APPLES. 129 



protected from the sun, from borers, rabbits and everything- else 

 almost. I consider it gives the most perfect protection of every- 

 thing I have ever used. 



Mr. Harris: I do not believe a tree can become too old to be bene- 

 fitted by winter protection. A single sheet of paper, wire screening, 

 these veneers and, as good as anything, white cotton cloth. White 

 is a splendid protection against the sun, but I do .not believe that 

 sun scald will take place with that wire screening, because the rays 

 of the sun in striking that tree are somewhat broken up. Burlap 

 is as good as anything in the winter. I believe the trunk of the tree 

 would be benefitted b}^ being protected every winter. I used to pro- 

 tect them up to the branches every winter, and when I quit that they 

 died to the ground. 



Mr. C. G. Patten: Some one suggested the use of haj^ or oat straw, 

 which is very good and is somewhat easily to be had. I would also 

 suggest the use of cornstalks, which almost everj^ farmer has. I 

 think they are superior to almost every kind of protection that has 

 been mentioned here. It is well known that when the tree has at- 

 tained any size it is quite as necessary to protect the forks of the tree 

 as it is to protect the body, and with a little twine the stalks can be 

 drawn up into the forks of the tree, which cannot be done with wire 

 screening; and from the cheapness of the material I think it should 

 commend itself to every farmer throughout the country. I Ayould 

 not let it remain throughout the summer; I would take it off every 

 spring. 



Prof. Green: It is a good idea to tie a bunch of haj' right in the 

 fork of the tree to protect the crotch of the tree. We use cornstalks 

 quite a little. I think a good way is to use something, like these 

 veneers, that will protect from mice and from sun scald, and then 

 protect the crotch of the tree with hay or straw, and then let it stay 

 right there during the summer. 



Mr. Patten: My idea was to use the cornstalks in connection with 

 the veneer. 



Mr. Taylor: You take that veneer and protect j^our trees with it 

 and it will do splendidly as long as the trunk of your trees are 

 smooth and straight, but, I think, take it all round, you will find 

 nothing better than paper, just common wrapping paper. Rag paper 

 is the best; put it on when it is a little damp. We put it in the cel- 

 lar for a night or two until it is quite pliable, and you can put it on 

 any tree, no matter how crooked it is. Even cominon newspaper 

 "will do very well. 



Pres. Underwood: Does it make any difference about the politics 

 of the paper? 



Mr. Taylor: Yes, sir; I never use a Democratic or Republican 

 paper. (Laughter.) 



Mr. Dartt: This paper is put on for the purpose of prohibiting, and 

 nothing will do but a straight out Prohibition paper. (Laughter.) 



Pres. Underwood: Perhaps we have discussed this matter of pro- 

 tection as long as it is profitable so far as the time is concerned, and 

 from all the good points brought out in this discussion, I think it 

 is the decided opinion that it is advisable and profitable to protect 

 in some way. 



