306 TEANSACTIONS OF THE 



to the want of it ; neither do I think it, the result of the previous 

 winter. It was, doubtless, atmospheric disturbance at an unfavor- 

 ably late period in spring, or, what has become more destructive still, 

 insect pests : as has been abundantly proven by the experiments of 

 Mr. Hammond and others, who have saved their crops by destroying 

 the insects. 



Mr. Emerson — My Ben Davis were not well colored. What 

 was the reason ? 



Answer (by several members) — Your land was probably too 

 dry, as it is evident they were not shaded. Air, light, and an average 

 condition of moisture, promoted by proper cultivation, are pre- 

 requisites to the color and Havor of fruits. 



Mr. Emerson — What is the best time to gather apples? 



Mr. Hammond — As soon as sufficiently ripe, gather at once. It 

 is a good plan to barrel carefully, and store in a cool shelter with 

 proper ventilation, until it is cool enough to go to cellar. 



Mr. Leeper — I have experimented much in the production aud 

 storing of apples. I am not satisfied as yet with any store-room in 

 use, and shall, during the year, make a new departure in this direc- 

 tion, and hope to be able to make a needed improvement. 



BERRIES. 



Mr. C. B. Rockwell reported on berries as follows : 



The strawberry crop for 1887 was not more than 50 per cent, of 

 the crop of 1886, aud the quality was much inferior. I have been 

 testing several varieties; shall place Crescent at 100 and the others 

 as near to them as they have done for me. Sharpless 40; Charles 

 Downing, 60; Cumberland, 70; Miner, 20; Wilson, 65; Black De- 

 fiance, 10; Manchester, 75; Longfellow, 25; Warren, 30; Glendale, 

 40; Red Jacket, 10; Honey Dew, 90; Russells, 40. Mr. W. H. 

 Stewart has rich, sandy land. Sharpless stands at one hundred in 

 mj opinion. Shall plant the coming spring, Crescent, Chas. Down- 

 ing, Sucker State, Glendale and probably Sharpless. The old beds 

 did not make any new plants. As a result, I think they have 

 matured their fruit buds and will yield a good crop for the number 

 of plants. Last spring I planted one and one-half acres of straw- 

 berries; the land was good and in fine condition, and I took good 

 care in their cultivation. The result was an almost entire failure; 

 the hot winds of July seemed to burn them up. If I had let a few 



