Summer Meeting. 95 



in 5 or 6 ounces of water. Add a small quantity of Bordeaux mixture ; 

 if the amount of lime is insufficient a brownish-red color will be im- 

 parted to the mixture. Another test is in holding a knife-blade in the 

 mixture for a few minutes ; metallic copper will be deposited on the 

 knife-blade if too little lime be present. 



Failure in spraying may also be due to the fact that the work was 

 not done early enough in the season or persistently followed up. It will 

 not do to wait until we see the fungous disease at work ; by that time the 

 fungus has grown deep into the tissues of the host and is beyond the 

 reach of sprays. The most that can be hoped for is to prevent the disease 

 from spreading to other parts. 



One must use all possible pains in making the spray mixtures and 

 apply them early and persistently, else his time, labor and money will be 

 lost. Experience has shown that it pays to spray systematically year 

 after year, regardless of the season. 



BREEDING RESISTANT VARIETIES. 



Fortunately for the horticulturist, there is a prospect of overcoming 

 diseases, by the production of hardy varieties. It seems to -the writer 

 that there is more hope in this line of work than in any other. The 

 history of horticulture shows that the number of diseases is constantly 

 on the increase. If they are to be successfully combatted, it means a 

 heavy expense for spraying machinery and labor and with no assurance 

 that the need for it will ever cease. 



The remarkable success of the plant breeders shows that we have a 

 right to expect a larger number of hardy varieties. The problem they 

 have to solve is to combine hardiness with good quality of fruit. The 

 first products of the hybrids may be somewhat inferior in quality, but they 

 will be greatly improved by selection. 



The writer, in closing, would commend this line of work to practical 

 horticulturists. Their intimate acquaintance wnth the good qualities 

 of the different varieties puts them in a position to work intelligently and 

 successfully. May they add many valuable hardy varieties to our orchards 

 and fields ! 



THE BANQUET. 



Wednesday night, after the meeting, the hospitality of Versailles and 

 her generous-hearted people was genuinely demonstrated at a banquet 

 given to the members under the direction of Master of Ceremonies Dr. 

 Wood and the genial mayor, Hon. Sam Daniels. The well-laden tables in 



