IOWA STATE HORT. SOC’'Y, ANNUAL MEETING, 1899. 69 
“True Test of Hardiness,” Mr. Mitchell. The only true test was by time 
and trial. 
“The Cultivation of Orchards,” provoked a lively discussion, as some 
claimed them to succeed best when in grass. Mr. Coleman said blue grass 
would kill an orchard. If grown up to weeds, mow them and leave on the 
ground. Prof. Craig would cultivate for twenty-five years; shallow cultiva- 
tion with a cover crop at intervals to be turned under. Clover the best one, 
oats not desirable. 
“Management of Fruit Lands,” by C. L. Watrous. Lands must be fer- 
tilized. It was formerly supposed that a windbreak on the west and north 
was necessary, but it is a mistake. Physical condition of the soil very im- 
portant. Cultivated orchards give best results. Use cover crops that grow 
quickly and remain green. 
Mr. Burnap said dust blanket would not do on drift soils; must have 
cover crop. 
“Why Apples, Plums and Cherries Have Proved Unprofitable in Iowa,” 
R. P. Speer. The cause was unfavorable locations. Unripe trees invited 
sun-scald; useless to plant where water was wanting; we must supply and 
conserve moisture to succeed; Russian cherries are hardy on a dry soil, but 
not fruitful; we have too many summer and fall varieties of apples; the ten- 
der kinds cannot be grown except by top-grafting. Reports were not relia- 
ble unless conditions were known. 
Prof. Sommers gave a very interesting paper on scale insects, with life 
history and scientific description, and methods of destroying them. This 
brought out a discussion of the San Jose scale law. Prof. Summers had 
little confidence in fumigation certificates. The laws of other states had not 
been effective. Mr. Wilson would have a national law. Mr. Bomberger 
said emigrants take trees and plants with them without inspection, and the 
inspection cannot be enforced. 
The report of the delegate to Minnesota, Mr. Secor, highly commended 
our seedling exhibit, also the Woman’s Auxiliary; and he considered the 
discussions very profitable for the consideration of Iowa fruit growers. 
Mr. Coleman, on “Experimental Horticulture.” Definite plans should 
be made and carried to completion. Plant improvement opens a broad 
field for study and work; crossing fruits the principal line to be followed. 
He has succeeded in crossing on Wolf River with marked success. A better 
apple than either parent the result; has also crossed cherries, producing the 
best he has seen. 
Fungous diseases were discussed by Prof. Craig, giving something of 
life history, methods of growth, etc. Advised the destruction of all im- 
perfect fruits that develop spores. He considered the native plum one of 
the most important fruits of Iowa, and its greatest enemy the rot, a fungous 
disease, which could be controlled by spraying and gathering and destroy- 
ing affected fruit, especially the dry plums that hang to the limbs in winter. 
Black knot also serious, should be carefully cut out while green, and wound 
painted with turpentine; for smaller fruits would depend on spraying with 
Bordeaux mixture. Apple and pear blight was bacteria and not fungus; 
it affects the sap of the trees and requires different treatment. 
Mr. Burnap, delegate to South Dakota, reported: Southern varieties of 
fruits quite successful on the Missouri bottom lands. Flowing wells used for 
irrigation in some places. On the Vermilion were large plum orchards, 
ten to fifteen acres common; 1,000 bushels were marketed from a limited 
area—sold in covered bushel baskets. 
