430 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



mine whether the leaf bligbt of pear, cherry, plum, and quince stockB, and the powdery 

 mildew of the apple, could be prevented by the use of Bordeaux mixture or ammoni- 

 acal solution of copper carbonate. In nearly all cases the experiments were successful. 

 and already nurserymen are spraying their stocks to prevent defoliation. A report in 

 detail of the experiments is furnished by the agricultural department. 



READ THE BULLETINS OP THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. 



The mailing lists of the various stations in the United States show that only about 

 300,000 of the farmers are taking advantage of the benefits of the stations. The work 

 done at the stations is being more and more appreciated from year to year, and while 

 the number receiving bulletins is small comparatively, yet it is evident that a bene- 

 ficial influence is being exerted. At the difl'erent stations in the United States there 

 are at present 71 directors, 120 chemists, 47 agriculturists, 50 horticulturists, 30 botan- 

 ists, 36 entomologists, besides others who assist in difl'erent ways. This great work is 

 now permanently established, and it will be difiicult to estimate the good results which 

 are to follow if the bulletins. are studied and the recommendations put in practice. 



WINDBREAKS FOR THE PROTECTION OP ORCHARDS. 



The wind storms of September last which were so destructive to fruit, teach a lesson 

 which should not be forgotten. Although such storms are of rare occurrence, yet, 

 early in the autumn, it is not unusual to have high winds which cause the largest and 

 best fruit to drop, and it seems advisable that planters should prepare for such 

 emergencies by planting on the north and west sides of their orchards, windbreaks 

 either of evergreen or decirJuous trees. Care must be taken not to surround the 

 orchard, for in that case the air would be too much confined. These windbreaks will 

 also be a protection against winter storms. 



THE EXHIBIT AT THE STATE PAIR. 



Through the efforts of Mr. Willard and others the exhibit of fruit made by this 

 society at the state fair in Syracuse, was a great success. The possibilities of fruit- 

 growing in this state was there demonstrated in the most efl^ective manner, and at the 

 same time the members of this society proved beyond a doubt that they could and 

 did produce choice fruit. 



It is to be hoped that the interest and enthusiasm manifested in the exhibit will 

 increase from year to year. Every member should exhibit something and preparations 

 should be made in season. 



THE MISSION OP THIS SOCIETY. 



I can not too frequently impress upon you the usefulness of this association and the 

 importance of the work it has on hand. The present, when business generally is so 

 depressed, is a most opportune moment to revive interest and enthusiasm in fruitgrow- 

 ing and farming. Horticulturists, recognizing the losses and reverses sustained by 

 those engaged in other industries, will begin to place a higher estimate upon their 

 own resources and the stability of their calling, and will be encouraged to greater 

 efforts than before. Intelligent and thorough culture of the soil will bring its reward 

 and insure a regular and reliable income which can not be affected by conditions such 

 as influence and often injure other industries. The produce of the earth if grown 

 with care will find a ready market, and though there may seem to be at times an 

 excessive production, the laws of supply and demand will regulate the production and 

 maintain prices, so that a sure and safe livelihood will be gained for all who persevere 

 and labor honestly, industriously, and intelligently. Let us therefore study the demand 

 and vary the crops as may be necessary. Do not devote too large an acreage to one crop. 

 Rather plant several, so that if one fails another will succeed. In fruit this is par- 

 ticularly true. As the year advances be prepared to offer the fruits of the season, in 

 their highest perfection, and thus secure ample returns from June until December. 

 It is the purpose of this society to encourage and foster fruit culture, and to elicit and 

 disseminate correct information pertaining to it as well as to other branches of terra- 

 culture. Much good has been accomplished thus far; let us therefore continue to work 

 harmoniously, seeking higher degrees of improvement in the fulfillment of our mission, 

 and in the words of the sturdy invocation of Gerard: 



" Forward in the name of God; graft, set, plant, and nourish up trees in every corner 

 of your ground; the labor is small, the cost is nothing, and commodity is great; your- 

 selves shall have plenty, the poor shall have somewhat in time of want to relieve their 

 necessity, and God shall reward your good merits and diligence." 



