FRUIT GROWERS' PICNIC. 22T 



the small fruits are blooming heavy and promise good crops all over 

 the territory. 



The average date of the last killing frost in southeastern 

 Nebraska is April 2 5. As one goes west and north in the state the 

 average last frost occurs later. At Scotts Bluff it is about the tenth 

 of May. At this writing (May 6) nothing has been injured by frost 

 in southeastern Nebraska. The temperature has not been below 36 

 degrees for more than two weeks. The last three days of April 

 threatened frost and the fruit growers having their orchards equipped 

 with firepots lost some sleep watching the thermometers, but only in 

 low places did the mercury go. below 40 degrees. It is quite unlikely 

 that frost will occur after this late date and the growers are feeling 

 confident of another fruit crop this year. 



The very warm weather just at the time the buds appeared 

 forced their opening so fast that some of the growers did not finish 

 the first spraying. This application is made while the flowers are 

 In the pink but before the individual flowers open. 



Usually this period extends over six or seven days time, but this 

 year it was but three or four days from the time the buds showed 

 pink until the blossoms were open. On account of the damp cool 

 weather following it is feared that some scab may result. The next 

 application will be made just after the petals fall. It is the impor- 

 tant spraying against codling moth (apple worm.) — May "Horticul- 

 ture." 



Fruit Growers' Picnic. 

 J. R. Duncan. 



The Eastern Nebraska Fruit Growers Association held their 

 second annual picnic at the home of E. M. Pollard, Nehawka, Wednes- 

 day, August 19. A good attendance of growers from different por- 

 tions of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, were present. In the 

 forenoon an automobile trip was taken through Mr. Pollard's large 

 125 acre orchard. The trees showed that spray materials had only 

 recently been applied. Some trees were well filled with fruit, others 

 had a partial crop and there were still others with nothing on. Clean 

 cultivation is practiced and the trees showed the benefit of the culti- 

 vation. Mr. Pollard estimated that he would have half a crop. After 

 looking over the orchard the party returned to the house where a 

 bountiful basket dinner was served on the lawn of Mr. Pollard's 

 home. After dinner several talks were made. Mr. Pollard, as presi- 

 dent of the association, gave a brief histtory of the causes leading to 

 the formation of the association, and what the aims were in produc- 

 ing better marketable fruit, and disposing of it to the best advantage. 

 Mr. J. M. Bechtol of Hamburg, Iowa, gave a brief talk on his exper- 

 iences in growing apples in Iowa. Mr. Hess of Council Bluft's gave 



