“4 Miyyesora Stare HorvicvuL,tTuraL Socmery, 147 
ry %. ; 
"7 JUNE MEETING. 
4 ee mew,” : Strawberry Culture. 
the Olmsted County Horticultural Society held a scene last aces after- 
mS noon, June 27, by invitation of the President, A. W. Sias, at his residence on 
College Hill, to discuss the strawberry question. A very neat evergreen arbor 
had been erected for the occasion, just in front of his residence, affording ample 
shade and a cool retreat. Beneath this was spread a large table, ornamented 
. ‘with beautiful fowers@nd richly laden with refreshments, which the ladies know 
so well how to prepare. Fine specimens of the strawberry were exhibited from 
the grounds of M. W. Cook, A. W. Sias, J. M. Hall, and others. Mr. Hall’s 
‘berries, mostly of the Green Prolific variety, were particularly fine; many single 
specimens measuring four inches, and one five inches in circumference. 
After some informal discussion the meeting was called to order, and the merits 
of the berries and other good things were discussed in a practical way. Mr. Sias 
then arose and made some remarks. He’said the object of the meeting was to 
discuss ‘‘Strawberries, the best methods of cultivation, etc.’’ As for the success- 
ful cultivation of strawberries in a season when ice formed a quarter of an inch - 
thick after they were in blossom, he preferred to take a back seat; but there were 
those present who could raise them under such discouraging circumstances. He 
was glad to see so many ladies present. he society had been trying for six 
years past to get up successful meetings unaided by the ladies, but had succeeded 
indifferently; but when they were well represented, as on this occasion, there was 
avast improvement. The man who opposes his wife’s attending horticultural 
and agricultural meetings, and who says she ought not to go, and that the 
proper place for women is at home to take care of the children, he would denounce 
as an old fogy.. If he said she should not gv, he denounced him as a tyrant. 
He said he wished to impress the fact upon the ladies that their help was needed. 
He said some of them were well posted upon the subject of floriculture, and he 
hoped hereafter to hear from them. 
M. J. Hoag said he could raise strawberries, but he was not a speechmaker. 
Downer’s Prolific had done the best with him. It stood the frost well. It was 
the most profitable berry, and of fine flavor, It was of medium size, very prolific, 
and stood the frost when the Col. Cheney was entirely killed. The Boyden also 
stood well. He mulched his vines well in the fall with clean straw. This was 
removed after the picking season, and the ground thoroughly evltivated. He 
considered 5,000 quarts per acre a fair crop, but said as high as 11,000 quarts 
had been produced. Failures were due to lack of cultivation. 
Mr. Sias said he had been experimenting somewhat with the new variety of 
strawberry known as Hart’s Seedling, and was highly pleased with it. From 
twenty-two plants set out a year ago, he now had over 1800 healthy plants grow- 
ing. The berry is large, of good shape, fine favor, and is very productive. 
B. F. Perry said his experience was limited, but he recommended thorough 
culture; plant in May on clean, rich soil. He spoke highly of Hart’s Seedling, 
and thought it the best variety to be obtained. 
A unanimous vote of thanks was tendered the worthy President for the interest 
taken to make the meeting pleasant and enjoyable; after which the meeting 
adjourned. 
