288 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ALTON- SOUTHERN 



Reds. Plowing should be done in the fall. After planting, one or 

 two heavy furrows thrown on the plants will prevent heaving. It is 

 best to use plants of the Black Caps from one year from tips. When 

 tips are used they should be planted early in the spring, but where 

 the tips are grown on the premises it is best to let them grow up 

 until about a foot high, then take up with a ball of earth and plant 

 where wanted. In this way a perfect stand can be obtained, a thing 

 almost impossible when planting tips. Another advantage gained 

 when using plants is that they can be planted deeper, and are less 

 liable to be blown over by the wind when loaded with fruit. The 

 first year after planting no fruit should be grown, but the plants cut 

 down to the ground. 



The second summer and after, pinch back the young shoots to 

 twelve or fourteen inches in height to make them branch. Never 

 pinch a second time. The following spring prune back the branches 

 to about one foot in length. Of the caps, 1 prefer Tyler or Souhegan 

 for early, and Gregg for late. The reds I would not plant, as they 

 are less profitable than the blacks; they sell for about the same, cost 

 more to pick and grow and produce less. I consider the Hansel and 

 Brandywine best for market, and the Turner for home use. 



Mr. Jackson recommended the Hopkins, ripening between Tyler 

 and Gregg; was hardy and productive, and nearly as large as the 

 Gregg. 



Some one asked why the Ohio was left out, and received the re- 

 ply that it was too small, though hardy and productive. 



Mr. Vandenburg plants in hills 2x7, but allowing four to five 

 canes to the hill. Of the reds, plant Turner and Cuthbert. Hansel 

 did well this season. Schaffer's Colossal was recommended by sev- 

 eral members for home use and near-by market. 



SEPTEMBER MEETING. 



The Society met "under the elms" at Dr. E. C. James' residence, 

 in Upper Alton, September 1st. The day was clear and pleasant, 

 and there was a good attendance of members. 



The show of fruits, flowers and vegetables was very good for 

 the season. Among fruits, grapes and pears were in strongest force. 



Mr. Browne showed a small but well-grown collection of 

 grapes. 



