WINTER MEETING AT CARTHAGE. 155^ 



to those of the currant. More rigorous pruning, however, should be given the 

 gooseberry. They both wiint a well-enriched soil, but not fresh, stimulating 

 manures, which would make too much wood growth. They both, also, in some 

 localities, have a common enemy which must be diligently guarded against, else 

 the bushes will be defoliated almost before the grower is aware of the enemy's 

 presence. I refer to the currant worm — a small, yellowish-green caterpillar — 

 which works on the leaves of the bushes. The worm spreads rapidly, hence 

 promptness is necessary in lighting it. Dissolve a tablespoonful of white hellebore 

 in a cup of hot water, then pour the mixture into two gallons of water at its ordi- 

 nary summer temperature. By means of a common watering pot sprinkle the bushes 

 with this solution as long as a worm is to be seen. New eggs hatch out daily, 

 therefore several sprinklings may be necessary. 



The presence of the currant borer, which also attacks the gooseberry, is known 

 by yellow foliage and shriveling fruit. The only remedy is to cut out and burn 

 the infected canes. 



Of currants, I should plant Red Dutch and Fay's Prolific for red, and White 

 Dutch and White Grape for white varieties. The white currants may require more 

 labor than is usually given the red ones, but their superior quality amply repays 

 the laborer. Of gooseberries, Houghton and Downing are the most reliable with 

 me. If the gooseberry is cultivated according to the plan suggested in this paper, 

 some of the English varieties may prove quite profitable. 



John E. Mohler. 



It was announced that on Friday, at noon, the Jasper county 

 society would give the visiting members of the State society a banquet ; 

 tickets free to all who wished them, and every one was expected to be 

 present and enjoy it. 



Thursday, December 8 — 7 p. m. 



WHAT SHALL WE PLANT IN OUR FLOWER GARDENS? 



I am asked this question frequently in the spring-time, by customers who do 

 not feel themselves competent to make the selection themselves. My answer is 

 the question : "Do you want something hardy, or do you not object to the annual 

 renewal of the arrangement and plants ?" The answer, whether it implies a pre- 

 ference to the first or the last class of plants, usually embodies also, ' 'but we leave 

 the selection to you." I do not mean to say that I consider myself the most capa- 

 ble member present to answer the question which has been given me, but I cite 

 my experience, feeling that it expresses the doubt prevalent among the buyers of 

 flowers as to what they should plant to give them the most satisfaction. No home 

 is complete without a flower-bed or some little garden spot in which some, if only 

 a few of nature's floral gems, may be nurtured and watched, with the pleasure 

 which only the loved culture of flowers can instill. The presence of flowers adds 

 to the joy of the father, mother, the little children and all in the home. Who can 

 picture an occasion of more pleasure or pride in the every-day drudgery of the 

 home, than the successful culture of a few plants or flowers ? Who has not heard 

 a lady exclaim in a voice that showed how much she prized her treasure, that she 

 had a plant even much handsomer than the best you had in your garden ? Such a 

 plant brings joy to the owner whenever she looks upon it or cares for its welfare. 



E. H. Michel. 



