402 ANNUAL REPORT. 



the mode of proi^agatiug by cuttings, as described in this paper, 

 cannot be excelled for producing good, strong, well-rooted plants, 

 still we cannot expect to make any advance in size of fruit, qual- 

 ity, size of bunches, hardiness of wood, or any constitutional 

 change whatever. In fact we are at the end of our string, and 

 must needs resort for advancement to the i^roceeds of growing 

 seedlings from our best varieties. And I am of the opinion that 

 we should call on the agricultural dei:)artment of our State Uni- 

 versity to undertake this work, as the raising of seedlings re- 

 quires a care and attention which few gardeners feel inclined to 

 give, when it is remembered that long years of work and waiting- 

 must elapse before a test can be had of the value of the i^lant, 

 with, perhaps, after all, nothing obtained of a money value, but 

 simply a start in the right direction. 



The thanks of the association were voted to Mr. Gray for his 

 very clear, interesting and instructive essay. 



DISCUSSION OF THE CURRANT. 



The president then announced that the subject was open for 

 discussion. He said that Mr. Chase had raised a great many 

 currants, and asked him to give an estimate on what he considered 

 a good crop. 



Mr. Chase said that Mr. Gray's estimate was not far out of the 

 way, but his opinion was that it was a pretty good crop. 



Mr. Busse said he had raised more than that on three-year-old 

 bushes. 



Mr. Gilpatrick said his experience had been about the same as 

 Mr. Gray's. He had had better crops than that, but that was 

 about a fair average. The borers and blight on leaves set them 

 back. 



Mr. Pearce wanted more light on the questions of location and 

 the preparation of the soil. 



It was suggested that the richer the soil was the better it was. 



Mr. Gilpatrick said his land was sandy loam, and he cultivated 

 every two weeks. 



Mr. Pearce said that on heavy land he would only cultivate in 

 the spring. 



Mr. Gilpatrick. It seems to be the opinion of four or five of 

 my neighbors that that is the right plan. Those who have sandy 

 land cultivate a good deal, and those that have clay loam culti- 

 vate less. I mulch with straw manure. 



