304 MISSOURI STATE HOKTICULTUBAL SOCIETY. 



ticulture in History, was one of the most delightful excercises of the 

 whole meeting, and was received with much enthusiasm, even if it was 

 more literary than horticultural. 



When and how to plant was thoroughly discussed, and a casual 

 observer might have said that we agreed on nothing, but I think we 

 did generally agree on a few things, viz. : that in the latitude of 40 

 and further south trees are usually better dug and planted in the fall» 

 and that in the extreme north trees should be dug in fall and well 

 heeled in till the buds begin to swell in spring. This heeling in, how- 

 ever, is of great importance. Trees should be placed in a slanting posi- 

 tion on well drained land and covered with earth up to the branches^ 



When and how to prune likewise absorbed a good share of our at- 

 tention, and was discussed with animation. However, nearly the 

 same criticism might have been indulged in as in the planting ques- 

 tion concerning our disagreement. 1 will say, though, that there 

 seems to be a growing conviction with many that in time past we 

 pruned too much. 



It was urged that we should shape our trees while young, and af- 

 terward, or when they come into bearing, only take out such sprouts 

 and limbs as seems absolutely necessary. 



And that fruit trees be pruned when the trees are in full leaf since 

 then the wounds heal more rapidly, are less likely to throw out sprouts^ 

 and the tendency is to check the too rapid grawth of trees, thereby 

 causing it to ibrm fruit buds. But if the object be the formation 

 of compact, well rounded heads so much admired in street shade 

 trees, that this class of trees should be pruned or shortened in about 

 the time buds begin to swell, the effect at this season being that the 

 end of every branch cut off throws out two or more sprouts. 



Milton, Wis., December 10, 1885. 

 L. A. Goodman, Secretary: 



Dear Sir: When this reaches you you will have had your 2Sth 

 annual meeting of State Horticultural Society. 



Your circular programme is certainly the best 1 have seen lately, 

 and if carried out in^spirit and letter you must be having a very profit- 

 able session. I only regret that I could not be there to learn the "ins 

 and outs" of your horticulture as well as to make the personal ac- 

 quaintance of your convention-going fruit growers. 



By the way, is it not remarkable that every horticulturist of broad, 

 progressive views loves to meet others of his class in conclave, and 

 can always be found — providence permitting — in such gatherings, while 

 the mere mercenary and fraudulent of our profession are conspicuously 



