403 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



The President differed with Dr. Sylvester upon the results of grafting on Vir- 

 galieu stocks. He had grafted over a large number of trees of this variety 

 with perfect success. The grafted fruit never showed the slightest symptoms 

 of the same disease except it was in varieties similar in nature to the original 

 stock. 



Dr. Sylvester asked Mr. Barry if the latter had grafted on dwarfs, and re- 

 ceiving an affirmative answer, said his were standards. 



Mr. Barry replied that he had grafted on both and found the Virgalieu the 

 best of all stocks in every respect. It would seem, he added, that the Buffam 

 was a good stock, because a strong and rapid grower, but it was inferior to that 

 which Dr. Sylvester had condemned. 



Messrs. Ellwanger, Downing, and another member, agreed with Mr. Barry 

 that the Virgalieu is one of the best stocks to graft upon. 



Mr. Codling remarked that he had an idea the season for Virgalieus was 

 coming round once more, and he believed the time was approaching when we 

 should have as good crops as ever of this variety. 



Mr. Lyon, of Michigan, asked if the Flemish Beauty had failed in Western 

 New York, and was informed by the President that it had, like the White Do- 

 yenne. 



Mr. H. A. Langworthy thought the discussion had turned long enough on 

 pears, and therefore referred to apples, which in his opinion were not now as 

 good as in former years. 



He was interrupted by the pertinent question whether the apple crop of 1872 

 had not been the largest ever known. 



Messrs. Quinby and Hooker instanced the Newtown Pippin as having im- 

 proved within a year or two. 



Mr. Ellwanger thought that the influence of the weather when the trees were 

 in bloom should not be overlooked in this discussion. If the weather was cold 

 and wet at that time, the pollen was destroyed. 



At this point the President suggested that the Society proceed to the discus- 

 sion of the second question, namely, that relating to the 



TREATMENT OF OECHARD SOILS. 



This, he said, was an important topic, as it lay at the foundation of success. 

 There were various theories about it. While the trees were young, it was gener- 

 ally agreed the ground should be cultivated and kept mellow; but many said 

 it was better to sow down afterwards with grass. 



Mr. Thomas was of opinion that the soil should be kept mellow in young 

 orchards. The depth of cultivation might be one or seven inches, indifferent- 

 ly. One caution only should be used, and that Avas not to cultivate to any 

 depth while the trees were growing. He had seen a four-acre orchard lot in 

 New England ploughed so deep that four cart-loads of roots had been drawn 

 away afterwards. This was done early in the spring, and apparently without 

 detriment. In older orchards cultivation was of less importance, provided the 

 ground was heavily manured. It was therefore impossible to lay down an un- 

 bending rule. Men should act according to circumstances and according to 

 the condition of the trees. If growing too slowly, the orchard must be manured 

 and cultivated. If very thrifty, it might be seeded down for a few years. To 

 say what should be done with an orchard without seeing it was the same as 

 prescribing for a patient without visiting him. 



Dr. Sylvester was an advocate of grass in orchards. Has an apple orchard 



