WINTER MEETING. 233 



months to reap the crop. Sugar cane will make 20 or 30 tons per acre, 

 and sell for $4 per ton at the mill. 



Another commercial crop is sweet potatoes, which produce from 

 100 to 200 barrels per acre, and are worth just now, at harvest time, 

 #1.25 per barrel, but soon get to $2 per barrel. 



Everything in this part of the State had been in the hands of the 

 natives till a few years ago. The Acadians had taken especial pains 

 not to let the world know the advantages of the country for fear some- 

 body would drive them out of it. 



He spoke of the fig, orange and pear as very profitable crops. 



The pecan comes into bearing at 6 or 8 years of age, and increases 

 its crop rapidly to $1000 per acre. 



The strawberry produces fruit from the last of February to the 

 middle of June. 



Grapes are very productive and profitable. 



FRIDA.Y, December 8, 2 p. m. 

 Ifew Mexico — 



J H. Bailey from New Mexico had a fine exhibit of smooth, per- 

 fect apples. Time was given him to state the advantages of this coun- 

 try. He said they could grow by irrigation all the fruits of a temperate 

 climate. They have no dew storms — but little rain. In winter they 

 have white frosts from the last of November to March. He spoke 

 highly of the country as a place for invalids seeking health. In sum- 

 mer it is hot in the sun, but cool in the shade. 



CULTURE OF CELERY. 



HERMAN SEAVER, JENNINGS, MO. 



One ounce of seed will produce about 3C00 plants. It takes deep light soil 

 and well manured and plenty of water to grow celery. Sow in May in open ground 

 and rake the seed in lightly ; water and shade from strong sun. 



When the plants are about two inches high, transplant in rows about three 

 inches apart to make the plants strong. When the plants are about three inches, 

 prepare trenches four feet wide, six inches deep ; bank the ground on both sides ; 

 trenches must be eight feet apart. When the soil is poor, make the trenches about 

 a foot deep; dig into the bottom plenty of well-rotted manure, and set the plants 

 four rows in trench and nine inches apart in rows. Keep them shaded until started 

 well; water every day after sunset; hoe often and keep free from weeds. About 

 last part September gradually earth them up as they grow. Press the stalks closely 

 together ; press the earth tightly to the stalks to make them bleach ; no more water 

 needed after earthing them up. For winter use cover them up before frost, about 

 two inches earth and light manure. 



