REPORT OF MEETINGS. 549 



tie rubbing off of buds in summer, is sufficient. The main idea of pruning is 

 *' thinning." We put " thinning " in the place of Downing's " shortening-in." 

 This thinning process makes a more natural development; it admits air and 

 sunlight ; gives a more abundant yield of fruit, and more greenbacks to the 

 fruit grower. 



D. E. Waters continued the discussion, opposing Mr. Dyckman. He did not 

 disapprove of Downing's process of " shortening in." He referred to the ideas of 

 Mr. Thomas, the celebrated pomologist, upon this subject, which accorded with 

 those of Mr. Downing. He preferred a compact, stout bead rather than long 

 straggling branches. Late fall or early spring is the time for pruning. The 

 " shortening-in " process prolongs the life of the tree. He preferred trees 

 headed low, two feet from the ground, claiming that they were more healthy 

 and more easily cared for. He would prune in early fall. Mr. Wiley, of Saug- 

 atuck, sided with Mr. Dyckman. Mr. Ilanford, of Briston, Indiana, believed 

 in the " shortening-in " system, but followed it only every alternate year. Mr. 

 T. T. Lyon thought that Mr. Dyckmau's own orchard was in itself an argu- 

 - ment against the thinning process, as he believed that there might be four 

 times the amount of wood in the central part of his trees without shutting 

 out the sunlight. 



F. A. Gulley, of Dearborn, who has been a student at the Agricultural Col- 

 lege, read a paper on the " manufacture and application of manures." Fifteen 

 years ago manure could be had in Detroit for the hauling. It is now worth 

 from 50 cents to 81.50 per wagon-load. They (Gulley & Sou) have been exper- 

 imenting in manufacturing manures by breeding and rearing pigs and feeding 

 cattle upon the farm, and were entirely successful. The speaker dwelt at 

 length upon the comparative value of manures produced from different kinds 

 of feed, and gave an account of an experiment by him in whicli 850 expended 

 in manure increased the value of an oat crop 8150. 



Marsh muck united with manure is very valuable. With clear muck he has 

 increased the raspberry crop one-fourth. They also manufacture manure by 

 means of composting. 



They apply manure at any season when there is not a crop on the ground, 

 but do not apply it on sloping ground where it will be washed off, unless imme- 

 diately worked under. The manure is drawn in dump-carts and spread stand- 

 ing on the ground. This is the most economical way. Best tools to use are 

 light four and six-tined forks. 



The address was warmly received. Mr. Hanford thought that this high 

 process of composting would not pay the general farmer. He believed in clo- 

 ver and plaster. Dr. Miles, of the Agricultural College, said he approved 

 heartily of the paper. He thought it the best elucidation of the matter he 

 had ever heard. It was not only based upon practical experience, but was right 

 in principle. The only point he would criticise is putting a tile drain under the 

 yard. He would dispose of all moisture by evaporation. 



An invitation to visit the Agricultural College was accepted for Monday 

 afternoon. 



Adjourned for dinner. 



