MICHIGAN STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. J 5 



apples, I find that burying them out, like potatoes, is a good 

 plan. Have about ten bushels this year buried out-doors that 

 seem to be as fresh as when they came from the trees. 



QUINCES. 



Of quinces I have but few, and they do first rate for the 

 chance they have. They bore well last year, aud the fruit was 

 large aud nice. I give them a mulching of half-rotten straw 

 occasionally, and once a year a good dose of salt, or old brine, 

 about the roots ; this keeps them healthy and free from blight, 

 and makes the fruit large and sound. I think it is a very 

 profitable fruit. I shipped one barrel last year over the lake 

 and realized $10 for it. 



Henry S. Clubb inquired — Was the soil in which your pears 

 failed rich or poor ? Do you manure your pear trees ? 



Mr. Houghtaling replied — It was good strong, heavy soil, 

 Buch as wheat and corn would grow well in, and pretty well 

 manured. 



Mr. Holt said that was the cause of the blight. 



PRUNING. 



Mr. Houghtaling said — May is the worst time for pruning. 

 March is the best month, or June is good. The month of 

 April is a good month in late seasons. 



Mr. Holt liked pruning in March best. Mr. Houghtaling 

 said, wax or gum shellac should be used to prevent bleeding. 



The fruit on exhibition was referred to a committee, to 

 report thereupon at the next meeting. The meeting then 

 adjourned till the first Monday in May. 



