Proceedings at Semi- Annual Meeting. 39 



half a dozen acres used for growing grain, we can but wish the law- 

 makers of that great state would give a thought to this matter. 

 With a proper sense of the importance of the industry, they would 

 be much more liberal in their treatment of the horticultural in- 

 terests, and then Secretary Goodman would be able to employ a 

 stenographer, and so give us much fuller reports of the discussions 

 at the annual meetings. These are really of the greatest impor- 

 tance, and yet with the limited means at command, an adequate 

 report of them can hardly be attempted. We commend this volume 

 to the careful perusal of all fruit growers, especially those of 

 Missouri. 



T. V. Munson of Dennison, Texas, says : '' Received through 

 your kindness a copy of the Missouri State Horticultural Society 

 Report for 1883, and thank you heartily for it. It is one of the best 

 reports of the kind I have ever examined." 



Many other kind words have been received, and I am glad that 

 it is looked upon with favor. 



This year's plan will be somewhat the same only we expect more 

 original matter and more county and society reports, and it will be 

 my endeavor to make the next still better than this one not only in 

 matter but in work. 



In February, I sent out a circular or rather a report and 

 advice to all owning peach trees to cut them back, wherever they 

 were injured by the winter. Tills report or advice is as follows : 



• "1 have received many letters from fruit growers in different 

 parts of the State asking what to do with their trees, some saying 

 they were very much injured, others that they think they are all 

 dead. 



To all such, and in fact to all who own any peach trees, I 

 would answer : 



It matters not if the w^ood is colored badly and looks dead. 

 Get you a good pair of shears and a saw and cut off the tops of all 

 the j^each trees. 



If trees are five or six years old, or one to four years planted, 

 cut the tops off with shears. On the younger trees cut about 

 two-thirds the past year's growth ; on the older trees cut down to 

 the two or even the three years' old wood. Make the tops round 

 and shapely and you will find that they will recover very finely this 

 season and will make good, comjoact trees, ready to produce fruit 

 next year. 



