PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 91 



gentle they become, and the more unlikely to sting when it is 

 necessary to handle them. 



Dr. Peck explained his method of building straw hives so as to 

 admit of the modern system of removable sashes or boxes. Mak- 

 ing a square frame of the desired dimensions, a rope of straw is 

 to be wound around it, so as to cover the sides. This gives the 

 coolness, airiness, lightness, and comfort of the straw hive, in a 

 convenient shape. This hive can be very readily fumigated, if 

 moths should get into it. 



Mr. Robinson, — They have already been made and patented 

 just in the form you describe. I dare say you have told some- 

 body, and he has patented it as an original invention of his own. 



STRAWBERRIES. 



The Chairman exhibited specimens of Wilson strawberry 

 plants, nearly equal in foliage and in fruit. The first had been 

 planted out in September last ; the second in June of last year ; 

 and the third in April of this year. They were planted with a 

 ball of dirt. He exhibited them to show^ that the strawberry can 

 be planted out at any season, and if managed properly, will yield 

 fruit. It is the least trouble to plant them out in the spring, 



Mr. Fuller exhibited a large variety of specimens of fruit from 

 his seedling strawberries, most of which were the second year 

 from the seed. The cultivation in stools is the best ; but as 

 strawberries are wanted for field culture, it is necessary to test 

 seedlings by giving them the same culture, as they are expected 

 to receive. He had this year, therefore, giyen these seedlings field 

 culture. The Downer strawberry had been heralded forth as a 

 most wonderful berry. It was certainly a remarkably prolific 

 berry, more productive than Wilson's, but it was small, with a 

 poor flavor, and in fact good for nothing. Wilson's he consid- 

 ered as still the best strawberry we have ; most productive, 

 rather acid, but of good flavor. If he could raise a seed-ling as good 

 as the Wilson, the Triomphe de Gand, or the Hooker, he should 

 be satisfied. Scott's seedling is a very mild, pleasant berry, but 

 a shy bearer. The Heine Hortense is a good berry, one of the 

 best. The Bartlett is a remarkable variety in another respect. 

 The bed may be allowed to run together for four years, and is 

 still loaded with berries, although overrun with grass. The Tri- 

 omphe de Gand may be eaten before it is ripe. The Vicomtesse 

 has a very good flavor. Some of the largest and most handsome 

 berries were the seedlings from the Wilson, one year from the seed. 



