SUMMER MEETING AT BUTLER. 115 



specimens are left to remain, and that among these an equal distance 

 ought to be maintained as much as possible. The result will be 

 straight, valuable stems which may be cut finally in say, twenty-five 

 years after planting. 



The use of the catalpa is many-fold, the besc timber to withstand 

 moisture; it is good for posts, stakes, sills, railroad ties, barrels, 

 shingles, etc. ; as cabinetmakers' material, it competes with walnut; as 

 an ornamental tree in lawns and alleys, it is highly appreciated. If 

 planted in proper distances along a line where fences are needed, it 

 serves as living posts. All these merits are multiplied by the quick 

 growth in which Teas catalpa excels even the Western or 0. speciosa, 

 one year old seedlings beating the latter by several inches, attaining a 

 height of two to four feet. The seed being very small must be sown in a 

 nursery, slightly covered, and in some way care must be taken that 

 the surface be prevented from parching lest the germ may not break 

 through. The spring following they may be transplanted definitely, 

 the stem cut off to the ground. Distance and culture the first two 

 years the same as with walnuts. 



Amazonia, Mo., June 1, 1885. 



A letter from M. H. Street, St. Library, Neb. 



In a circular from your worthy secretary, he says : "We hope no 

 one will feel the least delicate in bringing or sending essays and pa- 

 pers on any subject of interest to the society." Ah, of interest, how- 

 few of us feel we are able to write such an article. He also calls for 

 our experience. Mine is limited, but I will give it : 



As I expected, vines and bushes were badly killed. Snyder B. 

 B. killed from a few buds at the ends of the canes down to the ground. 

 Mammoth Cluster and Gregg raspberry killed about the same ; Tur- 

 ner and Cuthbert stood the best of all, and are at date, May 25th, 

 loaded with buds. Strawberry vines suffered badly. Downing seems 

 to have almost entirely succumbed to the cold ; Crescent is ahead and 

 lively, filling up with bloom and bud, but alas, I tear to no purpose, as 

 the Downings are dead, and the Wilsons and Captain Jacks are so slow 

 about blossoming; the* Crescents will not be fertilized. What can I 

 use for a fertilizer for them in place of Chas. Downing? 



The common gray cut worm made sad havoc with the crowns of 

 plants in early spring, killing thousands of them, our patch being 

 within ten rods of the house (and no fences) We invited the hens 

 down there, and they would run up and down the patch diving here 

 and there, and now as soon as they are out of mornings 

 they^ make for the patch and seem to catch a great deal 



