No. 7. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 615 



The August meeting was devoted to consideration of fruit pack- 

 age laws and the formulating of specifications for uniform packages. 

 The necessity of thinning peaches, if profitable crops are desired, 

 is also strongly advocated. 



At the September meeting the advantage of cut straw as a mulch 

 for strawberries was brought out and also that it was best to cut 

 black raspberry and blackberry canes during June and grapevines 

 a little later, the former to encourage a low stocky habit and the 

 latter to throw strength of vine into fruit rather than additional 

 wood growth. 



At October meeting an earnest plea was made by Wm. H. Black 

 absolutely honest methods of packing and dealing with customers, 

 as being good business as well as good morals. 



The paper lining of barrels that are to contain apples for home 

 use during the winter was recommended as greatly aiding in the 

 coiiservatiou of moisture and flavor. One member arrives at the 

 same result by wrapping each individual specimen in a small square 

 of newspaper. In either case, the fruit comes out fresh and plump. 

 Hen manure is good for peach trees when scattered but will kill 

 them if piled around the trunk ''to kill borers" as has been advo- 

 cated by some. 



December. Delegates were appointed to attend the Pennsylvania 

 and New Jersey State Horticultural meetings and representatives 

 named to join in National Conference of fruit men to be held in 

 Washington, D.C., to consider Jiati'onal legislation in the interest of 

 uniform grading and packages. 



In addition to the above, a. committee, appointed for that purpose, 

 reported at each meeting all items of interest to fruit growers which 

 they had been able to cull from fruit trade papers and the daily 

 press. 



Trusting that this brief report of our year's doings may be of inter- 

 est and value to others engaged in like pursuits, and assuring you 

 of our appreciation of you valuable assistance, we are 



Very truly yours, 

 FRUIT GROWERS ASSOCIATION OF ADAMS COUNTY, 



Per, Edwin C. Tvson, 



ECT— M. Cor. Sec. 



