410 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTRAL SOCIETY. 



inevitable sod in the orchard, making the largest part of the crop too 

 small'for market for several years before it disappears entirely. We 

 must expect to sort better than we have done, and accept lower prices 

 than Michigan, especially considering that ours will be mostly Ben 

 Davis, against sorts admitted to be better. Our freights Avould be 

 lighter, if our railroads carry at the same rate, which I doubt. I aim 

 to run my cider press oy steam to work up the culls, and try to find 

 sale for cider and vinegar, but the market is filled with cheap whiskey 

 and acid immitations, and the competition is not*inviting. 



Grapes appear to be fully as successful generally in Iowa as with 

 us ; but they are generally at least laid down, if not further protected, 

 wheii they can grow even the tender sorts. Eot was hardly mentioned, 

 which may be accounted for by frequent dips of the thermometer below 

 60 degrees at the critical time. Planting twenty inches deep, not only 

 the tips of the long roots but the crown was strenuously advocated by 

 some of the most intelligent men. I have learned to not dispute about 

 methods on so different soils, but 1 could not help thinking " The art 

 that mends nature" has made considerable progress, if we can instruct 

 our grapes where to grow their roots on any soil. 



Blackberries, even Snyder, sometimes require to be laid down by 

 turning the roots over and holding with a fork full of soil on the tops, 

 by that method, better and tenderer sorts can also be grown. 



Easpberries and strawberries seem to require little if any more 

 attention than with us, and every farmer should have an abundance, 

 but I apprehend the majority are contented without. 



Kesolutions were adopted to co-operate with the State Agricultural 

 Society in holding farmer's instituies and in making exhibits at the 

 state fairs, and there seems to be a movement on foot for permanently 

 locating the meeting at Des Moines. 



I wish to commend their manner of reporting on orchards by twelve 

 directors for as many districts, as far more comprehensive than our 

 committee on orchards, etc. But instead of twelve districts by num- 

 bers, I would suggest nine — central, south-central, south-west, south- 

 east, etc., which could be further sub-divided if desired, and their loca- 

 tion readily recognized, whereas numbers signify nothing and are hard 

 to remember. 



The generous recognition and complimentary membership I re- 

 ceived, as the humble representative of our State Horticultural 

 Society; and uniform social courtesies and hospitalities, made my visit 

 exceedingly pleasant and enjoyable, and I will be anxious to visit them 

 again when practicable. 



KiRKSViLLE, Mo., January 24:th, 1887. 



