GENERAL FRUITS. ]67 



grown with the least possible trouble, is as hardy, healthy and productive 

 as the currant, and in quality takes its place at the head of the list. 



The ornamental plantation is the last to be considered. If the planting 

 for shelter and fruit has been thoughtfully done, but little will be needed 

 to complete the beauty of the farm premises. It is a great and common mis- 

 take to fill the space between the dwelling and the highway with a mixed 

 multitude of shrubs and trees, a clean lawn without a break would be far 

 preferable. This should be the grassy romping ground for the boys and 

 girls where ball, tennis and pullaway hold their summer carnival. This 

 open space also affords a view of the road with its passing teams to vary 

 the monotony of farm life. If the passion for planting everything that 

 comes to hand must be exercised, let it be at the rear of the dwelling 

 where a back ground of green and a cool retreat is very desirable. A few 

 high trimmed white elms scattered about the house and yard with some 

 heavy groups of evergreen flanking either side of the house, some shrubs 

 and vines about the doors will complete the adornment of the farm home. 



With the advent of cheap and permanent iron fencing, it appears to me 

 that the days of usefulness for the willow hedge along the roadside have 

 come to an end, and that in the future we should use our hardiest forest 

 trees high trimmed and planted not less than forty feet apart for the 

 adornment of our highways. 



In closing I will say that I can think of nothing we can do that will 

 assist the farmer more in making progress in the art of horticulture than 

 by publishing, what has already been proposed, a Manual of Horticulture; 

 and through the medium of our membership and the farmer's institutes 

 securing its wide and general circulation. 



DISCUSSION. 



Pres. Elliot: Any questions to be asked on this paper? 



Prof. Waldron: I would like to ask one question in regard to 

 construction of wind breaks. Would you have a solid wall of 

 evergreens or two or three broken rows? 



ClarenceWedge : If the evergreens are planted row after row 

 say four to eight feet apart they will be tight enough to prevent 

 the wind sweeping through. My method of planting is to plant 

 a double row;it makes a more perfect break. 



Pres. Elliot: I have not taken up much time at this meeting, 

 but I have an idea in regard to wind breaks. I think the rows 

 should be alternate; that is, I should start the rows far enough 

 apart so that each tree can grow and make a perfect tree. You 

 all know that when you put a tree out on the prairie it is a per- 

 fect tree. If you plant in alternate rows you can plant them 

 far enough apart so as to give each tree a chance to develop. 

 If you plant Norway spruce there should be not less than thirty 

 feet between the rows; forty feet would be better, then put them 



