26 



TRANSACTIONS OF THE SOCIETY, 



thick bed of leaves which covers the earth, the slow and steady decompo- 

 sition of which affords the necessary nourishment ; and so matted and 

 plaited are they, as to prevent the escape of the fertilizing gases, which 

 must otherwise evaporate unappropriated by the trees. 



So far as I have observed, those plum trees have been exempted from 

 the fungi which are located in good soil, not subject to drought or defi- 

 cient in moisture. Trees standing beside a heavy wall prosper better 

 (other things being equal,) than those which stand in the open field, on 

 account of the protection which the wall proves to the roots. 



Entertaining these views, I would recommend to fruit-growers the fol- 

 lowing mode of cultivation as a prevention : 



Let the plum trees be set in a soil rather loamy and moist, and they may 

 be set within eight or len feet of each other. The soil should be in good 

 condition as to richness, and, being made smooth and level, should be cov- 

 ered over with a good coating of straw, old hay or leaves. This covering 

 is to lie year after year, and decompose as the leaves do in the forest, hav- 

 ing addition made to it from year to year, as may be necessary. 



Such a course of management will make the soil approximate to uni- 

 formity as to temperature, richness and moisture, and, I believe, insure 

 success in cultivating the plum ; and not only is it suitable to the plum, 

 but will enhance success in the cultivation of other kinds of fruits. 



Very respectfully. 



Your obedient servant, 



JOEL BURNETT. 

 Southborough, May 19, 1843. 



Meeting of the Society, August 19, 1843. 



Marshall P. Wilder, B. V. French, Elijah Vose, Samuel Walker and Jo- 

 siah Slickney, were authorized and empowered to agree and contract in 

 behalf of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, with any party or par- 

 ties, for a building or building-lot, suitable for the purposes of this Society, 

 if either should present itself, which would, in the opinion of the Commit- 

 tee, be deemed for the interest of this Society. 



