54 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1897. 



of water or, what is better, mix dry with four times the weight of some 

 cheap tlour, and thoroughly dust the bushes with it when they are 

 damp with dew, or a recent shower; when put on this way it forms a 

 paste that will last through the season and is safer to use than paris 

 green. The currant-twig girdler appears about June 1st, depositing 

 its eggs about an inch below where girdled; after hatching they work 

 down the stem a few inches and come out. Remedy is to clip the stems 

 two or three inches below where girdled. I tried this a year ago last 

 June, and last season could find scarcely any affected on that piece. 

 This insect is distinct from the stalk-borer, so says W. E. Britton, 

 which works entire leugth of currant ; the only thing to do is to cut 

 out all the affected stalks and burn them at once. Fay's Prolific is 

 most profitable for me, is large and productive, but Victoria is best 

 for my family use. We have considered the requirements of some of 

 the plants, soil, etc. Now, what is required in the grower? The first 

 qualification is a love for the work ; he must be one who takes pleasure 

 in watching plant life, must have good patience and a great amount of 

 perseverance and "stick." He must not only be able to give the 

 best, but know how to sell it, when grown ; he must be able to get the 

 most out of hired help and have tact to get along Avith his dealers, 

 not showing a disposition to waut the big spoon every time, as there 

 should always be a friendly feeling between grower and dealer, or 

 perfect confidence ; he must be honest and industrious the year 

 around. Now, he who has these qualifications will succeed in most 

 any business, and make money easier and faster than in raising small 

 fruits, if that is his only object. But to one who enjoys the business 

 and is well located, not having too large a farm, who is near markets 

 or near a good shipping-point, there is much pleasure, and some 

 seasons good profits. One can feel more independent and get more 

 enjoyment out of life than when working for a salary or shut up in- 

 city away from nature and country life. Plenty of fruit and fresh air 

 are worth something. Dollars and cents are not all there is in life 

 that we should bend all our euero;ics in that direction. 



