SUMMER MEETING. 103 



^ower. Sometimes a mechanical difificalty stands in the way of 

 the pollen reaching the pistil ; that is, the stamens may be too long 

 or too short, or, as is the case in many of the grapes, they may be 

 curved back and downward, out of the way of the pistils. Nearly all 

 of the grapes which were not capable of self-fertilization were found 

 to have reflexed (curved backward) stamens. It is interesting to note 

 that in a single row of grapes there were four or five vines together 

 at one end of the trellis that had retlexed stamens. The vines nearest 

 the end of the trellis and farthest from any other variety set fruit very 

 poorly, while the vine next to another strong pollen-bearing variety set 

 much more fruit. 



In the case of the apples, it is probable that some of the varieties 

 that did not set fruit in sacks may yet be found to be capable of self- 

 fertilization if left open, where they may be freely visited by insects. 

 The Ben Davis, for example, is known to have fruited well where iso- 

 lated to a considerable distance from any other variety. It is proven 

 beyond doubt, however, that the grapes which did not form perfect 

 bunches of fruit in sacks will set much better if planted among those 

 varieties that sf^t fruit readily in sacks. 



Steps will be taken next season to ascertain whether the failure of 

 certain varieties to self-fertilize is due to the impotency of their pollen 

 or to some difiiculty in the way of its reaching its pistils. 

 J. C. Written, Professor of Horticulture, Ojllege of Agriculture, Co- 

 lumbia, Mo. 



Thursday, June 10, 9 a. m. 



Meeting called to order by President Evans. 



Prayer by Rev. Pearse Pinch. 



The Secretary then read several letters. 



St. Louis, June 9, 1897. 

 Mr. L. A. Goodman, Secretary, Sprlngfleld, Mo. : 



Dear Mk. Goodman— I am very sorry that the Nurserymen's Association conflicts In Its 



dates with your horticultural meeting, as I was extremely anxious to visit both. Sol 



must write what I would have preferred very much to say to your good members. 



At the Trans- Mississippi Exposition to be held next year in Omaha, It Is intended that 

 there be a magnlflcent horticultural display, and I trust that Missouri will be ready to take 

 her usual leading position. To the end that that be possible, arrangements need to be 

 made early, and I trust that you may take some action looking toward such an exhibit at 

 this meeting. Should It be possible to arrange a meeting of your executive committee 

 soon, I should like to confer with you regarding the matter. I feel that the one way in 

 which the West can particularly distinguish herself in this exposition is In fruits and other 

 horticultural products, and by concerted action. We can surely astonish and please our 

 visitors with our products. I am sure that Missouri can be depended upon, and wish to 

 And out as to just in what manner. 



Please discuss the matter as you have time at the meeting, and write me at your early 

 convenience. I remember with great pleasure my visit to your meeting several years ago, 

 .and greatly regret my Inability to come this time. Yours sincerely, 



F. W. Taylor. 



