64 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



It occured to my mind at the time that the writer possibly was un- 

 der the impression that this Ben Davis was a new apple. 



Now, Mr. President, I don't wish to occupy any more time on the 

 Ben Davis, but it does seem to me that it would be a good plan for 

 this body to recommend to the public a list of commercial apples and 

 a list for general family use. A list of apples endorsed by this sopietj 

 would be considered reliable. Any one who plants a large apple or- 

 chard now expects to make money by so doing, and it is very essential 

 that he plants right. And at this time, he need not make any serious 

 mistakes. With him it.is quite diiferent to the man who planted an 

 orchard fifteen years ago, for he has access to the experience of many 

 largo fruit growers who can and will give him the benefit of their past 

 experience, because horticulturists, as a rule, are a generous and un- 

 selfish people, and, Mr.'President, I know of no place better calculated 

 to educate and enlighten the new beginner in horticulture than at our 

 horticultural gatherings, and while the inexperienced can learn, the 

 older ones may, and for this, if for no other, our State society should 

 be looked to as the fountain head of horticultural knowledge, and in 

 conclusion, Mr. President, I would earnestly and most sincerly urge 

 upon every one interested in horticulture to the great importance of 

 becoming a member of the Missouri State Horticultural Society. 



A. AMBROSE. 



DISCUSSION. 



CapU Henry thought it not advisable for the society to attempt to 

 present a list of apples for planting for profit. 



Col. Evans said that in the early history of this society something 

 of the kind was attempted, but proved to be quite unsatisfactory, as in 

 different localities different varieties succeeded while others failed. 



Major Eagan endorsed the remarks of Col. Evans. When the 

 State is divided into districts it will be time enough to recommend ap- 

 ples for general planting. Thought the Clayton a much better apple 

 than the Ben Davis; had long since discarded the Ben Davis; spoke 

 in favor of the Stach and York Imperial, also thought that the Requa 

 Seedling bids fair to excel the Ben Davis. 



L. A. Goodman stated that of the four hundred reports received 

 from all over the State, not one failed to include the Ben Davis as one 

 of the best varieties to plant. 



Mr. Francis thought that in different parts of the State the flavor 

 of Ben Davis might vary. 



Mr Carpenter spoke in favor of the Baldwin as a good keeper, and. 

 bein^ a good rival for the Ben Davis. 



