SOUTH HAVEN AND CASCO POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 353 



less liable to rot, and it matures before the dry weather sets in; that the 

 Crawfords could not be raised on low or moist ground, and if planted at all 

 it must be on high, dry ground; that peaches would do better on sandy soil, 

 as it is quicker and moister in a drouth, but that most varieties would do 

 well on clay ground thoroughly drained and tiled. 



The next meeting discussed a paper on "The Ideal Pear for Market," by 

 J. Lannin, during which the following points were brought out: That the 

 pear, while one of our finest fruits, was subject to blight, but on the whole 

 pear culture was as profitable as peach raising ; that the pear prefers a strong, 

 dry, heavy soil ; the ground should be well drained or tiled, heavily manured 

 and cultivated, or, if left in grass, heavily mulched; but trees wilt blight in 

 either condition. The codling moth is partial to the Flemish Beauty, while 

 Clapp's Favorite rots at the core if not gathered at the proper time, which is, 

 as with all other pears, when it will part readily from the twig when gently 

 lifted. This pear should be placed in a dark room to mature. As the ex- 

 perience of many members, in growing pears, was limited, there was a wide 

 difference of opinion as to best varieties. All admired the Bartlett, but as 

 other varieties were wanted they were recommended in this order: Bartlett, 

 Flemish Beauty, Seckel, Sheldon, Anjou, Clapp's Favorite, Bosc, Louise, 

 Howell, and Vicar; and for three varieties of dwarfs, Duchess, Louise, and 

 Howell. 



The next discussion was on a paper by C. T. Bryant, on "The Ideal Plum 

 for Market." Whether owing to soil, location, moisture in the air, mildew, 

 fungi, or c;rculio, the experience of members was that they could get a crop 

 only once in four or five years, and it would not do to plant plums for 

 market with the expectation of making them profitable; but if a person 

 wished to take the chances of occasionally having some, or for his own use, 

 he should plant on high and dry ground, first Bradshaw, then Damson and 

 Union Purple. 



The next meeting discussed the paper on ''The Ideal Grape for Market,'* 

 by 0. Beebe. Most members thought grape vines were set too closely, and 

 8x10, 10x20 and 16x16 feet were recommended. It was shown that grapes 

 were profitable for market but to get the besc results they should be set on 

 high, dry soil, and trained up and pruned so as to get the best effect of cir- 

 culation of air and sunlight among the fruit. It was recommended by many 

 that all grapes be laid down during the winter, because' it pays to do so. 

 The trellis system found the most favor, although many used stakes. The 

 best of care will be amply repaid in dollars and cents. The Concord, Worden, 

 Niagara, and Brighton were the favorites. 



The next meeting discussed a paper by A. G. Gulley on "The Ideal Straw- 

 berry for Market." That there is money in strawberry culture was unani- 

 mously agreed, but the amount per acre was dependant somewhat on prices 

 obtained, but more on the care and attention bestowed upon them. Straw- 

 berries are valuable, in the succession dt fruit, as bringing in the earliest 

 returns and a little money when mosc needed. Strawberries can worked and 

 marketed before the peach season commences, and will grow on land not 

 adapted to the peach. They should be mulched just as soon as the ground 

 freezes. Like all other fruits, if fed liberally they will produce liberally. 

 After the second or third crop, turn under just as soon as berries are picked, 

 set out a new bed each year and turn under one each year. The favorites 

 were the Cumberland, Wilson, Orescent, Sharpless, Bidwell and Miner, while 



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