330 TKANSACTIONS OF THE HOETICULTUEAL 



On the freshly-turned prairie sod, onions, melons, squashes and 

 all similar vines were grown to perfection with no labor but putting 

 in the seed, and they were so plenty, that by common consent, every 

 one was at home in any melon patch. 



Peach trees were in bearing in every settlement, giving, on an 

 average, a crop two years in five; very fair apple trees fruiting. 



Many were planting groves of black locust, which grew rapidly 

 and gave good promise of becoming valuable, but, before 1860, all 

 were destroyed by the borer. In a few instances black walnut was 

 planted, which succeeded finely. 



To-day no fruits are to be had from our native groves. 'Melons 

 require special manuring for successful growing. Peaches are gen- 

 erally abandoned. Greatest care is necessary in selecting varieties of 

 the apple hardy enough to endure our winters. Grapes are more 

 generally grown by farmers in this vicinity than any other fruit ex- 

 cept apples. Every farm has its row of currant bushes, in most 

 cases receiving very little attention. With good care, our Victoria 

 and White grape, when fully ripe, are as acceptable for dessert as any 

 fruit we have. Asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries 

 and blackberries are grown by those making a business of it, suffi- 

 cient for an ample supply in our towns at moderate prices, but how . 

 few of our farmers have them of their own growing? 



It seems culpable neglect of one's family for one occupying an 

 acre of this fertile soil, so well adapted to these lucious, healthful 

 fruits, if he fails to supply them in abundance. Such as they were, 

 the average farmer's families forty-five years ago, were better sup- 

 plied with fruits from our native groves than they are to-day from 

 their gardens. 



In timber planting, a very few are putting out groves of black- 

 walnut, catalpa and ash, but the work is not nearly as general as was 

 the locust planting of forty and more years ago. 



DISCUSSION. 



Mr. Scott — I think Mr. Edwards leaves out long-bunched 

 Holland currant, which should be included in his list of varieties. I 

 consider it a very desirable variety. It does not cast its fruit or 

 foliage as some kinds do, and the quality of the fruit is very good. 



Mr. Bryant — I think the long-bunched Holland is a very poor 

 currant. It is tough, pulpy and not very juicy. The Victoria is 

 much better with us. 



J. V. Cotta — I agree with Mr. Bryant in regard to the 

 long-bunched Holland, It is not good with me. The Victoria is- 

 far better. 



