ANNUAL REPORT. 255 



delayed the sowing of clover, and that the result would be the 

 growth of too much wood. 



The trees in this orchard are all headed low. The aver- 

 age height of body or trunk does not exceed one foot, and a 

 great nian_\' trees begin to branch close to the ground. The 

 owners of the orchard prefer the trunk to branch a few inches 

 above the ground, as a single trunk offers less opportunity for 

 the working of borers. In this orchard we made particular 

 note of the fact that all the fruit may he picked from the 

 ground. Idie low-headed tree is a feature of modern peach 

 culture that is worth}- of comment. Its merits are two-fold: 

 Ease of pruning' and spraying, and quick and inexpensive 

 picking. Both of these factors have become of great import- 

 ance since the advent of the San Jose scale and the present 

 scarcity and high price of labor. 



Idle morning was given over to an inspection of the 

 orchard. The Messrs. Barnes accompanied parties through 

 the orchard and explained the methods of culture, etc. Their 

 courteous attention to the visitors will be a remembrance of 

 the occasion. 



At noon lunch was served on the basket picnic plan. 

 Tables and benches were arranged in order under the mam- 

 moth oak trees. Each guest was supposed to bring his or her 

 lunch. The society furnished lemonade and sandwiches. 

 There was a plentiful supply of everything, and at the close 

 of the lunch hour no one had the appearance of being in need 

 of food. Baskets of peaches were passed around by the 

 hosts and everyone present had an opportunity to sample 

 the product of the orchard and incidentally partake of the first 

 native peaches of the season. 



At one o'clock Mr. Charles L. Gold, of West Cornwall, 

 president of the society, called the afternoon session to order 

 and announced that a few informal addresses would be made. 

 The first speaker called upon for remarks was Mr. J. Xorris 

 Barnes, senior member of the firm whose hospitality was pres- 

 ent upon every hand. Mr. Barnes came forward amid the 

 applause of the assemble, lie apologized for what he con- 



