WINTER MEETING. 325 



39. How may any person recognize any one of the curculios ? 

 By the shape of the head, which is prolonged in front into a more 



or less slender beak, and by the habit of the insects of "playing possum" 

 when frightened. 



40. In what way does the honey bee assist the fruit-grower? 

 By the distribution of pollen. 



41. What class of beetles easily recognized, is made up of spe- 

 cies beneficial to the farmer and fruitgrower and should be protected 

 rather than be killed. 



Lady-bird. 



42. How do rabbits destroy trees in the winter ? 

 By eating the bark. 



43. What effect does mulching have on trees'? 



Mulching trees is of great benefit. It retains the moisture, keeps 

 down the weeds, if plenty is put on. It will enrich the soil and is much 

 better than cultivating. 



44. How are new varieties of fruits originated? 



By planting seeds from a Hower that has been pollinated from a 

 flower of a different variety ; also by sports. A sport is a flower or a 

 fruit on a plant that happens to be different from the rest of the plant. 

 New varieties of flowers and vegetables are originated in the same 

 way. 



45. What standard varieties of apples originated in Missouri ? 

 Missouri Pippin, Huntsman's Favorite, Gano, Lawver, Loy Ingram. 



46. What State has originated more standard varieties .of apples 

 than any other i 



Missouri. 



47. Give brief historical account of the apple. 

 Origin unknown, probably from a wild crab. 



The tree was introduced into Rome in 449 B. 0. Into England in 

 55 B. C, and to America in 1629. 



48. Give brief historical account of the peach. 



The peach is a native of Persia ; it flourished and was valued at a 

 very early period in China also, and has been found growing spon- 

 taneously in Asiatic Turkey. 



It traveled west to Italy, and in 16th century was introduced into 

 England. It is cultivated in France and China, but in greatest quan- 

 tities in America. New Jersey first began to grow it extensively. 



49. Give brief historic^ account of the cherry. 



The cherry is of Asiatic origin, introduced into Italy from Pontus 

 during Mithradatic war about 170 B. C, and 120 years afterward was 

 carried to Great Britain. 



