No. 7. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 493 



are young, and when in bearing, too, if the necessary mulching 

 material can be procurred. Mulching is especially desirable for 

 rough, hilly lands which cannot be cultivated without serious loss 

 by washing. It is a question whether mulching material could not 

 be bought, if necessary, and applied on level lands cheaper than by 

 continuous cultivation followed by green manuring. It is quite 

 generally conceded that peach orchards should receive thorough 

 cultivation. 



SCHOOLS. 



It is gratifying to report that nature study is receiving increased 

 attention in the public schools and that^ elementary agriculture is 

 taught to a slight extent. The school grounds are better cared for 

 than formerly and these are all positive indications of progress in 

 the rural communities. Although good work along these lines is 

 being done, it is purely voluntary on the part of the teacher and no 

 particular influence is brought to bear on school teachers to show 

 how necessary it is to country life. We cannot expect many of our 

 boys to become farmers and practical horticulturists and to find real 

 joy and happiness in their work unless they are taught concerning 

 the beauties and mysteries that surround them in their every d-ay life 

 and know something of the fundamental principles of agriculture 

 and horticulture. 



R. L. WATTS, 

 Chairman, General Fruit Committee. 



(The discussion following this report is omitted for want of space.) 



WEDNESDAY JANUARY 16.— EVENING SESSION. 



Having called the meeting to order. President Hiester, referred 

 briefly to the "Question Box" on the Secretary's table, and remind- 

 ed the members that it was their privilege to use it. 



ANNUAL ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT. 



I think we have good cause for congratulation on the very sub- 

 stantial progress we have made along all horticultural lines during 

 the past year. Several new County Societies have been organized 

 by men who show considerable enthusiasm in the work and I have no 

 doubt good reports will come from them in the near future — of the 

 older County Societies, the Wyoming County Association has 

 arranged for the planting of a large commercial apple orchard by a 

 company composed of some of its members, and a few Philadelphia 

 capitalists who are engaged in selling fruit in that city. The members 

 of the Adams county society conducted a very careful line of experi- 

 ments for the suppression of San Josi6 Scale in their several or- 

 chards, and compiled an accurate report of the results. This report 

 was considered of such importance by Secretary Critchfield, of the 

 State Department of Agriculture, that he has secured a copy, which 

 he will print in his annual report and send broadcast to the farmers 

 of the State for their instruction, 



