackberries, — Snyder, 100 per cent. Grapes, — Concord, Martha, 80 to 90 per cent. Cherries were a little injured but show a fair crop of fruit, and no permanent injury to the Morello varieties, but the tender varieties are injured beyond recovery. Plums are not injured in the least, (that is the Wild Goose varieties. ) The others do not pay to grow. Straiuberries well covered were safe. Raspberries, — Some of the tender varieties were badly injured, and there will not be more than half a crop. The hardy varieties will have a good three-quarters of a crop, and in many places more. Blackberries, — All varieties badly injured except Snyder, and that has stood in every part of the state. If it were not so small it would be the berry to plant. Grapes, — Many varieties, and the finer ones were badly injured by the cold, but the old hardy kinds are still sound, and promise well. • 143 Missouri State Horticultural Society. The berries have been aifected with the rust ; even the straw- berry has shown it badly, especially the Charles Downing. In some places the injury has been very severe. The blackberry seems destined to be ruined in many places where it has not already been 80, and we will have to look to other varieties or other localities for our blackberries. The raspberry, also, has begun to show signs of rust, and I fear we will soon see it go the way of the blackberry. The reports show that there has been very little trouble from insects this year. The cold weather has kept them down to a greater or less extent, but we will have enough later in the season is the prophecy of all. In the northwestern part of the state I find that there is the greatest per cent, of a crop of apples. In the western central part of the state, along tlie Missouri River, there will be medium crop, and as there are so many orchards there will be a good many apples. In the central part the prospects are not as good. In the southwestern part there seems to be about one-half of a crop, and as there are a great many young trees planted they will be fine. In the southeastern portion apples do not seem to be a great staple, and there will not be very many, although the per cent, is good. In the northeastern portion it is somewhat the same, and although the average is large the amount of bearing trees is not as great. All of these averages will be lowered by the time the August report is made. L. A. GOODMAN, Secretary. This gave the prospects for June, and fruit-growers were happy to think of such an abundant fruit crop. On August 1st I sent out another blank, No. 32, as follows, to find the amount of fruit we were likely to have ; and the results this fall have justified the report made from those instructions : SECRETAEY"S OFFCE, \ MissouEi State Horticultural Society, f FRUIT report. Date of Report, County, Name, P. 0., Give the per cent, of a crop of Apples, Pears, Grapes, * Annual Meeting at St. Josepli. 143 Give the varieties of apjoles that have the best crops and per cent. What portion of the crop will be good merchantable apples? What is the tronble with the fruit, and can you give the cause, if any? What is the present condition of the apple trees? What locations have suffered most ? / What varieties are affected worst? Will you please answer these questions and return to me at once. L. A. GOODMAN". Wesfport, August^ Ist, 1884. Thus we have the result of these questions, as follows : REPORT FOR AUGUST, 1884. As we continue to hear more and more from the fruit men of our state, we find an increasing interest in our state society. Our inquiries concerning the fruit crop for the August report have been answered more fully than ever before. APPLES. We find that the average jirospect for the entire state is 58 per cent, of a full crop. This prospect for winter apples is much better than we expected some time ago, and it is our own opinion that this is rather under than over our real situation. The varieties standing highest on the list are : First — Ben Davis. Second — Willowtwig. Third — Smith's Cider. Fourth — Jannett, ( Maiden's Blush, Lowell, Keswick Codlin, Duchess, E. Harvest, Red Astrachan, Soi3s of Wine, Benoni.) Only about one-half of the crop will be good, merchantable apples, and fine fruit will bring good prices this winter. 144 Missouri State Hoi^ticultural Society. The cause of so much dropping of fruit and scab is attributed, by some, to the cold winter ; by others, to the frost of last spring ; by others, to insects ; and by others, to location. The present condition of apple trees »is very favorable in young orchards, but in some of the older ones the trees are in very bad condition ; and this is especially true of certain varieties, among which are : Winesap, White Winter Pearmain, Ortley and Eo- manite. Trees in low localities seem to have suffered most, and on the prairies more than in timber. The greatest per cent does not j^rove tlie most bushels, because the young orchards are the fullest. The prospect for grapes is about 50 per cent of a full crop. Respectfully, ■ L. A. GOODMAN, Sec^y. Westport, Missouri. I give these reports together, although a space of three months intervened between them, because it will be much easier to refer to them hereafter. . EXHIBIT OF THE STATE SOCIETY AT THE WORLD'S FAIR AT NEW ORLEANS. This next demands our attention and what has been done has been done under the greatest difficulties and expenses. Some of the railroads gave us assistance in this matter very generously. No- tably the Kansas City, Springfield and Memphis, the Missouri Pacific and the Wabash railroads. Other than this I have had to pay my expenses. To assist in the matter and save as much expense as possible I had printed circular No. 34 and sent to every county paper in the state and to 500 different persons, and the result was that I have received many packages of fruit from different portions of the state. SECRETARY'S OFFICE, ] Missouri State Horticultural Society. ' [ Westport, Mo., July 1, 1884. Dear Sir : You are aware that our State Society wishes to make an exhibition of fruits' at the cotton centennial exposition, held at New Orleans next winter. To do this, we want the best late summer, fall and winter pears and apples. This fruit will Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 145 have to be kept in cold storage until December, and arrangements have been made with the Cold Storage Co., 401 Grand Avenue, of Kansas City, who have kindly agreed to keep the fruit free of charge until the time of the exposition. Now we desire your co-operation to assist in collecting these fruits, and every one who has any good specimens or can get them can help in this matter by making this collection and forwarding to me. We would urge you to make an effort in this and do all you can. We want a fine show of these fruits, and Missouri can make it if we do our duty. Of early kinds we want fifteen specimens of each and of the later varieties ten of each. Wrap each specimen well in paper, and put in paper sacks with the name plainly written on them ; or put the name with each apple as you wrap it with paper. Pack these in boxes holding one-third bushel, and put plenty of paper in packing, so they cannot move. Horticultural societies can bring their collections to their meetings and then select the best from them and pack as above. The fruit should be gathered with the following rules in view : 1st. Condition of fruit, which should be in its natural state, not rubbed, nor polished, nor specked, bruised, eroded, nor wormy; with all its parts, stem, calyx, segments, well preserved ; not wilted, nor shriveled ; clean. 2nd. The size should be large and the specimens should run even. 3rd. Form should be regular, and the lot should be even. 4th. The color and markings should be in character, not blotched nor scabby ; in fact, a perfect fruit. All eaj'ly fruit must be gathered while firm and sent as soon as ripe and not soft. Put a list of varieties in each box and mark the box with your name. Send me a list of the varieties, also when they are shipped, and by what express company sent, to have for reference. Send them by express to me, at Kansas City, Mo., care of Kansas City Cold Storage Company, 401 Grand Avenue, Kansas City. ^ L. A. GOODMAN, Secretary. We hold with the Cold Storage Co., at Kansas City, some thirty or more barrels of fine specimen apples for that display, and with the collection made at this meeting, I think we need not fear to meet any state. 146 Missouri State Horticultural Society. Had it not been for tlie volunteer assistance from our horti- cultural societies, my work would have been much heavier and the expenses much more. The thanks of this society are due those who have so kindly assisted us in this. Our exhibit will go to New Orleans the last of this month and will be made in the horticultural building. I suppose no other state has attempted a display by its horti- cultural society without money for this purpose from the state. Other states have from 11,000 to as high as 17,000 for their horticultural display, and while our state received the 15,000, the same as other states, yet the horticultural society could not obtain one cent from the United States Commissioner from our state. Not one iota of' help have I been able to obtain in any shape from him, so that what we have done, we have done on our state allowance, and that, with the generous assistance of the fruit-grow- ers, has made our collection. Our display should by all means go into the state display, but we are compelled to compete for premiums to help pay expenses, w]iile the Commissioner does not seem to want it. This exhibit, although it has caused a great deal of extra labor, yet it has been a means of reaching many persons who could not be reached in any other way, and it has caused the people to know that our state society is alive and at work ; and this work is a work of instruction tg us all alike. RECOMMENDATIONS. MEMBERSHIP. Your secretary would first recommend that every member make it a personal matter to secure members to our State Society, because we need all the workers and all the assistance we can get. The small fee of one dollar per member is a promise of interest and work for the society, and I feel free to ask any member for favors or assistance in our work, because I know they are interested. We certainly should have five hundred members in our state, and we can liave if we will all do our duty in this matter. There are a number of honorary members, and of life members in the state, but I cannot find their names and wish every one entitled to such would inform me, so I could make a list of them. Annual Meeti7ig at St. Joseph. 147 LIBRARY. I have brought this subject up at nearly every meeting, and yet I feel it to be of so much importance that I refer to it again. We should have a certain amount set aside each year for the purchase of standard works on fruits, insects, gardening, landscape gardening, ornamentals, nursery and green house work, &c. This library would be for reference on any subject that may present itself, and would usually settle many points in dispute. Such a library would benefit hundreds of fruit growers all over the state, and when I can see all matters referred to the office of the secretary or librarian for information, and close connection between all members on the subjects of common interest, questions continually coming in and answers going out, and the secretary kept busy every day at his work, I shall believe Missouri is taking her right position as a fruit state. '' STATE REPORT. Our report has to be paid for out of our yearly appropriation and it does not give us the money we need for our work. It takes about one-half of it for our printer's bill, when we should have our report printed by the state as do other horticultural societies. For this year's report I found that we had been to so much ex- pense in state work and in the collections of fruits for the World's Fair, that I went to Jefferson City to see the state auditor, John Walker, and present the matter to him and ask his advice. He went with me to the state printer and told him to use the state paper for printing and that we should pay what we could on it and the balance would be placed in the deficiency bill. Our bill by this contract with the printer will be $(300.00, of which we are to pay in cash 1150.00 and the rest goes i^to the deficiency bill. This will relieve us considerably this year, and return to us what we have spent for the World's Fair. I hope that this matter will be taken up and a request or committee sent to the legislature i-equesting them to have the state printer print our reports as all other state reports are printed. The report of our summer meeting is compiled and is at the printer's. It will be printed by the time this meeting closes and the printer will be ready for the report of this meeting. The Secretary's Budget is nearly complete and if we have no mishaps we will have our state report out by the middle of January. Every year I find more and more work on these reports and 148 Missouri State Horticultural Society. yet as I become more acquainted with it I find I can do it quicker. Our last report was received with favor and I trust this will be better. RAILKOADS. The railroads have been very liberal with us this year and we want them to understand that it is greatly to their interest to assist us. I believe every dollar given us in favors is returned to them a hundred fold. It has come to be a positive necessity that the secretary have passes over the railroads in order to visit the horticultural 'societies, assist in organizing, and working up the interest in the State Society. A resolution to that effect might be of assistance to our society and be a step in the right direction both for the railroads and the society. EXPENSES. Our expenses have necessarily been much greater than before. I have in every instance in sending out reports or asking for re- ports had enough printed to send to every county seat in the state to at least one paper and then to about six hundred others. My idea was to get hold of good men in each county and advertise our society, and to let them know that we were alive. I have been compelled to pay express and other bills as they came in and I could not call on the treasurer or give them a war- rant for the money. Although it is not the correct way I could not do otherwise. Our expenses are about as follows : Mississippi Valley meeting ' ■ I 41.90 Expenses on report of 1883 103.95 Postage on reports sent out 52.00 Premiums for June meeting 30.50 Printing circulars, reports, postal cards, letter heads and envelopes 95.55 Postage 62. 75 Express, papers for budget, sec'y. expenses and incidentals.. 61.40 Collecting fruit for World's Fair 97.15 Total ' $545.20 I have sent out about 4000 circulars and crop reports, written over 1000 postal cards and nearly 1000 letters. I believe that we have more peoj)le interested in the state society than ever before and this work is continually growing and Annual Meeliny at St. Josepli. 149 OUR HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES throughout the state are increasing in influence, and the state society should in every way foster the growth of these in all our counties. They accomplish much good and as they grow older the people will take more interest in them and assist them in their grand work. When we see nearly every county well organized with a horti- cultural society to lead them we shall have a wonderful change in the work both of this society and of our local societies. Every society should send a list of its members and officers to the state society and give a report of their society with the papers read before them during the year. These should as far as possible be printed in our state report and every member, of these local societies should be taken as members of our state society. Every one of these county societies should be entitled to the reports of the state society ; thus making a bond of union between the two. I believe more than ever that we should every year authorize some one to help organize in all the counties that will take an interest in county societies. He should also visit every county society if possible once each year. A STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. Our state society should take active measures to induce our legislature to appropriate money enough to secure a good entomol- gist for the state. It is of the utmost importance that we know our insect enemies and our insect friends. The time has come when we will have to fight our insects continually, if we would grow perfect fruit, and it seems as if we were entitled to this officer by right. Let us ask the legislature to give u.s our rights. OUR FRUIT CROP. In June we all expected a crop of good fruit. In October we were all disappointed. What caused this, and the remedy, is a puzzle. The insect destruction is so great that we will have to fight them or lose our reward. I would call the attention of the society to the filthy weed as one of the best cure-alls for our insect pests. I believe, from what experiments I have seen, and what I have heard, that it will be one of the best preventatives of the codling- moth's destructive work. Sprayed over the trees when in bloom and twice afterwards, I believe it will hold them in check. There, is no danger in the use of it and the stems can be obtained very 150 Missouri State Horticultural Society. cheaply. I hope to see some of our members try it the coming year. As we stated last year, pyretJi rum is still gaining in favor and bids fair to be one of our best helpers in this work. Prof. Eiley and other entomologists are making this an especial study and we are fast finding some means of destroying our insect pests. Their work will be of incalculable value to the fruitgrower; yet it is best for each of us make some experiments and tests for ourselves. Prof. Forbes, of Illinois, has made this his especial study for years; he is now giving us such information as will be of great value in our horticultural work. A FEW NEW IMPLEMENTS. I would call the attention of the society to a new card-holder, the work of Charles W. Garfield, of Michigan, wliich seems to be peculiarly adapted to the purpose. I am glad to say, also, that one of our members, J. A. Durkes. of \Yeston, has made the same and thinks we are entitled to the use of it. A hand weeder by I. S. Haseltine, of Dorchester, also is peculiarly adapted to weeding out small plants and strawberries. An apjjle picker, also, the patent of J. C. Merine, is worth double its price to any one in saving specimens for display or in gathering early apples where they need careful handling. A sample of each of the tools is here shown. THE SECKETARY's BUDGET. The budget is made up of clippings from the best horticultural papers of such items as I thought would be of interest to the people of our state. 1 liave made use of the New York Tribune, Ainerican Agri- culturalist, Gardner's Monthly Rural New Yorker, Country Gentleman, Prairie Farmer, Colman's Rural World and a few others. I have tried to give in each instance, credit to the paper from which the item was taken, and if I have failed it is because the authority was not known. This Budget will be the choicest bits of information that can be gathered in a small space. They will be of value for reference also. STATISTICS. I wish we could have satisfactory statistics of the area of our orchards, of our small fruits, and of vineyards. Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 151 I wish we might have yearly reports of the amount produced from our orchards from our small fruit farmers and from our vine- yards. These would be very valuable to our state and as information to send abroad. Our Society can scarcely undertake such a work without more money to work on. Yet every day I see the need of this more and more. Other states give reports of the amount of fruit produced and the value of the crop while I cannot give them an answer in return. The value of the apple crop in some of our counties runs up into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, while that of small fruits is worth nearly or quite as much. And if the value of the fruit crop of the state was correctly ascertained we would be astonished at the amount. I thus give you some of these thoughts and wants of our Society, not in a fault finding way : but because we want to know them for the benefit of the society. Knowing these things we will have some object in view, some end to obtain in our work, Giving you then the results of our last year's work and an idea of the future work is the only apology I give for the length of my paper. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected for 1885 : J. C. EVANS, Harlem, President. E. P. HENRY, Butler, Vice-President. L. A. GrOODMAN, Westport, Secretary. Z. S. RAGrAN, Independence, Treasurer. The following resolutions were presented to the Society and by a unanimous rising vote of the members they were adopted. The Missouri State Horticultural Society in its twenty- seventh annual session assembled, desires to give exj^ression to the views of its members in regard to the appointment of a Commissioner of Agriculture, when the term of the present incum- bent shall expire. Heretofore most of the appointees to this office have been residents of the eastern section of this country. The Mississippi Valley is the central region of our agricultural wealth, the great 152 Missouri State Horticultural Society. producing section of our country. Upon its success the prosperity of the nation depends. It seems but just that the a]3pomtee to the office of commissioner should be familiar with this great pro- ductive section, one who has borne a fair share of work in its development, who is acquainted with its advantages and familiar with its needs ; who is yet not unmindful of all other sections of our country, and willing and anxious to aid as well in their development. Believing we have a man admirably qualified to fill the ofiice — the honored first president of this Society, Ex- Lieutenant Governor Norman J. Colman, of St. Louis, we present his name in the fullest confidence that if appointed he will reflect credit upon the office and the administration with which he is connected. For a period of more than thirty years he has been one of the leaders of progress in agriculture, horticulture and stock breeding in the great west. He has been honored with the highest offices in most of our agricultural organizations, has been called upon time and again during that period to deliver addresses in most of the states of this great valley and has generally, and generously, responded thereto. He has, moreover, during that entire time, conducted one of the leading agricultural papers of this section of country. If high qualifications for this ofl'ce, if high character, com- bined with great energy and business capacity, always exercised in the right direction, should be the qualifications sought for in the appointee then we may press, his name confidently; therefore, Resolved, That the Missouri State Horticultural Society, in its twenty-seventh annual session, assembled at St. Joseph, Mo., does hereby present to his Excellency, Grover Cleveland, President- elect of the United States, the name of Ex-Lieut. Gov. Norman J. Coleman, of St. Louis, for the office of Commissioner of Agricul- ture. Resolved: That his long experience in connection with agri- culture, practically and theoretically, his ability as a speaker and writer, his practice as legislator and executive officer, and his high character as a man and gentleman j^oint him out as the man of all others, especially in this section of the country ,_ who should receive the appointment. Resolved : That the President of this society is hereby re- quested to transmit these resolutions to his Excellency, Grover Cleveland, President-elect of the United States, and ask a favorable consideration of them at his hands. Aiinual Meeting at St. Joseph. 153 REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON STONE FRUIT. BY J. M. PRETZINGER, CLINTON, MO. Mr. President, officers and members : As I am one of the committee on stone fruit, I will try and give you the condition of it in my section. The peach trees are in a better condition now than I expected they would be with so much cold last winter, young trees from one to eight years old are in splendid condition, older trees that were topped are in good fix, but of the old trees not topped many are dead, some partly dead, while some of them are in good condition. By appearances now young and old are in good condition to go into winter quarters, and promise a good crop next year, if again something does not befall them as this year. There was not a peach in all this country that grew around about here, or I have not seen any m Missouri. In all my travels I see plenty in Arkansas. More young peach trees planted this year than usual. Apricot and nectarines nearly all winter killed. Cherry and plum trees are in good fix. As to other points regarding this subject of stone fruit it has so often been considered that it is with reluctance that I venture to enlist your attention on stone fruit, as I can but feel there are others in this society that are much more capable to handle this subject than I am. I may not furnish anything new for all of you, 1 may for the unexperienced ones, I will give you my con- clusions which have been reached through my experience and observation. Several points on this subject have been forcibly brought to my mind. Part in time gone by, when I started in to grow peach, plum and sour cherry, in connection with my apple orchard of 4.000 trees, 700 each, 600 plum, sour cherry and pear, &c. ; you will see by this I am interested in fruits. I have had some failures in my experience, yet I have been very successful in getting paying returns for my stone fruit. The peach raising pays well when we get a crop every second or third year. It is hardly necessary here to say how the young trees are budded and grown as they can be bought of all nursery men. One year olds are the best. To plant a peach orchard for market and family use, selection should be made from the earliest to the latest. They should be as much as possible, freestone for market, as they command a much 154 Missouri State Horticultural Society. higher jn-ice than clingstones. To say what you should plant of early, medium and the latest, must be determined from the dif- ferent kinds of peaches in your section, or what kinds do best for your neighbors around you. In this way you can raise without ex- perimenting. If Amsden June, Alexander, Early Kivers or any other variety of the early kinds do well for your neighbor with ordinary care, they certainly will do better with proper care. The above kinds are generally understood tu be very good for this sec- tion. Crawford's Early, and the Fosteis are a little later. There are others a little later than Crawford's, Late, 0. M. Free, tStump the World, Red Cheek, President, Heath free and many others for medium late. Later ones are Heath cling. Smock, Mammoth Heath, Ward's Late and White Imperial. There are many other kinds Just as good, or better than the ones I mention, as I said before you want to plant such kinds as do well in your section, or what do well for your neighbor. As new kinds are offered by nursery men you have as good a chance to try them as any other parties that are in other localities. As to the yellows on peach trees out west here, is, I think a rare thing, as for me I have the first to see yet, but we have got some- thing else ; it is not new, the rot of the peaches on the tree while green and just in ripening. The kinds that rotted for me were the Crawford's Early and Early York. I put up with it as long as I could and dug all of them up, and I think I am rid of it now. I see them grow and do well on other places, perfectly clear of rot, yet I believe they are somewhat subject to this disease. Some kinds of peach do best on low moist soil, while other do well on either high or low land. I noticed the Steadly on high and low land in my orchard. They grow to perfection on the low ground. One tree on low land is worth more for peaches than a dozen on high ground. The Steadly wants the low moist soil to fruit well. This is my experience. There is something as important as raising or growing the crop ; that is to know how to dispose of it at a price to joay you for raising it. So many raise peaches — I might say worlds of them. They don't manage to get cost out of them, then they say peaches are not profitable to raise, and a failure to them. It is because they are not successful in disposing of their crop advantageously. One is successful in raising plenty, wliile other men can't raise enough. Tliis is the diiference m men. It is a question of vital im- portance to educate all growers to dispose of their goods at a profit. Strictly first-class peaches always sell at good prices. Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 155 The above sliould be well considered by all growers of this kind of fruit, and all other kinds. Next in order comes THE CHERRY. I will say but little of them as I have never grown any for market — only for my own use. But have tried many kinds and see many kinds in bearing. The kinds that grow and bear the best are the Early Eichmond, May, and Common English Morello, red and black. We always have cherries when these kinds are jjlanted. Some say they are not as good as the so-called finer kinds, yet I like them better than the so-called finer kinds. In my opin- ion some kinds of cherries, so-called good, are worthless for this section. The few I mentioned, without a doubt, are better grow- ers than all others. The Morello's can be seen in nearly every lot, yard, &c., on nearly every farm : grows and does well in nearly all this western country — in fact were it not for this kind, we would be almost without cherries. Scarcely any care is ever bestowed upon them. They sprout from the root, and this is generally dis- liked. I will not say anything of apricots and nectarines, as I have never seen any profit in raising them. The plum I will speak of next and last, of which I have had some little experience of several kinds — foreign and our native plums. Of the whole list I have but little use, in this section, for any except the Wild Goose, Miner, Weaver and Newman, and I might add the common little blue damson. The first two mentioned are the best, in my opinion, for this entire western country. They are less subject to the curculio, while the others are ravished by this insect to such an alarming extent as to cause the almost total destruction and failure of the crop. The finer varieties, so-called, notwithstanding all the remedies advocated and applied with vigilance, are continually being destroyed by the curculio, and it is this kind that are tlio most liable to its attack. The insect, so far, has proven too strong and numerous, except in a few places where eternal vigilance and unusual pains have been taken to guard against them, and they are only partly successful, now-a-days, I have found from my own and other's experience, that the labor and attention required to grow a few of these plums so subject to the pest, are worth more than the results. 156 Missouri State Horticultural Society. I don't say these few kinds that do well for us are entirely free from this pest, yet some say it is curculio proof. It may be in some localities. Our Wild Goose and Miner are of the Chickasaw family. It is proven and demonstrated as a fact, the few kinds I speak of are the only kinds that do well. The fruit shipped to market by the thousands of boxes from this and nearly all this western country, the Wild Goose Plum stands at the head of the list. Some may not say so. I think they do. It originated in Davidson county, Tennessee, and derived its name from the fact that the pit of a plum was found in the crop of a wild goose, and was planted, producing this variety. The tree is a free bearer, very vigorous grower, hardy, very productive and the plums are very beautiful to the sight, color, crimson red, quality, good; while the others I mentioned are good and in some respects better. You all can rest content that we will have no plum famine while these few are not much molested with the curculio. These kind are now planted in nearly every yard and orchard in town and country, while nearly all plum growers in this sec- tion make these few a specialty. I think now at the rate these few kinds have been planted of late years the market must be then overstocked with these kind of plums. It is so in some localities now, producing more than can be disposed of. The question is with me what will be done with the surplus, as it is they are not good dried or evaporated nor preserved, as they are too soft a nature when ripe. If they were like the California varieties that are sold by nearly every fruit dealer in our land, they could be evaporated, preserved and crystalized. They are producing more than the market wants or they can make now more to evaporate and j)re- serve. Even this year a large quantity are evaporated and preserved as the American Manufacturing Company have sold this year many American evaporators out there to evaporate and pre- serve plums, prunes and apricots. Swan In our locality they sold over one hundred No. 3 evaporators, capacity fifty bushels per day each, for this purpose alone. This fruit, when so treated, brings twenty to twenty-five cents per pound, at wholesale, in the eastern market. It is admitted that they have as good plums, prunes, etc., as can be grown anywhere in the United States. If our plums could be treated as the Cal- ifornia plums are, then we would be all right when we get a surplus. The plums that we have are good, but not good enough for all j)urposes. We should use every means to produce better kinds, in Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 157 every way than we have : Free-stones for shipping, evaporating, preserving and other uses. If then we get too much to ship, it can be converted into evaporating stock, that can be shipped to the markets of the world, and realize good prices. Yours respectfully, J. M. PRETZINGER. THE CHERRY FOR PROFIT ; WHAT AND WHERE WOULD YOU PLANT IT ? BY F. HOLSINGEK, KOSEDALE, KAS. The cherry comes to us, as we are informed, from Asia. Tlie Roman general, Lucullus, after a victorious campaign into Pontus, has the honor of its introduction into Italy in 69, B. C. Pliny informs us that one hundred years afterward they had eight varieties in cultivation, and that soon thereafter they were disseminated all over Europe. The Hollanders introduced the cherry into this country by planting the seeds soon after the first settlement of the country. Until recently, but few pomologists of the west appreciated the great value of the cherry. The orchardist has been engaged mostly with the apple, pear, plum and peacli. The cherry, by reason of its easy production, has not been considered a profitable variety. Their quality as a dessert fruit has never .been doubted, but the ease and slovenliness with which they have and can be pro- duced, has been such that they have thought it doubtful if it would pay. In times gone by, the universal custom was with the farmers when a neighbor had a good variety, to get sprouts from some good tree that had proved itself a kind suitable to their taste. This they planted by the wayside, leaving it to take care of itself, generally some spot which was useless for the cultivation of any thing else selected. They grew, seemingly without attention into magnificent trees. They produced the finest fruit — always loaded — and the farmer who sold or tried to sell the fruit was con- sidered the meanest man in the section. Why, I have known parties when allowed to gather the luscious fruit, to saw ofE great limbs, drag them to some conveient shade and then strip the fruit — yes, strip it. The stem was always pulled out and when they 158 Missouri State Horticultural Society. were ready for use they were swimming in their own liquor, in the massive wash-tubs in which they usually had been picked. Usually conveyed in the farm wagon several miles over very rough roads they were of little use for culinary purposes. They were allowed to ferment, and ''Cherry Bounce" was about all that was made from the product. Let any one go back but a few years and they will be surprised to see the change that has been brought with this now popular variety. It is less than twenty-fivB years ago that I saw the cherries upon the table except as in pies. And even now I feel a repugnance when I think of those pies. You gentle- men must remember I am of Dutch extraction. The custom was to make the crust very plain, very little shorting allowed, for the M. D's. of that day said they were very unhealthy if containing lard. The crusts therefore were usually an inch in thickness ; while the cherry was sandwiched between so flat and lonesome that a search warrant was necessary to find one. The juice, what little was in them, had gone into the crusts, and they became so tough that I have no doubt that had any Yankee encountered one of these ancient cherry pies upon which I was fed, would have made the product of "aoutchouc" or rubber tree of South America, a use- less commodity. Mr. President, would you believe me when I say that at this date, 4 a. m., Monday, December 8, 1 have just awaked from a terrible night-mare, the result of my remembering that I was booked for a paper on that cherry. Having retired with the intention of getting up early, to prepare this paper. I had dreamed of those ancient pies ; hence the disturbed condition of my night's repose. And should I not be able to do the cherry justice, it will be, in a measure, owing to the etfect of those ^;ie6-. Until recently, as I was saying, the cherry was much neglected by the orchardists of the west. But a new era has dawned, and •now the cherry ranks as the first dessert fruit (strawberry excejoted). Of those possessing the greatest value in the west are the Keds or Acids. The Blacks and Hearts, while making fine, showy trees, and excellent varieties, arc not, as yet, a success with us ; therefore we must accept the Acids, though not so good a tree, usually be- ing scraggy in appearance, and not so vigorous in growth. In early spring they gladden us with a profusion of white blossoms. They are usually the first to appear and inform us that the icy king has lost his grip, aiid that spring is really here. They are the fit-st dessert fruit that we welcome (excepting the strawberry.) They are the most palatable of the orchard product. And what can be more beautiful than a tree loaded with this An?inal Meetiiiy at St. Josejjh. 159 Incious fruit? The earliness of its ripening, its juiciness, delicacy and richness, says Downing, render it always acceptable. As to its profitableness, there can be but one opinion. Whether cultivated, or allowed to remain uncultivated, in stiff sod, there is usually a crop of fine, luscious cherries. It stands any amount of abuse. I know of one orchard that has produced uniformly the very best fruit, that is in stiff blue grass sod, with no cultivation for eight or ten years. As to their profitableness, during the past ten years, they have paid well. In the Kansas City market, they have been worth from two to four dollars per crate of twenty-four quarts. And, owing to its certainty to produce a crop, makes the cherry well worthy a place in any orchard. WHEKE TO PLAISTT. An elevation with dry soil should always be selected, if such a one can be found. It will thrive in a variety of soil, but gravely sandy soil, Avith loam, seems to be its home. It will, however, prosper in a variety of soils and locations. In Pennsylvania the poor ridges, underlain with slate, and upon which the chestnut thrives, produces the.finest Hearts I have yet seen — trees growing sixty feet in height and very shajDely — pro- ducing abundantly. Experiments prove that the Acids luxuriate in rich soils, and a good top-dressing of stable manure has proved serviceable. I doubt if the Hearts can be grown successfully, our winters being too severe for them. Wet, damp ground is unsuited to the cherry, and it soon drops into decay. Such lands should be drained thoroughly before plant- ing, and I have no doubt but they can be made valuable for cherry-orcharding, when otherwise they would be of no use. Xorth hillsides are valuable, if other conditions are even, as their blooming will be somewhat delayed, and they will be less liable to spring frosts. OF VARIETIES. The most valuable with us are Early Richmond, Leib, English Morello and Osthima Weichel. If for profit these will be found to he the most valuable pos- sessing the qualities of earliness, size, quality, good shippers and carrying you through the whole season. There may be other good sorts that may prove valuable for profit, but as yet I have failed to find them for our location. As to the " Osthima," I would sav a 160 Missouri State Horticultural Society. word as it is yet a new variety. It is the latest of all the cherries with us, always holding its fruit and invariably larger than English Moreilo, being equally productive and in every way as good a cherry. It is the cherry for the west and don't you forget it. The cherry as a shade tree wherever the Sweet or Heart varieties are successfully grown are truly valuable. Mr. London, in his aboretum gives a very pleasant account of cherry avenues in G-er many, and might be followed in America with profit. Mr. London says : On the continent and more especially in Germany and Switzerland is much used as a wayside tree particularly in the northern part of Germany, where the apple and pear Avill not thrive. In many places road passes, for many miles, through an avenue of cherry trees. In Moravia the road from Brunn to Omultz passes such an avenue extending for upwards of sixty miles in length, and in the autumn of 1828 we traveled for several days through such an avenue of cherry trees from Strasburg by a circuitous route to Munich. These avenues are planted by the desire of the respective governments not only for shade trees, but in order that the poor pedestrian may obtain refreshment on his journey. All persons are allowed to partake of the fruit on condition that they do not injure the trees. The main portion of the crop of cherries when ripe is gathered by the respective proprietors of the land upon which it grows, and when these desire to protect the fruit of any particular tree it is as it were tabooed, that is, a wisp of straw is tied in a conspicuous place in its branches. FKANK HOLSINGEE, Rosedale, Kansas. Chairman Murtfeldt asked Mr. Carpenter to take the chair and he gave a history of Dr. Hull's cherry orchard at Alton, Illinois, and the wonderful productiveness of the orchard. Having 23 varieties of sweet cherries and they brought in tlie Chicago market $12.00 per bushel. Z. S. Ragan — The E. Purple Guigne is the very earliest cherry we have and has had them ripe on May 1st. The E. Eich- mond and English Morello are the only ones for profit. G. F. Espenlauh — The Osthima is larger than English Morello and as good bearer and ripens just after the English Morello. Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 161 Dr. A. GosUn — Does anyone notice that the Wild Goose plum does not bear unless near some other wild trees. His do not. N. F. Murry — Has found the same trouble and in an orchard of 75 trees, in one corner he has a wild plum and five trees from that he has plenty, but on the rest none. Thinks we need some tree near them to fertilize them. THE PLUM ; DOES IT NOT BEEED MORE CURCULIO THAN THE FRUIT IS WORTH ? BY C. A. FINK, LAMAR, MO. Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen of tlte Missouri Horticultural Association : I have been called upon to write and read you a i)uper on the fruiting of the plum. It is with a degree of diffidence that I un- dertake to serve you in this matter, knowing that there are othei' gentlemen present much more able and better qualified to edify your meeting than myself. But I will try to give, in a brief manner, a little of my observa- tion and experience in my efforts to grow plums. The question is asked : "Does not the fruiting or growing of the plum breed more curculio than the fruit is worth ? " My opinion is that it depends altogether upon how we go about it. About sixteen years ago, I moved to and settled in Barton county. Mo., with ti purpose to go into the business of growing fruit. In 1871 I set out about two hundred trees of the best European varieties — twelve or fifteen kinds, that were recommended by the books as the best. ^ also set out about a dozen native plums I bought for Wild Goose. I gave them all good care and cultivation. Three years after planting, the Goose plum commenced to fruit some, but the curculio got them all the first two years. The third year I saved about one-half of the crop by smoking and fighting the bugs. About the same time the European varieties commenced to bloom more or less. I cultivated and waited on them from eight to ten years. By that time they were either dead or dying. I then gave up and threw them in the brush heap. Tire Wild Goose fruited every year more and more as they grew larger and older and the curculio increased more abundantly than 162 Missouri State HorticvJtnral Society. the plum and took nearly all the fruit. By this time I had but two left, having sold some to customers. About the same time, seven years ago last spring, I ^olanted ?o native plums, mostly Wild Goose, set them all on one-fourth of an acre of land, built a hen house in the middle, enclosed the whole with a picket fence to hold pigs and chickens. When they com- menced to bear we turned in the pigs to eat the wormy dropped plums. We keep our chickens in the orchard from early spring until the jilum season is over. The result is the chickens serve to thin out the curculio that comes to the ground, and the pigs by eating all the plums that drop, destroy the larvae for the next crop. In this way we have no further trouble with curculio. In fact they are a benefit and useful in thinning out the set of fruit. Without them I would have to thin the crop by hand picking at considerable expense, as all our native varieties set too many j)lums for the trees to mature well. My little orchard of one-fourth of an acre yielded me a profit last summer of $300.00 besides what we use in our family and gave to friends. And more clear profit than I received from a 200-acre farm that was well cultivated to grain crops. In conclusion I would say that I think pigs and poultry are what the fruit grower needs to keep down the curculio, codling moth, the gouger and root grub. They can not increase to such an alarming extent if the droppings that contain the larva is all eaten as fast as it drops from the trees. Now friends if I am right in my conclusions we should advise planting liberally, fence the orchards, turn in the hogs and poultry and we will succeed in growing fruit cheaper, better and more abundantly besides the profit from the pork, eggs and chickens, that will thrive and fatten under this method. Respectfully, C. H. FINK, Lamar, Mo. Anmial Meeting at St. Jose2)li. 163 THE KEXT PA PEE WAS ON THE PEACH AND ITS ENEMIES. BY J. A. DUKKES, WESTON, MO. The j)each tree is a native of Central Asia ; in Northern India tlie peach and nectarine are found in a wild state. Among the Himalaya mountains they thrive at elevations from five to six thousand feet. The Romans believed) it to be a native of Persia, and the fruit Malum Persicum (apples of Persia) and from this word the name for the fruit has been derived into most European languages. Many botanists classify the peach and almond as one species, claiming the latter to be the parent of the former, becoming im- proved by careful selection from time to time of seeds until it has become the delicious fruit of the present day. In scripture many passages refer to the almond tree, its nut and flowers, but the peach as a fruit seems to have been unknown. The earliest allusions to it, we have on record, are by Con- fucius, who speaks of it thus : "How beautiful and pleasant is the peach tree, how blooming and profuse is its foliage." The Romans introduced the jjeach into Italy during the earlier period of the first century, aijd it is supposed, soon after, into the Isles of Briton, though we have only the first authentic mention of it about the middle of the sixteenth century. Seeds were brought to America by the colonies at an early period. Old 'records mention that stones were ordered by the governor and company of Massachusetts Bay in 1C29. The Spaniards brought seeds with them and disseminated the stones throughout their colonies. A writer speaking of the peach trees in Louisiana and other southern colonies about the year 1750, says : " They grow spontaneously, and in many resj^ects, seem as if they were indigenous. The nuts are sown, no care is bestowed, except weeding for a year or two ; in four years they commence bearing, and continue to produce fruit for twenty or thirty years. These plantations grow with such luxuriance, that the orchards almost resemble forests." 164 Missouri State Horticultural Society. By its ease of propagation and early fruiting, it became the best boon among the fruits to the first emigrant. And we are in- formedj that as soon as the inoneer's cabin was built, a clearing made, among the first few important duties attended too, was the planting of the fruit seeds he had carried with him from his old home. Before the land was denuded of its vast forests, the peach tree bore almost annually, at least a crop every other year could be relied upon. In our recollections of thirty years ago such was the case over large portions of the west, both fruit and trees were more abundant. We seemed to have had a hardier race, indeed, most were seedlings, but these, wherever selected from the better kinds, always proved very fine and good. Elevated grounds, high ridges and slopes inclining north and west, are preferred situations for the peach orchard thougliout all the northern belt. Upon these, a firm growth, an early ripening of wood and bud is obtained, and also the too early blooming in spring is retarded. Eminences near bodies of water, or any lands well drained, bordering on lake or stream are admirable situations for the peach orchard. The experience of all has been, that in such localities, the vapors rising from the water, so modify the atmosphere .; that the buds and bloom are injured less frequently than those more distant from them, while the water gives a coldness in spring re- tarding the too early blooming of the tree. Limestone soils with perfect dj-aiuage are found to be the best. Analysis show the wood to be largely composed of lime and its phosphates ; trees planted where these are lacking, the ground should have an annual dressing of ashes, bone dust, lime or plaster to insure perfect wood and fruit. ♦ The tree should be trained to a low, rounded head, the limbs shortened in annually during the month of September, is the mode pursued by most growers. Many think the pyramidal form the best, as the leader with its lateral branches is not so liable to split and break and the trees and fruit much freer from disease. The peach has a few insect enemies — the curculio, and aj)ple gouger, sting the fruit, causing it to drop and rot on the tree. The thorough destruction of the larvae is the effectual remedy. In experiments made by Prof. Eiley he found, that this insect was most numerous on the trees at night, and thinks this would be the proper time to catch them. ' He recommends the placing of boards, Animal Meeting at St. Josejiti. 165 or j)ieces of bark concave below, where tlie ciirculio will gather to avoid the cold, removing them daily. From these facts, somfe recommend the hanging of open ves- sels containing a liquid, in the branches of the trees, having burn- ing lamps over tubs, or building small fires about the grounds — the insects being attracted by the light, fly into the flames and vessels and perish. The peach borer (geria exilisa) does his work by girdling the bark of the tree, just below the surface of the ground. Its presence can always be discovered by the exuding of the sap or gum at that particular point. The perfect insect is a four-winged moth, of a bluish color — depositing during the summer its eggs at the base of tiie trunk, its larvae enters the bark and wood — the transformation requiring about a year. As soon as their appearance is made they should be cut with a knife, or punctured in their recesses by a sharp instrument, re- moving the soil from about the tree ; in the cavity thus made, a half peck of our slacked lime and ashes should be heaped around the trunk, this removed and worked into the soil in autumn. Other remedies are recommended, but the foregoing, if per- formed annually, will be found perfectly effectual.* Mildew sometimes aj^pears on the ends of young twigs — the nectarine and peach trees with serrated leaves are more subject to its attacks than others. This is not a serious malady ; checks the growth and deforms the appearance of the tree ; this is over- come by cutting away such branches that have been injured; dust- ing with sulphur and syraying with water impregnated with nitre, in a mixture of an ounce of the latter to a gallon of water, are remedies ; the latter while destroying disease, will add new health and vigor to the tree. The curl is developed on tlie first leaves in spring. They become red, brown and seared, swelling into odd shajjes, and in two or three weeks fall. This is caused by the punctures of a small plant louse (the aphis persica), ujjon the under side of the leaves. Applications with a syringe of a mixture of strong soapsuds and tobacco-water has been found a good remedy to exterminate the aphis. Barry regards the curl of the leaf induced by sudden changes of weather. The young leaves caused to expand by warm days, followed by cold and rainy ; the more severe and protracted the cold, the more fatal and severe the curl. 166 Missouri State Hortimdtural Society. We rather incline to this theory as the first cause, followed by the work of the aphis. Last spring, a curl similar to this affected both pear and apple trees, resulting in much indifferent and scabby fruit. The yellows, in the first appearance of this malady, the young twigs on the tree become sickly, growing slender and wiry, the leaves yellowish, pale and small. The fruit ripens, two or four weeks before its proper season. During the first year the peach may attain its full size, then decreasing as the strength of the tree weakens. Varieties that are most vigorous and healthy have' been found more subject to be attacked than those of a slower growth. Prof. Penhallovv regards this disease the result more of a deficiency, or an excess of proper nutriment in the soils, than insects or fungus. Though the latter, after the tree is diseased, help on the destruction. Downing and Elliot hold similar views. The former believes the malady to have first been produced by bad cultivation, and the exhaustion of the soil by overcropping, the continued sowing and planting of seed and trees from stocks so enfeebled. Thus far, in the west, the yellows have not been troublesome to the planter. Mention is made in our journals, of their ap- pearance in some parts of the Michigan peach region, where the soils are light and sandy. Why its appearance exists in some localities more than others we quote from Downing, some facts bearing on the subject : '^For upwards of a century after the peach tree Avas intro- duced it was cultivated everywhere, — the great natural fertility of the soil was unexhausted, lands occupied by orchards were seldom put to any other use, most of the soils of these states ( Md., N. J. Del., and Virg. , ) at first though naturally rich, was light, warm and sandy. Peach trees here always produced to excess — soon impoverishing the soil. In these fields the disease first appeared and gradually spread." Trees that were affected, have been recovered by salt, lime or ashes worked into the soil, and cutting back the trees one-half. Some believe the disease to be contagious. Xursery men should not plant seeds for stocks, from regions so infected — diseased trees should be burned and fresh situations chosen for orchards. These when properly cultivated, manured and trimmed, the original health and longevity of the tree will be established. The commercial value of the peach product is estimated at upwards of sixty million dollars annually. This is on the increase. Annual Meeting at St. JosepJi. 167 The improved canning and preserving macliiner_y, of the present day, has opened a vast market for this otherwise perishable fruit. Thousands of acres in our state, are adapted to peach culture, especially' the hills along the river valley — the Ozark plateau and all the southern parts with a few exceptions. When we consider what the demands for this fruit are at present, with our large growing population, what will they be in the near future? In peach culture then an immense field of useful labor is opened to the horticulturist. Since coming here, 1 have inquired of the members whether they knew of the existence of the yellows in parts of the state where they came from ; and the answer has been in all cases, that they did not know of any case of the disease. J. A. DTJEKES. Tl^e chair wished to take up the subject of curculio. Hull, Earle, Riley and others claim that the curculio attacks both the plum and the peach. Parker Earle used to continue the jarring process until the fruit is ripe. The best way to fight them is by jarring the trees and catching the curculio in a large sheet. Men eminent in this work have all stated that the curculio injure both the plum and peach. Now let us, during the coming year, find out some of these questions. The beetle travels from farm to farm. Holsinger. The gouger is a new insect, and we find that it is the insect that injures the peach, and not the curculio. The cur- culio never touches the peach. Thinks that much if not all of the damage done to the peach and apple, which is usually attributed to the curculio, is done by the gouger. Quite a discussion fol- lowed this statement as being opposed to the books and professors, but it was held by Maj. Holsinger to be true. Adjourned to 7:30. 1G8 Missouri State Horticultural Society. WEDNESDAY EVE. Society called to. order ^^ the chair and the first subject taken up was a paper on THE NEW VARIETY OF PLANTS FOR 1883 AND 1884. BY EGBERT S. BROWN. Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 8th, 1884. In presenting this paper before the Missouri State Horticultural Society, I oti'er a few thoughts and also my experience in growing some of the new varieties of plants of 1883-4 introduction. Streptosolex jamesoni — Which was given such a high repu- tation and was offered as a number one plant for bloom. With me it has been entirely worthless. Either in the greenhouse or out doors it makes a strong growth, but no bloom. I saw a few flowers on some of the plants, but the most of them had no flowers at all. Ch.konstemma hispidia— Though not new, is a free bloomer and it makes a fine plant for baskets and vases. Does well as a border plant. It can be sheared down to four inches, and makes a good border of white flowers. Abutilon tiiompsoni plena — Is a good plant to flower when a year old. Then it is constantly in flower and can be used to an advantage in cut flower work, where yellow flowers are wanted. Being double, the flowers last longer than the single flowering varieties. Freesia refracta alba— Too much cannot be said in favor of this tine winter flowering bulb. It is so easy of growth and such a free bloomer it ought to be in the hands of every amateur and florist in the country. The bulbs are small, and having no ap- pearance of making such fine white sweet-scented flowers, the buyer is ajDt to think he has been done for again by paying twenty or twenty- five cents for each tiny bulb. But he is most agreeably surprised at the fine flowers they produce. Six bulbs should be planted in a 4 four inch pot for the best results. Canna Ehe-MANNI. — Though not entirely new yet I don't think they are plenty. The high price kee2:)ing them from being distributed as much as they deserve to be. They make a good growth and are free bloomers with large scarlet flowers with, no Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 169 tendency to bloom npright like other canna. They droop down gracefully giving the jDlant a charming appearance when viewed from a distance. Plants grew this season from eight to twelve feet high, with immense leaves that did not lacerate with the winds, which is so objectionable in other broad leaved kinds. Begonia. — Brnantii and Gonry are a good addition to our winter flowering begonias when white flowers are wanted. The leaves and flowers are very much like the old semperflorans that any one who has not grown them would be deceived by their aj)pearance. But after growing them awhile they will soon see the difference. They are of dwarf growth. Goury being the strongest grower I tried to see how large I could grow a plant, and shifted it as it needed, until it occupied a six inch pot. Goury grew twenty-tour inches, and Brnantii fifteen inches in height and very bushy, with an abundance of bloom, and pleased all who saw them in flower. Impaitana sultana — Or the ever-blooming balsam has come to stay. It is a plant that never fails to attract the attention of all who see the wonderful amount of bloom that is on even small plants. But when grown in five or six inch pots and given room to grow it gives good returns with its wealth of briglit, showy flowers. It has sliown some tendency to rust, but that can be prevented by keeping the plants out doors in frames, or even bedded, until there is danger from frost, when they will have to be removed to safer quarters, as they are tender and can't stand any cold. Violet, swanley's — Which is a sport from the well- known Marie Louise. So far, it has held true to color, as good a bloomer as the parent and flowers are of same size ; which is saying a good deal for it, as the old variety. Belle de Chatney, was entirely worthless and gave but few flowers. But in this new variety, Swanley's White, we have a plant that will be grown extensively for its pure white flowers, and will figure largely in the cut flower trade. Alternanthea al'ea nana. — At first I thought it was a fraud. It grew well but showed no tendency to turn yellow till about the middle of July. Then it began to show some color, and by the end of the month it was all any one could wish for in forming a yellow border. It is more dwarf and the leaves are much smaller than the old Aura. Parychoides major is another fine kind, well worthy of a place where a red line is wanted. 170 Missouri State Horticultural Society. 4 A. latifolia major and A. latifolia superba, I can't see much diiferauce in ; neither do I consider them any better than the old A. Amabehs, although they were sent out with a flourish of trumj^ets and sold at the modest price of 13. OU per dozen, for plants one inch high with three or four little leaves on. The new Golden Lycopod (krussia aura) is a very good acqui- sition in its line, holding its light 3'ellow color through the hot sum- mer months. Henderson's new verbena, America. — As for as heard from has not ^iven any satisfaction ; yet I grew some very fine plants with blooms about as large as the well known Beauty of Oxford. With me Henderson's set of Verbenas was very poor and not a single plant of merit in the lot. All took the rust out doors this fall, as well as some of my own ; — but native seedlings showed no signs of rust out doors. When put under glass only showed a little here and there, while imported ones had to be all thrown away. Heliotrope roi des noirs. — Is a very dark Heliotrope and a good grower, but it has a fatal fault ; hard to grow on account of its tendency to rust ; it may be easier handled in another year. In a lot of one hundred good healthy cuttings, showing no rust when rooted, fully one-fourth rusted, and before they had to be shifted in two and one-half inch pots only eight were healthy ; balance had to be thrown away. ' New rose, sunset. — Did not get the growth I should have liked on them last summer, but what few did grow pleased me very much in leaf and growth. It shows all the character of its parent, Pearl Des Jardius, but with flowers entirely different color same as Saffrano, but perfectly double. It will I^ think become a popular rose among florists and be grown as extensively as the Pearls. Salvia amebilis. — Is a fine plant for the garden. Flowers are violet and are produced freely. Can be made a fine specimen plant and is very showy. Salvia Luchea is a fine blue dwarf in growth and every way better than S. Patens, which is a fine old plant and will be retained by many no matter how many new kinds claim our favor. In new Carnations, Geraniums and other plants it would take up much time and many pages of paper to enumerate tliem all. Among Thorp's new set of Carnations are some of robust growth and very prolific in bloom, but among the lot not one good white one. While speaking of white Carnations, there was one sent Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 171 out this spring by the name of Wm. Blont. It commenced to flower soon after being set oiit. After being pinched, back same as other sorts did not throw np any leaders, but made a compact bushy plant more like grass pinks than Carnation. After being moved to green house showed no tendency to flower as yet — leaves have rotted badly on account of its bushy growth. The past season has been a very good one for nearly all kinds of flowers and plants in the garden. Gladiolus did unusually well on account of the cool, wet weather. Roses with me did not flower as well as usual out doors. It must have been too wet for them after the hot summer sun. The geraniums were the glory of the garden. In fact they are the flower for the west. Rain or shine, cool or warm you can depend on them for a show of flowers. We bedded, this season, over one hundred and fifty varieties, new in name at least, if not in color, but I must confess we had very mamy fine ones among them in both single and double. It would be hard indeed to make a selection from them, for what pleases one is objectionable to another. The annuals of all classes did well, pai'ticularly the Phlox Drummondi and the China Pinks which made a gorgeous show,, We must not forget to speak a good word for the Perrennial Phlox, it is a plant that is very much overlooked. It is so hardy, of such easy growth and such a vdrief;y of colors, saying nothing of its free blooming qualities. There are other perrennials that are well worthy of culture and in the near future they will come to the front once more. ' R. S. BROWN, Kansas Cit}', Mo, Then followed a paper on ^'HOME ADORNMENT." BY MRS, DR, A. GOSLIN, OF OREGON, Some one has said, he who would have beautiful roses in his garden, must first have roses in his heart. Paradise has always been associated in my mind with a beautiful garden. Had Adam been contented with his donation from the good Father, his Eden, and home-making bowers and rockeries, cultivating his wild roses, marigolds, poppies and hollyhocks, decorating his walls with the shrubs and vines nature had provided him with, his satanic majesty would not have dared enter that attractive home, the 172 Missouri State Horticultural Societ'y. lovely Eve would not have had the disposition to listen to his seductive words, and Adam would not have come to grief. Flori- culture as it is understood by the amateur has become one of the necessary adornments to every home, the simple method of propa- gation by cuttings leaves little excuse for any home to be without •a few flowers. The tired house wife, witii the cares of the different depart- ments of the house resting upon her as nurse — seamstress and queen of the culinary kingdom — is sadly in need of the bracing fresh breezes of spring to aid in building up this weary and over- taxed system. An hour spent in the morning of the early spring months in her garden, equipj)ed with her pruning knife, trowel and spade, she will drink in pounds of oxygen, sufficient for tlie most delicate constitution; while it adds strength to the physical, and value in dollars and ceijts to the grounds ; it is instructive from a bota- nical standpoint, and very attractive to the eye; for a bed of well- kept roses is a thing of beauty and a joy forever. There are few people in this age of the world but admire the beautiful in nature, and lovers of some of the many arts seen decorating the inside of almost every home, from the useful little doyly with the etching stitch, the indispensable table cover and sofa cover in Kensington, tidies of every design, stitch and color. K\\ these things make the little things jjretty and the larger ones more beautiful. Thanks to printer's ink these patterns come to us gratitously tlirough the medium of our Bazars and Magazines. These things may not strike the over-practical mind as of much importance, only as they compare with that which is truly beau- tiful and useful, and will ask the question, "does it pay?" Let us see. The inventive genius of those who liave given much of their time and money for what is called the finer arts, have con- ferred a blessing on the women of this age, who are the leading spirits in this industry; which is surely a new departure from our grandmother's idea of what a woman should be taught. That we should be instructed in all that is proper for a woman to know in any situation in life is well enough so far as it goes ; but this plan exclusively acted upon would doubtless produce very good com- mon place domestic drudges, that when our race would be run, we would be like the tired woman when she came to die, wished the resurection to be ten thousand years off, that she might have her rest. But there higher attainments equally useful for an immortal soul. The New York society of decorative art, which gives instruc- Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 173 tion in needle work, is comparatively yonng ; its object and aim is to reach a certain class of women, and teach them to nse their deft fingers and tnrn them to profitable account — a class that could not be reached in any other way. These are the refined poor, taught from infancy that labor belonged to the poor and ignorant ; they find themselves, when thrown upon their own resources, illy prepared for the great battle of life. We are told that this society alone paid out to its pupils for work skilfully done, last year, over 118,000. Then we have the Cooper Union art school, largely endowed by the late Peter Cooper, who is known on both continents for his liberality as a public benefactor. They give to their pupils the tuition free, in the different branches taught. It is a sort of bureau from which teachers and designers can be procured. Most of ouj- American carpets and wall paper and buttons are designed by joupils from this school. Is it any wonder that our homes are more attract- ive than those of our grandmothers' ? With our walls hung with such beautiful combinations in our paper, our floors covered with carpets whose colors and shadings are so exquisite that they become a study, and one could almost believe them to be tiie work of the needle. Yet these were planned and designed by pupils from the art schools — which makes the manufacturer and designer depend upon each other for success. It is with the blending of these arts with some of the manufacturing interests of our country, that some of -our brave women are so closely identified. We all remember the struggle for years of the American silk weavers to compete with foreign importation and get a footing for their goods at home. It was not until Mrs. Wheeler, one of the leading spirits of the associated artists' club of New York, came to their relief did they succeed. It was through her suggesting and designing silk and woolen fabrics for the use of this club, that places that manufacturing interest where it stands to-day, equal to any and second to none. The utilizing of the wasted silk from the more costly goods, and woven into cloth known as raw silk was the invention of her brain. These designers have not confined ftiemselves to the costly silks ; the pretty cretonnes, chintzes and lawns have received much attention. Our Bazars have told us in our remote villages, what uses the designers intended for the pretty cretonnes seen everywhere. They have found artistic use for the heavy old-fashioned Kentucky jeans as heavy drapery for certain places ; this goods is well known to most of our western farmers. Was there ever a time in the 174 Missouri State Horticultural Society. history of our country that our homes could be adorned and beautified at so small a cost as the present time, when men and women are vying with each other, giving their time and money to forward the progress of arts, and by so doing refining the tastes, thereby making the world better by their having lived in it. Too much cannot be said of Benjaman Pitman, Maria Longworth, Nichols and Louisa McLaughlin, who through their efforts have opened the way for men and women who have assisted in making the Cincinnati school of decorative pottery a national institution. Since it has been discovered that the ingredients for this art are found in many parts of our country, the outlook for it to come within the reach of the less favored, is flattering. Wyoming, Ohio, Alabama and Illinois are said to furnish some of the different "... ' tinted clay suited for this work, which has been developed fully for the coarse wares so far. The time is not far distant when we .will be enthusiastic over the moulding of our jugs. Jars and vases, our china closets filled with the work of our own hands, burned in our own kilns. When America can produce that quality of lithomarge, then she will call home her own Havalin to teach her. sons and daughters the art of making the most beautiful china the world has ever known, we will surely be a fortunate people. Painting has been elbowing its way to the front. Our young ladies and many of those who are jDast their youth are developing wonderful genius and enthusiasm over their efforts in this branch, as ever the old masters did over their grandest work. The result of this art can be seen decorating the walls of many of our homes, and valued more than if the brush of Eubin's had executed the work, because it is the developed genius of our children and our neighbors children. Almost every village boasts of its painting class and ex- perience has taught us the work accomplished, will bear close and severe criticism. We expect most of our girls to become housekeepers and homemakers ; should the husband be able to furnish the four walls of the home, well and good, if not, she, witli a knowledge of what is called the finer arts could furnish both home and decoration. The question comes to us again, does it pay? Is it not our duty as a progressive people to encourage these arts, not only for their beauty and attractiveness, but for their commercial value, for a tax paying class of citizens without representation. Then with the advantages we have, well improved, and the prosi^ect of a brighter future, our homes will grow more and more in beauty as the years go by. We can sit under our vine and fig tree feeling Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 175 that we have done our part in making our homes what they are. " Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own work praise her in the gates."' By motion of the secretary, a vote of thanks was tendered to Mrs. Dr. A. Goslin, for her most interesting and instructive paper. THE LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN. BY MRS. WADE BURDEN^; SPRINGFIELD, ilO. A well kept lawn is "a thing of beauty and joy forever ;" though winter may conceal it with his kindly mantle, yet spring- will again reveal its beauties. And it is within the reach of all in this favored clime, where nature provides such bountiful supply of sod, and where vegetation is so rapid that we have only to stir the soil, scatter the seed and soon the tender blade will appear. Even where the grass must be planted singly by the root, as in some parts of Texas, it spreads so quickly the ground is soon ct)vered, and the once barren spot made beautiful and attractive. Downing recommends a thorough breaking up of the soil to the depth of two feet, for large or small lawn surfaces, but with the help of those modern aids to lawn culture, the hose and lawn-mower, we may have a lawn with any ordinary soil. Common red clay, with a top- dressing of coarse manure jjrepared in the fall, and well worked in the spring makes a good bed. Have your ground in good shape, perfectly smooth and free from stones, then sow your seed with a lavish hand or lay your sod, and a few bright days will bring the desired result. After your lawn is firmly established, keep it in order by frequent mowing ; if the use of lawn mowers by ladies could be made as jDopular as croquet or lawn tennis this would follow ; or. if premiums were offered for the finest lawn, would it not stimulate ambition and be attended with good results ? The most humble home may be made doubly attractive by a lawn of emerald green borders, and beds of ever-blooming flowers ; vines creeping lovingly over the walls add beauty to the scene, and all this may be had in a single summer. We do not have to wait for years to see the result of our labors, but by judicious planting have continued bloom and verdure. A good place for the flower garden is between the lawn and 176 Missouri State Horticultural Society. vegetable garden, the walks may be continued through the latter and bordered by shrubs or flowers. The beds should be nearly level, slightly lower in the center that the sides may not be washed away as many varieties produce volunteer seedlings. An old verbena bed if left undisturbed in t-he spring until the plants have time to appear, will furnish an abundance, often new and distinct varieties. Greranium seed, after lying in the ground all winter, will germinate in the spring. Sweet Alyssum, Mignonette, Candy Tufl, Feverfew Pansies and many other sorts produce volunteer plants. The great difficulty with beginners is to know what to plant. They frequently attemj^t too much. A bed of choice plants with careful culture will give more satisfaction than a garden full of neglected ones. Nearly all the annuals grow readily from seed, while geranium cuttings may be set in the open border and they will hardly stop blooming, but continue to grow, until like Mr. Phinney's turnip they can't grow any longer and they may be dis- posed of in the same way, put in the cellar; if tliey are hung up by the roots they will grow again by planting very early in the sprmg. Heliotropes and many other plants and shrubs grow from cuttings. Many persons seem to think that only a favored few can be successful in raising flowers. Tliey approach you with a never- nursed-a-wild-gazelle expression of countenance, and beg to know what yon do to your flowers to make them groAV, while everything they put in the ground is sure to die. Perhaps they do too much; a judicious letting alone is beneficial, sometimes. Lilies are easy to cultivate and are suitable for lawn or garden. Some varieties are very beautiful. Lilium Caudidum or common garden lily is greatly prized both for beauty and fragrance. Its pure white flowers are very effective in floral designs. Of course we must have roses ; a bed of the everblooming, with their lovely tints and subtle odors ; a hedge of Hybrid perpetual ; with their gay coloring or siiigle specimens dotting the lawn ; these are all very beautiful, but we must not forget the beautiful June roses, but have them for the sake of " Auld Lang Syne." They are among the sweetest recollections of our childhood. The sweet brier under the window sill, Which the early birds made glad, And the damask rose by the garden fence Were all the flowers we had. I've looked on many flowers since then ; Exotics rich and rare, Annual Meeting at St. Joseph, 177 Tliat in other eyes were lovelier. But not in mine so fair. But those roses bright , oh those roses bright, I have twined them vvitli my sister's locks, That are hid in dust from sight. xMETHOD IN THE ORNAMENTAL PLANTING OF SMALL PLAGES. BY K. E. BAILEY, FULTON, MO. Let US first look at a few real places that may be^seen in this vicinity. Perhaps we will see more to condemn than to approve, but we will at least see that almost every man makes some essay at ornamental planting ; and a knowledge of the mistakes of others fnay keep us from similar mistakes. Professor A, a teacher in a western college, has a small yard in town, eight or ten feet wide and thirty or forty feet long, in which he planted, some fifteen years ago, four soft maples. His soil was very fertile and the result may be imagined. The trees now tower far above his two- story dwelling, sliutting out the air and sunshine. His wife and one of his children have since died of consumption. Who knows but that the exclusion of the health-giving sunlight may have been one factor in^this sad result. Mr. B. has a front yard of about thirty by forty feet, in which he has planted a dozen or more of these same soft maples, besides an elm or two and a few evergreens. For the first few years the effect was not bad, but now as the trees have grown large they begin to crowd the place, and in a few more years his jAace will be as badly shut in as Prof. A.'s If these two men had planted evergeens instead of deciduous trees the result would have been worse yet. The evergreens would have excluded the sunlight in winter when its admission is most desirable. From these and many similar cases to be found in every part of the country we may draw this caution : do not plant a small place with an over-abandance of large growing kinds of trees. Look forward to the future effect, and limit the size and number of trees to accord with the size of the place planted. Too thick planting could be partially remedied by cutting out some of the surplus trees ; but I iiave found few men with nerve enough to destroy a 178 Missouri State Horticultural Society. tree for which they had cared until it became large and spreading. When such a course is suggested they seem almost as much shocked as if you had said : " Your family of children is more numerous than you can properly feed, clothe and educate ; kill off a few of the least promising ones. In a few years those left will by their increased thrift more than fill the places of those you put out of the way," Mr, C has a place very different from those already mentioned. It is generally admired. It covers about three fourths of an acre in a nearly square form, with a large two-story white house in the center of the rear boundary, A large, straight, gravel walk bisects the place from front to rear, lined on either side by a row of our native red cedars. On each side of the lot, to the right and left, are long lines of well-formed cedar hedges some three feet high by one foot wide on top, and eighteen inches at the bottom. A small plot in front of the house is divided from the remain- der by a low lattice fence of common lath. In this plot the good wife has her flower-beds. The larger j)lace has a fine blue grass sod, over which are scattered a few specimens of Scotch, Austrian and White pines. The only deciduous trees are a fine beheaded black locust. The most conspicuous feature of the place is a num- ber of red cedars sheared into fantastic forms, columns, pyramids, globes, cubes, houses surmounted by roosters, peacocks and other such forms. Such evidences of care and skill attract attention, and even admiration from many persons, but are in doubtful taste, to say the least. As the cedars in front grew large and hid the view from the front windows, their lower branches were cut away, till now they have naked trunks fifteen o]»- twenty feet high. Such trees are pronounced ugly by almost every writer on landscape gardening. The same amount of labor would have produced a better result by a greater admixture of deciduous trees, say a speci- men or two of elm, Wier's cut-leaved maple and the catalpa. Mr. D. marked off his place a few years since by serpentine walks, alongside of which he planted small Scotch and Austrian pines, and American arbor vitae. It looked well enough at first, but now the trees are hiding the walks, and if not removed they will soon hide the house. Hence I would like to ask my horti- cultural brethren of longer and wider experience than myself, if any of them have found a small evergreen, hardy enough to stand our torrid summers, frigid winters and protracted droughts? The Irish Juniper and the dwarf arbor vitae stand but few years at best. Amiual Meeting at St. Joseph. 179 Another illustration of how not to do it, is furnished by a thrifty German, of Fulton, who, in the lack of abetter place, spaded ^x\) his front yard and planted peas, cabbage, onions and other such ornamental plants. He, like our friend of the sculp- tured cedars, succeeded m drawing the public gaze. Perhaps it was the best he could do. Better use your front yard to grow fruits and vegetables than do without them, or go in debt to buy them. Indeed the Crabs, the Wild Goose plum, and even the Red June or the Ben. Davis apple are as ornamental as many trees that bear no fruit. Even our German friend was not wholly given up to utilitarianism. He had a few flowers along his walks. It would be worse than useless to try to give specific directions for ornamental planting. Each must plant according to the special conditions of ground, his climate, his means and his taste. Of course this is not written for those who can consult an expert land- scape gardener. Young planters sometimes, in their enthusiasm to decorate their grounds, attempt too much. They divide their plot into many shaped beds and thus destroy the breadth of effect given by a simpler plan. Secure a fine grassy lawn as the basis or foundation for all future advancement. A few fine trees, shrubs and beds of flowers set in such a lawn will make any place beautiful. OENAMENTAL. BY Z. S. RAGAIST, OF INDEPEXBENCE, MO. It having fallen to my lot to be placed on the committee of Ornamentals, and inasmuch as Mrs. Dr. A. Goslin has led off with a very spicy and beautiful essay on Home Adornments, followed by the Hon. C. AV. Murtfeldt with a valuable production on Orna- mental Tree Planting, it will devolve upon me to touch upon some of the aesthetic. Still, horticulturally speaking, this subject is one not confined to narrow limits, but volumes may be said and written without exhausting the merits of the subject. If I may be indulged I will touch upon landscape gardening in rather an extended way, by calling attention to ornamentation of public grounds, parks, boulevards and highways. A taste for 180 Missouri State Horticultural Society. rural improvements and beautifying our land is attracting increased attention and must claim a due share of encouragement from our horticultural societies. The labors of such societies should not be confined to the cultivation of the finer fruits, flowers and trees. and adornment of city and country homes, but the ornamenting should extend to public institutions and wide-spread neighbor- hoods, including state and court houses, colleges and public school grounds, boulevards and public highways, parks, landscape gar- dening, cemeteries, &c. Our most valuable American work on Landscape Gardening has been produced by the much lamented A, J. Downing, Esq.. who thirty-five years ago furnished us the fourth edition, and since his death we are indebted to Henry Winthrop Sargent, Esq., for the ninth edition of that invaluable work. Thus the fine art in horticulture is being advanced Avith the refinements of the age in which we live. To Mr. Downing belongs the honor of laying out the Smith- sonian and public grounds at "Washington City. " The Central Park. Xew York City, being the most impor- tant of the kind that has been undertaken in America," had its origin through the advocacy of the ''horticulturist" urging its necessity and setting forth its advantages. Since itsestablishment. it has grown in favor and importance commensurate with the growth and is the pride of the city and nation. Many of our other cities have finely ornamented public and private grounds that will vie with the example mentioned, but we must be excused from attempting any description. It is all important in any undertaking to commence aright. The planning and laying out parks, pleasure grounds, cemeteries, etc., should be the work of a scientific, practical landscape gardener, not merely the work of a civil engineer, but must combine sylvan, graceful, or picturesque abstract of natural beauty. The grounds of our state and court houses as well as colleges and jDublic schools should be artistically laid out and set with suitable shade trees, shrubs and flowers. This will have much to do in the education of our people by the way of example. Public or common schools are receiving attention in this way in some of the states and others should emulate their example. Through the influence of the Michigan State Horticultural Society, many of the grounds around the common schools have been ornamented with appropriate shade trees, and the teachers co-operating and ( with the aid of scholars,) have contributed much Annual Meetitig at St. Jot-epli. 181 to the attractiveness by the addition of well arranged programmes of flower beds carefully cared for and cultivated, thereby incul- cating in the pupils a taste for rural ornamentation. The secretary's report contains many flattering reports of the success in this direction made by the teachers. Our boulevards and public roads should not be overlooked. A row of our best native shade trees planted and cared for along each side, would not only add much to the beauty of the country, but in time afl:ord a refreshing shade during the heated season of the year. About forty years ago the city council of Terre Haute, Indiana, passed an ordinance requiring the owners to plant and grow shade trees on the streets in front of their lots. Since that time it has grown to be a large and beautiful city, and as one result of that ordinance has attained uniformity in well shaded streets seldom met with. I chanced to stop in that city a short time since, and through the politeness of a friend had a pleasant drive through some of the principal streets and was informed that on one of these streets there was a continuous drive of fourteen miles in length all arched over by shade trees. Other instances might be enumerated where Judicious arrangement or symmetry has lent a charm and given notoriety to the locality. For example, a certain street in Berlin has been shaded exclusively by Lynn trees. The fact has been significant in suggesting the popular name, " The Linden," or as described by travelers " Unter den Linden.'^ Here let me say, that our native Linden together with the Elm, Ash and Sugar or Rock Maple comprise some of our most desirable shade trees for streets and public highways. They need little or no trimming, are thrifty and hardy, not liable to split or easily blown down by storm. For examples of the more refined scenic art, we no longer look to European countries where the embellishments are confined to the nobility. Scientific men of America have improved upon their examples and are furnishing living examples, unsur- passed in the picturesque and sylvan beauty, and calculated to excite the wonder and admiration of the world. The older states of course have availed themselves of all the scenic advance of the art. As yet, in this state, we have to regret (with few exceptions) that with the many costly edifices both in country and city, which has called into requisition the talent of the most skilled architects, that the towns and surrounding grounds have failed to be made to correspond. Every town and city of any claim to importance 182 Missouri State Horticultural Society. should have its drives or boulevards in connection with public parks, landscape gardens, cemeteries, &c. It will be remembered that in my annual address to this society in 1881 at Columbia, we suggested artistic ornamentation of the campus around the University as a suitable place for an example of this art. Since writing the foregoing, our secretary handed me a book on the subject of landscape gardening which I consider of great importance in more ways than one. It exemplifies and treats in a scholarly and scientific way of the subject hinted at in this paper. It supplies the place of a long needed work on this subject. It should be in every family and school. Mr. Downing's work on landscape gardening, costing six dollars and fifty cents, is too costly for the million ; but this work of one hundred and forty pages comes within the reach of all. It contains much in small space. This work is by that eminent scholar and practical landscape gardener. Prof. M. G. Kern, a cotemporary and co-worker with several of the most gifted men of the age in this art, in connection with " The creation of the principal ornamental grounds of our country." His field of operation has been in the west, and the leading public parks in the metropolis of our state owe their artistic development mainly to his intelligent labors. We are pleased to learn that Mr. Kern has undertaken to lay off and ornament the grounds of the State University and know from what we have seen of his skill in the art that when finished it will be an example of which every citizen in the state may be proud. The vast improve- ments and increased wealth, with the growing interest in horticulture throughout the state, must call into requisition the best talent to suggest practical methods of improving and beauti- fying our homes. The reason the outward adorning falls behind the architectural, is that the architect is employed to build the house, but we seldom think it necessary to employ, or even consult the landscape gardener. Animal Meeting at St. Joseph. 183 OENAMENTALS FOR PLANTING. BY CHAKLES W. MURTFELDT, OF KIEKSVILLE, MO, "Make the home beautiful, bring to it flowers ; Plant them around you to bud and to bloom ; Let them give light to your loneliest hours — Let them bring light to enliven your gloom ; If you can do so, O, make it an Eden, Of beauty and gladness almost divine ; ' Twill teach you to long for that home you are needing The earth robed in beauty beyond this dark clime." The love of the beautiful has been implanted by a beneficent Creator, in every human breast. It finds expression in the admir- ation of all that is lovely and charming in natui-e and art, and it prompts men, and especially ladies, to the adorning of their per- sons and their natural surroundings. The aboriginal of America and the savage of Africa, form no exception to the general rule ; but the higher the civilization, the more refined and cultivated the taste, the greater is the longing, not only to adorn the person and surroundings, but to gratify the desire of beholding all that is grand, beautiful, picturesque and delightful in nature and art. The wisest and best of men have written about the love of the beautiful ; poets have immortalized its praises in verse ; the lecture platform has depicted it in encomiums and language both chaste and eloquent, to enraptured multitudes ! The love of the beautiful has caused men to travel thousands of miles, to endure privation, fatigue and hardship, yea, even to risk health and life itself, that their longings to gaze from some lofty mountain peak, if but for an hour or two, upon the exquisite beauty of a panorama spread out at their feet, upon a real picture painted in indescribable colors by God Himself, may be gratified. Thousands upon thousands have braved the storms and dis- comforts of the broad Atlantic ; the trials and terrors of aEuroj)ean feather-bed, and the mysteries of the French kitchen, in order to behold the never-to-be-forgotten colors of the waters of the Rhine, its terraced and vineclad hills, the magnificent ruins of ancient feudal castles, and the modern, surpassing and impregnable fortress of Ehrenbreitenstein. Thev will climb the dangerful heights of Mont Blanc or of the Matterhornto revel in the grandeur of a sun-rise among the glaciers of the Alps. 184 Missouri State Horticultural Society. Or, perha2)s they will take the direction of the north jDole to behold the rainbow tints and j^yrotechnics of a northern aurora iorealis, or to stand upon some promontory on the longest day in the year and wonder that there could be anywhere on God's foot- stool, a day without a night, a day on which the sun did not set ? And in our own beloved land : The waters, the palisades, and the highlands of the charming and fascinating Hudson ; the pic- turesque bluffs of the upj^er Mississippi, the canons of Colorado and Montana, the weird caves, cascades and canons of the Yose- mite have held other thousands spell bound, while millions annually visit the Falls of Niagara and uevery weary of gazing upon its grand, ever-changing and awe-inspiring panorama. It was asserted just now that a high civilization will show love for the beautiful, not only in the adorning of a person and in beholding and admiring the wonders of nature, but will work itself out in beautifying to every possible extent the home and its sur- roundings. The nomad, the wild hunter and fisherman, with few exceptions, are all lovers of natural beauty, but few of these ever make a true home in a civilized community? In cities we cannot look for much of natural beauty, there everything trlMy beautiful, the architectural beauty of the palaces of the wealthy, like that of the churches and cathedrals with their frescoed pictures and paint- ings, their heavenward pointing sjoires and steeples, also the public resorts and parks, are all the result of art and design ; even the cities of the dead are made beautiful, attractive by the landscape gardener's art and cunning. And it is well that even much money is thus expended for the benefit of the general public, for the cul- tivation of taste and refinement, and with it the morals of the people ; because all have free access to the parks, the churches and the cemeteries, to the latter if not while living, then when dead ! Our houses of worship are made more attractive by the presence of floral beauties and living plants which surround the sacred desk. And why not? Was it not in a garden, even Eden, that man first worshiped, when he first beheld the works of creation, which, when their Maker saw he called good ? Is there not a responsive chord in the breast of every true man and woman drawing us to look from nature up to nature's God ? Is there not superhuman design and an incomparable beauty in all nature while yet untouched or unimproved (?) by human hands or skill? The lilies of the field and the cedars of Lebanon were planted by our Creator for a good and wise purpose, even to show unto us the goodness of tlie Lord? Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 185 Perhaps some of the friends present (I hope none or not many) may not rehsh moralizing ; they desire only practical thoughts from the essayist to whom has been assigned the subject of ornamental planting. Ornamental planting is practical poetry, and what has been said is a ver}'^ natural avenue thereto. The most of the citizens of Missouri have passed the first and second stages of new settlements, in which it is claimed, though not always truthfully, that first efforts should be directed to ob- taining from the soil the substantials for subsistence. This is correct only in part. In looking for a site for the new dwelling on the new eighty or quarter section, the owner very naturally takes into consideration the physical condition or lay of the land, the presence or absence of timber or water from spring or running brook or stream, the elevation or undulation of the soil, and aims to make these natural conditions subservient to the ultimate beauty of the completed and perfected home. No man of common sense would ever try to make a home in a swamp ; there no home, could be beautiful, and malarial diseases would be his portion forever. If the choice lies between a swamp and plenty of convenient water and a high and dry knoll or plateau, where water would have to be supplied by artificial and costly means, he will not hesitate to choose the latter. Suppose the place selected for a home should be a portion of a high and rolling prairie, void of all timber ; what's to be done ? Anywhere in Missouri or Kansas, the first acre of soil broken by the plow can be made to produce with the useful also the orna- mental. It could be planted to potatoes and other vegetables in such a manner that peach pits should be sown in every third or fourth row to the extent of a bushel or more, and beyond these, to the extent of half an acre at least, soft or silver-leaved maple should be planted. In most instances this might be done and not interfere much with the cultivation of vegetables on the same ground. These young maj^les and peach trees, for a purpose here shall be designated as nurse-trees. They are fast growers and will soon protect the evergreens and deciduous trees which are to be planted for permanency, while but few of the seedling peaches and maples are to be thus retained. Having established permanent roadways to the dwelling and out-houses, I would plant on the now cultivated soil, evergreens in large numbers, especially the Scotch and Austrian pines ; the white pine also does well in most localities, while the spruces can be made most dense, the silvery sheen of most varieties forming a pleasing contrast with the dark green 186 Missouri State Horticultural Society. foliage of the pines. Tiie hemlock is a most graceful tree, and with me does well. The European larch, although strictly speak- ing, not an evergreen, should find a place m every collection of ornamentals ; its upright and conical form is most pleasing and in striking contrast with most other trees, and so also is the foliage. Arbor Vitas should be found in every collection, and the Irish and trailing junipers add both beauty and variety to any lawn or bit of grass near the dwelling. All of these may be obtained at less price from well established nurseries than they can be grown. The most of these may be planted amongst the yonng peach and maple trees, with a view to remove them in the course of three or four years. They make the most ornamental as well as most effective wind break, and should be so planted as to protect the dwelling. Their greatest beauty is made most conspicuous when planted in groups or clumps. In all ornamental planting — strictly speaking — there should be a well defined design or plan, more or less elaborate, according to means and advantages of the owner ; without this for a starting point, most precious and irrecoverable time will be squandered, and also some money. I shall not in this paper make any attempt to give instruction in landscape gardening, for the very good reason of want of ability. I am conscious that the best I am able to do will be fragmentary. If I can say a word, however, which will in any way improve the home of even the humblest free-hold of a few acres, I shall be well repaid for this effort. We all understand that next to pro- tection in winter, shade is desirable in the hot summer months ; and in ornamental planting we should bear this in mind. For a new home we need the most rapid growing trees — already brought to view — with a view to their removal after more desirable varieties have become well established, and to these latter we must from the start give also the best locations with a view to permanency. But while shade is. desirable and grateful, sunshine in and around a dwelling is an absolute necessity if the dwellers within would enjoy good and permanent health. Little by little, as the want becomes apparent, we can add to our ornamentals ; m some instances a shrub or vine w^ould add grace and beauty, while in others only a tall and wide branching- tree would fill the space satisfactorily. Some of these can be selected from indigenous varieties — nursery grown always prefer- able — such as the elms in variety, and the ash and hard maple, the catalpa, tulip and coffee tree, the European linden and Scotch Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 187 maple. All of these have beautiful foliage in spring and summer, while others are in the greatest glory in autumn. The most beau- tiful tree I ever set eyes on is the weeping cut-leaved birch, which stands near the office in the grounds of Ellwanger & Barry, Ro- chester, N. Y. There are other varieties of birch whose pale green foliage and silver white trunks are really ornamental, especially when brought into contrast with the dark foliage of the evergreens or hard maples. But in our selections and plantings we must have reference to the natural habits of the trees. Some are very up- right, the branches hugging the trunk, an example of' which may be found in the Lombardy poplar — not desirable by the way except for a landmark and near or on the highway — others like the maples and evergreens naturally assume the conical form, wtiile still others are spready, with more or less drooping branches, like the elms, the larch and the hemlock ; these last should be allowed a good deal of space. Yet, notwithstanding these natural tendencies, most trees can be trained at pleasure in their general outline, but it needs good judgment and persistence to do so effectively. The subject of planting ornamentals cannot be dismissed without some reference to blooming shrubs and flowers, because their varied forms and colors are full of charm and beauty. Among the shrubs I will mention first, because of its earliness, the pyrus japonica — by some called the burning bush — deutzia, crenata and deutzia gracilis ; the althea, the snow ball, the lilac, both the Persian and European, the blue, the purple, and the white, the white fringe, etc., though the flowers of but few of these are desir- able for bouquets. The Japan quinces and annual roses will also make a nice bit of hedge to hide some iiidispensable but otherwise ill looking feature, of farm or village lot. The trumpet creeper, the passion vine and the Virginia creeper are desirable for like purposes. Speaking of roses, there are two climbing varieties well adapted to be trained so as to intertwine ; namely, the Queen of the Prairie and the Baltimore Belle. The last named grows its bloom in thick clusters, is a great bearer, and is fragrant, while the bloom of the Queen has no odor. An eastern exposure suits them best, because a full southern exposure with the resulting reflection from a building, is too hot, and will make the bloom too transient. And who among all the sons of men does not admire and love flowers ? 188 Missou7'i State Horticultural Society. " Flowers are the sylvan syllables In colors like the bow ; And wise is he who wisely spells The blossomed words, where beauty dwells In purple, gold and snow." Such an one is to be pitied^ for, like the man that has no music in his soul, he too is fit for treason, stratagemi and spoils. There is no place so humble or so small but its beauty can be enhanced by flowers. And flowers can be had for a song, or cheaper. A few dimes invested in annuals will make a garden bright for all the season. Verbenas in variety, flox drummundi, zenias, fever few, bachelor's buttons, ladies' slippers, nasturtions, etc., should be found in every such collection, and will repay in beauty an hundredfold their cost. But for any wishing to plant more elaborately, the following are named as giving a desirable succession of bloom : A bed of bulbs embracing crocus, snow-di'ops, narcissus, tulips, lily of the valley and hyacinths. With these may be planted, on the borders of the bed, grass pinks and ladies' slippers, aiid in the center, verbenas of various colors. For roses in variety, especially perpetuals and hybrids, a separate and exclusive bed should be prepared. The soil must be made very rich, because most roses have but poor and few roots, and feed must be abundant ; powdered charcoal, ashes and liquid manure, should be supj)lied throughout the season. The foundation of a good soil for flowers are pure humus or decayed vegetation, sand and cow manure. I know of no flowers that will not thrive in such a soil. Knowing that a paper will T3e offered on the planting of orna- mentals on small places, I will not go further in the detail of the how and wherefore of ornamental planting, and will conclude this fragmentary effort by another verse of George W. Bungay : " Oh, sacred is the use of these Sweet gifts to mortals given ; Their colors charm, their beauties please. And every better sense they seize. And bear our thoughts to Heaven." Z. S. Ragan : — Likes the trailing jumper. This subject should be taken up by our state society in a more especial way. Our public grounds should be ornamented in no very elaborate way, but in a good substantial way. Central Park was started by our horti- culturists, and in the west we should begin this work, for we are to Annual Meeting at St. Josepli. 189 growing very fast as a city. All cities should have a good well hiid out park. In Illiuois we find the state society has induced the schools to plant their yards with ornamental trees. Roads should also be well shaded and we should induce every one to plant the road sides with shade trees. C. W. Miirtfeldt : — Of the three most prominent men in landscape gardening, M. G-. Kern, of Columbia, is one of the best in the country, A letter was read from J. S. Eollins concerning Mr. Kern and his book on " Rural Taste,'" and a nnmber of copies of the book sent for distribution. Columbia, Booxe County, Mo., Dec. 8, 1884. Messrs. A. W. St. John, Vice-President, and L. A. Goodman, Secretary, Missouri State Horticultural Society. Gentlemen : — I send you this day, by express, twenty-five copies of an admirable pamphlet written by Mr. M. G. Kern on •' Rural Taste in Western Town and Country Districts." Mr. Kern, on account of his engagements here, will not be able to be present at your meeting, which he regrets, and his most excellent book must answer in his stead. You will please see that the copies sent are distributed among the leading members of the society and with a request, after they have examined it carefully, that each one of them will address to me a letter expressing freely their opinions of the merits of the work. It has been very highly commended by gentlemen of taste, and culture in such matters, and among these by Mr. Thos. Mehan. Ed. Gardner's Monthly and Robert Douglass, of the Waukegan Nurseries, Waukegan, Illinois. Hoping that you may have a pleasant and profitable meeting, and knowing that there is no subject connected with progressive horticulture deserving of more encouragement than the beautifying of our homes, cemeteries, and our public school grounds, I hope the subject will be thoroughly discussed by the society at its present meeting, and in their published proceedings a free expression will be given as to the real merits of the subject. I am very respect- fully Your Obedient Servant, JAMES S. ROLLINS, Pres. Board of Curators of University of the State of Mo. A letter was also read from the President, S. M. Tracy, on the work at New Orleans. 190 Missouri State Horticultural Society: Xew Orleaxs, La., Dec. oth, 1884. L. A. Goodman, Secretary Mo. State Horticultural Society. Deae Sir : — Your call for matter suitable to the meeting of our State Society, and to my own official relation with the society, recalls me to a sense of my duties in my own state — duties which I had almost lost sight of in the whirl and rush of the big Exposi- tion. I can only crave the indulgence of the officers and members of our organization, asking you to be equally kind with the Uni- versity Board in granting me ''leave of absence." The work here has so grown upon our hands that what seemed a considerable undertaking last spring has now assumed colossal^ proportions, and working early and late accomplishes only enough to heighten by contrast the importance of the things that remain undone. As soon as the carpenters leave a building the grounds about it are in our hands ; but the carpenters linger like snow in the val- leys, and we grow as impatient of their delays as we do of the slow coming spring-time of the north. It is difficult to fancy your sitting in solemn conclave with win- ter at your doors, when here the air is soft and balmy, the roses are crowded with bloom, the orange trees with their brilliant green leaves and bright yellow fruit, making beautiful pictures on every hand. We have had so far little rain ; not enough to retard appreci- ably the work of planting, which, while it makes haste slowly, is really becoiAing quite a feature of the exposition grounds. Exhibits of all kinds — state and individual — are crowding in, and the sound of axe and hammer is indicative of busy industry inside the various buildings. Since the state exhibits began to assume shape miscellaneous visiting has been prohibited, but some of us who have a way to get in are watching with great interest to see which state at least shall unpack "the big pumpkin." Ex-Gov. Furnas, of Nebraska, has pushed his work with more apparent zeal than any other state commissioner, having the advantage of being early upon the ground, and deserves great commendation for skill and persever- ance. Others are already here, however, and are pushing for- ward their several departments with a will. Maj. F. F. Hilder, state commissioner from Missouri, is here, and hard at work. Our state exhibit promises to do us great credit. The space assigned to Missouri is to be found in the Government building, on Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 191 the south side near the center, between the exhibits of Arkansas and Alabama. . California is making the largest exhibit of trees that has come from any state, having now nearly six hundred varieties on the grounds, including Seqnoi Gigantea, Redwood, Acacias, Eucalipti, Palms ; Avith other less noted kinds of semi-tropical plants. It is a showing to confirm Fiiend Husmann's panegyrics. We received to-day from Mexico seven carloads of plants. Among them. Agaves so large that but three of them could be placed on a fiat car, one of them with a fiower stem fifteen feet high. These plants were accompanied by a large force of Mexican gardeners, who present a very picturesque appearance in their blouses and their p6aked sombrero hats, and their bare feet ; but who are, of all men, most miserable Avhen it rains. The fruit exhibit promises success — a large quantity is now in cold storage, and more, much more, is promised. Mr. Babcock, who is here to arrange the fruit display of Arkansas, has the largest quantity of fruit now on the ground from any one state. Nebraska has one hundred and fifty barrels here now, and from some vspecimens which have been unpacked, we judge that she is in the front rank of fruit growing states. I hope that Missouri will do herself justice in the fruit show — she can help her reputation immensely by doing her best just now. Electric lights are now being put in position in all the buildings, so that work can be done by night as well as by day ; thus practically doubling the available time before the exposition. It will be some time, however, before all is done. Although those who come at the opening will find enough to see, to amply repay the trouble of the journe3^ For information to those who think of making the trip south, I will say that letters regarding places for board should be addressed • to B. T. Walsh, Chief of Bureau of Information, Exposition Office — -who has lists of rooms. Places near the grounds are scarce now, but two new hotels are now going up, and the Great Eastern, which will lie at the Exposition wharf through the winter, will be used as a hotel, and will accommodate three thousand people. Prices in private houses will range from one dollar to three dollars per day ; but good board can be had for two dollars. I hope that the meeting of the Mississippi Valley Horticultural Society in January will be the grand rallying time for our state society. Then will be the grandest display of fruits and all will then be in running order about the grounds and buildings, and the 192 Missouri State Horticultural Society. southern climate will furnish an agreeable cliange from the freezing winter weather. Wishing you a very successful and interesting session in St. Joseph^ and hoping to see most of our members here in January. Yours very truly, S. M. TRACY. After discussion of the president's paper, the society adjourned until Thursday, 9 a.m. * THURSDAY, 9 A. M. Opened by prayer by the chairman. The secretary stated that an-angements had been made to hold our session a little later and complete the programme before adjournment. Dinner will be at l:30»'tit the hotel and it will give ' time to take the trains both noi'th and south. AN ITEM FEOM A*' D. WEBB, OF BOWLING GEEEN, KY. Mr. President, andmemhers of the Missoiiri Horticultural Society. Having been requested by your secretary to furnish an item for this your annual meeting, and feeling it my duty to comply to the best of my ability with every request made of me in the interest of horticulture, on this occasion, I don't know what better I can do than to briefly refer to Missouri horticulture thirty and forty years ago, and compare the same with the present. It was my privilege to become a citizen of your state in 1842, where I remained in full fellowship until 1852. ten years. Then circumstances rendered it necessary for me to return to my native state, Kentucky. During my ten years residence I traveled over a considerable portion of the state south of the Missouri river, my headquarters for seven years being at Independence. Prom my earliest recollection I was a dear lover of fruit, and a close observer of the same, and my taste has not yet departed. The horticulture of Missouri at this time was in its infancy. Apple orchards were like small potatoes and angels' visits. Those who were fortunate in having a small orchard, barely had enough fruit for home consumption during the winter. In the vicinity of Independence there were a few orchards that yielded a small surplus that partially supplied that market. Any great surplus would have resulted in a loss to the producers, there being no means of transjjortation to the larger markets during the winter. Annual Meeting at St. Josejjh. 193 A few peuc'li trees were occasionally seen in the fence corners, composed of common seedlings, and considered very good for that day. Pears, none. Plnms, ditto, except wild. Grapes, except in the woods I only saw at Herman and St. Louis. Raspberries, none. Strawberries were only seen in nature's fields, the prairies, very abundant in some localities, as also the rattle snakes; these reptiles seemed as fond of reveling in a strawberry patch as the boys and girls. . So much for Missouri horticulture at the time referred to. From a drop in the bucket it has increased to a fountain. Missouri stands to-day among the important fruit growing states of the union. All the fruits adapted to your climate are pro- duced in large quantities. Horticulture has become one of the great industries of your great state. Your apples particularly now have a national reputation, and I think deservedly so, as during the past two years I had the pleasure of feasting my eyes on two grand displays of Missouri apples, viz : at New Orleans and Kansas City. May the good work go on. A. D. WEBB, Bowling Green, Kentucky. REPORT ON FRUITS. L. A. Goodman, Sec. Mo. State Horticultural Society : It is with a great deal of Jiesitation that I undertake to write a paper on horticulture, because I know that my knowledge is too limited to make it what I would like for it to be. My laud is what is called timber land and is well elevated. The soil is a heavy leaf-mould, underlain with a clay subsoil. In 1878 I commenced to clear the land which was to make my future home, and in one year after the first trees were planted. This year I had the pleasure to find the first specimens of fruit, and by another year will have enough to supply my family. In procuring trees, I always went to some nursery and selected my trees, and set them out at once. By doing that I always had the satisfaction of knowing how long they had been out of ground. My experience is that good one-year-old trees are the best to set out. I have tried both fall and spring planting, but could never see any difference, if the planting was well done. I am now en- 194 Missouri State Horticultural Society. gaged in setting out a new orchard in connection with our Lionberger & Gutmann nurseries. I plowed the ground well and deep in the fall, then gave it a thorough harrowing. After that I have crossed it olf by making a straight furrow for every row of trees. I then took a two-horse turning plow and deepened these furrows as much as possible, after which a tree was planted in every cross. I found that there was but little trouble in making the holes, and I like this way of planting better than any other. I am now planting Ben. Davis, Rome Beauty, Huntsman's Favorite, Jona- than and Winesap for commercial purposes. Besides these, I will have a collection of not less than seventy varieties. Were it not for our nursery, of course, I would make quite a different selection. I do not expect to ever plant any more Jennetings, unless to replace trees that should happen to die ; for 1 do not consider them a good market apple. At the same time I believe, that by thorough cultivation and by careful thinning of the fruit. Jennetings could be raised of a larger size and good color. For private use, however, I coiisider them second to none, not even in the state that they are generally found. I keep out rabbits by wrapping the trees ; l;)ut consider the borer my worst enemy. My experience is, that thorough cultivation is by far the best thing to keep them out. This, in connection with the application of some good wash a few times in May and June, I think is the best remedy yet. Where I cannot give the cultivation desired, I expect to mulch heavy and to wrap the trees with coarse paper. I think that mulching is of great importance to fruit trees, at the same time I have found out to my sorrow, that young trees could be injured by a careless ap- plication of coarse manure ; at least, such is my experience. Last spring I employed a man to haul out some manure and put it around some young trees that had just been planted. He left the manure in a pile around the trees which injured the bark to such an extent that two of them died, and I would have lost more had I not found it out in time. The mulch should be well spread over the ground as far as the roots extend. Pruning : — This I consider of great importance in the culture of trees. While I believe in pruning more or less every year, un- til the tree is about full grown, I admit that many trees are -ruined by too much pruning, but this, in my opinion, goes to show that no one is capable of managing trees successfully without knowing- well how to prune, loliat to prune and when to prune. And, to use the language of P. Barry, ''this knowledge can only be acquired Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 195 by a careful study of the structure of trees, because the pruuiug applied to trees must (aside from the geueral princij^les., ou which all pruning depends) be adapted to its particular habits of growth and mode of bearing its fruit. * * * The idea that our bright American sun and clear atmosphere render pruning an almost un- necessary operation, has not only been inculcated by horticultural writers, but has been acted upon in practice to such an extent that more than three-fourths of all the bearing fruit trees in the country are at this moment either lean, misshaped skeletons, or the heads are perfect masses of wood unable to yield more than one bushel in ten of fruit well matured, colored and ripened/^ I prefer to train standard trees in the shape of a pyramid with a central stem. I generally select yearling trees to plant without branches. These I cut back a little to a good sound bud. During the summer I see that the shoots from the bud cut to, takes the lead, by pinching the others, if they seem to outgrow their leader. I go over my orchard a few times during the summer for that pur- pose. The next season I cut the leader back far enough to insure the growth of every bud, as near as possible. Some say not to shorten the leader, but / sai/ do. If your leader has made a fine growth and is not cut back the next season, the consequence is that only a few buds next to the terminal bud will push, while the rest will only produce rosettes of leaves ; you will get blanks that can never be filled up again. The sap always acts with greater force at the extremities of the shoots, which is as true as preaching. As I said before, I always cut back the leader and that to a good, sound bud opposite the bud pruned to tlie j^re- vious season. If the branches had been pinched enough they soldom need pruning, except to remove all that are badly situated, for they should not be nearer than eight or ten inches to each other, but this I attend to during the summer by rubbing off the buds that are likely to produce such branches. The summer following I do as before, see that the bud pruned to, produces a new leader, by pinching back other branches that would be likely to outgrow it. If this is kept up a few years you can have nice trees, without using the knife but very little. I know some will say that that is too much trouble. But of such I would ask, what they could accomplish without trouble. If a man goes to work in the morning with the calculation to do a day's work, he can attend to a large orchard in a very short time. To be sure you cannot always get yearling trees to commence with. But every tree can be managed 196 Miiisnuri State Horticultural Soridy. TREASURER'S REPORT. RECEIPTS : Balance on hand, Dec. 1888 $ 598 00 Received from Slate 1,250 00 Total : $1,848 00 EXPENDITURES : Warrant, No. 26. Mississippi Valley meeting | 41 90 "27. Expense on report, 1883 103 95 " " 28. Postage on reports and letters 114 76 " " 39. Premiums for June meeting. Printing letter heads and envelopes 126 05 " " 30. Express, papers, fruit collection 158 55 • " " 31. Secretary's salary 500 00 " •' 8. Printing state report 642 80 " " 6. Paid expense and Hale Bros 85 00 Total $1,773 00 Leaving balance in treasury $ 75 00 J. C. EVANS, Treas. Approved by finance committee. F. HOLSINGER, D. S. HOLMAN, W. G. GANG. REPOET OF FEUIT COMMITTEE. To the President and Members of the State Horticultural Society of -Missouri : Your committee on fruits on exhibition, having performed their duty to the best of their ability, beg leave to submit the fol- lowing report : We find upon the table a very creditable exhibit of apples, composed of most of our old and standard varieties, as well as some of the newer and untried, or only partially tried. The entries for premiums consist of fift}^ varieties and one hundred and twelve plates. We also find on exhibition a large number of varieties and j)]ates of very fine specimens not entered that are well worthy of special mention. We find upon exhibition three seedlings well worthy of being more extensively tried. The following premiums were awarded : Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 225 Best Seedling — Mr. Kirschbaum. Ben. Davis — Dan. Carpenter. Huntsman — L. A. Goodman. Willow Twig — Karl Werdman. Clayton — Z. S. Kagan. Jersey Black — Z. S. Kagan. Standard — Z. S. Eagan. Wagner — W. Hofely. York Imperial — F. Holsinger. Lansingbury — J. A. Bayles. TulpalK)ckny— W. Hofely. Baldwin — James Gambell. Rome Beauty — Rod Weidman. Milam — S. N. Cox. Mo., Pippin — J. N". Bayles. White Pippin — J. Kirschgi-aber. Stark — Segessemunn. Wine Sap — L. A. Goodman. Geniton — W. G. Gano. Ladies Sweetny — N. G. Gano. Grimes' Golden — Z. S. Ragan. Domine — N. F. Murry. Pennock — P. Jackson. Pryor's Red — J. A. Durkes. Border Ruffian — J. W. Menifee. Lady Apple — W. G. Gano. Gilpin — J. Kirschberger. A number of varieties were rejected being considered un- worthy of premiums. We also find a few plates of Niagara grapes in a good state of preservation by Powell Jackson ; also some fine specimens of evaporated apples. We find a collection of twenty-one varieties of potatoes ex- hibited by Mr. J. W. Menifee, of Holt county, all of which are very fine and promising. One variety by W. G. Gano, Tracy, XXX, very fine, and a sample of Peach Blow by W. Hofely, which is very fine. Although not exactly the province of this committee, we can not close our report without mentioning the beautiful floral tributes presented by Hans Neilsbn, of St. Joseph, H. Michel, of St. Louis, and R. S. Brown, of Kansas City. They were artisti- 226 ' Missouri State Horticultural Soviet y. cally arranged, exquisite in fragrance and added largely to the appearance of the room and to the enjoyment of all attending onr meeting. All of which is most respectfully submitted. J. P. RiCKARD, g. f. espenlaub, Chas. Patterson, Committee. Invitation of the society to meet at Butler by H. B. Francis. Moved that we meet at Butler. Carried. The division of the State into districts and the appointment of the committees is referred to the Executive committee. By motion of Mr. Gano, C. W. Murtfeldt was made an hono- rary member of the state society. Mr. Murtfeldt thanked the society for this honor. Moved that the society thank Mr. Neilson for the decorations in the chapel and the tasteful manner in which they are arranged. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINAL RESOLUTIONS. Resolved, 1st. That the tliaaks of this society are hereby most gratefully tendered the Unity Chapel society for the use of its comfortable and handsomely adorned church during the session. Resolved, 2nc]. We return our thanks to the hotels and rail- roads for reduced rates to the members and to the citizens of St. Joseph for their hospitality for which they are noted. Resolved, 3rd. That the thanks of the Society are tendered our excellent chairman for the courteous and impartial manner in which he has preserved and conducted the business brought before the society. And all cannot refrain from expressing our appreciation of the courteous, excellent, faithful manner in which our noble Secretary has discharged the duties assigned to him. D. Carpenter, Gr. E. Meissner, C. H. Fink, Committee. A7i7iual Meeting at St. Joseph. 227 EEPORT OF HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETIES AND COUNTY EEPORTS. EEPORT OF SECRETARY OF MISSOURI VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Missouri State Horticultural Society : By request of your secretary, I furnish a brief report of the proceedings of the Missouri Valley Horticultural Society for the present year. The meetings of the society, during the winter months, were held at the office of Vineyard & Wilkinson in Kansas City. These meetings were generally well attended and t!ie proceedings of a very interesting character. The award of premiums on apples was kept up during the entire winter, and we can say there was not a single meeting during the present year that apples could not be found on the society's tables. The proceedings of the meetings of the society are published in the daily papers of Kansas City, and are eagerly sought after by all classes of readers. The statements and reports whicii are made at these uiontldy meetings are regarded as a kind of horticultural thermometer, by which the consumer can form some idea of the local fruit production. The executive committee marked out the best programme the present year, (so far as concerns the selection of subjects for essays) the society has ever known. And had each member responded by producing the papers assigned him, we would have had a collection of papers of whicli the society might well feel proud. But, not- withstanding so many failed to come to time, we have quite a coll