30 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the size and quality. Few persons are aware of the beneficial effects of 

 potash on the quality of the fruit. By the application of potash at the rate 

 of 80 pounds per acre, with other special fertilizers, the amount of sugar in 

 grapes has been increased more than fifty per cent and the same holds true 

 with nearly all fruits. 



While wood aghes are valuable as a source of potash, the best results with 

 fruits have been secured by the use of potash salts in the form of muriate. 

 The value of this salt to the fruit grower can hardly be overrated. It is a 

 specific against fungous diseases, and in addition furnishes potash, which is 

 lacking in most soils, to the plants. 



Potash has its place in the structure of the plant, and is necessary for the 

 formation of chlorophyl. the green coloring matter of the leaves, without 

 which no growth can take place. The yellow color of the leaves of plants 

 growing in poor or exhausted soil is generally owing to the absence of potash; 

 and if it be applied, the green color will be resumed. The ultimate effect of 

 fertilizers is to increase the size, quantity, and quality of product. While all 

 may not appreciate the latter, everyone will value the increase in quantity, 

 and in case of active competition or glut the increase in size will lead to the 

 sale of the large, perfect fruit at a fancy price, while small and inferior pack- 

 ages of the same variety will be a total loss. 



Potatoes, when highly fertilized with stable manure, are coarse and watery, 

 while the same yield of the very best quality can be secured by the use of the 

 sulphate of potash and ground bone. 



In an experiment with sugar beets. Dr. Gi)es3mann found the per cent of 

 sugar, when stable manure was used, to be 7.8, and when sulphate of potash 

 was used as a fertilizer the same variety showed 12.78 percent, a result almost 

 exactly obtained from the grape by the use of muriate. 



Not only do plants that are properly nourished produce more and better 

 fruit, but they are less injured by insects and diseases. Trees supplied with 

 an abundance of food, and which are making a good growth, are less liable to 

 the attacks of borers than those that are suffering for want of it, and if 

 attacked will outgrow the injury, while the weak ones generally succumb. 



Plants of all kinds, that are neglected and in a feeble condition, may be 

 seriously injured by anyone of their pests, while the healthy plants in the 

 same neighborhood will not be appreciably injured. 



The mildew and rot of the grape,and all fungous di8eases,are often prevented 

 or their ravages greatly lessened, if the jilants are properly fed. The advice 

 given years ago, to provide food enough for both plant and parasite, still holds 

 good, and if followed will greatly lessen the injury from insects and fungi. 

 The successful horticulturists, however, will not neglect the use of insecticides 

 and fungicides. 



We have thus briefly mentioned some of the steps that must be taken if 

 success would be secured. The e.xtent to which intensive methods can be 

 used will depend on circumstances ; but if brain directs brawn in carrying out 

 the work, we can feel assured that the proper methods will be employed, and 

 that the result will be a pecuniary success. 



WHAT FOLLOWED. 



Ensuing discussion of Prof. Taft's paper took a wide range. 



Thomas Wilde of Ilerrington, Ottawa county: I have seen plant feeding 



