STATK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



31 



Mr. MiNiER. — I hope to hear more from orchard cultivators; this 

 subject is getting rather interesting. 



With me, the chickens keep down the borers. We do not feed 

 them, but compel them at that time of year to hunt their own living. 



A Voice. — What is the best grass for an orchard ? 



Mr. Minier. — The best grass for an orchard is what is termed 

 orchard grass. 



A Voice. — Where can it be had, if it can be bought at all ? 



Mr. Minier. — It can be procured from seedsmen in Chicago. I 

 think I have seen it advertised for sale. When cut it should be left on 

 the ground to serve as a mulch. 



I object to this deep cultivation in orchards, which has been recom- 

 mended ; if you cultivate deeply you will tear up the roots of your trees, 

 and then they will become unhealthy and may die. If plowing must be 

 done in the orchard, let it be done very light. 



Mr. Galusha. — I have found plowing in an orchard beneficial ; but, 

 of course, the roots should not be torn, for this would be an attack upon 

 the life of the tree, and I would object to this for the same reason that I 

 objected to mutilating the trunks and branches ; it might induce fruitful- 

 ness, but at the expense of health and longevity. In young orchards I 

 plow deeply in the centers of spaces between rows, and shallower as the 

 trees are approached — examining to see that roots are not broken. I 

 pulverize the soil finely with harrow and clod-smasher to secure moisture 

 in time of drouth. 



Dr. Schrceder. — A few years ago this Society recommended root- 

 pruning. How is it now? 



Mr. Pearson. — It was not recommended by the Society, I think. 

 but was started by one of the members as a preventive of blight. I think 

 a society ought to disband who will discuss blight. (Laughter.) 



While up, I want to say a word about peaches. If I were to plant any 

 more I would plant the Heath Cling; they will bring more money in the 

 market than any other variety. And, oh ! ain't they nice? Why, I buy 

 Heath Cling to can, when I have got more than I can sell of other varie- 

 ties, just because we want it. They have some seedling clings in Alton 

 that are good. People will eat and can good clings if they can get them. 



Mr. Robison. — Do I understand Mr. Minier to say that chickens 

 feed upon the borers? 



Mr. Minier. — They cannot well get at the larvae, but, as I saiil 

 before, I think they hunt out and destroy the beetles; besides, they cat( h 

 vast numbers of moths, saw-flies, etc. 



