350 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Pears do not appear to do well, at least that has been my observa- 

 tion. They blight badly and die out young— generally— now and then. 

 A tree will bear some nice pears, but have not been profitable so far. 



But now I will speak of that king of fruits, the apple. The soil 

 and all appears to be well adapted to their culture. The trees have 

 some enemies when young. Among the worst are the borers and rab- 

 bits, and next is live-stock (domestic), sheep, horses and cattle. 



Twenty years ago when I set 500 apple trees, I was called a crank, 

 crazy lunatic, etc. Now there are thousands of young trees growing, 

 and they grow about as readily as the hazel did in olden times. Many 

 have made the mistake of planting untried varieties, and have failed. 

 I have found it best to plant but few varieties—" the old tried ones." 



The Ben Davis is among apples what Concord is with grapes, Early 

 Bichmond with cherries, and Wild Goose with plums— the stand-by. 

 There are other varieties that yield well, but none that are as profitable 

 as the Ben Davis. Being an early and abundant bearer, fruit good 

 size and good color, make them the most profitable apple. I have also 

 been successful with Winesap, Jenneting, Bed Romanite and other 

 varieties, but none one half as profitable as Ben Davis. I think in 

 apples we can compare with any part of the State. I almost said any 

 part of the United States, and if I had I should not have taken it back. 

 I am sorry I could not come. Hope you will have a good time. 



I am yours truly, 



0. Aul. 



HENRY COUNTY. 



Clinton, Mo., Nov. 27, 1889. 

 L. A. Goodman, Secretary State Horticultural Society : 



Dear Sir — We offer the following report from our society : I 

 take pleasure in saying our society is in a reasonably prosperous con- 

 dition. Its membership has doubled this year. Oar wives, sons and 

 daughters have become members. Our summer meetings were held at 

 the houses of the members. The ladies always prepared a picnic lunch 

 for these meetings. Each monthly meeting was a success, generally 

 having essays to be read at these meetings, with the regular order of 

 business. The ladies generally furnished us with vocal and instrumen- 

 tal music. All enjoyed themselves hugely, and will be sorry when 

 winter sets in. We will have one more meeting in the country. Our 

 winter meetings will be held in some hall in Clinton. We had fruits 

 and flowers exhibited at two of these summer meetings, and gave pre- 



