319 



it was not affected by rust, it ought to be left to ripen fully, 

 but if it has the black rust, it cannot be cut too soon. 



March G, 1852. 



On Saturday evening last, the farmers met again in the 

 State House. Mr. Williams of Knox, took the chair. The 

 subject for the evening was "Fruit Culture." 



Mr. Nelson had spoken on the subject before the arrival of 

 the reporter. 



Judge Gookins, of Vigo, was speaking of the Strawber?^. 

 He was in favor of growing more fruit, and thinks strawber- 

 ries are profitable ; had raised ten bushels last year on but a 

 small piece of ground. They are easily cultivated, requiring 

 but little labor or attention, if care is taken in planting. 

 They need a hoeing out and top-dressing in the spring. He 

 plants different varieties, Hovey's Seedling, &c., planting 

 alternate rows of staminate and pistillate plants. The crop 

 is valuable, selling from 10 to 20 cents a quart. 



In raising raspberries, Mr. G. had been quite successful 

 with several varieties, but considered the genuine red Ant- 

 werp as the only variety worthy of much attention. Prac- 

 tices fall instead of spring spading, as the latter would injure 

 the business. Plants in rows or beds, which as well as straw- 

 berry beds, he changes every three years, and keeps them 

 clear of weeds. The black Antwerp may also be cultivated 

 with tolerable profit. Had not paid much attention to the 

 gooseberry, having a sufficiency of fruit without it. 



Mr. G. strongly recommended more attention to fruits and 

 flowers by farmers on account of the good moral effects 

 thereof By thus rendering their homes attractive, children 

 will not be led away into the vices and follies of neighboring 

 towns and cities, where there is always a congregation of 

 both virtues and vices, into the latter of which all are liable 

 to be drawn. Nor did he regard it as unbecoming or undig- 



