130 ANNUAL REPOET 



the leaves wanted the sap. Consequently, the tree had no tap root 

 for a supply. The hard winter two years ago killed this one, but the 

 others seem to be all right, as those that made no surface roots 

 were below the frost, and we had a good crop last year and this. 

 It is not a very good plan, but the tree is hardy and the fruit keeps 

 well. 



If the seedlings should be raised in a small patch by themselves, 

 they should be well taken care of and set out in the orchard the 

 second year, with all the roots that can be saved on taking them 

 up, especially the center or tap roots. If they should be wanted to 

 graft new varieties (say the hardy winter Russian, if we ever get 

 such) there would be a little time gained, either in grafting before 

 planting out, or any time afterwards. 



To take care of such an orchard and have it do well, it should be 

 located on high or naturally drained clay or limestone soils and 

 sloping to the east or northeast. 



The cultivation should not stimulate overgrowth, and the later- 

 als, or side branches, should be pinched in occasionally to form a 

 good head. When three to four or five years old, if the trees show 

 no blossoms, tie a wire around one of the lower branches, or girdle 

 one, to make it sick. Do this in June or July, and the branch 

 will get filled with blossom, buds, and bear the next year. 

 Always leave the lower branches to protect the trunk of the tree. 

 Shorten in and only remove them gradually, as the limbs j^ou are 

 training to form the head of the tree, expand to shade the body. 



Some will say this is rather a small business, to start an orchard 

 in this vast northwestern country. We acknowledge it is rather 

 a small beginning, but should the amateur be patient, persevering 

 and industrious, and can estimate the value of small things, above 

 all have a love for his business, he will not fail of his due reward. 

 Other crofs may be raised between the rows. These may be 

 either of small fruits, sucii as currants, strawberries, or any other 

 crop that will not interfere with the growth of the trees. Only a 

 short time of patient industry, and the seedling orchard will pro- 

 duce its fruit. 



At the conclusion of the reading of Mr. Peffer's essay, the presi- 

 dent appointed as a committee of award on the prize essays, 

 Messrs. Stevens, Elliot and Mendenhall, and the essays were then 

 on motion referred to said committee to read them and award the 

 premiums, notice of their award to be furnished the secretary, and 

 the committee was authorized to approve for publication or revise 

 therefor any that in their judgment may be found worthy. 



