STATE HOUTIOULTDllAL SOCl KTY. 246 



ly hfinly, grow rapidly, unci taku Uio correct form without priitiiiig. 



The soft or silver maple seems to be growing in favor, the only ob- 

 jection being its liability to split down in heavy winds. A little early 

 pruning to prevent the formation of heavy aide branches or forks will 

 tend to remove that objr'ction. 



The hard maple seiuns more sensitive to excessive moisture and 

 drouth, and has died out in some cases after attaining a diameter of 

 four or five inches. It iieculs further trial. 



The box elder is losing ground, for though on deep, rich soil it 

 makes a rapid growth and dense shade, yet on poorer soils it is likely 

 to become stunted and is frequently injured by borers. 



The butternut and black walnut trees in this section seem to be do- 

 ing remarkably well, and have commenced bearing nuts in a way that 

 is very encouraging; and the scarcity and high price of the lumbar of 

 the latter point to it as one of the most valuabh; of all our timber 

 trees 



There seems to be two critical periods in the life of all trees. The 

 first we will call the "snow liu(! " [)eriod, ILire trees are not only 

 liable to be crushed by snow drifts but they are subjocted to the great- 

 est degree of cold, often followed by a sudden change to heat, caused 

 by the reflection of tin; sun's rays from the snow. 



The other critical period we will call the period of "expansion." It 

 strikes tlu; apple tree wlieti it is turned out to grass, or when it pro- 

 duces a bountiful crop. And it strikes other trees when we deprive 

 them of those elements and surroundings which their natures demand. 

 When we use all the means within our reach to adjust nature's bal- 

 ance with the greatest precision, then will our greatest successes be 

 achieved. 



"Tli«n let, us suiroli Uir()ii(j;h NilmeVs va-it, do ntiiii, 

 A.n(l treasure well eacli l)il of trulli we j:^(iin. 

 For Nature's laws hut sp lak th(! will of God, 

 Frail man sliouid 1) )W and kl.sa the tiireateninff rod." 



REPORT FROM THIRD DISTRICT. 



By Vice Presilent M, Cutlet-, Sumter. 



Mr. President, and Fellow Members : 



As usual, I have to report that but few apples except Siberians 

 were grown in our district the past season, and that the crop of crab 



